Prime Rib Dinner on Christmas Eve at the Onodas

My mom cooks a mean prime rib every Christmas Eve. This year she cooked a nice roast and we had a mish mosh of people come over to celebrate. The other menu items included: bacon wrapped scallops, shrimp cocktail, lumpia eggrolls, brie and fig jam pastry puffs, spinach and cheese pinwheels, oven roasted brussel sprouts, creamed corn, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, baked salmon, red velvet cupcakes, bailey’s cheesecake, and cake.

Grace: beauty or charm of form, composition, movement, or expression

Today I had the lovely experience of trying Neal Fraser’s restaurant Grace. I enjoyed the 5 course Anniversary Tasting menu that was served at the bargain price of $55 per person. The only photo that came out was of the dessert course, which was my favorite course anyways. We ended a lovely meal with three butterscotch filled doughnuts that were perfectly fried to perfection with a smooth, sweet creamy filling.

7360 Beverly Blvd

Los Angeles

323-934-4400

www.gracerestaurant.com

Girls Night Out at Fraiche and the Arsenal

The girls and I celebrated the holidays and Marsha’s birthday today at Fraiche in Culver City. I had been about a year ago and it was just as I remembered, quite delicious. I shared the beet salad with Jennifer and Marsha of course ordered her raw oyster assortment. I ordered the Lamb Spezzatino with Ricotta Gnocchi and Gremolata. It was liked Braised Shortribs. The lamb just fell apart under my fork. The ricotta gnocchi was excellent as Fraiche makes their own fresh ricotta which is also included with the baby beets. Marsha had the monkfish and Jennifer had the Branzino en Papillote. Both tasted great. Fraiche is a great restaurant for friends and a great date place as well.

Fraiche Restaurant

www.fraicherestaurantla.com

Date Night at The Lobster

Kirk and I along the pier

Kirk's pan roasted Maine Lobster with cream sauce and lobster mashed potatoes

Tonight I wanted to take Kirk out to a nice dinner. I had been wanting to try The Lobster which is right on top of the pier over looking the ocean. It is somewhat of a touristy place, but I really enjoyed the food and the view (and the company). We started off with a raw oyster sampler which was yummy. I had the scallops with lobster home fries and a Jim Bean cream sauce. The scallops were cooked perfectly. The home fries were interesting...kind of like breakfast potatoes with pieces of lobster. Kirk had the Maine pan roasted whole lobster with lobster mashed potatoes. It is the kind of food that makes me close my eyes when eating so that I can really savor and experience the taste without extraneous sensory stimuli distracting me :) A great meal to end a great weekend.

The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.thelobster.com

Venezuelan Arepas at Coupa Cafe

Today, Sarah and I hung out in her neck of the woods in Beverly Hills on Canon Drive. Located on a cute street, Coupa Cafe is a Venezuelan restaurant serving my new favorite food (tried it in NYC for the first time thanks to my friend Mac - see NYC blog), arepas. Arepas are sandwiches with various types of ingredients with a cornmeal griddle cake at the bread. Crunchy texture on the outside, soft cornmeal on the inside. Coupa Cafe also serves up crepes, coffees, desserts, pizzas, salads, and breakfast items. Sarah and I shared two kinds of arepas (one with a chicken salad and one with a shredded beef). We also shared a Venezuelan holiday specialty (can't remember the name) which tasted and looked like a large tamale. I really enjoyed the arepas and now have a place to go to when craving them. The best part is, you can have lunch there and then go shopping on Rodeo or Beverly Dr which is down one block.

