DIY: Uncle Julio's Pineapple Bacon Guac Recipe

Prepare to share. Fix Uncle Julio's pineapple bacon guacamole for Super Bowl Sunday, and you're sure to be bombarded with recipe requests for this playoff of fresh, sweet pineapple, crisp bacon and creamy/chunky avocados. Because Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café guacamole is a major ingredient, we've included the recipes for both.

Uncle Julio's Pineapple Bacon Guacamole

Ingredients:

1 cup Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café guacamole

2 tbsp. diced pineapple (¼" dice)

2 tbsp. chopped, cooked bacon (½" pieces)

½ tsp. diced red bell peppers

For Garnish:

1 piece green leaf lettuce

1 tbsp. chopped, cooked bacon (½" pieces)

2 tsp. queso fresco

1 tbsp. diced pineapple(¼" dice)

1 lemon wedge

Directions:

Place guacamole in mixing bowl. Add pineapple, bacon and red bell pepper and fold into guacamole carefully. To serve, top lettuce with guacamole, sprinkle with bacon and queso fresco and side dress with diced pineapple and a lemon wedge to squeeze on guacamole. Serve with tortilla chips. Serves 2-3.

Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café Guacamole
Yield:  6 cups

Ingredients:
6 Haas avocados
Guacamole oil ( ¼ cup olive oil infused with 1 peeled and minced clove of garlic)
Juice of 2 lemons

1 tsp. salt, to taste
½ cup tomato, chopped
¼ cup white onion, chopped

Directions:

Halve and pit the avocados. With a tablespoon, scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocados using either a fork or potato masher, leaving them a bit chunky. Stir guacamole oil into avocado. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Salt to taste. Lay a piece of plastic wrap tight on any remaining guacamole so it doesn't brown and refrigerate. To serve, scoop onto a green leaf lettuce leaf, sprinkle with ¼ oz. white and yellow cheese and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Score super specials for Super Bowl game viewing - and much more - in The Dish

It's almost game time and The Dish has you covered with Super Bowl ideas, plus much more! Pour yourself some coffee and take a look.


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For Your Sipping Pleasure: Fleming’s Reveals Crafty New Cocktails

Some lucky people had to research, create and verify the deliciousness of the new cocktails spilling off the bar menu at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Pity it wasn't us. Still, we can all indulge in the fruits of their labor. The new menu is divided into three categories:  Retro Chic, which puts a contemporary spin on the classics; Modern Martinis with their exotic takes on the American martini; and Couture Cocktails that use seasonal ingredients and signature spirits. You may turn your back on the traditional margarita after trying the new Mad Milagro margarita with Milagro Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice and muddled fresh cucumber, topped with a perky touch of cilantro and a spicy jalapeño. Fleming's Limoncello martini tastes of pure luxury, made with Hangar One citron "Buddha's Hand" Vodka, smooth Luxardo Limoncello and house-made lemon-thyme simple syrup. For those living lightly, Skinnier Cocktails are still on the menu to fill your glass with less than 99 calories of hardcore flavor. 

Hot Diggity Dawg! White Oak Pastures Named to the Bulldog 100

Two things are really significant about White Oak Pastures receiving this honor on January 21. One, the Bluffton, Ga. farm is the only farm or farm-related business to be chosen by the UGA Alumni Association for the Bulldog 100: Fastest Growing Bulldog Businesses Class of 2012. Two, it ranks as this year’s fourth fastest-growing Bulldog business. White Oak Pastures top Dawg Will Harris is a 1976 UGA graduate and a fourth-generation cattleman on the same land his great grandfather settled in 1866. Nearly 800 nominations were submitted to the UGA Alumni Association for this year’s rankings, representing companies all across the U.S. Criteria includes being in business for at least five years with revenues of $100,000 or more for calendar year 2008, being owned or operated by a former UGA student who owns at least 50 percent of the company or who is the CEO, president or managing partner. The program recognizes the fastest-growing businesses regardless of size by focusing on a three-year growth rate average. Congrats to Will Harris and his White Oak Pastures team!

Don’t forget that tomorrow is the last day to save some green during the White Oak Pastures sale. Some of their most popular poultry and grass-fed beef items are offered at special prices online only.

(Photo Credit: Angie Mosier)

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week

January 25 was National Irish Coffee Day, and we can't think of a better place in town than Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant to curl up around this delightful drink featuring Bushmills Irish Whiskey, brown sugar and hot coffee. 

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @TravelAndrew

Andrew Collins, a nomadic food and travel writer/editor based in the Pacific Northwest, is a man of many talents. He's a cat whisperer and a cheese-wine-coffee lush. He's also a Fodor's author, a teacher at the Gotham Writers' Workshop, a trip-taking blogger at The County Hunter and a contributor to Gay & Lesbian Travel on About.com. Follow his adventures on Twitter (@TravelAndrew).

