Wacky Chocolate Cake

It was 1996, I just moved out on my own and had little money. I was working at the movie theater and had $50 or less to spend on groceries a week at the Super Walmart. I lived off of ramen, potatoes, Spaghetti-O's, bread, peanut butter and sometimes Hamburger Helper. I tried to keep the cost of each item to a dollar. I also made sure that I kept a stock of the standard baking supplies to make Wacky Chocolate Cake. I would make it when I got tired of toast with peanut butter for breakfast.

Wacky Chocolate Cake is also known as Depression Cake, War Cake and Wacky Cake. It doesn't have any eggs, milk or butter in it. There are multiple origins of the cake, with it being a Depression Era cake to a WWII cake. Both eras had rationing and this is a ration cake. Many have had the recipe passed down to them. My Mom said that she thinks she remembers finding it in a book. You can find a number of different recipes for it on the internet. Some call for coffee, others call for bacon grease. Some will also provide a recipe for frosting. This one is just the basic 9"x 13" size cake, nothing fancy, but still wonderful. 

How can it be a cake if there isn't any eggs, milk, or butter in it? The oil and water adds the moisture and the combo of the Baking Soda and Vinegar makes it rise. It's really easy to make and a great recipe for kids. Everything is mixed in the baking pan so there isn't the mess of multiple dishes.

Ingredients
3 cups Flour                      2 tsp White Vinegar
2 cups Sugar                     2 tsp Vanilla
6 Tbs baking coco            10 Tbs Vegetable Oil
2 tsp Baking Soda            2 cups water
1 tsp salt

Instructions

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• In the baking pan, mix the dry ingredients together. Don't worry about greasing the pan.
• Once mixed, make three depressions to place the wet ingredients in. One for the vanilla, the second for the vinegar and the third for the oil.
• Pour the 2 cups of water all over the top of the mix.

• Stir everything together until it's all mixed.

• Cook for 30-35 minutes.
• Once it's done baking, let it cool a little and sprinkle powder sugar on top.

• Serve warm or cold, it's great either way!

Sushi Totoro

So a new sushi place opened not far from where we live, Sushi Totoro. Yes, they combined sushi with one of my favorite movies, My Neighbor Totoro.  The restaurant is cutely decorated with murals of Totoro characters and the lay out from my understanding is typical of Japanese restaurants in Japan. The staff are very friendly and it's very clean. Simon and I have been there a number of times and each time the service has been constant and the food always delicious.

Sushi Totoro is a All You Can Eat sushi place. They do offer individual plates for ordering but why go to a All You Can Eat sushi place and not get all you can eat? Lunches are $14.99 and dinners are $24.95. We feel this is pretty fair considering that it's ALL YOU CAN EAT!!!

They start you off with complementary Monkey Brains. Before you freak out, it's not real monkey brains. It's avocado with crab meat and maybe something else, fried in tempera. I'm not a avocado person. I will pull it off of anything that I get. However, the way they cook this makes it to where I don't get the avocado taste. You have the crunch of the tempera and then the soft  inside that almost melts inside your mouth, combined with some kind of wonderful sauce. This was good to munch on while we went over the menu. If you want more, you can order it off of the regular menu and pay extra for it.

Monkey Brains

The All You Can Eat menu is broken down into sections nicely. You have the appetizers, entrees and the sushi. We went for Miso Soup, Tofu Salad and the Chicken Yakitori from the appetizer list. The Miso was spot on and I have to say, one of the best Miso Soups I've found in Aurora. Simon had the Tofu Salad and said that it isn't really anything to write home about. It's chunks of tofu with iceberg lettuce, carrot, onion and the normal ginger salad dressing. The Chicken Yakitori is really just a chicken kabob with bell peppers and onions. The sauce we think is teriyaki with sesame seeds sprinkled on top. It was okay but the chicken was dry. This wasn't one of Simon's favorite dishes.

Chicken Yakitori, Tofu Salad and Miso Soup

For our entrees, we picked Beef Teriyaki and Yakisoba Noodles. Next to the sushi, these two dishes were our favorites. The beef is thin cut, like the kind that you would see in Bulgogi, which brings out the flavors of the sauces. There is something about thin cut beef that make a dish ten times better. The Yakisoba Noodles were perfectly cooked. 

