Crab cake salad with passion fruit vinaigrette and burrata cheese

Passion Fruit Vinaigrette

Passion Fruit Puree (from Bevmo)
Red Wine Vinegar
Olive Oil
1/2 garlic clove minced
Salt
Pepper

Two Birds One Stone

Ever since Cyrus closed in Healdsburg I've been waiting for Douglas Keane to resurface. My heart broke when I heard he was closing. I rooted him on, Top Chef. Cyrus was the first time I truly experienced gastronomy on a plate and ate things I've never heard of. I believe the economy and the recession took him down. The timing was just awful.
Yesterday I was able to try out Two Birds One Stone. According to a few articles he has teamed up with another chef to create Japanese fare. Well if you've been to Cyrus and expect the same at 2birds 1stone you'll be disappointed. However, if you're looking for the perfect forbidden rice with a fried egg on top or waygu beef short ribs, you're in for a treat. It is truly done to perfection. Although I wasnt a fan of the radishes.
Again, I'm biased after experiencing Cyrus. I know it takes a while to get back on your feet. I hope and pray that he can bring Cyrus back. Maybe not to Healdsburg but St. Helena.

Ofa's Island BBQ

You want to experience real Hawaiian Barbecue?? San Ramon, Ca has a farmer's market every Thursday.
First timer? Get the island special which is the pulled pork, bbq chicken and a refreshing tomato cucumber salad.
The chicken is perfectly marinated and smoked on the grill. The pork is so juicy it melts in your mouth. The best thing about it, the chicken isn't fatty or dry and no sauce is needed to mask imperfections because there are none.

The Chairman Truck

The Chairman truck has been voted thes best food truck by San Francisco Magazine, I couldn't agree more. With locations in Los Angeles (which I didn't know) and San Francisco how could I not be in love. When I'm home in L.A. I can still enjoy my favorite flavors of the west.

Today's picture only shows steamed buns because the baked bun was sold out. These little tasty bites include sweet, savory, crunch and heat. I ordered the pork belly and coca cola braised cabbage with a side of daikon pickled radishes. It was heaven sent as they haven't driven to San Ramon in quite some time.

As one may say all the other trucks can, Bao down bitches!

Must have!!

Chef Ryan's Birthday

With nothing in mind to having a full on menu with a birthday cake... it was a great cooking day for Jasmine's Kitchen. Happy Birthday to the best Chef that cooks in the West..... Ryan Rodeno!! The first time he has been kicked out the kitchen.

Menu:
Oxtails
Black Beans
Collard Greens
Butter Rum Plantains
Rice

Cheese and Charcuterie:
5 year aged parmesan
Brie
Humboldt Fog tremor and truffle
Rilette
Fig
Almonds

Cake:
Passion Fruit White Cake
Passion Fruit Butter Cream
Glazed Strawberries
Toasted Coconut Flakes
White Chocolate Shavings

Wine:
Pinot Noir Rose - Raymond
Chateau Montelena - Cab
Albarino - Buena Vista
Liana - Peju Winery

Belotti Ristorante E Bottega

It doesn't get in any better than this!

I've been reborn again. I've been converted to Northern Italian cuisine. This young chef is innovative but yet rustic. My pasta was as fresh as it gets and I totally had to lick the bowl. Thanks to Lorenzo who made my virgin peach cocktail. He has a craft of his own. All together can't wait to revisit. This is my go to place of comfort and sophistication.

Casa Vega

I've probably blogged on Casa Vega but I vote them to be the Best Mexican Restaurant in California.

When you walk in, its like stepping into the 70's. An old nostalgic scene out of the valley. Its dark, low key and all out good times. Any person that lives in the valley knows of this local spot.

This place has the best Margaritas, Salsa, food and Mariachi band.

If you haven't been to Casa Vega, you haven't experienced life.

Papilles

I'm loving the new Chef!

I haven't been in a while and decided to visit my old stomping grounds for one last bite. Unbeknownst to my taste buds I was pleasantly surprised with some old but fresh faces in the kitchen. As I spoke to the staff I asked where was the old Chef was (immediately I became negative). He explained that the new Chef had been there for a while but working under the other Chef. Well lets just say my prejudices were put to rest with my first course and I will be returning next week with friends!

Lasseter Family Winery Tour

Unfortunately this tour was recommended by a driving company that we used and lets just say I wouldn't recommend the tour. However,  I enjoyed the Rose (Enjoue). I don't know if it was the boring group I went with or it was just too hot to be standing in the vineyards at 100 degree weather.
I really didn't have expectations but I wasn't impressed. The tour guy was awesome and well spoken but I think the tour itself needs a little work. Cheese and wines aren't going to cut it. The story about the owners brings a little warm touch to the winery but...... I was day dreaming when will it be over.

Raymond Winery

This place has lived up to Winery of the Year. Decorated with Baccarat and topless manikins how could you not have fun. This winery plays fun music. It also allows you to live fabulously in the Red Room which is plushed with Red Velvet.

Two months ago I had the opportunity to take their Wine Maker's class. The best class ever while listening to Rick James, Give it to me Baby!

Buena Vista Winery

Found a gem!

Buena Vista is the first winery to open in  California. Its also owned by the owner or Raymond Winery in Napa. Hands down the two most liveliest places in Napa. Our experience was so great that I joined the wine club. Xoxo
My girlfriend and I were invited to the Bubble Room and had a fabulous time.

Thank you Buena Vista for hosting us.

Favorite Wine: Albarino

Amsterdam - Stroopwafel

Nothing like an authentic Stroopwafel in Amsterdam! I noticed you can now find these special little treats in the States now. I even found some in Vancouver.

Thanksgiving 2015

As you all know Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Check out the pictures from my family holiday dinner.

There's nothing like a perfectly set table to go with your event. All items were purchased at Pier 1 and Homegoods.

2015 and Vitamin D

Sorry its been a year since my last blog. 2015 was a hard year for me. Like many artist you have a block and for some reason in 2015 I felt uninspired. Well after a battery of test I found out I was lacking Vitamin D. To make a long story short many people with Vitamin D deficiency experience fatigue, tiredness, depression and other health risk. Now that my levels are back to normal I am BACK!!! Can't wait to share my post from Paris, Amsterdam, Napa, Vancouver and much more. xoxoxo Jasmine P.S. make sure you are getting your Vitamin D

French Toast Casserole

Looking for the perfect brunch recipe?! I swear by Tyler Florence and his "Test Kitchen". I'm not a baker or into measuring but this is the best airtight recipe I've ever tried.