A - Z: Melissa Good Taste

A is for age: I turn 30 on May 5th! Cinco de Mayo - Mexican and Margaritas in celebration of course!

B is for breakfast today: Nothing. I don't really drink coffee anymore so I just charged into my day without stopping in the kitchen first.

C is for currently craving: Caramel Budino from Artisan in Paso Robles. It is probably the best dessert I have ever had in my life.

D is for dinner tonight: I am not sure yet. I am craving something Italian so maybe spaghetti.

E is for favorite type of exercise: Paddle Surfing, jogging and riding my horses. 

F is for an irrational fear: I am claustrophobic so anything that has to do with that gets me really scared.

G is for gross food: I am not a fan of Corned Beef and Cabbage. The smell of it cooking really makes me feel nauseous. Isn't that weird? 

H is for hometown: The very historic San Juan Bautista, CA.

I is for something important: Communication and a positive attitude. I have learned that nothing is as important than those two things. So lets put on a smiling face and communicate. I just made that little rhyme up, did you like it?

J is for current favorite jam: I don't think about jam much but strawberry on a well buttered  toast is heavenly.

K is for kids: Scott and I have tons of them! All horses, plus one adorable weiner dog, Willy.

L is for current location: Ojai, CA

M is for the most recent way you spent money: On dry cleaning. You have to have your shirts and jeans looking good. Starchy, starchy!

N is for something you need: I need my family and friends to be happy and healthy! It is the most important thing for me because I love them all so much!

O is for occupation: Domestic goddess and wonderful wife of the very talented Scott Weis, cutting horse trainer.

P is for pet peeve: When things are out of place. I try to be very organized and neat.

Q is for a quote: "I'm so optimistic I'd go after Moby Dick in a row boat and take the tartar sauce with me." - Zig Ziglar

R is for random fact about you: I was accepted into every college I applied to and went to probably the least desirable one to step myself out of my comfort zone.  Go Fresno State Bulldogs!

S is for favorite healthy snack: A handful of roasted nuts really keeps me going!

T is for favorite treat: Does there only have to be one? I love a good risotto, it must be the Swiss in me. It is so comforting!

U is for something that makes you unique: I am the Cowgirl Barbie who blogs about food, it doesn't get much more unique than that. To know me, is to love me! 

V is for favorite vegetable: That is a tough one. I love every squash imaginable. But, onions are probably my most favorite because I use them in my everyday cooking. Nothing better than caramelized onions!!

W is for today’s workout: Buzzing around town and the ranch getting errands done before we leave for a 3 week trip to Texas for a horse show.

X is for X-rays you’ve had: Teeth. These chompers are as close to perfect as you can get!

Y is for yesterday’s highlight: Having a great evening with my husband over Mexican food and fine conversation. I love you honey!

Z is for your time zone: Pacific Standard Time.

Meet My People - Jodie

I don't have a photo of Jodie but she is my pal in Ventura. We enjoy all things Ojai, horses and food! I cannot wait for our next night out on the town!

1. You feel an urge to cook, you have the energy and the ingriedents. What is it? Chile verde (pork shoulder roast, tomatillos, cilantro, hatch chilis), refried beans (not from a can), salsa (not from a jar), tortilla chips (not from a bag), margaritas (with my margarita mix & patron tequila, grand marnier or cointreau) & a good mexican cerveza (for those who don't want my margs).

2. Thanksgiving is a foodie's dream come true. What entree makes your meal complete? Toss up between cranberries & dressing, I have to have cranberries with the turkey. So many other items... I love cooking this meal! From appetizers, to main dish (the turkey, which I brine), sweet potatoes (without the marshmallows), veggies, mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, and the pumpkin & apple pies. Wine!

3. You walk into a Thai restaurant. What do you order?(This is what we like Sawasdee on Johnson Dr.) Angel Prawns, Mussaman Curry with beef(we ask to bump up the heat by another chili) Vegetable delight with shrimp, and steamed rice.

4. Your favorite potato chip - Everyone has there favorite brand and flavor. Maybe it isn't even a potato? Lays BBQ

5. Your in charge of coming up with a new "In-Flight Meal" for the airlines. What is it? Cold, light and easy to serve and eat. Wraps, light sandwiches and salads.

6. Suddenly the world just ran out of mayonaise and mustard. What goes on your deli sandwich as its replacement? Plain Greek yogurt flavored with a little garlic, salt and pepper, with a little chopped italian parsley added. For those who like spicy... jalapeno jelly is yummy.

