Flavored Vinegar: Trader Joe's

This salad has greek yogurt, salt, pepper, lettuce, different colored cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onions 

I came across this pomegranate vinegar while shopping at my local Trader Joe's. I love the taste of it and the amount of flavor it brings to my salads. You can use it in salads, desserts, dressings, marinates. The flavor is unique, but subtle. The price is affordable and I believe it is a year round item. 

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Restaurant Reviews & Recommendations

Gracias Madres: A vegan Mexican style restaurant in west Los Angeles

My views on this restaurant is that I like the ambiance, very peaceful and calm, however if you are craving a typical Mexican meal, this is not the place you want to visit. This is a great vegan restaurant and the service provided is beyond belief, however it is not a "Mexican" restaurant, more of a vegan joint.



Chaya Brasserie: One of my favorite happy hour spots to visit. I find myself visiting Chaya on a weekly basis. I love the outdoor scene and the happy hour menu is affordable and inviting. You can get this amazing truffle mac n cheese or grab a sushi roll. I often feel that I am on vacation when sitting in the outdoor patio area. Try it out, you have nothing to loose!



Sweet Butter: This is one of my favorite Sherman Oaks spots. The food is always fresh, creative, and in portion. I find that I eat less when I visit Sweet Butter, but I eat quality food that has flavor, texture, and is nutritious in nature. I recommend ordering the Matihilla platter, which is the lox plate, it comes with caper berries, red onions, delicious lox, cucumbers, cream cheese, and a toasted millstone bread.



RiverRock Lounge at the Sportsmen Lodge: I have to say that the fresh croissants and warmed chocolate sauce was the best sweets I have ever eaten. I would recommend visiting this location just for these yummy treats. The breakfast was enjoyed overall, however I was not impressed by the food itself, the scene is peaceful as you overlook the manmade river and bridge.



Blu Jam Cafe: Huevos Rancheros are one of my favorite breakfast menu items, I loved the way Blu Jam prepared their rancheros and the breakfast potatoes that come with the breakfast are amazing. One of my favorite rancheros and I highly recommend also ordering their crunchy french toast. Both menu items are delicious and enjoyed.




Dr. Sandwich Kosher Restaurant: If you are in the mood for a nice israeli style plate I recommend ordering one of my favorite dishes, shnitzel plate with hummus, red cabbage salad, spicy onions, pickled carrots, spicy green sauce.



Local Peasant: I was very impressed by this bar, the bar itself is always packed with patrons and I understand why, their service and creative serving styles is what brings repeat customers. Their food was not your typical bar style food. I ordered the rosemary bread, which was made fresh, onion rings which were golden and perfectly cooked, and the burrata and beet salad. Overall a great spot to visit if you are in the Sherman Oaks area.




If you are ever in Las Vegas you have to try this pizza! Visit Allegro at the Wynn Hotel. This is the Busco Truffle Oil pizza, It was to die for!!!!!




All About the Bread: For those of you who loved visiting Bay Cities in Santa Monica stop waiting in those long lines, All About the Bread uses the same bread recipes, no lines, and the results speak for themselves. I always order the burrata sandwich, the small size is enough to fill me up and some. I love the flavor of the cheese with the pesto, sun dried tomatoes, tomatoes. The bread never gets soggy and I love that.



Malibu Seafood: As I finished my wedding walkthrough I yelped restaurant locations near me and came across this gem. My husband and I ordered the ahi tuna burger and the sea bass, both were fresh and full of flavor. Portions are big so keep that in mind, prices are affordable, and they have cute little items for purchase. I bought a bag of baby loaves of bread for about $3. I enjoyed the outdoor sitting experience, as I ate my lunch.



Lemonade: Chances are you have been, seen, or know of a Lemonade location.  I find that their salads are flavorful and I love the ability to select various salads with little expectations. You can order up to 6 salads for around $12. I found that this spicy summer tuna roll was made creatively with the use of lettuce instead of seaweed.

