No sheep today. Just the usual carp, bass, ducks, seagulls, and tourists. We should be in peak desert flower season now but there are hardly any. 11 months of the year all the plants and bushes look dead but they come to life in the spring to flower. I think the dryness last year got to them all. Even the prickly pear cactus are shriveled up. Last year at this time we had pictures of the entire desert covered with white, yellow, lavender, red, and purple. Maybe next year.
Bibim Kitchen
I am a big fan of bibimbap ever since i tried it in San Francisco at Surisan (along with their Millionaire’s bacon but that is another story). There are a number of quick serve ‘build your own’ bibimbap places around the country now. What caught my eye here is they have the option of putting it in a stone bowl. They heat the bowl up to the temperature of magma and all your items caramelize in the bowl. Never saw rice cake carbonara on a menu before and I would definitely get it again.
Easter Bike Ride
Nice calm morning to bike to lake. Not too hot in the morning yet. Ducks and fish like the attention. Saltine crackers are cheaper, more space effective, and you can fling them farther into the water than popcorn. Desert flowers are not quite yet in bloom – maybe 2%. Last year at this time it was full. Maybe next weekend.
Dam Bistro
The old Evan’s has reopened as the Dam Bistro in town. Remodel looks good. The eggplant caprese salad itself is worth the trip. They use pesto in lieu of basil leaves and use crispy breaded eggplant. Pork Chop with Apples, Sage, Sprouts, on pureed squash was also very good. Not dry at all. Linguini and clams had a good sauce. Give it a try if you are in town.
Sunday Bike Ride
Made it almost down to the dam this morning. Went through the 5 Railroad tunnels. Bikes are not allowed on the final stretch and nobody felt like getting arrested. Lots of sheep out and about today. Not many flowers yet. About 22 miles.
Ramen: Monta Chaya
First time to Monta Chaya. Overall it is solid but not magical. Spicy Tonkostu is pretty standard. Chashu was good but not super tender. Shishito peppers are always good to see on a menu.
Jinya is still the place to beat in town, unfortunately they don’t have shishito peppers. Ramen Kobo is by far the hottest ramen I have ever had in my life. Tajima in San Diego or Danbo in Seattle are probably still at the top of the list. So far.
Thursday Bike Ride
Took the Specialized Turbo Levo out in the desert for a few hours. I saw a tunnel under the highway the other day so I followed the powerlines and found a back way to Gold Strike Canyon. If you ever have 1/2 a day in Vegas, go hike this trail. It has 6 short rope climbs through the boulders. Instead of taking the highway back, I cut over to the Hoover dam (Boulder dam as the locals still call it) and took the historic railroad tunnel trail back. Got to see the lake from a new angle few ever see.
Mint
The Mint Indian Bistro is the best Indian food we have found so far in the area. Last night was the Mango Masala, Chicken Vindaloo, Pagoda, Naan, and Mango Lassi. 5 out of 5 stars as always. The lamb rogan josh, biryani, and korma are also reliably wonderful. Put this place in your restaurant rotation.
ETH
Look at these beauties. BTC rounds are all sold out but found a few Etherium. Big fan of Ag (Silver). Also a big fan of ETH. Hoping ETH2.0 is a success this summer. If not, there is always ADA/Cardano in the wings. Might spin up a Cardano staking server one of these days.
Street Tacos
Street Tacos
Quick and easy dinner
- Grill
- 6 6" Corn Tortillas
- 6 Slice cheese
- 2 Chicken Thighs or Beef
- 1 Razor thin onion
- 1 Pico / Salsa
-
Grill Chicken (or beef)
-
Chop into small pieces
-
Assemble tortilla, cheese, meat, onion
-
Put back on grill for 5 minutes until tortilla is crispy (key step)