Golden China
My boyfriend lives in Ventura pretty close to the beach, which is about 50 miles from where I live; it’s far, but not too far and I don’t mind the drive at all. It’s a nice escape from the triple digit heat and it’s further …
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Food Maker, Chef, and Traveling Diner
Food Photos
Japanese-Style Short Ribs
While in Mammoth, I always like to cook dinner for my family at least a couple of nights. Though we’re used to the food up there, it’s not the most amazing cuisine, but it’s pleasant because some of the places we go to, including Giovanni’s, …
My Birthday Celebration at Matsuhisa, Beverly Hills
Matsuhisa As Brandon and I made our way down to Beverly Hills from Ventura, my birthday dinner seemed to be well anticipated. We’d eaten together years ago in Malibu at Nobu, and to say the least, that was an unforgettable meal and dinner, but Matsuhisa …
Shrimp and Vegetable Chirashi
The type of chirashi that I’m used to is much different than the traditional Japanese-style dish that I had when I was in Japan, and the ones that I drool over in Japanese cookbooks, with lots of lovely expensive thin slices of fresh raw fish …
Picca By Chef Ricardo Zarate
After fighting 5 o’clock traffic from the valley to a western corner of Los Angeles, we arrived at a large red building adorned with an outline of a large bull and the word “Picca” written across it. The impact of the presence of such a …
Happy Birthday Bachan
When I was a little girl, I waited all year long for the days when I could take a little break away from my brother, sister, and maybe even my mom and dad as well, and spend time with my Bachan in Pasasdena. Bachan (or …
Spanakopita Inspired Pasta – Whole Wheat Penne with Feta Cheese, Spinach, Basil and Mushrooms
This pasta was inspired by the Greek dish Spanakopita. Spanakopita is a phyllo dough pastry that has spinach and feta cheese in it. I love the flavors of this dish; it has herbs with a crunchy texture from the crisp phyllo. I didn’t …
Father’s Day Surf and Turf
My dad has always been my hero. There is no one like him in the whole world and I love him more than I could ever describe. My dad always believes in me, no matter what, and is always by my side and I want …
Polenta Pie with Ground Beef, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach and Red Beans
Something about the versatility of polenta makes for crossing cultures and pops up in my dishes all the time. I love polenta. Its creamy nature of substantial delicious flavor always speaks to me, plus it’s very simple. This polenta was just hanging out in my …
Arugula and Toasted Pita Salad with Tomato Red Wine Vinaigrette
Anyone eat Fatoush salad? It’s that delicious bit of crunchy pita that satisfies your craving for extra bread and fresh vegetables, sitting in an acidic-flavored dressing, with a bit of middle eastern influence. I love it. Working with what I have, I decided that this …