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Fruit Tart Recipe

Tart Recipe: 

I used my kitchen aid mixer and mixed two cups of all purpose flour with 1/4 cup of sugar, two tablespoons of butter or margarine, one egg. The dough should come together and have a yellowish color to it. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and place in the refrigerator for an hour to sit. Once you're ready to cook the dough, spread the dough onto a baking dish and spread the dough into the groves of the dish and place in the oven on 300 for 15 minutes or until golden. 

Filling Recipe: 

For the filling, first I used non-dairy whipping cream, place cream into the kitchen aid mix and create a fluffy cream and place on the side. Next mix two eggs, a tablespoon of cornstarch, three tablespoons of sugar, two tablespoons of brown sugar, two tablespoons of cognac, lastly add back in the cream and mix everything together. Next time I'm thinking of adding a vanilla pudding and or apple sauce for a different flavor. 

Topping: 

I used sliced kiwi, raspberries and strawberries, but you can use any fruit. If you like sweet flavors, you can water down a jam of choice on the stove top with a little sugar and drizzle the mixture on the entire tart just before serving. 

Yemenite Soup Recipe

For a long time I was curious about how they made Yemenite Soup. It was a soup that I often ordered at Israeli restaurants, but never in my wildest dreams thought to make it. The results were beyond my expectation. Firstly you will need a crockpot to make this soup. After searching many recipes online, I found that reviews stating that the longer the soup sat in the spices, the better the flavors would marry. 

To make the Hawaji spice mix needed for the soup you will use a mortal and pestle to grind the following: 

6.5 tbs of peppercorns

1/4 cup of cumin seed

2.5 tablespoons of coriander seeds

1.5 tablespoons of ground cardamon 

minced and chopped garlic cloves

3.5 tablespoons of ground turmeric 

I placed all the try spices in a jar and mixed them together before adding into the soup. 

In the crockpot first sauté the onions, beef, and garlic. Next add in the dry spice mix and two tablespoons of tomato paste, cubed potatoes, and fill the pot with water. Cook on low overnight and then high for a few hours during the day. This dish is a little spicy and very flavorful. 

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Ditmas Kosher Steakhouse Review

I really enjoyed my visit at Ditmas Kosher Steakhouse. I did not feel that I was at a kosher restaurant, I felt I was at a hip, enjoyable, bar type vibe. The staff is friendly, restaurant is filled with patrons, and the dishes are far from your average kosher restaurant. I highly recommend this restaurant for a visit, especially if you are a kosher eater. They have a happy hour in the bar area Monday-Thursday from 4-6pm. I have yet to try the happy hour, but I hope to make it in to check out their bar menu. 

Brisket Sliders 

Boneless Ribeye Steak 

Steak Tartare 

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Garlic and herb Challah in my new Kitchen Aid mixer

I have shared challah recipes previously, but for this particular challah I broke in my new kitchen aid mixer, which I received as an engagement gift from my Canadian aunt. One of the best kitchen gadgets I have ever used. I was able to make the challah bread in no time and also add in my garlic and herb flavors. I made the bread on a level three speed. 

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Barton G Review

Overall I would like to say that Barton G, a new Los angeles trendy restaurant is extremely fun, creative, and interesting, However I cannot say it was the best food I have ever eaten. Piece of advice if you are visiting this restaurant, order as soon as you can because everything takes a while to arrive, you will over order, so try and order according to the amount of guest you have in your party. The complementary "donuts" aka bread are delicious and fun to eat, you can choose between cheese, truffle oil, and basil: TRY ALL THREE. The vibe and ambiance is out of this world, I just was not too crazy about the food itself. I believe it is worth a visit and I hope you enjoy it!

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Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wraps

I pan fried ahi tuna cubes with sesame oil, chili oil, salt, pepper, and a little siracha. I scooped tuna into each lettuce piece. 

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Inspired Theme Celebration

Cake from DuffsCakeMix: I was very impressed by their work! Thank you Duffs

In honor of my wedding I invited my bridal party for a lovely spa night extravaganza and of course took the opportunity to spoil my guest with delicious foods and treats! 