7. Macaroni and Cheese. Is it really better all jazzed up? If jazzed up means using different kinds of cheese in addition to cheddar, then yes.

8. What is your favorite sweet treat on Easter Sunday? Most anything chocolate from See's, without walnuts...

9. You walk into a Sports Bar - What do you order to grub down on? Hamburgar and extra crispy fries.

10. Food Trucks - Your take, gourmet or not? Depending on the truck, they can be very gourmet... it would be fun to try to cook with such a limited space.

Meet My People - Melissa Good Taste!

Curious what I said? Check out my responses:

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you?

Easy. I would like an authentic pot of Pozole bubbling away on the stove. The pork would be fork tender and hominy with a bite. Garnishes of lemon, cilantro and chopped onion on the side, please.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why?

I knew this question would stump most of you guys but it is an interesting one. I cannot make it past 11:00 am without eating but I usually can't stand the Lunch menu at a restaurant. The Dinner menu always is better.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time?

It seems like overnight I became a strict Sauvignon Blanc fan. Usually after a couple of glasses I am pretty much the party!

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order?

An easier question might have been, "What wouldn't you order?"... I think each restaurant has their "specialty" but in general a chile relleno or a shredded beef enchilada is safe. No matter what I order the refried beans must have spent a good amount of time under the broiler with a dose of queso on top!

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine?

I would have to agree that it was more chic to eat sushi a few years ago. I would go more often but it is pricey and it can be risky when experimenting with rolls because before you know it you have a table full of food and a big bill! Give me the rolls with the most sauce and unexpected ingredients!

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order?

I would start off with a cup of Hot and Sour Soup - even though it is usually never actually "hot" or "sour". I always order and probably will continue that trend for awhile. I would settle on Honey Walnut Shrimp, it is generally served in a cream sauce with broccoli. A side of white rice bathed in low sodium soy sauce.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why?

I am a big fan of the Filet 'O Fish from McDonald's. But, the 99 cent tacos from Jack In The Box pretty much make my day.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work?

I love savory desserts so if it was cheese, salt or had a base of deep fried goodness I may just have to check it out!

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take.

I used to love coffee, I drank it everyday. Now it just hurts my stomach. Tea is soothing. I think it is more popular because people who drink are taken more serious than people who slurp down tea. I am just saying... I think of hippies with curly, frizzy hair sipping on hemp flavored tea.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough?

A noodle is a noodle and I am bored with it! I am a risotto eating fool.

Meet My People - Allison & Shannon

So have you noticed a trend yet? I am so blessed to have beautiful, clever friends and family! Now meet Allison and Shannon - sisters of course, and close cousins to both my sister and I.

ALLISON SAYS:

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Frittata!!!! Is my chef also a barista???

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Dinner. If I skip lunch there is a very real possibility I might shrivel up & die.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? Crown & 7up with a lime – although this summer I’m in love with Sangria…

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Enchilada, tamale, or chili relleno – always with rice & beans!

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? It’s always been a once & a while treat… probably always will be…

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Sweet & Sour Chicken

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? Cheeseburger, Whopper Jr., or Chicken Fajita Pita – sooo hard to choose!!!

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? Nope – then I’d have nothing to look forward to!

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. You can’t add chocolate & whipped cream to tea!

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? For some reason I never get tired of different shaped dough…

SHANNON SAYS:

1. Something with eggs and strawberries/grapefruit

2. Dinner. if I skip lunch I will be shakey and grumpy the rest of the day

3. Vodka tonic w lime

4. Shredded beef enchilada

5. Don’t eat if…food allergies scare me so I usually get chicken terriaki

6. Fried rice, chow main, sweat and sour pork, and wan ton soup.

7. Jack in the box. They have mozzarella sticks.

8. No…cause I would fill up and only eat desert. I would like it…but it would not be good for me.

9. It is stronger. I need the caffeine!!

10. No. I love Italian food. I take any shape noodle.

Meet My People - Aunt Cindy & Cousin Drew

Just my Aunt Cindy will have a photo feature in this blog post, Drew opted out. Which is too bad because Drew is one of the first features on my blog. Look here - oops! There is Drew! Anyway this is what he has to say:

DREW SAYS:

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you?

Pork Belly. And if they're particularly attentive, Garlic Pork Belly. Preferably with an especially green side so I can feel better about eating what is essentially really thick bacon.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why?

Did you not get the hereditary low blood sugar? If I skip any meal, I get crabby to the point that I'd jeopardize my job. That said, I'd rather snack through lunch and have a kickass dinner.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time?

