Tag: chef Lshawtay

THE HOME GOODS

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Have you been wondering where I’ve been for the last 6 months ? Wow where do I even begin ? I’ve been traveling a ton : Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Costa Rica, New York, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Las Vegas,  Los Angeles and more! And of course spending loads of time in my local city Detroit.

I’ve been attending Art Gallery openings and new exhibits, engaging and hanging with Artists, seeing live cooking events, restaurant friends and family openings (lots of new good eats to post about), the fisher theater, film festivals, sporting events, an acupuncturist, a chiropractor and a cyro spa to name a few. Even learned how to drive a stick shift !!

I’ve been trying out new recipes which I’ll share soon on the blog and via YouTube. I’ve decorated my new home wonderfully & learned more about flower arrangements. I’m currently working with a local Detroit company to have custom frames made out of recycled wood from the D.

After being in Ann Arbor for nearly 8 years I made the move to 48009 .. Birmingham, Michigan !
I live next door to my best friend Erika in a cute townhome where I have a front and backyard !  I’m going to start planting more of my own flowers / plants and extend my knowledge beyond succulents. Did I mention I  attended a Zen Center and mediated with Monks?!

Life has continued to spark and shine … just not translated on my blog. Now that it has been 6 months I feel more settled in my new home and new life I’ll make more time to get logged on the blog!!

Peace and Love,
Lshawtay

Note the planters in the front of the house … my mom and I put that together ourselves!

Food Photography x What it is like to be an Instagram Star

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People sure are eating with their eyes these days! It is like you’ve got your whole meal planned out thanks to Instagram or Yelp prior to even calling for your Uber.  Not saying I am not guilty of this first hand, because I do my fair share of Yelp scouting prior to dining in.

I do have to say that I give back to the Foodie Community by Yelp Reviews and Foodstagrammin’ ! & if the spot is truly giving me a coregasm i’ll post a Google and Facebook review too.

My fair share of taking pics of food began with Yelp – where i’ve earned the honor badge of being Elite for a number of years now. Check out my dank delights by clicking here  – gotta give good graces to my @Miami_FoodPorn pal & contributor for kicking me early on about joining in on the Yelp community.  This was WAYYYY before it became @Tr3ndey

Yelp is just the gateway to what detonated the internet  into a world of food images on Instagram. The foodstagrams can take a number of forms and specialties – relating to veganism, raw diets, burgers only, city specific, or just a simple this food is fucking great and u NEED it NOW.

People feel compelled to share their good eeeeats and let everyone know they are doing it ! But some really just do it better than others – and what makes one Insta star versus another?? The PHOTO – duh!

Here are a few things to consider while taking a stellar shot –

Lighting : To use flash ? or to not? Is your natural lighting on fleek? or does a friend need to use their flash light app?

Angle of shot : this is VERY important – make sure you get the money shot

Placement : do you get up close and personal? do you take an overhead shot? do you get the drinks in? are the drinks the focus?

Fingers : are they manicured! why are you even showing the fingers? hands? DO NOT include your face, or your friends.

Props : are you putting your favorite sunnys in cuz it plays into the vibe of the image? are your kicks in the shot because its a photo of coffee? what are you really trying to showcase here – the lifestyle or the food?

Exhibit 1 - above view, drinks in view, props on set

Exhibit 1 – above view, drinks in view, props on set

Exhibit 2 - larger zoomed out above view ( famed of @ChicksonChairs) , Yes props and yes drinks,

Exhibit 2 – larger zoomed out above view ( famed of @ChicksonChairs) , Yes Props and Yes Drinks

Exhibit 3 - a bit closer view point, more exclusive look into the food itself, minor props

Exhibit 3 – a bit closer view point, more exclusive look into the food itself, minor props, poor plating set up

Exhibit 4 - zoomed in, solo food shot of specific item

Exhibit 4 – zoomed in, solo food shot of specific item

Exhibit 5 - you get the whole view of the star of the photo

Exhibit 5 – you get the whole view of the star of the photo

THE MONEY SHOT !!!

THE MONEY SHOT !!!

