March 01, 2012
Restaurant: Robuchon Vegas
One of the things that I really wanted to do was try the only restaurant in Vegas to have earned 3 Michelin stars. The atmosphere of Robuchon was compelling. I was tucked away in a smaller, more intimate room with a living wall of greenery and flowers and sky. Through the window I could see the restaurant proper. Given the added privacy, I could take photographs and linger without feeling out of place. I had my doubts about how much I would enjoy it, especially solo. But in the end, I enjoyed it immensely - ESPECIALLY solo... because I lingered for almost 4 hours with me, my food and my Kindle :)
February 01, 2012
Restaurant: Babu
It's a shame I'm not often in the area, because this little Sri Lankan/Indian takeout place is super cheap and really tasty. Unfortunately, there's no sit down restaurant, only takeout. However, everything is laid out cafeteria style, which is great for pointing at dishes that look interesting. I bought a ton and ate this for a week.
Skip:
Chicken Tikka, breast meat looked dry and was. $1.50/piece
Mutton Masala curry was very tasty but a bit tough.. $3.95
Mutton rolls, deep fried wrapped rolls, similar to spring rolls, were interesting but I'd rather try other stuff next time. $1
Good:
Goat Masala curry had the same spiciness as the mutton, but added that yummy goat flavor. $3.95
Basmati rice was enough for 3 generous portions and just $2.45
OMG-will get every time:
Large tandoori chicken quarters were moister than I've had before (cooked in a clay oven, stripped of skin and slashed to let the seasonings penetrate, they're usually somewhat dry). @2.50/quarter
Veggie samosas had a non-traditional wrapper that I liked much better than phyllo but not as much as traditional, but the stuffing was especially savory, even though quite mild. Super cheap at $1/3 pieces
Kadai Chicken curry was SUPER good, tender boneess chicken thighs in a rich mild sauce. $4.45
Taxes were included in the prices, which is welcome though a bit odd. Service was efficient and friendly.
A large meal for three could be had with rice, 6 samosas,2 kadai chicken curries and 3 tandoori chicken quarters for $8 per person. I'll have to try their naan and roti the next time I return. Samosas are dangerously cheap and addictive, it's a good thing I'm not nearby or I'd be eating 3 every time I passed it.
Babu Catering and Takeout
4800 Sheppard Ave East Unit 201-2
Scarborough, ON
January 08, 2012
PRK Tomorrow
About 6 months ago, I got Lasik. However, my right eye has been slightly (but annoyingly) blurry ever since, throughout its entire field of vision (even close up).
Tomorrow I'm going for a corrective procedure that will be PRK. Unfortunately, it's more painful than Lasik and has a longer recovery... but if it fixes the eye, it'll be worth it.
Before getting Lasik I made sure to get a good night's rest but I woke up with some post-operative pain. This time, I'm making sure I'm more tired so that hopefully I can sleep through any discomfort.
January 06, 2012
Recipe: Simple Carrots
It's a crappy pic, but this is one of my favorite 'recipes' for carrots, from Heston Blumenthal of the Fat Duck restaurant. Peeled, dry chopped carrots in a pan with a knob of butter. Cook covered on medium high until tender, shaking occasionally. The carrot flavor intensifies and the richness of the butter seeps in. You get some nice caramelization on the carrots too. Dress with some parsley or add some chili pepper at the beginning.
January 04, 2012
Bisque
This bisque was super rich, made with lobster and shrimp shells. I left the shells on the shrimp because lately I'm on this kick where I enjoy the intense flavor of sucking on the shrimp shells.
January 02, 2012
Christmas DInner No. 2
Mom mostly made dinner number 1 - turkey with the trimmings. It was delicious and the leftovers did not last very long. I did this dinner for dinner number - prime rib with yorkshires, root veg, gravy and maple balsamic salad. The prime rib was buttery... it did not last long enough!
The Yorkshires Popped
The yorkshires popped nicely this year. The simple recipe: 1 cup each of eggs, flour and milk - doubled for 12 double-size yorkshires. Cook at 450F for 10 minutes in hot pans with fat, then reduce to 350F till done. ATK suggests poking holes in them so that they don't collapse... seemed to work this time.
January 01, 2012
New Year's Dinner at Sean/Jax's
Went to Sean's for New Year's Eve. Jax and her fam were busy in the kitchen all evening turning out delectable morsels. Highlights included bacon wrapped scallops and water chestnuts and a molten chocolate cake that was insanely good. Constant eating throughout the evening. Mmm.
December 24, 2011
Ginger Roast Pork
If I lived near a chinatown, I'd probably never cook. Heh, my parents left with with roast pork, 6 spring rolls (apparently 12 for $2 at FoodieMart!), doubles and roti. I can really stretch the pork over a lot of rice and mix with the ginger scallion oil. It doesn't look like much, but it's delicious!
