Yesterday was a Strip District kind of day, so DB~ asked if we could make a run. We got down there at high noon exactly, so after looking for a free spot in vain on Penn Avenue, we parked in that huge lot behind the warehouses for $6. Aside from our usual fun of "eat the street", which yesterday consisted of egg rolls, Reyna's tacos, and a peanut butter/chocolate crepe, we were on the hunt for a different dinner.
As it usually does, our journey took us into Wholey's. When I was a kid, I hated Wholey's. My dad tells me that a fishmonger handed me a fish, as if it were a lollipop, and I got freaked out. It always smelled bad (which it kind of still does). But back then, it was just a fish market. Now they've made it a fun destination with a sushi bar, market for groceries, and plenty of free samples of lobster crab bisque. There are always tons of kids in there now.
This time langostinos caught our eye. I've always thought of them as faux-lobsters, but as DB~ researched they are more akin to hermit crabs. We got an 8 oz. frozen box of them for $8.99. DB~ had the excellent idea to serve them over pasta, so my mind went to a garlic-infused cream sauce. After we got a couple of other things at Wholey's, we made our way to Penn Mac.
At Penn Mac, we didn't even dally at the cheese counter and see ol' Dearheart. We went straight for the fresh pasta stand. Although not as good or as many choices as Ohio Pasta at the West End Market in Cleveland, they still had probably a dozen selections. We went with the Rosemary Linguini. DB~ selected a tiny loaf of bread, as well. Two bundles of fresh pasta and a mini loaf of bread? That will be $3.76, please.
When it was time for dinner, I put two cups of heavy cream into a large skillet and put it on medium heat. I diced up three cloves of garlic, sprinkled in some black pepper, and a sundried tomato seasoning. Once it started to simmer and bubble, I turned it down to medium-low. The langostinos needed to thaw for 10 minutes in cold water and then be patted dry. After sampling the sauce, I added the juice from half of a lemon to it. It gave the sauce a nice finish after the garlic led the way.
Fresh pasta only takes a couple of minutes to cook, so I got the water going and dropped it in. I added the langostinos and let them get to know the sauce for about five minutes. Once the pasta was drained, I spooned on the sauce and combined it very well. I served this with some roasted eggplant and the bread.
It was surprisingly good and "restaurant quality" as we both agreed. Hermit crab, fake lobster, whatever...langostinos are a good substitute.
That meal is definitely going on the recipe board. You're a great chef! Thanks for a fun day! :) ~
ReplyDelete"I added the langostinos and let them get to know the sauce for about five minutes."
ReplyDeleteYou mean, before the lights went down for the inevitable key party/game of post office?
You're making it sound like you're some kind of shellfish pimp. "Hey, you guys. Want a date? I have some sauce you guys should meet. Don't worry, it's clean. Totally restaurant quality too."
Post office? That's one I haven't heard before.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd like to think the shellfish are adults and able to make their own decisions on who they date and not date.
Just as long as I get my cut.