I went to Lark Creek Steak house last night at the Westfield mall in SF. The restaurant was very nice and had a large bar area. Since I went on a Wendesday night, it was pretty quite. Most of the diners will sitting at the bar. It has a very upscale and modern feel and the prices relected that. Since I had a buy 1 get 1 free coupon, (one of the great benefits from the company that I work with) I didn't hold back when ordering what I wanted. We started off with an organic hierloom tomato salad and it was just mediocere. They didnt season it at all so I had to add some salt and peper. Next came the two steaks: a 28 day aged rib eye steak and a USDA prime NY strip steak. Both were delicious but I enjoyed the rib eye steak that had the salty and slighted blackened edges. It was perfectly marbled and very tender. Along side the steak, we ordered whipped mashed potatoes topped with fried onion strings. Nothing spectacular in this department. We did finish off the meal with a petite dessert..strawberry shortcake! It was so tiny that I could have probably eaten it in one bite, but I was nice and shared with my friend. The 'cake' part was a moist scone sprinkled with rock sugar and gave it the texture that the dessert needed. The marscipone cheese was slight sweetened and was a great combination with the strawberries. As of late, I havent had the best experiences at steakhouse (read my LA posting when I went to Mastro's) but, all in all, it was a good meal. Nothing to really write home about but it was good considering I had my coupon! I might have to come back for round two of the strawberry shortcake though!

After watching the movie Julie and Julia, I have the sudden urge to cook! Surprise surprise! I especially want to try cooking boeuf bourguignon! I wish I had Julia Child's carefree and adventurous spirit when it comes to cooking. I feel like I need to try new cooking techniques and unique ingredients. I'm stuck in a food rut! (one of the many ruts that I'm currently in - perhaps if I can get myself out of this rut, it will help the others?!) I don't have the patients either - one reason why I have not made boeuf bourguignon yet! Who wants to wait 3 hours for dinner?!

Both Julie and Julia started their adventure because they wanted something to keep themselves busy and because they enjoyed cooking. I feel like I am in the same exact position and I feel encouraged to start my own adventure! If only I had the guts to leave everything behind and move to Paris and go to cooking school...sigh..maybe one day.

I will have to make do in my small one bedroom apartment in San Francisco. One of my past goals was to try a new recipe every week. I am sad to say that I have not been doing that. I always end up cooking something that I feel comfortable with....but I promise myself that I will restart that goal! I think I shall start with boeuf bourguignon! I'm sure many agree with me when I say, Thank you Julia. Your life's work has been a true inspiration.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

I made these delicious cupcakes over the weekend and my orange cream cheese frosting was an absolute hit!

20 oz Cream Cheese
3 cups Confectioners Sugar
1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
1 tbsp Orange Zest
1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice

Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Makes about 4 cups of frosting.