Now you have an inside look on what it’s like to Live Like Lindsey and be a FoodStaGrammer. This collab went down in Wynnwood @ZakTheBaker one of my must haves and go-to ‘s while in Miami!  If you are down there you gotta check it out !

Keep on Eatin’,

Lshawtay

Michigan x Road Trip | If you ever find yourself in Bridgman Michigan

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Squad !

Squad !

If for some reason you are cruising down I 94 and you suddenly you are craving the dankest cheap diner eats – you’ve got to stop off for Mikey’s Drive In.  Cruising down I94 is the city of Bridgman wedged between two state parks : Grand Mere State Park & Warren Dunes State Park.

ozie @ Mikey's Mikey’s Drive In is located at  9096 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman, MI 49106 .  You’ve got a few different options of where you could dine … A) in your car ! they’ll bring a cute tray to attach onto your window B) inside the small shop or C) at the picnic tables under a tent !  Since we were a big squad we decided to post up at a picnic table outside.

Ft. in the photo is Ozie ! Follow him on Twitter for the latest and greatest info about tech and travel.

We basically ordered the WHOLE menu as the items range from about $1.00 to 3.50.  Here’s a sneak peak into what’s available to order ! We went with a boat load of Grilled Cheeses, Chicken Fingers & Fries, Seasoned Curly Fries, Zucchini Fries, Dino Bites, Classic Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Root beers in cold mugs, and Homemade Chicken & Rise soup.  YOU MUST GET THE SOUP ! I would have taken home a gallon of this soup if I could have!

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Some of the spread featured in the photo ! We feasted like Kings & Queens for about $75.

  It was a lovely brunch at Mikey’s Drive In! If we are back in the area I know this spot will totally be a tradition.

It is always great to get together with your squad in a remote spot to really chat and bond.  I love supporting local spots and sharing them on my blog!

Menu Backside

Menu Backside

Menu Side 1

Menu Side 1

@HelloAnnArbor x @AnnArbor_Eats x Neopapalis

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Bianca Pizza Neopapalis the Pizza King on the block of 500 E.William which you can also call ahead and place your order for pick up or you can dine in. I prefer to dine in most of the time because they have friendly staff, great seating options for big or small parties, and a bar area with TVs and local microbrew beers!

What to order? The Bianca Pizza @ Neopapalis is just simply incredible ! I am not typically a Pizza Person but this Pizza is out of this world ! The Bianca Pizza base is made up of Herb-butter base, asiago and mozzarella cheese & honey. That small touch of honey really makes each bite super delicious!  Featured here upon request a crispy crust + artichokes, spinach, jalapenos and FIG.

Be sure to go over and grab a 12” pizza at Neos like … now!

Do it For Detroit x APRiL 2 Twenty Fifteen

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Good day Ann Arbor!

Get UP and Get Movin – leave your blinds open and let that sunny sunshine graze over your covers and into your eyes in the morning. Prop open the window for a fresh breeze and embrace  the day.

Jump outta bed and walk over to the local market to grab fresh eggs to make omelets. Fresh air and fresh food what could be better ?!

Today I’m rocking Nike Pants and a Detroit Tigers tank. Opening day for the Detroit Tigers here in Detroit Michigan will be Monday April 6 @ comerica park.

#BBOTD #1307daily Now Playing : Exodus on the big screen

Live it up
Lshawtay

Mondaze in Ann Arbor, Michigan

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A big part of Mondaze is Motivation, Mindfulness, & maintaining a Meatless diet

#TGIM – Thank G-d It’s Monday – well yesterday was the first time i ever came across the abrev #TGIM – very bizarre but i went with the notion and continued to follow through with my version of Mondaze.

Mindful Monday was a sweet sweet success yesterday. Waking up on Monday Mornings I turn quickly to “snooze” which I think could be re branded as a time dedicated to meditation. I do not use my “snooze” to just roll my eyes back into my head & dream land but a moment of clarity.
Meditation Music makes the end of your day a sweet send off

Music of the day : Thomas Jack Vol 4 Tropical House

Getting super pumped up to go see him preform live in Chicago in February at The Mid. If you want to join me purchase your tickets here

Signing up for not one but TWO classes at The Barre Code in Ann Arbor : they have two fabulously convenient locations on is right downtown Ann Arbor on E Liberty between Maynard St & Thompson Street and the second is off Plymouth Road. The owner of The Barre Code Adri is a honey and i love supporting local startups & women ! #Girlpower – you don’t see too many men around The Barre Code but don’t let that stop ya felllas !

