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the sweet scoop
Lunch Table: Cashew Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Monday, September 10, 2012 at 10:09 AM - Posted by Megan - (16) commentsSeptember is a time for new beginnings. And whether you’re going back to school or settling into a fall schedule, nothing helps you power through the day like a delicious, energy-packed lunch.
So what to make when you’re brown-bagging it? It’s easy to get stuck in the same boring weekday routine, but my friends at Food Network aim to change that. They’ve invited me to be part of today’s Communal Table lunch party, where members of the online food community share recipes for midday mealtime inspiration.
My lunch table contribution is a simple, satisfying sandwich recipe that tastes sophisticated, yet is easy to put together on busy mornings (or the night before). This chicken salad’s high protein content will help combat mid-afternoon slumps, while hearty cashews, curry powder and sweet-tart grapes deliver a dynamic flavor and texture punch.
Since this recipe was adapted from Cooking Light, it’s a wholesome option for school lunch boxes too! Kids are sure to love the combination of crunchy nuts and juicy grapes—plus, the curry is subtle enough that it won’t overwhelm picky little palates.
Dig into the recipe at the bottom of this post, and check out the below links for more fantastic lunch ideas from around the web. Want to join the party? Get in the conversation and share your favorite recipes on Twitter by using hashtag #pullupachair (@FoodNetwork @ThisGirlCanEat).
Tidy Mom: Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Peanut Butter Cookies
Made by Michelle: Almond Butter and Banana Sandwiches
Chez Us: Healthy Tuna Salad
And Love It Too: Healthy Lunchbox 2012: The Ultimate Collection
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Back to School Roasted Chicken Legs
Bacon and Souffle: Gruyere Grilled Cheese With Apple Salad
Zaika Zabardast: Fresh Corn Cakes With Black Bean Salad Tossed in Cumin Vinaigrette
This Girl Can Eat: Cashew Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Jeanette’s Healthy Living: Spicy-Korean “Ramen” Noodle Soup
Haute Apple Pie: Edamame Hummus
Feed Me Phoebe: Deviled Egg Salad Sandwiches
Creative Culinary: Margarita Watermelon
Big Girls Small Kitchen: Swiss Chard Turnovers With Parmesan and Pistachios
Cashew Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches (serves 2)
adapted from Cooking Light
Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring until well blended. Add chicken, celery, cashews, and green onions; stir well. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve chicken salad on rolls and garnish with lettuce and tomato (optional).
Happy lunching!
So much to eat, so little time. New Orleans is one of those over-the-top eating cities that brings out the glutton in everyone, in the most delicious way possible. And no matter how many multi-course meals I’ve savored, po-boys I’ve put down, or pounds I’ve packed on, I always leave the Big Easy craving more.
A few short days in that sinfully tempting town never seems to be enough. I mean, how can I possibly hit up all my favorite NOLA standbys (starting the day with beignets and café au lait at Café Du Monde, bellying up to the Acme Oyster House bar for raw oysters and the charbroiled variety at Royal House, sucking down Bloody Marys and barbecued shrimp at Mr. B’s Bistro, indulging in the ultimate pork supremacy at Cochon…) and expand my eating horizons at the same time!?
Since I’m always on the hunt for new flavors, places and experiences, it was essential to find the time and stomach space (in between several New Orleans Wine & Food Experience events and tastings, I may add) for a little culinary exploration while in the area. Here are a few of the incredible new discoveries and mouthwatering highlights from my recent trip:
Hungry for a standout meal outside the French Quarter? Head a few blocks due south to this elegant, modern bistro located in the up-and-coming Central Business District. Everything about Ste. Marie feels fresh and current — from the chic industrial decor, to the extensive list of Champagnes and sparkling wines, to the menu of refined French fare made with locally sourced ingredients. Since opening in early 2011, this NOLA gem has been firing up flavorful dishes such as escargot with bone marrow, tempura battered soft-shell crab BTL, velvety three cheese crawfish mac, and the best Moules Frites this side of the bayou — plump mussels nestled in a thick white wine garlic broth spiced with fiery chorizo, topped with a heap of thin cut fried potatoes to soak up the sauce remnants at the end. Très magnifique!
Contemporary and inviting, Ste. Marie impressed in all the right ways — definitely one to add to your New Orleans must-try list. And when you do stop by, ask for Miles and tell him I sent you ;-)
Ste. Marie • 930 Poydras Street • 504.304.6988 • www.stemarienola.com
‘Local Ingredients, Global Inspiration’ is the philosophy behind this highly anticipated Hotel Monteleone newcomer. Criollo (the Spanish word for Creole) pays homage to the unique blend of cultures and influences that comprise Louisiana cuisine, with an ingredient-driven, seasonal menu boasting the region’s bounty of fresh seafood and produce. Chef de Cuisine Joseph Maynard delivers inspired dishes — like refreshing Gulf shrimp, blue crab and avocado layered over spicy tomato coulis, and savory herb marinated chicken paillard with sunchoke slaw and grilled Celeste figs — that pack the bold flavor punch New Orleans is famous for, executed with elegance and finesse to suit today’s contemporary tastes.
Standout service and spot-on wine pairings added to the overall enjoyment of my lunch at Criollo, and I’m already anticipating feasting here again once dinner service starts (slated for July).
