Fusion Catering Services

Waxy O'Connors, Foxboro MA Hit or Miss

2010-02-06T21:58:00.002-05:00

***MAJOR HIT***
Settled right off of Rt. 140 in Foxboro, Waxy O'Connors is this hip and trendy Irish Pub. To my suprise the food was actually good. I say this because the recent reviews about the food at this establishment was awful. One person told me that he wouldn't serve the food to his dog. Plus the serving staff didn't give it good reveiws until last night when my husband and I wentforth on our adventure to recreate our own opinions on this hip and trendy pub.

The Ambience: Dark and pub like.
The Service: Lisa was very nice and curious with our order.
The Drinks: I ordered Guiness Draft and my husband ordered soda that didn't taste good. And a Keoke Coffee for an After Dinner Drink.
The food: This succulent, make your mouth water 12 oz. Medium Rare Center Cut Strip Loin Steak topped with sautee onions and a Brandy Mushroom Sauce served with a heaping serving of Chive Mashed Potatoes and Buttered Pea Pods.

Fish and Chips- It was at least a foot long beer battered piece of heaven from the sea. It wasn't greasy and the chips were hand mand and nicely seasoned.
Dessert was: Irish Whiskey Baked Apples al a mode: Can you say orgasm for your mouth? I can't believe I wanted to share this dessert, i could've ate the whole thing by myself.

Talking with my friends who were there eating too, i here the Chicken Pot Pie and Shepard's Pie are also a major hit here at Waxy's.

Our Meal came including tip: $63.00

Side note: Waxy O'Connors turns into a night club setting starting at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday's featuring local bands. The kitchen is open till 10:30p.m. on these nights.

HERE'S A TIP: If you go to an establishment once and the food is horrible, wait at least 6 months to a year to come back. Chances are that they changed the Chef in the kitchen. Might want to call ahead to ask.

Stone Hearth Pizza in Needham,MA. Is this a Hit or Miss?

2010-01-20T17:55:00.005-05:00

I have to tell you about the best non food chain pizza place I have ever went too and that is Stone Hearth Pizza in the heart of Needham Center. Its located on Great Plain Ave next to Dedham Avenue.

If you have gluten allerigies like my friend in whom I was dining with, this is the place for you. Their extensive Gluten Free menu will leave your taste buds wanting more.
We started out with the Poppers Appetizer which were Stuffed Meatballs in this homemade tomato basil sauce. YUM. I wanted to get another order. Then for lunch we both ordered the Homemade Sausage and Caramelized Onion Pizza. YUM x2! My friend was very happy that any of the pizza toppings could be put on the Gluten Free Crust. You can tell they made everything from scratch and all the pizza's are made in a Brick oven. If you like crispy crust, add Stone Hearth Pizza to your Friday Night Pizza List.

I also need to mention their homemade Iced Teas that were delicious. I wish they served distilled spirits because the Boisin Berry Iced Tea would taste excellent with Vodka. They also sell beer and wine.

Don't skip out on the dessert! I ordered the Gluten Free Brownie Sundae and my friend ordered the GF Cookies. I bet if no one told you they were GF, you would never know; thats how great they tasted. My friend wanted to order 5 dz of them to take home and put into her cookie jar. Also my brownie tasted like an ordinary Brownie eventhough it was gluten free.

Price: For an Appetizer, Entree and Dessert for 2 people was around $35.00-$40

Location: Easy to get too from Rt. 128 exits 17 or 18

Atmosphere: Elegant and Quaint

Hit or Miss: This is a definate Hit and I will be returning with friends or colleagues.

Home Cooking Lessons! Its time to complish your 2010 cooking goals.

2010-01-19T23:31:00.005-05:00

Its the middle of week three of the new year. Did you set your 2010 goal on learning how to cook for your family or for even a dinner party. If yes, Fusion Catering is offering home cooking lessons: Only $25.00 per person plus the cost of groceries for a one hour private cooking lesson.

We can teach you how you can use your favorite flavored martini's in your cooking. How does Cosmopolitan Chicken with Dried Cranberries and Fresh Georgia Peaches or Pan Seared Center Cut Pork Tenderloin Medallions with a Sour Apple Martini Sauce? There is something about cooking with liquor that brings the best into everyone of our students.

