Laduree - The finest macaroons in the world

Prior to having the best macaroons in the world I wasn't a fan and didnt understand the hype. After standing in line for nearly half hour and waiting to taste these special beautiful things. I am now converted.  Besides the location in New York I will never eat another macaroon again from all the other posters. 

Red Stag Grill: Asheville, North Carolina

Unfortunately you can't tell but the menus light up in the dark  The decor was absolutely beautiful.  I was under dressed but this lovely restaurant is located in the Grand Bohemian. So dress up! 
Try the tasting menu if your looking for variety.  My only suggestion with the tasting menu is the lobster salad. Less mayo,  lose the walnuts and add tarragon. The filet mignon was perfect.  Another suggestion, lose the potato cake and do a scalloped potato.  Other than that its a very solid menu and worth eating at. Loved it! 

Tupelo Cafe : Asheville, North Carolina

Black eye peas in my breakfast! Again.. it works. Their homemade biscuits are a must and the ambiance is welcoming.
Asheville is one of the most romantic places to visit. With quaint cafe's to picturesque scenery if you're a hopeless romantic this is your town.

The Flying Biscuit : Charlotte, North Carolina

Who would've known that the Southern Scramble would steal my taste buds.  Unfortunately the Flying Biscuit isn't in California but whenever I'm in Charlotte I'm so there. Collard greens,  turkey bacon and eggs.. really? ! Oh yes..  it works.  Can't wait to go home and make my own rendition. 

Going to Paris for Christmas

Looking forward to making Magret Duck. I signed up for a class and I' m beyond excited. You have no idea! !!!! Pics to follow. 

Umami

Nothing beats their savory truffle burger. Hands down the best gourmet burger place in Cali. My favorite location is their Studio City location...chic! Everything that I have had on their menu has been delicious. I'm digging this place more than Father's Office. From their meat to their condiments everything is crafted with deliciousness. 

My sister's prime rib.

There's nothing like a prime rib for the holidays with creamy horseradish.

Sorry for my absense

I have returned from my travels

Lox

Today I decided to make my own Brunch in my hotel.

Lox:

1 package of Lox or Smoked Salmon
1 small bottle of capers
1 Boiled Egg Minced
1 Heirloom tomato sliced
1 sprig of fresh dill
spreadable cream cheese
bagel of your choice
lemon slices

You can choose to toast your bagel.

Charlotte and its Cuisine

I have been in Charlotte, North Carolina for a project for almost two months now. I was optimistic about sharing my culinary experiences and hoping to put this place on the map. However, I have nothing good to say about the food here. I have tried almost anything and everything. I have even asked the locals and every place that I have tried I am so disappointed. I assumed if I went to the Ritz Carlton and tried the food at BLT that at least I would have something decent to eat. How do you mess up Short Ribs? Short Ribs is like chicken on a menu. You can't go wrong...PERIOD. Then, I went to a place called Aria Tuscan (something) twice and really wanted to give it a fair chance and ordered the Osso Buco. In both dishes there was no depth to it. I felt like they boiled the meats in water, no wine without any herbs or seasoning for hours. Neither were fork tender nor flavorful. Salt and pepper could not come to the rescue with these dishes.
When I first got here I went to Pewter Rose for brunch and had the Banana Foster French Toast and the crust was so hard I could have broken a window with it.
Then I tried the place across the way... The Liberty... some type of gastro pub and wow... just wow. How do you mess up a burger and how do you make a fish so greasy that I can ring it out.
You will not find fine dining here. Sorry to say.
I have also had their BBQ here (I guess that's what they are supposed to be famous for). Boiled meat is not good... NO BUENO.
I am sticking to grocery shopping at Earth Fare and making my own food.
At least when I was in Fresno, California last year I was taken by surprise by the good mom and pop restaurants. I gained so much weight but was proud of it.
I have thrown in the towel here in Charlotte. I am mortified!!
Here are some of the pictures that I have taken... Looks good?... Looks can be deceiving.

