Category: Tasty Recipes

Shrimp De Jonghe

Shrimp de Jonghe

Shrimp de Jonghe

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.

Golden Steer Las Vegas
The Golden Steer Las Vegas
Golden Steer Las Vegas
Oscar and Carolyn Goodman’s Table (both husband and wife served as Mayor of Las Vegas)

Shrimp de Jonghe

Shrimp de Jonghe 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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Chef Ludo’s Caviar Pasta

Chef Ludo's Caviar Pasta

Chef Ludo’s Caviar Pasta

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.

Chef Ludo's Caviar Pasta

Creamy Pasta with Caviar Recipe

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Caviar Hot Dog

Caviar Hot Dog

Caviar Hot Dog

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.

Caviar Hot Dog Recipe

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Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms, Garlic Truffle Cream, Poached Egg

Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms, Garlic Truffle Cream, Poached Egg

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
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
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
Sunrise on the Panamint Mountains

Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms Recipe
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Death Valley National Park

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