Did you see me?! Did you see me?!
Well at least they didn't cut me out completely after what I did (wish i could talk about it)
Still don't know what Jen liked about my sweater though...
Monday, July 23, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Maybe in L.A : No Prices, No Menu's...What Would You Do? (One World Cafe; S.L.C)
No menu's, No price's, All seasonable organic specials...Are You Going To produce good karma (Pay what your meal was actually worth?) or bad karma(...cheapskate)? If you really can't afford it, they have daily complimentary Brown Rice and Daal so there's no excuse either.
That seems to be the concept at One World Cafe in Salt Lake City, Utah. And since people are still honest to themselves over here, they have actually done pretty good since their birth in 2003.
And the Food? Well, something like what your vegan or vegetarian friend would make if they invited you over. On the day that I happened to be there: this chilled Herbed Apricot Soup, a Vegetable Tilapia Soup, this vegan Spicy Barbecue Pasta Salad, this Raw Broccoli and Coconut Coriander Slaw, Chilled Balsamic Herbed Brown Rice, Vegetables Stir-Fryed with Coconut, Cheddar Mashed New Potatos and 2 types of wraps; vegan Pesto Vegetable and a Mango Tilapia.
And Dessert? A chewy Everything Cookie studded with seeds, nuts, dried fruit, homemade bread pudding and a this moist vegan cake with an Apricot Glaze.
And I ate everything so...
With this new consciousness that people have been realizing lately in L.A... A place like this might actually make it there too.(Hint, Hint)
One World Everybody Eats
41 South 300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
That seems to be the concept at One World Cafe in Salt Lake City, Utah. And since people are still honest to themselves over here, they have actually done pretty good since their birth in 2003.
And the Food? Well, something like what your vegan or vegetarian friend would make if they invited you over. On the day that I happened to be there: this chilled Herbed Apricot Soup, a Vegetable Tilapia Soup, this vegan Spicy Barbecue Pasta Salad, this Raw Broccoli and Coconut Coriander Slaw, Chilled Balsamic Herbed Brown Rice, Vegetables Stir-Fryed with Coconut, Cheddar Mashed New Potatos and 2 types of wraps; vegan Pesto Vegetable and a Mango Tilapia.
And Dessert? A chewy Everything Cookie studded with seeds, nuts, dried fruit, homemade bread pudding and a this moist vegan cake with an Apricot Glaze.
And I ate everything so...
With this new consciousness that people have been realizing lately in L.A... A place like this might actually make it there too.(Hint, Hint)
One World Everybody Eats
41 South 300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Friday, July 20, 2007
Never in L.A: “Pie On the House” at Idaho Joe’s
How often do you hear that anywhere in L.A? Did I add for the whole table?
I somehow find myself in spud country, Burley to be exact, and somewhere along the ever-growing chain of chains from L.A to almost anywhere now (Arby’s, T.G.I.Friday’s, Applebee’s, repeat) I finally decide on one of the few surviving local family owned places and decide to risk it, to try to have one of those food network-like magnificent meals that can only be found in those places, you know…the one’s that make you ask yourself: “they get paid for doing that”? Or at least for my food writing sake.
Disappointingly, the baked potatoes aren’t any different from the Dry Russet’s we have back in L.A. So today, I wanted to try something else, and what else than a good ‘ol American Pie right? For some reason, every time I find myself hankering for the creamy comfort that only a Chicken Pot Pie can offer…they always run out. Be it Nichol’s in Marina Del Rey or Marie Callendar’s (hey, it was a long time ago!) The last steaming pie had just been carried right next to me to some other diner that had just ordered it. And today….was no exception.
But I guess the waitress saw my buttery, flaky derived depression and actually offered us complimentary pie for the 4 of as a condolence. And when the bill came, there was no charge for my opted overcooked typical diner Salmon entrée either. That was a first.
I didn’t let that cloud my judgment though. Yeah, the Salmon was dryer than all the desert's we had passed but the fresh-cut fries were the best I’ve had anywhere. Every single one-crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside-staying like that, even when they were cold, and they were steak fries, The Indian Fry Bread also referred to as a Navajo Taco when served with chili and the like was another local specialty. A scone like pastry, which I think was flash fried, then baked for quite some time. It had that donut-like consistency but a llittle flakier, without any of that excess greasyness.
Oh…and they were out of my Boysenberry Pie that I had my heart set on for dessert, either, only had some other version. But even to that, the waitress got a piece of the one that was on display and gave it to me, along with that other one! I'm telling you...
I’m still lamenting over that chicken pot pie though…oh well, one day.
