2021

96 posts

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December 1 posts
November 1 posts
October 12 posts
September 11 posts
August 4 posts
The Girl & the Goat, Chicago
Fusion

The Girl & the Goat, Chicago

Bloody Mary at The Girl & the Goat. Brunch consisted of the little piggy (sausage sandwich), parantha, and shrimp fried rice. The sausage egg sandwich was the best thing. Though I am not sure what Sichuan sausage means??? They might need to explain it better. Is Sichuan sausage with the Sichuan peppercorns or hua Jiao 花椒??? The shrimp fried rice was unique. Regretted ordering the parantha. Nice space. Valet parking. Street parking is a challenge. . . . . .

July 11 posts
Manuela, Downtown LA
American

Manuela, Downtown LA

Lunch at Manuela in the arts district in DTLA. Started off with the house Bloody Mary with heirloom tomatoes. Then we shared an order of their cast iron biscuits. And we had the venison burger, chilaquiles, and Mary’s grilled chicken sandwich. Their outdoor seating in this reclaimed flour factory is a really interesting setting. With the art galleries nearby it resembles the Beijing’s 798 art district. Manuela also has a garden area that is open evenings where you can eats and drink next to a chicken coop. Parking sucks in this area. But they do have valet parking available. . . . . . .

Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop, Los Angeles
Chinese

Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop, Los Angeles

Cold brew tea and lunch at Steep. Had the braised pork on rice, the chicken rice, and pork soup noodles. I think the pork soup noodles were the best. I loved the flavorful broth. The chicken rice, similar to a Hainan chicken rice, did have the expected garlic rice - but it wasn’t suppose to hence the name. The braised pork over rice with the soft boiled egg was not bad. I did like my pu-erh tea. I like the glass bottles. . . . . . . .

All Day Baby, Downtown LA
American

All Day Baby, Downtown LA

Weekend brunch at All Day Baby on Sunset. Of course I had the Bloody Mary. Had the ADB breakfast biscuit sandwich with sausage, which was an extravagant McDonald’s sausage biscuit sandwich. Sausage was thick, juicy, and flavorful. Then there was the hot crab sandwich with avocado. We had the weekend only black pepper fennel sausage roll, which was heavy on fennel and black pepper which I dig. And finished with the PBJ fluffer nutter and a mini banana cream pie. The bans cream pie was exceptional, which the solid banana chunks, the caramel sauces bottom, and the flaky crust. Good day to enjoy brunch on a sunny weekend morning. . . . . .

Jia Jia Tangbao (佳家汤包), Shanghai
Chinese

Jia Jia Tangbao (佳家汤包), Shanghai

Rou Jia Mo and Liang Pi. This is Shaanxi or Xi’an Cuisine. You could say this street food. Rou Jia Mo is a Chinese Sandwich with braised pork. You can also have it with lamb or beef, too. I think Rou Jia Mo 肉夹馍 could be easily accepted in mainstream US. Liang Pi 涼皮is a spicy cold noodle. It is a simple and tasty vegetarian dish. I first had these noodles when I was living in Shanghai. The spiciness creeps up on your after a few bites. Yum! . . . . .

Pearl River Deli, Hong Kong
Chinese

Pearl River Deli, Hong Kong

This is the last of the Hainan Chicken Chronicles - Pearl River Deli. The Pearl River Delta is area of China in the Guangdong Province encompassing the major cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, among others. I used to live and work in Shenzhen and Hong Kong awhile ago, so I am quite familiar with the area. The province of Hainan is also nearby as well. Hainan Chicken rice is a popular dish that is offered in Cantonese restaurants. I remember first seeing it, before frequenting savoy, at Hong Kong style cafes - like ABC cafe in the early 90’s. Anyways, PRD’s offering offer large cuts of boneless chicken with flavored rice and sauces. I wish I remembered to ask for all dark meat. Heck I’m not sure they had a all dark meat offering. The rice was spiced and flavored right. The sauce were good, more spicy than others. I also had a chasu egg pineapple bun sandwich. Chasu is Cantonese bbq pork and the pineapple bun is a “pineapple” looking crusted sweet bread. This was a nice little sandwich combination with the sweet and salty. . . . . . . . 🐔

June 20 posts
Maxwell Chicken Rice, Downtown LA
Chinese

Maxwell Chicken Rice, Downtown LA

Our third stop for Hainan Chicken Rice is at Maxwell Chicken Rice in DTLA Chinatown. Maxwell is the name of Food Centre in Singapore with famous hawkers selling street food including Hainan Chicken rice. And in DTLA, this place does not disappoint. The tender and not dry dark meat chicken is succulent with slight flavors. Then again it isn’t about bold flavors. The sauces provide the added taste along with the fragrant garlic chicken rice. Unfortunately I didn’t take picture of the sauces. What makes Maxwell standout is there fried egg and their Vietnamese-influence garlic noodles. I would try again and recommend. . . . . . .

The Chicken Koop, Alhambra
Chinese

The Chicken Koop, Alhambra

This week is all about Hainan Chicken Rice. The chronicles starts with Savoy Kitchen in Alhambra. Arguably the most famous Hainan Chicken restaurant in the greater Los Angeles area. 海南雞飯 has origins in Singapore from immigrant Chinese, naturally from the Hainan province. This boiled chicken dish features tender chicken with flavored garlic rice. Paired with a ginger sauce, a sweet spicy sauce, and soy sauce, this dish was introduced to me, years ago from an old girlfriend. Now, it is still one of my favorite dishes. You can find variants with roast chicken or fried chicken, but the garlic flavored rice remains the same and the most popular part of the dish. Savoy does not disappoint. If you never had Hainan Chicken rice, please do try it. The delicate skin, which might seem off putting, offers a moistness with the tender chicken. The rest of the week will have other Hainan Chicken from other establishments in the area. . . . . . .

