Smoked Salmon Montadito

Smoked Salmon Montadito

Smoked Salmon Montadito

Wild Alaskan Smoked Sockeye Salmon
Toasted Brioche, Truffled Cream Cheese,
Pickled Watermelon Radish, Hot Honey

This lovely snack was inspired by the Las Vegas Catalan-cuisine restaurant, EDO Tapas & Wine where it is presented table side under a dome filled with smoke. Chef Oscar Amador’s approach is to add a modern and innovative twist to classic Spanish recipes.

A montadito is a small Spanish sandwich or bite-sized tapa. The name comes from montar (“to mount”), because something tasty is “mounted” on bread. Think of it as Spain’s answer to a crostini or canapé.

Smoked Salmon Montadito

Montadito Recipe

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Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

“Nibblin’ on sponge cake, watchin’ the sun bake…”

Warning: This is an Adults-Only Cake. It’s basically a sponge cake infused with rum. Lots of rum. Adapted from Margaritaville The Cookbook, Relaxed Recipes for a Taste of Paradise by Carlo Sernaglia and Julia Turshen published by Margaritaville Enterprises LLC 2018.

This Island Rum Cake joins my recipes for the iconic Cheeseburger in Paradise and Jimmy’s Favorite Seafood Gumbo as tributes to Jimmy Buffett.

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake

Depending on the time of day, this cake is equally great with a cup of coffee, a Mai Tai, or even a shot of rum!

Margaritaville Island Rum Cake Recipe

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Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks, Lemony Quinoa with Garbanzos

Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks, Lemony Quinoa with GarbanzosPan-Seared Halibut Cheeks
Lemony Quinoa with Garbanzos

When it comes to a special ingredient like halibut cheeks, it’s best to keep the recipe simple and let the product shine.

Halibut cheeks are a prized cut of the fish, often considered the most tender and flavorful part. They come from the small, rounded muscle beneath each eye of the halibut—an area the fish uses to move its jaw. Because halibut are large, flat-bodied fish, their cheeks are more substantial than most, yielding thick, scallop-like medallions that are especially sought after by chefs and seafood lovers.

The texture of halibut cheeks is one of their most appealing qualities. They’re firm yet tender, with a natural flake that’s finer and more delicate than the fillet. They have a slightly sweet, mild flavor—clean and refined, but with more succulence than the rest of the fish. Some compare them to scallops for their texture and sweetness, but halibut cheeks have a character all their own.

Cooking halibut cheeks is simple, and best when techniques highlight their delicacy. A quick pan-sear in butter and olive oil with a splash of lemon is all they need. Halibut cheeks are a treat that rewards minimalism and careful preparation.

Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks Recipe

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Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore with Sesame Ponzu
Cucumber, Fresh Herbs, Serrano Chile

Albacore offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s much more delicate than other tunas. Grilling enhances its natural savoriness while letting its clean taste shine. The loin is firm yet tender, and just 60 seconds per side is enough to create a beautifully seared crust while leaving the center silky and moist.

A simple four-ingredient sesame ponzu brings umami, citrus, and depth. And even when grilled for only two minutes, the fish still picks up a bold smokiness that adds real character.

Cilantro, mint, and chives keep it vibrant and fresh, serrano chile brings the heat, while crisp cucumber adds texture and a refreshing coolness.

Grilled Albacore Recipe

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Baba Ganoush (Eggplant) Soup

Baba Ganoush (Eggplant)  Soup

Baba Ganoush (Eggplant) Soup

A chilled velouté inspired by the Middle Eastern classic dip Baba Ganoush, this soup blends roasted eggplant with creamy tahini, garlic, and bright notes of fresh lemon.

The smoky depth of the eggplant is balanced by the nuttiness of sesame and a whisper of citrus, resulting in a silk-smooth, refreshing bowl that honors its baba ganoush roots while reimagining them in an elegant, spoonable form. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil, za’atar, and chives – it’s a sophisticated starter ideal for warm-weather dining.

Chilled Baba Ganoush Soup Recipe

Baba Ganoush (Eggplant)  Soup

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