Last month I was lucky to tag along on the North Carolina Department of Agriculture‘s sponsored Eastern NC Seafood Farm Tour. If you follow my social media feeds, it’s clear I have a soft spot for all things seafood. Oysters, grouper, shrimp – I don’t discriminate.

Living in a coastal state, there is an abundance of regionally available seafood choices native to North Carolina. There were countless highlights of this tour, including the ever present delectable samples of fresh seafaring goodies. However, I’m most excited to bring to light a few of the fables commonly surrounding the topic of aquaculture.

Farm raised fish isn’t as “clean” as wild caught fish.

We can google everything now and find the worst case scenario emblazoned on the first page of results. This doesn’t seclude aquaculture. Within the food and nutrition field, I regularly hear how “dirty” farmed fish is and how it should be avoided. However, every aquaculture stop we visited was as clean as a farm should be expected to be and tanks were by no means crowded. When it comes down to it, fish are animals and that means they have inputs and outputs just like humans. Circle G Farm, Mill Point Aquaculture, Mr. Big Seafood and Marshallberg Farms have filtration systems set up within their tanks to produce fish and shellfish that more than surpass the food safety and sanitation regulations.

Oysters are only in season during “R” months.

I’ve always been taught this, whether it was from a past chef or an old wive’s tale. However, this ideology was quickly put to rest by Jimmy Morris from Mill Point Aquaculture in Sea Level. The reality is oysters are commonly consumed raw, which means strict temperature regulations are enforced upon hatcheries, such as Mill Point, to make sure they are safe for public consumption. When water levels fluctuate more than 2 inches, natural bacteria and pollutants in the water disturb the oyster’s normal environment, so there is a moratorium put on consuming said oysters for 48 hours. This means oysters are “in season” year round, especially as we have access to the beauties grown down on the NC coast.

Frozen seafood isn’t as good as fresh seafood.

Our stop at Mr. Big Seafood on Harkers Island squashed this myth before our tour of the facilities even started. Mr. Big, along with a majority of the other farms we visited, processes and freezes a large portion of their product within mere hours of harvesting. The frozen vs. fresh debate is common when looking at vegetable options, too. Seafood is in the same boat as vegetables in that they are harvested, processed quickly and frozen to maintain their freshness to be shipped to customers near and far. Mr. Big Seafood also sells a fair amount of their coastal treasures in their quaint storefront.

Aquaculture farmers are just in it for the money.

The bottom line is the places we visited are all operating businesses. However, that means producing and harvesting quality product that will actually sell on the market. Many of the producers we met on the tour are second and third generation farmers, fishermen and fisherwomen. The family tradition beams not only from the talent and skill they’ve acquired over the years, but in the stories they’re able to share of Eastern North Carolina coastal culture through something as simple as their daily catch. Spending just a few days with them it’s easy to see how tirelessly long the days are full of laboring and providing for their families and us, as consumers. There is immense pride and care that shines through their work for you to see this is more than just a job for them.

My love for shellfish dwindled after this tour.

My love for NC Seafood only grew tenfold after this tour. See picture below for evidence.

It’s no secret I’ve been a longtime fan of the Culinary and Nutrition team at UNC Rex Healthcare. I spent several months there during my dietetic internship and have always been impressed with the innovation and creativity their crew offers. All of the meals are tailor-made to meet every patient and guest’s nutrition needs while implementing current culinary trends.

Director of Culinary and Nutrition Services Jim McGrody, Executive Chef Ryan Conklin and their team have been the movers and shakers in the hospital food realm since the introduction of the Black Hat Chefs program in 2006. This program was founded by Jim in an effort to maintain the enthusiasm and culinary growth that’s crucial for any team, especially a large food service operation.

Many people may question how “culinary” and “hospital food” go together, but the Black Hat Chefs prove day in and day out that they run their hospital cafes just like any restaurant. Meals are customized to meet nutrition needs, but flavor or variety are never lacking.

