Sushi Night at my house!

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Spicy Shrimp Philly Roll, Lemon Shrimp and Crab Roll w/ Scallions, Seared Rare Spicy Tuna Sashimi, Wasabi & Fresh Made Pickled Ginger, Two California Rolls, and an Inside Out Shrimp Avocado Sesame Roll.


Its been a while since we had a sushi night here at the house... Not having alot of money lately and a real craving for some yummy sushi prompted us to rifle through the freezer and cupboards. We had everything we needed to do it except for an avocado and some shrimp. See what a well thought out list of onhand items can get you! And it didn't cost more than $20.00 either! Enjoy.

"Potted" Vanilla Cupcake w/ Cardamom Maple Yogurt Cheese Frosting & Ovaltine Sprinkles

We had a little fun at home today with a cupcake recipe from Magnolia Bakery...Yes, the same as Sex & The City. I found the recipe online and had to try it, only I substituted the vanilla extract for a real vanilla bean. Also I wanted to try a yogurt cheese frosting and see if cardamom, maple, vanilla, and malty Ovaltine would play with each other well. They did and we will have to schedule another playdate soon!

Spicy Citrus Ginger Jumbo Shrimp over Rainbow Chard w/ Vanilla Scented Forbidden Black Rice

Ladie's and Gentelman, I think I've created an unholy beast. Last night it almost took over the entire restaurant! And its not afraid of fire like Dr. Frankenstein's Monster. This dish has everything I love about food. Sweet - shrimp, anise and vanilla bean notes in the rice, Savory - sea salt, chard, and butter, Acidity - white wine, lime juice and lemon zest, Spicy- Sambal Chili Paste.

It has the arms of a Thai man, the legs of a Creole woman, the head of Frenchman, and I gave it my very own heart! Ah hah hah hah (Mad Scientist laugh)!!! ITS ALIVE!!

Happy Halloween!

Porcini & Rosemary Encrusted Top Sirloin w/ Blue Cheese Butter on Truffled Garlic Mashed Potatoes W/ Cabernet Reduction & Sauteed Vegetables

This town is serious about meat and potatoes. From the loggers to the office folk to the retired hipsters, everyone wants a good steak done right. So who am I to stand in their way? Here I give you a sample of a great saturday night special. I hope you like it!

Pan Roasted Salmon over Fried Polenta & Wilted Spinach w/ Black Pepper Port Buerre Rouge

Salmon is a staple up here in the Northwest so coming up with new dishes for this protein can be tough. As you know already I don't complicate my plates, just offer good comfort food.

Here we seared the fish in clarified butter (ghee) and seasoned in salt and pepper, then pan seared it.

The polenta was a basic creamy polenta recipe which we let cool on a sheet pan and cut into triangles and deep fried. The sauce is a port wine reduction to which butter, shallot and black pepper was added at the appropriate times. I liked the grilled orange as a garnish and as another flavor. Salmon likes citrus! Enjoy!

Hi gang! I have a present for you...its even wrapped, in bacon! We sold five or six of these the other night even though we were slow. So I thought about you all and how angry you might be if I didn't at least give you a taste.

Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Stuffed with Spinach, Buffalo Mozzarella - Parmesan Encrusted New Potatoes - Seasonal Vegetables in Garlic and White Wine

Enjoy!

More Dinner Specials...

Thai Style Grilled Shrimp Crispy Noodle Salad w/ Chili Lime Emulsion
Lemon Diver Scallops on Jalapeno Cheese Polenta w/ Garlic Carrots

Working at this new resto has really allowed me to be creative lately. I crank out our menu prep and create two specials per night. I was in the mood for eye candy last night, I guess.