Recent Posts

The Penultimate Guacamole: My Awesome Guacamole Recipe

The Penultimate Guacamole: My Awesome Guacamole Recipe

Guacamole is a beloved Mexican dish that has become a global sensation. This creamy, flavorful dip is made from ripe avocados, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Its rich texture and fresh taste make it a perfect accompaniment to tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, and 

Italian Stuffed Tomatoes

Italian Stuffed Tomatoes

My Italian Stuffed Tomatoes recipe is a decent departure from the average stuffed tomato recipe. It isn’t baked in the tomato. It doesn’t contain bread crumbs. Every other recipe that I had found had both of those as an attribute. So, I set out to find 

Statue of Liberty – New York, NY

Statue of Liberty – New York, NY

The Statue of Liberty, to me, represents more than just a symbol of freedom.  She represents hope as a lit beacon in the darkness. There is not much more to say about the Statue of Liberty that hasn’t been said already.  We all know the 

Sukiyaki: A Harmony of Beef, Vegetables, Tofu, and a Sweet broth.

Sukiyaki: A Harmony of Beef, Vegetables, Tofu, and a Sweet broth.

This Sukiyaki recipe comes with a bit of history. In 2003 when I opened my Japanese restaurant in Tucson, I wanted to offer something unique. That something was a Sukiyaki / Shabu-Shabu bar. It had been done in NYC and LA, but had not yet 

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a very simple, hearty, and delicious dish made with heart-healthy ingredients. This is another instance where I have been amazed at how well coconut oil and coconut yogurt replace butter and cream – making this dish a bit healthier 

The Rotten Bunch – Austin, TX

The Rotten Bunch – Austin, TX

I stumbled across the little gem known as The Rotten Bunch as I was perusing the list of restaurants on my American Airlines Advantage Dining Program to help boost my miles.  I’m always looking for ways to earn more miles, so this was a great find. 

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad recipe creates a refreshing salad that is great for a warm summer or to accompany gyros or other Mediterranean meat dishes. I have found myself making this dish more often now that I have a spiralizer – a great kitchen tool 

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

This Caprese Salad recipe is about as simple, but delicious, as it gets in Italian cuisine. There are a variety of ways to prepare and plate, but the simplest method using whole slices and leaves seems to be the best for me. I sometimes substitute 

Bohanan’s Prime Steak & Seafood – San Antonio, TX

Bohanan’s Prime Steak & Seafood – San Antonio, TX

Bohanan’s Prime Steak & Seafood is my favorite restaurant in San Antonio and arguably the highest quality one as well. They epitomize the top quality of food as well as classic unpretentious service that can only be found in the best chop houses across the country. 

Spicy Shishito Peppers: Easy and Addictive Appetizer

Spicy Shishito Peppers: Easy and Addictive Appetizer

Spicy Grilled Shishito Peppers are a simple yet irresistible appetizer that has gained popularity in recent years. These small, slender peppers are native to Japan and are known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor with an occasional spicy kick. Grilling the peppers adds a delightful 

Frittata

Frittata

The frittata recipe is about as simple as it gets for breakfast.  Put everything into the pan and cook, then bake, then eat! Other great options for ingredients include bacon, ham, breakfast sausage, spinach, kale, and peas. I like to use a cast iron skillet 

The Steeping Room – Austin, TX

The Steeping Room – Austin, TX

The Steeping Room is one of my favorite destinations in the Domain area of Austin, primarily because I love tea.  I can stop in for a light snack and shop teas and tea paraphernalia anytime I want. My only complaint is that they have limited 

Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery – Dripping Springs, TX

Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery – Dripping Springs, TX

The Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery should be a Texas landmark. Deep Eddy makes my absolute favorite flavored vodka – the Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit! Living in Austin, the distillery is just a quick 45min drive. The tasting room has a great open area to 

Snow Monster – Austin, TX

Snow Monster – Austin, TX

Snow Monster is a Taiwanese-inspired shaved ice parlor that offers a unique twist on shaved ice.  They take shaved ice to the next level by using frozen blocks of drinks in the place of ice.  This will become the next frozen yogurt in my opinion! 

Bufalina Due – Austin, TX

Bufalina Due – Austin, TX

Over the years I’ve enjoyed many styles and qualities of pizza.  Amazingly, I can enjoy a cheap frozen pizza as much as the next guy. However, aside from a slice of grandma’s or pepperoni pizza from Patzeria Perfect Pizza in Times Square, it doesn’t get 

Pho Please – Austin, TX

Pho Please – Austin, TX

Growing up in Southern California, I’ve experienced the some of the best Pho you can get in the states. One common denominator of nearly every great Pho joint, not just in Cali, but most anywhere, is the cleanliness, or lack thereof. But, you don’t go 

Tomodachi Sushi – Austin, TX

Tomodachi Sushi – Austin, TX

I have been a chef-owner and restaurateur of a top-rated Japanese restaurant, so I do consider myself a sushi snob.  This doesn’t mean I won’t eat or enjoy an occasional nigiri or sushi from Kona Grill or even Whole Foods. When I first read the 

La Cantera Resort – San Antonio, TX

La Cantera Resort – San Antonio, TX

La Cantera Resort is a relaxing getaway destination tucked into the hill country of San Antonio. We first discovered La Cantera while looking for a resort location without having to fly or travel for hours and hours. Enter La Cantera Resort & Spa.  The price 

Mia Italian Tapas – Austin, TX

Mia Italian Tapas – Austin, TX

After living in Austin for seven years, I’ve discovered that it is very difficult to find truly exceptional dining experiences within Austin city limits.  In a city so vibrant and eclectic, it is unbelievable that the restaurants here lack so much in character and quality.  

Aria Sky Suites – Las Vegas, NV

Aria Sky Suites – Las Vegas, NV

Here is the story of how I discovered the Aria Sky Suites, now my favorite hotel in Las Vegas. Living in California in my twenties, Las Vegas was a common weekend destination for me.  I made the 3-hour trek from Riverside at least once a 

Haunt Lounge – San Antonio, TX

Haunt Lounge – San Antonio, TX

The Haunt Lounge in the St. Anthony Hotel has a great atmosphere, great drinks, and great service!  The craft cocktails of Haunt are of the highest quality with bartenders that know their mixology and have their craft down to a science and art.  The decor