Le Bernardin + Top Chef = HEAVEN!

As I watched Top Chef last night, I almost fell out my seat when I heard that they were going to Le Bernardin.

I don't recall if I've ever mentioned it on this blog but Le Bernardin is on my list of "Restaurants to Try Before I Die". I'm a fan of Eric Ripert and would LOVE to try his restaurant the next time I'm in New York. I have actually contemplated flying out to NYC for a culinary tour but no one wants to come with (plus it's extremely expensive). Reservations have to be made a couple months in advance (like most top restaurants) but I think I can definitely swing that since I have to plan the trip anyhow. Anyone interested?

Anyway, on Top Chef last night, the chefs were invited for a lunch at Le Bernardin. As soon as those words were uttered, I immediately knew they had to recreate the dishes that they just ate. The chefs were enjoying a seemingly "day off" from competing that when they were told the challenge, most of them were not too happy (they weren't paying that much attention to the dishes). Jamie commented that she wasn't too excited about the dishes and even called the "boring" (THE NERVE!!!). I think she got her comeuppance when she picked her least favorite dish to recreate and eventually got the boot.

On another note, I LOVE Eric Ripert. He just seems so nice and humble and I just want to hug him and pinch his cheeks.

Random Thoughts...01/30/09

I was tagged on FB the other day and I realized that I have hundreds of random thoughts that go through my head every single day that it would be fun to write them out so I could later look back at it and laugh at how silly/mundane/annoying my thoughts can be. Sorry if you have to be part of it.

Random Thought 1: I wish I had more friends.

No, I'm not sad and I'm not trying to be melodramatic either. That said, a few minutes ago a thought crossed my mind - I wish I had more friends. Do I really want more friends? Not really. It's hard for me to trust people hence why I only have a few friends. The few friends I have are dearly cherished - every single one of them, through thick and thin. Why did this thought cross my mind then? I honestly don't know. I was looking through some pics on FB and I saw pics of big groups of people hanging out and looking like they were having tons of fun. I'm actually not sure if they are all friends or if the camera just caught a moment of fun between acquaintances but it sure looks like they're having a blast. Maybe the thought crossed my mind because we always want what we don't have (and more than likely I won't want it once I have it, haha). Now that I think about it, I probably wouldn't be able to stand a group of people. I get annoyed too easily.

Random Thought 2: I'm so freakin' indecisive.

Well, this one's not such a random thought...it's a fact. Before I buy something, I ask everyone I know which one I should pick. I just had another thought - what if it's not because I'm indecisive but because I'm seeking approval? Yikes! I think I'd rather be indecisive. Haha.

Resolutions - One Month Update

Okay, after 1 month, this is where I stand with my NY resolutions:

1. Exercise - sporadically but the point is I've been exercising

2. Soda - still not a drop. Yay me!

3. Shopping - haven't shopped

4. Work on my apartment - YES, but still in progress

5. Spend less - it's funny because I haven't shopped but my money keeps going to food. Must rethink this last one.

So far it's been good but then again it's only been a month. Let's see how I do next month.

WTH is wrong with me?

It's dineLA week and I kicked it off by taking my mom to Ruth's Chris for dinner last Monday. I was only too excited to go. Everyone knows that a good steak is my weakness and Ruth's Chris is in the upper echelon of steakhouses. Needless to say, I had high expectations.

I ordered a medium rare petit filet (not that petit at 8 oz.) and was expecting it to be mind-blowing. As I usually do with my steaks, I cut it open in the middle for a temp test. It was cooked perfectly so I was happy. Now came the weird part. I cut a piece and it tasted ok. Another piece and there was a weird taste to it. Halfway through my steak I was about to throw up. I gave the rest to my mom to take home while I sucked on lemons to get the taste from my mouth.

As we were waiting for dessert, I sat there and pondered why that happened? I had my mom taste my steak and she wasn't bothered by it. After a few minutes it occured to me that I hadn't had red meat in a while, maybe since the beginning of the year. A lot of people I know who have given up meat for a while have always complained about after taste when they start eating meat again. Mind you, I would never intentionally give up red meat. I've been eating a lot of fish lately and even chicken (I know, I'm shocked too). I can't explain why I haven't eaten meat since the beginning of the year and I can't explain what happened that night at Ruth's Chris. Although the next time I'm going for a steak dinner, I think I'll have a big, juicy hamburger the day before.

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

This year is not a great one for me, according to my Chinese horoscope. I guess my horoscope should serve as a warning with regards to my spending habits (although I haven't really shopped since the Saks sale). I guess my last big splurge for the year should really be my new bed and mattress. Anyway, to those who are Goats like me, here's our horoscope for 2009:

With their fluctuating luck this year, Goats should be flexible to cope with sudden change. Basically, this will be a rough year for Goats. They will be surrounded by rumours and envy, so they have to be patient and keep a low profile. They should take this challenge as part of their life, i.e. be patient while in darkness waiting for the sun to come out. It is important that they should not put a finger in every pie; they need to concentrate and work with their whole mind and whole heart and strive continuously to make new progress at work. Goats may lose money because of spending, but it is important that they should not act as a guarantor for friends or relatives. In love affairs, Single Goats should be patient with their lovers. If not, they will end in separation. Married Goats should reach mutual understanding with their partner. Goats have to keep away from sharp objects and be cautious on the road. They have to control their diet as well and regulate their blood pressure and prevent stroke. Apart from this, they should not go to funerals and wakes.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I finally got a chance to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and I finally finished reading the book. I'm not sure which I prefer.

The movie was beautifully made and beautifully acted. I understand that they made the story a bit more dramatic than was originally written to pull in the big names as Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Of course, both completely delivered. The movie moved me to tears and I walked out of that theater with red and swollen eyes. Benjamin's tale was beautifully told through a diary he left behind. His tale is tied to a story about a grieving father who built a clock that went backwards to remember his dead son. It seems that the underlying theme of unconditional love kept the movie flowing right - Queenie's unconditional love for the strange infant left in her care, Daisy's unconditional love for Benjamin despite his differences, and a father's unconditional love for his son. Apparently, love is timeless.

The book had a completely different intention. Fitzgerald's tale was influenced by a statement Mark Twain made about the unfortunate state of man at old age. His short story is a sardonic and satirical take on Twain's statement which has Benjamin succeeding at 'fitting in' despite his differences. From the beginning, Benjamin's parents attempt to gloss over his differences and force him to act his age despite of his appearance. It seemed to work in the beginning but in the end youth caught up with him. He ended up in a miserable marriage, living with his ungrateful son, and in the care of a nanny. All because people around him failed to notice that there was something strange about him. A tale of the consequences of fitting in despite obvious differences. A cautionary tale of the dangers of squashing individuality - a highly American concept.

My Brother's Blog

My brother, James, is a film-lover and an aspiring screenwriter. Read his blog here.

I love you James!!!