Category: Beverages

Salmon Crudo, Smoked Soy

Salmon Crudo, Smoked Soy

Salmon Crudo, Avocado, Jalapeño
Smoked Soy, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Microgreens

This simple yet sublime salmon crudo dish hits all the notes. Pristine raw wild Alaska sockeye is shingled with creamy avocado slices and spicy jalapeño then drizzled with smoked soy sauce, fruity olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Just a touch of flaky sea salt and a scatter of vibrant peppery microgreens complete the dish.

But it’s really the smoked soy that pushes this dish over the top — unexpected and distinctive. A few drops of all-natural hickory liquid smoke transforms plain soy sauce into something magical.

Seasoned sushi rice is served on the side, great for dipping in the intoxicating sauce and pairing with bites of salmon.

Cold sake makes a crisp and refreshing accompaniment to the salmon crudo’s bright, clean flavors of citrus, soy, and olive oil. The chilled sake mirrors that cool, clean mouthfeel, keeping the palate refreshed instead of weighing it down.

Salmon Crudo, Smoked Soy

Salmon Crudo 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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Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce
Spiced Saffron Basmati with Lentils and Golden Raisins

This quick lamb shank dinner joins my Lamb Shanks with Smoky Cassoulet Beans, Kalamata Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes, and another for Lamb Shanks over Boursin Cheese Polenta. The lamb shanks are slow braised in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with pomegranate juice and figs. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. It comes 2 shanks to a package and can be found in the refrigerated section at Costco under the “A La Carte” brand.

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.

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Lamb Shank Dinner

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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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Cocktails in the Las Vegas Subway?

Try a Smoky Dirty Martini!

Cocktails in the Las Vegas Subway?

Try a Smoky Dirty Martini!

It fits the mood…

A little while back I wrote about a fantastic dinner and the chef’s very clever Dirty Martini Salad at Diner Ross at The LINQ Hotel Las Vegas. What I neglected to share was how to get there… curiously, you must enter the diner only through a secret subway station entrance.

Cocktails in the Las Vegas Subway?

Dirty Martini Salad

Cocktails in the Las Vegas Subway?

Sip delightful cocktails to the music and trippy sounds of an occasional train passing through the “tunnel” while awaiting your dinner reservation.

Cocktails in the Las Vegas Subway?

Inspired by the fabulous Dirty ol’ Martini served in the subway, here is my version:

A Smoky Dirty Martini

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