Saturday, January 16, 2010

True Spaghettofu fusion 烏魚子義大利麵


This is a true combination of Taiwanese and Italian food - we made a bottarga pasta from a Taiwanese delicacy 烏魚子, mullet roe

Commonly a Spaghetti alla Bottarga recipe, which is eaten typically by the locals in Sardegne, we used a Perciatelli pasta ( which is spaghetti with holes ) instead of Spaghetti,and instead of an Italian mullet roe, we used 烏魚子, mullet roe in Taiwan. The mullet fish can be found in many seas of the world, but Taiwan has perfected the process of making and selling the mullet roe as an industry.


This has now offically become one of my favorite pasta dishes! It's so strong in a sea-salty savory flavor (but not fishy) light in texture, and it's so easy and simple to make.

Ingredients:
8 tablespoons of olive oil
1 and half tablespoon crushed red pepper
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 pound of Perciatelli
2 bunches Italian parsley, finely chopped, to yield 1/2 cup
6 ounces Bottarga, tuna or mullet
Cheese grater
Option: zest of 2 lemons


Preperations:
Heat 6 quarts water to boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. In a 12- to 14-inch saute pan, heat olive oil, red pepper and garlic over low heat until just fragrant, about 2 minutes, and remove from heat. Cook the Perciatelli according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and pour into oil mixture and add parsley. Toss to mix well over medium heat and pour into warmed serving bowl. Shave Bottarga over bowl, and serve! Or, sprinkle with lemon zest as a finishing touch.

Culinary tour in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Taking a trip to Asia is truly a culinary tour. Here are some pictures of food from our trip to Japan, Taiwan and HongKong. There were days where I ate 5 times a day, and how I wish I had more space to consume all the delicious foods! I was so happy to introduce Michele to all the wonderful food Asia has to offer! From seafood, meats, noodles and deserts, tutti e delizioso! ( everything is delicious)

Pastries and sweets

The Japanese really have perfected French pastries and deserts. Macaroons are really the hot item in trendy areas like Ginza and Roppongi.

Typical Chinese desert, BBQ pork puff pastries and Chinese red bean semi-freddos


OH my LOVE for Mr. DONUT!!!

...and these are custom-made cupcakes especially ordered for our wedding party. Strawberries were in season, so sweet and delicious. Chinese deserts tend to be less sweet, so this cupcake was not as sugary or overtly topped with whipped cream. Just a light and yummy cupcake and fresh fruit!

Oodles of Noodles

One of the must-do items when visiting Japan is to explore all the different kinds of Ramen you can! It's such a Ramen paradise! This one is a miso and peanut soup base....


We ordered not one, but two bowls of these Dan-Dan noodles at DingTaiFeng...the noodles were made fresh and the sauce was delicately balanced

Only in Japan...

The best Shitake mushroom I ever had! Grilled, nigiri style, so meaty and juicy



Grilled toro. I was in heaven.


The perfect bite, part of our 250 USD dinner. Just two guests, 2 sushi masters and 7 other waitstaff serving us. Service in Japan is impeccable!


Burgers...not!! Earmuffs, Shibuya style

Truly Melts-in-your-mouth Black pork Katsu.


Asia's City, HongKong

The contrast of HongKong! One of the best sandwiches I had for lunch at Penninsula hotel, and a light and soothing porridge for breakfast....