FOODXCORE take over at Pizanos

So recently we partnered with Nick Galvin over at Pizanos in Visalia and did a 3 course meal.

We started with an appetizer of Togarashi edimame. Pre-cooked and then put on a cast iron skillet and thrown in Pizanos woodfire oven.

Salad was a mixed green salad with a sesame vinaigrette.

Third course was my baby!! we did a pizza with kahlua style pork and 3 week old kimchi. Did I tell you I made the kimchi myself!

It was a cool evening and I was really happy to have been able to do it and I hope to do it again!

Pizanos Pizza Of The Day

Today I partnered with Chef Nick Galvin to create there pizza of the day which features salami, shaved jalepenos, jalepeno infused honey and mozzarella!!!

Pizza Night At The House

Today was one of those days that all of a sudden we looked at the clock and it was 4:30 so we are trying to figure out what to do for dinner (this is a common occurrence on Sundays). I suggest I run over to Pappa Murphys or I can run to the market and get stuff for us to make out own pizza.What do we do? Head to the store!!

Our store of choice is Fresh and Easy in Reedley because we have found that compared to buying groceries in Dinuba,CA (where we live) we get better quality products. Before leaving the house first thing I did was throw a pizza stone into the over and turn it on to 450 degrees (yeah I own a pizza stone).

Some meat, chees and veggies

So here is what we picked up from the store...basil, heirloom tomatoes, uncured pepperoni and Daisy picked out a Sopressata salami. The cheese we used was a whole fresh mozzarella

We were trying to decide if we were going to make our own pizza dough and when I looked at the clock I knew there was not going to be enough time so the store has a pre-made pizza dough that turned out to be really good. Please know that I would always at least try to make your own dough. It is worth it!!

So I get the dough rolled out and the first pie get olive oil, fresh basil, mozzarella and both the pepperoni and salami.I also put slices of green heirloom tomato slices. Got it on the pizza stone and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. Pulled it out and the crust was down and the cheese was nice and melted all over and you can smell the basil. Totally happy with the way it came out!! 

The second pie we did had a tomato and garlic topping instead of pizza sauce (imagine something you would put on a crustini). The wife put the peperoni, salami cheese and tomatoes on it. this was a little heavier of a pizza but I think I ate 3 slices of it.

This is the kind of dinner that can get the whole family involved where it is in prepping and rolling out the dough or just putting the ingredients together. Yay pizza!!!

On The Road....FEED ME!!!

   First I want to congratulate Paul Qui for winning season 9 of Top Chef:Texas...Now on to business!

   I have a long history of working as a promoter within the hardcore scene. I am not talking about huge giant tour packages  trying to make fat cash but small venues, touring bands, local bands...etc. even if the shows were not mine I was connected with shows somehow. When working with bands I always had a couple of stipulations: 1)Local bands did not get paid
                                              2)Out of towns got traveling expenses 
                                              3)Will always find a place for you to sleep (hotels or homes)
                                              Last and most important....YOU WILL BE FED!!!

   Please understand, I have never ripped off a band. I have always worked my ass off for bands and oh yeah I HAVE NEVER FED A BAND PIZZA FROM LITTLE CEASERS!!! Not all touring bands have the privilege of a "rider" being told that they want or need. I have seen a habit of bands not getting fed and for me this sucks. When a band is on the road and all they eat is crappy food a good home cooked meal say a hell of a lot!!

Me feeding the masses 

    I have some of the best memories connected with food and bands....barbeques after shows so a band can eat before getting back on the road, bands coming together for a home made pasta and bread before a show, tri tip and potatoes...etc. Also if a band sleeps on your floor take the time to fix them breakfast. A stack of pancakes or waffles with some bacon or sausage goes along way for a band getting ready to drive half a day!! They guys have a budget to survive on!!!

    I have had the opportunity to feed and hang out with some great bands like Ramallah, Death Before Dishonor, The Koffin Kats, 25 Ta Life, Leaders, Swimming with Tsunamis, Fight Like Hell and others.

    All I have trying to say is that if you do shows take the time to feed a band....They like to eat and trust me in the end they will appreciate it!!!