Meet the Chef: Jonathan Steenerson . Ciao Bella

I wanted to introduce you to the chef for our next gathering, Chef Jonathan Steenerson. When one thinks of Italian Cuizine, "healthy" isn't always the first adjective used to describe it. Well that is about to change my friends. Chef Steenerson was recently featured in an  article about how, and why he decided to make a "healthy" change to the menu at Ciao Bella.  Their new menu will feature a few vegetarian, gluten free, and even vegan friendly dishes. We are going to get to try a few of the healthy changes at our gathering next Tuesday. I for one can't wait.

In our series "Meet the Chef," I ask the hard hitting questions that others are afraid to ask...probably for fear of appearing foolish. With that being said, here is my interview with Eagle Scout Jonathan Steenerson...

What is your cooking or educational background?

It was hard knocks since I was 14. My dad and grandfather owned restaurants and my great grandfather was a butcher. I got it by osmosis.

What/who are your culinary or gastronomical influences?
James Gentry and Erling Jensen were great local influences.

Are you from Memphis or the area?

Yes. I went to high school at Houston. I was gone 7 years and now I've been back home for 2 years.

Fact or fiction: I heard your menu is going to take a more healthy turn, with even a few vegan items.

We are looking into putting some vegan items on the spring menu. For now, we are trying to accommodate life choices by request, including whole wheat, vegetarian, vegan and gluton free.

Tell us the story of how you decided to join CB.

I was CB original chef from 10 years ago. When I moved back to Memphis recently, I ran into Judd Tashie and he later approached me to come back. The Tashie's are a good family and they provide good food. I wanted to be a part of that again.. It's rare that you work for a family who truly care and appreciates their employees.

What is the best thing about running your own restaurant/kitchen?
Feeding people. Is there anything more noble?

What is your favorite thing to eat on the menu?
Cheese pizza, but I add peppercinnis.

What is your favorite thing to make on the menu?
Kobe Beef Gnocchi. That's fun.

What special events do you have throughout the week? On the menu?

Sunday thru Thursday happy hour 1/2 price drink and food menu in the bar 4-7PM; Monday night 1/2 price pizza dine in 5-7PM.

Tell us something that most people wouldn't know about you…non-restaurant related?

I'm an Eagle Scout.

Anything else you want to say about your business that I haven't asked?
Support the little guy…we are the backbone

Ciao Bella
565 Erin Drive (located behind Huey's on Poplar)
901.205.2500

Hours of operation:
Sunday through Thursday
5 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Friday and Saturday
5 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.

Asian Palace Photo Recap and Review

Having lived in Asia for a couple of years when I was younger, I have a true love affair with all foods Asian. If I were to recommend a travel spot for someone heading to Asia for the first time, I would probably choose Hong Kong. As everyone speaks English, is an easy visit. The food there is absolutely amazing. I probably ate my weight in dim sum and egg cakes when I was there. There is something to be said for the instant gratification of the dim sum carts.

After eating at Asian Palace several times before, I was extremely excited about sharing this authentic Chinese experience with my American friends. I have eaten at Chinese restaurants in San Francisco’s, Chicago’s, and New York’s Chinatowns. I can proudly say that Memphis’ Asian Palace holds its own with the best of them.

We had a really good crowd turn out, 27, for the gathering at Asian Palace. Mike the owner, greeted us before dinner. He introduced Simon Chow - the chef, Lisa Lei - the dim sum chef, and our two wonderful servers, Danny Pan and the ever smiling- Joyce Chan. Everyone seemed excited to learn about the history of the restaurant. Once Mike had finished, the feast ensued. When I write feast, I mean FEAST! Restaurants often provide a large menu for the invite and then a smaller version once we are there. So I really wasn’t expecting to receive each of the 20 items on our menu. Asian Palace definitely delivered! I think we even got more than what was on the original menu. Scroll down for our full tasting menu.

