Trendy foods for 2011: Korean barbecue?

So, this is fun:  http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/7365605.html

It’s a look at what are supposed to be the hottest trends in food in 2011. We’re nothing but trendy here at Unchained Restaurants.

An item that jumped out at me was this:
Korean cuisine
Could kimbap be the next sushi? Lots of signs are pointing to Korean as America’s next big cuisine, said Tanya Steel, editor-in-chief of Epicurious.com. The Kogi BBQ truck phenomenon coupled with an increased appetite for Korean fried chicken is making this Asian food hot with intrepid gourmands. Houston is on the forefront of embracing Korean grill restaurants. Is Korean barbecue replacing Texan barbecue? You be the judge.

Where am I headed in two weeks? Houston. Bingo. Bring on the Korean barbecue, whatever that entails, and bring lots of it.

We need more ethnic food options here in CNY. If this Korean cuisine thing turns out to be anything, I’ll let you know.

Take some pride in some of what NY offers

There is a great chance to sample New York state products this weekend at the state fairgrounds.

The second Pride of New York Harvest Fest will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the horticulture building.

The organizers promise a wide variety of New York foods and beverages, including maple products, fine wines, quality meats, baked goods, honey products, salsas, marinades, milk and ice cream, and flowers.

A ticket, $25 at the door, also includes complimentary samples and educational seminars on cooking, winemaking and brewing.

Don’t let the fact that the same state politicians from the same political parties pretty much won every race on Election Day ruin your appetite or your interest in products produced by small businesses and neighbors in New York state. 

And, thankfully, the state politicians won’t be pushing their ridiculous ads or shaking hands this weekend. They will be ensconced in their cushy corrupt Albany digs, basking in the glow of incumbency and the illicit protections it offers for even the most inept of the alleged lawmakers.

We can take pride in some things here in New York, but state government sure ain’t one of them, and won’t be any time soon unless people wake up and use the voting booth to send a message that we’ve had enough.

Wow, there is a dose of post-Election Day venting for you,  but I promise to return to your regularly scheduled blogging about unchained restaurants next time.

Food. Good.

I like food. I really like food when it’s served in a place with some local flavor.

I want to remember the meal as much as I want to remember the atmosphere or a snippet of local history I pick up from the waitress or the guy sitting at the counter with his third cup of coffee.

I like restaurants occupying interesting buildings in the heart of a village or the roadside stand just outside town.

I also like to drive in upstate New York, one of the most beautiful areas in the United States. I’ll drive Route 20 before jumping on the Thruway. I’ll take Route 11 before getting on I-81.

So this blog is for like-minded people who want to share information about the locally owned restaurant just starting up, the family restaurant with a creative cook, the longtime mom-and-pop place, the joint where you can get a great burger and a beer, or the place where you perch on a picnic table enjoying a hot dog and milk shake.

We’re focusing on New York, but if you’re road-tripping and want to share some ideas, please go ahead. Just remember, no mentions of Olive Garden or Cracker Barrel.