Coupa Cafe
419 North Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.coupacafe.com

Dessert Party at Linda C's

The Sweet Spread

The Savory Spread

My Favorite: Linda C's Signature Red Velvet Cake

New Edition to the Lineup: Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce or Creme Anglaise

An Assortment of Lemon Bars, Snowballs, and Brownies

Marion, Linda C, Doris, and Jessica

Today was the annual dessert party hosted by Linda C at Aunt Marion's house in Carson. Every year I look forward to this gluttonous event of decadent made from scratch desserts and tasty savory appetizers. This year there were the good ole' reliable favorites of red velvet cake (my favorite), coconut cream cake, bailey's mint chocolate cake, and chocolate bundt cake. New editions to the line up included a delicious bread pudding (amazing!) and a extremely moist and tender bbq pulled pork sandwiches. I think I gained 10 pounds....well worth the yumminess. Linda C outdid herself as usual. Unfortunately the event is probably going to take a hiatus...sniff sniff. I will be craving that red velvet cake!!!

Plate Lunch at the Loft with My Whitney Boys

Eric "aka" bottomless pit

My yummy Kalbi plateAlex, Henry, and I

Eric, Mac, and Gary

The day after Thanksgiving used to be the day that all my Whitney friends and I would get together. Even after moving away to college we would always come back to Cerritos and get together for a meal, often meeting new girlfriends, hearing about the latest news, and always telling the same stories and same inside jokes that we've been telling for the last 14 years. Today was a nice surprise as Eric, Mac, Gary, Henry, Alex and I had lunch at the Loft in Cerritos. The difference in today's lunch was that it was the original group (sans a few people and without their wives/girlfriends). Now, I love the women in their lives (Joni, Adrienne, Jo), but there is just something different about them when the ladies aren't there. They definitely don't hold back with their comments. But that's what I love about them.

Japanese-French Small Plates at Orris

Since my last disastrous dating escapade (NOLA 08'), I was feeling a little hopeless about the prospects of meeting someone that could redeem my faith in the opposite sex...yes, I know I am being dramatic. But after what I feel like was a whole 2 years of failed dating, I think I may have gotten it right for a chance. It is still early, so don't be trying to ask me when the wedding is or anything. If you're lucky, you may get to meet him. He is pretty wonderful (Kirk, if you are reading this, don't get a big head ;). Ok, I digress.....I am writing about Orris which is one of the first dinner dates with the Kirkster. He actually took the first photo which I thought he did quite well, so I am giving the props all to him (he is a avid amateur photographer too!) We ordered a bunch of small plates. Started off with the Beets and Cheese. I am becoming more and more a huge fan of beets. I used to hate eating them when I was a kid because I think I had only eaten ones out of the can. But the ones at Orris were clearly fresh and thinly sliced using a Mandolin. The cheese was quite mild. Next we had the Red Snapper Carpaccio. It was warm, which was interesting...strong ginger flavor. Kirk chose the scallops with mushrooms which was excellent. I am now into scallops as well after having that awesome scallop (singular) at Providence. I chose the Salmon croquettes well because I loved "ko-rok-ke." It had pieces of Ikura on top that just burst in your mouth. For dessert we decided to go with the creme brulee and both decided it was not creme brulee, but really a custard/pudding. It did not have the texture of flan at all..in fact it didn't seem like they even baked that sucker. It tasted good...I just didn't care for the texture. If you are ever out in the Sawtelle area, Orris is a definite must try. You never know what you're going to get there.

Salmon Croquettes

Creme Brulee with Fresh Fruit

Scallops

Red Snapper Carpaccio

Beets and Cheese

Om Rice at Blue Marlin

I am a huge fan of Om Rice which is basically stir fried rice with a ketchupy flavor which is wrapped in a omelet (hence "om" - OMelet Rice). Most places don't serve this because it is considered more of a home cooked dish. The awesome thing about Blue Marlin is that they have all sorts of toppings from Tonkatsu, curry, stir fried shrimp, and hamburg. There is always a weekly Om Rice special which I have never ever seen the same there. Man, that chef is creative or just gets bored with the same thing. Today I had the Fried Tofu with Crab Cream Sauce Om Rice. It was gooooood! Japanese comfort food at its best.

