When I first heard that a new Vietnamese restaurant was opening nearby, I immediately googled their menu. Why? Because back in 2011 I began a search for the best banh mi in Los Angeles, and the hunt was still on. After a quick scan of their website, I discovered two important things: They serve banh mi for lunch, and … More A Banh Mi Brunch
Last Sunday I finally had the chance to brunch at Inn Of The Seventh Ray, a woodland restaurant in the hills of Topanga Canyon. This restaurant has been on my radar for years, mainly because of it’s mystical fairy garden setting which reminds me of a blend between Rivendell and The Shire. Say no more. The menu is quite elaborate, especially … More Fairy Garden Brown Rice
1. El MATADOR BEACH & MALIBU SEAFOOD Being from Kauai I am not one to be impressed with L.A Beaches. However, there is one beach that has been on my radar for its raving reviews – El Matadorin Malibu. In my 5 years of L.A. living, many a people have sung the songs of this … More Seafood by the Seashore – Adventures of 2012
It’s no secret. Food in Hawaii is pitiful. We have pithy tomatoes, $10 Kraft cheese, mediocre bread and no Burrata. Everything that isn’t grown locally has to be shipped. And everything that is shipped is low quality and overpriced. The best way to avoid having a disappointing meal while in Hawaii is to eat local … More Eat Like A Local
In preparation for the big day, I’m psyching my mind and gut for all things unhealthy, un-wholeful and ALL AMERICAN! And what better way to start than with a Let’s be Frank hot dog. At least their made from pasture-based livestock free from hormones, steroids, and other junk. And for all you non red meat … More Red White and Yellow
Last week I had the chance to finally visit the new A-Frame in Culver City. Created by Roy Choi, the man behind the Kogi Truck, A-Frame packs a Korean and Hawaiian punch with a side of comfort. Community tables, easy to share plates, and plastic dinnerware make this my new favorite homey spot. It doesn’t … More A-Frame is A-OK
Definition of Banh Mi: Vietnamese Baguette Sandwiches, most commonly filled with thinly sliced pickled carrots, daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, chili peppers, mayonnaise, and various meat or tofu. Competitors: Pho Lang Thang vs. Nom Nom Truck Story: Ever since I tried my first Tofu Banh Mi at Pho Lang Thang in Cincinnati, I’ve been: A) Craving it … More Battle of the Banh Mi #1
Once in a while I need a ME day. A day where I can do whatever I want, when I want and move as slowly as I like. A day with no set plans. No “meeting up”. No one else to please. A day where I can be as selfish as I like. A day … More A Date With Myself / How To Spend Your Last Day On Earth
Spring has sprung. And with it comes spoils. Oysters being one of my new favorites. A platter, a patio, 75 degrees and a bottle of white wine = perfection. One of the best places for such a day is Gjelina’s in Venice. Trendy yet unpretentious, the real reason to come here is the food. And that’s the … More Shuck It
It all came about so unexpectedly. I believe it was a Saturday. I was strolling Main St. in Santa Monica, minding my own business, when the couple I had been eavesdropping on for 5 blocks about their explicit late night adventures came to a sudden and rude halt. Fortunately my grace and superb cat-like reflexes … More My Favorite Sticky Balls
SPOONDLES 