Salmon Crudo, Caviar, Truffle Ponzu

Salmon Crudo, Caviar, Truffle Ponzu

Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon Crudo
Daurenki Caviar, White Truffle Ponzu
Cucumber, Creme Fraiche, Radish Sprouts

Thinly sliced raw sockeye salmon served with truffle oil ponzu creates a perfect fusion of earthy and citrusy flavors. The robust, savory taste of the salmon is enhanced by the aromatic, umami-packed ponzu sauce.

Crisp refreshing cucumber accentuated with little dollops of crème fraîche complement the briny, nuanced flavors of the caviar, serving as a perfect base. Radish sprouts add a contrasting peppery bite.

The combination is elegant, light, refreshing, and sublime!

This Royal Daurenki Caviar is known as the “caviar lover’s caviar,” according to Petrossian. It has a complex flavor and unique blend of brine and fruity notes. It’s an exquisite study in contrasts, with a burst of juicy brine, followed by a nuanced flavor profile of dried fruit and toasted grains on the tongue, with savory butter lingering on the finish.

Salmon Crudo, Caviar, Truffle Ponzu

Salmon Crudo with Caviar and Truffle Ponzu Recipe

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Pappardelle with Ahi Tuna

How to Make Pappardelle with Ahi Tuna

Pappardelle with Ahi Tuna
Oregano and Lemon

The breathtaking Vetri Cucina is located on the 56th floor of the Palms Casino Resort with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. A most memorable meal high atop the Las Vegas skyline inspired me to re-create an amazing burrata salad featuring a captivating black truffle vinaigrette.

Here, my recipe is inspired by Chef Marc Vetri’s il viaggio di vetri cookbook. Fresh pasta, the highest quality ahi tuna, fresh oregano and lemon harmonize in a dish that is both simple and extraordinary. The raw tuna is kissed with the heat from the just-cooked pasta, keeping the fish at its purest taste.

This ahi tuna (aka yellowfin) is not treated with carbon monoxide to artificially preserve the bright color of the flesh (a practice that has been banned in the EU). As a result, the color ranges from to pale pink to grayish pink which is normal and healthy.

How to Make Pappardelle with Ahi Tuna

Pappardelle with Ahi Tuna Recipe

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Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade Croutons

Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade CroutonsSplit Pea Soup with Bacon
Homemade Croutons

Velvety, savory, and deeply comforting, Split Pea Soup is a timeless classic that warms the soul. While its muddy yellow-green hue and sludgy appearance may not win beauty contests, one spoonful is enough to transport you to a world of rich, satisfying flavor.

More than just a dish, split pea soup carries nostalgia in every bite. It’s not the kind of soup that reminds you of a five-star restaurant or a once-in-a-lifetime meal—it’s the kind that makes you feel at home. It soothes, comforts, and wraps you in a sense of warmth and familiarity.

This version takes things up a notch with cherrywood-smoked bacon from Nashville’s Porter Road Butcher, adding depth and smokiness, while crispy homemade Old Bay croutons introduce the perfect crunch. Together, they elevate this humble classic into something truly special—still simple, still nostalgic, but with just the right touch of indulgence. It’s the ideal soup to enjoy as winter comes to a close.

Wine Pairing

Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade Croutons2022 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

This Oregon Pinot Gris balances the soup’s richness with bright acidity and complements the smoky bacon with its fresh, fruity character. It’s a well-balanced pairing that enhances both the wine and the dish.

Split Pea Soup Recipe

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Spicy Albacore Bowl

Spicy Albacore Bowl

🌶️ 🐟 Spicy Albacore Bowl 🐟 🌶️

This Spicy Albacore Bowl is a fresh, flavorful, creamy and slightly fiery seafood experience. Served over a bed of seasoned rice, the dish features tender cubes of raw albacore tuna marinated in a chili-infused blend that can be adjusted to suit your spice preference.

A drizzle of spicy sauce adds another layer of heat, while thin slices of jalapeño provide a bold bite and refreshing crunch. Crisp cucumber and peppery radish round out the bowl, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory tuna. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, this dish is satisfying, invigorating, and easy!

Spicy Albacore Recipe

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Kansas City Strip Steak and Broccoli

Kansas City Strip Steak and Broccoli

Kansas City Strip Steak and Broccoli

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

I could have just as easily prepared a Philly Cheesesteak dish, having no particular allegiance to either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs. But I did have a fabulous dry-aged Porter Road Kansas City Strip in my freezer, begging to come out for this spectacular annual event.

In terms of origin, the Kansas City strip steak is named after Kansas City, a city historically known for its stockyards and meatpacking industry.

The Kansas City strip comes from the short loin, the same area as the New York strip, and is traditionally served bone-in. It features a good amount of marbling with a signature strip of fat along one side, contributing to its deep, beefy flavor and firm yet tender texture.

We’re all familiar with Beef & Broccoli, the classic Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef, marinated and stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a savory, soy-based sauce. The sauce includes garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce, creating a balanced umami flavor.

Here is a unique approach to the classic Beef & Broccoli dish. As the Kansas City Strip is traditionally served bone-in, the meaty bone is brushed with marinade and roasted, served atop the dish to savor the last bits of meat off the bone. Meat lovers will definitely approve, perhaps swoon over this rendition…

Kansas City Strip and Broccoli Recipe

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