1st Day in Shinjuku

Had a fun day getting my bearings together in Tokyo. Of course I found all of my French connections like Laduree and Le Genie. Then went on to find grocery stores both local and high end. Finally stopped and got yakitori and soba noodles in the middle of the neighborhood off the beaten path. Mmm mmm mmm mmm. Little Tokyo in LA and Japan town in San Jose I'm calling you out on the BS you serve, calling it Japanese food.

My only question is why do we only sell one type of Kit Kat in the states and Japan has a massive selection. Wth?! I'm jealous. Well it is yet to be determined what I'm missing out on. I purchased new items and will report back.

JCB lounge in Yountville

Well you all know that Raymond is my new favorite Winery, especially the Red Room. However, if you are looking for a tasting room that stays open till 7 p.m. Raymond's little brother JCB is located in Yountville and boy is he sexy (reminds me of Harry of the Royal Family).

Honestly, the pictures speak for themselves. The decor is luxurious and decadent.
I love that he brings a little Paris to Napa Valley. Loooovvveedd it! Two snaps and a twirl.

My complimentary pour (since I am member) was exquisite. My favorite was the °13 which is the Bijoux or Cremant De Bourgogne Rose. As described in their literature, it is the epitome of femininity. I also enjoyed the Ice Wein. Taste just like a delicious warm apple. The things I will make with this dessert wine will be unimaginable.

Next Door is the tasting rooms Atelier where I was able to buy charcuterie and cheeses. I'll say they have the best of the best. They even carry my favorite tea's  (Maraige), mustards and butter cookies.

What a nice hidden gem and a real reason to go to Yountville.  I've never been a fan of the area. Now I am.

Rosemary Garlic Croutons

1/2 French traditional baguette cut into pieces
1 garlic clove minced
2 tbsp quality olive oil
2 sprigs rosemary roughly chopped
Kosher salt / pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F°

Toss all ingredients in bowl. Arrange on cookie sheet.  Place in oven 7 to 10 minutes depending on your crunch level.

Bestia LA

Finally Finally after two years the stars have aligned and I was able to get in and dine at this wonderful establishment.

After studying the menu for two weeks the Agnolotti pasta wasn't on the menu but... that's okay.

We decided to bring our own beautiful bottle of the Dante from VJB. For those of you that have had the honor of tasting the 2013 batch you'll know what I'm talking about. The flavors have settled and it is smooth as ever.

We started off with the (perigod black truffle crostini) egg and truffles on toast. Simple yet luxurious.

Then, graduated to the Bone Marrow with an oscar the grouch green colored gnocchi.  Damn delicious and a must!

Then... the show stopper... Ribeye! I actually licked the plate. Tender, juicy, crust-a-lickious with a refreshing argula and radish salad.

Thought we were done but nope regressed (not progressed) to the Cavetti alla Norcina pasta. Pork sausage and truffles, how can you say no?! Another lickable plate. Someone owes me $10.

Couldn't leave the place without dessert. It was OUR birthday so we had the panna cotta and chocolate budino. Mmmm mmm mm mm mm. Now sing along with me. Flavor flaaaav.

Ambiance: a cool LA vibe with bomb ass music. They played a Tribe called quest, Slick Rick, all the 90s shizzz.
My only complaint, the seats hurt your ass. Im not a fan of communal seating and the look of it. Please LA... stop this damn trend. I had to put my coat under my butt to bare my dinner! If I pay $200 for my meal, my @$$ should not hurt.

Paella Party with my favorite people

I didn't fully make this gorgeous meal but did most of the prep. Chef Ryan Rodeno did his thing in Jasmine's Kitchen. Chef Nikita Leone supplied her beautiful Sangria.

One of the best night's ever !

Thanksgiving feast and decor

I cooked over a 2 day period and loved every minute of it. I made my famous hickory smoked fried turkey, apricot glazed ham, ham hock greens, shrimp and crab dressing (recipe courtesy of Chef Ryan Rondeno), Nikitas mac n cheese, mashed potatoes,  potato salad, cranberry relish and corn bread.