Spago- Meeting Wolfgang Puck

When I was 21 and in college my childhood girlfriend that I have known since I was 3years old came to visit me. We went out that night and we met some random people that took us to Spago's. (The funny thing is that I still have the pictures. I can't wait to post, Tinkerbell ahhhhhhhhh!!)
Anyways... Spago's has always been one of my favorite restaurants in Beverly Hills. Not because its in Beverly Hills but because the food at Spago's is Always consistently wonderful, Always has a great atmosphere and you Always feel special. Each time that I go to Spago's I question myself why I do I go to other places? You can't go wrong here especially when you have out of town guest visiting.
Last weekend I bought a beautiful Orange dress and some new heels to go to Spagos. Who does that? Me!!!
When I walked in to sit down I looked to my left and immediately saw Wolfgang Puck out the corner of my eye. Why did I scream like I saw Dwayne Johnson aka "The Rock". I'm like... Oh my God, Oh my God...there's Wolfgang Puck!!!! I feel sorry for the couple sitting next to us that he was talking to because I was asked him to come sit next to me and take a picture. Then, all of a sudden I couldn't stop laughing and smiling. I was speechless!! I honestly felt like a school girl.
He is one of the nicest celebrity chef's that I have met. He's not fake like the others I have met in the past and I am glad to have met him.

The food:
I love Aligot Potatoes. I could eat that all day long.
The Highlight and the best orgasmic dessert: Banana Souffle with a Passion Fruit Puree. I hope they keep this on the menu forever!!

Valentines Day

Todays blog is dedicated to Valentine's Day, my 2nd favorite holiday.
I am such a hopeless romantic that I look forward to this day more than my birthday. For the last several years I have spent my Valentine's Day in Napa but unfortunately a special project that I am working on has me elsewhere. But don't think I won't be on the next plane smoking to get my annual Winter trip there because the mustard's this time of the year is absolutely breath taking. If you are a romantic such as I, if you can whisk your girl away and take her there, she will forever be indebted to your royal highness (for about two weeks).
Many guys don't want to subscribed to this holiday and there are some women out there who believe that this day should not be dedicated to them. Yes we know you love us 365 days of the year but guess what!!! we all want to feel loved on February the 14th!!! Its the one day out of the year that WE want to feel romanticized, see you in a suit, get a little tipsy, have orgasmic food and take our worries away.I'm sorry but I deserved to feel love and I feel sorry for those that don't take this one day to connect with a special someone. Hello!!! we want to purrrr like kittens. It doesn't take much so here are some suggestions by Jasmine's Kitchen.

If you live in LA... and you can get a reservation at the Le Petit Emeritage. They have a private roof-top setting which has a beautiful view of LA. Think its too cold? They have blankies and I have pictures to prove it. See my twitter page @JasminesKitchen

Providence- Looking for an upscale restaurant with Michelin Stars? This is your place. I love seeing a man in a suit and tie. Such a turn on. I am almost certain that there are some pretty orgasmic dishes on their prix fix menu.

Hire a private Chef. I know quite a few, let me know and I will place you with the right people. Imagine... a private dinner in your home. They cook, you set the ambiance, they leave and you..... can play footsies under the table.... HAHAHHAAAA


Marrakesh- Feeling adventurous (be prepared to save your appetite) but you get to sit on couches and pillows and just relax while watching belly dancers. You can also eat with your fingers.

Have the day off?
Go to Wholefoods or Bristols farms and go on a picnic. It has won me over many times over. Get a bottle of wine, get your favorite foods, truffles, and pick up cupcakes from Sprinkles.

Flowers are always nice, a bath for two, a foot massage, we just want to feel appreciated.

Jasmine's Kitchen travels to Paris for Christmas

I have often been told from others that they did not enjoy Paris and they had horrible food experiences. Well never listen to others. I am not sure what they are talking about because I enjoyed the best Croissants, coffee, wine, duck, desserts, foie gras, beouf, one can imagine. There was not one day where I was dissatisfied.
Maybe I just have an impeccable eye for knowing how to pick a good restaurant.
Here are a few tips about picking a restaurant in Paris: look at the menu, become familiar with ingredients in French, always view the menu prior to going into the restaurant. Yelp it or even find out who the Chef is before going. Last but least see how many local people are in there? Don't go somewhere because its located in a touristy area.
I've always wanted to go to Paris since I am huge fan of French Cuisine. So I decided that when I had time off that I would travel overseas and enjoy some of the best food in the worrld. Christmas in Paris is one of the best places to be. The town in decorated with lights, the Eiffel Tower is lit up (like one huge Christmas Tree) and there is Christmas in the Park, literally. I was able to enjoy Chestnuts on an open fire, mulled wine, the best cheeses, the best wine, charcuterie and take a vegetarian cooking class with La Cucina. See my slide show below

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