HOUSEWARMING

We finally had a chance to invite some close friends over for some good food, conversation, and dudes beating the crap out of each other (UFC on FOX).  Our boy Benson Henderson was fighting.

Bar is set.  Can't go wrong with these Pottery Barn Mason Jar Mugs.  It just makes things taste better.

However, these West Elm Stemless Gold Rimmed glasses are equally as awesome.

Joyce put out a major spread, her famous orzo pasta and some insalata caprese.

PARIM AND TIM

Joyce and I spent some time with our expecting friends Parim and Tim taking shots at Downtown Disney. 

FOODVENTURE: L'ATELIER DE JOEL ROBUCHON (LAS VEGAS)

For Joyce's Birthday we spent the evening taking in culinary mastery by Joel Robuchon. We absolutely got our moneys worth and had some of the best dishes of our lives.

We had this foie gras parfait to start us off.

Joyce and I had two different tasting menus. This one comes from Joyce's menus and the mixture of the hamachi with sea urchin is rich and decadent. Hamachi served as a ravioli with sea urchin in a lemon vinaigrette.

Another one from Joyce's menu and shut your eyes while eating good. Poached Kushi oysters with french salted butter.

This truffle loaded gem was also from Joyce's. White onion tart with smoked bacon, quail egg "mirror", and black truffle.  

This one was from my menu and was basically heaven on a plate.  Seared foie gras over a parmesan risotto in hibiscus sauce.  When in Vegas...eat as much foie gras as you can.

This was Joyce's last savory dish and it kept with the foie gras theme.  Caramelized free range quail stuffed with foie gras served with mashed potatoes. 

FOODVENTURE: LOTUS OF SIAM (LAS VEGAS)

Lotus of Siam was closed the last time we were in Vegas, so we made sure to have it on the list this time around. We wanted to eat here the day we drove in, but when we arrived for late lunch the wait was an hour and half. That was just way too long since we were starving. We opted to try our chances the next day when it opened. It turned out to be the best decision because we got there 5 minutes before opening and didn't have to wait in line to get a table. After all the hype, it didn't disappoint.

Tom Yum Kai Soup

Garlic Fried Prawns

Combination Pad Thai

Drunken Noodles with Soft Shell Crab