Back in the Kitchen

Yes, it is true, after a short absence, I am back in the kitchen creating a multi-course meal for the first time in weeks. I prepared the following meal as a THANK YOU for all the help Frank has provided during my surgeries and recoveries. 

Amuse-bouche: Tomato Bruschetta (a la Jose Andres)

First Course: Shrimp Ravioli en Brodo with Fried Scallions (an original creation that came out great)

Entree: Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Tarragon Beurre Blanc

Risotto Milanese

Matchstick Zucchini with Garlic and Grape Tomatoes (My new Oxo Mandoline worked great)

Dessert: Lemon Panna Cotta

Wine: St. Supery Dollarhide Sauvignon Blanc

All in all, a nice meal, if I do say so myself.

Cirque du Ole

While having dinner tonight at Casa Tina in Dunedin, I experienced the most unusual entertainment at a restaurant. Three young ladies performed Cirque du Soleil like on a hanging bar, ring and fabric. Very strange indeed.

Casa Tina is a wonderful local Mexican restaurant on the main drag in Dunedin. I had chicken mole, my favorite. The restaurant was packed on this Friday evening, so while we waited on our table we enjoyed an appetizer and a glass of wine at the adjacent Pan y Vino. 

Go for the food, not the entertainment.

That is my story and I am sticking to it.

So Many Stitches

I visited Moffitt South (at Tampa General Hospital) today to have the stitches removed, (a lot of them, there were), and to review the path report with my surgeon. All is good, and the healing continues as expected. I have been released to return to work on Wednesday. I am very happy to have another phase of this process behind me and I am ready to move on to the next phase, whatever that will be... to be determined when I visit my oncologist.

Nap Cat, Lap Cat 

Me, napping in the chair

Cat, napping in my lap

Ah, a scene so serene

The Saga Continues...

Maybe it is more like an epic poem, this tale of surgery and recovery. I continue to improve daily, as expected, but still tire quickly. The stitches will be removed on Monday, and I will be given a "return to work" date at that time. I am very grateful to my friends and family who have helped me through this first week of recovery, especially my dear cousin, Shirley, my good friend Carol Schneider, and of course Frank who has gone above and beyond in his help.

Last night I went out to dinner with Frank and Shirley to the Central Avenue Oyster Bar. While I had a very nice meal of Crab Cakes, I was tired by the time I got home. My return to the downtown restaurant scene will happen, just at a slower pace that I would like.

That is my story and I am sticking to it.

Z Z Z Z

Don't get caught napping; go to the reincarnated/relocated hip Z-Grill. The restaurant moved from its location on Central Avenue (now Zurritos - see earlier post from Novemeber 2008) to the ground floor of the still-under-construction Signature Condominium tower on 2nd Street South. The decor is sleek and contemporary; the menu, while not extensive, has a nice variety to satisfy most diners; and the service was good. (Sidebar: A couple of evenings after we ate at Z Grill,  Frank overheard a couple at Cafe Alma complain about the service while dining at the bar at Z Grill. We will have to make a return visit to re-check, but our server was attentive and pleasant.). I had the Seared and Roasted Duck Breast and Frank had the Chipotle BBQ Pork Tenderloin. Both were nicely prepared and tasty.

Health Update: I meet with my surgeon this afternoon and hope to an update on the results for the surgery. Initial indications are that the surgery was successful. I am happy to be at home again, but I am still very tired. It is interesting that you can go into the hospital feeling fine, but come out feeling like you met a Mac Truck up close and in person.

That is my story and I am sticking to it

Round Two

I am typing on my cell phone from room H244 at Tampa General Hospital, two days after my latest surgery. The neck dissection was successful according to the residents on Dr. Cruse's team. Althought, the left side of my face is partially paralysed leaving me with a half smile and occasional drooling. So uncivilized, but not much that can be done. This situation is expected to improve over time. I expect to be discharged tomorrow, and I am so ready.

I have four lovely flower arrangements that are adding a bright spot to a dull hospital room.

So, enough of this story. Watch for a post on Z Grill once I get settled back in the loft.