September 2012
Volume 1
Keeping Your Food Safe for Your Family Guest Loyalty Card FIESTA EVERY DAY!
In August Caracara Mexican Grill launched a unique program that rewards you for continuing to patronize us. For every dollar you spend, you earn cash back in the form of a Reward Check. It is absolutely FREE! It isn’t a credit card it’s a THANK You card. You can use it whether you pay with cash or credit card, any day, any meal period! We’ll keep you informed of money-savings opportunities throughout the year.
“Wow! What a great find! Very delicious Mexican cuisine.” Open Table Diner 5/12/2012
Catering for all occasions
Vote for Caracara for Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island On bestof.longisland press.com
354 Main Street Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-777-CARA (2272) Ph 516-777-8199 Fax
www.caracaramex.com
Cross-contamination is how bacteria can be spread. When handling raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs, keep these foods and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods. Always start with a clean scene -- wash hands with warm water and soap. Wash cutting boards, dishes, countertops, and utensils with hot soapy water.
A guaranteed return on every investment! Every time you return, simply present your card. You’ll earn $10.00 for every 200 points you accumulate (1 point for every dollar spent- some promotional purchases may even receive more). When you earn your Reward Check you’ll receive it in the mail and can use it your next visit. It’s our way of thanking you for your loyal and valued patronage.
Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods in your grocery shopping cart, grocery bags and in your refrigerator.
Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
So during your next visit don’t forget to sign up. Muchas Gracias!
Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.
By Royalty Rewards
Mexican Glossary
Adobo
- as seen on www.fightbac.org
A Seasoning Paste, usually
Voting starts October 1 Muchas Gracias!
Caracara Mexican Grill
Separate, Don’t CrossContaminate!
containing ground chilies, vinegar, garlic and spices. Used to coat meats, poultry and seafood prior to cooking or drying to preserve.
Inside this issue Caracara Loyalty Card .............................................. 1 Keeping Your Food Safe ........................................... 1 History of the Tamal .................................................. 2 Cooking on a Grill Pan .............................................. 2 Recipe of the Month .................................................. 2 Meet Our Staff ........................................................... 3 What’s New ............................................................... 3 Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease ......................... 4 Upcoming Events ..................................................... 4 Daily Specials ........................................................... 4
Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all. ~Harriet van Horne
History of the Tamal The tamal can be traced back to pre-Colombian history, as early as 5000 to 7000 bc. Women from warring Maya and Aztec tribes where used as army cooks making masa for tortillas and when the demand for nixtamal (corn hominy) increased as the warring grew in scale they were forced to find a more sustainable and portable food source. So the tamale evolved. It could be made ahead of time and cooked by burring in hot ashes until crisp and brown*. This food source also came in handy for hunters and travelers. When the Spanish conquistadores arrived the natives adopted learned cooking methods and began steaming the tamales in underground pits or uncovered pots. The tamale making process would usually begin two days prior to cooking this is why large amounts where generally made at a time at a social event know as a “Tamalada”. They would begin with dough made from nixtamal called masa or a pre-mix known as maseca, lard or vegetable shortening. Then wrap the dough in a corn husk and steam it. Tamales are typically wrapped in corn husks but can be wrapped in banana leaves, fabric, avocado leaves, soft tree bark or any edible type of leaf. In tropical regions such as Oaxaca, Chiapas, Veracruz or other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula plantain leaves are typically used instead of corn husks.
Cooking on a Grill Pan Because the ridges are the only direct source of heat in contact with the grill pan, food can be slow to cook through. Here are some ways to deal with that problem.
For beef and pork: Steaks should be relatively thin and preferably
boneless Chops should be thin, about 1/2” Burgers should be slightly flat
For chicken: Avoid bone-in pieces Pound breasts or thighs to make them even and
thin. Butterfly boneless breasts
For vegetables: Cut vegetables so they lie flat Thick vegetables like Portobello mushrooms will
cook faster if sliced As seen in How to Break an Egg 1,453 Kitchen Tips, Food Fixes, Emergency Substitutions, and Handy Techniques
Recipe of the Month Tamale with Chipotle Cream Sauce Yield 6 Servings 5 Ears of Corn Shucked 2 Cups Maseca 1 Tbs Honey ½ Cup Vegetable Oil 1 Cup Melted Butter 7 Corn Husks (soaked in water overnight) 1 Tspn Baking Powder
CHIPOTLE CREAM SAUCE Yield 6 Servings 1 QT HEAVY CREAM 1 Clove garlic 3 OZ CHIPOTLE EN ADOBO 1 OZ LIME JUICE 1 OZ CILANTRO 1 Tbs SALT
Method Combine all together to form a thick batter Lay corn husk flat
Method Mix together while cold in blender until thick Keep Cold until Service
Place 1 ½ cups of batter in center, wrap and tie ends with a thin strip of corn husk
Steam for 35 minutes… until firm
Courtesy of Chef Daniel Mendoza of Caracara Mexican Grill
Have a recipe you would like to share send it to caracara@optonline.net
Courtesy of Chef Daniel Mendoza of Caracara Mexican Grill
Buen Provecho!
