Tour de Soup

So we decided since we weren't going to make the "Tour de Soup" in Idyllwild this weekend we thought it would be nice to venture out to the local 'soup spot' just a few miles from our Chino home. The place is called The Boiler–Steam Kettle Cooking. We discovered it about a year ago and knew it was a keeper. The name of the place is a bit confusing, not sure what to expect really at first. But don't let that stop you from a great experience.

Essentially, The Boiler is a Louisiana style restaurant serving cajun & creole style dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, bouillabaisse, cioppino and pan roast – all cooked in individual steam kettles. You actually see your dish steaming away at the bar area. They also serve yummy appetizers such as Soft Shell Crab, Shrimp Cocktail and Oysters.

I was not feeling quite up to par. A little tired from the week and a cold was coming on in the rainy weather. A nice bowl of steaming spicy hot goodness sounded like the perfect remedy.

G and I started out with the happy hour appetizer, a combo platter loaded with morsels of kobe beef sausage, deep fried spring rolls and bacon wrapped shrimp. This was all served with three kinds of dipping sauces. A roumalade, sweet and sour and mustard...all equally delicious. Next came our main dishes. I ordered the Pan Roast Crab and G ordered the Pan Roast House. Both of these dishes are a spicy tomato cream based creole sauce with trinity (onions, bell peppers and celery) and seafood served with jasmine rice. Mine obviously had crab and G's had shrimp, crab, lobster and clams. When you order, they ask what level of heat you like...1-10. I chose 5, spicy, but not unbearable. G chose 8 and he seemed very happy with his heat level.

Let me tell you, the Pan Roast is amazing! The creamy tomato base paired with the spicy is just wonderful. My dish had mounds of fresh crab meat throughout. G's had multiple seafood combinations in every bite. We recommend the Pan Roast (any one) as a must have!

Let me also mention that the food presentation is very impressive. The deep rich sauce and fresh seafood against a dramatically deep white bowl really shows off the food beautifully. The atmosphere has great vibe. It has low moody lighting, yet the large central bar makes it feel very open.

We highly recommend The Boiler – Steam Kettle Cooking in Chino Hills! Our next visit we will have to try the House Oysters, broiled with bacon, peanut butter and their special tomato sauce. Yum!

The Boiler Steam Kettle Cooking

4665 Chino Hills Parkway, Suite I

Chino Hills, CA 91709

909-597-9098

theboilerskc.com

Baked!

This morning we took our usual Sunday walk around town. While passing ARF we saw that the new bakery Honey Buns & Joe had finally opened. Already eaten breakfast an hour earlier, we decided to 'maybe' get a sticky bun to go after our walk. Fast forward about an hour, we couldn't resist the thought of a tasty treat. I stayed outside with Morgan and G went inside. He emerged with a piping hot sticky bun and homemade doggy biscuit for Mo. We jammed home to devour the sweet treat. Very, very good. Not so sickening sweet that you feel guilt two bites in. The dough texture was delightful and fluffy. The glaze, just enough. Mo ate his bone, we guess. I just found a few crumbs in his bed.

We are very excited about having freshly made baked goods on the hill! Yay for Honey Buns & Joe. We'll have to come in for some Joe next!