Black, like death.

R.I.P Sebastian’s.

A shame how Sebastian throws away all the goodwill he could have received on a show that air’s in several countries.

On Sebastians: – i would probably never eat their based on the menu abomanation – now that i know it is all frozen – i really wouldn’t be there for the food – only a drink and “bar” food to watch a game under the oft chance i did go. Sebastion himself is probably an alcoholic or some other addict – sweating – mood swings – and apprantly completely delusional to love the idea of a 20 combo menu and think he will go national. Purely idiotic. They will probably do ok for a bit due to the show – if he is smart he will sell now – somebody can take over and actually use Ramsay’s edu. If he doesn’t – things won’t end well… i feel bad for his wife in any case.

Other: The Dillon lawsuit was filed BEFORE the show aired by the GM who got fired and he alleged that the show made him look bad….dah …and he wanted to prevent it from being aired. That place was horrific and the former “GM” is lucky he didnt go to prison for killing somebody. He doesnt belong in the rest biz letting that place go business as usual like that…good god!

Ramsay should get accolades from the Dept of Health – i know i look closer now whereve i dine…any doubts- im outta there. Usually if i done someplace and i notice their restroom is gross – i wont go back ever – if that is what they are letting me see – what does it look like behind closed doors. Ramsay is providing the public a service no doubt. we are better off because of him.

Ramsay is pretty much knocking into our heads the same message (in UK and US shows) – cleanliness – freshness – simple – cost control (buy local when you can/buy better, portioning), serve what fits the location, and execution. Let’s hope the word reaches the restaurantuers of the world so we all have a better shot of a good experience and business owners a better chance to be succesful.

I always thought about going into the business – but after seeing his shows – ill think twice about it. If i do…i’ll ceratinly head his mantra. BTW: im going to Ramsay’s place in NYC next week….ill post my review.

Really Easy Pan Fried Chicken for very tired writers with kids

Ingredients: Chicken thighs
Orange Juice
Milk
Some orange zest
Salt & Pepper

Use chicken thighs, as the size will be uniform and will finish cooking evenly. If you have a lot of chicken, use two pans.
After washing the chicken pieces, pat the chicken dry. Soak the chicken in a combination of orange juice and milk for about 30 minutes (this helps to plump up the chicken a bit. Refrigerate the chicken while you do this. Do NOT leave it out. You’ll get sick, or your cat will eat it. Either one will be a disaster.

Throw out the OJ & Milk marinade. Pat down the chicken and season it with freshly ground sea salt & pepper.

Preferably using a deep, anodized non-stick pan, heat some olive oil. Wait until the pan & oil are hot.

After shoving your cat away from the chicken, put the seasoned chicken into the pan gradually, skin side down, throwing in the orange zest as well. Sear both sides, then leave it skin side down for until it is brown. Don’t freak out, just let it sit there cooking. If you have a splatter screen, use it. Then do the same thing to the other side. Continue cooking on either side until the juices run clear, and both sides are brown and crispy. It should take around ten minutes or so to cook. Make sure it’s done all the way by poking a fork into the chicken and making sure the juices run clear. Let the chicken set for about five minutes before serving. Save one piece for the cat.

Okay, here’s another one….

After School Snack for Children of Tired Writers

Raspberries, pineapple, blue berries, raspberries, boysenberries
Chocolate (Dark, 70%)
In a double boiler (you can buy one from the thrift store –never pay full price), melt the chocolate. Pour the chocolate into little ramekins or custard cups.
Put the fruit on a nice platter and get some cocktail toothpicks out.
Tell the kids to skewer the fruit, not one another, and dip the fruit into the chocolate.
Then tell them that you did this in the 1960’s only everyone called it fondue and it involved a bit of civility not to barb your sister with a long fork.

And Sebastian indicated – in comments online, not on the TV show – that he used the money from Kitchen Nightmares to buy a liquor license, which I’m sure boosts both crowds and revenues…

Jalapeno Chicken Salad
3/4 c mayo
1 tbsp lime juice
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (you can use the store rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken you have)
1/2 medium celery rib, chopped fine
1/2 small red onion, chopped fine
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, chopped fine
1/4 c pickled jalapenos in jar, chopped fine
2 tbsp chopped cilanto
salt and pepper

Mix mayo and lime juice in small bowl until combined. Toss chicken, celery, onion, bell pepper, cilantro and jalapenos in a large bowl, add mayo mixture and toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

Must point out though that Ramsay doesn’t exactly appear to be a pillar of integrity either. Nasty details in the lawsuit filed against him in New York after the Dillons episode. If memory serves, I also read where he intentionally wrecked a friend’s new restaurant by stealing the recipe book or something like that. Supposedly claimed to still have it locked up in a safe at his home.

Bachelor Chow Recipe:
-Cook 1 large box of Velveeta Mac and Cheese
-Cube and fry 1 large block of Spam
-Add 1/2 can of Rotel tomatoes
-Mix thoroughly and store in cheap plastic container.
Graze on it until it is either gone or you can’t stand it any more. Shelf life is amazing. It will probably outlast the container. *NOTE: Cheap plastic container will retain bountiful flavor from this dish and pass it along to future meals.*