Out: Gin and tonic. Because it's never expensive. In: Gin or vodka with muddled cucumber & basil, plus club soda.

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order?

Tamales and beer.

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine?

Too expensive to be a staple, but I've learned that it doesn't have to be cooked to be delicious.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order?

Hot & Sour Soup, then duck with plum sauce.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why?

I swear I'm not a food snob, but I don't do fast food... unless it's In & Out. But if I had to pick, Jack In the Box at least has variety.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work?

I don't do sweets unless someone I know baked them. I'd be happier with a pre-dinner cocktail.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take:

Tea. No jitters.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering
different shapes of the same dough?
I only cook noodles at home. If I'm going out, I'll go to a Italian place and have them cook something that I could never be capable on my own. The more elaborate the risotto, the better.

AUNT CINDY SAYS:

1. Veggie omelet

2. Lunch because I am always busy during the day.

3. Glass of Calera chardonnay

4. Fiesta salad served in a tortilla shell

5. Sushi never!

6. I would order whatever someone else at me table reccommended because I don't particularily like Chinese food.

7. Burger King because I like the junior hamburger.

8. I don't generally do dessert, so it wouldn't work for me.

9. Coffee tastes better than tea to me.

10. My favorite Italian dish is gnocchi, (not a noodle but a potato dumpling) with tomato, mushroom and garlic sauce with a
hint of lemon peel. Yum!!

Meet My People - Jennifer & James

Meet my older, more beautiful sister, Jennifer ad my younger, smarter brother James. They are my favorite people because we share a closer connection than most brothers and sisters. We look alike, think alike and all have the the same drive and desire to be the best we can be.

JENNIFER SAYS:

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Can I wake up at 6:00 pm and request a 7 course tasting menu from Chef Stephan Richter? If so, that is what I would ask for! If not, I would request fried chicken and waffles – just for the fun of it.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Skip? What is this word “skip”? Do you know how grouchy I would be if I skipped either?

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? A Root Beer Freeze from A&W! For an even better time, a Root Beer “Float” from Serendipity!

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Guacamole to go with the chips & salsa! I also really like chicken fajita salads!

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Still popular with me; I appreciate a good sushi chef that surprises me with something beyond a basic roll!

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? I ask her to go to another restaurant, I am too afraid of MSG!

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? Jack in the Box for their jalapeno poppers! Yum! Arby’s makes great poppers too – dip ‘em in their Bronco Berry Sauce!

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? Not in my book! I always want something sweet after the savory!

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. The way coffee smells in the morning is fantastic, but poor tea is underrated! If it had the marketing prowess behind it that SBucks did for coffee, it would take off through the roof!

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? Definitely more than just noodles, but that type of food is hard to find at your local OG. Maybe I will have to plan a trip to Italy with Melissa Good Taste to do some “research”!

JAMES SAYS:

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Kathy's ham quiche with cantaloupe and tomato juice.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Although bad I enjoy an early 3-6ish. Don't know why.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? Gonna go with the old classic. 7n7.

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Carne asada plate rice beans flour tortillas.

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Not so much a staple, but great for mixing it up once in a while.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Chow mein, Sweet n sour chicken, deluxe fried rice.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? McDonalds...the number 2 never ceases to fail at any location in the world.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? Negative...work on kicking out better dishes to get people in the door rather than grasp for straws.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. There are so many choices in a cup of coffee. From Starbucks to am pm it's every where. Something for everyone.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? Yes it is more than just noodles...but I tend to lean toward the heavy hitters: lasagna, meatball sandwich, raviolis.

Meet My People - Mary

Meet Mary. She is my cousin from the East Coast. She is often referred to as "Miss" so we share a name. She is smart, funny and independent. I miss her and look forward to seeing her very soon.

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? My favorite breakfast from a french bistro we used to have in Greenwich, Cafe Rue: 3 Cheese omelet (havarti, mozzarella, swiss) with a fresh tomato basil sauce and a toasted baguette!

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Dinner, I like a "real meal" for lunch and a lighter dinner anyways, so I could just step lunch up a notch and skip dinner, no problem! Cocktails count as dinner, right?!

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? Frozen mudslide

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? One chicken, one cheese enchilada with mole sauce ... and you gotta have cheese on your refried beans and plenty of yummy spicy salsa!