Luncheon at Anisette Brasserie

c

My friend Marsha and I were both off of work today so we decided to have lunch together. I have been dying to try Anisette Brasserie so I made reservations. It was a cute place that reminded me of Paris. They had to traditional brasserie food (Croque Monsieur, Fruits de Mer, Steak Frites, etc.). I ordered the Croque Monsieur which is a favorite of mine. It was good....but ok, don't think I have bad food taste, but I actually like the one at Champagne Bakery better. Anyone with me on this one? Anyways, Marsha ordered the daily special which included your choice of entree with either an appetizer or dessert, which was quite a good deal and her meal was pretty tasty. She also splurged and ordered an assortment of raw oysters. All in all a cute place with good brasserie food. I liked the ambience better than the food.

Eating and Drinking My Way Through New York City

Eric and I (my other BFF)

Petey and me (My new BFF)

Party at Eric’s

I got suckered into cooking dinner with Johanna and Eric for a small party they threw at Eric’s place. Jk….it was fun grocery shopping and cooking with them and they never make me feel like a third wheel J We made a taco bar with three kinds of filling, a homemade pico de gallo (by Johanna), homemade guacamole (by Eric), chipotle, beef, and fish taco filling. Good times!

BLT Burger

I had to leave NYC with a food bang….so Eric and I decided to go eat gourmet burgers at BLT Burger (which they have one in Las Vegas as well). Cute place with a big ole cow head hanging from the wall. I had the American Kobe burger which is like double the price, but honestly my beef taste buds did not quite notice the difference. Anyone think there is a huge difference in American Wagyu and good ole American ground sirloin? We shared chili cheese waffle fries and some Vidalia onion rings. Eric had the strawberry banana shake and I had the Black and White. If anyone is reading this and it thinking we are gluttonous pigs, you are correct. Whenever I am with Chang….we go big….green side always up.

My Medium Done American Kobe Burger
Eric's Burger and Onion Rings

Strawberry/Banana and Black and White Milkshakes

Momofuku Ssam, Blue Owl Bar, and Waffle Truck

My good friend Gina who used to be my drinking and eating buddy in the West LA area moved to NYC in August after getting married. So of course we had to go out and eat and drink in New York together. Gina took me to Momofuku Ssam, one of David Chang’s restaurants. The menu was quite eclectic: we had the Pork Belly Bun Sandwich, Fried Brussel Sprouts, and Spicy Pork and Rice Cake Stir-fry. Everything was yummy and had really good flavors. Definitely want to try his 2 star restaurant, the OG Momofuku next time. After dinner, we walked across the street to a cute little bar called the Blue Owl for some martinis. Then after drinks we saw a waffle truck and immediately decided to grab some dessert. We shared a chewy one and a crispy one….we both liked the chewy one. There is something about standing on the street in front of a food truck eating hot food.

Gina and I at her Midtown Apartment

Yum....chewy waffle on the streets of NYC

Gina in front of the waffle truck
Spicy Pork and Mochi

Fried Brussel Sprouts....Everything is better when it's fried!

Pork Belly Steamed Bun

Veselka Black and White Cookie (it mysteriously disappeared the next day...Eric!!!)
My two loves:)

Decibel

After a whole day of eating with my good friend Malcolm we ended up at Decibel a sake bar to meet up with Eric. Having just drunk two large beer steins, I was not only full but slightly buzzed. I got a nice and smooth sake which further the buzzed state. This was cool and dark with lots of kissing couples.

Sake at Decibel

Ippudo

While in NYC, my old high school classmate told me about Ippudo and claimed it was the best ramen she’d ever had. Being Japanese, I am a bit particular about ramen although I am no connoisseur by any means. Malcolm and I continued our eating trek and dropped by to check out this place. It must be good because when we got there, it was a 45 minute wait on a Monday night. It exceeded my expectations…probably the best ramen I’ve had in a very very long time. They specialize in Tonkotsu ramen which is a pork bone broth base. The noodles are thin and straight. I had the spicy noodle and Mac had the miso ramen. Both quite good and the broth was so good I wanted to drink the entire bowl. For a starter we had a braised pork steamed bun sandwich which was excellent and shared some chicken wings which were ok (Furaibo is better in my opinion). Then for dessert we splurged on green tea crème brulee. During the meal we chatted up the kitchen staff…two really nice girls. Mac finagled the girl into giving us some of her homemade butterscotch brownie she was eating behind the counter. I drank two big cups of beer and I was pretty buzzed, hence the redness in the photo.