Our classes are designed to teach you the nuts and bolts of cooking. We also understand that not everyone is a Julia Child in the kitchen so we want to make sure you are cooking at your own pace.

Our students have a choice between a private or group cooking lesson. We also call our group cooking lessons; cooking parties.

Private cooking lessons with 1 or 2 students are only $25.00 per person plus the cost of groceries for a one hour lesson.
Cooking parties of 3 or more students are $35.00 per person for a 1.5 hour class plus the cost of groceries.

In our free on the phone consultation, we will ask you a set of questions that will determine the following:

What is the skill level of the students involved?
What do you want to learn in your lesson?
What cuisine fascinates you?
Date, Time and Location of the Lesson.
Ect.

You bring the wine, we'll bring the food.

For more information call: 508-455-4991 and speak with Chef Christine.

Gift Certificates are also available for any occasion.

Domino's New Pizza

2010-01-14T14:44:00.003-05:00

Domino's Pizza has spent millions of dollars trying to perfect the their pizza. People were simply buying other pizza because of the crust, sauce and toppings. For me, I haven't ordered Domino's in six years before being curious about what they did to perfect their pizza.

So,while watching the amazing Arizona/ Packers football game Domino's was running an ad on TV; 2 Medium 2Topping Pizza's for $5.99 each so I ordered and this is what I found.

Warning: This is not the pizza for you if you don't like Garlic. Domino's now puts on a Garlic Parmesan Butter over the Crust. Ask them for the Garlic butter on the side if your not a fan. It is delicious if you do like garlic but beware of the after breathe. If I were you, I wouldn't kiss anyone after eating this Pizza. A roll of paper towels by your plate will be needed to wipe the grease from your hands. Also, the sauce is thick and herby. I thought it was too much sauce which over powered the pizza with the combination of garlic butter. As for the toppings, they were there but with everything else going on, I didn't notice them.

My family will continue to order from Papa John's Pizza when we don't want to make our own pizza's from the grill because they truly have "Better Ingredients and Better Pizza". I encourage you to try Domino's Pizza for yourself to form your own opinion.

Presidential Chili Con Carne

2009-01-17T12:17:00.001-05:00

1 1/2 tablespoon(s) oil
1 1/2 pound(s) ground beef, lean, (chili grind)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/8 cup(s) flour
1 16 oz. can(s) tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon(s) black pepper
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 cup(s) beef broth, (made from bouillon)
3 tablespoon(s) chili powder
1 teaspoon(s) cumin
1/2 teaspoon(s) oregano, dried
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) cider vinegar
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 15 oz. can(s) red kidney beans

1 15 oz. can Black Beans
Directions:
Heat the oil in large pot or Dutch oven and brown beef in 2 batches. When all meat is browned,remove with slotted spoon, leaving at least 1 tbsp of fat in skillet. Add onions, cover pan, andcook over low heat, about 5 minutes. Remove lid, raise heat to medium, and stir onions untiluniformly light brown, not charred. Sprinkle flour over onions and continue to stir and cook for acouple of minutes.Chop tomatoes, reserving juice. Then add beef, tomatoes with juice, and all remaining ingredients,except bell pepper and beans, to the pot containing onions and flour. Place over medium heat. Bringto a boil and simmer, covered, for 1-1/2 hours, adding water, if needed, to thin.At end of simmering time, add bell pepper. Simmer another 15 minutes. Add beans and simmerapproximately 5 minutes longer. Let cool, store in containers and then freeze.

Reheating instructions:Thaw in refrigerator the night before day of consumption. Heat in microwave or on stovetop,stirring often to distribute heat evenly, until hot throughout

Wedding Expo, Boston South Shore

2009-01-11T13:28:00.000-05:00

Come meet Fusion Personal Chef and Catering Services at a Wedding Expo on:
February 22, 2008
11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Indian Pond Country Club
60 Country Club Way
Kingston, MA

Receive $100 off your wedding if you mention this Blog.

When is my kitchen going to be finished?

