an insincere bean.

Yesterday, I drove out to Pasadena to have lunch with Ali. Even...

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:57:05 -0500

Vegetarian Paella

Calamari

Crispy Eggplant

Yesterday, I drove out to Pasadena to have lunch with Ali. Even though the drive is far and a little bit trafficky, it was definitely worth it to sit and have a meal with Ali. :) He took me to Bar Celona in Old Town Pasadena. It was definitely nice to have a pescatarian meal, and I’ll be honest, eating meat isn’t as fun and delightful as I remember it. Anyway, we ordered a Vegetarian Paella, Calamari, and crispy Eggplant. The veggie Paella was great. Full of vegetables and spices, but I would have loved to have that crisp rice on the bottom of the dish. But overall, well done. The Calamari was pretty good, the crispiness was kind of sliding off the the squid, but the ailoli sauce was definitely good. The crispy eggplant made me excited because eggplant is my favorite! I don’t know how many more times I will say that, but I will say it a lot. It was pretty good, very simple, but good balance of crispiness and the soft almost rubbery texture of the eggplant. I think the eggplant could have been cut a little thicker to add more flavor, but it was great.

Overall, great company and good food. I’m glad I am still able to explore the LA area even though it is home.

On Monday night, Kuya Bernard and Marlo took me to dinner in...

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:36:09 -0500

Shrimp and Potatoes

Pork Belly

Cheese Risotto

On Monday night, Kuya Bernard and Marlo took me to dinner in Torrance! I never eat in the South Bay, so I was super excited. We ended up eating at Musha, a Japanese and Italian fusion place. When I first heard it was Japanese and Italian, it really piqued my interest, and I know Marlo is a better foodie than I. She definitely did not let me down. That place was delicious! I’m just sad I didn’t have a better camera to take clearer pictures of the food. But, I promise you, if you’re in the South Bay this would be at the top of my list of places to go (other recommendations include: El Pollo Inka).

Because I’m still a little sickly, we ordered a soup with Manila Clams, which definitely hit the spot for me because I wanted a soup with a very thin and flavorful broth. The next dish that came out was a shrimp and crispy potato dish. It was full of garlic and butter — two of my favorite ingredients! I liked the potatoes more than I liked the shrimp, and it didn’t come out with so much shrimp. Maybe I’ve just lost a taste for shrimp, but it was cold on the dish, and I think that turned me off a little. The next dish — the pork belly — was OFF THE HOOK. That pork was so tender and juicy. And the broth/sauce they had with it added so much flavor. But what definitely brought together the dish was the spicy mustard. It was the first time I had something like wasabi on something that wasn’t sushi. But with every bite, it definitely added a strong spicy kick to it. Finally, we had a cheese risotto that was served in that HUUUGE cheese! It was so creamy and rich, and delicious! I’m sad it was served last because I was full, but I could still appreciate it.

If you’re ever in the South Bay, and are craving Japanese/Italian, or a nice date ambiance, please consider Musha!

Commence LA eats!

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:13:30 -0500

On Monday, I had lunch and dessert with Arshad. He took me to Sushi Central which hosted a chef featured on food network. I also knew I was in LA, when we ran into Craig Robinson from The Office. Apparently he is a regular at the restaurant. Anyway! Arshad and I ordered Spicy Salmon, Yellow Tail w/ Scallops, Eel and Avocado, and Soft Shell Crab Roll. See Below.

I did not like the place so much because the rice was too sticky/mushy, which made it difficult for me to savor and appreciate the fish. I just had to keep chewing beyond the rice to be able to barely taste the sushi. The best roll of the bunch was the soft shell crab though because it provided a little crunch.

Afterward, we went to Yogurtland, hands down my FAVORITE yogurt place because of price and being able to put as much yogurt and toppings as I can finish. I always get pistachio yogurt, with some sort of Vanilla, and this time for toppings I chose: sliced almonds (which I always get), mangoes, cookiedough, mochi, and mangoes.

Although I didn’t enjoy Sushi Central, it was quite entertaining to see the guy from The Office and the main Sushi Chef interact with each other, and I’m so happy that I was able to visit Yogurtland. I am definitely looking forward to more eats! Bring it LA!

Last Saturday, we had a Christmas family gathering hosted by the...

