The BEST side for chicken/fish/whatever

I have decided to revamp my long forsaken blog! Over the past year and a half a lot has changed.. For one, I've gone from the ripe age of 22, to the old, cat lady age of 24 (I kid!) and I've started back at the REAL USC (insert inappropriate Cock joke) as a Journalism major. More importantly I've had a chance to hone my writing skills, and eat a ton of great food. I'm still playing novice chef in the kitchen and plan on posting plenty of reviews along with my favorite recipes.

This first post back is dedicated to the side dish. If you're like me (& I know you are) you probably find yourself mulling around the kitchen or grocery store trying to figure out what will go along with your favorite protein. Sometimes deciding on a side is the hardest part, and I tend to make a lot of pasta or stir fry dishes in an effort to avoid such a dilemma. The recipe I am presenting you with today goes great with fish & chicken (& probably tofu- but I would not know as I am a pretty hardcore carnivore). I really enjoy this one because it's super easy, inexpensive and unique (plus it's tasty, duh). I found it in a great cookbook (pictured above) from one of my best friends (shout out to Laura), and it's become a staple in my recipe collection!

Without further ado I give you: Israeli Coucous with Zucchini, Red Bell Pepper & Parsley (pictured left w/grilled chicken)

What you shall need:

*2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (please don't substitute extra slutty olive oil)

*1 small/med yellow onion, diced

*2 cloves of garlic minced (or if you're lazy like me you can use your garlic press)

*1.25 cups israeli couscous

*2 cups chicken stock (I like to use beef stock in place of chicken sometimes too)

*Fresh ground pepper

*1-2 zucchini (depending on size & preference), ends trimmed, cut into 1/4" dice

*1 small/med red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed & cut into 1/4" dice

*2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

Your directions:

*Alright, grab a saute pan with a tight-fitting lid and heat the olive-oil over medium heat (make sure the pan is coated). Add the onion and garlic and saute, stirring constantly until just beginning to soften (about 2 minutes).

*Add the couscous and stir constantly until lightly browned (2-3 minutes).

*Add the stock along with some fresh pepper and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer until almost all of the liquid is absorbed (about 8 minutes)

*Stir in zucchini and bell pepper, cover and cook until the zucchini is bright green and tender (3-4 minutes)

*Stir in parsley and serve immediately!

******You can always add different or more veggies if you prefer!******

Impress yourself & your friends with this SUPER EASY side (you can thank me later), and make sure to check back for more updates and reviews in 2012!

XOXO,

@BLONDEBITES

Cabo Fish Taco CHARLOTTE 87

Cabo Fish Taco has quickly become one of my favorite places to grab lunch or dinner. Decorated with interesting artwork and bright colors, this little restaurant on N Davidson fits in perfectly with Noda. I've eaten at Cabo Fish Taco a handful of times since I moved to Charlotte and it never disappoints. The bf and I almost always get seated right away, and are promptly greeted with their fresh corn salsa made daily. On our most recent trip I decided to order something other then their amazing tacos. I settled on trying the "Epic Tuna Burrito" (pictured above) made with grilled tuna, avocado, rice, cheese and a cilantro white sauce (I opted for no beans). The bf decided to stick with tacos but mixed it up by ordering the "Serrano Chicken", something neither of us had yet to try. Our food came out fairly quickly, and while everything was good, we both agreed that we had ordered better in the past. The tuna in my burrito was grilled perfectly and the flavors were nice, but their fish tacos are definitely better. The chicken tacos were good, but the chicken was a little bit over cooked. Even though it was our least favorite trip, we still enjoyed ourselves and felt satisfied. Whenever I think of Cabo Fish Taco a few things come to mind: 1. Everything I've ever eaten there has always tasted super fresh. 2. They have a great range of different specialty margaritas and beer. 3. They have great prices, $15 and less for entrees (though most range around $10) and $4 and up for margaritas. Overall I gave them an 87.. definitely a place I'll be going back to.

Cafe Strudel COLUMBIA 70

After a late night in Columbia on Friday me and a couple friends decided to try out Cafe Strudel on State St for a late Saturday lunch. The first appeal was that they served breakfast all day and were pretty cheap. The food was decent, nothing special or amazing. I opted for their buffalo grilled chicken salad served over fresh romaine lettuce (pictured left). The chicken was okay but a little dry. Cheap, bland, and slightly off the mark are the best descriptions for the sandwiches and salads. I would go back to try their breakfast, but probably wouldn't try anything else. Overall Cafe Strudel is rated at a 70 for a cheap decent meal.

Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Restaurant COLUMBIA 89

Jaliscos is in my top 5 favorite Mexican restaurants of all time. I must admit that this isn't my first time dining at Jaliscos; when I lived in Columbia I made sure to eat there a couple times a month. It's by far the best Mexican restaurant you'll find in Columbia. Located off St. Andrew's road, Jaliscos offers amazing and authentic micheladas (Michelada - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia), ceviche, and tortilla soup. The ceviche (top right) is $3.95 and comes on a tostada with avocado slices on top. I have compared many ceviches, and Jalisco's version always comes out on top. The tortilla soup or their sausage and potato tacos are just the thing for a cold day. My personal favorite entree would have to be the Camarones a la diabla (bottom left). The delicious, spicy orange sauce tastes good on everything! Jaliscos is in no way expensive or gourmet, but the food is wonderful. The only thing that Jaliscos doesn't bring to the table are their margaritas. I personally don't care for them, they're very sweet. However, their pina colladas and beer selection are great! Just on the cusp of a 90, Jaliscos comes in at an 89 making it worthy of returning to.