Big Lou’s Pizza

Close your eyes and imagine a hot, thin crust pie filled with delicious cheese, savory toppings, and a marinara sauce that makes you wonder if someone’s grandma is in the kitchen. Wait before you open your eyes imagine your waiter bringing this delicious pizza to your table and it is the size of your table. Yes 42” of hot, cheesy, incredible, yes somebody pass me a napkin, pizza.

 

We had the pleasure of dining again at the fairly new location of Big Lou’s Pizza recently, and let me tell you the lines were out the door. Now don’t get turned away because the lines are long, let me assure you this is a well oiled machine. The lines moved quickly, and the servers are friendly and helpful. Hat’s off to the owner Brian.

 

           

 

Our Friday night order consisted of a pepperoni pizza and wings. And let me tell you we sat there for about 2 hours enjoying the atmosphere, watching the basketball game, and stuffing our faces with pizza and wings. It is a great family friendly pizza joint, however the menu is filled with items that made us want to go back to try more. 

This restaurant gets the stamp of approval, this is definitely a

“Danforth’s Favorite”

If you need a place to hang out for lunch or for a late night weekend meal, we highly recommend Big Lou’s Pizza. Try it out and come back to tell us about your experience. Check out their website for hours of operation and/or to place an order to go. http://biglouspizzaonline.com

And as always, you are always welcome to dine with the Danforth’s.

 

Brio Tuscan Grill – Restaurant Review

Brio Tuscan Grill – Restaurant Review

Out on the town with a few of our friends, Brian and I enjoyed a great meal at Brio Tuscan Grill in La Canterra Mall. We had a blast! It was definitely a great night and a fabulous dining experience. The service was incredible and the atmosphere was quite inviting. This location also has a beautiful patio for you to enjoy a lovely meal outdoors. It has a covered awning with rotating fans for those warm Texas days.  A perfect indoor and outdoor dining set-up

We started our meal with some great appetizers:

*Roasted Garlic, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, bubbling hot with parmesan flatbread

*Crab & Shrimp Fonduta, served hot and creamy, with diced tomatoes and Parmesan crisps for dipping

*Calamari Fritto Misto, fried to a crisp golden brown with peperoncini

*Lobster Bisque Soup, with shrimp and a touch of sherry

 

The appetizers were just the right portions, and fantastic for sharing; or not if you have a big appetite. In perfect timing the servers brought out our meal. We all order something different, but Brian and I had the following two entrees.

 

*  Shrimp Verduta – Angel hair tossed with shrimp, garlic, sundried tomatoes, roasted artichokes, caramelized onions, Feta and spinach, topped with pesto bread crumbs

*Lasagna Bolognese Al Forno – Oven baked and layered with authentic Bolognese meat sauce, Alfredo, Ricotta and Mozzarella

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for a restaurant to enjoy a romantic evening, or to hang out with your friends for lunch; we recommend Brio Tuscan Grill. Go out a try this restaurant and be sure to comment to let us know how you enjoyed it.

And as always, thanks for dining with the Danforth’s.

The Oscar’s

It’s an exciting time in Hollywood this weekend, as many actors, producers, directors, and musicians; prepare for this career torpedo we all know as The Oscars. There are some incredible movies that are nominated this year, and in celebration there will be tons of parties happening. Well most of you know that we love a good party, so here is a sweet treat to dazzle your menu at your Oscar Party this weekend. This is easy and delicious, and your party guest will love it. Try it and be sure to let us know how you enjoyed it.

In honor of this year’ 2013 Academy Awards, I have created the Golden Peanut Butter Parfait. This recipe has a beautiful presentation and is rich with creamy goodness. This is perfect for a dessert party complimented with Sparkling Cider, Crème Puffs, Truffles, and Red Velvet Cupcakes.

Golden Peanut Butter Parfait

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Peanut Butter
• 1 cups of Vanilla Yogurt
• 4oz. Cream Cheese
• ¼ cup of Confectioners’ Sugar
• ¼ cup chopped toffee
• 2 Bananas peeled and sliced
• 1 box of Lorna’s Shortbread Cookies

Directions:

• Mix the instant French vanilla pudding according the packet.
• Fold in 4oz. Cream Cheese, Yogurt, the peanut butter, and the confectionery sugar
• Allow the mixture to cool in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• When ready to serve, fill the bottom of your serving glass with the crumbled nutter butter cookies. Then spoon the mixture in on top.
• Dress the dessert with the sliced bananas, toffee chips, and a whole nutter butter cookie.

13 Terrific Restaurants for Valentine’s Day 2013 in San Antonio

Chart House Restaurant – Tower of the Americas

Downtown | Seafood

Let Chart House’s passion inspired menu romance your sweetheart and your taste buds this Valentine’s Weekend, February 14-17.

