Ever since I have changed my disastereous eating habit I love to prepare fish or a dish with some fish parts in it. Found a real nice John Dory filet which I simply pan fried and de-glazed with some connsome for giving some body. A nice salad with mini tomatoes and onion completed my so what healthy lunch. Wish I could eat like that every day at work…

John Dory, also known as St Pierre, refers to fish of the genus Zeus, especially Zeus faber, of widespread distribution. It is an edible deep-sea fish with a laterally compressed olive-yellow body which has a large dark spot, and long spines on the dorsal fin. The dark spot is used to flash an ‘evil eye’ if danger approaches the John Dory. Its large eyes at the front of the head provide it with bifocal vision and depth perception, which are important for predators. The John dory’s eye spot on the side of its body also confuses prey, which are scooped up in its big mouth.

Various explanations are given of the origin of the name, “John Dory”. It may be an arbitrary or jocular variation of dory (itself from the French dorée, gilded), or perhaps an allusion to John Dory, the hero of an old ballad. Others suggest that “John” derives from the French jaune, yellow. The novel An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne gives another account, which has some popularity but is probably fanciful: “The legendary etymology of this piscatorial designation is Janitore, the “door-keeper,” in allusion to St. Peter, who brought a fish said to be of that species, to our Lord at His command.” (St. Peter is said to be keeper of the gates of Heaven.) A related legend says that the dark spot on the fish’s flank is St. Peter’s thumbprint.

Valentines Day is just around the corner and already roses, red roses are up in price by three times! Hotels and restaurants are fully booked and shops will make their sale the day before the event hits the world! So here in Dubai; wonder if all know what it is all about…

Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in some Asian countries with Singaporeans, Chinese and South Koreans spending the most money on Valentine’s gifts.
In Japan, in 1960, Morinaga, one of the biggest Japanese confectionery companies, originated the present custom that only women give chocolates to men. In particular, office ladies give chocolate to their co-workers. One month later, on March 14, White Day was created by the Japanese National Confectionery Industry Association as a “reply day”, where men are expected to return the favor to those who gave them chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Unlike western countries, gifts such as candies, flowers, or dinner dates are uncommon. Many women feel obliged to give chocolates to all male co-workers, except when the 14th falls on a Sunday, a holiday. This is known as giri-choko (?????), from giri (“obligation”) and choko, (“chocolate”), with unpopular co-workers receiving only “ultra-obligatory” ch?-giri choko cheap chocolate. This contrasts with honmei-choko (?????, Favorite chocolate); chocolate given to a loved one. Friends, especially girls, may exchange chocolate referred to as tomo-choko (????); from tomo meaning “friend”.
In South Korea, women give chocolate to men on February 14, and men give non-chocolate candy to women on March 14 (White Day). On April 14 (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on the 14th of Feb or March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles  and “mourn” their single life. Koreans also celebrate Pepero Day on November 11, when young couples give each other Pepero cookies. The date ’11/11′ is intended to resemble the long shape of the cookie. The 14th of every month marks a love-related day in Korea, although most of them are obscure. From January to December: Candle Day, Valentine’s Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.
In China, the common situation is the man gives chocolate, flowers or both to the woman that he loves. In Chinese, Valentine’s Day is called (simplified Chinese: ???; traditional Chinese: ???; pinyin: qíng rén jié).
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is called “Araw ng mga Puso” or “Hearts Day”. It is usually marked by a steep increase in the prices of flowers.

Knowing that Europe is covered with a blanket of snow it is gratifying to know that Dubai sports beach weather around the year to have fun even when the old world is freezing up! Like on Jumeirah Beach, a get together with a Barbeque, drinks and cigars one can have a blast and eye candy guaranteed!

Party in full swing with an amazing backdrop!