Idaho Joe's
598 Blue Lakes Blvd
Twin Falls, ID
Tel: (208) 734-9403
(you never know)
I somehow find myself in spud country, Burley to be exact, and somewhere along the ever-growing chain of chains from L.A to almost anywhere now (Arby’s, T.G.I.Friday’s, Applebee’s, repeat) I finally decide on one of the few surviving local family owned places and decide to risk it, to try to have one of those food network-like magnificent meals that can only be found in those places, you know…the one’s that make you ask yourself: “they get paid for doing that”? Or at least for my food writing sake.
Disappointingly, the baked potatoes aren’t any different from the Dry Russet’s we have back in L.A. So today, I wanted to try something else, and what else than a good ‘ol American Pie right? For some reason, every time I find myself hankering for the creamy comfort that only a Chicken Pot Pie can offer…they always run out. Be it Nichol’s in Marina Del Rey or Marie Callendar’s (hey, it was a long time ago!) The last steaming pie had just been carried right next to me to some other diner that had just ordered it. And today….was no exception.
But I guess the waitress saw my buttery, flaky derived depression and actually offered us complimentary pie for the 4 of as a condolence. And when the bill came, there was no charge for my opted overcooked typical diner Salmon entrée either. That was a first.
I didn’t let that cloud my judgment though. Yeah, the Salmon was dryer than all the desert's we had passed but the fresh-cut fries were the best I’ve had anywhere. Every single one-crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside-staying like that, even when they were cold, and they were steak fries, The Indian Fry Bread also referred to as a Navajo Taco when served with chili and the like was another local specialty. A scone like pastry, which I think was flash fried, then baked for quite some time. It had that donut-like consistency but a llittle flakier, without any of that excess greasyness.
Oh…and they were out of my Boysenberry Pie that I had my heart set on for dessert, either, only had some other version. But even to that, the waitress got a piece of the one that was on display and gave it to me, along with that other one! I'm telling you...
I’m still lamenting over that chicken pot pie though…oh well, one day.
Idaho Joe's
598 Blue Lakes Blvd
Twin Falls, ID
Tel: (208) 734-9403
(you never know)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Mr. Gold Gets Grilled...
and extremely well done might I add.
As ardous as "What song would you describe Black Goat Stewas?" or as doltishly cliched as the "Where can you get a really good steak in L.A at?" Our hometown hero answered all. (Oh, and Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jar I think were his answers)
I was one of the early few who managed to actually get into "An Evening with Jonathan Gold" held by Zocalo at the Central Library last night. And lucky I truly was since from what I heard about half the people that had reservations didn't get in.
I wonder why the majority of the crowd were old ladies though.
Is this really the L.A foodie scene?
As ardous as "What song would you describe Black Goat Stewas?" or as doltishly cliched as the "Where can you get a really good steak in L.A at?" Our hometown hero answered all. (Oh, and Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jar I think were his answers)
I was one of the early few who managed to actually get into "An Evening with Jonathan Gold" held by Zocalo at the Central Library last night. And lucky I truly was since from what I heard about half the people that had reservations didn't get in.
I wonder why the majority of the crowd were old ladies though.
Is this really the L.A foodie scene?
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Surviving in the Inland Wastelands of San Berdü (San Bernardino) [Updated: Best Sushi of my Life]
"Bring my own lunch?"... "usually just eat at Juan Pollo?"
These were only some of the dissapointing suggestions found from the Elite known as "Chowhounders". I knew the Inland Empire wasn't great gastronomically but to rather pack a tepid, soggy sandwich rather than exploring new virgin land for a new place? I knew there had to be something out in this blistering, unsullied territory, there just had to.
And after a couple of hours of driving around, me and my dad finally found it, along with another little interesting establishment.
Miyagi Sushi...I'll admit I was kind of skeptical if not terrified at first, Sushi? Out Here? Titled after one of the most stereotypical asian names thanks to the infamous Karate Kid Series? But to my relief, it was indeed fresh and not excessively fishy at all. They do a $17 dollar all you can eat special running all day with "NO BREAKS" meaning those annoying in-between lunch and dinner hours that most restaurants close at.
All I have to say is Damn...this is probably the best sushi experience I've ever had, one of those rare "oh my god" moments. Providentially enough, the artist that happened to be serving us was the head chef. And I guess after denying some sort of "cRazY" unauthentic rolls he offered to try to fill us up with, he noticed my awarenes. My first "omasakase"?...not quite but it was something special. I ordered some traditional sushi beforehand until he finally decided to take control though.