Criollo at Hotel Monteleone • 214 Royal Street • 504.681.4444 • www.criollonola.com
There aren’t enough sweet sentiments to say about this darling dessert boutique from celebrated pastry chef-owner Tariq Hanna. Go here. Try everything. Smile and repeat. I can go on for days about Sucré… or you can just check out my previous post for more pictures and all the delicious details. How sweet it is!
Sucré • 3025 Magazine Street • 504.520.8311 • www.shopsucre.com
I’ve had the pleasure of dining at Restaurant August before (last year at a Pride Mountain Vintners dinner as part of the 2011 NOWFE), but this visit was my first à la carte experience. And it far exceeded the already high bar set during that first fine meal.
John Besh’s award-winning restaurant is a New Orleans signature, located in a historic 19th century French-Creole building. The interior is rich, elegant and polished, with three breathtaking dining rooms, and the cuisine is contemporary French with a farm-to-table focus on local ingredients. A late Saturday dinner here turned out to be one of the best meals I’ve had in recent memory. Talented executive chef Michael Gulotta presented an impeccably prepared succession of robust dishes, each more mouthwatering than the last, leaving me eager with anticipation of what was coming next. His precision, finesse and balanced approach to flavor was remarkable. And pastry chef Kelly Field’s desserts were simply stunning — she is a true artist in every sense of the word.
After this epic spread, paired with a stellar selection of wines and top-notch service, I can say with confidence that August is my favorite restaurant in all of New Orleans, hands down. Forks down, too — I was officially (and so satisfyingly) stuffed!
Restaurant August • 301 Tchoupitoulas Street • 504.299.9777 • www.restaurantaugust.com
After meeting pastry chef Zak Miller during NOWFE (and hearing from multiple sources about his dessert mastery), I just had to check out his restaurant, Coquette. Occupying the corner of Magazine and Washington in the scenic Garden District — and just down the street from Sucré — this acclaimed two-floor French bistro and wine bar charms with exposed brick walls, crystal chandeliers and paintings by local Louisiana artists. With a daily changing menu of haute cuisine at fairly reasonable prices, Coquette showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients in dishes such as succulent cochon de lait over pureed sweet potato and crisp corn relish, and plump salt-crusted sea scallops with snappy English peas, fennel and sherry vinegar. There’s also house infused spirits, signature cocktails and an eclectic wine list to round out the menu. But no matter what you eat or drink, be sure to leave room for dessert. Zak’s visionary confections cannot be missed!
Coquette • 2800 Magazine Street • 504.265.0421 • www.coquette-nola.com
No trip to New Orleans is complete without a po-boy or muffaletta. So, if you’re in the French Quarter and that comfort food craving sets in, try Johnny’s — a tiny St. Louis Street landmark that’s been serving its signature sandwiches since the 1950’s. This casual, order-at-the-counter spot rolls out all the standards, as well as special varieties like a seafood muffaletta (catfish, shrimp and oysters) and surf and turf (hot roast beef topped with fried shrimp) po-boy. The sandwiches here are massive and filled to the brim, so be prepared to chow down and get a little messy. And for the true experience, order ‘em “Dressed, baby!” with lettuce, tomato, pickles & mayo, along with a bag of crunchy Zapp’s chips and a Barq’s root beer to wash it all down. For a quick, satisfying bite, no place hits the spot like Johnny’s — especially on the day after a late night on Bourbon Street. You’ll thank me later.
Johnny’s Po-Boys • 511 Saint Louis Street • 504.525.8037 • www.johnnyspoboys.com
Until we eat again, New Orleans…
Where are some of your favorite spots to eat in the Big Easy? I’d love to hear from you!
Related posts: The Sweeter Side of a Savory City, Classic NoLa Cocktails to Kick Off Mardi Gras
What New Yorker doesn’t love a good deli sandwich? I know I do, and after moving out to my new ‘hood, I’ve been told over and over that Sal, Kris and Charlie’s Deli—known as The Sandwich King of Astoria—is the tried and true local favorite. This traditional, old-school Italian delicatessen has no frills, just great food. So, one afternoon when I was intensely craving a good ol’ meaty sammie, I went to see what all the hype was about.
Let me tell you, it’s a serious operation in there! I felt like I was in a Seinfeld episode trying to order a bowl from the Soup Nazi—it was jam-packed with people yelling, cold cuts flying—definitely a bit intimidating for a first-timer. This place is tiny, the line is usually long, and the sandwiches are massive.
Sal, Kris, and Charlie’s most famous sandwich creation is called The Bomb. When I asked what comes on it, I got a gruff stare from the guy behind the counter and the cheeky response of “all American and Italian meats and cheeses.” That’s about all the explanation I was going to get and that’s really all I needed. Trust me, don’t ask questions, just order The Bomb.
At only $7, this sandwich is enormous—most people wouldn’t even come close to eating this thing in one sitting. It’s probably the biggest and most complex sandwich I’ve ever had in my life. The bread is crusty, chewy and hearty enough to support all the fillings. What’s exactly on The Bomb: ham, turkey, salami, pepperoni, mortadella, American, Swiss and provolone cheeses, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, black olives, marinated hot peppers, dressing, mustard, mayo…. and I’m pretty sure there’s more that I’m leaving out.
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