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:51:36 -0500

Brielle

Aiden

Landon

Hope

Gifts from Sr. Elfster

Last Saturday, we had a Christmas family gathering hosted by the Ines household. We had a Secret Santa of sorts amongst cousins and aunts and uncles which was exciting (and cheap!). Marlo put together an Elfster.com exchange, where the website picks names for us, and we can put post wishlists and things we don’t want for our Secret Santa to see. It worked out perfectly for me because I asked for bananagrams and The White Tiger which is exactly what I received from my Secret Santa! :) It didn’t work out so well for Kuya Bernard because he hadn’t updated his wishlist from like 3 years ago, and got gifts he needed for architecture school. Oh well.

Anyway, the highlight of the PAARTAY were the nieces and nephews. Christmas is SO SO different with little kids around. It is so much about them and making sure they are enjoying their time together.

In the picture, Brielle (1.5 years old) has swollen eyes because apparently she has a hardcore peanut allergy! That stinks! I can’t imagine being allergic to food.

Aiden (2.5 years old) is probably the most entertaining/energetic of the bunch and he is so so adorable! He talks so much and just loooves to run around and play. For example, he got into a wrestling match with one of my parent’s dogs!

Landon (2 years old), is sporting that pimp pink shirt. Quiet, but you can win over his love by feeding him. What more can you ask for.

Hope (8 months), is the youngest and bright eyed of the bunch. She’s still a baby, which for me, isn’t as fun as a toddler or talking age - 10years old. But she’s cute.

Its definitely a different sort of holiday spirit with young young kids. I can’t wait to see them grow up and celebrate more Christmas holidays and I’m kind of excited to see how reflective it is of how my cousins and I grew up. In the future, I hope we can provide them with more happy and supportive holiday memories.

Old School Sunday (circa 1985): My brothers and I at my...

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:52:00 -0500

Old School Sunday (circa 1985): My brothers and I at my grandparents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary in the Philippines. Dang. We’re cute.

Christmas in New York Because I’m spending Christmas in...

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:07:00 -0500

S(t)ocking!

Happy Holidays!

Turon

Christmas in New York

Because I’m spending Christmas in LA, Simon and I “celebrated” Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Since we’re both kind of low on the funds, Simon and I decided to individually find 5 recipes and then share them during our celebration. Simon found five recipes for dips — like garlic paste, baba ganoush, chutneys. I LOOVED IT! I looove dips and snacky things :) He knows me so well. I found recipes I wanted to cook and eat, which was kind of selfish, but I’m sure will be delicious.

I also put together a Christmas “stocking” for Simon as a little surprise. I couldn’t find a stocking (they were all sold out or ugly at my local stores), so I bought socks instead and stuffed them with a few little things.

That night we cooked french fries (per my request), and since we were deep frying things and we had some bananas, I decided to make turon. Nothing too exciting, but very homely which definitely brought about a sense of Christmas. I can definitely say my first Christmas in New York was fun and filled with love.

Hello to everyone on land! :) This is a picture of me on the...

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:18:00 -0500

Hello to everyone on land! :) This is a picture of me on the plane from NY to LA! I’m so excited that I’m not wearing, and will not have to wear thermals for 2 weeks!

I was also super excited that Virgin started selling Banh Mi on their flights, so I ordered one only to find out that they didn’t have any on this flight! Instead I am eating the gross wrap you see me observing above. oh well.

4 more hours until LA!

Weekly Date: Williamsburg & Union Square Edition This week,...

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:11:00 -0500

Oasis Falafel Plate

Falafel CloseUp

Max Brenner Choco-Pops

Weekly Date: Williamsburg & Union Square Edition

This week, for our Sunday date, Simon and I traveled to Williamsburg (think: Silverlake of the east). I can definitely see why its called a hipster town. Lots of vintage stores, small boutiques, and quaint eateries. We walked up and down Bedford street to find a shoe store so Simon could buy (rain) boots, but we only found one store, and there was nothing too exciting there. After our walk, we went to eat at Oasis (the real reason why we were in Williamsburg).

