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.
A recent, unforgettable meal at the Golden Steer in Las Vegas left me wanting to recreate Shrimp De Jonghe. Being originally from Chicago, it’s something we practically grew up with—whenever our parents took us to an upscale restaurant, it was the one starter we always ordered.
Shrimp De Jonghe is named after the De Jonghe brothers, Belgian immigrants who ran De Jonghe’s Hotel and Restaurant in Chicago around the turn of the 20th century. The dish became a signature item and has remained a regional favorite ever since.
As Chicago’s most iconic fine dining original, it’s a baked shrimp casserole known for its rich, savory, garlicky, old-school elegance. The toasted breadcrumb crust adds crunch, contrasting the tender shrimp and sherry butter sauce beneath.
Debuting in 1958, the Golden Steer is the oldest continually operating steakhouse in Las Vegas. It is filled with history and stories from the famous celebrities who dined there, and the signature red leather booths named in their honor. Their authentic Shrimp De Jonghe is a must order. Especially for Chicagoans.
The Golden Steer Las VegasOscar and Carolyn Goodman’s Table (both husband and wife served as Mayor of Las Vegas)
This caviar pasta recipe adapted from Chef Ludo is simple & easy, while simultaneously luxurious & decadent. Angel hair pasta is cloaked in a lush, lightly lemony cream sauce and generously topped with glistening pearls of caviar.
Chef Ludo Lefebvre is a dynamic force in the culinary world, known for combining classical French technique with a fresh, approachable style. After years of training under some of France’s most celebrated chefs, he brought his talents to Los Angeles, where he opened acclaimed restaurants including Petit Trois.
We had the pleasure of a fabulous lunch there, enjoying the lemon bucatini, mussels marinière with frites, and trout almondine—each dish beautifully executed and full of character. Chef Ludo’s food reflects a deep respect for tradition, but with a spirit that feels current and inviting. His style balances precision with warmth, making classic French cuisine feel both elevated and effortlessly enjoyable.
Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms
Garlic Truffle Cream, Poached Egg
This Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms recipe was inspired by a recent trip to Death Valley National Park and two delightful dinners at the Dining Room at The Inn where we ordered their excellent “Pasta de Hongos” both nights.
Dining Room at The Inn
The drive into Death Valley from Las Vegas feels like entering another world. The landscape shifts slowly to bare rock, wide salt flats, and mountains that look carved out of ash. When we arrived at The Inn at Death Valley, it truly felt like an oasis. Lush palms, green lawns, a spring-fed pool, and a long, low stone building nestled into the hillside.
The Inn at Death Valley
Originally built in the 1920s, The Inn has been beautifully restored. It still has that classic, almost retro desert-resort feel, but with updated rooms and modern touches that make it really comfortable.
It is located at Furnace Creek, which is one of the most central and accessible points in Death Valley National Park. From there, it’s easy to drive to the major sights.
Watching the sunrise from the terrace outside the dining room with a view of the Panamint Mountains catching the first light was unreal—warm pinks and soft gold sliding slowly down the slopes as the sky turned pale blue. With a cup of coffee and that kind of view, there’s really no better start to the day.
Sunrise on the Panamint Mountains
Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms Recipe
and
Death Valley National Park
Enmoladas de Pollo y Calabaza Asada
🇲🇽 Para el Cinco de Mayo 🇲🇽
Enmoladas are a variation of the more familiar enchiladas, but made with rich mole sauce instead of chile sauce. Unlike enchiladas, which are often baked in the sauce like a casserole, enmoladas are typically filled, rolled, and plated before the mole is poured over them. The name “enmolada” literally means “covered in mole.” This mole negro is a medium-hot blend of chile pasilla, chile negro, chile mulato, chile ancho, and Mexican dark chocolate. The enmoladas are filled with mole-seasoned chopped chicken, smoky grilled summer squash, and cilantro.
It’s a traditional Mexican dish, full of flavor and perfect for celebrating the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It was a surprising win for Mexico, as the French forces were larger and better equipped.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture, where people honor Mexican heritage with traditional foods, festive drinks, and fun-filled gatherings. ¡Buen provecho y feliz Cinco de Mayo!
