SFS - Souvenir Foto School Recap A to Z

Today is the last day for the Souvenir Foto School Class A to Z. Here are my sports theme images. Thanks to my friends who helped and modeled for me! The class was so motivating and encouraging and it pushed me to produce great photos.  I really met some nice people, even though I did not met them face to face, but I felt like I knew them by just looking at their photos. Great class! Stay tuned for more online classes offered by Besotted Brand.

A- Auto Racing

B - Basketball

C - Cleats

D - Darts

E - Energy Drink

F - Football

G - Golf

H - Helmet

I - Ice Skating

J - Jersey

K - Karate

L - Lanyards of Press Passes

M - Medals

N - Nike

O - Outfield

P - Pom Pom

Q - Quarterback

R- Racquet

S - Shark (Pool Shark)

T - Tire

U - Uniform (Goalkeeper)

V - Vitamins

W - Wii Fit

X - Xsport Fitness

Y - Yoga

Z - Zone (End Zone)

Day 5 Restaurant Week - Le Colonial

  Day 5, my bff Trixie and I dined at Le Colonial, an upscale French-Vietnamese Restaurant. She recommended this place, and thought I might enjoy the cuisine. As we entered the dining room, I really felt a romantic vibe a bit dark, but lit up with votives. 

We started off with a Shiraz Viognier Y Series 2009 - a medium bodied wine with a fragrant bouquet of raspberries and blackberries and a light oak finish. Later in the evening, we also tried Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 a very fruitful taste. 

Appetizers

GOI BO - Cold, spicy beef salad with chili, lemongrass, basil, and chili garlic vinaigrette.

The beef was cooked to perfection and very tender. It was also still warm when we received our dish. I liked the fresh veggies especially the bean sprouts and cucumber. The vinaigrette was subtle not too overpowering. I loved the spiciness of the dish too. We both enjoyed it!

PHO - Hearty oxtail soup with rice noodles, beef tenderloin slices, & aromatic herbs

The broth was well seasoned, but the noodles were a little overdone. I had better in Argyle, but still a nice decent soup. 

Main Courses

GA XAO XA OT - Wok-seared lemongrass chicken breast strips with portabella mushrooms and a basil chili sauce. 

Although we had a generous serving, we both felt the chicken was very dry. We ate a few pieces and then split the mushrooms. Mushrooms were the only good thing on the plate. 

CARI TOM - Sautéed jumbo shrimp with Japanese eggplant in a coconut curry sauce.

Trixie and I love curry, so we were looking forward to the dish. As we took a bite and we both felt like the seasoning was the same as the chicken dish. The jumbo shrimp was also tough, because it was overdone. Again we only ate the veggies. 

At this point, we tried to get the attention of the waitress, but we ended up getting the attention of the Manager. We told him that the waitress never really checked back with us after the entrees were delivered. We also mentioned that we were very disappointed in the main dishes. I also added that both dishes were probably cooked in the same wok, considering the flavors were the same. He was receptive of our comments and was so kind enough to let us choose another dish. 

Before we had our dish, he brought us a coconut sorbet to cleanse our palette. Nice and refreshing! 

CA BAM XUC BANH TRANG - Wok-seared monkfish with chili, turmeric, lemongrass, peanuts, & crisp toasted sesame crackers.

This was our favorite dish of the night. The flavors worked well together and the sesame crackers were perfect with the dish. It was very delicious!

Desserts

Banana Wonton with creme anglaise and dark chocolate sauce. Beautiful presentation! The wonton was crispy and the banana filling was delicious. A very yummy dessert! 

Along with our desserts, we had M. Chapoutier 2007 Banyuls Red Dessert Wine and 

2005 Chateau D'arche Sauternes Bordeaux Wine - a very crisp, clean taste. I can taste a touch of orange and a hint of peach, This maybe my new favorite dessert wine. Loved it!

Le Colonial Macaroon - Vanilla ice cream in a coconut macaroon shell drizzled with dark chocolate sauce. 

This was my favorite dessert. We both loved it and what a way to end the meal. 

Overall rating, I am giving this restaurant a 3.5 stars. The dining room was beautiful, romantic and it had a very relaxed atmosphere. I wished the service was little bit better, but the Manager made up for the mishap. The appetizers were wonderful as well as the desserts. I do not mind coming back here for a few appetizers and drinks.

Day 4 Restaurant Week - Lunch at Tokio Pub

  On Day 4 of restaurant week, I had a late lunch with an old co-worker at Tokio Pub. I was really excited to try their menu.

We started off with a Ginger Mojito - Cruzan Rum, Infused Ginger Syrup, 

Canton Ginger Liqueur, Fresh Mint & Lime. It was so refreshing! 

Here is the Prix Fixe Menu Lunch for two $22.

Barbecue Pork Belly Nachos House-made Chips, Guacamole

I liked the tangy BBQ sauce, pork was tender, the peppers and chips were excellent. The BBQ sauce, peppers, and spices were an awesome combination.     

3 Taco Combination - Angry Chicken, Braised Pork, Grilled Steak

Angry Chicken - Pulled Chicken, Spicy Kim Chee

Korean flavors in a taco...genius! This taco had a fiery kick...loved everything about it.

Braised Pork - Caramelized Pineapple, Cabbage, Cilantro

The pork was so flavorful and I loved the sweet taste of the pineapples. This is my fav...it was so yummy!

Grilled Steak - Cabbage, Pickled Ginger, Charred Tomato Salsa

Well seasoned...loved the spicy slaw and pickled ginger. Perfect combo! 

Crispy Fish - Chipotle Remoulade, Cabbage, Mango Salsa

Our server was kind enough to bring us a taste of these excellent fish tacos. I loved the tempura battered fish, spicy slaw, and Chipotle sauce.  It was so mouthwatering! This is my second favorite taco. 

Crying Tiger Shrimp, Chicken Meatballs, Barbecue Ribs

The shrimp was nicely grilled and the heat was awesome!  I love spicy food!  The Chicken Meatballs were a bit bland. I enjoyed the BBQ ribs. It was delicious and the presentation was unique. The serving was perfect!

Bag of Beignets - Hot Cinnamon Sugar Coated Doughnuts filled with chocolate.

These Beignets were outstanding!  I can eat these all day long. 

  Overall rating 4 stars, customer service was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and food was wonderful.  I really liked the layout of the restaurant very modern and trendy. Such unique flavors, Japanese, Korean, with a splash of Latin America! Do not forget to stop by on Tuesdays for half off wine bottles. What a great deal! I am definitely going back with my friends to try their sushi and the rest of the menu. Thank you to our server Chris...you rock!