Potential Gold

Fast Taco - Chatsworth

This whole-in-the-wall type taco and burrito establishment really makes great tasting food.  I recently tried a plate of three different tacos which was terrific.  The three tacos, chicken, al pastor and carne asada were each really excellent.  The chicken was moist and flavorful.  The al pastor was smoky and had a great peppery flavor and the carne asada was simple and juicy.

Fast Taco keeps a great salsa bar which may be the cleanest salsa bar in all of Los Angeles.  They also make great plates like the Carna Asada plate I enjoyed the other day.

Try it when you're in the area.

Shrimp Boil

I really had an aching for a shrimp boil - so I made it happen!

I called over some friends and made up so Old Bay Seasoning, ran over to 99 Ranch for some shrimp and other ingredients and whipped up almost five pounds of shrimp to feast on.

I went to school with one the the real Phillips kids - he's a really great guy and while listening to a Jack Johnson song, the memories of Ocean City, MD came into my head and that's where I was able to enjoy my first real shrimp boil. 

I remember walking into the large kitchen at the Phillips restaurant in Ocean City and seeing the three large kettles of boiling seasoned water.  The smell was intoxicating!  We grabbed our shrimp in paper bags and went across the street where we laid out newspaper across the table, brought plenty of beers and ate the evening away...

I love reminiscing!  

For this boil I followed one the recipes available online for an Old Bay seasoning.  I was pretty upset that I couldn't find any at the markets here in Los Angeles and the closest we have is Zatarans which I don't even consider close.  With a few minor tweaks we were ready to go.

Into a large stock pot went the water and seasoning, a couple of cut lemons and the red bliss potatoes.  After about 15 minutes I pet in the corn and sausage and five minuted prior to eating I added the shrimp.  The house smelt amazing and personally, the sausage was my favorite part.  That and peeling the shrimp faster than everyone else at the table!  

UPDATE

Yes, it's been way too long since a post has come up on PotentialGold.com

I know!  That's why I'm here, now, to make some changes.  In the next few weeks you will see a reinvented design, attitude, feeling and a lot more GOING ON.  Stay Tuned to the new Potential Gold