Exciting news!!!
I've heard from Amanda Hastings-Phillips, who you may remember did the fabulous black bottom pie video for us for Sugar Week. She's an actor, gourmet cook, and my daughter's close friend and doubles partner in college. She now lives in Laguna Beach, Calif.
Anyway, Amanda is doing another video for us for Crab Week, which I'm now thinking will start June 1 because Memorial Day is so early this year. This one will be on West Coast crab.
Here's part of her e-mail to me: ...
Went to Pearson's Port today. The fisherman I spoke to has fresh Red Rock Crab from Santa Rosa Island (California Channel Islands) and Yellow Rock crab from right off our shore here. They are both cousins of Dungeness. The lady I spoke to or her husband will show me how to clean the crab right there on their pier/store.
I assume you want me to make a recipe with the crab to tie in to the restaurant thing? Did your readers decide on a recipe? The people at Pearson's Port don't like crab cakes so they probably don't have a recipe to advocate!
Just so you know, the LA Times is doing a big story on Pearson's Port at the end of May/June. They are beloved here and a true family operation.
I told her we definitely wanted a recipe, and this was her reply:
Okay. I'll ask around. Maybe something from the strong Vietnamese community here because they do a lot with crab?! Or maybe not. I'll do some research.
It all sounds good to me.
Comments
My pinchers are starting to quiver. Crab Week can't come too soon.
Posted by: Regina | April 24, 2008 2:19 PM
With all her other talents, it's too bad she's not good looking.
Rolling on the floor here. EL
Posted by: matt hudock | April 24, 2008 3:38 PM
A wrap on the hand for the daughter of an English professor. I think he would have told you that Memorial Day always falls on the same day every year (exception is when some government official makes it fall on a Monday). It was Easter that was early this year.
An excellent point. EL
Posted by: Brother Bim | April 24, 2008 11:32 PM
Dear Brother Bim, is a "wrap on the hand" anything like a rap? I presume you are the son of an English professor, or I wouldn't say anything ...
That sound is me laughing at you, BB. EL
Posted by: Dahlink | April 25, 2008 6:43 AM
A wrap on the hand for the daughter of an English professor.
The daughter of an English professor probably would have said "rap" rather than the incorrect "wrap".
Posted by: Hal Laurent, VoR | April 25, 2008 6:51 AM
Brother Bim, run for the hills. This is a tough group. They eat children!
Posted by: Regina | April 25, 2008 11:28 AM
Glad you like the photo Matt. It's just a photo of some random girl I found on the internet....
What do you guys think about Crab Enchiladas?? Some really authentic Mexican places here have some great versions. It's definitely not the Maryland crab cake. Anyone???
Posted by: Amanda | April 25, 2008 12:58 PM
After reading the foodie vs. chowhound thread, "Your restaurant critic's mission statement ", I feel I should defend myself in advance: When I said "authentic" Mexican I am fully aware that there is no such thing as "authenticity." Rather, it is a matter of taste, perception and relativity.
Posted by: Amanda | April 25, 2008 1:18 PM
They eat children!
But only when they're prepared properly. :-)
Crab enchiladas sounds like a great idea to me.
Posted by: Hal Laurent, VoR | April 25, 2008 2:25 PM
Mea culpa. But watch out Hal, you shake the tree, a leopard's gonna fall out."
U 2 EL
Posted by: Brother Bim | April 25, 2008 5:11 PM
Brother Bim said: But watch out Hal, you shake the tree, a leopard's gonna fall out."
I'm a little surprised that you missed the opportunity to correct my mistake of saying "crab enchiladas sounds like" rather than "crab enchiladas sound like". Or was I right the first time? Darn, now I'm confused...
I think you were correct the first time because "recipe" was understood. EL
Posted by: Hal Laurent, VoR | April 25, 2008 7:26 PM