Foodie Memphis Tasting Menu
Appetizers or Dim-Sum
1. shrimp ha ow
2. various shrimp & pork dumplings
3. chicken sil myl
4. shrimp spring roll
5. bean curd shrimp roll
6. stuffed egg plant

Entree
7. walnut shrimp
8. squid w/ spice salt
9. roast duck
10. singapore rice noodle
11. pork w/ spice salt
12. frangang egg plant
13. vegetarian tofu
14. asparagus w/ three kinds mushrooms

Desserts
15. egg tart
16. mango pudding
17. coconut bun
18. egg cake
19. sesame seed ball
20. water chestnut cake

The Exit Survey Result Highlights

What dish(s) did you like?
“EVERYTHING!”
“Shark fin dumpling”
“All the dumplings”
“shrimp”
“Shrimp!”
“All of it”
“WOW…All”
“There were so many, if I could remember, I couldn’t decide”
“the duck, or the eggplant”
“I really liked the 6 desserts”

What did you like best about the gathering?
“meeting the restaurant owner and staff”
“fellowship”
“meeting old friends
“the people, conversation, and the food”
“the variety of food and variety of people”
“getting to try so many different dishes”
Talking about my passion, food”
“The subtle jokes from the servers. Hilarious!”
“did I mention the shrimp?”

What can we do to improve the event?
“N/A - so yummy“
“It was a great evening!”

This month’s Group Favorite Award was very close. Three items on the menu were within 1 vote. The Shanghai Noodles and the Dumplings were very strong contenders, but came up just one vote short and tied for second place.

Our group has a tradition of voting for a vegetable as the Group Favorite Award. Did we do it again?

Yes we did.

The frangang eggplant (which I hear was mighty tasty) won by a single vote. When I told Sophorn that the eggplant won, she said “They got it right! It was REALLY GOOD.” I have no idea how, but that one slipped right past me with out even a taste. I now have to back out there to try that amazing eggplant.

I hope you can make it out there soon. The food is wonderful and the staff is really a lot of fun. They are really nice people. It is one of our “go to” Asian restaurants in Memphis. When you stop by, please remember to tell them hello for us.

The Dim Sum Cart Service is only on the weekends.

The Asian Palace
5266 Summer Ave
901.766.0831

Lavoros Italian Trattoria Review and Photo Recap

                                    

One of my favorite Italian restaurants is out in East Memphis, in what appears to be an old KFC located at the corner of Sycamore View and Summer Avenues. What they lack in atmosphere, they more than make up for in incredible food and customer service.

The restaurant is run by folks I am happy to call friends. Coach Mike, Michael, and Amy Working are some of the nicest restaurateurs in the industry. They pride themselves on fresh ingredients and simple homemade food. Next to the patio by the front door, growing the herb garden, are the flavors for the incredible food inside.

I was especially excited about having our October gathering at Lavoro’s Italian Trattoria. I knew they would take care of our group. They exceeded all my expectations.

Our menu included:

Appetizers

Fresh Stone Bread with Calbrian Chili Paste and Brushcetta topping
Lavoro's Homemade Chips
Our Soon to be World Famous Mozzarella Sticks
Plates of our Spicy Meatballs

Entres
Thick Sliced Eggplant Parmesean
Stuffed Red Peppers filled with our homemade bolognese and rice

*so tasty, that I had to make it my profile picture

Portobello Mushroom Ravioli in Brodo
Chicken Marsala and a side of Italian Spinach

Desserts
White Chocolate Bread Pudding (with our homemade bread)

Tiramisu

As I was a little occupied with Atticus, I missed out on an entree or two, but I know everyone left stuffed and happy. I heard nothing but rave reviews from everyone in the group. Some of the menu items creating the most buzz:

Spicy meatballs,

Portobello Mushroom Ravioli in Brodo,

Fresh Stone Bread (baked in house daily)

Stuffed Red Pepper

and the White Chocolate Bread Pudding.

I don’t normally do stuffed Peppers, but Lavoro's has me rethinking my "no stuffed pepper" rule. I will probably order it when we go back to Lavoro's again.   

Our sampling menu didn't even begin to touch their extensive menu which includes panninis, rolled sandwiches,  pizzas and soups.

5849 Summer Ave.

901.377.2141

hours: 11 am-10 pm.

Photos courtesy of Sophorn McRae aka norococo