PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

Our latest review is 'Pineapple Express' hot sauce. Habanero peppers, pineapple juice and fish sauce combine for this unique elixir. We grilled some chicken kebabs to sample and taste this sauce.

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GOLDEN STEER STEAKHOUSE

 We have found that after sampling and scoring the best barbeque in the nation our palette needs to be refreshed for the next competition. To keep our senses and taste buds sharp our method is to consume some ‘Prime, Aged, Corn-Fed Beef”. What better place to perform this task then,” The Oldest Steakhouse in the City of Las Vegas”, the ‘Golden Steer Steak House”. Since 1958 the ‘Golden Steer Steakhouse’ has served prime beef to numerous celebrities including the “Rat Pack’, mobsters, politicians  locals and tourists. This steak palace has been recognized by ‘Bon Appetit’ (September 2009) as serving ‘The Best Steaks On Earth’. “Golden Steer Steakhouse’ would be our destination for dinner. How about pulling up a chair and having a martini to share our dinning experience.

It is Sunday night and the strip is lit up with Vegas splendor. The steakhouse is located several blocks off the main drag in a small strip mall. The outside is bright with a “Golden Steer” illuminated by shining lights. We stroll into a dimly lit empty bar/hostess area and are greeted by a knowledgeable hostess. Once we had cocktails in hand the hostess gave us a fun history tour of the establishment. The ‘Rat Pack’ lead the long list of celebrities that had dined before us. A main dining area is flanked by a private dining room. A separate dining room is filled with luxurious leather booths. Each booth has a name and picture of a celebrity. Our hostess explained that because of the time period Sammy Davis was not allowed to sit in the main dining area. Sammy would eat and drink in this room surrounded by his ‘Rat Pack’ cronies. These booths are now very desirable and we were privileged to sit in the Sammy Davis booth.

This was one comfortable booth. We were told it was the original leather from 1958. We were surrounded by the memories of an older swinging Vegas era. Our waiter was prompt and we were surrounded by an attentive staff. Caesar salad would be our first choice. Our waiter created before our eyes the perfect salad. Raw eggs and anchovies surprisingly meld together with other ingredient to make the perfect salad. When this floor show was over it was time for beef.

Prime rib and rib-eye, aged, corn-fed, USDA prime, steak was the only thing that covered our huge plate. Ms. Goofy wept and I had a Cheshire grin when these masterpieces of beef were presented to us. Each tender bite was followed by a sigh of contentment. This beef had flavor that we crave. The hell with grass fed fodder. This was corn-fed bliss that true steak lovers adore. Creamed spinach perfumed with a kiss of pernod, twice baked potatoes and bread were our side dishes. They were delicious but beef was the real star.

This was one memorable meal. The ‘Golden Steer”, an “Old School’ steakhouse preserves and serves the charm and vibrancy of an older era. We experienced beef perfection. We cannot wait to return. We are ready for the next competition.

The Golden Steer Steakhouse

308 West Sahara Av.

Las Vegas, Nevada

702 384-4470

BARBEQUE at the LONDON BRIDGE

The ‘Racing Honda did a couple of laps this weekend. 1400 miles was the total distance traveled to Lake Havasu, Arizona with a side trip to Las Vegas. Our journey brings us to our first judging activity of this New Year. The“5th Annual Lake Havasu, Music, Brews & BBQ Championship” was held in the shadows of the “London Bridge”. Yes, you have read correctly. The “London Bridge” no longer spans the river Thames in England. In 1968, chain saw entrepreneur Robert L McCulloch purchased the bridge and had it relocated to Lake Havasu. It has become the focal point in this retirement/resort community. This was the perfect venue to hold a BBQ championship.

We arrived late Thursday afternoon. We wanted to experience the whole event. We had reservations at the swanky ‘London Bridge Resort”. This resort is the most luxurious digs in town. Restaurants, bars, several swimming pools with huge water slides, and a spectacular view of the bridge kept us in comfort for our short stay. This was our home base to rejuvenate and prepare for our judging duties.

