Eat, Laugh, and Drink Sake

A few nights ago I enjoyed a fun night out with some Wedding Industry Friends and Tiffany Dawn Soto. Tiffany Dawn Soto is a Master Sake Sommelier who has trained in Japan and started the North American Sake Institute. Needless to say she intimidates old Japanese men because she is the youngest and only white female to be a Master Sake Sommelier! The event was held at Sushi Roku inside of the Caesars Forum Shops. I was amazed by all of the different bottles of Sake because the only Sake I have known is the warm kind served at restaurants. I learned that the best Sake is served cold and milled to a certain percentage. Tiffany taught us how Sake is made, different kinds of Sake, and how it doesn't leave you with a hangover! My boss Juliet was the amazing host of this event and she was such a trooper since she was not able to drink due to her pregnancy. I won a yummy Blueberry Dessert Sake that was delish!





You sniff the Sake then taste it

Such a good teacher!





This was my favorite bottle

NACE

NACE is the National Association of Catering Executives and I was lucky enough to attend their Black Tie optional Installation Dinner. They inducted their new board members and gave awards and recognition to the 2009 members. My lovely boss Juliet was one of the award recipients for her hard work as Hospitality Co-Chair. The event which was held at Dragonridge Country Club was beautiful. The food was delicious, floral was amazing, and the other fun elements made the night a Kodak moment!

Images by AltF


Cocktails Fireside

She stood on top of a table
Done by Airstar Space Lighting


Dragonridge Ballroom with custom linen



Me, Juliet, and Baby Douglas Showgirls greated guests

Gorgeous ballroom with a great view of Las Vegas

Custom Linen and Godiva Chocolate!


Centerpieces done by Naakiti Floral



Bon Bon girls passing out edible glitter covered
chocolate bon bons

My Next Vacation

It would take a lot of convincing to get Antwone to take me to this magical place. No, I am not talking about Disneyland or even Disneyworld for that matter. I am talking about the Hello Kitty Castle in Taiwan! I want to meet the person who was so smart to design such a place and why isn't there one in America? Us American girls love them some Hello Kitty too. Now I admit my love for Hello Kitty maybe a bit much for a 25 year old, but when I see Kimora Lee Simmons who is also a Hello Kitty fan who is a mother of 3 it, validates my obsession! Check out her line of Hello Kitty Jewelry here: http://hellokittyfinejewelry.com/index.php


Who wants to start a Fundraiser to get me here?

CUCINA

I have become the wife that loves to cook dinners for her husband all the time. I love trying new recipes but sometimes feel like I am cooking the same thing over and over again. I found this delicious recipe thanks to the Food Network and Giada De Laurentiis. It adds a twist to the typical Thanksgiving meal. I haven't tried this yet, but I definitely plan on it soon.

Turkey and Cranberry Ravioli
Ingredients
Ravioli:
1/4 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons grated Romano
1 tablespoon bread crumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
20 store-bought wonton wrappers

Gravy:
3 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, chopped
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
To make the ravioli: in a medium bowl, stir together the turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Place 10 wonton wrappers on a work surface. Brush lightly with water using a pastry brush. Place 1 tablespoon of the turkey mixture on each of the wonton wrappers. Top with another wonton wrapper. Push out any air bubbles and press the edges tightly to seal.

To make the gravy: in a medium, heavy skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and stir until cooked, about 1 minute. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring quickly to avoid lumps. Add the cream, parley, salt, and pepper and cook, without boiling, for 2 minutes, stirring often.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the ravioli and cook until tender but still firm to the bite and the turkey is cooked, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Drain the ravioli into the gravy and stir to coat. Serve immediately in individual dishes, drizzled with the remaining gravy.

Bon Appetit!!

Urine or You're Out

A friend of mine emailed this to me and it is so true:

Like most folks in this country, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no problem). What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.
So, here is my Question: Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ass - doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or You're Out'.

Makes you think!

Happy 26

We celebrated John's 26th Birthday and I felt like I was 21 again. I know that is weird to say because I am only 25, but it had been awhile since I had gone out. My life is consumed with work and family so I appreciate fun nights out with friends I love. We surprised John at the Red Rock Hotel. Karla got him this amazing suite and a table at Lucky Bar. Me and John have been best friends since middle school so it's so funny to see us in our "Late" 20's....GROSS!!