Life In Da Burbs

The five of us with the deluxe 3 tiered platter from the raw bar. An impromptu gathering in the city sunday night. Bar Americain owned by the american iron chef Bobby Flay pulled through with an exciting and eye stunning dinner event for all of us. I still may not look at Bobby Flay as a great chef, but his management team sure puts together a very nice ensemble for their guests. With that said, I would go back to Bar Americain knowing it will be a fun time.

Top Tray - Shrimp Cocktail with Cilantro Salsa, Mussels, Razor Clams, Snails and Crawfish.

Middle Tray - Mussels, Crab Legs, Lobster and Avocado Salad, Dungenous Crab Mango Salad.

Bottom Tray - Oysters, Clams, Scallops on a half shell. With a ton of scallop ceviche in the center bowl.

NY Strip - If you recall the episode when Bobby Flay challenges Masaharu Morimoto in Japan. I believe it was their second battle together... Bobby Flay sears some steaks to plate with the lobsters for the panel of judges. I believe this is the same rub he used in the battle. I like my steaks plain so that I can enjoy the true flavors of BEEF. But, if I had to flavor my piece of meat with a spice rub, I wouldn't mind too much if it were done this particular way. I enjoyed this steak Bobby Flay.

Duck dish... when asked how did he like it? "I liked the leg piece more... the breast meat didn't have enough fat..." said Bobby.

Wild Salmon with Pinot Noir reduction sauce. Topped with a Mango and Avocado Salsa Seafood Cioppino (an Italian Bouillabaise)...

Chocolate Mousse Pie with crisp ginger crust....went very well with my earl grey tea

Sauteed mushrooms with salsify and puff pastry. Hearty first dish for a brisk cold night. Excellent. I love French Bistros.

Lardon Frisee Salade - I just wished they had a poached egg on top...

A nice bottle of Pomerol to accompany our meal. French onion soup with a pungent emmentaler crust..... stinky cheese rules!

Stupid ESPN article. Didn't this kid beat the USC Trojans for the National Title as a quarterback? Since when is a 4.5 at the 40 a bad time... and as a Quarterback for that matter? Holy Schniekies, are you guys serious? With this kind of scrutiny, you might as well tell all kids training and working so hard for that NFL spotlight to juice up and take after the Major Leagues... Young ran a 4.58 guys... He's got an arm, he's got speed, but most importantly, he's got heart. The determination to WIN. To complain about his practice time is pathetic. Stats can only take you so far guys... Try measuring things like, Will, Heart, Dedication next time. Perhaps then you might learn a thing or two about what sports is all about.

My friend Chiyo(on the right) came in from London friday for the day. We all met up for dinner and drinks. Isn't it amazing, I've known this chick... well, all these girls since first grade. And by some strange cosmic warped luck, we all seem to see each other once a month in the city. Oh, and the other girl in the picture is Gina. Another friend from elementary school.

(from left to right) Anisha, Chiyo, Gina, Aya, Monika We had drinks at the lounge at the soho grand hotel... i think this is the famous russel crowe phone incident place. Any who, these are all old friends from elementary school. I guess we will see them all again at my wedding reception in may. I hope they don't get too rowdy... : )

I am tired, my head and body aches, I'm dehydrated, and lost 3 pounds... all signs we had a very good time. I just got back this morning, circa 4am... 3 full days of Vegas will wear you down. I really don't know how to sum up or describe Vegas... It will take a few days to process all that went on this weekend. But one thing I can say is, I probably will not be going back for a while. It's definately not my type of place. I'll stick to the good 'ol Big Apple. People say Vegas is Disneyland for adults... they forget to mention "Degenerate Adults". Touring the strip, casinos, hotels, etc., I will never understand how people can take their children there. There were just way too many vulgar images highlighted for anyone to consider it a safe and entertaining atmosphere for kids. It will be a long time before I go back to Vegas, if ever. I am glad I went to Vegas with a group of close friends... We had a great time, and as the saying goes, "I'l...