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Stuffed Squash Pockets

I first cook ground beef on the stove top with chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Next I scoop out my round squashes, but save the lids. In a deep tray I place the pockets from each other and place water in the tray, I mix the beef with uncooked rice and cover the tray with foil. I cook the entire tray in the oven on 350 for about two hours. 

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Nostalgia High School Inspired Buttered Bagels with my Homemade Roasted Salsa

I was inspired by my high school's yummy buttered bagels. For my version of this treat I first toast my bagel,  once toasted I sprinkle garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. I place the bagels back into the toaster and once golden I take them out. I dip my bagel into my fresh roasted salsa and the rest is history!


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Potato Leek Soup without Cream

First I cleaned and chopped one whole leek. The washing process is the most difficult part of the recipe, make sure to wash well because there is a lot of dirt within the layers of the leeks. Next I sautéed the leeks, onions, garlic with a little veggie oil and salt. Next I added four cups of water with a little soup flavoring. Next I boiled some cubed peeled potatoes. Once everything is cooked I combined the potatoes into the leek mixture and using a hand blender I blended the entire mixture. The results are healthy, tasteful, and nutritious. Absolutely no cream! 

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Pizza Crostini with Fresh Basil

I created the sauce by mixing tomato paste with a little water, ground garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, chili flakes. Next I add the cheese on top and place into the oven on 350 for 10 minutes. Once the pizzas are ready top each one with shredded fresh basil. 

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Cheese sauce with Truffle Oil goodness

Cheese Sauce Goodness 

Mix mocha mix, cheese of choice, butter, and truffle oil making sure to whisk the mixture until all ingredients are mixed and smoothed. 

Pour cheese mixture into the pasta, place pasta in a oven safe dish and place into the oven on 350 for 15 minutes. 

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Colorful Asian Style Cabbage Salad

For the cabbage, make sure to thinly slice the entire head of cabbage, you can use either red or green cabbage for this salad. I added in yellow grape tomatoes, spring onions, and cucumbers. For the dressing I mixed lime juice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt and pepper. The longer the dressing sits, the better the salad taste! 

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Cognac and Brown Sugar Marinated Sockeye Salmon

Whenever I get the chance to buy sockeye salmon I do, it has a better flavor and color. For the marinate I mixed a tablespoon of honey, brown sugar, a small individual size of cognac, sesame oil, salt, pepper. Place fish flesh side down into the marinate for at least an hour before cooking. Create a foil bag and cook fish for 40 minutes in the oven on 350 or until cooked, depends on the thickness of the fish. 

Fish served with my dirty yellow rice with onions and tomatoes 

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Miso Marinated Eggplant and Snow Peas

Using a cream colored miso paste, same as for miso paste I created a sauce for my veggies. First mix in a cup a tablespoon of miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little bit of cayenne pepper. In a container place the veggies and marinate together and shake well so everything is coated. In a skillet cook the side dish until all items are tender. 

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Pickling Session: One Week Incubation Time

First find vegetables that you enjoy pickling: Next follow the steps: 

1. Layer the bottom of the glass jar with whole peppercorns. 

2. Next add layers of vegetables topped with fresh dill, thyme, salt, jalepeno  and garlic 

3. Follow the same steps until you reach the top of the jar and add a large layer of salt and fill jar with water. 

4. Leave the jar in a sunlight area and leave be for about a week or so. 

5. Once the pickling is finished take all the vegetables out and place in new jars, make sure to top each jar with the original brine. 

These pickling jars do not spoil and will last in the refrigerator for a long time, but they will be eaten up within the next two weeks! hahhaha I love my pickles 

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Salmon Steak

Salmon steaks differ from salmon fillets in that the steaks are a lot juicier. Price wise it is more expensive, but a nice way to change up the usual salmon dish. I marinated the steak with soy sauce, honey, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and olive oil. I wrapped the steak into a foil bag and cooked it on 350 for 20 minutes. 

