Black Truffle Butter Spread

This Black Truffle Butter Sauce can be had from Trader Joe's. My friend Cynthia already experimented by melting butter to make a nice pasta sauce.  It was my turn to experiment so I melted the whole tub of butter and sautéed some dried Mixed Wild Mushrooms imported from Italy that I found in my pantry and thank God it has not expired. I first soaked them in hot water and within 10 minutes, they all came to life.

After a few minutes, I added some whipping cream enough to serve with my half a pound of Farfalle. Being me and not being patient enough to wait until the sauce thickened on its own I took some of the liquid from the mushrooms and a bit of pasta water and added some Wondra (quick mixing flour) and proceeded to pour it into the cream. Within 3 minutes, my sauce was ready. I added salt and pepper to taste and voila, it was ready. It tasted like something I would have had at an Italian restaurant that would have charged me at least $20.

I had some leftovers from last night so this evening I decided to have it again with 2 pieces of Chicken baked in Jabanero sauce which I bought from Von's Market. The pasta was still delicious and the chicken was a nice addition after all one cannot or should I say, "should not" live on pasta alone.

Birthday at Dominique's Kitchen

December makes Sujata the birthday girl. She decided we would celebrate at one of our favorite restaurants, Dominique's Kitchen. Only three of us could attend as two were MIA out of state. More wine for the four of us!

Sujata inquired about the Mediterranean Fries. We decided to be adventurous and skip the usual Truffle Parmesan Fries.   Sujata, a vegetarian wanted to try the Kale Salad and split it among the four of us. Since it was her birthday, we all agreed. The fries were, in fact, delicious served with a sauce that was a bit spicy with what tasted like saffron. I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the Kale Salad was which had tomatoes, watermelon, farro, goat cheese, and candied walnuts.

For dinner, Sujata had the Sole with lemon and capers. Amy ordered the Lobster Ravioli. Cynthia decided on the Pork Tenderloins and I opted for the Lamb Chops. Everything was cooked to perfection as always.

Sujata was presented with a Panna Cotta for her birthday which she had to make her wish and blow out her candle. She purposely didn't eat much of that because she was looking forward to ordering Baked Alaska. We did order one to share and I sacrificed and finished the rest of her wonderful Panna Cotta. The things I do for friends!

As we left, Liza gave me her medical advise for a cough I have had for 2 weeks. She told me to have a Gin & Tonic twice a day. I forgot about it yesterday so I just started today. It worked for her so I am hoping it will work for me.

Benihana

I can honestly say that 2 decades have passed since I have been to a Benihana restaurant. I was invited a few days ago and was in for a treat.

My friends suggested I order the Hibachi Chicken Rice and I courteously accepted their suggestion.  I also left it to my friend Paul, the Benihana expert to order for me. I ended up with the Hibachi Steak. Josephine ordered a Tempura Soft Shell Crab as an appetizer to share which was quickly consumed. The salad with a ginger dressing was nice and refreshing.  We were constantly entertained by Chef Pepito with his tossing the shrimp tails and flipping them into his chef hat. He also made a flaming volcano which he created with the onions. The Hibachi Chicken Fried Rice and Steak were very good. Paul's suggestions were spot on!

I had forgotten how delicious the food can be with the simplest of ingredients like butter, onions and of course some soy sauce. Benihana is always a good choice for a group as you not only pay for the food but for the entertainment. Service was very good.