A Bed in Paradise

This is the king size lounge/bed I layed myself across for the past week. I had no idea how great it was to sleep in the hotel bed all night and then lounge in another bed all day. I would have bed sores if it wasn't for the getting up and walking 50 feet to the bar for a new cocktail, or the buffet for yet another meal. It's back on the diet this week to make up for the indulgences. Jersey  Pammie and I were at Cancun Caribe Royal Park Grand and really enjoyed it. A welcome break from the harsh winter we have endured this year. You can read my review on Trip advisor in a few days. They had wonderful tequilas, which I never drank much of at home outside of my Margaritas. (I will share the simple recipe in warmer months)
We found the employees to be very friendly and helpful throughout our visit. I was a little reluctant to go to Mexico in light of the violence there. Cancun is probably one of the safest cities in Mexico, and outside of venturing to town once, we had no desire to leave our day-bed. The ocean was delightful and only about 80 steps from the pool pictured above. All inclusives are great for a no-thinking trip. You don't have waste time planning where you eat each meal, or where to go each day. I love a touring vacation, but this is the ideal winter break.
We did go to one very good restaurant across the street one night called Lorenzillo's (web site http://www.lorenzillos.com.mx/    )
This was an excellent dining spot. Outdoor tables on the pier looking out across the bay. Their specialty is lobster (Caribbean Lobster) and they prepare it 20 different ways. I chose the filet mignon stuffed with lobster and mushrooms in Bernaise sauce. It was outstanding. We also had the Caesar salad made table side and was also very good. It took the guy 5 full minutes to make the salad, carefully rubbing the wooden bowl with garlic. I also had the Mexican Lobster Bisque, which was loaded with large chunks of lobster and a lighter broth than a true bisque, and surprising me was pieces of avocado in the soup, which gave it a unique flavor. They made a top notch martini and had a vast wine list. This place is not cheap, to say the least, but well worth it. The personal service by dedicated waitstaff made the evening more memorable. I would not return to Cancun without going there.

Yummy Asian Ribs

Jersey Paulie was in Vegas last week and I went Roy"s Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant 2 consecutive nights, because I had to have their ribs twice. Roy Namaguchi started in Hawaii many years ago and now has restaurants across the country. Wonderful sushi, fresh fish and even decent steaks. I've been to the Vegas place every year during my annual pilgrimage. I first met the wonderful ribs by ordering the appetizer canoe.

The Vegas canoe has 2 ribs, blackened ahi, shrimp sticks, lobster pot stickers, and a crispy spicy tuna roll. I love an assortment of appetizers, and the flavors really work well on this plate. The second night I returned I had the full portion of ribs, and the canoe and skipped an entree. When I got home, I had to try to recreate these delicious morsels. The waitstaff were helpful in telling me how they are made, and I made some modifications. I am a firm believer in the  "low & slow" cooking method when it comes to ribs. I was ready to buy the baby back ribs at the butcher, but they didn't look very meaty. I noticed some beef short ribs that were cross cut, and they were very nicely marbled and meaty, and decided to try them.  I cut them in pieces about 3" X 3" and generously applied a pork rub on all sides, and then put them in Ziploc for the night. The following day I layed them on a jelly roll pan (like a cookie sheet), and covered the top tightly with aluminum foil. I baked them in a 220 degree oven for 4 hours and removed them. I heated a Hoison Garlic Glaze (I used Soy Vay brand) in a small saucepan and dipped each rib piece entirely in the sauce and returned it to the baking pan. Then I baked it at 275 for another 30 minutes, which turned them almost black. I brushed a little more of the warm sauce on top and sprinkled some toasted sesame seeds on top of the sauce.
I usually prefer pork over beef, but the intense meaty flavor of short ribs was the perfect compliment to the sweet garlic taste of the sauce. Needless to say, my guests enoyed them.

Roy's pork ribs
I learned that there was a Roy's Hawaiin resaurant in N.Y.C., but it has since closed. The closest one to Jersey is Baltimore, and I plan to visit there soon, but at least I can make the ribs at home, and maybe try some new things on the menu when I get Baltimore.
Roy's Hawaiin Restaurant
620 East Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/index.asp