Desserts:
Sweet Potato cheese cake
Cranberry Lime pie
Vanilla Rum Ice Cream
Peach Cobbler

French Toast Casserole

https://www.google.com/amp/www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/upside-down-apple-french-toast-with-cranberries-and-pecans-recipe.amp.html

Veal Ragu over Zucchini Noodles

1 lbs Ground Veal
1 Green Bellpepper
1 Yellow onion
2 minced large garlic cloves
6 mushrooms sliced
2 bay leaves
1/2 small can roasted tomato or 1 fresh tomato cubed
1 tube tomato paste
1/4 cup red wine

1 tablespoon Garlic
1 tablespoon season salt
Pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp nutmeg
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar

Top:
Fresh Basil
Heavy Cream
Parmesan Flakes
Tempura Broccoli

In one large pot add olive oil to medium high heat
Add onions, garic, bell peppers and mushrooms. Sautee for 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Then add red wine. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until wine dissapates.

Add meat and seasonings (not sugar). With a wooden spoon constantly break down meat to get an even consistency.  Cook meat till done.

Then, add tomato paste and sugar. Fold in. Add, bay leaf. Turn heat on low and cook for 30 minutes. Stir every 5 to 7 min.

A serve over raw zucchini noodles.
Top with parmesan cheese, fresh basil and a splash of heavy cream.

Figs with Bacon and Fresno Chili

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year. The time of the year when I become inspired. I snagged 5 different magazines just to see whats out there. I also get plating and decorating ideas for my table.
Pick up the Thanksgiving Bon Appetit magazine. There's lots of goodies in there.

Salmon Brussel Sprout Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Dressing:
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon grated shallots
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Blend in blender for 1 to 2 minutes

Salmon:
Preheat oven 375 f°
Skillet that can be placed in oven
1 4oz Salmon fillet with Skin
Creole Spice Rub by Chef Ryan Rondeno via Amazon.com

Generously coat the salmon with rub. See picture below.
In a skillet on high heat add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once heated add salmon skin side down and baste salmon for 3 to 5 minutes.
Turn over face down for 2 minutes.
Turn ovee once more and place in oven for 4 minutes.

Brussel Sprout Salad... toss ingredients with together with 2 tablespoon of Poppy Seed Dressing

8 to 12 Brussels Sprouts shaved on Madeline
8 toasted Hazelnuts
Shaved Parmesan
2 minced chives
4 diced dehydrated apricots

Simple: Colossal Shrimp with Marinara

12 Colossal Shrimp deveined (you can remove shell or not)
1 lemon zested
1 garlic clove grated or minced
1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Kosher Salt
Pepper

Mix together and let sit in a bowl while preparing other ingredients.

4 medium ripe tomatoes cut in 4
7 basil leaves
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 onion sliced
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons olive
1 tablespoon butter
Garlic salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder

See plating instructions for extra ingredients

Large skillet on medium high add olive oil, butter. After it warms up add onions until they turn translucent. Then add in the rest in the ingredients. Turn heat to medium low. With a wooden spoon  smash tomatoes until the sauce thickens. This process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Season more if needed

To plate:
Rice or pasta
Sauteed spinach
Pour sauce over rice and spinach
Place shrimp on top
Sprinkle chives and lemon juice on top.

All ingredients must be fresh

Diwali

Celebrated Diwali with the job. Got to enjoy some of my favorite Indian dishes such as Tikka Marsala, Biryani Rice, Raita, Naan, cauliflower from Paradise Biryani in Dublin, Ca.

Joey's in Woodland Hills

Sorry no food pictures. I had such a great time catching up with girlfriends that I forgot to snap away.
It was also great to see Woodland Hills thriving again with people. After the recession hit, the entire valley was hit hard. With the absence of mortgage companies and employment I wasn't sure how long it would take to see folks out.

Must order:
Chicken Wings
Apple Streusel Cake with Maple Ice Cream
Margaritas with egg white foam