Sexy Red Carpet Peach Cobbler at Ticoz Resto-Bar

For those of you who have read my dessert reviews I know what you're thinking, "What!... another peach cobbler review?' But let me explain. As the back in the day saying goes, "See what happen was..." It has been a long while since my last review and it hasn't taken this long for lack of effort ( I have been eating dessert... trust me ) but unless I'm truly inspired, what's the point right?
Usually, I go out with the intent to try a dessert and write a review, but this took me by total surprise. And I LOVE food surprises :-). So much so that I have been back 3 more times just for confirmation - after all, I don't want mislead you.
After a disappointing night out on the town, my girlfriends and I decided to try Ticoz Resto-Bar. Initially we went in the area for another restaurant that offered comfort food, but decided that Ticoz might offer something more intriguing..and we were looking to salvage our night in some way.
We not only salvaged the night, it was a full Upgrade!! Every aspect of the experience I enjoyed and kept saying to myself, "oh I'll be back here again for sure". From the decor to the ambiance to the great service from the friendly staff. To the fantastic menu options and finally the most important.... the food.

The food...now we're getting to the good part. But this isn't just any ole "food" review...this is a dessert review with a twist. After thoroughly enjoying my Lobster Spinach Queso dip, the waiter asked my favorite question..."would you like to see the dessert menu?" Instantly a light bulb went off in my head. Could this place inspire my writer's block? As I read thru the choices, Tortilla Bread Pudding, Chocolate Macadamia Nut Brownie, the rest of the menu faded to black when I read the words "Peach Cobbler". I was immediately captivated because Ticoz Resto-Bar wasn't the "norm" for delivering such a legendary southern dessert.

So what can you expect? The unexpected. At first site of this divine creation it throws you for a loop. If you can't think or eat out of the box this is not for you. The presentation alone of this peach cobbler sets an expectation of something inconsistent with the legend's southern roots. With my first spoonful I was seduced by the crust. It is warm, moist and somewhat dense, yet has a lightness like a bread pudding with the top edges having a slight crunchy texture. Having the perfect amount of sweetness this crust has a shortbread taste and is just plain sexy. Intertwined within the crust the peaches are tender with a very light touch of cinnamon and baked to perfection. Topped with a complimentary scoop of vanilla ice cream this peach cobbler gets 5 stars and is definitly red carpet worthy. www.ticozaz.com

A Dream Deferred…Until Now

Attending culinary school has been something I’ve dreamed about for the past 8 years since moving to Arizona.  I say dreamed of because in my research it was quickly dismissed and considered unattainable mainly because of cost and the time commitment.  And the fact that I had 4 children to put thru college, one of which who will be graduating high school next year.   

Like the famous poem A Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes I had to decide what to do with the desires of my heart.  What would become of my deferred dream?

Well it didn’t dry up like a raisin in the sun, stink like rotten meat or sag like a heavy load.  In fact, it did just the opposite.  Over the past 8 years my inner Chef has emerged and persevered.  I’ve been hard at work developing my palate thru my foodie experiences exploring new foods and flavors thru local restaurants and honing my skill by constantly watching The Food Network and being inspired by my favorite TV Chefs.  My inner Chef also had time to learn more about nutrition and healthy food choices and found I have a strong desire for sharing information and educating adults and more importantly children.  I now realize that I had to show “passion” in order for this dream to be confirmed.

My final confirmation was delivered in the most unusual way.   A little over a month ago I received an email from LivingSocial.com that changed the status of my dream.  Thru this email, I was informed of a gourmet cooking classes being offered by Classic Cooking Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona.  But what I didn’t know is taking the step to purchase a gourmet cooking class would turn into the adventure of becoming what my heart finally decided on at the age of 35.  The Happy Healthy Chef Extraordinaire - Chef Gillette!  

I am pleased to announce to my friends and family that I will be starting culinary school March 5, 2012.

S. Gillette-Palmer

*Thank you Langston Hughes