I decided to spend my Saturday evening at home tonight, so I made a simple and tasty dinner for my girlfriend and myself to enjoy on a chilly, and cozy night, and enjoyed it with a few glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Feel free to try it because it's really easy (serves 4):

• 4 to 8 tomatoes (or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
• 4 to 8 servings of fresh goat cheese
• 2 table spoons of olive oil
• cracked pepper (garnish)
• parsley (garnish)
  
• 2 to 4 cloves of garlic (or as much as you like)
  
• salt (to taste)
  
• black pepper (to taste)
  

Cut the tomatoes in large chunks, and put them in an oven safe cook pot. Drizzle the olive oil on top, add the salt, pepper, and garlic, mix it all up (adjust seasoning to taste) and put the tomatoes in the oven at 375 degrees for about 30 to 35 minutes.

Cook the pasta in salty water 10 minutes before the tomatoes are ready (you are free to use which ever pasta you prefer such as penne, linguine, bow ties etc).

When the pasta is ready, drain it and put it back in a moist cooking pan (a bit of butter can be used here) and pour the roasted tomatoes over the pasta with all the juices and gently stir.

Serve in your favorite pasta dish, and garnish with parsley, and cracked pepper, with a side of your favorite garlic bread, and sprinkle some goat cheese on top, and around the plate...and enjoy.

Oh man, it's been 21 days since my last post. My mind has not been into writing mode lately. I have been deep into some personal/secret projets during my off hours, and since I tend to disconnect myself from the world...I sometimes forget I have blog :)

A lot of ideas have been pooring down in my head lately, and I am still trying to figure out a way to actually slow down and process everything. I am working towards actually making something out of all these thoughts, which is what's been keeping me occupied and on the move. 

Anyways, I'm still around! As you can see, I am doing well, and I am healthy. The temperatures in Orlando right now are nearing the mid to high 60s daily with blue and sunny skies, while the evenings are quiet, slightly chilly, and cozy...can't ask for anything better this time of year!

This past Friday, I invited and hosted my good friends Colleen and Brittany, which are also my coworkers, to join my girlfriend and I for a cool and cozy sushi dinner at my place.

Colleen brought a bottle of Chateau Ste Michelle, a 2007 Columbia Valley Riesling, and Brittany got us a delightful Fu-Ki Sake bottle, just perfect for the evening. 

My girlfriend, Anabela, amazed us with a full course sushi meal, and I handled dessert:

Drinks for the night: Watermelon Martinis, Apple Blueberry Martinis, and Apple flavored Sake.

Entree: Miso Soup, followed by a Hiashi crab salad, and Green Mussels.

Sushi Rolls: Naruto Maki, Extreme Roll, Dragon Roll, Volcano Roll, Smoke House Roll, Crunch Crab, Shrimp Tempura, Philadelphia Roll, Dancing Eel Roll, Fantasy Roll, and Bubba Roll. 

Dessert: French Crepes, stuffed with vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, chocolate chips, home made whipped cream, with a drizzle of home made chocolate syrup on top.

First, let me say that when we lived with my parents, my brothers and I were never required to take our shoes off when entering the house.  Had it been enforced, I don't think I would have had any issues with it. The floors throughout the house were being cleaned daily regardless of the situation; so it made no difference in the matter.

About a week ago, I had a discussion with a friend of mine regarding the famous "Shoes-off Please" topic. Based on the research I have done on the subject, as well as my friend's opinion, it is my understanding that this is sensitive subject for a lot of people out there. From what I gathered, many are against removing their shoes when entering someone's home for various reasons.

Personally, I understand why some people maybe against it, but at the same time I was also raised to respect other people's way of life. We are all different in our own little ways, but overall, I think it is OK for one to look beyond personal preferences in order to make the hosts feel at ease about receiving you in their home. Of course, it also depends on the occasion. Events such as black tie or dressed to impress parties are examples of situations where one cannot be expected to remove shoe wear. In situations like these, I think it is up to the homeowner (or tenant) to understand the type of event to host in their private residence.

For me, this has simply become a way of life. What can I say, I like to keep things clean, simple, organized, and of course casual. I believe that my house is a reflection of me, and the way I do things in my daily life. With that in mind, I designed the entertainment area with a warm, trendy and cozy feel to it; and I think it works...without shoes :)