tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9792637141188166242024-03-13T09:16:00.020-07:00Mr. GohanEating Rice All Day EverydayMr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-31222907296483405992010-11-01T11:24:00.000-07:002010-11-01T11:24:36.714-07:00Hey there stranger (The Bazaar, Beverly Hills)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.sbe.com/sls/slseats/img/aug/savor-longer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.sbe.com/sls/slseats/img/aug/savor-longer.jpg" width="163" /></a>Hey there stranger. It's been a long long time since I've seen you here on the web posting your food outings. So much has changed.... The Lakers are back to back champions <img alt="Smile" height="19" src="http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w4/pr04/ltr/emo/smile.gif" style="border-style: none; vertical-align: text-bottom;" title="Smile" width="19" /> and my little "<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan</a>" is now a toddler. Wow! Having a toddler sure has changed this rice eating machine's life. It's not like I haven't had the time to go out and eat, it's just that certain things are more important to me. What? More important than eating good food.....Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but being a father is more important than food blogging <img alt="Surprised smile" height="19" src="http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w4/pr04/ltr/emo/surprised_smile.gif" style="border-style: none; vertical-align: text-bottom;" title="Surprised smile" width="19" /> Man I must be getting soft. LOL.<br />
<br />
Mr and Mrs Gohan don't like to abuse/over use our babysitters, so we like to spread out our fine dining outings. But when Dine LA's Restaurant Week starts, we go for the gusto. Unfortunately I didn't take pictures of the other places I visited this year, but I did remember to bring my camera to <a href="http://www.thebazaar.com/">The Bazaar by Jose Andres</a>. Good thing too. I've been wanting to come here for quite some time now. And this was the perfect opportunity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuyabz0YPXHnaryEGpoJJ45A3JLilboxjMVJInDwqw8YEU7MooMOzy7VGocM8S97aFJ3DyuH59F-KLPpfqEFiyUrVBcz_mpHBtEOTM-P2hL-lkXl2rz_GLVMJv1Rrc08Z7SxihIiv4N09/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>LN<sub>2</sub> Caipirinha </b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniSvmxdoWliMeEsMEFzGDGVFg9EZK1a1sZHZsoNCSnVM4alQvr-bXdkj_JLNxzdC_Y_x8Ayxw93Z2Y3VqgOJ74w9cQW1D382b6xguVZH8QjUuNjN7WSTVypV1TxJN7xyKBOU3jIpcj7dD/s320/IMG_2987.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Made tableside with Brazilian Cachaça, fresh lime and sugar with a twist by adding liquid nitrogen to give it that unique texture. I couldn't resist myself by ordering this unique cocktail even if it cost me $20. It did not disappoint! </blockquote></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Olives: Traditional & Modern</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF40lcYist9hqP0P_nBsy7RopwJrsKcDgdm-JhhLoMUf-7ErHxy2-EHdFQfgOrDmGpvXfITn28SxJz5bXUeOfaufRe3R5Xnm5wcPLBBrzQntzLmD7E8g2CRcXCNzTQfh9q-2sQ0K-HopQ/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF40lcYist9hqP0P_nBsy7RopwJrsKcDgdm-JhhLoMUf-7ErHxy2-EHdFQfgOrDmGpvXfITn28SxJz5bXUeOfaufRe3R5Xnm5wcPLBBrzQntzLmD7E8g2CRcXCNzTQfh9q-2sQ0K-HopQ/s320/IMG_2988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT5JFSLfnCifJ3suHK5J8pVK80ah7lZWmOhyG8ZMFIOx63ab2sS7BKwSKZP4j7IRSsYbexGgQhyphenhyphen8eYtMnCaw3yFFl_isQIJmXLphe7OktQGzDgIa8Kcy18MjjyqhMIsLhxBmuoJ7Sx5Kz/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT5JFSLfnCifJ3suHK5J8pVK80ah7lZWmOhyG8ZMFIOx63ab2sS7BKwSKZP4j7IRSsYbexGgQhyphenhyphen8eYtMnCaw3yFFl_isQIJmXLphe7OktQGzDgIa8Kcy18MjjyqhMIsLhxBmuoJ7Sx5Kz/s320/IMG_2990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>I'll be the first to admit that I am not an olive fan, but the Mrs. absolutely loves them. But those who know me, know that I tend to let my inhibitions go and try dishes that I usually don't like at fine dining establishments. And this was no exception. I had to give it the good old college try. I was pleasantly surprised by the texture and flavor of the modern "olive". It had a unique texture and a burst of intense olive flavor. I'm glad I tried it.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Jamón Serrano Fermin</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXnBmAh1LkwtpTGwCLcmHm6QTk_Re6hGrHgKlRVb2ZYmNsep6-RiZyFBtyy8O4H46MIA_g8hiuUvzFWG_TYFSPcTfe3fxH_Do0I_ubDNGWVzm59smnG1hwT8oPypJV5O5tLicicdYksE9/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXnBmAh1LkwtpTGwCLcmHm6QTk_Re6hGrHgKlRVb2ZYmNsep6-RiZyFBtyy8O4H46MIA_g8hiuUvzFWG_TYFSPcTfe3fxH_Do0I_ubDNGWVzm59smnG1hwT8oPypJV5O5tLicicdYksE9/s320/IMG_2995.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrsMgmtawBfHxJCB0e0iI4jsV2PzRn0Lpbd6mzPBhlz-zzmhhlFXiOpU5USfUHPOe0ll21TXXQYWDeW9qPuuvgizTyr_4d1MklzwYDz0sMEwlLUigGbrrPtVnqsibFCoERUQ_igmvzwNP/s1600/IMG_2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrsMgmtawBfHxJCB0e0iI4jsV2PzRn0Lpbd6mzPBhlz-zzmhhlFXiOpU5USfUHPOe0ll21TXXQYWDeW9qPuuvgizTyr_4d1MklzwYDz0sMEwlLUigGbrrPtVnqsibFCoERUQ_igmvzwNP/s320/IMG_2994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>The dry cured ham served with the Catalan style toasted bread with tomatoes was absolutely delicious. My good friend was dead set on ordering a Jamón dish after seeing an episode of Anthony Bourdain. LOL. I think what really made this dish was the toasted bread with the tomatoes. Yummy!</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cotton Candy Foie Gras</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMggZzaRWdkfgQuZCeJPawEJdJea3Lqd-ELC5rhID2CP6zgorNXBckqPtWRLzZIsG-UXd6QuDoB0ObiKWeWEdxZfEAWcfK_avHQdatL52nfHcgE-PZqRBXBnnBYSwvvEUBRVo3B-t4JLPq/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMggZzaRWdkfgQuZCeJPawEJdJea3Lqd-ELC5rhID2CP6zgorNXBckqPtWRLzZIsG-UXd6QuDoB0ObiKWeWEdxZfEAWcfK_avHQdatL52nfHcgE-PZqRBXBnnBYSwvvEUBRVo3B-t4JLPq/s320/IMG_2991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>That's right you read it right and you are seeing what you are seeing. Yes....cotton candy foie gras. Another intriguing dish that I couldn't resist. Although I love foie gras, I usually don't like it prepared like a terrine, but this was the exception. The sweetness of the cotton candy and the slight crunch of the crystals of the sugar married well with the saltiness and silkiness of the foie gras. Pure decadence.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Tortilla de Patatas</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKeHCtQFbUpoJjKm_Iys3H93zn-eXgO2ycZFsk8YAT0Ut1KP6mK80hib6EFitlbFc7nDncdTiTiRI8ao9Xowi81c-ST5ITlz8q8PRkdXB9bBUSPnq0hUzL7gqdmAOoZ1ENw72XzG-u8Ci/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKeHCtQFbUpoJjKm_Iys3H93zn-eXgO2ycZFsk8YAT0Ut1KP6mK80hib6EFitlbFc7nDncdTiTiRI8ao9Xowi81c-ST5ITlz8q8PRkdXB9bBUSPnq0hUzL7gqdmAOoZ1ENw72XzG-u8Ci/s320/IMG_2992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">Oh me oh my. Now this little dish made a HUGE impression on me. Beautifully presented in a egg shell was potato foam, egg 63 (egg cooked sous vide at 63°C), and caramelized onions. The flavors were outstanding. I think we could've eaten a dozen of these.