Round up of Eats

Wanted to share a little of what I've been cooking and eating from last year and the beginning of this year. As you can tell, I love Soba noodles! Recipe coming soon for the Shrimp Shu Mai. Enjoy!


My version of Pho Ga w/Soba Noodles
Shrimp and Shitake Shu Mai


Poached Eggs +Italian Reubens w/Proscuitto, Tallegio, Brussel Sprout 'Kraut'
Mom's Wonton Soup
Inspired by Thomas Keller - Truffled Infused Custard w/Caviar
Maryland Oysters - Xmas dinner
Xmas Dinner Rib Roast
Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich
Soba Noodle with Mushroom Broth

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii - Part 2

Continuing with my Hawaii trip.....the second time around was to join Carly in Honolulu. She had business while I laid by the pool for a few days. This was one of most relaxing trips in a long time. Our meals consisted of fish, fish, and fish. We went to Morimoto in Wakiki at the New Edition Hotel one evening and had plenty of Mahi-- sandwiches and tacos oceanside. Hertz was nice enough to upgrade us to a convertible so we drove up to the North Shore in style. I highly recommend this side of town – no tourists and very peaceful, totally what I pictured Hawaii to be.

The Big Island, Hawaii:Food and Sunsets- Part I

I consider myself quite the lucky duck and last month doesn’t fall short of that. In less than 2 weeks, I went to Hawaii – 2 islands, the Big Island and Oahu. For my first visit, I went for a friend’s wedding in which I was a bridesmaid. I’m not gonna lie, it was kinda hectic and crazy but food and booze was plentiful. I saw a lot of the island and highlights were Costco, lava rocks, Snorkeling, and 4 days of amazing sunsets. The food in Hawaii is quite interesting very influenced by the Japanese. My favorite meal was simple---Katsu Bento Box and even Spam Sushi. Also, we were spoiled by authentic Luau food and a dinner catered by the Hilton Waikoloa. The Pork Belly was extremely memorable.





I want to give a shout to Sarah & Harry and the Ou’s for putting one hell-of- a-party/ies and thank them for entrusting me with cooking for their guests one evening. I whipped up my version of a Hawaiian/German BBQ!









Hawiian MUST: food out of styrofoam boxes - Kalbi, etc.


Loco Moco



Famed bento box meals - this is Katsu

Our German BBQ in Hawaii

Dress Rehearsal and Luau



Looking gorgeous Sarah!

Dishes from Wedding

Dinner Last Night

I'm back...trying to cook a lot more. Yesterday was a birthday dinner for my cousin and neighbor! More to come!

Experimenting for Friends

I’ve decided to go on a hiatus and am not taking any clients for cooking parties. I just don’t feel inspired cooking for strangers lately. So, I’ve been doing parties for friends who really need me and it’s incredibly gratifying. I’ve done 4 parties in the last 2 months---a bon voyage party, birthday party, bachelorette party and most recently a dress rehearsal dinner. Going back to comfort food and keepin’ it real.








And I’ve been experimenting lately in the kitchen. Concoctions of shephards pie, chicken ramen, karaage, brisket, pulled pork, dishes I rarely cook. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the slow cook meat process and how the Japanese fried chicken came out!








I want to share the Karaage (japanese fried chicken) recipe I found on www.norecipes.com, click here to view. It's super easy.








Enjoy the pictures of my latest adventures. I'm off to Hawaii for another wedding in a few days, check back for that post.






Karaage!



Friend's wall blackboard (such a cool idea for your home)

Happy Birthday Jack (my cousin)

Couldn't resist a goofy picture of little brother Ben

Dinner for Alicia and Chris' party/rehearsal dinner, 6 hour cooked Brisket

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Congrats to Alicia and Chris!