B.L.A. (Bacon, Lettuce & Avocado Sandwich)

Growing up BLT's were a staple lunch in my household. CORRECTION: BL's. I don't like raw tomato really so never was a fan of the "T" part of BLT. After many years of bacon and lettuce sandwiches, I finally found a perfect replacement for the tomato- avocado.  

There is something about the creamy, smooth texture of the avocado that compliments the salty bacon. I think it's pretty safe to say it actually enhances it. Everyone has their own variation on the classic sandwich, but I find a good thick, hearty and smoky bacon that is fried to extra crispy, some wheat toast, iceberg lettuce, avocado and miracle whip are the ingredients that make me most happy. If you have a fun variation or know of a local restaurant with a great BLT or BLA or just BL- let me know! In the meantime, if you're making your own, Chow has some great bacon tips just for the occasion.

Girls Eat Burgers Too, vol. 2- Quarry House

In continuing my quest for devouring all of the DC area's juiciest burgers, I hit up a local joint in Silver Spring- the Quarry House. After walking down the dark, scary stairs into the basement of a building we open the door and find we have to stand for a moment to let our eyes adjust to the dim lighting.

We peruse the beer menu and select some fine Belgian brews of Corsendonk and Kwak. After skipping lunch that day, we opted to start with some hot wings. After getting the wings, we quickly realized we should've gone with Medium. Don't get me wrong- I'm no hot-wing-wimp, but these were like chicken sticks of fire. Awesome. Unfortunately, I could only eat three before I started to lose the feeling in my tongue and felt the tears streaming down my cheeks.

The waitress saved my flaming lips just in time by bringing out the burgers and tots.  I ordered my burger with provolone and grilled onions while Joe ordered bacon, cheddar and Thousand Island dressing.  Both were ordered medium, of course.

The burgers were cooked to perfection. They were amazingly tender and juicy to the point they seemed they could fall apart at any moment. Being perfectly cooked burgers, however- they maintained their shape. Mine was packed full of flavor with the cheese oozing over the edge. My only slight criticism- and I mean SLIGHT- was that the meat was a bit over-salted.  Luckily I happen to like it that way so it was not an issue that would deter me from finishing my heavenly meat patty.

Joe's burger was equally perfect. The bacon was nice and crispy, overflowing cheddar and more

evenly salted than mine.  Absolutely delicious.  I probably don't

even need to mention how awesome the tots are.  They're tots.  Of course they're awesome.

I suggest if you're in the Silver Spring area and craving some awesome burgers, tots, great music and great brew to stop into Quarry House.  It's just plain good.

Quarry House Tavern

8401 Georgia Ave

Silver Spring, MD

www.quarryhousetavern.com

Rack of Lamb with Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

I know I should actually be writing about restaurants more, but let's face it- the economy sucks and it's not very good for the wallet to be eating in fancy dining establishments all the time.  I will get out more though, promise.  In the meantime, I'm working my creativity in my own kitchen and I have been seriously craving a good rack of lamb the last couple of weeks. Maybe I've been watching too much Hell's Kitchen or Top Chef Masters lately.

TV Dinner Shame

Hi.  My name is Heather (hi Heather). I've been a foodie for about 30 years. I had a weak moment last night and fell off the wagon. (sighs of disappointment) I went to a happy hour and enjoyed good company and libations.  I came home to an empty house (except my dogs) and was feeling tired. After looking through my refrigerator for something that I could throw together in some sort of masterful creation, I found nothing. I pretty much only had a fridge full of condiments.  I considered ordering in, but couldn't wait. I was famished. I saw one thing that was "edible" in the back of the freezer. It sat there staring at me, challenging me, daring me.  My hand shaking, I slammed the freezer door shut and told myself "No Heather, you are stronger than that.  Resist." Unfortunately I gave into the rumblings in my stomach and grabbed the microwave meal of beef tips merlot.  

I popped the plastic meal in the microwave and 5 minutes later came out the piping hot freeze-dried beef in a cheap merlot sauce. There were some flavorless potatoes and rubbery green beans. I devoured it. I can't believe I ate the whole thing. Oh the shame! I was so hungry I ignored the fact that it tasted like salty cardboard with a dash of vinegar.  

It was not my best moment. Even my dogs looked at me with disgust. I'm sorry dogs. I'm sorry world. I will overcome. Hopefully, I'll be stronger and go back to something yummy tonight to make up for it.  Don't hate me.