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

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.