2009-01-09T12:54:00.000-05:00

The title above is what I hear all the time from clients who decided to remodel their kitchens. They are sick and tired of eating out at restaurants or ordering the same ole thing night after night. Well it might be time to kick the take out place off your speed dial and add back your grandma, the person you probably replace with the take out person and call Fusion. We have meals that will suit everyone in your family. Our Ready, Cook, Serve... Menus are easy and function well in the toaster oven or microwave. We deliver them to you so you don't have to think about what's for dinner. email us for more information.

Hit and Miss Restaurants Part II

2008-12-29T00:50:00.001-05:00

Below is my Hit and Miss opinions on restaurants or hotels I have been too in the last four months. These are opinions of Chef Christine and not statements.

Hit- Great Burgers at the Charlie Horse in West Bridgewater, MA. The Champion Burger was the best burger I have ever had. It was cooked they way I wanted it, Medium Rare and boy was it juicy. The fries were excellent too. I could tell that the fryer oil is cleaned daily.

Miss- Super Mondo Platter at Cantina #1 in the Mall of America; Bloomington,MN. It was the worst Mexican food I ever had. No flavor at all. The spinach dip was terrible until I added some salt and pepper with Tabasco sauce. My husband and I agreed that it might be a place to just drink and eat the chips and salsa. Also, you could tell from the Chips that the fryer oil was burnt. I did like the ambiance of the restaurant. The chairs will comfy.

Major Hit and a must eat at Place!
Olivadi- Central Street in Norwood
This restaurant has to have the best Italian food I have ever tasted. I had the Chicken Parmigiano. I was very surprised to find out it didn't come out of a box and then fried. My taste buds were truly tantalized by just the right amount of sauce and the crispy baked crust. Its a definite must place to eat.

Hit- Bon Fire in Savage, MN
Over the Holiday break, I spent it in cold Minnesota. My brother Nathan recommended Bon Fire to us as a great place to eat and he was right. Bon Fire is know for their Brick oven and rotisserie. Since it was lunch my husband and I order both the tomato- basil soup and White Bean Chili. I could tell the soups were made in house. On a side note, I don't understand why restuarants buy their soups, its easy to make your own and less expensive, plus customers can tell the difference. Anyway, we then ordered the Hictory Burger, which had BBQ sauce on it with a side of fries. The burger was tantalizing and the fries were crispy. My brother yelled at us because I guess you don't go there for a Burger, the Steaks are the top prize and so is the Beer Can chicken which we saw being cooked on the open flame.

Another Hit place to go is your Mom's house. Food is alway's delicious and always free. What a bargin place to eat on a tight budget? Also, she loves the company.

Thats all for Hit and Miss Restaurants Part II. Come back and see what Part III has to offer.

Losing and Maintaining Weight is a Second Job Part II

2008-12-29T00:27:00.000-05:00

Well its over, the family did excellent. We ended up losing a total of 104 lbs. My sister Jennifer lost over 30 lbs. But then again we say that we are not finished. See my brother Nathan and his finance are getting married in June, I know I could lose some more weight before that happens. Here's a little hint on losing weight without sacrificing your mainstay foods, just cut the portion sizes in half and try to cut the butter.
Restaurant portions are way too big in the US. My really good friend and his wife every time I go out to eat with them, share their meals at restaurants. I can see why they have maintained a healthy life style. Also, if your low on cash its a great way to eat out without spending a lot of money.
If making Chocolate Chip Cookies, change the all purpose flour for whole wheat. Join in on the fun, make losing weight a game, but still hold yourself accountable for losing the jelly belly.
If you are like me, you probably like to socially drink beer, well on a weight loss run, switch to light beer, less calories and carbs.
Ok, there is a miss conception on carbs out there. People you need carbs in your diet, they will get you through the day. Eat your carbs for Breakfast and try to stay away from them at night. The reason is that carbs contain sugar that your blood needs to get you through the day. Carbs are not needed at night because your body is in shut down mood getting ready to sleep. In the morning you can have a delicious whole wheat, multi grain or bran anything in the morning. Coffee is ok too, but leave out the added stuff like cream or sugar. In fact switch to herbal teas. I am a chef and I don't drink coffee, so if I can get through my day without it, so can you.
Don't forget to snack during the day!!! An apple or piece of fruit three hours after you eat is volatile in helping the body burn more calories. I am no expert at this but, I have heard that when the body is digesting good foods, it burns calories while processing it down.