</div></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Embutidos Platter </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZRJMzfhiMqfYj1WwoS-SlhOMeWx72AlphZsW92aEHoYAhIAvnXCb63A2109YQk_mkqM2QLT5ZnLM320496gk_6XPm4_Gd2fsd2iE705PtZI5Nqgem73jXd_cb4bjbQUSGvjwg_us_86V/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZRJMzfhiMqfYj1WwoS-SlhOMeWx72AlphZsW92aEHoYAhIAvnXCb63A2109YQk_mkqM2QLT5ZnLM320496gk_6XPm4_Gd2fsd2iE705PtZI5Nqgem73jXd_cb4bjbQUSGvjwg_us_86V/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>This was a platter of Chorizo, Lomo (typically pork tenderloin), and Salchichon (a type of Spanish sausage). In my opinion, this platter was good but I'm not enough of a connoisseur of cured meats to truly appreciate this dish. Nothing really popped. Everything was kind of one note to me.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Philly Cheesesteak"</b> <b>& "Hilly Cheesesteak"</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXsgVcmVO_S7762i_OX-01MGkGJmdX6hg7-PxBeLDGoXyZYp69lPO2KDzPvexnuT0BI9zYsjdU3J_7L_FN9ptoZ4d_KpnjtdxivLjB5FS4BeJHtG8TrMDNPBuILrvQuHf25BNnPgpgxmh/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXsgVcmVO_S7762i_OX-01MGkGJmdX6hg7-PxBeLDGoXyZYp69lPO2KDzPvexnuT0BI9zYsjdU3J_7L_FN9ptoZ4d_KpnjtdxivLjB5FS4BeJHtG8TrMDNPBuILrvQuHf25BNnPgpgxmh/s320/IMG_2997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>Apparently these are one of the more popular dishes at <a href="http://www.thebazaar.com/">The Bazaar</a>. The "Philly Cheesesteak" is made with an air bread which had the cheese embeded on the inside and topped with wagyu beef. These were nice and light and full of flavor. I could've eaten more of these for sure. The "Hilly Cheesesteak" was basically the same except the wagyu beef was substituted with mushrooms. I could see why these are one of the more popular dishes.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Boneless Chicken Wings</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3tIKtQ8ngob1MDftm3jDdn7qY-8RjLlhBTC2lsJcyr499HahZOM_K_0qvSQnjodINJGS082wLrWria2udx5RDibamKhQ4hDot3LOPUjfSwRtKWPCCACf8wTai6WVoeOjHOOlCGswaxkf/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3tIKtQ8ngob1MDftm3jDdn7qY-8RjLlhBTC2lsJcyr499HahZOM_K_0qvSQnjodINJGS082wLrWria2udx5RDibamKhQ4hDot3LOPUjfSwRtKWPCCACf8wTai6WVoeOjHOOlCGswaxkf/s320/IMG_2999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>I love chicken wings and this version did not disappoint. They were seasoned very well and heck, they were boneless.....less work for this lazy person. LOL</blockquote></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Organized Caesar </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9RJYDb4WHgoHOvXV7lv0huh4d3A4bBWgoeN8BrCqbgn1oPONaxyBKNY3DNbpmg7AjHoDcDngNAX3ACfR2yl613kj3vvvvJ44jq2wS3KlAwWgLXHhKC-Wagty0wfxEeWkPhlSyH5TGn5s/s1600/IMG_3000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9RJYDb4WHgoHOvXV7lv0huh4d3A4bBWgoeN8BrCqbgn1oPONaxyBKNY3DNbpmg7AjHoDcDngNAX3ACfR2yl613kj3vvvvJ44jq2wS3KlAwWgLXHhKC-Wagty0wfxEeWkPhlSyH5TGn5s/s320/IMG_3000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote> This was like a bite sized deconstructed Caesar Salad made with quail eggs and Parmesan cheese. If there's one thing that Mrs Gohan loves to eat, it's Caesar Salads. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm pretty much anti green. I'm pretty much a carnivore. LOL. But Like I said before, when it comes to certain restaurants, I step out of my comfort zone and go for it. I was pleasantly surprised!</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Papas Canarias</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnKXMMH_u8a4-SQPFCcIQGgzZLUWBRjh3OStGOY54pbZ9_RoEsPfQ3rBwFXAPHPPGUPlR6jgbFNfhP4Edii23jRAGWc0h2LbbfL_RAifFdBnbIsDTiHeaydS9WQXDA4QE62xtccK-O-q6/s1600/IMG_3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnKXMMH_u8a4-SQPFCcIQGgzZLUWBRjh3OStGOY54pbZ9_RoEsPfQ3rBwFXAPHPPGUPlR6jgbFNfhP4Edii23jRAGWc0h2LbbfL_RAifFdBnbIsDTiHeaydS9WQXDA4QE62xtccK-O-q6/s320/IMG_3001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>Salted wrinkled potato with mojo verde. Sounded good but I think this one was a miss. It was just way too salty for my taste. I ended up having to rub most of the salt off before I ate it. I know in the description it said salty but this was just ridiculous.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"The Ultimate Spanish tapa"</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuyabz0YPXHnaryEGpoJJ45A3JLilboxjMVJInDwqw8YEU7MooMOzy7VGocM8S97aFJ3DyuH59F-KLPpfqEFiyUrVBcz_mpHBtEOTM-P2hL-lkXl2rz_GLVMJv1Rrc08Z7SxihIiv4N09/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuyabz0YPXHnaryEGpoJJ45A3JLilboxjMVJInDwqw8YEU7MooMOzy7VGocM8S97aFJ3DyuH59F-KLPpfqEFiyUrVBcz_mpHBtEOTM-P2hL-lkXl2rz_GLVMJv1Rrc08Z7SxihIiv4N09/s320/IMG_3002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>Those were not my words! With the name ultimate Spanish tapa, one would think this dish would've been out of this world considering how good everything else was that night. It had a lot to live up to, but in my opinion this was the ultimate Spanish tapa fail! This was my least favorite dish of the night by far. </blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Scallops </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8DFbZ36-wF5prDCOQwvRr4ONp-D29iJX9vPYFUWP9VoaQeZ_4-FKrAJCO3tSb9wr5E13j6ph5-SkeQCKTnsGDt7JBKHjVLWVDQr16kWusrOn2ywfkJGIXMhsGRiMsaVcFBxPrW2eeolL/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8DFbZ36-wF5prDCOQwvRr4ONp-D29iJX9vPYFUWP9VoaQeZ_4-FKrAJCO3tSb9wr5E13j6ph5-SkeQCKTnsGDt7JBKHjVLWVDQr16kWusrOn2ywfkJGIXMhsGRiMsaVcFBxPrW2eeolL/s320/IMG_3003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>This dish not only sounded good, looked good, smelled good, but it tasted good too! The scallops were perfectly cooked and basically melted in your mouth. The Romesco sauce was very tasty and accentuated the scallops even more. Bravo!</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Croquetas de pollo</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrOhiXqGVerI-UONNNQUAvnkgAL5mH82bLtI6YvGE2J6ds4FEbv7bxAxz_Q6N0TtTq3g175hKWozXHLhdOe6z66PWeP9kK1zwl10THO4PSLzWIHmFMo1C3qgAny4qZlQsgp080SYFIVHt/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrOhiXqGVerI-UONNNQUAvnkgAL5mH82bLtI6YvGE2J6ds4FEbv7bxAxz_Q6N0TtTq3g175hKWozXHLhdOe6z66PWeP9kK1zwl10THO4PSLzWIHmFMo1C3qgAny4qZlQsgp080SYFIVHt/s320/IMG_3005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>Another excellent dish. Can't go wrong with fried food! These chicken and bechamel fritters were nice and crispy on the outside and tasty on the inside. They were not overly oily either. One of the better dishes of the night.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Catalan spinach</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kqR3WZy1nGwEqg0vphzjXhBRkUNvbiPosIhtETxYaL2a52K9xEBoPdyAzRxRK2xJAPIrL3oX5Ae2CMMjN6AbIGLvB_yGSc7uetiP3JGvM46YFRbGF8wdpv51q_aq461KYuodHtwO4FYq/s1600/IMG_3006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kqR3WZy1nGwEqg0vphzjXhBRkUNvbiPosIhtETxYaL2a52K9xEBoPdyAzRxRK2xJAPIrL3oX5Ae2CMMjN6AbIGLvB_yGSc7uetiP3JGvM46YFRbGF8wdpv51q_aq461KYuodHtwO4FYq/s320/IMG_3006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>This spinach dish was prepared with apples, pine nuts, and raisins. Spinach happens to be one of the few vegetables that I actually enjoy, but to be honest I was a little skeptical with the combination of the other ingredients. I was pleasantly surprised and thought that the pine nuts were actually what made this dish.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Beef hangar steak</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPALA-AafwEnYGf9itDDNAB6sku6sy4hdSlzlU433DOVrHmLiH6wHpEdfC-VvJU_lb060AEH_cjZxU-HsfuOl-5OMXaOj6ULHBNzByEV0FwMFI5hzWsNc9fNtPvOdSJWzI-FeccyfhSyP/s1600/IMG_3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPALA-AafwEnYGf9itDDNAB6sku6sy4hdSlzlU433DOVrHmLiH6wHpEdfC-VvJU_lb060AEH_cjZxU-HsfuOl-5OMXaOj6ULHBNzByEV0FwMFI5hzWsNc9fNtPvOdSJWzI-FeccyfhSyP/s320/IMG_3007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>Ahhh....beef! Another one of my favorites of the night. The meat was perfectly cooked to a medium rare and the piquillo pepper confit was full of flavor. My only complaint was that the choice of beef....hangar steaks tend to be a little on the tougher side, although the taste was outstanding.