OLD SCHOOL BBQ

The weather did not co-operate this weekend. The thermometer may have broke seventy degrees but the skies were overcast and dark gray. Late Friday afternoon the skies broke free with its moisture. It rained steady throughout the night. Our barbeque competitors were prepared and battled through. A little rain would not dampen the spirits and fires of these true competitors. I was a little disappointed of the rain because my new bathing suite/ thong was not put to use in the resort pool. The “Cannon Ball’ contest would not be held this year.

Eighty four teams were present this contest. Johnny Trigg of ‘Smokin Triggers’ and Harry Soo of ‘Slap Yo’ Daddy’, two contestants of the first season ‘Pittmaster” reality barbeque television show were holding court. “Big Poppa Smokers’ the reigning champion of the ‘2012 American Royal was competing. The whole country was represented by all the visiting teams. It is always a blast to see and experience the multiple cookers, smokers and barbeques. Every cooker has a story. Each team has a personality. A weekend is a short time to experience them all.

This contest was very special for Ms. Goofy. This would be her 30th contest judged. After completing this event and taking a test she will become a KCBS certified “Master Judge”. This title is prestigious and coveted by all. Because this was her milestone contest she was required to recite the judge’s oath. Ms. Goofy and two others proudly recited the pledge to uphold truth in BBQ judging. It was a proud moment. I do not think that was rain on Ms. Goofy’s cheek.

Snacks for the cooks

Words cannot describe how wonderful it is to taste and score the best barbeque in the nation. Each entry is a heart & soul offering from each competitor. Little variances in seasoning, different cooking methods, and different presentations make my judging duty challenging and rewarding. They are all winners in my book. We do have to pick a winner. ‘Grand Champion”  “Loot N’ Booty BBQ” barbeque team was crowned. Congratulations to all!

The weekend flew by. Ms. Goofy is now a ‘Master Judge’. We scored some spectacular barbeque. The sun did shine. We were rested and rejuvenated. Our adventure was not over because we were on a mission. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas will not apply to you dear readers. Stay tuned.

LAKE HAVASU

We are camped out at the swanky 'London Bridge Resort' located in Lake Havasu Arizona. Today is the first day of 'Lake Havasu Music Brews and BBQ Champpionship' Seventy teams from across the nation will be competing and we will have the privilege to judge their entries. This will be Ms. Goofy's thirtieth contest which makes her eligible to join the ranks of the prestigious "Master Judge"rank. Today we will be judging, chili, bbq sauce and a category called 'Anything Goes". 'Anything Goes' is a free for all were competitors just try to impress judges. We expect steak, lobster, and possibly some bacon wrapped treats. We will return next week and share our adventures with you. See you soon.

STRAWBERRY SCORPION STING

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BACON CRACK

“Crack is Whack”   Whitney Houston

The Fatted Calf in Napa had an ‘impulse buy’ item located right next to the cash register. ‘Bacon Crack’ an English toffee studded with bacon, covered with chocolate was beckoning to my addiction. That is plainly just not fair. I am weak. The clerk, with an evil grin, a wink and a nod took the money from my shaking hand. I barely made it home before I ripped the protective wrapper from this decadent delight.

This small morsel of candy was only a tease of pleasure leaving me wanting more. Two small bites and the snake had sunk its venom into my bacon fueled world. Thanks Fatted Calf for taking advantage of my weakness.

McEVOY OLIO NUOVO 2012

Every year we look forward to the release of McEvoy olive ranch ‘Olio Nuovo”. This is the first batch of extra virgin olive oil pressed from McEvoy’s organic olive trees. This special oil has a grassy aroma that shouts out freshness. It has a buttery texture with nuances of fruit. It finishes with a peppery bite. This oil needs to be used raw on salads to preserve its fabulous taste. Gently warmed with fresh pasta will be a treat. A special thanks to my sister (Presidentofcookies) for this tasty gift.

McEvoy Ranch