Summer Corn Dip, Smoky Rice Paper Puffs

Summer Corn Dip, Smoky Rice Paper Puffs

Summer Corn Dip

Summer Corn Fresh-Off-The-Cob
Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Calabrian Chili Sauce, Lime Juice
Smoky Rice Paper Puffs

Perfect for sharing around the pool or kicking off a sunny afternoon gathering, this vibrant dip features fresh-off-the-cob summer corn folded into a creamy blend of mayonnaise and sour cream. Calabrian chili sauce adds a nice kick, while lime juice brings a bright, zesty finish. Served with smoky rice paper puffs for a light, crispy crunch, it’s a snack that’s as lively and laid-back as summer itself.

Summer Corn Dip, Smoky Rice Paper Puffs

Summer Corn Dip Recipe

Continue reading “Summer Corn Dip, Smoky Rice Paper Puffs”

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

Continue reading “Shrimp De Jonghe”

ART OF THE GRILL at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

ART OF THE GRILL at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

ART OF THE GRILL at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

ART OF THE GRILL
⧓ ⧓ ⧓
Signature Series
by Fontainebleau Las Vegas

“Hone your grill skills in this immersive class led by Don’s Prime Executive Chef Patrick Munster. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and light bites, then learn techniques for wood selection, making perfect marinades, and more. Class concludes with a three-course lunch in La Côte’s private dining room.”

Pool at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

On the beautiful outdoor patio of Le Côte Restaurant, nestled poolside, twelve attendees gathered to learn from grilling expert Executive Chef Patrick Munster of Don’s Prime. He demonstrated essential grilling techniques, ideal temperatures, and pro tips — even inviting several of us to join him at the grill for a hands-on lesson and best practices for slicing after grilling.

The Chef also taught us about the different cuts of meat served at the restaurant, and their individual qualities including marbling, tenderness, flavor, and fat.

Following the demonstration, we enjoyed a fabulous three-course luncheon featuring all the items we had just learned to prepare: flank steak, jumbo shrimp, and tomahawk steaks. The meal was perfectly paired with Via Alpina Pinot Grigio and Failla Pinot Noir.

ART OF THE GRILL at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

ART OF THE GRILL
with Executive Chef Patrick Munster

Continue reading “ART OF THE GRILL at Fontainebleau Las Vegas”

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

Continue reading “Pappardelle with Ahi Tuna”

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

Continue reading “Cocktails in the Las Vegas Subway?”