How it all began...

I decided to name my blog- "Tuna Tartare and Avocado" cause nothing makes me happier, except maybe a Harvey's burger with extra pickles (you need to be Canadian to understand).
I've never even been on someone else's blog until today ! My first post is dedicated to my
friend, Geneve Stewart, who has her own awesome blog at www.genevestewart.com
After a 30 minute long distance call from Santa Monica to NY, we decided I too needed a blog.
It has been a long time coming...I take pictures of the food I cook, live for FreshDirect and had a blast with the ladies at Morimoto last night !
Geneve and I met on Bondi Beach in Sydney in the year 2000 while studying abroad. We both happened to have been students at McGill University in Montreal ! When faced with an appetizer choice, I always veer to the tartare.
I made this appetizer a few months back for Naomi and Dave and they were fans or they lied :)
My favorite Food Network chef, Barefoot Contessa, made this and I LOVE IT ! By the way, I have never tasted a bad Barefoot Contessa recipe. Bon Appetit !

Tuna Tartare (serves 6 to 8 people)

3/4 lb very fresh tuna steak (judge by making sure it's bright red and doesn't smell !)
4 tbsp olive oil
gratez zest of a lime
3 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp wasabi powder (I used leftover from my sushi takeout :) )
1 1/2 tsp soya sauce
6 dashes tabasco sauce
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup minced scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
2 tsp minced fresh jalapeno peppers with seeds removed
1 ripe avocado
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Cut the tuna into 1/4 inch pieces and place into a medium bowl. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime zest and juice, wasabi, soy sauce, Tabasco, salt and pepper. Pour over the tuna, add the scallions and jalapeno, and mix well. Cut avocado in 1/4 inch pieces. Carefully mix avocado into tuna mixture. Add toasted sesame seeds (if you want) and season to taste. Let mixture sit in fridge for at least 1 hour for the flavors to blend. The Contessa serves on crackers, I go with Martini glasses !