Don't forget to drink water!!! Eight glasses a day really helps. Well everyone, I will be updating you on the Kaderlik Biggest Loser II. There is only three players but we still have another 100 lbs to lose.

Since the New Year is around the corner, I will pledge only 1 hour of my life to exercise everyday. What is your goal?

Losing and Maintaining Weight is a Second Job

2008-10-02T18:35:00.000-04:00

For the last 35 weeks, my family has been going through a Biggest Loser Challenge. So far we have lost 127 lbs. We all have goals and we all have jobs that make us money. Losing or maintaining the weight can be a second job that has a huge pay off, not only medical, but physical. Losing excess weight can put years back on your life. We are doing it, can you. So...

How are we losing all that weight. Its accountibility and when people notice our weight loss, it makes us feel good. Some in the family have changed what they are eating. I have designed a Home Healthy Cooking Clinic;this clinic is designed to teach people who are losing or maintaining weight to cook healthy for under $10.00 a meal per person.

I will keep you posted on what happens on week 47. Thats the final weigh in. For more information on the Home Healthy Cooking Clinic, log onto http://www.fusionpcs.net/

Washington D.C. and Baltimore Trip

2008-08-20T23:49:00.001-04:00

Well I just got back from my trip to Washington D.C. Baltimore and would like to make a couple of comments on the food and hotel there. I have to say its hit or miss.

Miss- Capitol City Brewing Company- I am a beer women and have tried over 100 different kinds beers from major breweries to micro. This was a Micro-Brewery which serves food and brews there own beer on premise. I tried four of the Beers which I thought were sub par. I especially didn't like the one that had a black licorice taste to it. I order the Beer Marinated Chicken sandwich. It was moist and not over cooked, but it wasn't something to write home to my mom about.

Hit-National's Ball Park
Since we ate at the Capitol City Brewing Company, we only had ice cream at this park. I have to say this park has the best ice cream. Its Edy's, I got to pick my flavor favor Butter Pecan and it was put in a little helmet that I took home. I started a collection and now have six helmets from different parks. I would recommend the ice cream at this park.

Hit- Kambalaya, this is a Thai Restaurant located in China Town off of 6th St and H St. The Premeow was fabulous, great flavor and would order again and again.

Hit- The Liaison Hotel on New Jersey Avenue.
This was a 3 1/2 Star hotel who lived up to its star rating. Sleeping on the bed was like sleeping on a cloud and the pillows were softer than a baby's bottom. The bathrooms are small but elegant, but fit the purpose. The hotel offer free comp. breakfast and a pool on the roof. The hotel did have restaurant but was in remodel phase and will be opening in a short couple of weeks. The only miss on this hotel was, the staff needs to know more about the city. We were directed the wrong way to the Nationals Park.

Hit- The Metro- this is Washington D.C.'s train system. It is the best way to get around the city. We did get the Sightseeing bus tour but then found out the day pass on the metro was less expensive.

Miss- The Daily Grill near St. Marks Cathedral
I ordered the Grilled Lime Marinated Chicken Salad. The presentation was awful and I had to go find the chicken. They cut up the chicken in bit size pieces.The lettuce leaves looked like they were on there way out and whats up with shedding the lettuce for a salad, it doesn't serve when to the guests. Also the Citrus dressing didn't taste like citrus dressing. It had enough olive oil to fill the Potomic River. I would not go there again.

We moved ourselves to Baltimore to check out the Charm City while going to Camden Yards to see the Redsox play the Orioles. Here is my hit and Miss in Baltimore.

Major Miss- Mount Vernon Hotel on Franklin St.
After prepaying for a room we booked we were walked to another hotel to be told the next day we would have to come back to this hotel. We lost slot of time and money at the next hotel and were late for the game. I hate being late for a baseball game;quite frankly I thinks its rude to the other fans who arrived on time. The amenities were awful, the staff didn't know anything and the computer systems were down most of the time. We were told it was going to be a comp. breakfast but ended up paying for breakfast. Inside the room, the right window was cracked, the beds were not comfy and the bathrooms looked elegant until I saw the plastic bathtub and shower surround. The location was awful, one wrong turn and your in the Ghetto. My advice would be to just stay on Charles St. going toward the Inner Harbor. Overall, I wouldn't recommend my Dogs to stay there. If you are going to Baltimore, pay extra to stay in the Inner Harbor Area, its worth your life.

