A caviar hot dog blends street food with luxury. The smoky meat and briny caviar balance each other, while textures—the snap of the dog, the pop of roe, and the toasty buttery bun—add contrast and complexity. Crème fraîche and dill bring creamy, tangy, slightly grassy notes.
Visually, it’s bold and striking: the deep black pearls of caviar glisten against the warm, golden tones of a toasted bun. But the real appeal is the juxtaposition—everyday food made extravagant. It’s playful, a little absurd, and surprisingly good.
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!
The dish Braised Lamb Shank with Pomegranate Fig Sauce and Spiced Saffron Basmati is not a traditional recipe from one specific culture, but is strongly inspired by Persian and broader Middle Eastern flavors.
Sumac — a deep red, lemony spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine adds another layer of intrigue. The lamb is very savory and rich, the rice is fragrant and slightly sweet, together they welcome a dusting of sumac to balance and enliven the dish.
A Lovely Soup for Springtime
Snap Pea, Broccoli, Cauliflower Soup
This blended soup combines snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and milk into a smooth, delicate mixture with a naturally sweet, green flavor.
Snap peas add a pop of brightness and color, while cauliflower lends body and a soft, velvety texture without the need for heavy cream. Broccoli brings a hint of earthiness, and milk creates a silky backdrop that ties everything together. A splash of olive oil adds a final touch of richness, giving each spoonful a comforting, balanced feel. With its vibrant color and lively flavor, this soup is a perfect way to celebrate spring — light, fresh, and wonderfully satisfying.
Snap Pea, Broccoli, Cauliflower Soup Recipe