Green Tea Creme Brulee
My Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen
Mac and I at Ippudo (after 2 large beers)
Mac's Miso Ramen
Fried Chicken...Japanese Style
Steamed Pork Buns (nice thumb)

Shake Shack

One day Malcolm and I kept continuously eating and drinking (lamb on rice, hamburger, beer, ramen, sake, then late night cookie at Veselka bakery). We happened to be walking around Madison Square Park and Malcolm told me about this great burger place that happens to always be crowded. But since it was a bit chilly out, there was no line. We decided to get an afternoon snack so we shared a cheeseburger and shake. I thought the burger was better than In and Out and for $4, comparable in price. Something about the bun….it was the chewiest bun I’ve ever had and the burger meat was quite flavorful and tender.

Mac and Burger
Shake Shack

Rafiqi’s Lamb on Rice

Malcolm….good ole Mac…always introducing me to the cheap but good eats of NYC. Last time he took me to a lunch cart called Rafiqi’s where they specialize in Halal food. Basically gyros type food….I had the yummy lamb on rice. Oh so good. Kind of like sliced gyros over rice, with this red and white sauce. Again with the sauces…have no idea what’s in them, but they are so damn good on the food. I remembered this time to take photos so you can see what I’m talking about. For $5, you get all this food.

Lamb on Rice
Mac in front of the Rafiqi's Lunch Truck

Rice to Riches
After the Arepas, we all stopped by a new place that serve solely rice pudding in all sorts of flavors ( coconut, cheesecake, regular, etc.). I am a lover of rice pudding, but seriously after three bites, you are pretty dang full. Of course unless your name is Eric Chang or you have a tapeworm in your system. They came in these cute plastic rice bowls that were like tupperware. For $6 a bowl, I took my bowl home with me and washed it out.
Haeli, Mac, Eric, and Niroshi
Love this sign!
OH my.....that is a lot of rice pudding (three bites and your done unless your name is Eric Chang)

Caracas Arepa Bar

Malcolm kept talking about the Venezuelan place that specialized in Arepa, a corn based bread that looks kind of like a pita which is filled with a variety of ingredients. I tried one with chorizo, grilled pepper, jalapeno, and white cheese. They had some delicious sauce in a bottle that you squeeze onto each bite. It was so delicious, I immediately started searching for an arepa place in Los Angeles (has anyone tried Coupa Café?).

www.caracasarepabar.com

My chorizo Arepa
Mac and Haeli

Niroshi

Niroshi was my classmate from high school whom I recently have become closer to. We both realized last time I was in NYC that we had so much in common, mainly crafting! This time around, Niroshi was kind enough to let me stay at her place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Thanks Niroshi and for waking up at the crack of dawn to let me in.

Lemon Tart and Coffee French Macaroon from Thomas Keller's Bouchon
Niroshi and I in Central Park

Joe Shanghai

The soup dumplings or shao lum bao are a must eat in NYC Chinatown. Much bigger than the ones at Din Tai Fung, Joe Shanghai is always on my list of places to visit, despite its crazy long wait and ridiculous fire hazard seating. This visit, we went with a group of 9 which took awhile to seat, but allowed us to get more food. Pork, Pork/Crab dumpling, chicken fried rice, onion cake, flat noodle, fish noodle soup, scallop stir fry, and shrimp. I think I ate 6 dumplings and I was thoroughly satisfied! If you like dumplings these soup dumplings are the best.

Joe Shanghai sampler (pork dumpling, flat noodle, and onion pancake)

NYC is such an awesome place….made even better with the group of close friends I have out there (Niroshi, Eric, Malcolm, and Gina). Thanks guys for making my trip a memorable one. I hope to be back soon!