Lobster Cioppino

This week’s Red Lobster Chef’s Blog video features Lobster Cioppino, a hearty seafood stew that’s delightful to share with the entire family.

Labels: Chef_Videos

What to Cook?

My wife Kathleen, children Alexis and Zachary and I are moving into a new house. And my biggest decision: What should our first meal be? Let’s start by saying it will definitely be on the grill. Messing up the new kitchen and finding all the cooking utensils on Day 1 might be a challenge, so I am going with the grill.

But from there, I am stuck. Burgers and hot dogs are an old stand-by, but they’re a little heavy, and might not give us the energy boost we need for all that moving and unpacking. Steak seems logical to me: Celebrate the new house with a nice manly porterhouse steak. But that may be more appropriate for a bigger event. Everyone loves grilled shrimp, and adding cool sauces makes it pretty easy. I also am thinking about grilled flatbreads. Prepping some grilled chicken, shrimp, and vegetables and letting everyone customize their own flatbread might be the ticket. Let me know what you think. What would you cook for your first housewarming meal?

All I know for sure is we are all very excited to get into the new house, and the kids can’t wait to jump in the new pool. I am excited about being able to host my first dinner party and watching my first Giants game in the family room! I’ll let you know how that first dinner turns out. And thanks for helping me plan the menu. Michael LaDuke

American Seafood Adventure is back!

When I started with Red Lobster, the first new foods I worked with were those featured in the American Seafood Adventure. Some of you may remember the Maple-Cherry Glazed Shrimp and Salmon dish we featured on TV. That dish born of my childhood in upstate New York and my memories of traveling to Vermont each year with my family to get real maple syrup.

Well, it is American Seafood Adventure time again. This is my favorite limited-time offer at Red Lobster because it allows the chefs and I to experiment with flavors from across the country, and present dishes and techniques from our travels.

This year is no different. The Lobster and Crab Bake reminds us of the time we spend in New England each year looking for great seafood inspirations. Our culinary team loves BBQ, so our New Georgia Peach and Bourbon Shrimp and Scallops is our twist on a summer favorite. We have added a slight sweetness of Georgia peaches with the savory addition of bourbon. Then we have taken an old favorite, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, and put them on a skewer and fired them up over the grill with a skewer of shrimp. The result is pretty cool, and a great twist for your grill at home.

So what are you favorite American-inspired recipes? I always love to hear great food memories. Continue to enjoy your summer, happy and safe travels, and make sure you stop by and see what’s fresh today at Red Lobster!

Congratulations Kelsey

If you are keeping up with The Next Food Network Star, the season came to an end last night for our friend Kelsey Nixon during the finals in Las Vegas. Kelsey did an incredible job and all of us here at Red Lobster want to congratulate her on an incredible season, and thank her for the great addition to our fresh fish menu, Macadamia Crusted Tilapia with White Chocolate Buerre Blanc.

On a personal note, thank you Kelsey for the opportunity to have worked with you and best of luck in the next step of your life and career. And congratulations on your upcoming wedding to Robbie. I wish you both all the best.

So with one week left on the show, who do you think is the top contestant? Aaron is making a strong run and his engaging personality is really coming through. Lisa is definitely the strongest culinarian, and when she is relaxed she is unbeatable. Adam is clearly the best entertainer, and is re-focusing his energy on food and a serious connection with the camera. I am looking forward to a great show!

My prediction…Aaron feels very likeable and I enjoy watching him work. His segment with Rachel Ray was outstanding, I think he may be the Next Food Network Star, but all three finalists this year to me are phenomenal. Have fun watching, and before the show, stop by Red Lobster for a little pre-show fresh seafood! Michael LaDuke