Artichoke-Olive Tapanade
Eileen at Ham Pie Sandwiches and her husband came through Portland this weekend, so of course we went out for dinner and drinks. It was a really awesome surprise on all accounts. She’s just as awesome in person, if not more so because she brought me a sack of lemons from her tree. I always accept bribes. Always. I clung to the bag for dear life throughout the evening. No one was stealing my lemons. No one.
We ended up eating at Grüner because everyone loves German food. Even if you think you don’t, you do. Trust me. If you went here, you’d find something you’d love. I hadn’t ever been to dinner there before, but I’ve loved lunch every time I’ve gone. Happy hour was kind of meh, but I’m not really a happy hour kind of person anyway. Because we took zero photos, as usual [the lighting was terrible, I swear], you can pretend you’re looking at a nice glass of gamay and their jägerschnitzel dish — breaded veal cutlets in a chanterelle and hedgehog mushroom cream sauce, mustard seed spätzle, and spiced red cabbage. De-freakin’-licious. It’s a good thing I had social obligations or I probably would have inhaled it in about three minutes.
Drinks were had next door at their bar, Kask. All I can say is Negroni Flip. Think Negroni creamsicle thanks to traditional Negroni ingredients + a whole egg. It was out of this world.
Seriously such a fun evening out.
In other news, I hope you enjoyed any hand egg festivities you took part in. I went to my parents’ house for their food, not for the football. I couldn’t have cared less. If you showed empty handed, I highly suggest you keep these ingredients around for the impromptu appetizer to take somewhere or if you’re having people over. I took it to a friend’s house for dinner last weekend, and it was perfect for smothering on baguette or crackers. I used to leftovers on toast with a fried egg. Since the artichokes cut down on the saltiness of the olives, it’s not too overpowering. It’s subtle, but still rich and decadent.
Inspiration: The Smitten Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup large green olives, pitted
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
- 15oz can of artichoke hearts, drained
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Preparation
Peel and smash the garlic clove. Toss everything into a food processor or blender, streaming the oil in at the end. Process until it’s all a nice uniform consistency. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until needed.
Okay, I was already on a German-food-brain-roll after your last post made me think about sauerkraut. Now I need twice as much sauerkraut. And some pierogies. I’m sure I’d like other German food, but it’s usually pretty heavy on the meat so I haven’t had a chance to try much. But pierogies? German food heaven. And the more spicy real mustard spread on top, the better.
You would find plenty to eat at this place. Her husband is vegetarian and had no trouble whatsoever getting some awesome food. So add it to the list when you’re here.
I’m seriously starting a mustard collection. I made those pretzel tots yesterday and carried all my various types to my mom’s house for their hand egg party. Never leave home without your mustard.
PS – I’ve never had a pierogi.
I think I’m going to have to stay a month when I do come visit–I want to visit pretty much every restaurant you’ve mentioned on here. And I’ve totally traveled with mustard before. Glad I’m not alone. You need to get on this pierogi business! Delicious pillowy excuses for sauerkraut and mustard–The Polish/German ravioli.
I’m going to seek them out now. I know this is not the same at all, but I want to try this place out too http://www.yelp.com/biz/piroshki-and-a-pickle-coffeehouse-portland
I don’t know exactly what a carrot, sour apple and parsley piroshki would entail, but wow, I want one.
Is that Dave’s killer bread I see?! That’s my favorite type of store-bought bread, by far. And I remember writing down Gruner as one of the places to visit when I go up to Portland (it’s a real shame how rare I go). I need to get up there and try that place out!
Someone knows their Dave’s! It’s definitely my favorite store-bought, too!
I can barely get down to SE Portland from my place in north, let alone another city, so I totally understand not wanting to make the trek anywhere sometimes. It’s just easier to stay put! But if you ever do, and want a dining buddy, let me know!
Yay! We had a most excellent time and very delicious food. 🙂 But I didn’t get to go eat the schnitzelwich on Monday. Oh well–that’s on the list for next time.
Also: MUSTARD COLLECTION. I have three right now…does that count?
You ate so well, though, regardless of the schnitzelwich. It’ll definitely be for next time!
My mustard count is only at five or six right now. I think three is a great start!