February 26, 2012

Restaurant Review (Monterey Hill Restaurant)

I had a great dinner the other night with friends at the Monterey Hill Steakhouse in Monterey Park, California.



I've had the pleasure of dining here in the past but it has been some time.  I'm happy to report that the food is still terrific.

I had their signature 14 oz Roast Prime Rib of Beef. 


The cooking staff won't give up any recipe secrets but I'm thinking that it was dry aged with a rub of fennel, coriander, caraway, black peppercorns, sea salt, and garlic, then slow oven roasted.

For those of you who know me the more garlic the better, but in this case they keep it mild so it's not overwhelming. 

And, yes, it should have come with a side order of an aspirin and a defibrillator.  But I only indulge like this on rare occasion because I may be a few more Prime Rib dinners away from a major cardiac event. 

I didn't try to fit this dinner into my Weight Watchers app.  I'm just figuring it was all of my extra points for the next four to six weeks.

They serve it with a great mashed potato and market fresh sauteed vegetables, which happen to be green beans this time of year here in California.  There's also a very tasty au jus and a house made whipped horseradish that did not  overwhelm the flavor of the meat. 

I did restrain myself and not lick the plate when I was done, but the thought did come to mind.

They have a number of restaurants nationwide and I suggest you give them a try.



February 2, 2012

Smoking Cigars

This is an excellent review of what you need to know about smoking cigars.


http://www.thesmokingjacket.com/lifestyle/cigar-facts-trivia-information