601 Tower of America’s Way | 210.223.3101

Kona Grill – San Antonio

La Cantera | Contemporary American

Dine at Kona Grill for Valentine’s Day & all weekend! Enjoy a special romantically inspired steak and lobster dinner. Reserve your table today!

15900 Cantera Vista | 210.877.5355

Maggiano’s – San Antonio

The Rim | Italian

Indulge in romance, wine, and all things divine this Valentine’s Day! Try our That’s Amore! Dinner for Two February 7 – February 20.

17603 I-10 | 210.451.6000

Q on the Riverwalk – Hyatt Regency

Downtown | Barbecue

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate prix-fixe couple’s dinner. Featuring delicate Chateaubriand and molten chocolate lava cake. Champagne toast and parking included.

123 Losoya St. | 210.362.6325

Tre Trattoria Downtown

La Villita | Italian

5 Course Set Menu . $60 per Guest/ $85 with Wine Pairings. Reserve a table for two before 2/1/13 and enjoy a glass of champagne complimentary!

4003 Broadway St. | 210.805.0333

The Melting Pot

Blanco | American Fondue

It is not often that you find a big chain restaurant on a list of “Most Romantic” for any city, but the Melting Pot with their pots of cheese and chocolate fondue buck the trend, with reservations (especially for Valentine’s Day!) needed well in advance for some days. For a unique dining experience or to end your evening with dessert only, Melting Pot is an excellent choice for a change of pace Valentine’s date.

14855 Blanco Rd # 110 | 210.479.6358

Ácenar

Downtown | Tex-Mex

This restaurant will present a So Much to Love menu at 5 p.m. Feb. 11, 12 and 14 and all day Feb. 13 featuring chef specialties in addition to its regular menu. Three-course prix fixe menu with entrées costing $18.95-$28.95. For more information, call or visit acenar.com.

146 E. Houston St. | 210.222.2362

Auden’s Kitchen

Sonterra | American

AK is offering a three-course prix fixe menu, 3 p.m.-close Feb. 11-14, $35. Menu includes salad, choice of entrée (10-ounce rib-eye or sea bass) and chocolate mousse. Open 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Feb. 11-12, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 13 and 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Call or go to audenskitchen.com for reservations.

700 E. Sonterra Blvd. | 210.494.0070

Biga on the Banks

Downtown (Riverwalk) | Contemporary-Regional Dining

Enjoy a romantic evening on the River Walk as you dine with Biga on the Banks. They are offering a three-course Valentine’s menu, Feb. 11-14, and Valentine-themed cocktails and a la carte menu also available. Call or visit to biga.com

203 S. St. Mary’s St., Suite 100 | 210.225.0722

Coco Chocolate Lounge and Bistro

U.S. 281 | Contemporary American

Looking for dinner and dancing – look no further! Voted “Most romantic Restaurant in San Antonio” Coco is featuring a three-course prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day.

18402 U.S. 281, Suite 114 | 210.491.4480

Max’s Wine Dive San Antonio

Quarry | Contemporary American

Treat your sweetheart to an incredible dinner paired with a fine wine on this special Valentine’s day. This hot restaurant in the Quarry will be a great place to celebrate the one you love.

340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101 | 210.444.9547

Zinc Bistro and Wine Bar

Downtown | Contemporary-Regional Dining

With a romantic setting in Charles Court you can dine a delicious meal downtown at the Zinc Bistro and Wine Bar. Make sure to end your meal with their tasty chocolate covered strawberries. A fabulous sweet treat for your sweetie.

207 N. Presa St. | 210.224.2900

Bj’s Restaurant

281N | American

If you don’t want to be in the night crowd on Valentine’s night, try a lunch for two at BJ’s. It includes pizza, salad, and dessert for $14.95 from 11am – 3pm. This fun, and fresh atmosphere is great when you are with the one you love.

22410 US Highway 281 North | 210.497.6070

***SPECIAL****

Bubble Room

1604 W | Wine & Tapas Bar

After you have dine at one of San Antonio’s fantastic restaurants end your evening at San Antonio’s premier champagne and tapas bar. Enjoy the music and ambiance of this hot spot with your mate, in combination with the delicious food and pleasing beverages.

1846 N. Loop 1604 W Ste. 110 | 210.479.9463

We hope you enjoy this national week of love. Happy Valentine’s from the Danforth’s

Sunday Dessert – January 27, 2013

Lemon pound cake w/ strawberries topped with whipped cream. Z threw down today! Easy and very light!

.