    Meatless Diet

Within the first thirty minutes of being awake and up & moving I like to have a piece of fruit to rev up my metabolism. Typically a Granny Smith Green Apple or Bartlett Pear.

Driving to Ann Arbor and getting off at Main Street I can’t help myself but stop into Mighty Good Coffee

Moving forward to lunch I walked over to my new go-to loving lunch spot Salads Up for a Mix It Up Salad filled with edamame, chic peas, cucumbers , red peppers, avocado , olives and broccoli with a spicy shiracha dressing! Dank.

Lady J ( maybe you remember her from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Videos ) whipped me up some mouth watering orgasmic roasted Brussels sprouts for dinner along with our favorite breakfast for dinner omelet while i took on my Mondaze Motion hard.

Mondaze are the perfect day to take your tasks head on >>>> this weeks mondaze motion was to figure out that darn crock pot that is taking up so much space in our kitchen ! One of my new favorite social networking sites Yummly.Com allows amateur and professional chefs alike share recipes in a YUMMY way ! Check out my Yummly Collection of #1307Daily Recipes . FRENCH ONION SOUP you are my b*tch and i’m making you mine ! tipping this off was to caramelize onions! wpid-snapchat-3594131855462917539.jpg

Follow along to hear more about how my #1307Daily activity of the week goes down !

#TCOY – take care of yourself

Keep Mindful and keep it Up !

Vibe On,
Lshawtay

Do it for Detroit x Anthology Coffee x August2014

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8 months deep in the goal to #doitfordetroit once a month.
I sit here and reflect back on the journeys and adventures that I have endured and experienced.
Each adventure to the D thus far has to discover and uncover art, culture and passion!
While visiting my local Juice Shop in Ann Arbor,  the glass box coffee shop, on a lovely Monday morning in the first week of August … I was enlightened with the knowledge of Anthology Coffee.   Jon informed me of the venue that serves up authentic and raw passion. He warned me to not let the exterior of the building deter me from entering the coffee house.
Dayum was he correct in my hesitation to enter the mysteriously placed Anthology.  Located off Michigan Avenue on 1410 Vermont Street , tucked away in a mural coveted building.  Construction site to your left and small rubble parking lot on your right. I hide my valuables in my chest pocket and made a quick walk for the door… it really wasn’t that sketchy just a little alone in the corner.
Anthology was a cool coffee lab…! Where the bags of beans lined the entrance, the center table hosted the cold and hot brew pour overs and a small box of the founders wife’s famous peach coffee cake. Delightfully greater upon entering,  I was asked what I’d like to have.
The two guys happened to be cold brewing an enormous fresh batch of the El Salvador beans. I waited a bit and drank my first glass while conversing with two local female art curators. Our conservation began at the sight of my Flash Tats ! ♡ obsessed with them ♡
The guys at Anthology offered me a deal of 4 bottles of cold brew in a little to go manner. I was ecstatic to watch the coffee be cold brewed, bottled and labeled before my eyes. A True Detroit made product that was filled with passion!  The local art of brewing and bottling coffee, the mural culture surrounding the place and my passion for discovering the D !! What a day!
Cheers!
Lshawtay

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Chef Lshawtay : Knife Skills

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Orange Supreme !

 

 

I’d like to think of my self as a Chef or one in the making ! I have a lot of fun in the kitchen , last year I made a few YouTube Videos about What’s In My Bag : Grocery Store Edition, which i’ll post later this week. One of the great things about living in Ann Arbor is there is Sur La Table just outside of Downtown! On my Instagram account you can find pictures from the classes I have taken : Croissants as well as Macrons.  While I cannot say I’ve mastered either or could make them 100% perfect at home, I’d give it a try ! Photographed in this blog you’ll see photos from my Knife Skills course.

