Twirling, Twirling, Twirling With My Kids

Well it was a long wait but it was worth it!  The Food Giraffe was onsite for the grand opening of Twirl Cafe and has returned several times since.  My son loves to climb around the giant treehouse, play in the open gym,  eat apple chips and cheese quesadillas.  I am a particular fan of their espresso and lattés (they use beans from Zoka) and "The Howe" sandwich.  If you have kids this is the place to go!  My wife and I are eagerly looking forward to attending a class or two, pumpkin painting anyone? -check out their activities calendar!

According to Becky Pelletier, Twirl's owner and creator, "Twirl's grand opening was a huge success."  She also commented that "[she] really appreciated the encouragement and support from the community." and looks forward to "serving moms, dads, and their kiddos in the years to come."

Woah where did the time go?

Well baby Food Giraffe 2 is now 2 months old- just about the exact amount of time from my last post, go figure? Well now that a somewhat steady sleep schedule has been achieved and some quirks of my new house have been worked out, there will be some new updates on my blog. Perhaps I will start it all off with reviews of my recent trip to Portland, OR, and a new local family friendly cafe, Twirl Café, opening in a week. In the meantime, thanks for all of the emails asking if this blog was going to continue and most of all your patience.

Super Mega Food Giraffe Update

Baby Food Giraffe 2 incoming!


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Location:Broadway,Seattle,United States

Buy Local! - Seattle's Farmers' Markets in Full Swing!

I can't believe it's been a month since I managed to get a post in.  Needless to say this Giraffe is busy, getting a new house, and prepping the herd for the arrival of another baby giraffe.  Oh did I mention the World Cup started?

Well as far as food goes, it's a great time in Seattle and for many cities in the country- Farmers Markets have come out of winter hibernation.  For so many reasons I look forward to this time of year.  Not least of which is the warmer, dryer weather, and the appearance of local food producers just a few minutes from home.

I am naturally drawn to my local scene and here on Queen Anne the market is full of great stuff.  The giant pig truck Maximus and Minimus is back, Cafe Veracci with it's really hot and mobile pizza oven is here, and several others including a great little Argentinian outfit with empinadas my two-and-a-half year old goes nuts for.  Notably lacking from the market, due to seasonality and uncharacteristically cold weather is fresh produce, but I'm sure it will begin appearing as soon as the weather and seasons permits.  On a side note I'm eager to pick up some fresh, brined at sea, ikura from a local fisherman now at the market and get some proper-brittish bacon from Proper Brittish Bacon (last time they were sold out and I had to settle for some awesome nitrate-free American bacon.)  The Food Giraffe says get to your local farmer's market!

Public Service Announcement: Queen Anne Farmer's Market

Just a little FYI, the Queen Anne Farmer's Market start tomorrow! That's right Thursday, May 20, 2010 on the corner of Queen Anne Ave and W. Crocket St. from 3 to 7 PM. For more information check out the QAFMA website.

Highlights include great local food producers, a mobile knife sharpening truck, music and entertainment, and excellent on location eats. Food Giraffe can't wait and looks forward to seeing you there!

Copper River Salmon Time!!!

Oh baby it's that time of the year again- A very good time of year! Just got a call from my local source, Wild Salmon and Seafood Market (http://wildsalmonseafood.com/) here on Queen Anne, and my fishbhas come in. On my way to pick it up now! Don't miss out jump on the chance to grab some ofthis tastiness while it's available!


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Location:Seattle,United States

Food Giraffe's Recipe O'the Month

Chili! Food Giraffe Loves Chili! I'm going to release a family secret...The Food Giraffe Family Chili Recipe. It's a amazingly delicious- ground beef, onion, chili powder, tomatoes and kidney beans all living in a giant pot in perfect harmony. Oh yes... Food Giraffe's chili is good enough to eat by itself in large quantities or added to scrambled egg for breakfast, on the top of hot dogs for lunch, or solo again for a midnight snack! By the way it's also won every chili competition it's ever entered. Yeah...bring it on! :-)

Ingredients:

Meat

2 ½ lbs. Ground Chuck

Veggies

2 cups Onion chopped

3 cloves Garlic chopped

1 Green Pepper chopped*

*For Spicy Chili replace Green Pepper with the following:

2 Habanero Peppers

1 Anaheim Pepper

1 Poblano Pepper

Canned

2lbs. Whole Tomatoes (un-drained)

16 oz. Tomato Sauce

6 oz. Tomato Paste

1 can Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)

Dry

1 ½ tsp.  Cumin

1 Tbl.  Sugar

3 Tbl.  Chili Powder

2 tsp. Salt

1 ½ tsp. Dried Oregano

1 tsp. Dried Basil Leaves

¼ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper

1 Bay Leaf


Recommended Condiments:
Avocado
Lime
Tortilla Chips
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions:
Step 1 - Meat!!!
Sauté beef over medium heat. When cooked, drain fat as best as possible.
Step 2 - Taking a trip to flavor country
Add onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder, oregano, basil, cumin, and red pepper. Mix well and cook until onion and green pepper are tender.
Step 3 - The Red Stuff
Stir in sugar, salt, tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
Step 4 - Busta Tomater
Bring to a boil, stir and break up the tomatoes with a fork.
Step 5 - Let it congeal
Reduce heat slowly to a simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors are blended (~40 minutes.)
Step 6 - Get ready to eat!
Add beans, simmer, covered for 10 minutes and serve.  Add your favorite toppings, might I suggest my personal favorite hot sauce Ass-Kickin' Hot Sauce.