Julian Serrano

Dinner at Julian Serrano inside Aria.

We wanted to eat lightly so we chose this place for the tapas.

I personally enjoyed a lot of the dishes and

although I thought it was a bit pricy for such small portions,

I would definitely go back to try more of their food.

Interior.

This was my favorite.

(A thin pie crust with carmellized onions & red peppers,

chorizo and goat cheese. Mmm.)

Pan con Tomate.

Calamari.

Super light. Just how I like it.

This was interesting.. it was seaweed rolled in avocado.

Shrimp Ceviche.

Aria

Went to Las Vegas for a getaway and stayed at the new Aria inside CityCenter.

I was so excited to see the interior & decor after seeing the super contemporary exterior and since it was under construction forever.

It did not disappoint (the pictures does no justice).

And because I coudn't take pictures inside the casino,

it was very chic and relaxing with dark brown/wood interior.

Aria Entrance.

Entrance.

The waterfalls were so beautiful and serene.

Room.

You can control everything from a small

computer next to your bed. High tech.

Inside of Crystals Shopping Center.

Loved the architecture.

Another one of Crystals.

They have every single luxury brand you can imagine...

Gulfstream

Today was a MUCH needed sunny day in Southern California.

After all the rain, it was such a beautiful day so we decided

to go eat somewhere that had a nice patio to soak in the sun.

I am a huge fan of the Hillstone Group and

Gulfstream was the last one to try in Orange County.
(the others being Houstons, Cafe R&D and Bandera)

Exterior.

Patio.

Dip Trio with Toasted Ciabatta.

(Hummus, Guacamole & Smoked Trout Dip)

Fall Chopped Salad.

Mustard Barbecue Beef Ribs.

Personally, I prefer the Pork Ribs at Houstons.

'Heavenly' Biscuits.

Which were quite heavenly baked with Rosemary

topped with butter and honey.

Ford's Filling Station

Hadn't updated in a while...

I've been enjoying my time back in CA.

We are so spoiled for having such nice weather all year long!

Went to Ford's Filling Station in Culver City for lunch.

Opted for the patio because it was such a nice day!

Menu.

His: Brisket Sloppy Joe

The Brisket was really tender and the bellpeppers added a nice flavor.

Mine: Whitefish Melt

(Melted Havarti, Marinated Tomatoes on a Garlic Bun)

A close up.

Mountain Ham Flatbread

(Peppadew Pepper, Carmelized Onions, Mushroom & Mozzarella)

This was one of the best flatbreads, ever.

I really enjoyed the combination of the flavor of the toppings

& the super thin and crispy flatbread!

Three kinds of Cured Meats Platter

Yum.

Happy 2010!

Happy New Year!!

Cheers to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!

Back in California..

I've missed the sunny weather!