The Black Hole

Tailgate #8
Theme: Oakland

This week's tailgate theme was Oakland Raiders. Not easy to identify what is regional "Oakland food," but I do remember seeing on an episode of DDD Goes Tailgating in Oakland where they did Chicken and Waffles, so we gave it a shot! For those of you who have never had Chicken and Waffles, you are really missing out! The sweet, savory, crispy, salty, sweet combo is such a winner! The best, of course, is Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles. Even President Obama visited on a recent trip! Our version is not quite the #13 (my favorite!) but it was slap your mama good!

{Yes, I said Slap Your Mama Good!}

I would like to smother that gravy on just about everything from now on! The crispy chicken, tender waffle, sweet syrup and savory gravy make for one fulfilling tailgate.

I'm on The Best Thing I Ever Ate!

As you recall from a post back in July, I went and saw a taping of The Best Thing I Ever Ate at Rosario's Ristorante. Well, the episode finally aired on Monday, and guess who was the star?! Yes, Alex Guarnaschelli spoke highly of Rosario's Garlic Bread (Rightfully so!), but did you see who also made an appearance???? ME!!!! Check out some screen shots from the episode...

Can't say it's the most flattering images of me ever, but pretty neat, nonetheless! Don't know if it will re-air anytime soon, but it's the With Garlic Episode, so be on the lookout if you wanna see it yourself. I'll be signing autographs in the meantime though! ;)

Best Thing I Ever Ate

Just got back from a taping of The Best Thing I Ever Ate at Rosario's Ristorante in Boca.  Slightly disappointed that the actual Food Network star was not here, but I had a wonderful time non-the-less! There was a 'stunt double' for Alex Guarnaschelli , and I only heard part of the taping (although I did hear them talking about the garlic bread, which IS possibly the best I ever ate!), but it was fun to watch the whole production! Here is a peak at 'Alex's" closeup:

From across the room, we totally thought it was the real Alex!

Besides the buzzing about the taping going on, the dinner we enjoyed was also truly excellent! No wonder Alex raved about it! If you haven't been to Rosario's, it's definitely worth a trip there! They have all of your favorite Italian classics, and even have a $26.95 3-course Summer menu with a ton of tasty choices!

I had the Gnocchi:

While Caroline went big and had the 2lb Maine Lobster Special:

 

Can you believe that is also part of the $26.95 special???

Of course there was also dessert:

Italian Cheesecake

Tiramisu

chocolate mouse cake

Yum! Everything was delicious, but what really made the experience was the service. Everybody at Rosario's was friendly, knowledgeable and accessible. I mean, the owner came by a few times to check on us, and his wife, Toni, was so cute I HAD to take a picture with her!

What you don't see here? She really only came up to my chest, so I am totally squatting to take this photo, lol!

All in all a fun evening with great friends, great food and some Food Network stalking! We are told the episode they taped tonight will air in November, and we had to sign waivers, so I'll let you know when it's going to air, so you can look for us!