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sauteed Shrimp</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvg2PIGJ9XM1sHzc4_QPX9xGafEIESAPOv3jJXCp2QOOmou-cx08AzuCUIGopZWxjJPlAQYHe4DG495h7lfPVUCZoDBRLnhabneuuRzg1qoD6mAxQCBbXn42EmN8EAuzaSyxiFsPg3Tzq/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvg2PIGJ9XM1sHzc4_QPX9xGafEIESAPOv3jJXCp2QOOmou-cx08AzuCUIGopZWxjJPlAQYHe4DG495h7lfPVUCZoDBRLnhabneuuRzg1qoD6mAxQCBbXn42EmN8EAuzaSyxiFsPg3Tzq/s320/IMG_3008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>The sauteed shrimp with garlic and guindilla peppers was another excellent dish. It was well balanced and tasty for sure. I thought that this dish was going to be more garlicky than it actually was. In fact this dish was quite delicate and the shrimp really shined.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wild mushroom rice </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvUimwzjxPQpg74YbUBUOjSKP1RExDnls16GfjNCspB703rff-dseDKOkBWLOh9wkwSecK60Yftm35lAuPMAShKk_gLsYWhQMXYtY-040m3uXsy5fXM3M0YWxQFa__gn8e5LI9arB_xWP/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvUimwzjxPQpg74YbUBUOjSKP1RExDnls16GfjNCspB703rff-dseDKOkBWLOh9wkwSecK60Yftm35lAuPMAShKk_gLsYWhQMXYtY-040m3uXsy5fXM3M0YWxQFa__gn8e5LI9arB_xWP/s320/IMG_3010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>The wild mushroom rice was creamy and full of flavor. The idiazabal cheese which is a type of sheep's milk added a little sharpness and complimented the earthiness flavors of the mushroom My friend who usually doesn't like mushrooms was enjoying this dish quite a bit. That's saying a lot.....to make something that a person usually doesn't like and to transform it in to something that you really like speaks volumes.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Down to earth</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFuS7mIayGWCly0VS1jYn-80gLJVEbQYk9IuU_kprikq6Cui4f_juvHmCYdWd6rjL2_r6ZZUsSYzEJ8b0iyYgeca4TebbV_oOLKyHn7III3eFGvAvAUpCFjV3aGOMCRKJfxb78H28zL_J/s1600/IMG_3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFuS7mIayGWCly0VS1jYn-80gLJVEbQYk9IuU_kprikq6Cui4f_juvHmCYdWd6rjL2_r6ZZUsSYzEJ8b0iyYgeca4TebbV_oOLKyHn7III3eFGvAvAUpCFjV3aGOMCRKJfxb78H28zL_J/s320/IMG_3012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>This cocktail was made from mezcal del maguey, cynar, fresh lime and orange on an agave truffle bed. However you want to describe it....there's no question that this cocktail packs a mean punch. No wonder it's called down to earth. The strong taste of alcohol you'll be down on the ground. Here's my friend trying to plug her nose to finish the drink. Hahaha! Too funny!</blockquote><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Traditional Spanish Flan</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJJiKMCZgTAUfMRbzma7VLcBuLRA2VjHAVXYzXsnSkjhjRp2zd6cMZtCiEGMF-ixD1QPqx-O0PYZHyeyZeAMoHdi1ABelRuUgBlXhD9AnmOVhZnNul-5tgrOJUWDbDBaeJ-mpTYWR34FF/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJJiKMCZgTAUfMRbzma7VLcBuLRA2VjHAVXYzXsnSkjhjRp2zd6cMZtCiEGMF-ixD1QPqx-O0PYZHyeyZeAMoHdi1ABelRuUgBlXhD9AnmOVhZnNul-5tgrOJUWDbDBaeJ-mpTYWR34FF/s320/IMG_3013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>I'm not the biggest flan, but this was pretty good. It wasn't overly sweet like many flans and I found it to be very creamy. All in all, it was a very good flan</blockquote><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Creamy chocolate heart </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj498Ix8hA0V1wtPJkkMmcYxz2O9DoOjFh6ZU_uDuUzLpY5fzKsUUWjQ40l8luDz3xIPEaOEY2sG6fUVWFS-Xu4Op7UMsvdEFuexwFYxsMQnSt-lE-5Y9oPjbnR2C10USQR2aOH55HXcb72/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj498Ix8hA0V1wtPJkkMmcYxz2O9DoOjFh6ZU_uDuUzLpY5fzKsUUWjQ40l8luDz3xIPEaOEY2sG6fUVWFS-Xu4Op7UMsvdEFuexwFYxsMQnSt-lE-5Y9oPjbnR2C10USQR2aOH55HXcb72/s320/IMG_3014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote>I was a bit disappointed with this dessert. I love chocolate desserts, but I found this one a bit dry and the cardamon was a bit over powering for my taste. I have to say that the desserts were the weakest part of dinner, which is a bit saddening. There's nothing like ending a good dinner with a good dessert. Oh well.</blockquote><br />
<br />
Great friends and great food. What a combination! I know I've stated this before, but what is good food without good company? Food is meant to be shared and it's more than just satisfying your stomach. Dining out should be an entire experience beyond your pallet. With that being said......<a href="http://www.thebazaar.com/">The Bazaar</a> did not disappoint. Or in the words of my good friend "Bravo Jose Bravo." LOL<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebazaar.com/">The Bazaar by Jose Andres</a><br />
465 South La Cienega Boulevard<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90048<br />
310-247-0400Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-20332699801649970392009-12-02T15:10:00.000-08:002010-01-15T16:21:14.831-08:00The end of fine dining train (Wolfgang's Steak House, Beverly Hills)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib_g7G380D4jZcsCF3jytw5aWGea1LYESt4fNFrQxp96VzorOLKuTWTDnBh4AbO7O_D7OkRxvry5W68sh8c9v7WMUImvgpp_zVND_eXgGah1pxzBHN9hSZeCYbJisr6VkTQTVxQNZCngc/s1600-h/15428_image_618_wolf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib_g7G380D4jZcsCF3jytw5aWGea1LYESt4fNFrQxp96VzorOLKuTWTDnBh4AbO7O_D7OkRxvry5W68sh8c9v7WMUImvgpp_zVND_eXgGah1pxzBHN9hSZeCYbJisr6VkTQTVxQNZCngc/s400/15428_image_618_wolf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399647695178032914" border="0" /></a>Sadly, this was the end of our fining dining train. It was steam rolling pretty good for 2 months. It all started at <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-been-long-time-comme-ca-west.html">Comme Ca</a>, then to<a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2009/10/birthday-celebration-part-2-chaya.html"> Chaya Downtown</a>, <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-3rd-anniversary-craft-los-angeles.html">Craft Los Angeles</a>, <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanks-dine-la-spago-beverly-hills.html">Spago Beverly Hills</a>, and finally <a href="http://wolfgangssteakhouse.com/">Wolfgang's Steakhouse</a>. No....not that Wolfgang. This place is Wolfgang Zweiner's Steakhouse. I don't think we'll be hopping on a train like this again :( Unless, I win the Lottery. The first time we did something like this, was our food trip to New York. That trip started the birth of Mr. Gohan :) We were eating at all these 'fancy' restaurants that constructed beautifully put together dishes, but I was in the mood for a straight forward steakhouse. And that's what I got, good meat. All though this was the end, I guess all good things must come to an end.