Burgers and Airplanes

Today I got reacquainted with an old friend. She is from 1942 and was built to teach young men how to fly for the war effort. We had not been together for quite some time but flying her again was like coming home after a long trip. After my reconnection with the 1942 Boeing Stearman my dad and a long time airport friend went to the new airport cafe in Corona California, Bobby A's. The burgers were fantastic and the menu far surpassed any airport cafe I have ever been to. Sometimes an old friend and a good burger is all you need to get into rhythm.

Santiago Dominican Republic

What a great trip into Santiago to meet up with my newly engaged buddy Mike. We were treated to an insiders tour through the world famous Matasa cigar factory by none other than Manuel Quesada and his two amazing daughters Raquel and Patricia, whose hospitality and charm resonated through the factory. After a wonderful lunch, several espressos and several more cigars it was time to let them get back to work. We then went up high in the hills to a great hotel and restaurant named Camp David. Owned by one of the others at the factory introduced to me only as Blondie it is a must visit for lunch, dinner or a quick overnight. We had a fantastic dinner on the porch overlooking Santiago and the tobacco fields. I am looking quite forward to my next visit as it felt like leaving family behind.

Ahi Tuna Three ways

My wife came across a beautiful piece of Ahi Tuna and brought it home tonight. We steamed some rice and started to cut up some fish. I cut about 1/4 lb of the Tuna into small cubes and mixed with Avocado, Hawaiian Salt, Sesame oil, Soy Sauce, sliced Onion, chopped Cilantro and some Red Chili Flake to make a simple Hawaiian Poke. The rest of the fish was seasoned with a simple rub of Cajun seasonings and the other piece rubbed with Greek seasonings and seared quickly in a cast iron skillet. Real simple real good and real fast!