I’ve eaten their falafel sandwich before which I LOOVED, but I’m more a falafel plate girl, so I ordered a falafel plate ($6.00), and Simon ordered a falafel sandwich ($3.00!!!). Sadly, my plate did not come with rice, so I had to order rice on the side. Oh well. The plate came with everything else though: pickled cabbage, pickled onions, pickles, salad, and baba ganoush. Yuuuum!! This is by far my favorite falafel - just look at that perfect falafel consistency: soft on the inside which made for smooth and easy cutability, with a crisp layer on the outside. That rice on the side though, I don’t know how I feel about that. Simon says that, so far Oasis has the best falafel sandwiches and 53rd&6th has the best falafel plates. We have about two more places to check out, before we make any final decisions, but these places definitely set the bar high.

On our way home, we stopped by Union Square, to check out boots at DSW and Filene’s Basement. No luck there. There was a Christmas street fair in the square, so Simon and I checked out all the booths before heading over to Max Brenner for some hot chocolate drinks. Simon ordered a Toffee Hot Chocolate (hot chocolate w/ caramel toffee), and I ordered a Choco-pops (hot chocolate with dark chocolate crunchy wafer balls). The toffee hot chocolate was pretty good, but by the time we got to the bottom, it was SUPER SWEET because we didn’t stir in the toffee :/ I really liked my Choco-pops drink mainly because of the wafer balls. It was nice to be able to chew something. [shrug].

It was really rainy and dark by the time Simon and I got out on our date. It was a little tiring, but dates are always so fun. I’m glad we took the time to get out of the apartment even if the weather sucked.

Simon and I finally had the opportunity to visit the famous...

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:10:00 -0500

Simon and I finally had the opportunity to visit the famous halal cart on 53rd & 6th. We’re very rarely out in that hood, but we went to go visit the Rockefeller Christmas tree and shop a little bit on 5th ave. ANYWAY, now I know what all the rave is about.

For $6.00 they give you hella food.
That food is hella good.

—

Unlike most places, they didn’t drown their falafel in white sauce, which shows me that they don’t need the dressing to balance the dryness of the falafel. The falafel was really good, and could definitely stand on its own. AND their spicy sauce was actually SPICY, and not acidic/vinegary as other carts. Their rice was soft and well spiced. That cart definitely lived up to they hype — too bad its far though. But next time I’m around that hood, I’m definitely going to holler at that cart.

Yesterday, Simon and I had dinner with a couple of his friends...

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:38:00 -0500

Chana Chaat

Mango Lassi

Baigan Bartha

Rava Masala with Chili, Gunpowder

Yesterday, Simon and I had dinner with a couple of his friends to celebrate the end of two days of testing. Simon was craving dosas so we ended up at Tiffin Wallah which was tasty. For appetizers, we ordered Chana Chaat (chilled chickpeas in a sweet, spicy tamarind, cilantro, yogurt sauce), something different from my usual order of pakoras. It was new and pretty good, but I think I’m biased because I really like yogurt. For my entree, I ordered eggplant! yuuuuum! I love eggplant — my only semi-complaint was that there were peas in it! I’m not a fan of peas and will avoid them if possible. Simon ordered the Rava Masala w/ Chili and Gunpowder (rava dosa with masala, hot green & gunpowder chilies), which was full of flavor. I like how the “gunpowder” spice was visible and not cooked into the dosa or masala. It just added an extra umph to the dish. I knew this place was going to be legit after I tasted that Mango Lassi. Not too thick and good balance of the mango and yogurt — in other words, it didn’t taste like a mango shake. I usually judge places by their Mango Lassi; other people have a red velvet standard, I have my mango lassi measuring stick.

I would really like to go back to this place. I liked the overall ambiance of the restaurant, the waiters were nice, the decor was pretty, the music was a little odd (disney&Celine), but overall just a good vibe. Good vibe+good food always gets my vote.

You Are Old of the Day: Allie Garcia interviews a classroom of...

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:09:00 -0500

You Are Old of the Day: Allie Garcia interviews a classroom of kids born in the year 2000. Topics of discussion include Britney Spears, dial-up, and 9/11.

Money: “Napster? A place that you can nap?”

via The Daily What.

Damn I’m old.

This is why I'm fat - Cookie Edition.

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:50:18 -0500

I baked 3 dozen cookies on Friday. The first batch I thought was too soft, but it wasn’t - I’m just impatient. They turned out pretty good. For the second dozen, I over compensated and the cookies came out too hard. And the last set of cookies, turned out OK, the in between texture of dozen 1 and 2, but leaning more towards #2. Anyways, Today is Tuesday and tell me why there’s only 6 cookies left! [sigh] I have no self-control/discipline.