<br /><br />I've been wanting to come here for a couple of years. Ever since I read someone's post on Chowhound. After reading more about this place I was very intrigued. Wolfgang Zweiner used to be the head waiter at the famed <a href="http://www.eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/peter-luger-holy-grail-of-steakhouses.html">Peter Luger</a> in Brooklyn. Having been to <a href="http://www.eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/peter-luger-holy-grail-of-steakhouses.html">Peter Luger</a> in New York, I was interested to see if Wolfgang's Steakhouse shared any resemblance. And I have to say, conceptually it seemed to be very similar except for the decor. <a href="http://wolfgangssteakhouse.com/">Wolfgang's Steakhouse</a> was much more modern and "Beverly Hillsish" :)<br /><br />On this particular evening, me and the Mrs were dining with some friends who also share a passion for eating. We came during Dine LA and ate a 3 course meal for $44. When else can you eat Prime Grade steaks for so cheap. We were seated in the 'wine room', which I enjoyed very much. It seemed like we had our own private room. Although I walked away from this dinner enjoying the company of some friends and having my stomach full with very good steak, the night didn't get off to a good start. For one I forgot my camera again! I had to use my phone. Secondly, we all agreed that our waiter was terrible. His attention to detail and our needs were absent at best. Having been to many restaurants, one thing that brings down the impression of restaurants are the patron's impression of the wait staff. Having said that, I still enjoyed our night out. The food and company outweighed that terrible waiter.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">2005 Sequoia Grove</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoX3yFRBAeO_HM33-Tj8sJoRXZmVi44S60CqpFq6PJ6_CCN5nFOszt7JEPrFrWTNN6h_y75BMFIWo5_zzyEdbq0tG8Yrrmw96zxR_J0jO1MJvWMjMBVzCt_PGUnFiuBccfxhsfNNFp6Oe/s1600-h/Sequoia+Grove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoX3yFRBAeO_HM33-Tj8sJoRXZmVi44S60CqpFq6PJ6_CCN5nFOszt7JEPrFrWTNN6h_y75BMFIWo5_zzyEdbq0tG8Yrrmw96zxR_J0jO1MJvWMjMBVzCt_PGUnFiuBccfxhsfNNFp6Oe/s320/Sequoia+Grove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399657580518169698" border="0" /></a>When I eat a good steak I also enjoy some vino and preferably some <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> (rice). LOL. I'm no connoisseur of fine wine, that would be my brother, but I know when I enjoy a wine. And this particular Cab was very good and very reasonably priced considering.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuna Tartare</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtYZW8VCaC9g4AxiAJqlnLHvAX5Q5VVkrxYxCpxbxLUM4wtnNKqIE3Nfqli14_m3KByOmgIv6d1WobDmbpL-sEFRFQ2w56u9CYaP8W12EesQzDTIBwiTVaCpUv0nGfaf9DfNGFbyjmwQj/s1600-h/Tuna+Tartare.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtYZW8VCaC9g4AxiAJqlnLHvAX5Q5VVkrxYxCpxbxLUM4wtnNKqIE3Nfqli14_m3KByOmgIv6d1WobDmbpL-sEFRFQ2w56u9CYaP8W12EesQzDTIBwiTVaCpUv0nGfaf9DfNGFbyjmwQj/s320/Tuna+Tartare.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399660219874682450" border="0" /></a>For those who know me, know that I'm not much of seafood person. Although, as I am getting older I am beginning to like it more and more. So my experience with tuna tartare is very limited and I don't have much to go against. In my opinion, Wolfgang's version was decent. Nothing earth shattering about it.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Manhattan Clam Chowder</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lS7uGClyiiRmsmII3OvD4hGVLzJpSbJNpfX3ZFEny-khiwxjGFP38RoKrvUNwfF-zWM54xxARsljNyDWNWEJeuNbN9PGgKy1WSfrBc9uOfNG-dikehGdiBWvO_c6HfddYlJ4ux1p7n0R/s1600-h/1016092018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lS7uGClyiiRmsmII3OvD4hGVLzJpSbJNpfX3ZFEny-khiwxjGFP38RoKrvUNwfF-zWM54xxARsljNyDWNWEJeuNbN9PGgKy1WSfrBc9uOfNG-dikehGdiBWvO_c6HfddYlJ4ux1p7n0R/s320/1016092018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399663477149754866" border="0" /></a>I have never had or remembered of hearing of Manhattan Clam Chowder. Whenever I think or hear of clam chowder, I think of New England Clam Chowder. I guess I need to get out more often :) So when it came out I was a bit shocked to see that it was red! My impressions were that it tasted very similar to a vegetable soup. Again, nothing earth shattering about it.....it was just good.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sizzling Bacon</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KaGzO4CPdfcfMdbOIvFNd4ynzXJEpJHnm_gfU1GDKAh9D2U3a3IienxfJdFSPwIx6H89Vt100otdZa85rJ0kh_oreeYSAsUxUYqvrRrrZ4sgvnXv-S5WAB_WJlRNQuR2QbB9TlRHEBIp/s1600-h/Sizzling+Bacon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KaGzO4CPdfcfMdbOIvFNd4ynzXJEpJHnm_gfU1GDKAh9D2U3a3IienxfJdFSPwIx6H89Vt100otdZa85rJ0kh_oreeYSAsUxUYqvrRrrZ4sgvnXv-S5WAB_WJlRNQuR2QbB9TlRHEBIp/s320/Sizzling+Bacon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399664750047232370" border="0" /></a>This was a familiar sight. The sizzling bacon reminded me of <a href="http://www.eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/peter-luger-holy-grail-of-steakhouses.html">Peter Luger's</a>. How can you go wrong with bacon? It was very tasty and juicy. The only downside besides it making me more fat is the cost :) LOL.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New York Steak</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIbSyOk9YeGuLo7YS1ST7SZIGmfdNTCiEHTgzjrDv-vXgQB3J6sCZj6SC_kmrt8DI11TzCWorjS7bwxlS3KT7_5h4q0zG8KZAl5nMF5m7ylJNOw4Jxp3O1YLpyQZKMCb_1zwNq8mQz5sw/s1600-h/NY+Steak.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIbSyOk9YeGuLo7YS1ST7SZIGmfdNTCiEHTgzjrDv-vXgQB3J6sCZj6SC_kmrt8DI11TzCWorjS7bwxlS3KT7_5h4q0zG8KZAl5nMF5m7ylJNOw4Jxp3O1YLpyQZKMCb_1zwNq8mQz5sw/s320/NY+Steak.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399665728103982290" border="0" /></a>I know, I know...the picture sucks! Blame it on the camera not the photographer. Similar to <a href="http://www.eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/peter-luger-holy-grail-of-steakhouses.html">Peter Luger's</a>, the steak comes out piping hot and is sliced at the table. Unfortunately, we didn't try their Porterhouse Steak to make a true comparison to <a href="http://www.eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/peter-luger-holy-grail-of-steakhouses.html">Peter Luger's</a>. One thing they do have in common for sure is that the steak was very good! My only knock on my steak, was that it was a bit under seasoned. Other than that it was great! The flavor of the meat was outstanding.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Plate</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilp0KNICjGEaaebNuQ1rhLqElPR94LM5E-sFCRV_rmRGv5ePHZxbgZDpmgcXt7u9x-rwq2_7AQ_8XCs36QiIy3rE15QZvjo289HDFAsVYEdcaEElWBf4J0T41_dKamOqhNc_JRC5wc1yas/s1600-h/NY+Steak,+Creamed+Spinach,+Mashed+Potatoes,+%26+German+Potatoes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilp0KNICjGEaaebNuQ1rhLqElPR94LM5E-sFCRV_rmRGv5ePHZxbgZDpmgcXt7u9x-rwq2_7AQ_8XCs36QiIy3rE15QZvjo289HDFAsVYEdcaEElWBf4J0T41_dKamOqhNc_JRC5wc1yas/s320/NY+Steak,+Creamed+Spinach,+Mashed+Potatoes,+%26+German+Potatoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399667452927631730" border="0" /></a>Here's a picture of my plate. Pictured is some New York Steak, Creamed Spinach, Mashed Potatoes, and German Potatoes. Everything was very good! Both the Creamed Spinach and Mashed Potatoes were very creamy and delicious. My favorite side was the German Potatoes. They were very delicious and also reminded me of <a href="http://www.eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/peter-luger-holy-grail-of-steakhouses.html">Peter Luger</a>. Everything we had that night was all in all good, with the exception of the steak. Which I felt was outstanding!