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Don't eat it, ever.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Veggie spring roll with homemade hot mustard and chicken and broccoli with white rice, plenty of srirachi sauce on the side

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? Burger King, all about the flame broiled and onion rings

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? No, I'm not a big dessert person to begin with, I much prefer savory over sweet.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. I hate coffee, can't get over the bitterness, but I do love a good cup of tea, nice spicy chai in the winter or a light lemony tea in the summer. I'll brew my own tea and refrigerate it to mix with Absolut Citron for a refreshing summer cocktail!

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? I like pasta, especially with a spicy fra diavolo sauce, but I really prefer the other Italian meals, francese, marsala, etc. I do a simple peasant type of Italian dish int he summer, where I basically do veal cutlets and you serve them with lots of fresh lemon wedges which you squeeze all over them, very light and refreshing! Serve it with some skillet potatoes with onions, peppers and basil, some sugar snaps, very yummy!

Meet My People - John

I couldn't let this day pass without sending a shout out to my brother-in-law John. It is his birthday! He puts up with the craziness in our family and takes impeccable care of my sister. For that I am eternally grateful.

Happy Birthday John!

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Crab cake with spinach eggs benedict with pressed coffee and bowl fresh fruit.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Dinner.......just better for you this way.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? JUMBO MARGARITA'S

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Fresh chunky salsa.....chicken enchilada's a la carte. JUMBO MARGARITA'S

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Staple...if I can persuade wife to go.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Wonton soup, sweet sour chicken, house chow mein.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? Jack.....best of the worst.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? For schizophrenics.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. Coffee has more bold flavoring.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? I should but don't.....skinny noodles LOTS RED SAUCE.

Meet My People - Donna & Mike

Since I will be stuck at a horse show for 10 days and will not be able to upload restaurant photos (I forgot my cord...shoot.) I will feature, "Meet My People" - If you have not been emailed the survey, copy and paste it. Then email at melissadassel@gmail.com. I think it is really fun!

Meet Donna. My good friend from Hollister - she is patient, kind and one of the sweetest women that I know.

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Banana Pancakes with Hawaiian Coconut Syrup

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why?
This one depends on what I'm doing on any given day. Most of the time; Lunch.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time?
No, I don't really drink. Maybe a nice cold beer or a strawberry Margarita or even one glass of wine. That's it for me.

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order?
Albondigas soup and a crunchy taco

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine?
NO raw fish for me!

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order?
Deluxe fried rice and war wonton soup

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why?
Jack has the best salads of the three. and I do like the egg-rolls.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work?
Not for me

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take.
I don't drink Coffee I drink Tea. No take on this

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough?
Absolutely. Pass the pasta on by and grab the totally decked out Antipasta salad and Minestrone Soup!

Now meet Donna's husband, Mike. He was my work neighbor and I miss his humor and good times at work.

1. Depends on where I am if it's near a beach I want fresh fish or seafood. If its a beef town just steak baby.

2. Skip lunch take a full dinner like a 7 course Caesar's in San Francisco.

3. Margaritas with my favorite Mexican food.

4. Progresso Tamales and refried beans or Carnitas with green sauce.

5. Sushi hands down a must, again in Hawaii even better.....

6. Garlic Beef or Kung Pow Chicken with Chow Mein can't go wrong with these ones.

7. Mickey Ds always the same anywhere across the whole USA you know what your getting every time.

8. No people like it the way it is, say what about say breakfast for dinner?

9. I think because it evolved this way due to the British embargo of tea in colonial time we started coffee and been addicted from then.

10. Silly girl see answer 2 go to Caesar's get real Italian food not Olive Garden.

Meet My People - Rebecca

I am starting a little thing here at Melissa Good Taste, it is called "Meet My People" - It is in appreciation of all of you for reading my blog and I think it is great to read others perspectives on food! Enjoy meeting my friends and family...

First up: Rebecca. My extremely brilliant, stunning cousin from the Pacific Northwest.

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Nutmeg-Coated Creamy French Toast made with brioche.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Lunch. I only get half an hour, so I can't really appreciate it anyway...might as well just have a protein bar.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? Gummi Bear Martini at Poppe's

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Carne Asada tacos and a Margarita

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Somewhere in between - more like an Enjoyable Change of Pace.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Hot and Sour soup.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? McDonalds for one reason - the Coffee.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? Sure. I was actually just thinking about this yesterday - if you are eating a planned meal with reasonable, non-gigantic portions, why not eat dessert first? Life is short.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. I prefer Coffee in the morning and Tea in the evenings - I usually only need the caffeine pick-me-up in the morning, so I am more likely to have Coffee on a given day than Tea in the evening.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? I think I avoid noodles for just that reason - give me a perfect risotto anytime.