Example 1:

and Example 2:

C is for cookie, and Cookie is for me. Om nom noms. :)

Nothing can make me tear up faster than watching people have fun...

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:59:00 -0500

Nothing can make me tear up faster than watching people have fun dancing. I still remember shedding a tear watching this video. I love that all these folks look like they are enjoying themselves, and it’s for a good cause.

I’ve been really craving onion rings and guacamole...

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:20:00 -0500

Guacamole

Sauces and Dips

Onion Rings and CreamCheese Wontons

I’ve been really craving onion rings and guacamole (separately), and so last night was my night to settle my palette of fried foods and avocado. I wanted to make my own onion rings, but Simon said it would take too much work, so I ordered onion rings and cream cheese wontons from a local Chinese restaurant. (Yes, Chinese restaurants in NY serve onion rings). I just want to get this out of the way — those cream cheese wontons were GROSS. First of all, I was just expecting the cheese, but what I was thinking? It definitely came with imitation crab. In theory this doesn’t bother me, but Simon took the first bite, and noticed the crab and gave me the rest of his wonton to finish. Then I took a bite, and seriously — the crab flavor overpowered the cheese, and that flavor was not so great. We didn’t eat anymore wontons the rest of the night.

As for the guacamole, it turned out pretty legit. Nothing too exciting about it, except that its guacamole, and buying it at a restaurant costs like $6.00 for chips and guac. What is that about NY? Our guac includes: red onion, tomato, cayenne, cumin, lime, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro. Anyway, it was nice to have and now I want more. I can never say no to guacamole. Good chip and dip night overall. I love snacky dinners.

Yesterday, Matt and Ming were in town, and we enjoyed a cold...

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:08:00 -0500

Fried Rice

Ramen

Ramen

Cook and his Broth

Yesterday, Matt and Ming were in town, and we enjoyed a cold fall day in the city. We went to a jewelry store in K-Town, and then traveled to the upper east side for a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Afterwards, we went to Naruto Ramen and I was so excited, because ramen sounded PERFECT for a cold weather day.

I ordered a $12.00 combo of soy-sauced based Ramen, and Pork Fried Rice. That pork fried rice was off the hook. It had the taste of a traditional, homecooked meal. Perfect sticky rice texture that was highlighted by the deep flavor of the other ingredients. I don’t know what they did to it, but I could eat that stuff all day everyday. The ramen was also delicious and it definitely hit the spot in keeping my tummy warm and my tastebuds happy.

I may be biased because the winter cold set that place up to be nothing but filling for my expectations, but I got lucky because it definitely delivered. It was so good, I would definitely go there any other time of the year.

Tonight I tried to make vegetable lumpia (lumpiang gulay) for...

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:14:06 -0500

Tonight I tried to make vegetable lumpia (lumpiang gulay) for dinner. They actually turned out better than I expected, except I put too much carrot. At least now I know. Also, they are pretty hard to fry, but not really, its just waaaay more oily than I thought. For this cooking endeavor I give myself an A-/B+ (I’m a high grader). Hopefully I do better next time!

Happy 3 year Anniversary Celebration: Gift Edition For our...

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:21:00 -0500

Rock of Ages Ticket and Playbill

Rock of Ages Stage

Book: 3

Happy 3 year Anniversary Celebration: Gift Edition

For our anniversary, Simon surprised me and took me out to my first show on Broadway! We watched Rock of Ages which has to be one of the more fun and funny, engaging musicals I’ve seen. The narrator of the show was entertaining, the music was familiar, and the story line, which is set in LA in the 80s, was interesting — typical rock&roll love story, good guy falls in love with small town girl who sleeps with a rockstar — but I think what caught my attention was the story on economic redevelopment of sunset strip in the 80s. The American Idols were really good in it; it kind of made me wish I knew who they were. Oh well. Overall, a great first Broadway experience :)

For my gift to Simon, I made him a book. Inside, there was a timeline with our pictures, and other things like 3 things I like about Simon, 3 things I’ve learned from him, 3 quotes from All About Love by bell hooks, etc. etc. you get the idea. He seemed to really appreciate the book so that makes me happy.

For the last two anniversaries, Simon and I were located in different states so this was the first anniversary that Simon and I celebrated together in the same place. It was really nice to be able to do that and enjoy each others company in celebrating our first date. 3 years. Go figure. Cheers to more Years!

