Tanji's Tanjents

Good Eats, Good Cheer - Good New Restaurant

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:05:00 GMT

This new kid on the block is no stranger to the restaurant biz. It’s no surprise that the new Auden’s Kitchen on Sonterra Blvd is busy most nights.

The trendy but comfy new restaurant is the prodigy of one of San Antonio’s top chefs-Bruce Auden. Auden’s Biga on the Banks restaurant downtown is known nationally for its fabulous cuisine. ‘One of San Antonio’s finest restaurants’ is a quote that’s common among reviewers.

Chance to Try Rare Delicacy in SA

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:00:00 GMT

When Chef Scott Cohen calls with news, I always pay attention. I’ll tell you why shortly.
Scott calls Friday and says ‘Tanji, you’re never gonna believe what I got…Shad Roe coming here to Watermark Grill.’
I would’ve love to share in his excitement, but had to admit I didn’t know what Shad Roe was.
Google it and you’ll see it described as ‘culinary harbinger of spring’ , ‘fleeting pleasure’ and ‘popular delicacy’.

Merlot - Your Perfect Weekend Wine

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:07:00 GMT

I’ve spent the past couple of weeks tasting Merlots for you – yes, you’re welcome, but believe me the pleasure was all mine! I am a BIG fan of merlot (The movie ‘Sideways’ never changed my opinion). Let’s face it, without merlot where would Bordeaux be? It’s the grape that softens those wines….the yang of the yin so to speak that makes perfection happen in the glass.

Paella Fans I Need You!

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:26:00 GMT

Paella fans I need your help!! I’m in a Paella Cook-Off to raise money for the Culinary Institute of America San Antonio. Ed Tijerina (the fab Express News Foodie) and I will be competing with top chefs in an Iron Chef setting. Come cheer us on at the fabulous historic Pearl! I’ll give you the link for tickets. Also, I need your best paella tips…..

Princess Di's Favorite Buttery Bread Pudding

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:23:00 GMT

Turns out the delightful, lithe Princess Diana had a little secret. When entertaining friends, her chef would prepare their food with all the good stuff… heavy cream, real sugar, eggs… BUT, he would prepare her version of the same dish with skim milk, sugar substitutes and such.

That’s just one of the fun stories her personal royal chef, Darren McGrady shared with me when we cooked together recently.

Beer Pairings Winning Me Over

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:37:00 GMT

I’m a novice when it comes to knowing beers, but I admit, I’ve now been to two beer pairings and loved every minute!

My most recent “adventure” was at Bohanan’s beautiful new bar, where we paired different beers with different cheeses. Guess what: some of those beers paired better with the cheeses than wine!

Historic Home Available for Your Special Parties

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:17:00 GMT

I’ve lived in San Antonio some thirty years, and I’m still discovering little gems I didn’t know existed! The historic Dashiell House is one of my recent finds.

Wines that go great with seafood

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:06:00 GMT

Pairing wines with seafood can be a fun adventure. There are so many incredible white varietals that work with seafood. Experiment and see what you like best.

Zesty, Blanca & Margaritas

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:59:00 GMT

Blanca Aldaco of Aldaco’s Stone Oak is known around the country for her margaritas – they’ve been featured on the Today Show, and she’s won countless awards for their ‘zesty-ness’.

Following Regis with Incredible Chards and Pinots

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:52:00 GMT

Ten years ago I co-hosted twice with Regis Philbin when the program was looking for a replacement for Kathi Lee. It was a whirwind trip to NY – my nerves were a wreck. I didn’t sleep for days before, but it was an experience I’ll never forget. Regis was delightful. Turns out it was a win-win all around. Regis got cute Kelly Ripa, and I got to experience some world famous wines. But there’s more to the story…

Good TV, Good Wine and Good Food

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:25:00 GMT

How many of you watch as much TV now as you did five years ago? I can assure based on research numbers I’ve seen, you’re watching less. During my nearly 20 years in the TV biz I heard from viewers all the time…too much violence, too much bad news and never enough good news—I always agreed!

Valentine’s Wines & More

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:18:00 GMT

It’s the perfect holiday for us romantics who not only love our significant other but also love dark chocolate and vino. Each is fabulous by itself, but combine them and wow – you’ve got something special.

If you’re looking for a special bottle of bubbly this Valentine’s, maybe a romantic red or even a dessert wine to share with your mate, I’ve put together a list of some of my favs in those categories. Most of these are easy to find at HEB or other wine stores around town, and they won’t be too hard on your pocketbook.

Wine & Dine Your Sweetie in 100 yr Wine Cellar

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:18:00 GMT

A good friend of mine spent some time in the wine country in Washington state this summer. She came back raving about the incredible Washington wines they discovered.

One of them, Pepper Bridge, is owned by a Texas Tech grad. ☺ Now, you and I will get the chance Wednesday night right to try those wines right here in San Antonio.

Unique Cooking Class at Olive Orchard

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:38:00 GMT

Ever seen olive trees growing in Texas? You’ll see more than 10,000 of them this Saturday at nearby Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard, plus, you’ll be entertained and enlightened by Chef ‘extraordinaire’ Michael Flores.

'Call to Arms' for Foodies

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:04:00 GMT

No denying it. We’re all watching our ‘eating out’ money a little more closely. Maybe you’re eating out twice a week instead of three, or just being very selective when you do dine out.
Either way, your help is needed for a worthy cause indeed. The Liberty Bistro is a charming restaurant not far from the square in New Braunfels. It occupies the town’s original post city hall – and yes, the food is fabulous.

Thank God for UGGS

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:43:00 GMT

Okay, the title was a warning. This is not about a 98 rated Robert Parker wine that I found at HEB for $10!

Ever tried lamb cooked like this?

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:54:00 GMT

Try lamb. It’s a great source of protein and also packs a punch when it comes to zinc and vitamin B12 according to info I’ve seen. I’ve been a huge fan of lamb since discovering the racks sold at Costco that average about $14 for about 6 ribs…not bad!

Great steak guaranteed at Mondavi wine dinner

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:44:00 GMT

Robert Mondavi’s vision of making fine wines and establishing Napa as a world-class wine making region is still celebrated today. The marketing genius made the name Mondavi synonymous with the word wine.
I had the pleasure of meeting Rob Mondavi, Jr., Robert’s grandson, during last Fall’s crush.

The right red wine, red meat & chocolate could be healthy

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:53:00 GMT

What a start to 2010! Actually, in moderation, these ‘luxuries’ can be good for you. Let’s start with red meat—a particular kind of red meat.

Akaushi is a fascinating breed of cattle that originated in Japan. A loophole in a trade agreement resulted in a small herd ending up in Texas. This red meat ranks far higher than the best American beef in healthy fats and lower in unhealthy saturated fats. That’s according to researchers at A&M University. So, if a heavy dose of protein and iron is called for in your diet but you are also watching your cholesterol, check with your doctor about Akaushi. It’s available at Bolner’s Meat Market on S. Flores. It is pricey but in addition to its sited health benefits, it’s also delicious.

Best Bargain Bubblies to ring in New Year

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:04:00 GMT

The sound of a cork popping sets the mood – frivolous, fun- a celebration in the making. What better way to celebrate a new year’s arrival than with a new bottle of bubbly.
I’m a traditionalist, generally speaking, when it comes to champagnes. French (the true champagne) is my favorite, but let’s get real, with the Euro soaring into the heavens, the ‘real deal’ is real expensive.