Artichoke Cafe's Blog

Another Layer of the Onion

October 3rd, 2012 • Posted by Artichoke Cafe • Permalink

There is that one morning when you wake up and notice the difference. The air feels a bit cooler and the lighting is subdued. Instead of knowing that you will wear short sleeves, there is curiosity about the long sleeves that have been hidden away for the season. There is a desire to keep the windows shut as you gaze out and notice the changing leaves. Yes, it is that time of year in which transition is all around us. Fall is in the air.

Fall typically comes upon us by surprise because there is some belief that summer will last longer. We don't want to give up the warm nights on the patio, or summertime drinks with friends. With shorter days we tend to move our outdoor activities indoors and we begin to crave the comfort foods of the cooler season.

One of these comfort foods is the warm and glorious bowl of soup that is forgotten about in the warmer months. It is time to fill your belly with that warm goodness again. At Artichoke Cafe, we take the typical bowl of soup to a new level with our bowl of French Onion Soup. Carmelized onions and gruyere cheese, topped with crostinis, create an addictive soup that is fun to eat. We also have our daily soup selection with flavors that will cover you in a cozy blanket of tasty warmth and comfort. 

 As you prepare to bundle up for fall, come celebrate the change of seasons with us.  Allow us to fill you with warmth as the air gets cooler.  We invite you to have a seat and get cozy with us at Artichoke Cafe.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/cathon

Drink Pink: Not Just For Those With A Sweet Tooth Anymore

September 6th, 2012 • Posted by Artichoke Cafe • Permalink

Amongst wine types, rose wines have typically been pushed aside as the stepchildren of traditional full-blooded red wines.  This is unfortunate for wine lovers as it has kept many from enjoying this wonderful wine that looks more beautiful in the glass than any other.   Many of these pink wines are not the sugary sweet wines of the past, but rather sophisticated summer sisters of many red wine varietals.

Rose can be read as "rosado" in Spanish and "rosato" in Italian, however all of the terms refer to the pink wine that can be paired with a variety of different cuisines.    Rose wines are typically enjoyed in the spring and summer months and can be paired with bbq or summer picnics.  They are also a great additions to seafoods and steaks.  It is also a good choice of wine to serve with cheese and fruits on the patio or just sipped on its own, while enjoying the warmth of the season.

We are pouring Terradora Depaolo Rosato (Southern Italy) at Artichoke Café.  As quoted from the winemaker, "with  a characteristic salmon-pink color it has an elegant bouquet with aromatic notes including cherry, red fruits and apricot. It is well balanced on the palate; it is dry and persistent with undertones of peach and an after taste of strawberry".  This rose will have you blushing with the desire for another glass.    

Now is the time to step out of the full-bodied red wine box and think pink.  Since there is variety amongst rose wines, there is a taste for every palate. 

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/AndyKet

What's Cookin?

November 6th, 2011 • Posted by Martinique Chavez • Permalink

Root Vegetables are in season and we're using them in many ways at the Artichoke this year.

Our new chopped salad included roasted beets and butternut squash, oven-dried grape tomatoes, toasted pistachios, dried cranberries, sweet potato chips, arugula and lemon-parmesan vinaigrette.

We're doing a new Pan-seared Duck Breast with roasted root vegetables and a fig-sherry pan sauce that is very French and delicious!

We do a nice Butternut Squash and Apple Soup too!

At home, a sweet potato roasted in the oven for about an hour at 400 degrees is an easy weeknight accompaniment to a rotisserie chicken picked up at the grocery store or chicken parts roasted in the oven with olive oil, garlic, sea salt and pepper. Just add a salad with lots of veggies with a simple vinaigrette and steamed broccoli for a green veggie.

Bon Appétit!

Pat Keene

Chef/Owner

Artichoke Cafe