Happy 3 Year Anniversary Celebration: Food Edition For our three...

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:03:00 -0500

10 pcs of Sashimi

18 pcs of Sushi

Chocolate Blackout Cake

Mochaccino

Ice Cream Sundae w/ Maple Walnut

Happy 3 Year Anniversary Celebration: Food Edition

For our three year anniversary, Simon gave up being vegetarian for a night, and ate some sushi with me. (He’s so good to me). We went to Sushi Ichimasa in the Theater District, a small semi-mom&pop sushi restaurant. We ordered a sashimi platter (don’t ask me which fish is which, because I’ll be honest, I really don’t know), and a sushi combo plate with spicy tuna rolls, salmon and avocado, and eel and cucumber — my favorite three basic sushi rolls. Wasn’t too crazy about the spicy tuna rolls (they weren’t bad though), but the salmon and the eel stole the show as far as the sushi goes. Good fish:rice ratio for both rolls, and I just want to mention that the cucumbers were quite fresh so they added a great crunch to the eel roll. As for the sashimi, it was sort of hit or miss — some were too fishy, one was quite delicious, and the others were as expected. I’ve never really had that much sashimi in one sitting, so that was a first for me, so hopefully, w/ more sushi outtings I can figure out which sashimi I like and why.

For dessert, Simon and I went to Serendipity3. I’ve been really excited to go to Serendipity since moving to NY, because I’m really a tourist on the inside. Simon ordered a chocolate blackout cake and mochaccino (Serendipity’s own brew of rich chocolate, and aromatic espresso, with a topsy turvey whipped cream pear), and I ordered an Ice cream Sundae with a maple walnut topping on a 30something degree night. Everything was SO RICH, DECADENT, and DELICIOUS as it should be. Not that — this is so decadent, its gross — but OMG-THIS-IS-SO-GOOD-I-WANT-TO-EAT-MORE-BUT-ITS-SO RICH-I-DON’T- KNOW-IF-MY-STOMACH-CAN-HANDLE-IT delicious. My tongue is tingling just thinking about it. The ice cream, which had a soft creamy texture, went PERFECT with Simon’s soft chocolate cake and I thought the mochaccino had a good balance of bitter and sweet in one gulp.

What a great food night in the city! and I am so grateful that Simon shared the experience with me. I hope we have many more food adventures together :)

Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out by Mayer Hawthorne. Simon...

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:41:11 -0500

Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out by Mayer Hawthorne.

Simon received his order of the Mayer Hawthorne CD A Strange Arrangement last night. It took me a while to figure out whether I like Mayer Hawthorne, but more and more I really enjoy his music — its pretty playful (for breakup music), and different from my usual R&B listenings. I love the use of instruments and the old school feel to it. I hope you enjoy!

Weekly Date: Vietnamese Food in Chinatown Edition. For our...

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:24:13 -0500

Veggie Spring Rolls

Pho

Me w/ a crazy face eating pho

Simon eating vermicelli spaghetti

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Real Dessert Snack

Weekly Date: Vietnamese Food in Chinatown Edition.

For our weekly date, Simon and I made our way to Chinatown for some Vietnamese food. I’ve been craving pho since I’ve been sick, so I asked a couple folks where their favorite pho places were. We chose Eveleen’s recommendation, Thai Son, because it was the cheapest.

I definitely got my pho craving fixed. The place was pretty legit; at least my pho, the eggrolls, and the Vietnamese Coffee were good. Simon ordered a vegetarian vermicelli dish, and it was not what he expected. First of all, we were expecting vermicelli noodles, but instead these noodles had more of a spaghetti shape and texture, and Simon said all the vegetables were overcooked. That sucked. :/ I thought everything else was legit though. I’ve also never seen Vietnamese Iced Coffee served with the coffee drip, but Simon said that was pretty traditional. We drank it after we had our meal, and it was probably the first time I ever appreciated having coffee after a meal. Now I know.

Afterwards, we went to a grocery store in Chinatown to pick up a few things like a 25 lb bag of rice, and…… DRIED MANGOES! My real dessert — a great taste of home before I actually fly back to to LA.

I don’t know what the highlight of my day was — the dried mangoes or the pho. Each equally fulfilled an empty void in my belly, so I guess I will just be happy that I had both.