What do I do with all of those #%&*'d mashed potatoes post T-Day?

I am so grateful to all of you for continuing to follow me - I've been MIA as I've transitioned into a new phase of my career from wellness kitchen chef to managing a wine tasting room! I'm super excited and now I officially get to combine two of my favorite things. Now that I'm finding myself renewed and inspired I can't wait to get back to writing about all things scrumptious!

First, I'd like to extend very warm holiday wishes to all of my readers! As we now officially kick off this season's festivities (it will absolutely go by in a whirlwind), perhaps we can choose, as a consorted effort, to savor each moment with family, friends, events, to do lists...etc. Let's promise to place the emphasis on the joy and warmth that only this time of year brings--instead of focusing on all of the hustle and bustle! Who's in?

Now back to my original topic...what do I do with the 50lbs. of mashed potatoes I so lovingly prepared??? Here's what I did with mine...

Oh and, bonus points if you hosted your family/friends spending the night. Assign someone to make this for this morning's breakfast!

MASHED POTATO Remix!!!

INGREDIENTS

Mashed potato leftovers

Vegetable oil (just enough to coat the bottom of a non-stick pan)

Eggs

Vinegar

Salt

Chives, finely chopped on bias
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Using a large ice cream scoop, gather mashed potatoes and firmly form into patties.

Heat vegetable oil over medium heat. When hot, add the patties. Pan fry until deliciously golden on both sides. They're very delicate so don't drain on a paper towel.

Poach eggs to your liking (I put a small amount of vinegar and salt in the water).

Place each potato pattie on a plate, top with the egg, and garnish with chopped chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Viola! You're a hero!
Cheers,
Allison

Sabor's margaritas as big as your head...

Hola mi amigos and welcome to #Sabor Cocina Mexicana in #Thousand Oaks, California! The first time I entered this cantina I was enamored with its stunningly beautiful decor. In the bar, there are  "star" lights glowing overhead, adding ambient warmth to an already inviting and vibrant room - the restaurant feels majestic and is striking with it's unique, glass chandeliers, impressive rustic furnishings, and decorator touches throughout. This gourmet Mexican restaurant has a  courteous, fun, and friendly staff and offers delicious twists on traditional Mexican cuisine with a farm to table approach - and yes, and most importantly...the #margaritas really are as as big as your head!

Try one of their seasonal, muy fantastico, margaritas.

Guacamole beautifully presented - the perfect pairing with my ginormous margarita!

Chicken crepes with a subtle roasted yellow pepper sauce. Deliciously unexpected. 

Chile Chocolate Creme Brulee with Valhrona Chocolate and Guajillo. Incredible!

I'm on top of the world! Takami elevates happy hour -- DTLA oh yeah...

Ok, I'm may have embellished slightly--Takami Sushi's outdoor lounge is more of a penthouse view--breathtaking nonetheless! As you exit the 21st floor into the restaurant, be prepared to fall in love with the spectacular panorama. It has (on a smaller scale) the vibe of a New York rooftop bar nestled amidst two of the tallest skyscrapers in Los Angeles. Downtown's got it goin' on!

 

Now, get ready to fall in love with everything else! Takami exceeded my expectations in all areas,(and for those who know me well--that's no easy feat!) Seriously, it has it all--ambiance, cuisine, libations, great service, and stunning happy hour prices--$4? 7 days a week? WTFun--I am so hooked!

Sushi Trio with Pepper Tuna, Salmon, & Albacore
Tuna Tataki sans avocado (not my doing-my brother is allergic). So FRESH and DELICIOUS!

 

Calamari Arare, coated in Japanese Rice Crackers and served with a Curry Aioli
Popcorn Shrimp with Wasabi Sauce.

The calamari and shrimp were perfectly cooked--so tender and deliciously seasoned. I'm most definitely addicted!--I started craving them immediately after I popped the last one in my mouth!

               811 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2100. Los Angeles, CA 90017. tel. 213.236.9600

 

Looking forward to the next time we meet-- AKross The Table!

Cheers!

乾杯; Kanpai (Dry the glass)