Mooove Over - There's Another Crispy Chicken Sandwich in Town

A lot of people think Smashburger only has burgers. Logical, yes. Accurate, no. They have lots of other items, including a super delicious crispy chicken sandwich. The all-white-meat chicken is hand-breaded on site, crisped to perfection and dressed signature style or however you like it. Rumor has it that following Smashburger on Twitter(@SmashburgerATL) and joining the text club (text SmashburgerATL to 90210) are two great ways to get deals on these and the other yummy offerings. See you at one of their 5 Atlanta mashlocations!

“Come on Eileen” to Ladies ‘80s at Fado on January 28

 

If you find yourself reminiscing on the good music and ridiculously awesome clothing of the ‘80s, gather up all of your girlfriends and head to Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant for Ladies ‘80s Night on Saturday, January 28 from 10 p.m. to close. A rockin’ DJ will get you in the mood with your favorite ‘80s tunes while the bar serves up classic ‘80s cocktails. For only $6 each, you can sip on Long Island iced teas, Mai Tais or a Blue Hawaiian. Feeling adventurous? You can also try out one of the new concoctions from the winter drink menu.

Come in early to rock out with the Atlanta Dance Marathon from 7-10 p.m. They’ll be decked out in their best ‘80s outfits to raise money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with a non-stop dance party! Cost for the event is $15 per person and includes a pint of beer and all-you-can-eat complimentary appetizers.

Blue Skies and Blue Plate Specials at Aqua blue in Roswell

Now that we can actually see blue skies today for the first time in what seems like ages, I can't think of a better dinner option for tonight than the "Aqua blue plate" menu offered at Aqua blue Restaurant & Bar in Roswell. This $25, three-course prix fixe menu changes monthly and offers a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert for $25 per person (not including tax or gratuity). Offered nightly through February 20, appetizer choices include AB calamari with sweet chili sauce, tempura green beans with sweet mustard dipping sauce, seared pork dumpling or a hand-made sushi roll. Entrées feature hardwood-grilled N.Y. strip with roast sweet potato, asparagus and Madeira wine reduction; hand-battered fish and chips of Alaskan cod with house-made slaw; and jumbo shrimp jambalaya with sea scallops and Prestige Farms chicken. Desserts include house-made bread pudding with cinnamon ice cream; chocolate molten cake with a liquid center and vanilla ice cream; and fruit sorbet. This is the kind of blue I could get used to.

Take A Look At What's New with The Dish

A new week brings a brand new look for The Dish. As always, it's still full of great culinary news around town - that part hasn't changed! Check it out and let us know what you think. 


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Rotten Egg or Eggs-Traordinary? You Be the Judge at This Year’s Featherfest!

Twenty-thousand poultry fans are alighting in Atlanta January 22 - 27. No need to be chicken or take cover. They're migrating through the Georgia World Congress Center for the annual International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo. Featherfest will draw them out for nourishment on egg-ceptional appetizers and entrées that include poultry meat at more than 50 Atlanta restaurants including Alma Cocina, La Tavola Trattoria,The Original El Taco, Ray's in the City, South City Kitchen - Midtown andSpice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown. Gather a gaggle of roost mates (flighty friends, too) and flock along to dine then rate the dishes from one "rotten egg" to "eggs-traordinary" at Atlanta.net through January 26. Who knows, you might win an iPod nano for your eggs-cellent opinions.

Golden Opportunity to Feel Good at Yeah! Burger



I can haz cheezburger?

Living in the Virginia-Highlands area, there are plenty of options for me to choose from when I'm craving a burger. One of my frequent picks is Yeah! Burger, also a favorite of Bon Appetit Magazine. Every Tuesday at the Virginia-Highland location is Feel Good Tuesday, with 10 percent of sales going to a local charity or school. Tomorrow's percentage of sales will benefit Adopt a Golden Atlanta, the second largest golden retriever rescue in the nation. Come in for lunch or dinner and choose from grass-fed beef and bison, all natural turkey, chicken breast and veggie burgers, hot dogs and salads. Make sure to reward yourself for your charitable donation with this month's featured milkshake, French toast and bacon!

Watch Kevin Gillespie on cool video series about food co-ops across the country

Kevin had the best time traveling across the country meeting people and touring food co-ops earlier this year. He was amazed at how different each one was, yet loved the common theme of the customers as owners. Watch the world premiere of "Co+op," Stronger Together's video series hosted by Kevin. You'll follow along as he goes to food co-ops across the country -- from grocery store aisles to fields -- and talks with people who have a passion for food. The first three episodes air on Saturday, January 21 at 8 p.m. on www.strongertogether.coop/premiere After that you can follow along with the series throughout the year. Take a look at more inspiring co-op stories from around the globe at www.stories.coop.

