It was December 2012. The day the Mayan calendar predicted the world would end. So, what better time to throw a party? Four of our closest friends came over, and given this was our last meal, we made all of our favorite things. If the end of the world didn’t kill us, the calories may nearly have. The menu included:

• Cod Brandade a la Bouchon for Tomomi
• Pork Belly for Brian
• A GIANT steak for Dave
• King Crab legs for Alex
• Mac & Cheese for Carmen
• Fire Roasted Artichokes for me

Cod Brandade

Rib Eye Roast Steak

King Crab Legs

How to be Neighborly: Indulge together.

The boys brought their favorite beers, the ladies brought their favorite wine. I’ve never indulged so much in my entire life. It was gluttonous. If the world would have ended, I would have died happy, but I’m so glad it didn’t… now I can still enjoy my perfect artichokes.

My Perfect Artichokes

Remove Choke & Brush with Oil

Grill

Artichokes

• 2 Artichokes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• ¼ tsp salt

Steam artichokes on the stovetop for 40 minutes. In a mortar & pestle, crush garlic clove and salt in olive oil to flavor the oil. The garlic should form a light paste. Remove artichokes from steamer, and cut in half. Scoop out the choke (hairy center) with a teaspoon (grapefruit spoon works best), careful to leave the heart and tender leaves intact. Brush entire artichoke with garlic olive oil, grill on a hot grill until charred. Serve with Best Foods mayonnaise (no other will do), unless you are Alex in which case you will have melted garlic butter or garlic oil. Heavenly!