Steak and Potatoes - B's Kind of Dinner

Even though we already celebrated B's birthday two days in advance of his actual birthday, I still wanted to cook something for his special day. In all honesty B did not want to make a big deal out of it since his birthday fell on a Monday. We were just going to treat it like a any other day and go about our usual Monday schedule. He has afternoon meetings and tae kwon do and I have work and gym:-). Just when I thought I was going to the gym and him to tae kwon do, we both (or I did) convinced each other to just stay home. Not that I am irresistible, I think it's because I bribed him with steak and potato. What man would say no to that, right?




Pan Seared Grassfed Top Sirloin with Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms


Steak is seasoned with salt, pepper, herbes de provence and rosemary. Seared for 5 minutes on each side (depending on your preference). After searing the steak, use the same pan to saute shallots and mushrooms, for a few minutes. Slowly add balsamic vinegar and heavy cream (you can eye ball depending on how much sauce you want). Let it simmer and reduce until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach at the end and stir together. Serve on top of steak! 

Sorry the picture is kind of grainy

Loaded Baked Potato with Sour Cream and Bacon


Bake russet potato covered with foil for about 45 minutes until cook. Cut in half and put a dollop of sour cream and top with crumbled bacon and fresh chives. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. 



Unfortunately I did not make this one. Store bought from Whole Foods. Mudslide fudge brownie. How sinful does that sound? I only had a small bite and it was so rich. I think B liked it....lol......

Seafood Friday - Shrimp and Scallop Lentil Risotto

In honor of this lenten season, I am going to be switching my "Seafood Wednesday" to Friday and "Fitness Friday" to Wednesday. Get the drift, right? LOL! 


This recipe was inspired from the Scallops Risotto that I had from B's bday dinner at Cava. I liked it so much that I wanted to recreate it without using arborio rice. Yes, I know arborio rice is an important component of making risotto. But who said you have to follow the rules? Certainly not in my kitchen. Lentils will do and yes I am still in my lentils cooking craze. LOL! It turned out great in my opinion. Vegetarians can easily use this recipe without the scallops and shrimp. 

Contessa's Shrimp and Scallop Lentil Risotto

one cup of French green lentils 

one half cup of heavy cream

half a cup of tomato paste

two chopped tomatoes

salt and pepper to taste

freshly grated parmesan cheese

herbes de provence

chopped shallots

Let three cups of water coming into a boil and add your lentils to the boiling water and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until cooked and tender. Drain and let it cool. Saute chopped shallots for a few minutes and add tomatoes and stir together. Stir in your lentils, tomato paste and heavy cream. Let it simmer and add your parmesan cheese. Season to taste. Plate and add your seared shrimp and scallops (both seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika) of top. Don't forget to sprinkle more cheese as well. 

Happy Fasting! Bisous, Contessa

White t-shirt and Denim jeans - how to make it work:-)

I don't consider myself a fashion expert ( I am so far from it) but I believe that having the right accessories will make an outfit work even if we are wearing the basics. Here is a simple outfit that I just accessorized. Originally, I was going to wear this outfit for B's birthday dinner, but since B is opposed to anything fancy and fabulous, I opted to wear t-shirt and jeans. Little did he know that I was going to go all out even with just shirt and jeans. Yes, I am naughty like that. Fur coat. Leopard shoes. Fancy necklace. Fancy bag.  We still have to think of ways to make the most simple clothes pop. So tell me, does it work?

Notice how long and thick my hair has gotten? That's another secret I have yet to tell you. You will just have to wait for now:-). 

Make it Rawr! 

White crew neck shirt: Target 

Denim Jeans: Banana Republic 

Leopard Shoes: forgot where I got it from

Fur Coat: Clearance from TJ Maxx

Necklace: Max Azria

Let me just leave you with Rachel Roy's quote, "Creativity is what matters. I never want to look like everyone else." 

Bisous, Contessa

Cava - A Restaurant Review

Someone who is not familiar with the origin of the word "Cava," would automatically assume that this restaurant has a Spanish flare to it. Simply because when we hear of Cava, we often think of that yummy and sweet white/pink sparkling (my preferrence) wine produced in Catalonia, Spain. But did you know that Cava is actually a Greek term (per wikipedia) that was used to refer to a "high end" table wine cellar? Furthermore, it comes from the Latin word "cava" which means cave in English.  This restaurant, by no means, doesn't resemble a cave and Spanish tapas is not their forte. Their dishes, however, are served mezze style (similar to how tapas are served, which are in small dishes).  Mezze is what they usually refered to a selection of small dishes served in the Mediterranean and Middle East. 

This restaurant, located in the middle of suburbia, is probably one of the best Greek restaurant in the area (unfortunately, there are not that many), never lacks customers despite the never ending wait. And I don't know what it is with Greek restaurants keeping their space limited. It's either too crowded because of the lack of space or people just really love coming here.  And I usually dislike waiting for over 45 minutes.  But since Greek is one of B's favorite food, I decided to hold his surprise birthday dinner here despite the fact that they don't even accept reservations. Anything for my B, just for this one time though (lol), I was willing to wait for an hour or two as long as we were with company and the booze was flowing. LOL! Well at least the staff tried to apologize for the ridiculous amoun of time we had to wait. Not only that, they made a boo boo when they gave up our table to one of the groups who came after us. UGH! (A birthday discount would have been nice to compensate, hello?).

An hour and half later, we were finally seated and served a basket of home made pita bread with some olive and spicy tomato tapenade. Yum! Maybe that was just my hunger brain telling me that everything was good. The prices of each dish was not bad while others, I think were over priced.

I just happened to take my camera (don't ask why) while I was in the girls room and they had a painting of this vintage gown and a series of shoes vignette (picture below) hanging on the wall. What do you guys think? Classy? Tacky? Appropriate? I guess something pretty to look at while you do your business. LOL!

I ordered this for my first course. It was the rocket salad - feta cheese, baby arugula, spanish onion with balsamic dressing. $9.95? Nothing special and too over priced in my opinion. Hmmm, start of my meal wasn't impressive so not sure on what to expect for the rest of my meal.  

This was B's order.  Crazy feta...we love feta and this wasn't bad. It went well with their fresh pita bread. It was priced at $5.95 if I recall.

Calamari, which was one of table mate's order. It came with like a mayonaisse chipotle sauce. This was good. Perfectly crispy.

Grilled Octupus is one of my all time favorite. You can usually tell if a restaurant is any good base on how great they cook their octupus. HAHA! It can either get too rubbery or under cooked. This however got my thumbs up. Yum yum yum!

This method of pan searing cheese is called the Saganaki. Cheese Flambe for short:-). Most people in the restaurant were ordering this left and right. I guess it's more for the entertainment. So we put in an order also. $9.95 for fried cheese? I love fried cheese, don't get me wrong but this was over priced in my opinion. I think I can fry cheese better than this. Ha!  

I think the cheese use for this Saganaki was Kefalograviera. It's a hard sheep milk cheese. Similar to that of a mozzarella.

Of all the meal I've had this was my number one favorite. Scallops risotto! The scallops were perfectly seared and the risotto was perfectly cooked.

One of our table mate's order - lamb sliders. I think she said it was good.

We also ordered a few other stuff which I forgot to take pictures.  It was hard sitting in a very small table and having to keep taking my dslr out of my bag. And people were looking at me snapping pictures away. Next time, I'll just say that I am a professional food critique. HAHA! It was over all a great meal. The pricing was not bad. Service was great. It's just the wait time is so long. I wanted to order dessert but none of the group wanted any:-(.

I was able to experience the hype and I won't mind coming back to this place as there were so much we didn't order in the menu. Next time, I'll definitely go back during lunch time when it's less busy. The good company we had made our meal a lot better. Happy Happy Happy Belated Birthday B:-)

love you xoxo

Fashion Dress Up - Even it's too sexy for my B:-p

B is turning __ this Monday and have been feeling depressed about getting a year older.  I thought that throwing him a surprise birthday dinner/party would cheer him up a little and forget about his petty depression. LOL! Mind you, he does not like surprises and he knows me too well not to sense anything sneaky. 


I thought I was doing pretty well in keeping it as a secret from him until the morning of the event. I must have been visualizing what I was going to wear for his birthday dinner in my dreams. That is usually the case when I start playing dress up the minute I wake up. I go into a frenzy that I forget to wash my face and brush my hair. Of course, I slipped when I asked him to take a picture of me. HA!HA! He asked what I was dressing up for and I said that it was for his birthday. He didn't even compliment and tell me how nice I look (well I guess since I just got out of bed). Instead, he immediately told me that it was "too sexy," "skirt is too tight," it will just be us and blah blah blah. No need to impress anyone. UGH! The rest of the story is history as I got upset...well just exaggerating:-)


I opted to wear t-shirt and jeans for his birthday dinner instead. You would have to wait for the post next time. Boring you might say. But I leave it up to you to judge......:-)


For the mean time, enjoy looking at my pictures that I only had the pleasure to wear around the house. HAHA! 

He won't stop teasing me and I can't stop laughing. 

My Sigerson Morrison deserves a picture lol. 

Shirt: Gift from K.O. (thanks cousin)
Necklace: Allegra Bib by C.L. (thanks cousin)
Skirt: Herve Leger bandage skirt - still haven't worn this out
Shoes: Sigerson Morrison Wedge Gladiators. 


Thanks all mes amis!


Bisous, Contessa

Enjoying my new ride

It's not a brand new car if that's what you're thinking. I'm referring to my brand new Schwinn Hybrid. He! He! This was my "just because I love you" gift from B (now everybody say "awwwww"). I never asked for it but was hoping to own one since B has his own bike too. Besides, we need an alternative outlet for "bonding time" than going out to eat. With spring just right around the corner, I want to be outside as much as possible. You can only work out so much in the gym, ya know:-)

I've had my new toy for two weeks now and last Saturday, the weather was finally nice enough to take it out for a ride for the first time. B and I went to our local park. Their bike trail over looks the lake and the view made our ride even more enjoyable. I'll just let the pictures do the talking...enjoy!

Excited!

Regardless if the lake is manmade, the view is still beautiful.

Let me play pictionary first. B was making comments around this time already. lol!

Honey stop taking pictures!

 

Can you take a picture of me first while I ride my bike? And don't you just love my fanny pack? Where else would I put my camera then if not for this beauty? lol!



Takiing a break. Thank goodness he agreed to have his picture taken. :-)

I would like to come back here and do a fashion shoot. LOL!

If you guys have a bike, don't just let it rust in your garage. Take it out for a ride from time to time. Not only it's a good form of leg excercise, but you get to bond and enjoy the company of your loved ones while doing so. Not to mention, choose regional parks that have bike trails. It's a stress free environment. The view is beautiful, the wind is refreshing and most importantly, the thought of getting fit is inspiring. We biked for about three hours and by the time we got home, my legs were on fire. It was definitely a good burn!

Hope you have a great weekend ahead..I plan to do more biking on Saturday!

Bisous, Contessa

Chicken and Lentils Curry with Coconut Milk

I know. I know. I know. I have been into lentils lately and I find myself eating it more and more. It's becoming a staple for my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Now how aromatic is that? LOL! But ofcourse, I am too prim and proper to even go there. What I can tell you, though, is how aromatic this dish is. The combination of spices such saffron, turmeric, curry powder, just to name a few, worked so well together. It created this pungent but very inviting smell around the house. Not to mention, the flavor just blended really well. You can also surprise yourself by adding a dollop of sour cream or cottage cheese on top for the extra creaminess. It was indeed magical!



My chicken and lentils curry recipe is not only flavorful and mouthwatering but it's super healthy. I love how it's loaded wtih superfoods. Chicken (rich in protein), lentils (protein, fiber, biotin, and other vitamins), collard green (vitamin A), coconut milk (rich in potassium, electrolites, and it contains lauric acid, which is anti-viral and anti-microbial), and the spices have their own benefits too....In addition, this dish is so cheap. It's less than $10.00 dollars (well if you include the Macadamia Nut oil, that's a different story). HA!HA!


Here are the different ingredients I used to make the curry. If you notice most of them are organic but it's whatever you prefer to use. I don't like adding to much salt (makes you puffy and bloated) in any of my dish so I usually buy low sodium broth and the coconut milk is also light, which has less than 50 grams of Saturated fat.


With all these spices, who needs to add extra salt? For a stronger flavor, salt can be added of course.

Chicken and Lentils Curry
organic free range chicken breast cut in cubes
one can of cooked lentils
chopped collard greens (you may use Spinach or completely exclude the greens)
minces ginger
finely chopped garlic
chopped tomatoes
and the rest of the ingredients pictured above

Heat pan and add two tablespoons of macadamia nut oil (olive oil will do, I just like the nutiness of the former). Saute ginger and garlic for a few minutes (careful not too burn the garlic). Add chicken and stir until brown. Add lentils, tomatoes and slowly add your spices too. Stir together and pour half a cup of broth and a half a cup of coconut milk (you can use more depending on how creamy you want). Let it simmer until the sauce reduces a little. Add your green at the end and it's ready to serve!  

Like I mentioned before, you may add sour cream or cottage cheese. Perfect to serve with rice or dip with pita bread.

Have a nice Thursday!

Bisous, Contessa