Bobby's Burger Palace - Don't count on the grill to be "smokin'" too long...

Just opened at the Smithhaven Mall in Lake Grove. So we like burgers, I LOVE the Food Network, and it's only 5 mins away - thought we'd give it a whirl.

On arrival (luckily no line b/c we had Brendan) we ordered our burgers, drinks & fries from a limited "gourmet" burger menu. I orderd a "Miami" much like a cuban & Sean ordered a burger & Brendan- well, the grilled cheese of course. Then we got 3 "Vanilla Bean" shakes, an order of FF & an order of onion rings. Total? $45- What? for lunch? These better be MASSIVE burgers. =Let down!= They were not. Although tasty, not very appealing for the price - $7.50 for this little gourmet grilled beef patty. (Angus meat at that - or you could choose chicken or turkey meat)

You get a # and the server brings you meal to your table. Most of the tables are connected like long 'bar' areas. Luckily we were only 3 - too many more in your party you either had to seperate or wait for a clearing...and it's not too big of a restaurant to begin with!!

So Bobby, we'll see how long the novelty lasts! At these "NYC" gourmet prices...not too long I'm guessing. At least I tried it... Too bad Bobby wasn't there himself. It would have been worth the trip more. Oh well! I'll stick to my own grilled burgers at home...

The Food Network

Well, most of you know that The Food Network is just about my favorite TV watching pastime. (besides The Backyardigans & The Wonder Pets) I admit that I'm kind of OBSESSED with watching it! I love each show and now we've even got Food Network "II" on HDTV. So I can flip back and forth b/t the two food networks.

Then I ask myself - what do I get out of this? I watch these people cook up a storm and now I'm hungry! I must go out and buy the ingredients to make the food they make. Download the recipes and/or check their cookbooks (see my reading list at left) and actually cook! I have to say in the 4+ years watching Food Network I've actually become a more creative cook. It's helped me to be more experimental with different herbs & seasonings and make variations of foods that are not so exciting!

Ok so here are the faves-

• Paula Deen - You can gain 20 lbs just watching all the butter she adds - not mention the southern drawl - not recommended for those with cholesteral or heart disease
• Giada DiLaurentis - Men love her - she's the sexiest chef on the air! - ok but I love her twist on easy Italian dishes
• Iron Chef - who doesn't love a great challenge - not to mention the crazy dishes they can create with fish - fish ice cream anyone?
• Robin Miller - She makes it seem so easy to prep in advance
• Ellie Krieger- my new fave - her easy and healthy recipes are good. only prob? she cooks with some uber-healthy ingredients - tofu & edamame? Not sure if I'm liking that...
• Ina Garten - She's the LI girl - but Hamptons all they way - be sure to use "the best" of any ingredient or she can' t guarantee her recipe's outcome!

Happy cooking!