There is no other staple in the American diet as well known as the potato. It serves more purposes than just the baked potato, it is in countless recipes for sauces, soups, mixes, as well 1000's of variations of cooking and presenting it. This recipe from 101 cookbooks is simple and excellent. Simplicity is what makes the potato one of our most comforting foods.. Sea salt Baked Potatoes.
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It has been years since I'd spent any time at all in the Old Bowie area. I mean years. This area is known for it's antiques stores and outside of that, the Horse racing track. However these days there's a new place called Mama Cocoa's a little place where candies and sweets of all kind are made fresh daily.
My sister introduced me to Tamarra Thomas and I am so glad I have been able to get to know her a little. She has followed a lifelong passion and started this little business in an area that so badly needs something, anything new!! I wish her well.
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Go Cook Demo from Cookenstein on Vimeo.
]]>'m a tech gadget junkie by nature, and the Metro diner goes a step in fulfilling a service expectation for me, while being mildly entertained. You walk in, and immediately are faced with flat panel monitors loaded with menu items. You walk up to a touch screen order guide to set up your order and grab a table number (electronic) card. Then you go to an open booth or seat of your choice.
You have yet to be greeted by anyone. If you are slow to understand the system, a manager can help you, and this is where the system needs work. For many folks over the age of 40 or so (me included) this may be initially a roadblock.That said, your order placed, and or any changes made, a server brings your cups and "you" go to get your drink. Within minutes after you have plugged your card w/ table number into the little box on your table, they now know where you are seated and within minutes the meals are brought to you, and in our case with little fuss. The system is intelligent but with flaws. Given the enormous investment in one of these types of businesses, it seems they missed the mark on upselling.With a little flat panel monitor at the table they could upsell desserts or other drinks and so on. Which of course you would have to go back and order at the main monitors up front, but what if you could do this at your table?? They have your credit/card info already, and now they made a sale with no server having to take an order twice?? the up front investment would likely pay off big in my eyes.
The food my sliders were dry and generally of little flavor. Most places miss the mark on sliders simply because the portions are very small to begin with, and leaner beef of course cooks/dries out very quickly, a higher fat content could help this easily, and some seasoning would be s good afterthought as well. Flavor always helps.
As for my fries, slaw, and veggie chips Tami and I split, those were good. Tami had a Patty melt of sorts, which was made with a Chiabatta roll, and honestly was not a patty melt at all. More like a hot sandwich at best. the corned beef was good, but it kinda missed the mark.This place has potential, but from what I saw was dead slow on an early evening, on a Saturday! Maybe lunch is where they make up the money here. I don't know. Again, I like the concept, however for the older crowd whom are accustomed to service, this may be a bit to swallow. The food does get to your table pretty fast though, if you understand the system, and with a little work, the food could be excellent. Maybe a real Cook in the kitchen?? Not just an hourly. Just my opinion.