Row Dtla, Downtown LA
French

Row Dtla, Downtown LA

Dinner in DTLA. Joined the DTLA Dinner Club and had a great dinner with six courses. First was the endive lobster boat, then 2nd was the caramelized fennel and leek gratin. For the third course, we had the uni bacon on baguette. The fourth course was a summer salad. And fifth course was braised mocha beef cheeks. And the final course was a homemade donut with ricotta. Nice outdoor terrace with great weather and to meet interesting people. Very cool joint. . . . . .

Hanchic, Los Angeles
Korean

Hanchic, Los Angeles

Hanchic. I would characterize this place as modern Korean or Korean fusion. We had their interpretation of Kalbi Jjim. It had all the flavors and textures of tradition Kalbi Jjim but presented in a different way. It was my favorite dish. Check out that large beef rib bone. We also had ragu tteokbokki and the chamchi toast as starters. And with the one-in Kalbi Jjim, we had the bulgogi risotto. Everything was really good and had the familiar flavors. Also, they don’t have their liquor license yet, so it is byob. There is a liquor store nearby if you need to pick up some booze. . . . . . . .la

Carnitas Michoacán, East Los Angeles
Mexican

Carnitas Michoacán, East Los Angeles

The final addition to the Chronicles of Carnitas of East Los Angeles - Carnitas Michoacán. I argue that the best Mexican food region in the US is right here in East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights. The long-standing community has great establishments that celebrate carnitas and culture. Carnitas Michoacán is a 24 hour restaurant that my friends and I used to frequent at the end of a fun night out. Close to the freeway and with a big menu, it is still a place I would stop by late at night. It is said that carnitas was originated in the state of Michoacán. . . . . . .

Los Cinco Puntos, Los Angeles
Mexican

Los Cinco Puntos, Los Angeles

The next stop of the Chronicles of Carnitas of East Los Angeles is at Los Cinco Puntos, translated as the Five Points. This local and friendly favorite was highly recommended. I had the usual carnitas tacos and also had a carne asada taco as well. The torta was also carne asada. When I ordered the carne asada (beef) taco I asked the counter guy how he would add toppings. I almost regret it since it was so spicy hot! 🌶 🌶 🥵 the carnitas was good and even better with their hand made tortillas. Their tortillas were bread like and had a texture much different from other places. . . . . . .

Traditional Hong Kong style breakfast, Hong Kong
Chinese

Traditional Hong Kong style breakfast, Hong Kong

Traditional Hong Kong style breakfast. With the rice porridge, pineapple buns, macaroni spam in soup, rice noodle with dried shrimp, and the dry noodles. Reminiscent of my short time in Hong Kong years ago. You can see the western British influence with these dishes. I love the rice porridge with thousand year old egg and pork (which I didn’t get this time). The pineapple buns with the hard butter is also a favorite. Check out my next post of the tea coffee with the condensed milk. Too bad for breakfast they open at 9am. They should open earlier. . . . . . . . . macaronisoup

May 12 posts
April 6 posts
This is my Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Uncategorized

This is my Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This is my Grilled Cheese Sandwich. I’m entering in The Great Grilled Cheese Contest. This is a simple recipe with sliced cheese the hardest part is the patience. You don’t want high heat burning your bread. . . Ingredients are. . . - 1 slice of TJ Aged Swiss Cheese - 1 slice of TJ Pepper Jack Cheese - 1 slice of TJ Sharp Cheddar Cheese - a couple of slices of TJ sourdough bread . . 1. Use a cast iron skillet and have the heat on medium low. 2. Butter the skillet generously 3. Place a single slice of sourdough bread and wait till the bottom 4. Place the cheese slices on the bread and cover with a lid. This will help melt the cheese and speed up the browning of the bread 5. When bread is browned to your liking, use a spatula and lift the bread and cheese. 6. Butter the skillet once again and carefully flip the cheese and bread and place onto second slice. 7. Check bottom for desired color 8. Remove and cut in half and pair with Trader Joe’s organic tomato cream soup and enjoy . . . .

March 6 posts
APL, Hollywood
BBQ

APL, Hollywood

Birthday lunch with some buds at APL in Hollywood. Texas Smokin’ BBQ. Beef brisket. Also had Cornish game hen, pulled pork, pork rib,, creamed corn, and coleslaw. Way too much for lunch. But well worth it. Been wanting to go to this place ever since they opened. I don’t know how anyone thinks there is a better BBQ brisket in LA. APL is legit And the best! Only wish I had a ordered the giant beef short rib ahead of time. They were out today. ☹️. much 💛 . . . . . . .

February 12 posts
Cheeseburger Tamales
Uncategorized

Cheeseburger Tamales

Cheeseburger Tamales! That’s right! Cheeseburger!!!! Using corn husks and pre-made mixed masa from .supermarkets I experimented and added ground beef 80/20 with burger seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese. Hand packed with a spoon. Steamed in an old rice cooker. Viola!! Done. Best served and eaten immediately. Goes great with . Yup ketchup. The classic flavor combination of a cheeseburger with ketchup and the slight flavor of the traditional corn masa. It is interesting and tastes pretty good. The strong flavors of the cheddar cheese stands out. Let me know if you would try this or if you have a unique mash up! What do you guys think? . . . . . . .supermarkets