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Apple Strudel</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiYBd0jUj8IAy-3oVXvRjYJ_fJK80qfS7L8b2LFcBxcsf-Y6qXs1gje9iunhxVQeKFEF6sGIq_yl6YAYUBszxx0XbRufZ9iLbq9OROPLit9HnwAYV5fJ4lK5QCJWwBZfmK9rkOWeGm-_O/s1600-h/Apple+Streudel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiYBd0jUj8IAy-3oVXvRjYJ_fJK80qfS7L8b2LFcBxcsf-Y6qXs1gje9iunhxVQeKFEF6sGIq_yl6YAYUBszxx0XbRufZ9iLbq9OROPLit9HnwAYV5fJ4lK5QCJWwBZfmK9rkOWeGm-_O/s320/Apple+Streudel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399670223119522482" border="0" /></a>Although I only took a small bite, my impressions and my memory of this dessert was that it was pretty straight forward and good. Before coming here, I looked at the menu and saw that all the desserts came with a fresh schlag. I was thinking to myself, 'what the hell is a schlag'? It turned out to be their fresh whipped cream. What ever you call it, it was good :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Mousse Cake</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0fkIGR7AkCLTVzE5juhLDHn_GM9S_ixhPSucEOlzXR38ETZ6VY1E4IQuMo2s7JFTz41zSuAi-Fz-FlFWw79Y4FITP-AQQSrbO_QozTIOJLvrMv0L_Gzqa2EzmrnlLZ0OEy6w6a3FGsGb/s1600-h/Chocolate+Mousse+Cake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0fkIGR7AkCLTVzE5juhLDHn_GM9S_ixhPSucEOlzXR38ETZ6VY1E4IQuMo2s7JFTz41zSuAi-Fz-FlFWw79Y4FITP-AQQSrbO_QozTIOJLvrMv0L_Gzqa2EzmrnlLZ0OEy6w6a3FGsGb/s320/Chocolate+Mousse+Cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399672052060559490" border="0" /></a>This is another example of my recent 'falling out' with chocolate desserts. Usually my favorite desserts always tend to be chocolate but this was not my favorite of the night. hmm....something is going on. Anyways, this was very rich and went nicely with my cup of joe :) All in all, I enjoyed it a lot. It just was not my favorite.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Cheesecake</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__zs-kV_7OncwB7VSTP6C8GHKzz3ldmaZWh7dV597_vRRU04aQunaxFtCDRwaMDx_WZkRSnBxd7geR_-xbBDpWH-BDoMOZN3yuevMp7pqw91epDuDNQc4tpqqU47mjrZ5DAcQ6ErM9nZR/s1600-h/NY+Cheesecake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__zs-kV_7OncwB7VSTP6C8GHKzz3ldmaZWh7dV597_vRRU04aQunaxFtCDRwaMDx_WZkRSnBxd7geR_-xbBDpWH-BDoMOZN3yuevMp7pqw91epDuDNQc4tpqqU47mjrZ5DAcQ6ErM9nZR/s320/NY+Cheesecake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399673427634238530" border="0" /></a>I felt that the cheese cake was the best dessert of the night. It was very creamy and wasn't overly sweet. Again this was a straight forward interpretation of a dessert. Nothing fancy about it. But then again that's what I enjoyed about that night. Everything was pretty straight forward and good.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wolfgangssteakhouse.com/">Wolfgang's Steakhouse</a><br />445 North Canon Drive<br />Beverly Hills, CA. 90210<br />310-385-0640Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-86387598403249832052009-11-09T09:34:00.000-08:002009-11-09T09:53:16.664-08:00Thanks Dine LA! (Spago, Beverly Hills)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4bhyphenhyphen2-mLyGnQAfrIy7m8xPuRGf9y5IwmSyF2vz8NHcD1DDHk2tYHqHwWawZJaFEUppa7ACgNQFnuOarkCa5YWKsoPPgxkb7-9hLZZ5LdDkLYph8QDwLnWw1Qyc2sjvWxA44pYJCaYTUs/s1600-h/Spago.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4bhyphenhyphen2-mLyGnQAfrIy7m8xPuRGf9y5IwmSyF2vz8NHcD1DDHk2tYHqHwWawZJaFEUppa7ACgNQFnuOarkCa5YWKsoPPgxkb7-9hLZZ5LdDkLYph8QDwLnWw1Qyc2sjvWxA44pYJCaYTUs/s320/Spago.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392578791021100946" border="0" /></a>The fine dining train keeps on rolling! When can you get a three course meal for $44 at <a href="http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/fine-dining/3635">Spago</a>? Got to love Dine LA! If it wasn't for L.A's restaurant week, I don't think we would have gone to <a href="http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/fine-dining/3635">Spago's</a>. I guess we would have for a special occasion one day, but to go for no reason, it would have never happened. It was probably the best deal out of the 200+ participating restaurants.<br /><br />Again. we made the earliest reservation time available because of "<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">baby gohan</a>". When we arrived they were still setting up tables :) That's how early our dinner reservations were. When we were seated at the outside dining area, we were a little skeptical because some leaves were falling from the trees onto our table, but as the night went on the breezes calmed down and the falling leaves were in the past. The night had turned out to be very pleasant. I have to say....the outside dining area is absolutely beautiful and romantic. We really enjoyed the atmosphere. We were a little concerned that <a href="http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/fine-dining/3635">Spago</a> might be a little snooty, but to our delight that was not the case at all. It was the same experience at the <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/12/happy-2nd-anniversary-spago-maui.html">Spago's in Maui</a>. The staff was excellent and the restaurant was very inviting. All in all, we had a very enjoyable evening out. Thanks to Dine LA :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Heirloom Tomato Soup<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzk-wZwaQNZy1GwSEX_S2b43Lv07PFl2ICewWHwu5XA_7oTv7AfV4uB7K6yabsT95MURXW0yAQ0KbyNKRwtJfVV_CuxsLC9r_dIIgIEDQ5w-yUvMY8gl-l9SS_KhFK5JcX9kqAQ2fpev4/s1600-h/Heirloom+Tomato+Soup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzk-wZwaQNZy1GwSEX_S2b43Lv07PFl2ICewWHwu5XA_7oTv7AfV4uB7K6yabsT95MURXW0yAQ0KbyNKRwtJfVV_CuxsLC9r_dIIgIEDQ5w-yUvMY8gl-l9SS_KhFK5JcX9kqAQ2fpev4/s320/Heirloom+Tomato+Soup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399590260878595810" border="0" /></a>"Mrs. Gohan's" sister ordered this starter on the recommendation of our waiter. I'm not a tomato person at all, but I have to say that this had a very clean flavor and finish to it. I really enjoyed it and I'm glad someone ordered it so I could try some :) I enjoy trying different dishes, I just have a hard time ordering stuff I'm not accustomed to ordering for myself. That's where other people come in handy. lol<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Crispy Monterey Bay Calamari</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfsQ3wMRq1e5Su6mwavuQnhsFNX6mkleD20RhH2cJ6CARlZb481S__EtBQ3RTB7DuU6JS_AcNyUYZHROLJ-il_erqnqe48zK6vRULV434i5m7oVNVoljFWfcm0tQ2EnVVUPHn0im2T7hb/s1600-h/Crispy+Monterey+Bay+Calamari.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfsQ3wMRq1e5Su6mwavuQnhsFNX6mkleD20RhH2cJ6CARlZb481S__EtBQ3RTB7DuU6JS_AcNyUYZHROLJ-il_erqnqe48zK6vRULV434i5m7oVNVoljFWfcm0tQ2EnVVUPHn0im2T7hb/s320/Crispy+Monterey+Bay+Calamari.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399592578574239410" border="0" /></a>Yet, here is another example of me being happy that someone ordered this dish. This was "Mrs. Gohan's" appetizer. I would never order this for myself as I am not much of a seafood person, but I'm sure glad I ate some. This was the best appetizer that our table ordered for sure. It was delicious!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Maine Lobster & Spinach Ravioli<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq3Km1loG6OKGETx70NZgDt3pY2oCudzt-hUK7-Jbk7pJAZabVXbUAryfQ87GglYKKvyxurjUnJeyNrnQVT5JpLe88LWSjzjreIOrH_i_nt15rgb0JTzGk1QtP9rTn-DmGxdu9nkG4xDu/s1600-h/Maine+Lobster+%26+Spinach+Ravioli.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq3Km1loG6OKGETx70NZgDt3pY2oCudzt-hUK7-Jbk7pJAZabVXbUAryfQ87GglYKKvyxurjUnJeyNrnQVT5JpLe88LWSjzjreIOrH_i_nt15rgb0JTzGk1QtP9rTn-DmGxdu9nkG4xDu/s320/Maine+Lobster+%26+Spinach+Ravioli.