Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

May Eats

There is no place like California, and there is nothing like the food here. Pretty much all throughout May, I've been eating anything and everything. Here's where I've been and my thoughts.

Matcha Swirl


featured: matcha swirl cookies
IM BACK, BACK AGAIN. BACK AT BAKING. Honestly it doesn't feel like summer in southern California, right now. It's been super rainy. Even though the weather has been kind of a bummer, i really wanted to try this matcha swirl cookie recipe, here. As you can see, the swirls on my cookies are not as prominent as the ones shown in the original recipe. I think it's because I used matcha latte powder instead of actual matcha. I did have to use a lot more matcha than listed in the recipe, but I think the cookies turned out pretty well despite the slight ingredient change. The cookies actually taste like matcha. Deliciousness!

Bake Marathon





Featured: gingerbread cookies recipe | red velvet cookies

I think this winter break is going to be the main culprit of the elusive freshmen 15. Right when I hopped off the plane, all I wanted was: eat Din Tai Fung, get In-n-out, and bake (and yes I did do those things in that order). 

It's been kind of a tradition of mine to make cookies and give them to my friends during winter break. This break is no exception. I've been wanting to bake gingerbread cookies because I've fallen hopelessly in love with them (yeah, like that Fault in Our Stars type love). Screw that pumpkin spice stuff. Ginger is where it's at. And these cookies are really (expletive) good. 

As I mentioned in previous blogposts, I am a die-hard fan of Cool-haus. Well, last summer I bought a cook book filled with their most popular ice-cream and cookie recipes. I decided to try out the red-velvet cookies. I mean you can never go wrong with a cake + cookie combo. These are my mom's favorites, but I stand by my gingerbread (SO GOOD).

The best part of baking these cookies is decorating them. Honestly, I just like the idea of drawing with something edible. It's just the icing on the cake to make for a festive look (I really tried to stretch that pun, sorry).

Food is love, food is life. Happy eating this holiday!

Special Pesto.





Featured: Pistachio Mint Pesto- Savour this Sauce
Ingredients: Pesto | Multi-Grain Bread | Mixed Greens | Turkey 

I found some kick-ass pesto sauce at the farmer's market last weekend. I can't say that I am a pesto connoisseur, but I've never tasted a sauce like this. It has pistachios for goodness sakes. What? I know. Crazy. On a whim, I decided to buy it. Life is short, why not enjoy some quality food while you're at it. Plus, I'm a sucker for cute packaging. 

And now, I have less than a week to finish this jar. It doesn't expire until the 24th, but I leave for Boston before then. So, I'm trying to think of the various contraptions that I can eat with my pesto. Obviously I am too lazy to actually cook something. Here is my first dish using my pesto: a sandwich. So creative, I know.

In my defense, it was a pretty good sandwich. I'm one of those people who've eaten 5 billion versions of the same turkey, mayo, and bread sandwich. So, this was a nice change. 

Final Verdict: I honestly like this pesto for it's surprising use of pistachios. It adds an interesting texture to an otherwise mushy sauce. However, it's a bit on the oily side. It's probably not the best thing to put on toast, or a sandwich, but it works. I'd suggest adding it to pasta. Maybe I'll try that later.

One Last California Adventure.





7-25-14: Disneyland | California Adventure

I am so blessed to have been able to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure. Although it's one of my favorite places, Disney is ridiculously expensive. Thus, it has become one of those rare treats that I so desperately wish I had the luxury to of going whenever I feel. But I guess that's what makes these moments all the more memorable. 

My family and I started the day in California Adventure. I haven't been there since before they renovated it. It has changed so much. Honestly, I miss the huge California sign in front of it, but it's all good. Right when we entered the park, my family and I had to visit the new Car's Land. It's just as cool as I imagined. Pro-tip: wait in the single line for a shorter wait time (we waited 10 minutes for Radiator Springs. Afterwards, we explored the park. I'm so sad that they replaced the giant peach swings. But, I finally tried a Disneyland corn dog. (yes I know that's a weird thing to note, but I've wanting to try it)

Anyways, we went to Disneyland after lunch. We visited some of our favorite rides: Astro Blaster, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, and Indiana Jones. My dad and I got to ride Matterhorn twice which was a nice surprise. Our car was pulled to the side for a while, so the workers let us ride again after that. Plus, I got to get Dole Whip. I don't know if it's something in it, but it's freaking delicious. 

We ended the night back in California Adventure to watch World of Color. I've always heard great things about it. Boy, it surpassed expectations. I don't know what to say other than, check it out if you can. Best way to end a great day.

Here's to one last California Adventure before I leave for Boston. I really hope you enjoyed that pun. Maybe it's not my last Cali-venture, but it's definitely one of them.

4th of July: San Francisco




 

Featured: Fireworks at Pier 39 | David's Tea 

This is an unusually late post. I apologize. For the Fourth of July weekend, my family went up north to San Francisco. I wish that we spent longer than 2 days there, but it was fun nonetheless. The pictures are not in chronological order, but I figured that you don't want to see all these food pictures. 

Anyways, Friday was our first full day in the city. We spent the first half of the day shopping in downtown San Francisco. I had to check out David's Tea because one of my favorite youtubers, Estée, mentioned it in one of her videos.  I really like all of their unique flavors like cotton candy, caramel corn, etc. Afterwards we went to Pier 39 to watch the fireworks. We ended up watching the show from the top of the parking lot. Sadly, it was so foggy that we were only able to see half of the fireworks.

The next day, we visited my dad's uncle. It's kind of crazy just knowing that he's lived through so many things. It's nice to know he's kickin' it and doing well.

Anyways, that's a little snippet of a very short but sweet trip to San Francisco. I only wish I could explore the city some more.

Hollywood Foodventure.