Photographed first we have the Orange Supreme, which was actually the last thing we did in the class.  This was an interesting trick that I never even thought about. Unfortunately I have an allergy to oranges and the squirting of the juice makes me break out in hives, but thats for another day! It kind of reminds me of how oranges come in a can, which I think is vile.

I would love to demonstrate this trick for friends of mine, I feel like it is a very fancy look for an orange slice! 

We learned about the different parts of the knife and how they are made and put together. NOT ALL KNIVES ARE THE SAME! You may see a famous Knife brand on special sale, but it is for a reason!! It is not the same high quality of the original line thats full price.

Sharpening your knives is very important ! Granted the women who taught the class is a professional Chef and has gone to Pastry School, I do believe her advice. She has been going to the same guy who is like 80 to sharpen her knives for over a decade!

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All of the ingredients photo’d surprisingly turned into an amazing Pico De Gallo!! We learned to to properly chop a tomato – this was another troubling one for me as I have an allergy to them as well ! I did wear gloves which were very helpful and I would recommend any one would for the sake of cleanliness & smell. Came in handy for doing the onions as well 😉

 

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Pico!

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Not Photo’d is the Bread Knife with ridged edges !

DIY : Ramen Burger !!

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Meat Mondays … We’ll I caved in for a #MeatMonday over a Meatless one … but for good reason !! Low & Behold the RAMEN BURGER. A scrumptious treat that is easily hand made by YOU. First of all you have to gather your ingredients ….

This is only for making the “Ramen Bun” – not the burger, that is up to you!

1 Packet of Ramen ( I choose chicken flavor), maybe next time i’d try beef

1 Egg

2 Bowls with flat bottoms

1 Tablespoon ( or more lol) of oil

* plastic saran wrap

* 2 pop cans or cups

 

First Step: Follow the ingredients on your Ramen packet – mine say to boil a pot of water with the appropriate amount of water, once it is at a boil, add the packet of ramen, wait for about 3 minutes // until it is soft, then drain almost all of the liquid, save a smidgen for adding the seasonings, then mix around & drain fully.

Second Step: you will let the noodles cool for about 10 minutes, just put it off to the side or whatever works for you. Then when the ten minutes have passed you will crack one egg into the pot/bowl whatever and stir in it thoroughly.

Third Step:  you will separate the noodles into two separate bowls (EVENLY) – with flat bottoms –  these will turn into your buns !! Shape wisely … I went with square. Then you will cover the noodles with the saran wrap & place the cans ( or cups) on top. The diet coke gives this dish a “healthy” feel – but really its purpose is to weigh down the ramen buns!

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Fourth Step: Place these two bowls into the fridge for 30 minutes – or if you get distracted a little bit longer is okay.

Walk around your kitchen , do 10 push-ups, 25 jumping jacks & 15 squats – you got to make room for this delicious treat !!

>> During this time you could also begin to prep and marinate your burger. Preheat the oven or grill ( whichever works for you)

Fifth Step: When you remove the bowls from the fridge  and take off the pop cans, your result should look something like this photo below!

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Sixth Step: What you’d like to do next is preheat your skillet pan and once it gets warmed up it is time to pour on the oil  ! Unwrap your soon-to-be-buns and toss them onto the skillet pan ! Let them sizzle here for 3 – 5 minutes then flip them over. Let the other side cook for about 2 minutes. Flip back & Forth until they are the color of your liking.

 

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You might be interested in adding a little bit more oil if you’d like your buns to get browner.

TA DAHHHHHHHH !!!! You’re DONE!  Add your burger between your buns – and ENJOY !!

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I personally like plain – some other recipes will add green onion , lettuce, soy or siracha ketchup! Honestly one pack made enough for 2 people to enjoy it. Depends also how big your burgers are !

Pictured above my side dishes are home made Sweet Potato Waffle Chips ( baked in the oven on 400 degrees) & Mashed Cauliflower ( Paleo, can be made vegan if you don’t add butter) , but let’s be honest your not sticking a giant juicy burger in it than !! But you could add a Veggie Burger.

To each his or her own can add their flare !!

Bon Apetite !