 

Then there was the sushi. I'm very limited to what kind of sushi I can eat. I admit that I have a issue with textures of food. I always get Tamago, you can never go wrong with egg and rice. I did try it with the seaweed wrapped around it but my teeth have a hard time biting and chewing up seaweed, so I have to take it off. I also order the Kani (Crab Meat). Simon orders all of the other stuff. This time he got Unagi, Salmon, Tuna, Spicy Scaloop, Ocotopus, Flying Fish Roe, and Spicy Crab Rolls. The sushi is the best that we've had in the area and for being in a land locked state. The fish is fresh and not slimy. 

They have so many other options for you to choose from and the best part of this is, it's ALL YOU CAN EAT! So if want to sample everything and then order more of your favorite, you can! Everything that we ordered, is on the All You Can Eat menu. Note, if you want just rice with your meal, you aren't going to get any. It's a shame as I love rice and the Beef Teriyaki would be awesome with some.

If you enjoy sushi and drinks, this is the place for you. There is a kids menu. They will charge $.50 for any left over sushi, so make sure you order only what you can eat. They offer take out and catering. They also have a full bar for those that want drinks. 

Sushi Totoro
4243 S Buckley Rd
Aurora, CO 80013
(303) 766-0045

Facebook Page

Hours
Mon- Sat
11:30- 2:30
4:30- 10
Sun
4:00- 9:30

Monsoon Cuisine of India

One day at work I was chatting with some co-workers about of favorite places to eat when I was told that I just HAD TO go to Monsoon at Southlands Mall. I looked at her with a what the heck look and she said that it was the best Indian food that she ever ate. I told her that I've never had Indian food and she about fell out of chair. She then proceeded to tell me that the food was sooo good that she could have gnawed on the chicken bones of her last meal there, stating that she sucked all of the juices and spices off of them. I'm like wow.. ok, we'll have to give them a try.

That following weekend we went to a movie and then headed over to Monsoon for a late lunch. The second we opened the door our noses were filled with wonderful aromas of different spices, causing our mouths to water. The staff greeted us and we were quickly seated and handed the menu. What ensued has been a love affair that has tickled my taste buds every time we go.

For the last year, we've had to have a meal at Monsoon at least once a month. The food is so good, you do want to gnaw on the chicken bones. We've introduced the mouth watering goodness of Monsoons to my Father-in-law, our friends, my oldest nephew and the latest, my parents.

My nephew Liam. First time eating Indian Food.

I have to say, they perform some kind of magic on their chicken as every time that we've been there, the chicken is cooked perfectly. My favorite dish is the Chicken Korma. It's a perfect blend of curry spices with roasted coconut, and ground cashew and almonds. It's sweet with just the little kick of spice. Mmmm.... I think it's time to go again.

For the starters, we like to get the Chicken Pakora. It's all white chicken meat that is marinated in chickpea batter and deep fried. It comes with two dipping sauces, one that is a sweet spice and the other a hot spice, I think chutney? I'll have to confirm this when we go back. 

We also order some Naan bread. They have nine different ones for you to choose from. We usually get the Garlic, the Monsoon 1/2 dozen, or the cheese Naan. Naan will also come with some of the main dishes depending on the dish.

Now, Simon has sampled more of the dishes than I have. I tend to stick to the Chicken Marsala and the Chicken Korma. Simon usually with pick lamb over chicken. One of the dishes that he tried was the Lamb Vindaloo. This is a spicy dish and they don't hold back on the spice. They do serve it with a cucumber yogurt sauce to help lessen the heat if needed. We left that day with Simon's sinus cleared out.

The dining is casual, it's family friendly and great service. The pricing is fair for but it can be expensive. When we eat there, it normally runs us $40-50 for the two of us. This is a Date Night stop for us. The food is gluten free and it's great for Vegetarians and Vegans. They also have Carry Out and Delivery. You can even order on line.

Go and try them out. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Monsoon Cuisine of India
24107 E Commons Ave 
Aurora, Colorado 80016
(303)627-5444

Open: 
Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm 
Fri & Sat 11am-11pm 
Sun 11am-9pm 

They Take Reservations, Order on Line and have Carry Out/Delivery.
Facebook Page
Twitter: @Time4Monsoon 

Athenian Restaurant

Holy cow, a review! Actually a review is coming soon on Athenian Restaurant and there will be more soon as I travel to San Diego! I have a small list for San Diego, any recommendations?

So on June 19th, Simon and I got together with people from work for Family Dinner Night. Once a month people that we work with get together with family and raid invade a restaurant for a night. This month Simon got to pick where we went. He's been wanting to try some Greek food and he picked the perfect place, Athenian Restaurant.

We've seen reviews of Athenian and believe me, the reviews they have received are well worth a visit! When you walk in, you're surrounded by friendly warmth. They have plenty of space for large groups and space for a intimate dinner. They serve Mediterranean, Greek, Mexican and American. From what I hear, the Mexican and American menu is served at lunch.