(DAMNIT! Blogger deleted the rest of this post!, urgh!...and it was one of those pieces...you know...the brilliant ones that you can't believe you composed after you look at them? [Don't know if you you guy's read my first edition] Well...I guess i'll just wait until my next time on this place...I really need to get my own site.
Miyagi Sushi
228 E Base Line St
San Bernardino, CA
92410
Phone: (909) 889-3929
These were only some of the dissapointing suggestions found from the Elite known as "Chowhounders". I knew the Inland Empire wasn't great gastronomically but to rather pack a tepid, soggy sandwich rather than exploring new virgin land for a new place? I knew there had to be something out in this blistering, unsullied territory, there just had to.
And after a couple of hours of driving around, me and my dad finally found it, along with another little interesting establishment.
Miyagi Sushi...I'll admit I was kind of skeptical if not terrified at first, Sushi? Out Here? Titled after one of the most stereotypical asian names thanks to the infamous Karate Kid Series? But to my relief, it was indeed fresh and not excessively fishy at all. They do a $17 dollar all you can eat special running all day with "NO BREAKS" meaning those annoying in-between lunch and dinner hours that most restaurants close at.
All I have to say is Damn...this is probably the best sushi experience I've ever had, one of those rare "oh my god" moments. Providentially enough, the artist that happened to be serving us was the head chef. And I guess after denying some sort of "cRazY" unauthentic rolls he offered to try to fill us up with, he noticed my awarenes. My first "omasakase"?...not quite but it was something special. I ordered some traditional sushi beforehand until he finally decided to take control though.
(DAMNIT! Blogger deleted the rest of this post!, urgh!...and it was one of those pieces...you know...the brilliant ones that you can't believe you composed after you look at them? [Don't know if you you guy's read my first edition] Well...I guess i'll just wait until my next time on this place...I really need to get my own site.
Miyagi Sushi
228 E Base Line St
San Bernardino, CA
92410
Phone: (909) 889-3929
Friday, July 06, 2007
Tiarra Cafe...I guess.
I don't know if it was the uber-long anticipation (been wanting to go since they opened up) or me, since...well let's just say I'm going through this excruciatingly cynic point in my life right now. I mean, it was good but...I don't know, I just don't feel that exciting feeling about food as much anymore. Don't get me wrong, food still is the only thing that keeps me going in life but...I don't know.
ANYWAYS, back to the actual food. They offer a more healthier menu than your usual mediocre Mexican and Middle Eastern Food in that part of town with their motto being "eat more healthy and diet less" directly quoted from Fred Eric: the brains behind Tiarra.
Offering traditional lunch-ish fare such as sandwiches, pizza's and basic entrees but wih not-so-traditional constituents . They still have pressed sandwiches and what not but with the addition of their signature "freshwiches" which are basically just souped up vietnamese spring rolls with fillings that can range from seared Ahi Tuna to Grilled Seitan. And their pizza's aren't just pizza's but "Pizzetes" with the usual unique gourmet toppings.
Usually, I would of been smitten for those "freshwiches", especially the one the one with that smoked duck!. But since I'm trying to gain weight, I got a normal carb-ridden, deliciously crispy greased pressed version of it (Media Noche Press'wich in Tiarra terms). The overall sandwich was decent, but I just could'nt taste the smokiness of that rich duck though, which was the actual reason I came here in the first place. Oh well right? At least I still had those strawberries to be dipped in their chocolate fountain that they have in the market section next door? Nope! of course...it was put away just when I finished!
But that's life-as i've been painfully learning.
So I don't know...I'm still going to come back to try out some of their other stuff though.
ANYWAYS, back to the actual food. They offer a more healthier menu than your usual mediocre Mexican and Middle Eastern Food in that part of town with their motto being "eat more healthy and diet less" directly quoted from Fred Eric: the brains behind Tiarra.
Offering traditional lunch-ish fare such as sandwiches, pizza's and basic entrees but wih not-so-traditional constituents . They still have pressed sandwiches and what not but with the addition of their signature "freshwiches" which are basically just souped up vietnamese spring rolls with fillings that can range from seared Ahi Tuna to Grilled Seitan. And their pizza's aren't just pizza's but "Pizzetes" with the usual unique gourmet toppings.
Usually, I would of been smitten for those "freshwiches", especially the one the one with that smoked duck!. But since I'm trying to gain weight, I got a normal carb-ridden, deliciously crispy greased pressed version of it (Media Noche Press'wich in Tiarra terms). The overall sandwich was decent, but I just could'nt taste the smokiness of that rich duck though, which was the actual reason I came here in the first place. Oh well right? At least I still had those strawberries to be dipped in their chocolate fountain that they have in the market section next door? Nope! of course...it was put away just when I finished!