La’Zendra’s Sunday Meal – January 27, 2013

Sunday Meal: Fish Piccatta w/ Lemon Butter Pasta and Sauteed Asparagus w/ Sun Dried Tomatoes. Absolutely DELICIOUS !! Recipe COMING soon!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

When I was a teenager and it St. Patrick’s Day, I remember it being a big deal that everyone wore green or you could get pinched; there were large parades, and the local pubs full of excited patrons.  Well just a few years later ;), those things still happen in some cities, but with the Danforth’s you know we are always looking for a reason to prepare delicious food. The first recipe that came to mind was a hearty casserole of Shepherd’s Pie. There are some fun events happening this weekend in the city of San Antonio in celebration of this holiday. So whether you go out to enjoy the fun or you just want to hang at home with some friends. Here is a great recipe to get you in the spirit of all the celebration.

Shepherd’s Pie

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ½  lbs ground beef
• 1 onion chopped
• 1-2 cups vegetables – chopped carrots, peas (Other Suggested Vegetables: Greens Beans, and Corn)
• 1 ½ – 2 lbs potatoes (3 big ones)
• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
• ¼ cup of heavy cream
• 4 oz of cream cheese
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, pepper, other seasonings of choice
• 2 cups of Cheddar Cheese

**Note: This recipe is prepared with fresh mashed potatoes. If you don’t have a lot of time, the instant mashed potatoes will work just fine.**

Directions:

1 Peel and quarter potatoes, boil in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes).

2 While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 Tablespoons butter (1/2 a stick) in large frying pan.

3 Sauté onions in butter until tender over medium heat (10 minutes). Put the carrots in with the onions.

4 Add ground beef and sauté until no longer pink. Add salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce. Add half a cup of beef broth and cook, uncovered, over low heat for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth as necessary to keep moist. Now add the remaining vegetables.

5 Mash potatoes in bowl with remainder of butter, add the heavy cream, and the cream cheese and season to taste with the salt. Mix until smooth.

6 Spray the bottom of your casserole dish with non-stick spray. Place beef and vegetable mix in baking dish. Distribute mashed potatoes evenly on top. Sprinkle the cheese on top.

7 Cook in 400 degree oven until bubbling and brown (about 30 minutes).

Rock the Red Pump

 

Hello Friends,

Brian and I would like to thank you for following us on our food blog, Dining with the Danforth’s. We love reading your comments and sharing our cooking skills with you all. Most of you know that outside of cooking and enjoying food, we are big on philanthropy. We would like to encourage your to check out “The Red Pump Project” and support the cause.

As always, laugh hard and enjoy good food.

Sincerely,

Brian and La’Zendra Danforth

Bahia Azul Restaurant

Bahia Azul Restaurant, San Antonio, TX

Nestled in the center of Artisan Alley is a great little restaurant called Bahia Azul. This restaurant is definitely a hidden treasure that has definitely moved to our list as one of our top 10 restaurants in San Antonio. This cute little restaurant has a great atmosphere to accommodate the delicious food coming from the kitchen of Chef Sergio Herrera. The blue lite ceiling, intimate seating, and great customer service made such an impression on Brian and I that we will definitely spread the word to our friends and we will frequent regularly.

The cuisine is based from the recipes from the city of Nayarit Mexico off of the Pacific Coast. The fish is freshly filleted by the chef and prepared with fresh ingredients and plated beautifully. We visited during the dinner hour and started off with an order of Fish Ceviche served with fresh tortilla chips.

. The fresh flavors were a great start to an incredible meal. After the first bite we became excited to taste our entrees. For dinner, Brian order the A La Veracruz. This dish is a filet of fish prepared with sautéed capers, onions, olives, and tomatoes all in a flavorful tomato based sauce. It was served with steamed rice and vegetables.

I ordered the Al Mojo de Ajo, which was a filet of fish prepared in a garlic butter sauce and served with steamed rice and black beans.

These dishes were prepared with superb detail. The fish was light and balanced the flavors of the sauces perfectly. If you want to try something a little different for dinner this week; you will definitely enjoy the fresh seafood prepared Nayarit style at the Bahia Azul Restaurant.

Featured Chef of the Week – Sunny Anderson

Featured Chef of the Week – Sunny Anderson

A senior airman, a radio personality, a caterer, and now a food network star, Sunny Anderson.  She is one of our favorite chefs on the Food Network. Of course we are drawn by her southern flavors that she brings to the table by way of the Carolinas. Here is one of her recipes that we enjoy to cook at the Danforth’s house.  This dish is easy to make and is served best with some Wild Rice and Sautéed Asparagus. Invite some friends over and watch how they rave of the savory dish that you have prepared.

Apple Cider Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups apple cider

Directions:

Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to pan and sear until golden, about 4 minutes each side.

Remove chicken from pan, and set aside. Add remaining butter and onion, apple, garlic, thyme and bay leaves. Sauté until apple begins to get color and onions soften, about 6 minutes.

Add flour and stir 2 to 3 minutes. Nestle chicken back into pan, add cider, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes.