A VERY HAPPY HOUR AT RA SUSHI- FASHION SHOW MALL

A VERY HAPPY HOUR AT RA SUSHI- FASHION SHOW MALL

Last night I went to Ra Sushi at 6:30 for happy hour (which ends at 7).  They have a menu of speciality cocktails, sake, beer, appetizers and rolls that are all half off.  I ordered two cocktails so that I could get the special deal, one over rocks and a martini (I drank the one with ice that would melt first and then had the martini second, pretty good plan if you ask me).  I had a geisha punch with was vodka, soda, giner and grenedine.  The drinks were refreshing, but not strong.  By my second drink was the pamatini which was a mixture of  ketel citron, pama liquer, and grapefruit juice.  I added and extra shot and it was perfect!!!  haha.  For dinner I ordered a spicy tuna roll and a Las Vegas Roll.  The Las Vegas roll is one of their most popular rolls.  It is a deep fried tuna avocado roll with cream cheese topped with spicy crab mix and a taro root chip.  One of my friends ordered the Spinach Gyoza.  They were pan fried dumplings and really good and served with a garlic ponzu dipping sauce.  The meal was very inexpensive considering how much food and alcohol we ordered.  I was very impressed and would def go back for another happy hour.

Check out my last RA SUSHI Post for even more information

http://chefstaceybeth.blogspot.com/2008/12/tonight-i-ate-at-121.html

TOP CHEF FINALE

TOP CHEF FINALE

Congratulations to Hosea.  Carla, Stefan and Hosea were partered up with runner ups from season’s past to cook a three course meal that defines who they are as a chef and generally to cook the best meal they’ve ever cooked in their life.  Hosea chooses Richard who I live and really thought should have won last season.  Stefan picks Marcel and then calls him a “twat”.  Haha. HOW NICE!  Actually, Marcel is my favorite contestant on this show ever.  He deserved to win and he should really be back on every season, if he hasn’t already been because I can’t get enough of him.  He is so talented, funny and really doesn’t care if you like him because he knows he’s badass.  Carla was paired up with Casey.  After deciding on their menus, the chefs are of course thrown a curve ball.  Since they are in New Orleans, they each get a slice of king cake and whoever has the piece with the baby gets to pick their protein of choice to make an appetizer.  Hosea gets the baby and chooses red fish, he gives Carla crab (and it bites her) and gives Stefan alligator.  What an asshole. He could have give him something a little easier to work with.  He’s a dirty player and he whines a lot.

Hosea’s first appetizer is a blackened red fish on a corn cake with creole remoulade and micro cilantro.  It looks and sounds awesome, which I hate to admit because I really don’t want him to win.  The judges liked the dish.  Stefan made an alligator soup which the judges loved it.  Fabio was brought back as a judge; that was nice of them to bring him back.  He really doesn’t have the credentials of any of the other judges, but whatever.  Carla’s appetizer was a shiso soup with blue crab and chayote thai salsa.  It looked really good and refreshing.  Stefan’s first course was a smoked salmon and halibut carpaccio with micro green, citrus vinaigrette and caviar.  It was a gorgeous presentation and looked amazing.  Carla’s dish really made me hungry.  She seared a red snapper over saffron aioli, braised fennel and grilled clam.  Hosea’s was my least favorite and not because he has the kind of face that makes you want to punch him but because it honestly didn’t look as nice as the other ones but it still sounded incredible and I’m sure it tasted really great.  He prepared a tuna, hamachi and black bass (which I love) sashimi with fennel oil, citrus and fried tempura bits.  Carla’s dish seemed to be the favorite.  Tom felt that Stefan’s salmon was overpowering and halibut and everyone felt that Hosea’s dish was a bit bland.  Stefan prepared pan seared a squab (a lot of this used this season), braised cabbage, schupfnudeln, foie gras and grape jus for his second course.  Carla made a sous vide New York strip steak with seared potato rod and merlot sauce.  Hosea served seared scallop with foie gras on pain perdu, apple preserves and foie gras foam.  I’m allergic to apples…and Hosea.  The judges loved Carla’s sauce, but felt her meat was tough.  They thought Stefan’s dish was really good and cooked amazing. Gail really liked Hosea’s dish.  I love foie gras and scallops.  Carla ends up overcooking her soufflé.  She still has a dessert, but doesn’t feel it is complete.  Stefan chose to do a dessert for the third course; he made stracciatella ice cream, chocolate mousse with vanilla syrup and a banana lollipop.  It looks amazing.  Carla’s dessert was an apple tartlet coin with blue cheese and walnut crumble.  I like the idea of savory and sweet here.  Hosea did not make a dessert.  Which is fine since the judges have two other sweet treats to enjoy after their meal.  Hosea’s venison looks really good.  He pan seared it with a chestnut and celery root puree with wild mushrooms.  Take away the mushrooms and I’d eat it!!  They didn’t love Stefan’s dessert or Carla’s.  Hosea won it with his venison.  I really think Stefan should have won.  Oh well.  I wonder who will get fan favorite.  Any guesses????

CHAI TOWN!

When the weather gets cold, I like to warm up with a steamy, foamy chai tea latte.  So which is best, Starbucks or Coffee bean and Tea Leaf?  What I really want to find out is..

WHICH CHAI?

The Starbucks Chai has got a lot of spice to it.  It's more punchy than sweet, but still creamy and delicious.  A 12oz non fat Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks is 150 calories, has no fat, 6 grams of protein, and a whopping 32 grams of sugar and 33 carbs!!  They don't offer a reduced sugar or sugar free version which is a shame.

The Vanilla Chai Tea Latte from The Coffee Bean is smoother and creamier than the Starbucks version.  It is the perfect sweet afternoon pick me up.  I order mine with the NSA (no sugar added) vanilla powder and skim milk.  The 12oz version of this has 100 calories and 10 grams of sugar.  

This is the clear winner on both taste and for your waisteline.  The excess sugar of the Starbucks version is proven unnecessary because this one is sweeter and has less sugar!

Go out and get one today!  With the calories and sugar you save, treat yourself to a biscotti while you're at it.  YOU DESERVE IT :-)

KAIZEN SUSHI

KAIZEN SUSHI

Located across from the Hard Rock Hotel at 4480 S Paradise Road, Suite 900, Las Vegas, NV 89119. 

702-641-7772

open Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-4:00am and Friday and Saturday 5:30pm-6:00am

Sunday-Thursday after midnight enjoy two for one drink specials!

I went to dinner at Kaizen with my friend, her dad and his business partner.  I don't remember exactly what we ordered.  We all ordered a bunch of rolls and shared, which is really fun and I tried eel for the first time.  I loved it.  I will definitely not be afraid to order rolls with eel from now on, which really expands the menu options for me.

We started off with an order of edamame, it was a huge portion.  It was very impressed with how generous the serving was.  We had an order of the rainbow roll which was good.  It is the same at every sushi restaurant, but for those of you who don't know it is a california roll with fresh slices of fish on top.  My personal pick was the ROCK AND ROLL which is tuna, salmon, white fish, avocado and crab rolled inside cucumber.  There was no rice.  It was hard to eat, but really light and a bit citusy, not heavy like some of the other rolls, so it was a nice contrast.  The SPICY TUNA ROLL was just that, spicy!  No vegetables, just tuna and siracha sauce with a little bit of mayo to balance out the heat.

I didn't taste this roll because I was too full, but the table ordered a BAKED SALMON ROLL it looked really good and the other guests really enjoyed it.  It was baked salmon on top of a roll filled with cream cheese and avocado.  I really enjoyed the FRIED SCALLOP ROLL.  It was really good, I just wasn't expecting it to be orange!

My favorite roll of the night had to be the LAS VEGAS ROLL

which is deep fried eel, tuna, avocado and cream cheese it was really good! 

I would go back to Kaizen again and recommend it to out of town friends, because it is just off the strip and isn't an expensive cab ride to get there.

www.kaizen-sushi.com

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH:

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH:

ALMOND JOY

Available at Blue Martini

This sweet treat is a mixture of three olives vanilla vodka, bacardi COCO rum and chocolate liqueur, served with a chocolate and coconut rim.  Be careful this may seem like a sweet and innocent cocktail but it will knock you on your ass!  Enjoy, slowly and with caution.

Blue Martini is a cool local spot in Las Vegas's Town Square area, with tons of shops and other restaurants.  The flat breads and spinach dip are amazing, but my favorite dish to order when I'm looking for something a little more substantial is the whiskey chicken, which is now served on skewers next to dirty rice and two dipping sauces.  The food is reasonably priced, but martini's start at $12.00.

Runner up for cocktail of the month is the Mexican City Mule from DOS CAMINOS at the Palazzo Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.  This mixture of absolut ruby red, ginger and lime is refreshing and just the right hint of sweetness.   It is definitely meant be be drank on a warm summer day around 4:00pm.  It also is really easy to make.  I think it will be a hit at your next BBQ.  UGH!! Is it summer yet?!!!

DO IT YOURSELF POPCORN

MAKE YOUR OWN POPCORN

Hello popcorn lovers!   Last night my friend taught me how to make my own popcorn instead of using the prepackaged bags.  The advantages are undeniable.  First of you all can control the amount of salt and butter used, second it is A LOT cheaper and fresher and finally, no added chemicals (to preserve the popcorn or to add color).  It's so simple to make!

1.  take 1/4 a cup of kernals and pour them into a brown paper lunch bag

2. spray with olive oil spray or butter spray (like a pam)

3. roll bag closed at the top, don't go too far down and put in microwave for 2 minutes

4. you will know the popcorn is ready when it takes about 2 seconds between pops, so pay attention!

Shara likes to add butter spray and salt, which is the basic way to eat it, but I like to get creative.  Here are some more topping ideas....

1. butter and salt

2. parmesean cheese

3. melt 30 choc chips in microwaves for a minute then add in some caramel sauce, mix together and pour over popcorn

4. add some mini reese's pieces and shake them up in the bag so that they melt over the popcorn pieces.

How do you like your popcorn?  Write me a comment and tell me the creative way you enjoy this salty snack!!

DENVER RESTAURANT WEEK

DON'T MISS DENVER RESTAURANT WEEK GOING ON NOW UNTIL MARCH 6TH.

http://www.denver.org/denverrestaurant/default.aspx

PINK TACO OTRA VEZ (again)

PINK TACO OTRA VEZ

Last night I went to Pink Taco with about 11 of my girlfriends.  It was really fun, but you could tell the server was not happy to have us and I felt she had a bad attitude.  If I were a server I would be happy with a table that size who ordered shots, pitchers or mararitas and sangria.  It took forever to get our order in, the server wasn't friendly, and paying the bill was an absolute disaster, but besides that it was a really fun night.  It's all in the company you keep, right?  When we went to pay our bill, the waitress refused to accept 9 cards, even though we just wanted to split it evenly.  She got the manager, who told us that they usually only accept 5 cards, but that he would do it (they had no other choice, I wasn't going to spend $8 at the most expensive atm in Las Vegas to take out money to pay for a meal when I have a credit card).  What annoyed me most is that when we were seated it was pretty obvious we were all going to be paying seperate (because we were a group of 11 girls, not like couples or anything where maybe the guy could be paying and we weren't all young girls with one older look parent type person) so if you only accept 5 cards, is it really that difficult to say at the beginning of the meal, we only accept 5 cards at a time, or write it on the menu?  They write that they will add 18% gratuity on the menu, and that consuming raw or uncooked foods in unhealthy, so why can't they also add, LIMIT FIVE CREDIT CARDS?  This is 2009, everyone is going paperless, even cabs accept credit cards now a day, its perfectly reasonably to expect people to prefer to pay this way.

I ordered the PINK TACO PLATTER.  The taco platters cmes with refried beans, rice and three tacos.  The pink tacos are corn tortillas with pinto beans, arbol salso (which is kind of pink in color), grilled chicken, pickled onions (so that they end up being dyed pink) and avocado.  They were so good.  I also ordered the su casa margarita, which was about the size of my head.  It didn't taste very good, I had a hard time drinking it, and it wasn't the same as the one I had ordered last time, so it means they gave it to me wrong this time or last time.  I am going to guess this time, since the server was really not paying attention to us at all.

One of my friends ordered the chicken quesadillas.  SHE HATED THEM.  She took a few bites and couldn't eat anymore.  She said she didn't like the flavor at all.  They looked pretty good, but I trust her opinion.  I'm not really a quesadilla person, so I probably wouldn't have ordered this anyway.

Two of my friends split the PINK TACO PLATTER.  I am going to have to get this next time I with someone else who is in a sharing mood.  It was a lot of food and gave you great variety which is good.  The platter has two chicken skewers, two carne asada skewers, cheese quesadillas, guacamole, two corn tamales, rock shrimp and ribs all for under $25.00

Check out PINK TACO next time you are in Vegas or Los Angeles

www.pinktaco.com

It's time for ANNAPOLIS RESTAURANT WEEK

February 16-20 2009, so if you didn't take your honey out on Valentine's day, there's still time to redeem yourself!! Head to Greystone Grille for a juicy steak and nice glass of wine or to Lemon Grass for some excellent thai food and the can't miss fried stringbeans.  If you like fondue check out Melting Pot; the dessert and cheese are never disappointing and most chains like this never offer discounted prices.  I hear O'Leary's has some of the best seafood in town and Ruth Chris is always consistent if steak is what you're after.  Annapolis is an adorable waterside town with lots to do and tons of cute shops, so if you have time to walk around you 

should. 

http://annapolisrestaurantweek.com/

Get some famous fish and chips at FADO's IRISH PUB which is a chain, because I have eaten at the one in Vegas where it is trivia night on Wednessdays!  Grab some friends and get some great food and beers and have a fun night.  Don't miss the corn beef rolls (appetizers).  They are delicious little finger sandwichs.  Log on to find a location near you http://www.fadoirishpub.com/annapolis/menu/food/dinner

Check out THE ROCKFISH RESTAURANT for seafood and marini's.  They have a really large menu so there is something for everyone and they are a green restaurant.  Way to be socially responsible guys!!  They are the only EPA certified green restaurant in the area.  They operate by wind power and they recycle.

WHAT I'M LOVING NOW

WHAT I'M LOVING NOW:

SOY JOY BARS

I am loving the berry Soy Joy energy bars I get from Whole Foods.  It's a sham I can't find the strawberry flavor anywhere.  I hve go to try the raisin almond and mango coconut one of these days as well.  I can't eat apple since I am allergic and they use all natual ingredients.  I also don't eat any chocolate flavored health food.  When I want chocolate or dessert- I WANT THE REAL THING.  I don't want some healthy treat with chocolate flavoring that are never as good as just a nice hunk of rich dark chocolate.  Am I right or am I right?  Plus chocolate would NOT be right for the texture of these bars.  These bars are a great before or after the gym snack or 4:00pm pick me up.  I wish they were a tad bigger, I usually eat a handful of almonds with them too so that I can stay satisfied and stop snacking until dinner time.  One bar is 130 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 17 carbs, 12 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protien.  They are also gluten free which is great for those of you who can't eat wheat.  They are delicious and all natural.  http://www.soyjoy.com/ you should also log on and print a 1 dollar off coupon when you purchase 5, and why wouldn't you purchase 5?  The good news about these bars is they are already the most inexpensive protien bars of their kind on the market right now. Most retail for $1.50-$3.00 (sometimes MORE) but these are just .99 cents!  Good for your tummy and your wallet.

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE

I spent a lovely Valentines day with a few friends at Brio Tuscan Grille in Town Square Las Vegas.  It was an 80 minute wait, but my friend got there to put his name in and we walked around the shops to kill time.  We started off the meal with 4 bread baskets and tons of olive oil and basalmic.  We all could not STOP eating it.  It was so good  I also had a cocktail, I forget the name but it was citron vodka, grand marnier, lemonade and muddled raspberries.  It was freshing, but weak.  It was really tasty because it wasn't too sweet and bitter.  I would have had about 5 more if I wasn't driving!!  For dinner I ordered the roasted chicken and butternut squash risotto.  It was good for what it was and I didn't expect it to be any different.  I was hungry and I enjoyed every since thousand calorie of that meal.  The chicken was tender, the sauce was creamy, maybe a little too much butter and cream (my stomach hurt for 15 minutes afterwards).  There was just the right amount of garlic, a lot, just the way I like it.  The crispy bacon tasted like way to salty bacon bits, the basil was good, but not that fresh and there was a ton of parmesean cheese in it.  It was a great dish for a chain Italian restautant and I enjoyed the meal. Our waiter was a little spastic, but pretty attentive and good with filling up the water glasses.  I'd go back, but wouldn't go out of my way.  I also wouldn't order the risotto again.  It

 was good, I'm just not sure my stomach can handle that much cream and butter.  

http://www.brioitalian.com

COMPANY AMERICAN BISTRO

COMPANY AMERICAN BISTRO

The last time I ate at Company American Bistro I was supremely disappointed!!!  I was looking forward to eating at this place since the celeb packed grand opening and when I finally went the meal was so AWFUL and the service was even worse our 6 person multi course meal ended up getting comped!!!  It was probably one of the worst dining out experiences I'd ever had.  When I talked to others, they all seemed to love it, so I had to give it another chance, not to mention this week I was already at the Luxor for the SI Swim Magazine release party, so why not give it another shot?  I ordered a hangar one lime on the rocks, my drink of choice and always impressed when restaurants carry this deliciously smooth lime vodka!  I also decided on two small plates over one regular sized entree.  I ordered the yellowtail sashimi with sweet chili soy,blood oranges and cilantro.  It was fresh and refreshing.  An excellent combination of flavors and textures.  I also ordered the miso glazed japanese eggplant which were out of the world delicious, should have ordered two orders.  Even though this dish came out about 20 minutes after the rest of the food (which was annoying, maybe this restaurant really needs to work on timing) it was one of the best vegetable dishes I've ever had.  My friend ordered the sliders which they said tasted good, but were a bit smaller than expected.  We also had an order of the Shichimi Fries which were thin, crispy and spicy.  I only like potatoes with a lot of flavor, so these were pretty good.  If you love fries then you will think they are GREAT.  We sat at the bar tables/couches.  The staff was friendly and attentive, perhaps a little two attention we had three people who made the rounds to check on us and it was a little over whelming.  Next time figure out where my eggplant is instead of asking me how my empty plate of yellowtail is.  The redeemed themselves with this trip and I would go back again.  Maybe on of these days I'll get around to trying dessert.

OSAKA IN HENDERSON TAKE 2

OSAKA TAKE 2

I went to Osaka last Monday with some of my girl friends. All Las Vegas Athletic Club members recieve 50% off the bill when they present their gym cards.  For 4 hungry girls to eat tons and tons of sushi the entire bill ended up coming to $52.  NOT BAD!!!!  :-)  I ordered the 777 roll (pictured above) which is shrimp, scallop, tobiko, and cream cheese topped with avocado, albacore and a galic "yum yum sauce".  I felt that there was way too much sauce, but that once I transferred it to a separate plate I was able to enjoy it a lot more.  I also had the white tiger roll which is shrimp, avocado, and cucumber topped with seared white tuna and a spicy mayo sauce.  It was spicy and delicious.  I loved it.  I also ordered the cucumber salad in a vinegar vinniagrette with cucumber, seaweed and crab mixed together.  This was not on the menu, but something that all sushi restaurants apparently offer.  Thanks for that tip Emily!  The second time was just as good as the last.  I think I like this place better than I LOVE SUSHI (another great Henderson sushi spot).

URTH CAFE (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)

URTH CAFE

I went to the Urth Cafe in the Downtown Arts District of Los Angeles.  There are 4 locations in Southern Cali total, so I recommend you find the closets on to you and go there immediately.  Get yourself a honey lattee stat.  The mixture of steamy, frothy milk, espresso and honey was absolute perfection.  What a great way to start a morning!  I also enjoyed the egg sandwhich served on hot toasted delicious bread with mayo (who would have ever thought, right??), avocado, chilis, roma tomatoes, and lettuce.  It was an unexpected combination of flavors, but turned out to be really great and not nearly as weird as it sounds.  It was SO FILLING, I could only eat half and it was served a a side salad of mixed greens with a light dressing.  The menu is huge and has a ton of choices and a lot of healthy choices which makes me love this place even more.

log on to http://www.urthcaffe.com/ for infomation about their exotic coffees and teas and the location nearest you!!

Happy Latte.  Yes, the really serve their lattes like this!  They mix it up with other designs, but they definitely don't serve you any ordinary lattes.  My friend got a green tea one.  It looked fabulous, but breakfast was at 7am that morning and I needed the caffiene!!!

O BAR & KITCHEN - LOS ANGELES

(The famous Waygu Beef Burger)

O BAR & KITCHEN 

O Bar & Kitchen in the O Hotel in downtown LA's financial district is delicious and a great spot for a date.  The menu offers tapas, large plates, desserts, a really long amazing list of cocktails and an extensive wine list.  It is on the first floor of the trendy O Hotel.  I went with a friend and sat at one of the tables.  The restaurant is long and skinny with one long row of tables.  My friend and I shared some appetizers and tapas and they just kept getting better and more delicious with each dish.  There was no room for dessert, which is a shame.  I will have to go back ASAP.  We ordered the petite meatballs with spicy tomato sauce on grilled bread.  It looked like a mini open face meatball sub.  It was really good.  Just that would have probably been filling enough for me.  The broccolini was out of this world.  I have never enjoyed it so much.  It was prepared with garlic and chili, simple but packed with tons of flavor!  We got the crispy calamari that was accompanied by two sauces; 1. a creamy spicy chili mayo and 2. a cilantro basalmic dip.  It was really good and a huge portion. The spicy ahi salad served over mixed greens, shaved vegetables, with an avocado creme fraische on a papaya dam chip.  It was really light and refreshing.  I enjoyed it a lot.  I also ordered myseld a cup of the tuscan white bean soup.  It was so good!!!  I'm not a soup person, but every time I am in LA and order soup somewhere it's always so great.  I really do need to order some soups more.  I think my problem is that more substantial dishes always sound so amazing and I don't want to waste my time and get full on soup.  But apparently, I am wrong.  The white bean soup had shaved crispy serrano ham and basil pesto in it.  The meal was great, the service was so-so the energetic friendly bus boy made up for the dull and neglegent server and they played great music.  I would definitely go back and recommend it.

The O Hotel is located at 819 S. Flower Street

213-623-9904

www.ohotelgroup.com

This is a picture of their fireplace.  How cool is it.  It comes out of these crystal rocks and divides the hotel and is so elegant and chic!

HILARIOUS NEW SITE

You must check out http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/

The hilarious new blog that shows pictures of the unhealthy and gross food combinations people come up with.  Check out the corn dog pizza and deep fried Mars bar!! Something is seriously wrong with America!!

WACKY PRODUCT ALERT

BACONNAISE

http://store.baconsalt.com/Lite-Baconnaise-_p_51.html

Baconnaise is a bacon flavored mayo made for sandwichs, salads, burgers and fries.  It's a guilt free bacon-y treat!  Or so they say.  I wouldn't know because I find this product to be extremely weird!!  I guess it could be delicious on fries and a burger.  It's also vegetarian, 30 calories per tablespoon and kosher!  If you dare to try some, please let me know how it is.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

KAMA SUTRA LOVER'S PAINTBOX

http://www.kamasutra.com/giftsets/paintbox.lasso

What are you doing this Valentine's Day?  Try one of Kama Sutra's gift sets for a great evening of sensual fun!  There are many unique kits available if chocolate isn't your thing.  HAVE A HAPPY VDAY!!!

Also available @ Zappos!!

TOP CHEF REPORT

TOP CHEF REPORT

log on to bravotv.com now and vote for the winner of the fan favorite.  

And then there were six… Eric Ripert (love him) guest judges the quick fire challenge which is a 3 round fish filet challeng.  Round 1 is sardines.  They are given 5 minutes to clean and butterfly their 2 sardines according to Eric’s example.  Eric chose Leah and Fabio as the best and Carla and Jamie as the worst.  The two worst are eliminated.  The next round is an artic char (I hate salmon).  Leah and Fabio are  eliminated from round 2.  Hosea and Stefan have to kill and skin a live eel.  Stefan won the quick fire challenge.  Eric invited the chef to Le Bernadin, his restaurant, for lunch the next day.  I smell a challenge coming.

Le Bernadin is a fine seafood restaurant that focuses on minimal ingredients, but is anything but simple.  The chefs begin their lunch with a sourdough encrusted red snapper with a tomato basil consommé.  Next, the chefs taste baked mahi mahi with miso and matsutake mushroom sauce.  Next the chefs eat a baked lobsert with asparagus and hollandaise sauce.  The next dish is an oil poached escolar with potato crisps in a red wine béarnaise sauce.  The next dish is a za’atar spiced monkfish with black garlic.  The next would probably be my favorite.  It was a sautéed black bass and braised celery with Serrano ham peppercorn sauce.  I love black bass and it looked amazing.  Everything was presented beautifully.  The chefs are to recreate the 6 dishes that they just tasted.  Stefan gets to choose what he wants to make since he won the quick fire.  The rest have to draw knives.  Hosea criticizes Stefan to taking the easy way out.  Like he wouldn’t have picked the lobster?  Bullshit!  Jamie picks the black bass.  This was her least favorite dish.  She doesn’t like celery and thought braising it was “a little weird.”  The chefs are given two hours to practice before actually cooking.

The judges taste the dishes head to head, Eric’s vs the Cheftestant.  Fabio did a good job with the sourdough snapper.  They thought that Leah’s mahi mahi was overcooked and that the flavors were off.  They are very impressed with Stefan’s dish.  Carla did a good job recreating the escolar.  Hosea’s monkfish is up next.  Jamie is worried that her celery is too salty.  The chefs agree.  They also think the bass was cooked well. 

Stefan is the winner.  He wins a book and a trip with Ripert and also gets to go with him the to the Pebble Beach food and wine festival.  That’s awesome.   Jamie, Leah and Hosea were in the bottom 3.  Jamie is eliminated.  Next week they will narrow it down to the final four. 

UNTIL NEXT WEEK...