Hit- The intercontinental Hotel- Inner Harbor
This is the hotel we got walked too. It was just a nice hotel, the amenities were great and the staff was extra friendly. The rooms were elegant and the bathrooms were a delight that included a deep bathtub for easy relaxation while watching TV. The Internet cost 11.95 a day but if you're a business owner like me, its worth checking your email. The fitness center with Spa Whirlpool and pool were a delight to soak in after long walks. I would recommend this hotel to anyone.

Hit- Phillips Seafood Restaurant- Inner Harbor Area
I had the King Crab Mac-n-Cheese. It was filling and delicious. The only complaint I have is, when we went it was Redsox fans galore. The restaurant didn't prepare itself for a heavy lunch crowd but the service was excellent at the bar.

Hit-Camden Yards Ballpark
This has to be the best sporting event venue for eating I have ever been in. The ribs at the Jack Daniels stand were finger licking good. They were accompanied by coleslaw and beans. I am picky with coleslaw, some people make it great and some make it non-editable. The was definitely editable. The hot dogs had the perfect crunch when biting into them. Overall, I would eat in this park.

Major Hit- The Baltimore Aquarium
So much to see and do, i can't tell you in words, you have to check it out for yourself.

Well that is all for my trip to D.C. and Baltimore. Check back here often, I like to travel and eat new foods. Next stop, Ship Bottom, New Jersey.

Father's Day

2008-06-15T23:25:00.000-04:00

What did you get your dad for Fathers Day 2008? Was his favorite socks, tickets to a game or cooking lessons. My father will forever in his life have a gift from his fourth child. Its been three years, 3 months and 15 days from the time that I gave him the gift of life. I donated my kidney to my dad on March 1, 2005 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. It was a harder recovery for my dad then it was for me. While he was in recovery, the kidney shut down which caused him to back into surgery. According to the doctors, there is a over 50% chance of this happening. Anyway, he ended up getting an infection in his incision. He is doing great now. He should live an extra 15 years.

I always get asked why did I donate, and I always reply "why not". In my opinion everyone should see their grandchildren, and my dad is now a proud grandfather to Madison which for now is his only grandchild.

I can't express in words what my dad has given me in life. He is one of the reasons why I am in business. Its in my blood. My dad owned a successful Water Well Drilling business in the heart of a little town in Minnesota. Growing up, I would drive around with him to job sites. I watched him manage his crew, talk to himself constantly and lead try to have fun while doing what he loved. I hope I will be able to as successful as my dad was, but there is one thing I will do better than he did and that is take care of himself while owning a business.

Happy Father's Day!!!

The Backyard BBQ

2008-06-04T20:39:00.000-04:00

Being stuck in front of a grill at your own party can be pretty boring, hot, and alot of work. Being a chef, its my territory. You can ruin some really great foods on the grill if you don't know what your doing.

Here are some tips to make grilling easier:

1. Only turn the meat once.

2. Try to not open the grill lid too much, you lose 25-50 degrees every time you do.

3. Divide your grill into two or three areas depending on what your grilling to minimize cross contamination. Try not to cook, hotdogs near raw chicken or beef.

4, When marinating meats, shake off marinades before placing on the grill to minimize losing eye brows.

If you don't like grilling at your party, Fusion chefs can take care of that for you with customized menu that will please all the guests. Below is a sample menu that we have provided for some of our clients.

Field Greens Salad with Clementine’s, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Toasted Almonds and Dried Cherries with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Bourbon Street Steak Tips
Grilled Hot Dog and Sausage Station with all the Toppings
Ginger Chicken Breasts
Classic Sliders with Sharp Cheddar Cheese on a Butter Toasted Bun
Alabama Baked Beans
Honey Cornbread
New Potato Salad
Fresh Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies
Root Beer Floats
Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake on a Stick

So what will be on your next Grill Menu

Holiday Weekends

2008-05-28T13:38:00.001-04:00

What do typical people do on holiday weekends? This past memorial weekend was my first one ever in my 13 year food career to have off. I am used to catering to the public every tastes, watching them have a great time slipping beers while indulging themselves in my ever so delectable meals.