What’s New! Football Games Enjoy NFL Games with Happy Hour Anytime games are on Two new TV’s added Specials on appetizers & drinks
Catering for all occasions Bridal & baby showers, rehearsal dinners, retirement parties, birthdays
Download our new mobile phone app Go to caracaramex.com from your smart phone
Meet our staff - our biggest asset! We met Jimmy over 6 ½ years ago when he applied for a runner position in one of our previous restaurant jobs. We knew then that he had what it took to make it in this business. He had the drive, the likability, the social skills, the SMILE. Within 1 month Jimmy became server and within 6 months was promoted to manager. A year later he was promoted to General Manager. When we opened Caracara, Peter and I recruited Jimmy to work with us at Caracara. Today Jimmy is still a key employee. We look forward to his continued success with Caracara. Many of you already know him and for those that don’t please give Jimmy a big HOLA during your next visit.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with us! Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16 Many people think Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence day but it is actually an American fabricated holiday. The real Mexican Independence day is September 16th.
FREE DRINK [Come in and try one of our new cocktails from our new drink list with purchase of appetizer] (cannot combine with other offers)
Location: Caracarara Mexican Grill 354 Main St Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-777-CARA (2272) Ph Expiration date 9/30/12
Muchas Gracias!
Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease* Heart disease risk factors are often related, so a change in just one area can positively impact others. Keep your heart beating at a healthy pace by following these eight steps: 1. Improve your cholesterol levels. The higher your blood cholesterol level, the higher your risk for heart disease. Follow a diet low in saturated fat to reduce your cholesterol levels. 2. Quit smoking. Smokers are twice as likely to suffer heart attacks as non-smokers and they are more likely to die as a result. Smoking also increases your risk of having a stroke. 3. Control high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is the number one heart disease risk factor in the United States today. 4. Exercise. People who don't exercise have an increased risk of heart disease compared with people who do even moderate amounts of physical activity. 5. Keep diabetes under control. Diabetes can lead to many health problems, including heart attacks. Manage diabetes under the care of a physician. 6. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight causes additional strain on your heart, and it increases blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 7. Limit alcohol consumption. Keep consumption down to one drink per day for women and two drinks a day for men. 8. Manage your stress level. Stress and anger management techniques will reduce your stress level and, therefore, your risk for developing heart disease. As seen on prevention.com * This article is for reference only, not a medical recommendation
Daily Specials 2 Course Meal for $19.95 Sunday-Tuesday Every Week
Meatless Monday Specials Every Monday for Dinner
Vino Vino at CaraCara Every Wednesday Half Price Sangria Pitchers and Bottles of Wine with Dinner
Cerveza Sunday All Day $2 Bud Drafts $3 Corona Btls & All drafts Two more TV’s added New Bar Menu & Drink Menu
Upcoming Events Ladies Night & Live Jazz Every Thursday 7-10pm Blue Moon Jazz, Dave Parker Jazz & Scott Ross Jazz Check website for dates!
First Time***Afingue Salsa Band Saturday, September 15 9:30-12:30
The Electric Dudes Friday, September 21
9:30-1:00
White Chocolate Revue Friday, September 28 12:30 **********
9:30-
Avion Tequila Dinner
FIESTA EVERY DAY!
Caracara Mexican Grill
Wednesday, October 17, 2012 4 Course Meal with Avion Tequila Matching Cocktails More Information to Follow!
516.777.CARA (2272)
We’re on the web! Visit us at: www.caracaramex.com
Vote for Caracara for Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island On bestof.longislandpress.com Voting Starts October 1st Muchas Gracias!