The Weekly Whisk - 11/5/18

Musings from a foodie…

Sometimes the best food is right in front of you – and, you don’t even see it.  Not for months…or, years…or, decades…or, even half a century!  So, it was brought to my attention that one of the places where I have become a regular, frequent devotee – Markie’s Place and Grill [****** ] – had been waiting to be mentioned in one of my reviews for a long time.  When the thought was shared (by none other than Markie himself) I was chagrined that I had not thought of it. 

Markie’s is a very special place where friends and family come together all the time.  Most recently, when I stopped by, Markie was serving a potpourri of meats brushed with a special thyme sauce (he would not share the recipe when I first asked).  He was busily engaged in preparing some special chicken parmesan sausages, chicken French apple sausage, spinach feta sausage and – the piece de resistance – pork tenderloin.  Boy oh boy were they good but, it was all in the thyme sauce.  And, I had to work hard to get the recipe.  But, before I digress, just note that the meats were accompanied by an assortment of vegetables including squash, mushrooms, Belgium endive and mild peppers. 

So, back to the sauce.  Knowing Markie I knew the dinner would be simple but elegant.  After much cajoling, he finally shared that it consisted of 5 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 ½ teaspoons of freshly crushed thyme, 2 cloves of garlic with salt and pepper to taste.  It was liberally brushed on everything that was grilled.  And, it was not that difficult to concoct. 

But, after the meats and vegetables, there was “Mom’s Potato Salad”. It was exquisite.  You see “Markie” is my brother and he made this special dinner as a reminder of what family is all about.  And, he kept repeatedly reminding me how he wanted to make it into my restaurant review.  So, I’ll give him five stars with an extra big star for being my brother.  You made it buddy.  You were always there, I just forgot to recognize it.  Love ya!!  I’d share the address but then he would be overwhelmed with outsiders trying to get in so, I’ll keep it a (sort of) secret.  With a last name like “Fickenscher”, I’m sure you can find it.  BTW – the appetizers were rice crackers with American cheese – an All-American, Midwestern boyhood favorite…