N9NE Steak House - Las Vegas

We were lucky enough to have our good friends Will and Germaliz come on a recent trip to Las Vegas for my husband’s Softball tournament and to enjoy some fun in the sun and of course tasty food . I made reservations at N9NE Steak House in the PALMS Hotel and as with any fine dining restaurant you need to make reservations in advance. When I read reviews on this place the main complaint was people who had made reservations still had to wait and the hostess said the same thing to everyone, get a drink at the bar. Basically everyone was thinking it was a gimmick to get you to spend more money. I for one didn’t mind it, when in Vegas…you drink. After waiting about 30 minutes we finally sat down. Food was great but service was not so great. Our bus boy was more attentive then our server. We even made sure to thank him with a tip at the end of the evening and told him the server was horrible. On the other hand the food was superb; we started with Ahi Tuna Tartar it had Avocado, Lime and Chili oil accompanied with Crispy sesame crackers. The seaweed on top was citrusy and paired well with the tuna. I Love Love Loved this appetizer. For dinner the boys got the 8 ounce Filet Mignon which they said was cooked excellent and finished with a sprig of rosemary. I ordered the special which was seared halibut on a bed of Spicy Cucumber Serrano Gazpacho Sauce. I loved this dish so much I recreated it at home, or tried to but the flavors I can not quite get the same, I actually did it with a chicken breast because that’s what I had on hand. Next was the Organic Scottish Salmon with a white soy Balsamic Glaze, we both agreed it was yummy,seared and crispy on the outside and flaky and juicy on the inside. For sides we all shared the Garlic Green Beans and Georges Creamed Corn. We had a great time at dinner and ended up checking out club Rain which was fun but the most exciting part of the night was running into Corey Feldman. The Goonies is one of my all time favorite movies. “Hey you guys!”

Romesco Baja Med Bistro - San Diego

Romesco is another one of those Bonita restaurants I have been dying to try. I always get a coupon in the mail and one night we decided to finally go. This Bistro is chic with a French ambiance. The chef is using a Mediterranean method of cooking with lots of Mexican flavors. The service is wonderful in the dining area but I have sat in the bar and it was happy hour, full of people and terrible service so I guess it just depends on the night. They have specials going on each night of the week, Tuesdays are half off Tapas, Wednesday they have half off wine bottles and a live Italian accordion player, the last Saturday of the month they even have live flamenco dancing. A couple of my friends suggested the tamarind martini, it was mouth-watering the chili rim was my favorite, they also have a great wine selection with Mexican wines. The menu has lots of Tapas to choose from and one I could not wait to try was the Pulpo Asado a las Brasas which is grilled octopus in olive oil. It was my favorite dish of the evening, simple delicate and delicious. Best octopus dish hands down; I’m drooling just thinking about it. The seared Yellow fin Tuna with ponzu and jalapenos had amazing Asian flavors and was so fresh. The Beef Filet Mignon Carpaccio had shaved Parmesan, fried capers (which were my FAVORITE), extra virgin olive oil and arugula. Beef Carpaccio is a favorite dish of mine but unfortunately as we put our fork into it the fillet disintegrated into the olive oil. It was weird. Alright you fondue lovers next we had the Fonduta Con Chorizo, melted Havarti and Mozzarella cheese with Spanish Chorizo, Onion, Garlic, Paprika and White Wine. It was divine I must say. For an entrée the Tacos de Cachete De Res caught my attention, Beef Cheek Tacos with Cilantro Chopped Onion and Fresh Salsa. It was very flavorful and don’t worry, beef cheeks don’t taste to different they are just very tender. This was quite a big portion and the tortillas were so good! There award winning Paella was next, pretty much everything but the kitchen sink was in this. Over a bed of Spanish rice was Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Calamari, Chicken, Pork Short Rib and of course some Spanish Chorizo. We loved it and it is most definitely enough for two or even three people. At the end of the night everything was amazing and there were about 20 other menu items I cannot wait to try. Hope you enjoy!

Cafe Du Monde - New Orleans

If you read my previous review on NOLA then you will be caught up to speed on our visit to New Orleans. The Wedding was beautiful and I am so happy for those Laura and Mario. The next day we decided to go on a swamp tour, it was a blast. We saw a lot of alligators and different kinds of birds; I even got to hold a baby alligator. After a long day in the sun, later in the evening we decided to try out a famous spot in the New Orleans French District, Café Du Monde famous for the Coffee and Beignets. Coffee is only served black or Au Lait which is a Mixture of half and half and warm milk, and their Beignets are to die for. Beignets are a square French style doughnut abundantly covered in powdered sugar. It complimented my Café Au lait very well. This place is quite big and is busy 24/7. It was a nice way to end our adventures in New Orleans. I suggest you stopover in this area and visit Café Du Monde on your next trip.

NOLA - New Orleans

This past October I was honored to take part in my friend Laura’s wedding. Coincidently it was on my birthday and in New Orleans so Jorge and I were thrilled to travel down south for the first time. The Wedding was on a Sunday so we decided to walk around the French Quarter and have a nice dinner on Saturday at Emeril Lagasse’s Restaurant NOLA. We have eaten at his Steakhouse in Las Vegas, Delmonico, before and enjoyed his food so we decided to give NOLA a try. Be sure to make reservations because they were fully booked but we were lucky enough to get a seat overlooking the kitchen, which was pretty cool watching the chefs work their magic. For an appetizer the Wood Oven Roasted Escargot caught my eye, the parmesan, herbs and bread crumbs made this dish so enjoyable but garlic always kicks his dishes up a notch. Jorge of course ordered the Filet Mignon; it was cooked to perfection and was accompanied with Thyme Red Bliss Potatoes, House Cured Bacon, Maytag Blue Cheese, Toasted Walnuts, Port Wine-Veal Glacé and Shallot Crisps. I ordered the Hickory-Roasted Duck with a Whiskey-Caramel Glaze, Buttermilk Cornbread Pudding, Haricot Verts-Fire Roasted Corn Salad, Natural Jus and candied Pecans. The chefs cook the Duck for 48 hours and that is exactly why it is so juicy and oh so savory. They have a great selection of wine and we had an incredible dinner. I urge you to visit NOLA next time you are in New Orleans or “Nawlins” as the locals say it.

