Good People Drink Good Beer-- Hunter S. Thompson

I love a really good IPA.  India Pale Ale is a type of ale that is light amber to copper in colour with a medium to medium high alcohol content and a pronounced hoppy, some what bitter flavour.  Originally developed in the late 1700's, British breweries would send beer via sail to the troops and British expatriots in India. Problem was, there was no refrigeration and the ocean voyage took nearly five months. As a result, the beer would usually arrive in compromised condition. Well, the brewers of the time didn't know as much about beer as we do today, but they did know that both hops (where we get the bitterness in beer) and alcohol act as natural preservatives. So, they came up with a brew that was intensely hopped and rather high in alcohol --- thus the birth of the "India Pale Ale." Two of my favourites at Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA and Snake Dog IPA by Flying Dog.

Both of these IPAs are around 7% but you wouldn't really notice it; a quality I like.  Ales in the 6-8% are some of my favourite as they go down nicely and have the mellow buzz factor.  The Sierra Nevada Torpedo has the slight edge compared to Flying Dog, with the pine and citrus notes pretty well balanced with the hops. I distinctly remember grapefruit in the aftertaste.  The Flying Dog is smoother than I expected. Hops come out with a bit of bite, then quickly back off. The malts are creamy and not too sweet. Not the most complex tastes either, but well balanced and satisfying.  After a 40 mile mountain bike ride, either one of these Ales will satisfy the palette.

   

The intense hop character of India Pale Ale makes it among the driest, yet most appetizing, beers in the world today. That's why it's the perfect choice to team up with many spicy dishes. Indian food is a natural(and historical) pairing, as is Cajun, Thai, or Mexican cuisine.

Try an IPA with a plate of hot Buffalo-style chicken wings or a pepperoni pizza. The choices are endless. But you don't have to limit yourself to spicy foods. IPA is also great with pesto dishes, pork chops, beef, Stilton cheese, or even escargot. And don't forget dessert - you'll be amazed by how well IPA pairs up with a rich carrot cake with a cream cheese frosting.

My raised bed and container garden

This year I am growing Roma tomatoes, basil, chives, green beans, rosemary, mint and tarragon.  I love using fresh herbs when I cook.

This is a very Italian garden except for the French Tarragon, which I use for salads, sauces and seafood dishes

A very rewarding past time...

5 dollar stupid

An amazing mountain bike slide show. Pisgah National Forest.  This one rocks!
Click link above.  Pictures and video by Tim Broyer.

My Giant Iguana

Pizza is a Canvass

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Pizza w/ carmelized onions, creme fraiche, capers, and fresh dill on a thin crust..

I think smoked salmon pizza is both hard to find and certainly delicious, especially at Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria, Cary, NC.  The flavors and textures just right.  My Mediterranean Pizza the past two weekends has been a success and I need to post a picture and recipe!

La Rancherita, downtown Apex, NC

At least twice a month since moving to Apex, I go to this lovely little Mexican Restaurant and I get the same thing every time:

The salsa is very good. You can see and taste the cilantro and the margaritas are just perfect.  But the main reason I go is for the $6.95

FISH TACOS.  I love a good fish taco and these are excellent, and for $6.95 good by fast food.

Do you love refreshing, satisfying Summer Salads? Then try...

this Grilled Shrimp Salad with Mesclun, Arugula, Feta, Watermelon, Heirloom Yellow tomatoes.

I have featured this salad at Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria, Cary, NC the past two weeks and it has sold well and everyone loves it.  Isn't that what being a Chef is all about?  Making food that people love, easy on the eyes (and profitable).

When it's 99 degrees, a gourmet salad provides great flavors, light and refreshing, allowing you to really enjoy that glass of Pinot Grigio at half the cost of steak or seafood entrees.   I love a great Salmon Caesar or Steakhouse Salad with gorgonzola and balsamic vinaigrette.  Entree salads are both easy to make and will impress your guests, so check out this recipe.  It is really easy.

GRILLED SHRIMP SALAD W/ MESCLUN, ARUGULA, WATERMELON, FETA, TOMATOES & STRAWBERRY

Serves 4

4 cups of Mesclun Mix, aka as Spring Mix

2 cups fresh Arugula

1 lb. 21/25 peeled & deveined shrimp (local are better)

1/4 cup fresh, chopped oregano

1/4 Cup chopped garlic in olive oil

Salt and Pepper

12 strawberries, quartered

24 watermelon balls

1 cup of crumbled Greek Feta cheese

2 yellow tomatoes

12 cherry tomatoes cut in half

2 lemons

4 Tbsp Balsamic

8 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 cup Basil chiffonade

Fresh ground black pepper

Step 1.  marinate shrimp in chopped basil, garlic & olive oil mixture.  Pinch of S&P.  Grill shrimp for 3 minutes each side and set aside.

Step 2. build salad.  Equally plate mesclun, arugula, melon, strawberry, feta and tomatoes.  Squeeze 1/2 lemon on each of the four salads.  Dribble 1 Tbsp of balsamic on each salad and then folow w/ two Tbsp. of olive oil. Hit with a couple of twists of fresh ground pepper.

Step 3.  Add five or six shrimp to each salad.  Sprinkle a little basil chiffonade.  Serve & Enjoy.

Some of my favorite, original food pictures. Many by my brother Tim.

I'm not a pastry Chef, nor am I afraid to make desserts either.  This Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake was sexy and delicious.

My all time favorite food photo.  I have this on canvass in my kitchen.  Jimmy V's Steak House, Cary, NC.  Nine oz. bacon-wrapped CAB Filet Mignon, Twelve oz. Cold Water Australian Lobster Tail served with one pound Baked Potato.  I love the Americain steak house concept!

Filet Mignon Spring Roll served w/ ginger-sesame BBQ sauce.

Winter Minestone Soup

The Apex of Soups.  Photogenic and delectable.  Tastes better than it looks.  

Veal Short-Rib Ragu w/ Pappardelle, gremolata

Great Dismal Swamp, NC March 2008

Jerhico Ditch Trail

fire tower.  No fires that day.

Great Dismal Swamp, NC March 2008

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a very unusual place to mountain bike.  I had an epic day of riding and slogging through swamp up to two feet deep.  Lots of wildlife and took lots of pictures.

Welcome to epicurean and cycling adventures.

My name is Michael Broyer,  and this is my attempt to create a blog which conveys a passion for all things culinary as well as occasional musings on cycling, the restaurant industry. 
Over time, my goal is to share adventures in the kitchen and my career as a professional Chef.  While the epicurious aspect of this blog is the primary focus, I want to convey my passion for mountain and road biking.  It will take months for me to make this blog interesting and entertaining, but I am determined and willing to give it a try.  Buon appetito e hanno un grande giro!