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399593986577396210" border="0" /></a>This was my order. The Maine Lobster & spinach ravioli. I have to say this was my least favorite of the appetizers. It sounded very good, but it didn't live up to my expectations. It wasn't very flavorful and I didn't get the taste of too much lobster :(<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sweet Corn Agnolotti</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3Hh98vaslSLm6EPnjjGcAQefxG8hLL2KwU5woP7hqcBxwwHdb-TDW0gi0eaDttLAGHTUx6oJHaAvmY4o4OuBQVBsgyapx2suoOBqNXJHgrP0-PvvYT4uKhakmDnyu-6ejIcJZvK7MFU4/s1600-h/Sweet+Corn+Agnolotti.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3Hh98vaslSLm6EPnjjGcAQefxG8hLL2KwU5woP7hqcBxwwHdb-TDW0gi0eaDttLAGHTUx6oJHaAvmY4o4OuBQVBsgyapx2suoOBqNXJHgrP0-PvvYT4uKhakmDnyu-6ejIcJZvK7MFU4/s320/Sweet+Corn+Agnolotti.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399597520683397826" border="0" /></a>This was what they called a mid course. This was my favorite of the night! This was the supplemental dish that we ordered. And boy...was it worth it! The texture of the Agnolotti was just right. The sweetness of the corn was balanced perfectly with the saltiness of the Parmesan Reggiano and was tied together with the butter sauce. This was excellent!<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Halibut<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP_ec_dTa1nom5r7jocWxdSAx7Dv0kVf4jtXnpapNzixXxnQQNkk47QzFvIP3VwbW2c5Xwe0iOSsA1MuwXUj3pmyTOd4Qgwikf7KPKGRLLV4SJroV5LUIHFPCjkeiF7OAgruNai0y8vVq/s1600-h/Halibut.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP_ec_dTa1nom5r7jocWxdSAx7Dv0kVf4jtXnpapNzixXxnQQNkk47QzFvIP3VwbW2c5Xwe0iOSsA1MuwXUj3pmyTOd4Qgwikf7KPKGRLLV4SJroV5LUIHFPCjkeiF7OAgruNai0y8vVq/s320/Halibut.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399595300192968898" border="0" /></a>This was probably my least favorite entree of the night. I thought the halibut was a tad bit on the dry side and a little tough. The mushrooms and pancetta with the foam, however, were quite tasty and yummy.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kurobuta Pork Chop</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzakEI9trlojMEEJ5ZzwoIKqriPVDld2ZfZgDhqfCScI-AyC6aZN__-eg-9u3UynGGorZc18dV62CJ6Jsbi-qvBJz0v4lhxZmyBs3B_f0i2IWeV0NKbz-JbEoqoAVELrkO-tmipEzF6q66/s1600-h/Kurobuta+Pork+Chop.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzakEI9trlojMEEJ5ZzwoIKqriPVDld2ZfZgDhqfCScI-AyC6aZN__-eg-9u3UynGGorZc18dV62CJ6Jsbi-qvBJz0v4lhxZmyBs3B_f0i2IWeV0NKbz-JbEoqoAVELrkO-tmipEzF6q66/s320/Kurobuta+Pork+Chop.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399599453827453618" border="0" /></a>The Kurobuta Pork Chop with pear-ginger compote, stir fried green beans and confit pork, Chinese 10 spice and port-licorice reduction was quite delicious. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Kurobuta</span> (Berkshire Pork) was perfectly cooked and seasoned.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wood Oven Roasted Poussin</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDBLFgjUvAsR0qK5i7hAMyGzi3lxrmRqTrcFPQcAHEAv14jgZse7uhwFtgr3e-m8odWHuK4pUAxKcruHhBxukAB2wHRsprXDyYwvUIo5VIdLJqPpoaunlTmK1SagMcKx010mmcHa_OTEX/s1600-h/Wood+Oven+Roasted+Poussin.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDBLFgjUvAsR0qK5i7hAMyGzi3lxrmRqTrcFPQcAHEAv14jgZse7uhwFtgr3e-m8odWHuK4pUAxKcruHhBxukAB2wHRsprXDyYwvUIo5VIdLJqPpoaunlTmK1SagMcKx010mmcHa_OTEX/s320/Wood+Oven+Roasted+Poussin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399601194140363474" border="0" /></a>The Poussin (young chicken) was prepared with caramelized garlic and preserved lemons and served with fingerling potatoes. The skin of the Poussin was very crispy and the meat was very juicy and flavorful. It was one of the best prepared "chicken" dishes I've ever had!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Apple Upside Down Cake<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuoFfssE6LvkmFeouHjX1KzKYx2ouSZVP1QfpPCGF7DhQr5zTIORWgF9QSB5m7oTtT7vvZPH0wuGJnI4mpGGGobEbOKdA7Qq5QandCddoMvwFC4iO0TawaeJGKy0aqLfVqcFs4eEbo38X/s1600-h/Apple+Cider+Upside+Down+Cake.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuoFfssE6LvkmFeouHjX1KzKYx2ouSZVP1QfpPCGF7DhQr5zTIORWgF9QSB5m7oTtT7vvZPH0wuGJnI4mpGGGobEbOKdA7Qq5QandCddoMvwFC4iO0TawaeJGKy0aqLfVqcFs4eEbo38X/s320/Apple+Cider+Upside+Down+Cake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399606272310768386" border="0" /></a>I really enjoyed this dessert. I thought it was one of the best apple desserts I've tried. It was nice and flaky and the apples were not too tart or sweet. It was very delicious.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Purse</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyhUpd2Ti6VUeULUFMk40Lq4vfcxSYaWk20vjte-Md6z1W3NBjYvwH9oMgrIC7bATjkr1FYO6w0CrLGo3S-w-RHRNfp79r2mVyz4pa9qnG0IMW2nK04l3rCS04ldplZrhxEip5Fvrc9c7/s1600-h/Chocolate+Purse.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyhUpd2Ti6VUeULUFMk40Lq4vfcxSYaWk20vjte-Md6z1W3NBjYvwH9oMgrIC7bATjkr1FYO6w0CrLGo3S-w-RHRNfp79r2mVyz4pa9qnG0IMW2nK04l3rCS04ldplZrhxEip5Fvrc9c7/s320/Chocolate+Purse.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399619193485644434" border="0" /></a>The chocolate purse was comprised of a crepe filled with a chocolate ganache. The top portion of the crepe was crispy which added a nice contrast in texture with the smooth velvety ganache. This was very rich and decadent.....and oh yes, it was very good!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Berry Short Cake</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyxq93krAH2FhaBWtkics3RM8Dy9P98OcHhyphenhyphent8VvFRZa2rElU_0jVrHsL0j0vbdVSmC14wkU2qxeir1Xhb_S9pCjAsiDVcfft8s9lJxMJKb8jN3REiI5LxYIlvIHzZfFMRew9Rkd9Gieh/s1600-h/Berry+Short+Cake.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyxq93krAH2FhaBWtkics3RM8Dy9P98OcHhyphenhyphent8VvFRZa2rElU_0jVrHsL0j0vbdVSmC14wkU2qxeir1Xhb_S9pCjAsiDVcfft8s9lJxMJKb8jN3REiI5LxYIlvIHzZfFMRew9Rkd9Gieh/s320/Berry+Short+Cake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399628383747782850" border="0" /></a>Although I'm a chocolate lover, I think this was my favorite dessert of the night. Maybe I'm being biased since this was my order :) Although, I find myself enjoying the non chocolate desserts more often than not recently. hmmm.....maybe my palate is changing. Anyways, this dessert was very refreshing yet very satisfying. It even had golden raspberries, which were a treat. They were very good!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/fine-dining/3635">Spago Beverly Hills</a><br />176 North Canon Dr.<br /> Beverly Hills, California 90210<br />310-385-0880Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-25247667440509673792009-11-02T10:36:00.000-08:002009-11-02T22:57:37.765-08:00Happy 3rd Anniversary! (Craft Los Angeles, Los Angeles)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93lswhyphenhyphenY-_tRjD3g5RGG8qdaf8PObjxHZ3NtVNgtbi309Ypl90u51E62fhYOIBX6f1ZwLNuTlMyRW_80_QI8FaIG6LiTskxYmb8654CTu9dmIaybYVkKFavMVrcVqRo-3mkFBwtRx5ciZ/s1600-h/Craft+Los+Angeles.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93lswhyphenhyphenY-_tRjD3g5RGG8qdaf8PObjxHZ3NtVNgtbi309Ypl90u51E62fhYOIBX6f1ZwLNuTlMyRW_80_QI8FaIG6LiTskxYmb8654CTu9dmIaybYVkKFavMVrcVqRo-3mkFBwtRx5ciZ/s320/Craft+Los+Angeles.