The
‘usual suspects’ at Monica’s
Chef
Monica Cobb is famous for pop-ups, Vietnamese sandwiches and the freshest of
produce to create meals to be enjoyed and remembered.
Other
than standard hours had prevented me from experiencing Monica’s Restaurant,
6385 Calder Ave. in Beaumont. But some time off and an invite from my mother
rectified that. I was thrilled to get to the counter and choose Blackstrap
Molasses Pork Loin and The Elvis. But it was tough to pick those over other
selections such as Ghandi and Lemongrass Chicken.
Mom
pointed out that these options can come as a banh mon sandwich or a salad, so
we did the pork as a sandwich and The Elvis as a salad that came with
almond-hoisin glaze, fried plantains and “the usual suspects.” We traded off so
we could share all the flavors.
The
suspects are on several dishes and are grouped as soy aioli, cucumber, seedless
jalapeno, Asian slaw, pickled carrot-daikon, chili-mango vinaigrette and
sriracha with red curry honey glaze. I’m all about it.
There’s
art on the wall and diners who love to experiment and I can’t wait to try more.
As we waited for a nut bread dessert, I heard others arriving and some noting
“I’ve never been here before!”
I’ll
bet their introduction to Monica’s was as fun as mine was. Thanks, Mom.
Gaea
does EVOO
Gaea’s
Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a dash of lemon seems a natural for fish and salad.
But my first thought was to drizzle some onto popcorn. Now that was a fresh
taste.
Subtle
flavors in high quality olive oil delight me more as I learn more. I never pass
up the opportunity to dip my bread at sampling stations and I know how just a
little makes such a great difference in your meal.
Gaea’s
Estate Grown Sitia is from Crete and the label is a work of art, explaining a
fruity and slightly peppery aroma. An egg breakfast comes out as tasteful art
with a drizzle of this “100 percent natural & authentic” EVOO.
One
more surprise, the top comes off and pouring spout pops out to direct your
flow.
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