Sunday, February 8, 2009

Happiest Place on Earth?

Orange County - duh! Where else can you live that you can say "gee, I think I'll go to Disneyland tonight"?

It's been a great weekend. Mr10yt was out of town again so I had to keep busy. And busy I kept!

Aside from the regular cleaning, taxes, and errands, I got to hang out with my friend A. We've made a pact to hit the gym 2x a weekend, which we did. We also had a pleasant lunch at home and she nested while I painted 1.25 walls in my guestroom. :-/

A invited me to go House of Blues for dinner followed by DISNEYLAND where she gets free admission!!! I've never been to HOB and have also never been to the Happiest Place on Earth when there were no lines for Space Mountain (I'm hoarse now), Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, and Small World. *sigh* Thank you A for taking us there!

All of this, combined with Cheetos and orange soda, makes for an excellent weekend in my book.

HOB in Dowtown Disney






Thursday, February 5, 2009

Dog, meet Pony.

I really like my job. For the most part, I really enjoy my coworkers, and that includes the boss. I consider myself fortunate in this way. I love the clients and the relationship I develop with a number of them. It's touching to get invited to personal parties they have and to receive new client referrals from them, it's the highest compliment to our work.

Along with my job comes having to dog and pony every now and then. Downside is that, well, it's a dog and pony show and it can be tiring knowing that everything you say and do, and even how you look, is being scrutinized. Upside are the great free meals I get to have! 4 dog and pony shows in a week, starting tomorrow. Breaks up the monotony of Banquet and Lean Cuisine meals for lunch, that's for sure.

Balboa Bay Club - Newport Beach, CA
I've only had breakfast here so I'm excited to see the lunch menu.


Pacific Club - Newport Beach, CA.
I've had lunch and dinner here, and it's a popular venue for evening receptions in my field. The food has always been extremely tasty.


Big Canyon Country Club - Newport Beach, CA.
Been here twice. The staff was very polite and attentive.


Finally - my favorite of the four: Pleasant Peasant - Newport Beach, CA.
It's a country bistro with French flair. I love their gazpacho and the salmon with cream sauce. I think I'll try something different tomorrow and order the French onion soup and Wellington.


I get to feel fancy! Wish me luck that I don't forget my manners during my lunch escapades!

I'm kind of proud of this, so I'll share: 2 of our 4 hosts have asked that I do a speaking segment during the talk that my boss gives to the hosts' important clients (on estate taxes and minimizing exposure and liability, etc.). I've done this before but not in front of crowds this big. My 2 segments will be on Qualified Personal Residence Trusts and Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts. Wooot! Party time on Opposite Day!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Orange County Restaurant Week - here I come!

I am so excited! Orange County Restaurant Week is Feb 22-Feb 28 and I have 3 restaurants planned already! I would like to add at least one other place for lunch, but we'll see if I can muster up a proper date to go with me.

Can't wait! Here's what is already slated:

First - Savannah Chop House, Laguna Niguel, CA

STARTERS
choose one

Onion Rings

Butternut Squash Soup


Wedge of Iceberg
Blue Cheese Dressing, Tomato, Onions

Chicken Spring Rolls
Mustard and Sweet Chili Sauce

ENTRÈE
choose one


Smoked Prime Rib
Creamed Corn, vegetables, au jus, Horseradish Sauce

Pan Seared Seabass
Spinach, Mashed Potatoes, Whole Grain Mustard Sauce

‘Voodoo Steak’
Blackened Top Sirloin, Voodoo Sauce, Jalapeno Cheddar Potatoes, Green Beans

Pork Chop
Mac & Cheese, Green Beans and Cabernet Truffle Sauce


DESSERT
choose one

Tahitian Vanilla Bean Crème Brulée

Chocolate Soufflé Cake
Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

New York Style Cheesecake
Fresh Strawberries





Next - Stone Hill Tavern at the Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA
(do you see what I see? Root beer float!!!)
STARTER
choose one

HEARTS OF ROMAINE
PARMESAN, CROUTONS, CAESER DRESSING

SPOT PRAWNS
BUTTERNUT SQUASH CRÊPE, COCONUT-CURRY BROTH

BIG EYE TUNA
CARPACCIO, FINGERLING POTATO CHIPS, KALAMATA OLIVES

SECOND
choose one

JIDORI CHICKEN
MAC N’ CHEESE, BROCCOLI, ONION JUS

TASMANIAN OCEAN TROUT
CAULIFLOWER PURÉE, MUSCAT GRAPE, CAPER RELISH

PRIME BEEF SHORT RIB
YUKON POTATO, GLAZED MIREPOIX, WORCESTERSHIRE


DESSERT
choose one

FUJI APPLE CRISP PARFAIT
CALVADOS SABAYON, GINGER ICE CREAM, APPLE CHIP

ROOT BEER FLOAT
SASSAFRAS ICE CREAM, WARM CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

And finally - Taking it back to the old school with my Team Green Partner MBOC at McCormick & Schmick, Irvine, CA
(sorry, it won't let me share the menu, but I promise MBOC will take pictures to share)