But that's life-as i've been painfully learning.
So I don't know...I'm still going to come back to try out some of their other stuff though.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Staying Cool in S.G.V: Banh Cuan Tay Ho
Now do we regret driving our 8-cylindered S.U.V's to the market just two blocks away?
It is hot, in fact, if you were a RAW food-ist...you probably wouldn't be able to leave your food outside (can't eat anything heated beyond 118°F). And what do I crave right now? Fresh, Crisp Lettuces speckled with water, coool satisfying herbs, cold food I guess. And since i'm in East L.A, there 'aint no Tendergreens or any cold, raw food places in sight. But I do have the coool Herbs and Lettuces of Vietnamese, Northern Vietnamese food too be exact. Huge plates, layered with watery Red Leaf Lettuces, gelid Basil, the ever-cool slices of Cucumber, Mint, Cilantro and my favorite; fresh Peppermint, green on the front side of the leaf and maroon on back, with a spicy yet soothing bite that's utterly amazing when combined with all those preceding ingredients and a little Nuoc Cham (fish sauce) fitted to your liking.
You can't beat this, ESPECIALLY right now. Whether used to wrap around "Asian Soft Taco's (actuallly labeled that in the menu, more like a vietnamese omelet though), rolled up around some of the flesh-like Bahn Cuon. Simply labeled in the menu as "Flour Sheet Rolls with stuffings of shredded pork or shrimp-kind of like a wet spring roll. Or cut up into pieces and topped with "Tempura", which weirdly, are damn good sweet potato fries (out of all things). If that's not enough, it's still circled with slices of Pink Pork Meat Loaf, Fried Tofu, Par-Boiled Bean Sprouts, Julienned Squash and marinated Carrots and did I mention some Crushed Peanuts already? Doused down with some of their sticky sweet house made fish sauce mixture that stands in every corner like 40oz bottles just waiting to get chugged, this place really knows how to eat.
Oh yeah, and they also have that same plate but "vegetarian", a molasses-like fish sauce and everything.
It does a pretty good job recreating it's once-active counterparts. Enough so that...I prefer it over traditional one, sans the fake fish sauce though...
Summer's barely begun, but I think I'll manage now...
Bahn Cuon Tai Ho
1039 E. Valley Blv. #103
San Gabriel, CA
(626) 280-5207
It is hot, in fact, if you were a RAW food-ist...you probably wouldn't be able to leave your food outside (can't eat anything heated beyond 118°F). And what do I crave right now? Fresh, Crisp Lettuces speckled with water, coool satisfying herbs, cold food I guess. And since i'm in East L.A, there 'aint no Tendergreens or any cold, raw food places in sight. But I do have the coool Herbs and Lettuces of Vietnamese, Northern Vietnamese food too be exact. Huge plates, layered with watery Red Leaf Lettuces, gelid Basil, the ever-cool slices of Cucumber, Mint, Cilantro and my favorite; fresh Peppermint, green on the front side of the leaf and maroon on back, with a spicy yet soothing bite that's utterly amazing when combined with all those preceding ingredients and a little Nuoc Cham (fish sauce) fitted to your liking.
You can't beat this, ESPECIALLY right now. Whether used to wrap around "Asian Soft Taco's (actuallly labeled that in the menu, more like a vietnamese omelet though), rolled up around some of the flesh-like Bahn Cuon. Simply labeled in the menu as "Flour Sheet Rolls with stuffings of shredded pork or shrimp-kind of like a wet spring roll. Or cut up into pieces and topped with "Tempura", which weirdly, are damn good sweet potato fries (out of all things). If that's not enough, it's still circled with slices of Pink Pork Meat Loaf, Fried Tofu, Par-Boiled Bean Sprouts, Julienned Squash and marinated Carrots and did I mention some Crushed Peanuts already? Doused down with some of their sticky sweet house made fish sauce mixture that stands in every corner like 40oz bottles just waiting to get chugged, this place really knows how to eat.
Oh yeah, and they also have that same plate but "vegetarian", a molasses-like fish sauce and everything.
It does a pretty good job recreating it's once-active counterparts. Enough so that...I prefer it over traditional one, sans the fake fish sauce though...
Summer's barely begun, but I think I'll manage now...
Bahn Cuon Tai Ho
1039 E. Valley Blv. #103
San Gabriel, CA
(626) 280-5207
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)