Featured: Chibiscus | Mashti Malone's Icecream
Spicy Pork Ramen | Turkish Coffee & Saffron Rosewater with Pistachio | Pistacho

I'm one of those weirdos who likes to yelp different dessert places in random cities. I even have a list bookmarked of all the places I would like to visit. Every time I happen to be the area of a place, I always make sure to stop by and give it a try. 

So recently, my parents and I went hiking in Hollywood. Unfortunately, we couldn't hike up to the sign since it was closed. So, we just walked around the Hollywood Lake. Honestly, it was a pretty boring track to walk around. It think it's just one of those places you run or bike around. 

Afterwards, my dad wanted to try a ramen place in West Hollywood. I ordered Spicy Pork Ramen. Although, I have poor spice tolerance, but I'm always up for some good spicy ramen. I have to say the noodles were the best part. 

Anyways, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try a new ice-cream place. (yes I know most of my posts include ice-cream) But hey, I'm on the search for the best ice-cream in California (before I leave to the east coast). Plus, Mashti Malone's was nearby; they've been bookmarked on my yelp account for a while. Their reviews are beyond the charts. And let me tell you, they live up to the hype. They have the best coffee ice-cream I've ever had. It's not like other coffee ice-cream that is basically all sugar and barely any coffee. This ice-cream tasted of good strong coffee. 5/5 would go again.

If you have a favorite ice-cream joint, please tell me! I'd love to add to my "must try" list. 

Table Rock Beach






06-28-14: Table Rock Beach | Fish & Chips | Moose Tracks Icecream

We came. We ate. We swam almost drowned. Although I'm from Southern California and a short drive away from the beach, I rarely actually go to the beach (which is sad). But today, we visited one my friend's hometown near Laguna Niguel and went to the beach. Something about swimming in an abyss of water just scares the heck out of me. 

Anyways, we started the day off with some really good Mexican food from Los Golandrinas. I'm pretty bummed out that I can't chew to my full abilities (you know eat a whole burrito). So, I opted to get some taquitos. They have some pretty bomb guacamole. 

Swimming. I mean floundering, was fun despite being absolutely terrifying. There was a huge drop in the beach, making it almost impossible to stand in the water without needing to swim. but it was fun none the less. Actually, it was fun seeing my friends get caught in the waves. It's not so fun being caught it one yourself. 

Honestly, I never expected to get so much sand in my bathing suit. I practically carried enough sand for a small playground back home. I know it's the beach and all, but I'v never had so much sand in my bathing suit like that. 

Anyways, we ended the day with some fresh fish and chips. and...icecream! I tried Moose Tracks which is vanilla ice-cream, fudge, and mini peanut butter cups. It was gooooood (;

Yeah I know this is another post featuring food. I lied last time. Sorry not sorry.

LA Grand Central Market





6-14-14
Featured: Grand Central Market | Eggslut | Gaucho & Eggslut Burger
Used: Canon 7D | 50mm lens

All I blog about is food. That's okay. Food = life. So this post is a bit late. Life has been pretty hectic despite initially not having any plans at the beginning of the summer. 

Earlier, my dad and I visited the Grand Central Market in Downtown LA. Honestly, we drove an hour, ate lunch, and drove back home. That's okay. I've been really wanting to try Eggslut (which I found during a random yelping session). It's probably because eggs are the only thing I know how to cook decently, but I've grown to love eggs. My dad ordered the Gaucho (on the left) and I got the Eggslut burger with avocado. SO GOOD. Definitely worth the 30 minute line. If you're ever in the area, try it. I don't really know how to describe it other than: they know good eggs as well as good meat. Anyways, it was a good farewell meal before I had to leave for orientation. And a healthy reminder of what I'm going to miss when I leave for school.

A little update about my life: so recently I went to my college orientation. It's kind of mind-boggling just knowing that I will be moving across the country in less than 2 months. I am excited and scared at the same time. This should be fun. Also, I got my wisdom teeth extracted the week I came back from orientation. Lucky you, I won't be posting any food for a while. I really want some real food though.

Make Music Pasadena 2014





06-07-2014: Make Music Pasadena



Coolhaus: Chocolate Chipotle Ice cream | Cinnamon Crunch Cookie


 Last minute plans of festival fun. My friend Karen and I decided to check out the music festival to see some of our favorite bands and to listen to new ones. We started at the Luckman Stage on Colorado Blvd. and saw: The Second Howl, Ester Rada, and Finish Ticket. Then we rushed to see Sylvan Esso and Tennis at the Playhouse. And back to Luckman for Saint Motel and Yuna. 

 I initially came to watch Saint Motel and Yuna because they have made their place in my numerous Spotify playlists. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Saint Motel played some of my favorite songs which made me super happy (: Yuna, she's a goddess and needs no other explanation. But, I also have a newfound love for Ester Rada, Tennis, and  Sylvan Esso. Sylvan Esso is probably my favorite new artist. I love their sound. 

 Hopefully this is the first of many summer concerts (: 

 These are some picture of my favorite highlights of the day. Check for more photos on my flickr. 

Chicken Pasta


Ingredients: Chicken | Spinach Basil Pasta | Mushrooms | Tomatoes | Olive oil | Various Spices

So It's officially the summer after graduating high school. Other than waiting for the impending stage of college life, I really don't have any set plans for my summer. My main goal is to learn some life skills like doing laundry, cooking, and basic living.

Today, I attempted to cook lunch (basically a mish-mash of anything I could find in the fridge). Obviously it probably would have been easier (and tastier) if I had used a recipe from a cookbook or something. But, I think it turned out pretty well. I'd probably suggest to my past self not to cook tomatoes and to add some shredded parmesan. Anyways, it was still yummy.

Here's to my adventure of learning how to cook. Stay tuned for the making of a housewife normal functioning being.
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