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week: Spice Market's Fortune Cookies

A fortune cookie is always a sweet ending to a meal. We love unraveling the words of sage advice and wisdom. At Spice Market, these fortune cookies will be an even sweeter treat from January 21 through February 29. Open one during Chinese New Year to reveal a special surprise from the restaurant!

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @DineandDish

After following Kristen on Twitter (@DineandDish), we can definitely see why Dorothy was eager to leave Oz and get back to her Midwestern roots. Those Midwesterners are so darn friendly and sharing. Picture your screen as a backyard fence. Pour your coffee and absorb as Kristen dishes out bits on food, her kitchen and her kids via Twitter and her Dine & Dish blog. The only thing missing is Auntie Em.  

Spice Market Welcomes the Year of the Dragon in Grand Fashion

People who are born in dragon years are passionate in all they do and carry out things in grand fashion. Like them, Spice Market also possesses the same qualities and will be hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration to commemorate the year of the dragon with symbolic dishes and drinks. The grand celebration takes place from January 22 to January 23.

Spice Market will be decorated in the spirit of Chinese New Year and all tables will feature Chinese zodiac placements. The Midtown restaurant will offer complimentary nibbles in the bar area; a four-course tasting menu for $28 and drink specials including $3 Tsing Tao beer as well as specialty cocktails for $5 to $7.

The Chinese New Year tasting menu includes the following symbolic dishes:

• Fragrant mushroom egg rolls to symbolizes wealth
• Chili-garlic egg noodles representing long life come with seared shrimp and star anise
• The wish of abundance comes with a fish dish of wok-fried grouper with napa cabbage, water chestnuts and cucumber
• A sweet, rich life should be yours after eating Ovaltine kulfi made with caramelized banana and spiced milk chocolate sauce

The year of the dragon is also marked by excitement and good luck. Spice Market will ensure guests have an exciting evening and will offer all attendees fortune cookies containing discounts for future visits in the spirit of good luck.

Spice Market: In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14^th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.

Out With the Wine, In With the Brew: Pair Your Plate With a Pint at Atkins Park Tavern

I think it's safe to say that we're all a bit tired of hearing about "wine down Wednesday" promotions. Don't get me wrong, I love my wine, but I'm really grateful that Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia-Highland has decided to take a new turn for hump day deals with the start of "Pint and Plate." Every Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests can hoist the perfect pint of craft beer and a chef-prepared plate. The price depends on the pairing, which changes weekly and will be offered until it runs out. Tonight's Pint and Plate features an ahi tuna burger with black sesame, scallions, teriyaki-ginger mayo and arugula served with hand-cut fries and paired with Sweetwater IPA for $14. Happy hump day!

Get Saucy For A Cause At JCT. Bar

This Thursday evening, January 19, JCT. Bar is hosting a sweet and saucy fundraiser for the Shepherd Center with Betty and Billy Hulse, the makers of Cobbie's Sauce. For $9, you'll get three pork sliders with Cobbie's Sauce, and all proceeds will be donated to the Shepherd Center, a non-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord and brain injuries. The dedicated Shepherd Center staff helped Billy Hulse after he experienced a spinal cord injury in 2009. Billy's mother, Mary Cobb "Cobbie" Hulse, poured a lot of love into the recipe for the all-natural, gluten-free sauce that she created more than 60 years ago, and the Hulses are pleased to share sales proceeds with the hospital that continues to give them hope. Try it and find out how to purchase some to douse on chicken, pork, beef, fish and shrimp at your house.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar: In Atlanta's Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road; 404-355-2252.

From Co-ops to Cobbie's Sauce to Chinese New Year, It's All In This Week's Dish

Another Tuesday morning means The Dish is piping hot and ready to read! Get the latest culinary news in our weekly newsletter. If you're not receiving it, you can sign up either here on our blog or on our Facebook page!

A Sale You Can’t Afford to Miss: Shop White Oak Pastures Online!

Through January 31, White Oak Pastures is offering some of their most popular poultry and grass-fed beef at special prices. Plan your menus to include rib-eye steaks, $8.84 (14 oz.); New York strip, $7.24 (12 oz.); and beef tenderloin, $9.27 (8 oz.). Save $2 per pound on ground beef in five-pound frozen, vacuum-sealed chubs at $20 per chub. Poultry savings aren’t paltry either:  large stewing hens are $12.99 per 4.5+ pound bird; each eight-way cut bird is $9.49; whole guinea are $12.99 per 2.5-pound bird; and ground turkey and ground chicken run $4.89 per one-pound pack. White Oak Pastures meat is available at Atlanta-area Publix supermarkets and Whole Foods Markets; however, sale items are only available online.