Mario Batali Book signing

Several months ago I added myself to mailing list for Mozza. Normally I don't like to be bombarded with Spam mail but I am so happy that I did. Two weeks ago I received an email that Mario Batali would be at the restaurant in person signing his book. I was so excited with anticipation to meet one of my favorite chefs. After eating at his restaurant several times and writing numerous blogs on my favorite pizza I knew I'd have lots of questions.
Of course I thought I'd be a chatter box but when I met him I couldn't even get two words out of my mouth. I guess my shyness overcame me. :-)
It was a honor to meet him.
The sad thing was Mozza was closed for a private party. I was sooooo hoping that it would be open so I could eat my meat lovers pizza.

Little Next Door

Wow!!! One of the best French Breakfast places I have ever eaten at. After going to the Mario Batali Book signing we decided to find a place to eat since Mozza was closed for a private party. We decided to drive on 3rd street and noticed this place popped out. The blue colors were vibrant and electric. The restaurant has an outdoor patio for all the looky loos and the people that want to be seen. Indoor seating is available and is still a nice place to eat because there beautiful skylight coming through the roof. I adored the midnight electric blue they painted on the walls. It was such a comfortable place to sit and eat.
The French decor was beautiful. It wasn't pretentious or over done. It reminded me of being in the South of France in LA. For a moment I was in heaven. Even the waiters were French.... (lots of eye candy ladies) :-)
The restaurant makes their own pastries, jams, sauces, nicoise olives, and dipping sauce.
I am so happy we ate here because the food was perfect!
I ordered the Perrigold omelet. Phenomenal!!!The omelet was simple but elegant it had Black truffle and brie cheese. It was served with scalloped potatoes and a green salad. I wanted to eat the entire plate but decided that I will return instead.

Good times with Friends-bbq with Kurt and Svenje

This weekend we were invited over to Kurt and Svenje's for a bbq.
They smoked tri-tip, pork loin and salmon. There's definitely a technique to smoking meats. Boy was it yummy and now I want a smoker. hehehehheeee
Saturday Svenje taught me a sauce she learned in cooking school. It was served with the tri-tip and if I could drink this sauce I would.
Everything was so delicious that I could not stop eating. I woke up and ran 4 miles because I felt so guilty.
Love good times with friends!!

Crate and Barrel

Ten years ago was the first time I went to a Crate and Barrel. Ten years ago I didn't appreciate the full scope of what this store had to offer. Now, you can't keep me out of there without having buyers remorse. I'm definitely a kid in a candy store when I go in there. Since I have a spending problem when I go in there I make sure that they box all of my items so I can feel special. :-)
Crate & Barrel is a great store for finding cooking gadgets that save time. You can also find beautiful dishware, good knives, durable cookware, serving platters and much much more. There are so many great ideas in this store especially if you like entertaining.
I purchased a few pieces for my Sex and the City event coming up at the end of the month. I can't wait to showcase my new pieces.

Wholefoods gives out complimentary burgers and hotdogs

Saturday Wholefoods was giving out complimentary grilled veggie dogs and hamburgers. After shopping at Crate & Barrel I stopped by Wholefoods for a quick bite but noticed two ladies out there grilling food. I assumed that there was a cost. To my surprised when I asked, they replied that it was complimentary for "Customer Appreciation Day".
I thought that it was awesome because I have never tried a "Veggie Dog" before and what better way to try one.
Well, it wasn't too bad. I think if I hadn't known it was a veggie dog that I wouldn't of known the difference. However, there was a little after taste that threw me off.
The good thing is that I didn't feel guilty for eating a hot dog. It was all Veggie!!!

Mother's Day at Mel's Diner

Mel's has been around since 1947. It's a 24 hour joint that delivers all the time. There's a juke box where you can choose all the oldie but goodies. You can always get a great milk shake and breakfast anytime of the day. Since today was Mother's Day most of the popular places were busy. I was glad to run across Mel's after running four miles today. I also enjoyed watching some of the mothers there with their children.
Just know... no matter what... you can always get a solid fast meal at Mel's Diner.
P.S. if you're ever hung over, try their five alarm breakfast. :-)

Nino's First Communion Party

I was honored that Chef Nikita and her husband Chef Leone asked me to assist their son Nino's first communion party. It was a beautiful day in sunny California and I was looking forward to seeing my first, first communion party.
On the menu:
Caprese
Meatballs
Manicotti
cannoli
fruit salad
green salad with homemade terraza dressing
fried chicken
greens
cornbread muffins
macaroni and cheese
Red Sangria
White Sangria
Strawberry Lemonade

Chef John Leone's mom made the manicotti, meatballs and cannoli. There is nothing like mom's homemade cooking. I've never had manicotti taste so good in my life. Usually I won't eat it because the ricotta cheese seems too grainy. I am not sure what she did but it was light and flavorful. It was fluffy and so tasty. Her canolli was out of this world. She told me her secret ingredient and I know she could sale these off the shelves in a heartbeat. I know I claim I'm not a dessert eater but I could not help but eating three in a row. (Thank goodness for the gym). It was such a sin to help in the kitchen on Saturday.
Saturday did not feel like I was cooking but just a lovely day in the kitchen. I had a lot of fun and look forward to working with them.

Cinco De Mayo at a taco truck

Too bad Cinco De Mayo happened to be during the week day and in the middle of me dieting. This year wasn't like last year where I had a fiesta at my house. The day got so busy that I almost forgot to eat. Last year I had 3 different types of tacos, homemade guacamole, tomatillo salsa, beans, grilled jalapenos and grilled onions.
This year was so busy that I barely made it on time for lunch. At the last minute I went to my local taco truck and ordered 3 carne asada tacos and my favorite orange soda.
I am happy to say that my taco video is now at 61,000 views on youtube.
Check out my website where you can watch my video on how to make tacos, guacamole, shop for ingredients and dance. JK on the dancing part...LOL

www.jasminescookingshow.com

Chicken Stew with Pimiento Olives

Medium
Cook time: 1hr 30min
Prep Time: 15 min
Chicken Stew with Pimiento Olives over Basmati Rice

9 Chicken Thighs
1 32oz can Roasted chopped tomatoes
1 cup white wine
1 cup chicken broth
6 garlic cloves minced
1 bell pepper julienned
1 sweet Maui onion julienned
5 sprigs fresh thyme (remove stems)
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup Pimiento Olives sliced
Dry Seasonings
black pepper, garlic salt, tony chacherre's
Directions
Wash and clean chicken. Pat dry and lightly season with dry seasonings and fresh thyme on both sides and set to the side.
Chop onion, garlic and bell pepper and set to the side.
In a large pot add olive oil. Turn heat to high. Once heated place chicken thighs skin side down. Brown 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Then turn over.
Turn heat to low.
Next add wine,chicken broth, bell pepper, onion, garlic, tomatoes, sugar and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low heat for 1hour 25minutes. Last 5 minutes add Olives.
Serve over Basmati Rice.

Enjoy!!!