As Rex Hospital recently expanded to include a multi-million dollar Heart & Vascular Hospital, Jim, Ryan and their team were faced with their next challenge. They knew they would have another cafe in the new digs, but which style of service and food cuisine did they want to offer? Over many hours of brainstorming and road trips of research, they created Kardia Cafe. The menu dishes up Mediterranean style food in a build-your-own format or you can choose a composed offering from the menu. As Kardia is the only cafe in this new cardiac hospital, it only made sense to serve a variety of foods that emphasized heart health. Mediterranean eating patterns have been found to be heart healthy as they incorporate a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and fish. Although the exact ingredients vary from region to region along the Mediterranean Sea, Kardia tries to encapsulate it all by using varied herbs and spices, too.

 

Kardia follows in the footsteps of Rex’s other cafes in that everything is as fresh as possible and local when feasible. While Jim and Ryan oversee things, Chef James and Branda run Kardia on a day-to-day basis to make sure things are smooth sailing. Although eating at a cafe inside of a hospital may seem unconventional, I can confidently say the meal was far fresher in quality and taste than just about every other salad place I’ve been to in the Triangle. You can’t beat the price, either. Where else can you get a freshly squeezed orange juice with a build your own salad of 5+ toppings for under $12?

As a chef and dietitian, I’ve always known eating healthfully can be delicious. However, it’s motivating and inspiring on a completely different level to see what Rex is doing for hundreds of people on a daily basis. When you’re sick and in the hospital, it’s even more vital to have food that not only nourishes and heals you, but tastes good. Jim, Ryan and the entire Culinary and Nutrition team have been paving the way from the beginning to showcase this is not just a theory, but their practice, with their patrons.

I wanted to introduce myself to those who may have just started following and for those who’ve been there since the beginning days. My name is Tessa and I’m the chef and registered dietitian behind Taste Nutrition Consulting. I’m passionate about providing nutritious food options to clients while still maintaining the elevated culinary flair for cuisines from across the globe. This transpires through projects including recipe development/modification, cooking lessons and speaking engagements, to name a few.

My siblings and I all have food allergies, so learning how to cook was an essential skill for us to acquire at a young age. I loved being in the kitchen with my parents and learning recipes from our varied cultural backgrounds. This curiosity grew as time went on and I decided to head to culinary school. I chose Johnson & Wales University and my eyes were opened, once again, when I was introduced to their culinary nutrition program. I loved that food could not only taste good, but have a purpose of providing appropriate nourishment for our bodies. After graduating from JWU’s culinary nutrition program, I was accepted into Meredith College’s Dietetic Internship program and became a registered dietitian in 2014.

Taste Nutrition Consulting is the business I’ve envisioned since I started on my culinary nutrition journey. My skill set allows me to provide practical, individualized solutions for restaurants, food companies, associations and individual clients. As a chef and dietitian, I’m fortunate to be able to work across all specialty areas of nutrition because we all need to eat!

I hope this gives you a little insight into Taste Nutrition Consulting and a little bit about me. I love connecting with fellow culinary nutrition enthusiasts, so feel free to follow along with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. You can also email me if you have an idea on how we can work together.

My friends and I teamed up last fall to create the Hottest Chefs of the Triangle Calendar. This inaugural calendar was a creative and fun way to highlight the many talented chefs we have here in the Triangle area of North Carolina. As my “calendar girls” and I are all involved in the food and hospitality industry, we wanted to give the profits back to a meaningful cause to all of us. We chose the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (FBCENC from here on out, since it’s such a long name!) because they help so many of our neighbors and families here locally and are passionate about making sure #NoOneGoesHungry.

As we’re in the heart of National Nutrition Month, the FBCENC asked for a guest post to showcase how their fundamental mission of #NoOneGoesHungry really is rooted in providing nutritious, wholesome ingredients to families across their 34 county service area. Historically speaking, many people would often only list dry pantry items/canned goods as the things being donated and dispersed by a food bank. While these food items are incredibly important in helping to alleviate the issue of hunger, more light has been shed on the depth of many food bank programs, including the FBCENC. According to the FBCENC, the amount of food they distribute that falls under “dry goods” is only 40%. Produce, refrigerated goods, frozen foods and frozen meats compromise 59% of all the food dispersed to their clients.

