Friday, June 11, 2010

Sexy Woman


I have a ton of photos and foodie ideas to share from our Alaska/ Vancouver/ Portland trip, but right now, all I can think about is the Sacsayhuaman (pronounced "Sexy Woman") cocktail that my friend Sue introduced me to at Andina Restaurant in Portland's Pearl District. It's made with habenero-infused vodka with passion fruit puree and cane sugar in a sweet/sour sugar-rimmed glass. Sound weird or foo-foo?  It's really not... at first sip it's sweet and sour, then the heat kicks in... then you find yourself licking off the sugar-rimmed glass... super addictive stuff!

This Peruvian hot spot in the Pearl District also has wonderful tapas which we shared for appetizers.  To make the most of our couples' date-night, we had appetizers and drinks at Andina, then moved on to Fenouil for dinner.  The four of us shared medium-sized plates of  Pimiento Piquillo Relleno:  piquillo peppers stuffed with cheese, quinoa and Serrano ham; and Empanadas Caseras de Carne:  flaky pastry filled with slow-cooked beef, raisins, and Botija olives.  They both were REALLY GOOD (and when I use ALL CAPS, that means REALLY, REALLY GOOD).  It was uber kid-unfriendly (yay!) and the perfect start to our much anticipated couples date night.  The next time we visit Portland, Andina will be at the top of my "must visit" list.