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Tabouli Salads

Tabouli is a very easy ingredient to work with, just cover the bulgar wheat with boiling hot water, place in the refrigerator and mix with the vegetables. I use tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and italian parsley. For the dressing I use lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper. 

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Breakfast Heaven

I fry my salami and turkey in the same skillet that I make my eggs in and create a "Kosher Bacon" 

Egg and Salami platter 

Open face egg and basil sandwich 

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Farm Fresh Boy Choy

First wash the bok choy very well and open each layer. For the sauce I mixed chili oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil. I first sautéed the bok choy with garlic until it was soft, then I topped it off with the sauce. I find bok choy a very plain vegetable, but with the right marinate and sauce it can be transformed! 

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Greek Yogurt Heaven

Greek Yogurt Treat 

Layer the bottom of the bowl with Greek yogurt of choice, chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, chopped fresh herbs of choice, I use either mint or basil. Drizzle the top with olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt and pepper. 

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Columbian Trip Food Finds

Below are just some of snapshots from my trip, overall Columbia has fresh traditional items. I loved the coconut rice, fried fish, and overlarge sized avocados! 

Arepas: Traditional Columbian Appetizer 

Normal Size of Avocados in Columbia Market 

Sea Bass at a Seafood Restaurant in Columbia 

Traditional Columbian Fried Fish, Chips, Coconut Rice and Salad Dish 

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Tuna Tartare Platter with Truffle Oil and Wonton Skins

I have shared my tuna tartare recipe plenty of times on this blog, by far still a crowd favorite! I usually expect for this dish to be finished first and I am never wrong. Still the number one crowd pleaser of all times! In this case I made enough for 30 guest and still it was devoured and enjoyed by all sushi lovers. 

Same recipe, top with jalepenos and spicy mayo sauce. 

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Salmon Skewers turned Tacos

I was inspired to make these skewers after visiting my local Ralph's market. I noticed that the store was selling skewers, however the pieces of salmon were huge! I decided to gather up some veggies, salmon, and create my own version. I used cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. I marinated the salmon cubes by first cubing the salmon, mixing soy sauce, salt, pepper, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili oil. 

Here I decided to make a greek yogurt spiced sauce, topped the dish with a cabbage slaw and the salmon skewers. 

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Cheese Fun

Creating a cheese plate can always be fun if you change it up every time. Sometimes I like to make different cheese flavored crostini, cheese cubes, goat cheese jars, olive spreads, and various crackers. Try and change it up every time you can. Either lay out different flavored cheeses, textures, and or crackers. 

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Garbanzo Side Salad

When you think of it, this dish can be made with any type of beans, but I love garbanzo beans. I shredded some carrots, sliced and cubed some red onions, fresh mint, and jalepenos. For the dressing I mix olive oil with red wine vinegar, salt, pepper. 

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Cholent: Shabbat Lunch Meal

Cholent is one of my favorite hearty meals during the shabbat weekend. You first will need to have a crockpot and a large one at that. Sauté your onions, garlic, and meat with salt and pepper on high heat, next add in your water, garbanzo beans, and cholent bean mix. You will need to use about a half a bag of beans. Next add in two tablespoons of tomato paste, chopped, peeled potatoes, and salt and pepper. Cover the entire mixture and place on low for 24 hours. In the morning your entire house will smell like heaven!

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Florida Visit Finds

I came across these three places during my Florida vacation. I found each of these sites very unique and creative. Sloan's candy store reminded me of a childhood fantasy, while the olive tap store served a very different vibe. I was able to taste and sample many different oils and vinegars at the olive tap. The last site was enjoyed after a long vespa ride throughout Palm Beach. I enjoyed the spicy tuna tacos and salad very much.

Sloan's Candy Store 

Olive Tap Tasting 

Red Quinoa and kale salad with spicy tuna tacos 

Florida Fishing Dock Scene 

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