Life In Da Burbs

So with the urging of my wife, I went to my first Health Check-Up since High School (10 years). Had blood work done, the whole shabang. I will get the blood results later this week the doctor said. To be honest, I was petrified over drawing blood, but it wasn't much worse than a pinch and it ended in less than 10 seconds. 2 viles filled instantaniously. (I was gripping pretty hard) Blood Pressure was 124/81. Eyes, Ears, Heart, Lungs and 金玉 were A-OK. But one thing was apparent, I need to reduce my weight, and in order to do that, no more Foie Gras and Steaks. At least for a while. Doctor's orders... (sigh) But the doc was happy to learn I don't smoke or drink heavily. And that I can workout without drastic fatigue. So all things considered, it's up to me to lose the weight and manage my diet. That's step one. I have a feeling I will be blogging a lot of Fruits, Vegetables and Fish in the next few months.

After watching last night's 60 minutes episode , I thought I'd brush up on some collegiate mathematics. I wiki-ed Pi and along came all these other formulas. Just going through them one by one, is giving me a massive headache and I'm about to give up. Nothing makes sense and I'm starting to feel anger set in. The area of the unit disc : Half the circumference of the unit circle : François Viète , 1593 ( proof ): Wallis product, 1655 ( proof ): Bailey-Borwein-Plouffe algorithm (See Bailey, 1997 and Bailey web page ) Chebyshev series Y. Luke, Math. Tabl. Aids Comp. 11 (1957) 16 Gamma function evaluated at 1/2: Stirling's approximation : A property of Euler's totient function (see also Farey sequence ): An application of the residue theorem where the path of integration is a closed curve around the origin, traversed in the standard anticlockwise direction.

I can not stop thinking about true Japanese Beef. Every weekend, when I ponder what to make for my wife and I, the most popular go-to treat (gochisou) is a nice steak. If only we had Japanese Beef readily available at the local super market or even butcher store. Not the case, you really have to look for this stuff, and even in Manhattan. I've found a few places, such as Lobel's that carry these heavenly cuts. But you pay. Boy do you pay. There's gotta be a better way.

Tetsuya in Australia is becoming a big name in Global Fine Dining. This pic from a recent visit by a fellow Flogger caught my eye. I'll be sure to go back one of these days. Afterall, it's the land of Koalas, Kangaroos and Nicole Kidman.

Experiencing a grape craving and reminiscing on these Japanese Kyohou Grapes. They are the best. If you find yourself having the opportunity to have them, get 'em! Even if they're $10 a pound.

(photo taken from the NY Times ) What has become of Fine Dining in NYC? It's great that Chefs today are respected and admired for their creativity. Much like an artist, who's works are appreciated by educated patrons. But don't take away our choices. Please! Afterall, aren't restaurants in the "hospitality" business? Patrons come first!!! Therefore this month, the #1 Chef-Snob Honors goes to Thomas Keller of Perse. (because I'm sure this is a pissing contest and some f'n schmuck will try to out do him next month) Thomas Keller's Perse Restaurant located in the Time Warner Building will now give you just 2 choices once you are seated. Either a Vegetarian Tasting or a Chef's Tasting Menu. Both commanding a $250 price tag for each guest. But don't fret, the 20% preset gratuity fee and bottled water are included in this "Set Price". I heard coffee and tea were also complimentary. That's not so bad then... right guys?

My wife, like the next girl loooooves her Bling Bling. But honestly ladies, could you wear something like this and still function properly in society? Wearing something like this on your wrist is more than a fashion statement. It's a public FU to mankind. Saying, "I'm really rich and you all suck!" I wonder how many of these Mrs. Trump ( current , past , first ) has. Technical Specifications Watch: Ultra thin quartz movement Case set with 24 baguette diamonds (~2.65 ct.) Back set with 72 diamonds (~0.13 ct.) Bracelet set with 367 baguette diamonds (~30.75 ct.) and 222 diamonds (~0.97 ct.) Dial paved with 39 baguette diamonds (~1.75 ct.) Water resistant to 25 m. White or rose gold Caliber: Geneva Seal Hallmark Diameter: 16.30 mm Number of jewels: 6 Caliber E 15 Ultra thin movement Total diameter: 16.3 mm Thickness: 1.80 mm Jewels: 6 Number of parts: 57 Battery life: about 3 years It's model number : 4908/101G For you guys out there with more money than god h...

The original music video from the song used in the Geico commercial where the caveman is on the walking escalator in the airport.

USDA Prime Rib Eye steak over rice and some pickled veggies. I just can't stress enough how good Prime is compared to Choice.

Mozart's Magic Flute sung by a young German boy. It's impressive but too funny.

P Diddy doing what guys do all the time... Just this time, getting caught. ***click here***

I was waiting outside Pastis today and guess what happened? Julianne Moore and her family strolled by looking to make brunch service. As she walked by, we exchanged smiles(at least that's how i remember it). Cheap thrills I know... but what ever, it made my day.

J and I went out on a date to the Met ( Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center ) last night. We saw Verdi's La Traviata . It was my first time and her 4th. It was fantastic. Although sung in a foreign language (Italian), the Met provides digital subtitles on a panel right in front of your seat. La Traviata was composed in 1854 and arguably the most popular Opera known to man. Bizet's Carmen, Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, and Puccini's La Boheme, Turandot, Madame Butterfly are others to name a few. The curiosity of La Traviata got the better of me, so I purchased the tickets the day they came out on sale. Not knowing what to expect, I figured this much, this particular opera which is considered Verdi's masterpiece has stood the test of time, granting great merit. (Thought) Hey, if it was good enough for Toscanini , it's good enough for me. Hence, while the show was going on, I could not help but feel some kind of connection between myself and generations of past...

Again, my buddy Naoki from San Diego sent this pic of last weekend's dinner. It looks absolutely delicious.

My buddy Naoki caught a lobster off the coast of San Diego and made Miso Shiru with it. Oh, it has to be so good.

Thanks for coming you all!!! New Year's gathering Sunday at my place.

Just Playing around today making some chocolate Truffles. (Actually, it's J's birthday Friday so instead of baking a birthday cake, I thought to change things up and make some chocolate truffles) It's quite fun! But keep one thing in mind, Timing is Everything!!! They came out OK...(great for the first time, but there's definately room for improvement) I really want to work with more flavors like Earl Grey, Jasmine, Apricot, Pear, Pistacchio, etc. The options are endless.

Dinner at Chanto last night was great. Here are some pics from the meal. 1. Toro Carpaccio 2. Fried Chicken Wing stuffed with pork and chives 3. Baked Cod with miso sauce 4. Palate Cleansing Yuzu Sorbet 5. Steak 6. Sushi (Hamachi, Toro, Aburi Toro, Negi Toro) 7. Dessert

Political Science 101 DEMOCRAT You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. You feel guilty for being successful. Barbara Streisand sings for you. REPUBLICAN You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. So? SOCIALIST You have two cows. The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor. You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow. COMMUNIST You have two cows. The government seizes both and provides you with milk. You wait in line for hours to get it. It is expensive and sour. CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE You have two cows. You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows. BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE You have two cows. Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one, milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain. AMERICAN CORPORATION You have two cows. You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one. You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to th...

Made a little treat for the mrs. tonight. She's been asking for mapo tofu so I thought it would be perfect to prepare a Mapo Tofu Bento for her to take to work tomorrow. (It's her B-day) To celebrate, we made reservations at Chanto for dinner. Will let you know how that goes. Hope the weather stays nice through out the weekend.