Culinary Adventure #4: Teriyaki Bourbon Chicken

About a month or so ago, I was enjoying a relaxing night in watching Food Network.  On one show (I honestly don't remember which) an Asian inspired marinade was made for chicken wings.  As many readers may know, I often joke about having an excess of umami taste receptors.  Since the weather was gorgeous the next day, I knew we had to pull out the grill and test this marinade.  However, since I never follow a recipe (except for Nana's) I created my own based on what I saw on TV.  Here is the Hungry in Cleveland version of a Teriyaki Bourbon Marinade for chicken which can also be tried on pork, shrimp, or even veggies.

In a large ziplock bag (or if you have something reusable for marinading even better) combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup Wild Turkey American Honey (if you use a different whiskey or bourbon, add about a tablespoon or so of regular honey), 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup soy sauce (I prefer reduced or low sodium), rosemary, 5 nice sized cloves of garlic minced, ginger, and a dry thai chili pepper for heat.  Mix everything together, then add the chicken (or whatever you are planning to marinade).  Refrigerate at least an hour and a half.  Then, throw on the grill and enjoy!  We also prepared asparagus with rosemary infused olive oil and a cheese plate.  The excess marinade was reduced down and served along with the chicken.  We toasted ciabatta bread to make a sandwich.  This is sure to become a go to grilling dish!  

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Tuesday's Tidbits

Happy Tuesday!  I hope all of my fellow CLE runners are recovered from this past weekend!  We all did awesome and should be proud even if it was not our best race.  Next week is the perfect week for refueling since there are so many great food event going on.  Here's a sampling!

*The third C-Town Chow Down will be taking place on Sunday at Lincoln Park!

*Monday May 23 a special Dinner in the Dark will be held at Amp 150 to benefit the Matthew Finkel scholarship fund.  Over 15 chefs are teaming up for this event which already sounds delicious!

*The Greenhouse Tavern will be opening its NEW rooftop patio this Sunday at 6:30 with a rooftop beach party.  They also will be hosting a Whiskey Dinner on May 25th for $35/person.

*Farmers Markets are opening up throughout Northeastern Ohio.  Here is a list cleveland.com has put together.  SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS AND BUSINESSES!

*Washington Place Bistro is holding it's May food and wine dinner on May 26.  $60 will get you a five course meal with wine pairing.  Also be sure to check out their new patio!

*NAKED SUSHI is back and bigger then before!  Tickets for the May 26 event are available for $15 through Stove Monkeys or $20 at the door.

*May 26th is a busy day for Cleveland Food lovers! The 17th Annual Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards Party will be held on 5/26 at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown.  This is the pefect chance to try that restaurant you have been meaning to go to while still enjoying your favorites.

*The Emerging Chefs are bringing the tastes and festivities of New Orleans to Cleveland!  Mardi Gras en Mai featuring Chef Chris Quinn will be taking place on May 27 with the West Bank of the Cuyahoga being transformed into the banks of the Mississippi.  

*A Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Cleveland will be returning again this year to Nautica Pavilion.  The Marc's Great American Rib and Music Festival marks the beginning of summer May 27-31!

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!