A Change of Eatery

Months ago, I snatched up a Groupon for Cora Cora Restaurant and recently had the chance to check it out. As expected, this proved to be quite the blogworthy meal.

Tucked away on Shield Street in West Hartford (in the same plaza as Adong and Pho Boston), Cora Cora cooks up a variety of South American specialties that boast the unique flavors and spices of traditional Peruvian cuisine. I first visited on a chilly, rainy “spring” day, and although the menu offers an extensive list of appetizers, chicharrones, soups, and chicken/beef/seafood dishes, I couldn’t shake the craving for tangy, summery ceviche.

ceviche mixto

After very little deliberation, I settled on the Ceviche Mixto: A fresh, flavorful amalgamation of octopus, mussels and clams marinated in tart lime juice with onions and cilantro– all beautifully garnished with toasted Peruvian corn and sweet potato over lettuce. To complement and offset the tangy ceviche, I also ordered a side of sweet plantains (platano maduro), which were predictably luscious.

fried plantains

Shrimp sautéed in creamy garlic and wine sauce

One of my dining companions ordered and enjoyed the rich, savory Camarones al Ajillo: Shrimp sautéed in a creamy Peruvian garlic and wine sauce, served with rice and fried potatoes. I was the happy recipient of her leftovers.

Since I plan on returning to Cora Cora sooner than later, here’s a peek at some menu highlights that made it to my “To Eat” list:

• I’ve heard tasty rumors about this “don’t knock it til you try it” dish: Anticuchos: Grilled diced cow heart skewer seasoned with Peruvian spices. Served with Peruvian corn and fried potatoes.
• Rachi: Grilled beef tripe marinated in special Peruvian spices. Served with fried potatoes and Peruvian corn.
• Chupe de Camarones al Estilo Coracora: Originated in the beautiful town of Coracora, a delicious shrimp soup with fresh vegetables, Peruvian herbs and spices, cheese, milk, eggs and Peruvian corn.
• Causa Rellena: Peruvian-style mashed potatoes seasoned with fresh lemon, yellow chili pepper, and filled with your choice of shrimp or chicken breast. Served with sliced avocados, eggs and black olives.
• Papa a la Huancaina: Cora Cora’s specialty Peruvian appetizer: a bed of sliced potatoes drizzled with Peruvian cheese sauce, garnished with black olives, sliced hard-boiled eggs and lettuce.

Cora Cora Restaurant

162 Shield Street West Hartford, CT 06110

860-953-2672

Speaking of a change of eatery….

Let’s be honest. I would go on picnics every day if I owned this dress.

This was too good not to share.

image from holycaw

http://holykaw.alltop.com/the-perfect-dress-for-spontaneous-picnics

I’ve never blogged about the same place twice.

I’m breaking that trend right now.

The Italian Job- Photo by Nick Caito

First, you need to know that Mulberry Street Pizza in Manchester is home to one of my favorite pies in all the land. I visited the restaurant on Friday and just polished off lunchtime leftovers, so the pizza is worth a quick post- not to mention a lifetime commitment. Dubbed “The Italian Job”, this thin crusted white pizza is topped with a delicately sweet, luscious lemon cream sauce, romano cheese, salty proscuitto, caramelized onions and fresh, aromatic basil.

The result? A balance of unique, beautifully complementary flavors that rivals nearly any topping combo I can imagine. Though, to be honest, Mulberry Street’s extensive menu induces some serious decision-making anxiety, as evidenced by each of my past visits. I’ve tried about six of the Blockbuster Pizzas and each has been pretty close to perfect. Fantastic restaurant service as well.

For more info on Mulberry Street’s offerings, check out my past post- Blockbuster Pizzas at Mulberry Street and be sure to pay them a visit.

Mulberry Street Pizza 981 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040

I’ve been hoarding a supply of Cadbury mini eggs ever since I ransacked the post-Easter candy sale at Walgreens last month. To be honest, they’ve only lasted this long because I hid them from my roommates and misplaced the stash until yesterday. To celebrate my discovery, I dusted off the trusty Donvier ice cream maker to try my luck at concocting Cadbury mini-egg ice cream. I’ve been desperately yearning for Cadbury ice cream ever since I studied in Ireland and regularly stopped at McDonalds for Cadbury McFlurries. American McD’s are just cruel in comparison.

So, armed with bags of mini eggs and a canister of Cadbury hot chocolate, I adapted a recipe for vanilla ice cream and took to the stove.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 whole eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 scoops Cadbury Drinking Chocolate
• 1 bag Cadbury mini eggs

Ice Cream Machine

Had to post this because it astounds and amuses me to no end, literary nerd (and cupcake enthusiast) that I am.

The enviable talents of Kelly Vass, baker and English MA extraordinaire:

Moby Dick Cupcakes.

Check out her blog for the full post on this creative, odd, and oddly appetizing baking experience.

And, Kelly, the rumors are true. Only you could make clouds of bloody seawater look that delectable.

Melville would indeed be proud.