Fried Artichokes - Happy Fryday!



While the world watches the Royal Wedding today, I'm wondering why they're not serving "Fried Artichokes and Chips" at the reception? LOL!

One of my favorite vegetable is the artichoke, had to look it up to be sure it's a vegetable. I like them marinated on an antipasti platter, with pasta, in sandwiches, and on pizza. At the food shows, you'll usually find me sampling all of the the marinated artichokes, including the Roman-Style ones too.

Most places don't know what to do with artichokes, except for taking them out of a can. Most people eat artichokes steamed. But for those who've seen the movie "Sideways" and have been to the "Hitching Post II" know about the grilled artichokes served with the smoked tomato mayo. One of the best grilled artichokes I've had.


World's Largest Artichoke
Giant Artichoke Restaurant
Castroville, California


I went up to Northern California to visit family during the Easter weekend and made a detour through Castroville, the artichoke capital of the world. It's been awhile since I last traveled through town and had some fried artichoke hearts at one of the many places around town that served them. I happened to drive right by the Giant Artichoke Restaurant and saw that the parking lot was pretty empty, so I stopped. Usually the parking lot is filled with tour buses in front of the produce stand and gift shop, but it was early and there was parking. I ordered a sandwich and some fried artichokes to go, wanted to get home in time for the Laker game. After seeing how they played during Game 4, shouldn't have been in a hurry to get home...


French Fried Artichoke Hearts
Served with Mayonnaise


For $8.95, you get a good amount of artichokes and side of mayo. They tasted just as I remembered, how could it not be good?


They're FRIED and served with Mayonnaise!



At home with some Ranch Dressing


The fried artichokes were just as good later that evening, this time served with a side of ranch dressing. Didn't think to ask for ranch at the restaurant...Next time...

Overall it was a nice detour on the way home and a chance to eat something that I haven't had in years and it was FRIED!

Would love to hear your comments and I'm always interested in hearing about any unique food places like this...


Happy Fryday!



Giant Artichoke Restaurant
11261 Merritt Street
Castroville, CA 95012
(831) 633-3501




Photos by Jay Terauchi

Comments

Anonymous said…
i really like the article please keep it up.
restaurant address
May 5, 2011 at 6:05 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sticking to What You Do Best...

Last week, I was invited to celebrate National Hamburger Day at The Counter in Studio City. I had been to The Counter before, but today was special and met a fellow tweeter who was a first timer. The menu is easy to follow and you actually build your own burger, well at least on paper. First you select the protein, then the cheese, other various toppings, a side sauce, and last is the type of bun you want. If you’re having a hard time deciding, don’t worry, they have signature burgers and sandwiches to choose from. Too many choices make me crazy sometimes. I get so confused when I see other restaurants trying to be everything to everyone. The food at these restaurants are usually horrible and thus end up closing. Would you be surprised if the pizza at a seafood restaurant wasn’t good? Doesn’t make sense to me. Attention Restaurant Owners: Pick something and do it really really well. In-n-Out hasn’t added anything to their menu in years and they’re still in business and GROWING! Being i...
Read more

Coco Bread Sandwich with Jerk Chicken

Image
Who Doesn't Like Jerk Chicken??? OK, I'm Sure There Are Some, A Few, One, Maybe Two... This is Maybe My  Favorite  Sandwich! At least the one I think about when wanting  a great 'Sandwich'  comes to mind. Chef Yonette serves this sandwich as an every so often special at her restaurant, Caribbean Gourmet in San Gabriel, CA. The sandwich consists of Jerk Chicken and a Slaw for texture and balance on a house-made Coco Bread, a buttery soft circular flat bread (aka "Butter Flap" in Guyana) Like most awesome sandwiches, it's the bread that makes it great. As I pick-up my sandwich on Sandwich Saturday. Whenever I pick up pastries or patties from Caribbean Gourmet, it's very hard to make it home. Smelling the Jerk Chicken... See What Jay Eats... Yup, I caved and it didn't make it home... Follow Caribbean Gourmet's IG account and Stories for the next Jerk Chicken Sandwich Special Saturday. @caribbeangourmet On sandwich day, be sure to be there at Noon,...
Read more

Hidden Little Tokyo: Cheap Eats

Image
I usually take the Metro Gold Line to Downtown Los Angeles.  Traffic is usually bad and then I have no idea where to park.  Although some of my friends who know I'm downtown a lot, think I know where all the places to park, this is why I take the Metro.  As I was heading into town on this trip, overheard 2 guys talking about only having $5 and wanting to get something to eat. I know there are places in Little Tokyo where you can get something to eat in the $5 range, here's what I've found: See What Jay Eats... Half California Roll and Half Spicy Tuna Roll (includes miso soup) $3.95 Little Tokyo Sushi This is a grab and go kiosk inside the Little Tokyo Market Place.  They have a variety of sushi combinations ranging in price from a $2.50 hand roll to $12+. Little Tokyo Sushi at the Little Tokyo Market Place (former Mitsuwa Marketplace) 333 S. Alameda St #100 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 617-0343 Niku (Beef) Udon...
Read more