The Search for the Perfect Layout

You can certainly expect a new look in the coming days or weeks (basically however much time it takes me to settle on a particular look).

What else can you expect out of Local Radish? Each week I hope to feature a relatively simple recipe, local restaurant review and a written muddle of thoughts of particular food fads of the moment, up and coming news in the food world or other related and hopefully entertaining experiences. Monthly, we'll work on reviewing a new book, re-read favorite book or article and ponder just how correct the author might be. This month? "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan.

Next week, we'll be reviewing Essence in Tempe, sharing a favorite recipe of mine for turkey breakfast sausage and exploring just how totally natural and homegrown a particularly popular macaroni and cheese brand really might be.

Happy munchings!

Radish

Recipe of the Week

Stuff Out of the Fridge Lunch Curry

1 lb chicken
package of mushrooms
3 Japanese eggplants
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 small minced green chilies
1.5 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tsp chili powder
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 can light coconut milk

• Cut chicken into cubes and saute in pan with mushrooms, garlic, ginger and chilis
• When chicken mostly cooked (I'm not an exact cook) and liquid from the mushrooms has reduced off, add in turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili powder
• Pour in can of tomatoes and coconut milk
• Simmer over low for about 45 minutes
• Add in sliced eggplant and cook uncovered for another 10 - 15 minutes until eggplant is cooked
• Serve with rice or a nice French bread
  

Savory Spot - Scratch Pastries

I love to support local restaurants and Scratch Pastries is a gem of a find (and conveniently close to work for me). Nestled in between a Subway and Radio Shack at the corner of Indian School and Miller in Scottsdale, Scratch is not what you would expect to find in a local mini-mall.

When you walk in, you're welcomed by modern decor in black and pink. The restaurant is small, so plan ahead for larger groups or busier times. One wall features the fashion photography (and model wife) of chef/owner Duc Liao and the front is dominated by a tempting refrigerated case of pastries.

Liao knows what he's doing with the French pastries and menu - he lived in France for over 30 years before moving to Arizona. The menu features many ingredients and items that you would expect to find in the finest Parisian cafe. Having never made it past the quiches myself (the crusts alone demonstrate great pastry skills), I can only report on experiencing extreme food envy upon seeing the omelettes and crepes. Scratch is an ideal location for lunch when you have that mixed group of vegetarians and omnivores. The quiches feature ingredients of goat cheese, spinach, carmelized onions and mushrooms. I highly recommend the goat cheese ones - the goat cheese is just strong enough to add flavor without overwhelming other ingredients or the taste of that wonderful crust. My tablemate had a similar appreciation for her omelette, which also came served with a lovely green salad and balsamic dressing.

My next foray into Scratch's menu will have to be with the sandwiches. There are over ten different options to choose from with several out of the ordinary such as the duck breast with walnuts and the grilled goat cheese with raisins. I'm still undecided over which confection from the pastry selection to go with - all are perfectly presented domed/carmelized/flaky temptations.

With the current soaring temperatures, don't forget to check out the ice cream choices of honey/lavender, bailey's caramel and violet. They're a distinctive addition to the usual selections of chocolate and vanilla.

Today, Liao himself came out to greet all the cafe goers which definately pushed Scratch even further to the top of my favorite dining spots. If you're in the area or seeking out a relaxed spot for brunch, Scratch should absolutely be a destination for you.

Scratch Pastries
www.scratchpastries.com
7620 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480.947.0057

Welcome to Local Radish

An avid reader of Michael Pollan, I've been spending the last few years trying to learn more about where exactly my food is coming from, how it's processed and in terms of really enjoying cooking - how can I process it at home to make it taste better.

While I know many vegetarians, piscivorians, locavorians, vegans, carbiphobes and a couple of friends who are close to outright carnivores, I still stick with omnivore myself. Any judgements aside, I hope this blog will highlight some great local restaurants, encourage people to find out more about the journey their food takes to get to their plate and highlight some great recipes.

Feel free to comment and share your own Arizona food experiences...I'm always in the business of finding a new favorite food spot.

Happy munchings!

Radish