After a pretty gruelling move last week, things are finally starting to shape up at the new Chez Blork sur le Plateau. While I still haven’t properly organized things in the kitchen, it’s at least good in good enough shape that I can put together a meal.Friday night was declared “do nothing night.” As such, on the way home from work I stopped into the Andes store on The Main and picked up some soft corn tortillas, tortilla chips, cilantro, limes, avocados, and a few other things. At home, while waiting for M to come over and join me in doing nothing, I started putting together a meal.
I began by putting together my famous salsa of chopped (peeled and seeded) tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, and lime juice (with a drop of vinegar). I covered it and set it aside to mature.
The next task was the Spanish rice. I fried a bit of bacon in a heavy iron pan until it was very crispy. I removed the bacon and sautéed some onion, green pepper, and garlic in the bacon fat, then stirred in a cup of uncooked rice. I browned the mixture for a few minutes, adding some cumin, and finally dumped in half a can of tomatoes and about a cup and a half of chicken stock. Then a can of small red beans (drained) and a scratch of black pepper. I stirred it all together, covered, and dropped it in the oven at 400ºF.
By then M had arrived, so we tucked into the Mayan tortilla chips and salsa. Then it was time for the tacos. I prepared a few bowls of goodies like green onions, avocado, and cheese, and set them aside. Then I coarsely chopped up some skinless and boneless chicken and some onions, which I sautéed together while tossing off a quick and cooling salad of lettuce, grated carrots, and cucumber. By then the Spanish rice was ready (about 35 minutes). I transferred the hot things to warmed serving bowls and quickly warmed up the corn tortillas in the oven.
We sat down to eat, with five different hot sauces to choose from. We quaffed Mexican Dos Equis beer and Chilean red wine with the feast, and thoroughly enjoyed our meal and ensuing evening of nothingness.
The feastivities continued into Saturday. Two-and-a-half years ago, when I left Discreet Logic, they gave me a lovely bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin vintage reserve 1991 Champagne. In a Herculean act of self restraint, I managed to not drink the thing, claiming I’d save it for a special occasion. (I’ve had a number of special occasions in that time, but I always drank other bottles of Champagne.) When I started thinking about buying a condo, I decided that this bottle would be the one that “christens” the place once I’ve moved in and at least a few boxes are unpacked.
That time had arrived.
Late in the afternoon, M and I went on a quest for foie gras. We found some at the Festin de Babette store on rue St. Denis, not far from Chez Blork. Back home, I toasted some thin strips of the bread I had bought that morning from the boulangerie artisanale down the street, and cut a bit of old cheddar cheese. Then I popped the cork on the Champagne!
M and I sat on my red sofa in my not-quite-ready-yet living room and quaffed the Champagne while indulging in the foie gras and cheese. Later, I prepared a salad of lettuce, cucumber, artichoke hearts, and palm hearts, with a vinaigrette of dijon mustard, oil, and lemon juice. Another night of nothingness ensued.
I think I’m going to enjoy living here!