The FBCENC celebrates National Nutrition Month’s theme of “Put Your Best Fork Forward” with its more than 64 million pounds of food donated last year alone. With 40% of that food being produce and lean protein, they’re changing the public conception of ingredients a food bank can provide for their clients. Their new distribution facility in Raleigh also offers over 15,000 square feet of refrigerated space to house perishable goods before being delivered to those in need.

The FBCENC is striving to provide both healthy food and nutrition education to their clients by collaborating with external partners, including registered dietitians and chefs. As a registered dietitian and chef myself, I often work with clients who have ready access to food – but many of our neighbors are struggling to find out where the food for their next meal is coming from. As the FBCENC moves forward in continuing to advocate their #NoOneGoesHungry campaign, I am proud to be involved in helping to spread the news and awareness of their mission, both as a Social Media Ambassador and through the Hottest Chefs of the Triangle Calendar. Take a look at your local food bank’s website to see how you can get involved or check out FBCENC’s site as a starting point.

Spring is just around the corner with the sun making longer appearances and bright buds ready to bloom. It also means National Nutrition Month will be full of healthful tips and tricks of the trade provided by registered dietitians. In the spirit of National Nutrition Month, I hope to give you a little insight on how to Put Your Best Fork Forward this month and year-round when dining out.

As both a professional chef and restaurant reviewer, I’ve dined in my fair share of restaurants. From seedy hole-in-the-walls to top notch fine dining, there are a slew of ways to Put Your Best Fork Forward. Flavor doesn’t have to take a backseat when eating healthfully. Thinking through your options before diving in will ensure you leave satisfied, but still on track with your individual nutrition goals.

There’s a reason why registered dietitians love and emphasize the consumption of vegetables. They fill you up with nutrients and fiber without loading you down with excess calories. However, that doesn’t hold true if the veggies are doused in a heavy sauce full of cream, cheese or the like. You can live a little by ordering the sauce on the side, though. Put your best fork forward by practicing the fork-dip method. Pick the veggie up on your fork (or dining utensil of choice) and dip it sparingly into the sauce. That way each bite is packed with flavor and not needlessly drowned in the sauce. This will save you calories and give you the full appreciation for the vegetables. The same method goes for salads and dressings, too.

Don’t be afraid to order seconds when it comes to beverages. Water, unsweetened tea or seltzer with citrus wedges are great ways to stay hydrated and quench your thirst. Specialty cocktails, the second (or third) glass of wine and pints of beer add up on calories, but don’t necessarily satiate your stomach’s bank. Going out for drinks is one thing, but if you’re dining out, try shifting the focus to the conversation and quality meal ahead.

Sharing is caring when dining out. Many places are jumping on the bandwagon of tapas style dining, or small plates. Split a few of these small dishes with your date or group of friends. It’s an enjoyable way to try a variety of menu items without overdoing it and feeling uncomfortably full.

These are only a couple of general dining out tips, but it’s all a balancing act. Dining out has become a large part of our culture. Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, catching up with friends or even grabbing a meal on the way to/from work. Choose where you want to be a little decadent and where you can afford to be a little lean. When you Put Your Best Fork Forward during National Nutrition Month and throughout the year, you know you won’t be sacrificing flavor for nutritious bites.

It’s almost National Nutrition Month, and I’m swinging for the fences this March. I’m offering three Nutrition Bites classes with three of the Triangle’s most loved and known restaurants. Nutrition Bites classes showcase local restaurants and their talented chefs and owners. In these classes, I talk about popular nutrition topics while featuring each restaurant’s nutritious offerings, the chefs provide demos of popular menu items and each class is capped off with a delicious, wholesome meal. Win, Win, Win.

Sassool Mediterranean Cafe, Kimbap and M Sushi are the featured restaurants for the Nutrition Bites classes in March. Join us at one, two or all three of the classes by purchasing tickets here.

Sassool Mediterranean Cafe is hosting the first class on March 6th. Below is the recipe for their Zaatar Salad – one of their most sought-after recipes as it’s packed with bright flavors and a little (OK, a lot of) Lebanese love.

