One of the fun things about working for an entertainment website is that we often have famous actors, musicians and other famous people come to our office for interviews, photo shoots and to participate in our editorial features. I couldn’t resist getting a picture with Tobin Bell, a.k.a Jigsaw from the Saw movies. If you’re at all familiar with this series of films, Jigsaw is the bad guy, and you really don’t get to see his face as he wears a very creepy, scary mask, so most recognizable would actually be his voice. Good thing he’s actually a very friendly guy in real life!

For my third class at ICE, I chose Fishing for Knowledge. My friend Bay decided to join me for this one. This class was a lot more hectic than the others I’ve taken, and I didn’t feel like we were doing much teamwork as we prepared the dishes. Perhaps there were a couple too many dishes on the menu, but it just felt disorganized. Nevertheless, at the end we had fun and the food was delicious.

Scallop and shrimp ceviche

Bayou Boil: fresh water shrimp

Jalapeño biscuits and smoked paprika butter

Grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp and mustard greens with buckwheat honey vinaigrette and toasted hazelnuts (this is the only dish all four people in my group made together)

Pan-fried bay scallops with grilled scallions and mint chimichurri

Sauteed wild salmon with toasted orzo and lime aioli

Southeast Asian shrimp rolls with dipping sauce

Pan-seared sea scallops with cauliflower puree and basil/cilantro oil (Bay and I made this dish together)

Farmed salmon with miso glaze and cucumber pickles

Sticky coconut rice with dried shrimp and carmelized pineapple

Bay and I, enjoying the fruits of our labor.

My very good high school friend Midori (Lisa) recently gave birth to her first child. This little girl is absolutely adorable, and seems to be fascinated with her mommy! I can’t wait to meet her. Congrats to new parents Midori and Michael on their beautiful little girl!

Mae Emiko Levitz
Born July 27, 2007 at 6:33am
7 lbs. 2 oz., 21 inches

Watching Mommy

Proud Daddy!

Beautiful baby girl

Home at last

Happy new parents and grandparents

(photo credits: Michael Levitz and Lisa Yasuda)

Total Wine Bar, Brooklyn

UGO vending machine, NYC