Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks, Lemony Quinoa with Garbanzos

Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks, Lemony Quinoa with GarbanzosPan-Seared Halibut Cheeks
Lemony Quinoa with Garbanzos

When it comes to a special ingredient like halibut cheeks, it’s best to keep the recipe simple and let the product shine.

Halibut cheeks are a prized cut of the fish, often considered the most tender and flavorful part. They come from the small, rounded muscle beneath each eye of the halibut—an area the fish uses to move its jaw. Because halibut are large, flat-bodied fish, their cheeks are more substantial than most, yielding thick, scallop-like medallions that are especially sought after by chefs and seafood lovers.

The texture of halibut cheeks is one of their most appealing qualities. They’re firm yet tender, with a natural flake that’s finer and more delicate than the fillet. They have a slightly sweet, mild flavor—clean and refined, but with more succulence than the rest of the fish. Some compare them to scallops for their texture and sweetness, but halibut cheeks have a character all their own.

Cooking halibut cheeks is simple, and best when techniques highlight their delicacy. A quick pan-sear in butter and olive oil with a splash of lemon is all they need. Halibut cheeks are a treat that rewards minimalism and careful preparation.

Pan-Seared Halibut Cheeks Recipe

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Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore with Sesame Ponzu
Cucumber, Fresh Herbs, Serrano Chile

Albacore offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s much more delicate than other tunas. Grilling enhances its natural savoriness while letting its clean taste shine. The loin is firm yet tender, and just 60 seconds per side is enough to create a beautifully seared crust while leaving the center silky and moist.

A simple four-ingredient sesame ponzu brings umami, citrus, and depth. And even when grilled for only two minutes, the fish still picks up a bold smokiness that adds real character.

Cilantro, mint, and chives keep it vibrant and fresh, serrano chile brings the heat, while crisp cucumber adds texture and a refreshing coolness.

Grilled Albacore Recipe

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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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Dayboat Scallops, Broccoli Cream, Curried Lentils

Dayboat Scallops, Broccoli Cream, Curried Lentils

Dayboat Scallops, Broccoli Cream, Curried Lentils

This dish is a lovely yet unexpected combination of ingredients and with its green and red colors, it would make a delightful holiday seafood course. All the components have an affinity for each other. Pristine seared sea scallops sit atop earthy curried lentils with toasty walnuts, over a velvety broccoli cream.

The broccoli cream sauce is a rich blend made from puréed broccoli and cream, creating a smooth and luscious texture. The flavor is savory and slightly sweet, with the essence of fresh broccoli shining through. Garlic, onion, celery, and a touch of lemon juice enhance its depth, making it perfect for pairing with the scallops and lentils.

The rich and buttery characteristics of many California Chardonnays complement the sweetness and delicate texture of scallops. The wine’s acidity also helps cut through the richness of the creamy broccoli sauce. We like Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay paired here for its complex aromas, intense fruit flavors, and lively acidity.

Dayboat Scallops, Broccoli Cream, Curried LentilsDayboat Scallops with Broccoli Cream Recipe

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Quick Mussels over Angel Hair Pasta

Quick Mussels over Angel Hair Pasta

Quick Mussels Over Angel Hair Pasta
Garlic Butter Sauce, Fresh Herbs

Here I share another QUICK recipe. Last month it was a delicious Wonton Noodle Soup. This month it’s fabulous Mussels over Angel Hair Pasta.

Organic cultivated mussels from the pristine waters of Prince Edward Island, Canada are vacuum packed and fully cooked and pasteurized with a generous amount of garlic butter sauce added to each bag.  The ingredients in the vacuum sealed bag are simply mussels, clarified butter, minced garlic, and parsley flakes. That’s it.

These sustainable tasty mussels are found in the refrigerated section at Costco. They offer a fresh, sweet, briny flavor reminiscent of the sea, with a tender, slightly chewy texture and a mild, delicate taste that isn’t too “fishy.”

Microwave mussels for 3 minutes, cook pasta for 2 minutes! Now that’s quick!

Quick Mussels over Angel Hair PastaQuick Mussels over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

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