There were about 18 of us and I can't say what everyone ordered but it appeared that they all enjoyed their dishes. Simon and I ordered the Spanakipita for an appetizer. I have to say, I enjoy my Aunt's Spanakipita but it has nothing on Athenian's Spanakipita. It's nice and flaky and melts in your mouth. Dipped in their Tzatziki sauce and it's taken to a new level of wow.

Simon ordered the Athenian Combo Plate.  I wish we had taken note of what was on the dish as it was a wonderful sampling of different dishes. I know one had eggplant in it and it was good. You know me, I don't like veggies and to sample something that has eggplant in it was something of a feat. Simon was proud of me. Who knows, he may get me eating veggies some day... Naaaa...

I had the Gyro Sandwich. The meat is a beef/lamb combo. I have to say, it was to die for. I love Gyros and they pile on the meat. It's seasoned well and cut in nice juicy thick slices wrapped in nice soft pita bread. I ate it to the last bite much to Simon's disappointment. The evening ended with a complementary shot of Ouzo and a cheer of Opa!

Athenian Restaurant
15350 E Iliff Ave
Aurora, CO 80013
(720) 449-0224

Hours of Business:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

 

Piccolo’s

For the past few years my family has met for my Grandfather’s birthday at Piccolo’s in Denver. It’s my Grandfather’s favorite place to go and we look forward to each birthday that we have with him going there. Now my family is large and growing. In total when everyone is home, there are 30 of us pulse a couple of close friends.  Piccolo’s has a side room for large parties that can be closed off from the rest of the restaurant  if needed.  The normal sitting area is dark woods and cloth cover tables with low lighting, very relaxing.

Piccolo’s is a Italian/Mexican that has wide range of options that will meet everyone’s tastes. They have seasoned chips with salsa and bread  for each table.
Simon and I ordered something different each time that we go and  have never been disappointed.  The servicing size is large for the dishes so don’t be surprised if you have to take some home. They have a wonderful children’s menu and my nephews and nieces always find something that they like.

I know this isn’t a very long review but you just can’t go wrong with Piccolo’s. 30 of us keep looking forward to my Grandfather’s birthday each year so, this isn’t a review of just one person, it’s a review of 30 with a fair share of picky eaters.




Piccolo’s is located at:
3563 S Monaco Pkwy
Denver, CO 80237
(303) 757-5166

Hours:
Monday-Sunday 11:00AM to 10:00PM

Sam's No.3

 

 Simon and I went to Sam’s No3 for the first time this past week. We had heard about it from Triple D and realized that one of the restaurant was here in Aurora. It was a nice treat to go to after a long day at work. When we got there we could smell the grill from the parking lot. We had been warned that the wait maybe long as they are very popular. With just the two of us we only had wait about 2 minutes.

It was extremely busy and we thought it would be a bit of a wait for our waitress. We were wrong! She immediately came over and got our drink order.  They offer a full bar and I have to admit I was very temped but since I was driving I passed it up.   When she came back with the drinks we ordered our appetizer. We decided the try the Mac-N-Cheese Dip. It’s one of their new dishes. It’s a cup of mac topped with diced chorizo and green chill, served with tortilla chips. I have to say, wow. I’m not a green chili fan as I find it to spicy for me but it was really good. The pork that they put in it is very tender and holds the spices well. Once we mixed it all up, the Mac Cheese countered the spiciness very well and it didn’t leave me reaching for my drink after every bite. Simon loved every bit of it.

For my meal I ordered the One of Each. It’s a Curtis Burger and Coney Dog that was covered with their Sam’s No. 3 Red Chili, mustard and onion. I got it with fries.  Simon got the Pork Souvlaki Sandwich with Mac n Cheese. Our meal came out just as we were finishing the dip. My burger and hot dog was good and I was happy to find it not drowning in onions or mustard. It was just enough to add to the flavor.  The fries were good. Simon’s sandwich, holy cow, at first I didn’t know it was pork, I thought that it was gyro meat.  The bites that I had were very tasty and the pork wasn’t dried out or stringy.  The pita bread was nice and fluffy.

For dessert I ordered the Death  by Chocolate Cake and Simon ordered a Hazelnut and Coffee Shake. The cake was really good. I wish I could have finished it and the slice was huge. Simon loved his shake. I was surprised that he got a shake as they have Homemade Rice Pudding. He said that he’ll get it next time.