Sassool Mediterranean Cafe’s Zaatar Salad

Ingredients

• 5 zucchini
• 7 yellow summer squash
• 10 radishes
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 5 fresh mint stems
• 3 cucumbers
• 4 cups finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons dry Zaatar spice

Directions 

1. Wash all the vegetables and dry them thoroughly before chopping.
2. Slice the radishes into thin rounds.
3. Slice the zucchini, squash and cucumber lengthwise and then once more to create long strips. Remove seeds and slice all of these on a bias into angled pieces.
4. Dice the tomatoes into 1-inch pieces.
5. Remove mint leaves from the stems and roughly chop.
6. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, salt, black pepper and Zaatar.
7. Combine all ingredients and mix well before serving.

Photo provided by Sassool Mediterranean Cafe

 

As a kid growing up along the Gulf Coast of Florida, fresh fish and shellfish were always abundant. Our neighbor went fishing regularly and would often bring us grouper as his “catch of the day,” in which we were lucky to partake in the spoils of his labor. It’s been a while since I’ve had a grouper dish to conjure up this childhood favorite fish of mine, but Chef Bud Taylor from The Bistro at Topsail surely did it.

I was invited down to a media dinner hosted by Tabletop Media Group and Chef Bud and I immediately said yes. One, because Topsail Beach is in my top 3 best NC beaches and two, because I’m pretty sure seafood was going to be involved. We were treated to a five course feast, but Chef Bud’s decadent Pan Roasted Grouper with Orange Braised Leeks & Vadouvan Jus really hit home with me. The aroma that filled the room as the plates were set down was so enticing, it only made me even more excited to taste every component of the dish. Perfectly seared grouper, rich vadouvan jus and the leeks that melted like butter in your mouth. Absolutely astounding.

Of course, I’m not going to leave you hanging with just my description of the dish and a few drool-worthy pictures! Here’s the adapted version of Chef Bud Taylor’s Pan Roasted Grouper with Orange Braised Leeks & Vadouvan Jus. This adapted version has fewer calories than the original, but the flavor and intensity is still there from the fresh ingredients and spices. There’s also nothing wrong with a little butter every now and again, so that’s why you’ll still see it in the recipes.

Pan Roasted Grouper with Orange Braised Leeks & Vadouvan Jus

For the Orange Braised Leeks:

• 4-6 leeks, green parts removed
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
• salt, black pepper and sugar, to taste

Directions 

1. Slice leeks lengthwise through the center, and then into 1/2-inch half moon slices.
2. Soak leeks in a bowl of cool water, mixing around leeks with your hands to make sure all grit is removed.
3. In a large saute pan over low heat, melt 1 teaspoon of the butter. Add in the leeks and cook for 2-4 minutes until softened, but do not brown them.
4. Add in the orange zest and juice.
5. Add in the remaining 1 teaspoon of butter and continue cooking until leeks are soft and semi transparent.
6. Season with salt, black pepper and sugar to taste. This makes 4 servings to be served hot alongside the Pan Roasted Grouper and Vadouvan Jus.

For the Vadouvan Jus:

• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 1 garlic clove, diced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons Vadouvan spice

Directions 

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, cook shallot, garlic and butter for 1 minute.
2. Add in the white wine and bring to a boil. Simmer this down until the liquid is almost gone, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add cream and Vadouvan spice. Bring to a simmer and reduce sauce until it coats the back of a spoon.
4. Strain the sauce through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve before serving immediately with the Pan Roasted Grouper and Orange Braised Leeks. The extra sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated using a double boiler.

For the Pan Roasted Grouper:

• Four 4-oz. grouper filets
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions 

1. Season grouper with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat. Place fish in pan, skin side up, and sear until golden brown. You’ll see the fish is ready to flip once the fish starts to turn white on the sites.
3. Flip fish and allow to finish cooking just until it’s flaky. This makes 4 servings to be served immediately with the Orange Braised Leeks and Vadouvan Jus.