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392557751570052562" border="0" /></a>Me and Mrs have been on a real roll recently. After "<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">baby gohan</a>" came along, the meaning of dining out to us was going to places like Carrows or IHOP :) But, recently we've been going out to eat at a lot of really nice restaurants. Luckily we had a gift certificate for <a href="http://www.craftrestaurant.com/craft_losangeles_style.html">Craft</a> and what better time to use it and celebrate our 3rd Anniversary. I have to say, that might have been one of the cheapest fine dining experiences I've had in a long long time :) Needless to say, we both were very excited about going. We've wanted to eat here ever since Tom Colicchio opened his restaurant here in Los Angeles, but it almost didn't happen. "Mrs. Gohan" was sick the whole week, but luckily she recovered in the nick of time.<br /><br />As we approached the restaurant, the appearance from the outside really didn't have that much appeal or character. As soon as we entered, we knew it was a different story. I was pleasantly surprised by the decor and atmosphere of <a href="http://www.craftrestaurant.com/craft_losangeles_style.html">Craft</a>. The colors were warm and inviting but yet had a real contemporary feel. The shape of the dining area was very unique as well. Well, enough of that......On with the food :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Shishito Peppers<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFSpZNsJzqK0_q4BzfgZAFAzMatkjCVQI0C4_Em5OgxQJVFCieBtZzvflqL7kxK-qn6sfoB-wu7wmWriHW-pAZBevbWpIz9Sbx7w9rtiXsIgN__65y-EuT8UZLnaUD-bnUzPXAf2AKfd9/s1600-h/Shishito.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFSpZNsJzqK0_q4BzfgZAFAzMatkjCVQI0C4_Em5OgxQJVFCieBtZzvflqL7kxK-qn6sfoB-wu7wmWriHW-pAZBevbWpIz9Sbx7w9rtiXsIgN__65y-EuT8UZLnaUD-bnUzPXAf2AKfd9/s320/Shishito.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392566083291906226" border="0" /></a>These were some of the biggest <span style="font-style: italic;">shishito</span> peppers I have ever seen! These were nicely seasoned and sauteed. Nothing too special about them. Pretty straight forward<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Potato Gratin<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh2jKpEUhF4x64w-zk2aw5a0cxW946mSVj9WWhdT78TJzYeId_jgasx4sW8APJeLKc9y0JJapMY0a2IQjjOYQ351z4sWhW6A7x7gMCWhtZeZfh83nn1V2Imh-JD9_iOwSRDUliWNtfFLJ/s1600-h/Potato+Gratin.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh2jKpEUhF4x64w-zk2aw5a0cxW946mSVj9WWhdT78TJzYeId_jgasx4sW8APJeLKc9y0JJapMY0a2IQjjOYQ351z4sWhW6A7x7gMCWhtZeZfh83nn1V2Imh-JD9_iOwSRDUliWNtfFLJ/s320/Potato+Gratin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392567447762638978" border="0" /></a>The potato gratin was the second side dish we ordered. Too bad they didn't have <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> (rice). LOL. Again the potatoes were nothing mind blowing, but I have to say it was very creamy and good!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kobe Sirloin</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl0h_J0NF_QEcDWs9l8zcNQzQDpHPlHCcz0h4G6z31Wwb8v1nR_vvbEQTbfqYoTRDbhajbpb0DCHWCKDZ8g9ADf2i5PT_oYRPD48mj3lcznKRNdBTSFqxlmS20AX1d5lvJ0qJlhfqZcLf/s1600-h/Kobe+Sirloin.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl0h_J0NF_QEcDWs9l8zcNQzQDpHPlHCcz0h4G6z31Wwb8v1nR_vvbEQTbfqYoTRDbhajbpb0DCHWCKDZ8g9ADf2i5PT_oYRPD48mj3lcznKRNdBTSFqxlmS20AX1d5lvJ0qJlhfqZcLf/s320/Kobe+Sirloin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392569244617018562" border="0" /></a>I just had expressed to the Mrs. that online menus have in some capacity diminished the surprise element of going to new restaurants. But at the same time, it does come in handy as well :) Having said that, when we made reservations, we had our minds made up to order the ribeye for the table. After arriving, we were informed that a special item was on the menu. The Kobe Sirloin steak for the table. We jumped at the opportunity. Although it was very tasty and PERFECTLY cooked, I think we should've stuck to our original plans since our favorite cut of meat is the ribeye. But having said that, it was very good. What would have made it better? Rice of course!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Grapefruit Gelee with Prickly Pear<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_yJUas0Ot4SpeYbpdXfQFSw13uWRs7-lGYLIfjS9DdCqJKUz-E7hriw2sG-kfHkpvtCdKzMRQ2beUVnsgQcKleuTRDy35EPmn-XCft4nqma8tSb-limlzHxpSX-59mXfNjwHFh9hKL8f/s1600-h/Grapefruit+Gelee+with+Prickly+Pear.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_yJUas0Ot4SpeYbpdXfQFSw13uWRs7-lGYLIfjS9DdCqJKUz-E7hriw2sG-kfHkpvtCdKzMRQ2beUVnsgQcKleuTRDy35EPmn-XCft4nqma8tSb-limlzHxpSX-59mXfNjwHFh9hKL8f/s320/Grapefruit+Gelee+with+Prickly+Pear.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399570166079334770" border="0" /></a>I was not used to having complimentary desserts from the pastry chef. In fact we got two desserts compliments of the house. I only took a picture of this one though. This was a grapefruit gelee with prickly pear. It was very delicious and refreshing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Souffle<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LYTkQz4WRA7y2iJPrOCVy5nvxgaOLfOkdhQ7dxdi1YXI2-jXYhKv0Lh8WZqCtZRjOroxQ7f7hGU8EgRZUiVqOxG8IWAn9bVCfKpmAn1d7JYglGjj-SabQRlFrFMqbQOdCjxOm1R3y3ku/s1600-h/Chocolate+Souffle.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LYTkQz4WRA7y2iJPrOCVy5nvxgaOLfOkdhQ7dxdi1YXI2-jXYhKv0Lh8WZqCtZRjOroxQ7f7hGU8EgRZUiVqOxG8IWAn9bVCfKpmAn1d7JYglGjj-SabQRlFrFMqbQOdCjxOm1R3y3ku/s320/Chocolate+Souffle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399572716632729634" border="0" /></a>I am the biggest fan of chocolate souffles! I basically grew up eating chocolate souffles and that has not changed one bit. <a href="http://www.craftrestaurant.com/craft_losangeles_style.html">Craft's</a> souffle was very light and scrumptious. On a scale from 1-10, I'd probably give it a 7. Nothing beats the one at Moustache Cafe! Sadly it's no longer around :(<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.craftrestaurant.com/craft_losangeles_style.html">Craft Los Angeles</a><br />10100 Constellation Blvd<br />Los Angeles, CA. 90067<br />310-279-4180Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-77617584086089446772009-10-26T11:59:00.000-07:002009-11-02T11:07:54.045-08:00Birthday Celebration Part 2 (Chaya Downtown, Los Angeles)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpgdul-X4Dd0HjLkRC0E67WvaLWS6JbvoEkwwhP6B2p-jQCem3vn2UphacOWcLIPPAY3uCXP6-mKUUI0rasZkMQNjOxM0c_B_l0hn-X_LvaTZQF2q9Vnso2Y3MLOneeCBsVsMrySIuvUP/s1600-h/Chaya+Downtown.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpgdul-X4Dd0HjLkRC0E67WvaLWS6JbvoEkwwhP6B2p-jQCem3vn2UphacOWcLIPPAY3uCXP6-mKUUI0rasZkMQNjOxM0c_B_l0hn-X_LvaTZQF2q9Vnso2Y3MLOneeCBsVsMrySIuvUP/s320/Chaya+Downtown.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392209177752669522" border="0" /></a>We've always been a fan of the <a href="http://www.thechaya.com/">Chaya</a> restaurants. So when we heard that they were opening up in Downtown we were very excited that <a href="http://www.thechaya.com/">Chaya</a> was going to be closer to home. To celebrate "Mrs. Gohan's" birthday, I decided to take her to <a href="http://www.thechaya.com/">Chaya Downtown</a>. We went from not going out to eat often, to eating at two nice restaurants in 3 nights :) A couple of days prior we went to <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-been-long-time-comme-ca-west.html">Comme Ca</a> with "Mrs. Gohan's" sister and brother in law to celebrate her birthday. So in essence, this was birthday celebration part 2. This time it was just me and the Mrs. We really enjoyed the atmosphere. It was a nice mix of clean contemporary lines with traditional Japanese decor. While most of the clientele that evening were the business crowd enjoying happy hour and delaying their time to get home, we were the opposite.... I made reservations early so that we could get home in time to put "<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">baby gohan</a>" to sleep :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Pork and Duck Rillette with Toasted Baguette<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HWpFo4bqN0pLYUxcW6OVls56OCVboDI7LET3lstOez8a3X6qExeRyh3_PAPkg7Of1TyaNKa0koo9UElGe7NxcxzY8r8NS2G9le5P5cecC5TQVdLEFfZc7IYH7QqZ10wz_2I26KhIhMpa/s1600-h/Pork+and+Duck+Rillette.