Love & Chocolate

V a l e n t i n e ’ s D a y

By Jan Norris

Who knows when chocolate began to be associated with Saint Valentine’s Day? The history of that marriage is vague. Suffice it to say that today it’s the chocolatiers’ biggest day of the year, and heart-shaped boxes and fancy red-beribboned packages of the dark sweet stuff will fly off the shelves.
Chefs and others are getting creative with chocolate for Feb. 14 — it’s not just the candy makers. Check out these ideas for chocolate treats.

The bartenders at Zed451 in Boca Raton will be pouring the Chocolate Kiss — a drink worthy of any chocoholic. A mix of Godiva Chocolate vodka, Godiva Chocolate liqueur, Bailey’s Irish Cream and a scoop of Chocolate Guinness Ice Cream, this is the ultimate fix for a chocolate craving in liquid form.

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Opening Our Doors to Brunch on Saturday

ZED451, Boca’s unconventional steak house, will open for Brunch on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with the same popular offerings they are known for offering on Sundays. The expansive menu, priced at $24 per person. Weekend Brunch Mimosas are be specially priced at $3.

Guests will enjoy signature dishes such as Buffalo Basted Chicken over a Homemade Waffle, Tomato Basil Frittatas, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, and Panettone French Toast. You can also indulge by adding Cajun Bacon, Duck Hash Browns, or Vanilla Bean Oatmeal to any of your entrees. Assorted meat selections served tableside include Fresh Turkey Grill and Buttermilk Ranch Bottom Sirloin as well as a variety of other items. Specialty coffees, teas, and fresh-squeezed juices are also included.

ZED451’s diners are encouraged to visit the bountiful Harvest Tables, laden with a selection of seasonal fresh fruits, charcuterie, artisan breads and composed salads. House made pastries created by renowned Pastry Chef, Kate Milashus, complete the Brunch leaving one wanting for nothing.

Those needing an extra kick can complement their meal with ZED’s seasonally inspired Liquid Market cocktails. ZED451 uses house-infused spirits, and fresh ingredients served to perfection. An international wine list - with options by the glass, flight or bottle – is also available.

Reserve now to enjoy a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at the area’s most celebrated and extensive Weekend Brunches. Complimentary valet parking is available. For more information or to make reservations, please call (561) 3-ZED451 or visit www.ZED451.com.

Holiday Decorations Tips by Roxy-NBC 6

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Chef Luis's-Favorite Holiday Dishes

Looking for some new ideas for this Holiday Season to spice up your kitchen? ZED451's Chef Luis has shared some of this favorite recipes to make this Holiday Season special.

Red Wine Poached Pears with blue cheese crumbles and Candied Pecans.
SENSITIVITY: Only use firm pears, never ripe.

INGREDIENTS

• Seasonal pears-8 each
• Red wine-3 cups
• Sugar-2.5 cups
• Star anise whole-1/3 cup
• Cinnamon sticks-2 each
• Apple juice-21/2 cups
• Cider vinegar-1/3 cup
• Cloves, whole-1tsp
• Blue cheese crumbles-¼ cup
• Candied pecans-¼ cup

PROCEDURE:

1. Place the red wine, sugar, apple juice, vinegar, star anise, cloves and cinnamon into the roundaeu and bring to the boil.
2. Once at a boil reduce t a simmer and add the pears.
3. Cook on the light simmer for 45 minutes or until tender (not falling apart).
4. Remove the pears from the cooking liquor and place onto a clean sheet pan; place the sheet pan into the walk-in to cool.
5. When cool, place into a plastic storage container, cover with a tight fitting lid, label should have date, time, chef’s initials and product name. Store under refrigeration

Mexican Fruit Punch-perfect reminder of his grandmother's home in Mexico.

• 25 tejocotes (Mexican Fruit) Optional
• 15 yellow guavas (fresh, but frozen raw are good too)
• 1 cup of Golden Raisins (regular raisins are good too)
• 2 cups of Dry Prunes (Optional)
• ¼ Cup Tamarind (if using whole, must peel)
• 6 logs of Sugar Cane (cut into pencil size sticks)
• 4 Yellow or Green Apples (cut into large cubes, peel on)
• 6 Cinnamon Sticks
• 2 ½ Cups of Sugar
• 2 Gallons of Water
• ¼ Cup Dry Hibiscus Flowers

1. Wash and cut the fruits, add them to the water and mix in the sugar.
2. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer for 1 hour.
3. Serve Hot, with a little bit of fruit on each cup.

Thanksgiving, Plan B: Relax, dine out or take out

ZED451, at 201 Plaza Real in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park, is serving a Thanksgiving Day menu in addition to its popular fire-roasted meats. Also offered: the “Everything But the Turkey” Thanksgiving take-out menu.

This includes ready-to- serve portions (to serve 10 to 12) of smoked gouda mashed potatoes, spiced sweet potato mash, corn bread and sausage stuff- ing, among other dishes, all which will be ready for pick up the day before Thanksgiving between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. For order forms that can be faxed or e-mailed, visit www.zed451.com or call (561) 393-3451.

*Article found on page 5 of the Food Section in the Palm Beach Post. click here for more information on The Palm Beach Post.

Downtown Boca Once Again Becomes Finstown This Sunday, September 19th At Mizner Park

BOCA RATON, FL (September 16, 2010) – Following a victorious first Fins’ South Florida’s Biggest Away Game Party at Mizner Park last week during the Dolphins’ season opener, Finatics of all ages and their families, friends and colleagues are once again invited to come out to enjoy the free festivities and unique fan experiences during the team’s second Away Game Party this Sunday, September 19th. The fun begins at 12 Noon at the “50 yard line” of Mizner Park (at the Grand Center Fountain area) until the final seconds of the Dolphins’ game against the Minnesota Vikings.

This week’s festivities will include autograph signing and photos with Dolphins alumni Louis Oliver and Troy Drayton and performances and meet-and-greets by Dolphins Cheerleaders. Sharing the aqua and orange stage with alumni and cheerleaders will be TD the mascot and Fins Force who will get Dolphin Fans, from young to old, revved up for the big game, while live music, stilt walkers, power skippers and a “live” bronze” football player keep the energy going throughout the day.

The pre-game Pep Rally starts at 12 Noon with chances to win one of 15 Dolphins home game Family Four Packs. The youngest fans can play at the Dolphins’ Bounce House, while both young and older can test their skills at the Dolphins Football Toss. Come game time, all can enjoy watching the game on 52” flat screen televisions in special tented areas set up with cooling fans at participating restaurants, many of which are offering special menus and drink discounts.

New youth-oriented activities to follow the Pep Rally this week will include:

• A junior football clinic coached by Dolphins alumni Lamar Thomas, James McKnight, and Ed Perry featuring offensive and defensive drills including hurdles, knock-away dummies, ladders and halfback pads just like the Dolphins players.
• A Cheerleading clinic for youth aspiring to become a Dolphins Cheerleader one day who want to learn some great moves, tips and routines.

Throughout the event, there will be trivia and interactive games, including “Win It In A Minute” type activities and contests during which participants can win a variety of prizes. These include Dolphins home game tickets, an autographed Jersey, autographed helmet and football, year-long subscription to Dolphin Digest and more.

For more information on Downtown Boca’s South Florida’s Biggest Away Game Party this Sunday, visit www.downtownboca.org where visitors can also sign up for Facebook and Twitter to receive all Downtown Boca news.

Chef Luis Cooks Up Herb Crusted Brick Chicken on NBC6

Here is the Recipe:
ZED451_HerbCrustedBrickChicken