Mo's Seafood - Baltimore Maryland

You know those days where you just don’t want to make dinner? Well this past Sunday was one of them so we decided to venture out to Baltimore and finally try Mo’s Seafood. Last summer we walked past Mo’s on Fisherman’s Wharf heading to have a father’s day dinner in little Italy and it caught our eyes. After doing some research I came to find that Mo’s is known for their crab cakes. Crab is obviously a famous food out here in Maryland so I was excited to try crab crab and more crab. We of course started off with a dozen oysters because I’m obsessed. They were Blue Point, big, and delicious. Today they were having a special where you were able to try Mo’s Famous Jumbo Crab cakes, Lump Crab Au Gratin, Fresh Lump Imperial Crab and one Soft Shell Crab. I mean everything was delicious the crab cakes I would have to say were my favorite. Thick tasty chunks of crab meat and most crab cakes I’ve tasted have a lot more breading, not in this case. The Crab Au Gratin was made with a delicate cream sauce and parmesan cheese and the Imperial Crab was made with their special imperial sauce it was a little heavy but delicious. Last but not least was the soft shell crab, it was lightly breaded and sautéed in butter it was so good you could just eat the entire thing, and I did. There was a lot more items I wanted to try on the menu so in Arnold’s words…..I’ll be back.

El Take It Easy Pop-Up - Chef Diego Hernandez - San Diego

Last month Jorge and I were excited to spend the evening with good company, food and wine. If it weren't for our friends Kristin and Antonio of lifeandfoodblog.com we would never have known about this event. Located in North Park on 30th street you will find El Take It Easy, which is a Mexican wine country cuisine Restaurant. They have been doing a pop-up Baja Chef series and tonight it was Chef Diego Hernandez from Restaurant Corazon De Tierra in the Valle De Guadalupe which is in the center of the Mexican wine country. From what I hear it is an amazing place and we cannot wait to visit. We started off with a complimentary Michilada. If I am drinking beer there is always clamato in it. First up the palette cleanser, Amuse/ Seafood shot/ Sparkling Clamato/ Beer Foam. It had octopus and clam and we really enjoyed this shot! First course was Corozon de Tierra Garden Salad / Fennel Root / Fennel Bulb/ Turnip / Broccoli / Purple Cauliflower. He added Sunflower petals to the dish and crushed Chicharrones to top it off. This dish definitely gave me inspiration to use Chicharrones in my food for a flavorful crunch. Second course was Chocolate Clam Soup / Smoked Bread & Basil / Pork Belly. Well, The best thing me and Jorge agreed on was the bread. Pork belly was delish but I would have liked it a little crispy. The soup itself was way to strong in flavor for my taste but I know others enjoyed it. Third course, Local Black Cod / Turnip Puree / Fava Beans / Gremolata. The fish was fresh and juicy and I have never had vegetable ash before, it tastes exactly how it sounds. If you have never tried fava beans you must. Fourth course was Leg of Lamb Braised in Black Beans / Carrot / Radish / Arugula / Potato Puree. The flavors reminded me of a pot roast but unfortunately it was dry :/. Fifth course and my favorite was Platano macho/chocolate/saffron. The chocolate was as creamy as a truffle and the Platano complimented the creaminess very well! We had tasty wine from Mexico which I find hard to get here in San Diego. All in all it was a great evening out without our kiddos and cannot wait to see which baja chef is coming next. If you find it hard to travel to Mexico you should definitely keep your eye out for the next pop-up.

Las Cuatro Milpas - San Diego

My husband first introduced me to this place sometime last year. He believes it is the most authentic Mexican restaurant not just in San Diego but anywhere he has been. Mind you, he was in the United States Navy for 11 Years and deployed 6 times not counting the many times he has traveled in the U.S. I personally feel this "taco shop" if you will, is one of a kind here in San Diego. Nestled near Downtown San Diego in Barrio Logan there is nothing like the flavors these women accomplish. If you have never been here expect a long line out the door. They serve Menudo only on Saturday and Sunday but I have never been there early enough to get a bowl, keep in mind they are only open until 3p.m. There are just a few items on the menu, the first I have for you is my personal favorite, Chorizo Chico, which is not on the menu, you will have to ask for it. It’s fresh Pinto beans, homemade rice and chorizo. I recommend eating with their AMAZING ONE OF A KIND salsa and freshly made flour tortillas (included). Their salsa is unique in my eyes because of the chicharrones. We have asked before what is in it (or Jorge has since I do not speak too much Spanish lol) but they insist it is a family secret; all they told us was they put some of the shredded meat broth in the salsa. The Tamales, Beef Tacos and Rolled Tacos all have the same meat and are amazing in different ways, you also can choose to have chicken which is delish. All and all whether you live in San Diego or are visiting this is somewhere you need to try for AUTHENTIC Mexican food.