This Holiday, didn't know what to do. I tried to relax like people do, but that was boring. I took my two furry kids on a walk everyday but it only lasted an hour or two and then what else was I suppose to do. So I decided to work anyway, researching new recipes and mixing different flavors together in a meal. Then, I decided to make 2- 5lb Beer Can Chickens on the Grill with my new BBQ Spice Rub that I just created. 2.5 hours later, it was tasting time to see if my new BBQ spice rub tasted as good as it smelled. Let me tell you, it was delicious. I served it with Chef's Baked Beans, a recipe that I created this weekend. I sure hope the next holiday is better than this one. I guess I will have to plan better.

Whats for Dinner?

2008-05-23T17:44:00.000-04:00

Today I cooked for a family of six. While cooking for this client at the last service, their six year old son told me what he would like to see on the menu for the next service. He said, " Mexican, Chinese, Steaks and Apple Pie oh and can't forget Pizza. Well I did what he wanted. This was their menu:

Taco Pizza

Philly Cheese steak Mac-n-Cheese

Chinese Chicken and Vegetables served with an Asian Noodle Salad

BBQ Glazed Meat Loaf Served with Twice Bake Potato

Island Pork Tenderloin with Coconut Rice

Vegetable Lasagna served with Quinoa, Broccoli and Pine Nut Pilaf

Apple Pie

What's for dinner at your house tonight?

2008-05-22T18:21:00.000-04:00

What is your specialty is one of the questions I get asked very frequently. I respond by saying:

I specialize in Cooking Lessons, Personal Cooking for busy individuals and familes and Catered Events such as:

Graduations
Holidays
Small Weddings
Rehearsal Dinners
Baby or Bridal Showers
Corporate Dinners
Back yard BBQ's
Just because you want to Party;Party

Not realizing the person asking the question wanted to know what I like to cook up best never entered my mind. To me, I can cook almost anything asked for. Just yesterday I was cooking for one of my personal chef clients and on their menu was American, Mexican, Irish and Italian. I fascinate myself when I prepare menus for clients because I am not trying to put four different kind of cuisines on the menu, it just happens. Just think if you were one of my clients and you opened your refrigerator or freezer and said to yourself, "Do I want Vegetable Lasagna, Guinness Irish Stew or Mexican Rubbed Rib eye Steaks with Lime Butter served with Spanish Rice?" I know I would feel like everything all in one sitting.

The only thing I am not educated on is kosher cooking, I get too confused trying. I don't want to go to H E double hockey sticks because I accidentally mixed meat with dairy, or prepared meat in a dairy kitchen. i am getting confused writing about it. Vegetarian cooking is also something I seldom do. Growing up in the land of meat and potatoes (Minnesota), dinner was meat, mashed potatoes with sweet kernel corn on top with butter. You can't forget the Heinz 57 Sauce or ketchup, both Minnesota Staples. I now know the next time someone askes me what my specialty is, I will have to ask them what are they hungry for?

"Not just for the Rich and Famous"

2008-05-21T18:51:00.000-04:00

Who uses a personal chef? What exactly do they do?

The answer is people who hate or love to cook and have no time. You know who you are, the people who have kids in karate, sports, dance and clubs, ect. You are the ones that are going here, then there, then here. Making dinner is the last thing on your mind. The "oh, crap I forgot to take something out for dinner" is in your daily vocabulary. Trust me you're not alone, I hear this all the time. I am here to plan the menu, excerise myself while buying the groceries and releave not only your stress but mine too. Cooking is my stress releaver. Food is one thing that doesn't yell at you, only when I accidentially burn it then it gets mad and makes the dish taste and look awful. Eventhough I'm a chef, I make mistakes in the kitchen too.

I never leave my clients guessing how to prepare the meals. I always have labels on every container that tell you how to preheat the oven, set the timer and then eat it.