I know this is really short notice, but if you are interested in learning authentic Mexican Cooking & getting out of the frigid winter weather this February 21-28 why not sneak away for seven days of authentic Mexican cooking with myself & Chef Ana Garcia at La Villa Bonita, her specially designed hotel & cooking school in the beautiful mountain village of Tepoztlan, Morelos, Mexico. Click here for a typical weeks schedule with Chef Ana.
Chef Ana was able to offer us an incredible deal for the week $1150 per person + tax for double occupancy & $1550 + tax for single occupancy. There are 6 rooms available. You will need to secure your own transportation to Mexico City for arrival on Sunday Febuary 21. This will be small be a small, hands on learning experience with lots of good food & warm weather. I have until the January 22nd to reserve the hotel, so if you are interested please contact me asap @ chefmark@thetortillapress.com.
Here's a rundown of the Macaroni & Cheeses that the Chef's put together for the show. I really appreciate all their work, especially delivering it to the restaurant. I'll be getting your dishes & casseroles back to you all soon. I think that Chef Jim from blueplate & I we're the only ones to actually taste all 11 dishes, but remember, everyone can this Monday night at Tortilla Press Cantina 7716 Maple Ave, Pennsauken 08109. Call 856-356-2050 for reservations. $10 per adult $4 for kids & the bar will be open.
Mexican The Tortilla Press Chef Mark Smith Key ingredient: the five cheeses! Cheddar, monteray jack, Chihuahua, queso anejo, cotija; Crumbled home made tortilla chips on top give it extra crunch.
American Blueplate Chef Jim Malaby Key ingredient: one is gluten free (lobster and goat cheese) Second one is “regular” BLT mac and cheese – bacon and oven dried tomatoes with greens.
French/Italian Blackbird Chef Alex Capasso Key ingredient: Riviera style macaroni and cheese with Fregola eggless pasta, mascarpone and truffle oil and fresh truffle.
French La Campagne Chef Rich Benussi Key ingredient: Our mac and cheese key ingredient is trois lait or three milks (cow, goat, sheep). To represent them we will be using three French cheeses. Brie (cow's milk), Chevre (goat's milk) and Petit Basque (sheep's milk). A hint of truffle and an almond crunch topping should also be noted.
Italian Mirabella Café Chef Joe Palombo Key ingredient: lobster with several Italian cheeses. Chef Joe’s mac and cheese demonstrates how this homey dish can be dressed up.
Viennese Cafe Chef Richard Marsh Short rib mac n cheese with pine nut crust topping
Italian Bistro di Marino Chef Jim Marino Key ingredient: penne pasta & gorgonzola make this extra creamy.
Indian Coriander Chef Vipul Key Ingredient: a combination of the spices that are used in many Indian dishes including ginger, cumin, coriander powder and tumeric. (It was nice & spicy) my note!
Greek Kuzina by Sofia Chef Sofia Khoury Key ingredient: a secret! Let’s just say it’s chef Sofia’s TLC
Moroccan Norma’s Mediterranean Café/ Cous Cous Chef Elias
Well, the holidays are over & The Cantina is re-opened & I'm done testing margarita & mojito recipes for a little while at least. I've just finished tweeking my recipe for the first annual (I hope) Mighty Mac Battle of the Chefs. I call it the "Mac Off" much to my wife's dismay. The event is to be held at Tortilla Press Cantina on Monday Jan 18th at 6:30, and will be featuring the mac & cheese of at least 10 of the areas chefs. Please make your reservations soon at 856-356-2050. The cost is $10 for adults & $4 for kids. Part of the proceeds will go to The South Jersey Food Bank. We will also have a cash bar available with great drink specials.
My blog this year will be a place to check out upcoming events at The Tortilla Press, Tortilla Press Cantina, South Jersey Culinary Events & SJ Green Dining. But, mainly it will be the musings of an independent restaurateur/chef running two restaurants & the daily triumphs and challenges that arise. Of course, this will be the place to see all special event menus & changes to either restaurants' menu before the rest of the public, so check back often & feel free to comment anytime with suggestions, ideas or ways to improve The Tortilla Press or The Cantina.
Our second annual Homestyle Classics is the first event for South Jersey Culinary Events in 2010 & it will run from Jan 25 thru Jan 28. The event is $30 for 4 courses & it will feature all of the chefs' unique twist on the classics we grew up with. Here is the first draft of the menu to be served at Tortilla Press & The Cantina. Remember, feedback is always welcome here.
Homestyle classics
Choose 1
Fried Cheese Sticks
Breaded chihuahua cheese lightly fried & served with tijauna marinara sauce
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Our award winning chipotle peanut bbq pork served on a toasted mini brioche roll with a side of spicy slaw
Hot Wings
Our twist on the classic buffalo wings served with honey cholula sauce & avocado ranch
