DeLux Cafe appears!

Happy MLK Day! I could not be happier spending today on my couch. Here's a round up of mostly products and one place, near and dear. Enjoy!

A comforting meal at the bar I love most | DeLux Cafe

The laminated wood bar backed by twinkling rainbow lights and other year round kitschy Christmas décor at DeLux is where you'll often find us!

I perused their well appointed one page menu with a dirty martini in hand, settling on the Marinated Bavette Steak ($12.95). Herb crusted and topped with a slab of melted roasted red pepper butter with a side of sautéed baby spinach and goat cheese mashed potatoes, this plate of food hit all the right notes of comfort and finesse.

Old fashioned jams | Doves & Figs Cranberry Chocolate Jam

Local food blogger Robin Cohen is the talented woman behind a delectable line of jams at Doves & Figs Kitchen. Robin makes her own jams, preserves and conserves in small batches from Massachusetts farm grown fruit. Her jams lend a soft and spreadable texture and are offered in array of original flavors. The Cranberry Chocolate is an innovative blend of the tart ripe fruits and subtle hints of sweet Taza chocolate. I spread it on everything from my morning bagels with cream cheese, to my afternoon snack of cheese and crackers. 

Premium canned tomatoes | Red Gold

Red Gold Tomatoes recently sent me a gift pack of their canned tomato products. I absolutely loved them! For starters their packaging is bright, eye catching and most importantly, their premium tomatoes are fresh tasting, sweet, juicy and delicious. I am particularly fond of their Petite Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Olive Oil for a no fuss bruschetta appetizer!

I added some salt, pepper, more olive oil and balsamic to the mix - so easy. My guests loved the app and would have never guessed the tomatoes and blend came from a can. A regular can of Diced Tomatoes lent themselves beautifully to a batch of Chicken Tortilla Soup I made over one December weekend. And when my New Years Eve Mussels Fra Diavolo called for the same ingredient, to the Red Pack I went where it was a can of Petite Diced Tomatoes that worked in the mussels favor. I'm so pleased I got to try the Red Gold Tomato products and am looking forward to using more of the Red Pack cans in future recipes!What foods or drinks are putting a smile on your face?