Dinner at the Huangs

All blogs have to start somewhere. I envisioned starting with a linen tablecloth atop a sandy dune, waves crashing, a little antipasto, some chicken parmesan, and cold beer to wash it down with. Nothing outrageous, just a nice escape from reality in a tranquil setting. Your only care is to avoid getting sand on the food.

Alas, a babysitter for the kid and a short walk down the street found us at a much different setting, the Huang's house for a Valentines eve dinner. With the recent purchase of a fancy barbecue, we are always anxious to see what new things are cooking at our neighbor's house. Tonight, they were grilling a flank steak with a delicious carne asada mojo.

Mojo:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 1 large handful fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 orange, juiced
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil

The steak was cut thin and sides were black beans, green salad, and homemade corn tortillas.


Finally, for dessert, there was an awesome flan with a caramel, vanilla sauce. It was so good, but looked relatively fragile to make. Should take a look at making this sometime.


This wasn't a peaceful night escaping to the beach, but a night without the kids running around and a great meal with friends is an escape in itself.