We’ll be back that is for sure as we need to try their breakfast food too. They are very family friendly and the pricing is really good for the quality and quantity that they provide. The service was excellent and very friendly. They have an extensive menu that everyone will find something that they will like. Do try to go off peak hours if you don’t want to wait long.

Sam’s No.3 is located at:
2580 S Havana St
Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: 303-751-0347
Website: http://samsno3.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SamsNo3

Hours:
M-Th 6 AM- 9PM
F 6 AM- 10 PM
Sat. & Sun 7 AM- 9PM

The Bagel Deli and Restaurant

The Bagel Deli

Oy! What have we been missing? Ok, so we saw this little Bagel Deli on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives on the Food Network a couple of weeks ago. Simon has been begging to go so we finally went after I found that I’ve been driving by it for years! Tucked into a corner of a little strip mall is The Bagel Deli and Restaurant located at northwest corner of Hampden and Monaco. I’ll have to ask my grandparents if they knew of this little gem as they live not to far from it.

When we walked in we were greeted with wonderful aromas and the chatter of customers enjoying their meals. We were told to go ahead and have a seat. As I looked around, you can’t help but smile at the love that is found in this place, family pictures on the walls and little sayings from Bubbie, the grandmother. Oh and you have to have a picture of Guy Fieri from Triple D on the wall to! It was nice and warm, the lighting good and the staff extremely friendly.

On the tables, they had a little thing that said, Try what Guy Ate! They made a little sampler appetizer with the three dishes Guy had tried on the show. It had a small serving of Matzah ball Chicken Soup, a meat Knish and Kishke. Wow! I’m not a soup person. If soup comes with the meal I will try it, drink some of it but soup doesn’t appeal to me. I have to say, the Matzah Ball Soup, is the best soup that I’ve ever had. Chucks of chicken, carrots, spices and the Matzah ball. The Matzah ball just soaked up the flavor of the soup.  I can’t even describe the taste of the soup, I just don’t have the words for it. Now, I’ve been sick for the past week and I’ve always heard that Chicken Soup is good for you. Here’s hoping the small flavorful portion that I had will knock what’s left of this cold out. I also could have eaten a whole plate of Meat Knish. The pastry was nice and flaky, the meat in it very flavorful. The Kishke was very good too. Simon insists that it tastes like stuffing but I can’t put it into words the flavor of it. 

Simon ordered the number P2, Pastrami, Tongue and Swiss cheese on marble rye bread. It came with potato salad. He describes the meal a flavor blitz. Jared came out and asked Simon how the sandwich was and if Simon wanted to try the Russian Dressing and Horseradish. He said sure and we had little samples of  each for us to try. We each tried and loved the Russian Dressing, it was very good with my fries and on my sandwich. Simon put a small spoonful on his sandwich, took a bit and did the same with the Horseradish. His eyes rolled to the back of his head. Jared then asked him if he liked spicy mustard and suggested to Simon that he may like that too. Simon told him to bring it on. Same result, eyes rolling and head nodding in agreement. Jared smiled with a chuckle and then went back to the kitchen. Simon said that his only problem was trying to decide what he was going to put on his sandwich for the next bite. He said that the Sandwich was wonderful on it’s own, the flavor of the meats blending well. Then adding each sauce to it as he took bites just took it to whole new level.

I ordered the number the number 3, Hot pastrami, brisket of beef and Swiss cheese on a plain bagel with fries. The blending of the meats was wonderful. The bagel was nice a crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. With the amount of meat that they put onto their sandwiches, I’ll get my next sandwich on bread as I ended up having to eat it with a fork and knife. As I had already stated, I added the Russian Dressing to my sandwich and also dipped my fries into it. The dressing was heaven.

For dessert we both had a cheese Strudel. Our waiter asked us if we would like it warmed up and we said whatever they suggested would be good. They warmed them up and gave us whipped cream to add to it as we pleased. It was very good, not sweet like I was expecting.  On our way out we also bought 4 bagels and home made whipped cream cheese for later.

The Bagel Deli and Restaurant is very family friendly, good prices for the amount of food. Simon and I will be back and I look forward to trying something else. They serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with breakfast served until  7:30 PM daily. They offer dine in, take out, and catering. They offer special order items for the Jewish Holidays.

The Bagel Deli and Restaurant is located at:
6439 E Hampden Ave.
Denver, CO 80222
Phone# 303-756-6667
Fax# 303-756-58002
Website: www.bageldeli.com
Facebook: The Bagel Deli

Hours:
Mon - Sat: 7:00 am- 8:00 pm
Sun: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm