Silverado Steakhouse - Las Vegas, NV

So this was pretty much our crew in Las Vegas. I  didn't show but Ron and Scott did, Kat and I just helped out this go round. We just had to celebrate one night out at the Silverado because of all Ron's success at the show. He did so great, so cheers to Cowboy Ron!

Ron picked our poison for the evening and he did well. Paraduxx from the Napa Valley was wonderful. He always knows the best stuff on the wine list. This was really good.

The bread basket had a variety, pretzel, sourdough as well as a really great raisin bread. I went with that with a slab of butter shaped in a beautiful rosette. 

I ordered the Lobster Bisque because I knew it was good, I have had it before and it is quite heavenly. They serve a large portion so I shared it with Kat, she agreed it was very tasty.

The crew ordered steaks so I was basically the odd man out. They of course loved theirs and ate to their hearts content.

I ordered the Halibut that was supposed to be egg dipped which is no big deal to me. But after looking at the photo I now realize why it tasted like a breakfast plate, there is a lot of egg batter on this bad boy! Ha! I loved the sauce and the mashed potatoes were heavenly. 

The Creme Brulee was a very good one. I have a thing now about the dessert, I am almost a snob now. 

All in all it was a terrific meal spent with good frieds. We learned a lot at the cutting and cannot wait to get out there again and show off our stuff! Cheers to healthy horses and good draws!

Fresh off the truck! - Las Vegas, NV

If the Big Sur Oyster Bar ever left the South Point Casino I would be one upset diva. I love how convenient it is and the food is great. Yesterday I went in for an afternoon snack of Oysters Rockafeller and a glass of chardonnay. My idea of a perfect meal. I mean we are 333 miles from the ocean and they still manage to put out plates and plates of fresh, delectable seafood. 

Real Food for Real People - Ojai, CA

The day before Valentine's Day I was craving beef, some starch and a savory vegetable. We have an endless supply of beef that a customer of ours replenishes every year. I just have to remember to take it out of the freezer early enough for us to enjoy it. My darling husband enjoys grilling them to a perfect medium rare so I am quite spoiled. While I was at the Los Olivos Grocery Store on a visit home I noticed a unique grain on their shelf. Black rice is high in antioxidants, fiber and used in prevention in cancer so I decided to give it a go. On its own it is not very tasty, but a dousing in teriyaki  made it more palatable. Baby asparagus baked with a smear of mayonnaise and sprinkle of parmesan was quite indulgent. 

The nights at home, eating meals like this are the ones I savor most! 

One click at a time...

So I am pretty much obsessed with my new camera and lens but learning how to shoot action, with indoor lighting all while the horse and rider look correct is quite difficult. I just will keep snapping pictures until I get it right! Enjoy my beginner shots!

I am a total amateur but aim to get better! Good night all!

Viva Las Vegas!

We left Ojai with a trailer load of horses to show in Las Vegas. We pulled out of the driveway with a few raindrops spitting, but little did we know it would look like this at the top of the Baker Grade! Can you believe it? It was crazy beautiful: Winter Wonderland. 

We made it to our show destination safely and unloaded the horses. By the time we got checked into our rooms we were starving so only the Big Sur Oyster Bar would do.

New England Clam Chowder in all its glory. Dinner is served.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day little cupids! I hope you get spoiled by the one you love today, I know I did! I am not sure what is the plan for dinner, we have to pack for a work trip to Las Vegas. I am pretty excited about getting out of dodge and playing in the Bright Light City!

For Christmas last year Scott got me this camera, Nikon D5000. It has been a blast playing with it and learning all its features. However one problem was that it didn't zoom very well so I had needed a new lens.

Well, Valentine's Day rolls around and I get this bad boy: Sigma 70-300mm Zoom lens. It is so awesome! Hopefully now I can take more action photos of the horses doing their thing! Thank you Scott for the perfect present!

71 Palm Restaurant - Ventura, CA

I made a bet with Scott that the Patriots would win the Super Bowl and well, I lost. We bet on a good date night out and so here we are. I originally wanted to go to Tuti's across the street but, it was closed for the evening due to a party or something. So we walked over to 71 Palm and decided to give it a try.  

Scott ordered a Cesear Salad and they brought out fried potato peelings with a dipping sauce I couldn't quite put my finger on. It was on the house so I thought that was nice. 

This is Scott's plate: He ordered the Flat Iron Steak with a ragout of mushrooms, au gratin potatoes also filled his plate. He thought everything was cooked well but it lacked seasoning. He normally is not a mushroom lover but he did say that these were very good.  

This would be mine of course - Sea bass with a fresh horseradish crust served over broccoli. I should have known better than to order this, I knew when I read: "fresh horseradish crust" that I may not like it. And, that is what happened. A beautiful cut of fish but the crust just killed it for me. So much so I really lost my appetite.

I really wanted this night to be special because I really enjoy the date nights Scott and I go on but I just wasn't into it. The restaurant itself is very beautiful, craftsman to be exact and a historical marker in Ventura County. I am not sure who was having an off day, myself or the kitchen but it just didn't work out tonight. I may return for cocktails on their patio this summer to give it another go.

Shenanigans - San Juan Bautista, CA

Hello my little blog friends. I went home for a visit to CELEBRATE! It was my baby brother's birthday party and I would not miss it for the world. I packed my party pants and boots, knee highs to be exact - gold belt and a Burberry jacket that I finally got to wear. It was been warm and sunny in So-Cal so I was excited to bundle up. Picture and posed.

This my friends, is my baby/little brother he is stands at 6'3 and I am a mere 5'4. I think I got jipped in the height department. His girlfriend Kate arranged the most fun party... ever - it was a surprise and she really tricked him. He had no idea ;) 

She also had a cardboard cut out made of him upon entrance to the party. It was pretty classic, this is the beautiful Kate, isn't she fun?

My cousin Allan and I grabbed a snap with the mini James.

Such a cool cake!

My bestie, Fallon. We have been friends for 25 years - Oh my!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!

My favorite couple.

On the left is my good friend Amy's man, such a crazy mix of James's friends!

My cousin John and his wife, Lauren.

Shannon and I doing what we do best... 

Friends and family - Enjoying the tail end of the evening!

What I needed to eat this morning to feel like a human again. Ellie's in Salinas is pretty darn scrumptious.  What a blessing it was to enjoy the evening in my hometown. My heart will always enjoy the 95045. I hope everyone gets to enjoy their friends and family like I do. Geez la wheez, I love my life!