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HWpFo4bqN0pLYUxcW6OVls56OCVboDI7LET3lstOez8a3X6qExeRyh3_PAPkg7Of1TyaNKa0koo9UElGe7NxcxzY8r8NS2G9le5P5cecC5TQVdLEFfZc7IYH7QqZ10wz_2I26KhIhMpa/s320/Pork+and+Duck+Rillette.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392218963965215138" border="0" /></a>I've never tasted nor have I even heard of a Rillette before this occasion. Frankly, I think I would've been quite happy if it remained that way. Maybe that's being a little harsh. The flavors were not bad, I just thought it was extremely chewy and I didn't like the texture. Although, the sweetness of the figs balanced very nicely with the saltiness of the Rillette.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miso Marinated White Sea Bass</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSCIcGQey3mic4oyOU_F6bXhHAFlHrPNKP1Kulnvxrep4Jc6LIV-KYjDkdc1hOFAMTVQ_qFZPD-w4igKFFcbddY6-2ojoQQuq2whKosDaSJiOPaN4bLP-BzyPW1hzAZoiTmTofkJvdK18/s1600-h/Miso+Marinated+White+Sea+Bass.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSCIcGQey3mic4oyOU_F6bXhHAFlHrPNKP1Kulnvxrep4Jc6LIV-KYjDkdc1hOFAMTVQ_qFZPD-w4igKFFcbddY6-2ojoQQuq2whKosDaSJiOPaN4bLP-BzyPW1hzAZoiTmTofkJvdK18/s320/Miso+Marinated+White+Sea+Bass.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392221206407728898" border="0" /></a>This dish is absolutely delicious! The <span style="font-style: italic;">miso</span> marinated white sea bass is delicately flavored to let the delicate flavor of the fish shine. The <span style="font-style: italic;">miso</span> doesn't over power the moist fish. The <span style="font-style: italic;">wasabi</span> soy broth adds a nice bite to the dish without being overpowering as well. I really enjoyed the <span style="font-style: italic;">nasubi</span> (Japanese Eggplants) as well. This was a very well though out harmonious dish. Oh, Oh.....I can't forget. This dish had <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> (rice) too! Got to love that :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Grilled Kobe New York Steak & Braised Kobe Short Rib</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsY9P1R2X6Mt2TnRorzPwa8wbTVJ9uMfy0veoLcsU-t2UQQl2laQ_-eMS4L5art5LrvgzEuy5OsZsNODeGA3191Ccg88ZoEtQMT_Pl8JLl7G2G7JBdEu12Mi88Z3fFooM7hj7cnpW5GhC/s1600-h/Grilled+Kobe+New+York+Steak+%26+Braised+Kobe+Short+Ribs.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsY9P1R2X6Mt2TnRorzPwa8wbTVJ9uMfy0veoLcsU-t2UQQl2laQ_-eMS4L5art5LrvgzEuy5OsZsNODeGA3191Ccg88ZoEtQMT_Pl8JLl7G2G7JBdEu12Mi88Z3fFooM7hj7cnpW5GhC/s320/Grilled+Kobe+New+York+Steak+%26+Braised+Kobe+Short+Ribs.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392223476544442434" border="0" /></a>People who know me, know that I love my beef. And two of my favorites are steak and short ribs. I couldn't have been happier....oh wait, If there was only a bowl of <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> (rice) with the dish :) Although my steak was a tad over cooked, both of these were very flavorful, delicious, and succulent.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Warm Milk Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreqEHsN0PikLbPQFabIiidoSe83PgXiws1ZuQw7TXcp3SnuukCvo9Evmj4cGnCPFRXRsr7uK409i5Sp4ynCXfEWrlp701X3NSIpeCeMz93n5mLdZCq9yOYd9u0A5oZTE7KTd9vx1_o-hT/s1600-h/Warm+Milk+Chocolate+Croissant+Bread+Pudding.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreqEHsN0PikLbPQFabIiidoSe83PgXiws1ZuQw7TXcp3SnuukCvo9Evmj4cGnCPFRXRsr7uK409i5Sp4ynCXfEWrlp701X3NSIpeCeMz93n5mLdZCq9yOYd9u0A5oZTE7KTd9vx1_o-hT/s320/Warm+Milk+Chocolate+Croissant+Bread+Pudding.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392225512521077426" border="0" /></a>Oh My Freaking God!!!!!!!!!! This was kick ass! This was soo good! Usually, I'm such a chocolate dessert person that nothing can compare to chocolate desserts. Wait a minute... this does have a little chocolate in it :) But the breading pudding portion was incredible! The croissant adds a real lightness and butteriness to the pudding. I think I just made up a word....butteriness :) I love it, I love it, I love it!!!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fallen Chocolate Cake</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn3drSLss8I3-uQqLMU3t_H5SfoGlso5gOruJm5oFOCI9OaN4bkEfpKIo8vhCvEtDl5GhojhNnO3fsP6BejGBEI5bqfOA2PEjmPex-49b0KEOXbNH4bwaWFdQNUdcVa5UYZK8Ch0MprCl/s1600-h/Fallen+Chocolate+Cake.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn3drSLss8I3-uQqLMU3t_H5SfoGlso5gOruJm5oFOCI9OaN4bkEfpKIo8vhCvEtDl5GhojhNnO3fsP6BejGBEI5bqfOA2PEjmPex-49b0KEOXbNH4bwaWFdQNUdcVa5UYZK8Ch0MprCl/s320/Fallen+Chocolate+Cake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392226964165260722" border="0" /></a>How can you go wrong with a chocolate fallen cake? On any other occasion this would have been a stand out dessert, but I just couldn't get over the bread pudding. A funny thing about this night was that "Mrs. Gohan" got carded that night :) It was a nice touch that the waiter remembered that it was "Mrs. Gohan's" birthday.<br /><br /><br />Happy Birthday "Mrs. Gohan"!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thechaya.com/downtownLosAngeles/index.html">Chaya Downtown</a><br />525 Flower Street<br />Los Angeles, CA. 90071<br />213-236-9577Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-8199623907154472582009-10-13T13:28:00.000-07:002009-10-19T22:46:18.751-07:00It's been a long time (Comme Ca, West Hollywood)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn2LLYt2Vv-yLFcd9lM_vzHJRmS4qCDT32BLGt2g50vERJ5O4DE5qnQ9rrWNL0nBxwCi9tUux1MnoUB4is2S7nhPuRROYTLrVBbaUNzhsdxjD5ZVslnP7YqXBSG7E1Smb17JkPH6x605C/s1600-h/comme+ca+043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn2LLYt2Vv-yLFcd9lM_vzHJRmS4qCDT32BLGt2g50vERJ5O4DE5qnQ9rrWNL0nBxwCi9tUux1MnoUB4is2S7nhPuRROYTLrVBbaUNzhsdxjD5ZVslnP7YqXBSG7E1Smb17JkPH6x605C/s320/comme+ca+043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392184817171547234" border="0" /></a>Wow! It's been so long since we've gone out to eat at a decent restaurant. We almost didn't know what to do or how to act :) In all seriousness, it truly was a treat to get away for an evening and to leave behind our parental responsibilities for at least a couple of hours. "Mrs. Gohan's" sister and brother in law took us out to dinner to celebrate "Mrs. Gohan's" birthday. After a brief deliberation on which restaurant to go to, we decided to make a reservation at <a href="http://www.commecarestaurant.com/">Comme Ca</a> in West Hollywood. Since we're still relatively new to this parent hood thing and it's our first child, we still cater our outings around our daughter. We made dinner reservations as earliest as possible so that we wouldn't get home too late. I'm sure if we have another baby in the future we would jump at the chance to stay out late and leave the baby behind :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blooming Daisy</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIey0NvfHXjM8MTh_-web1ZPlc8rGGrgtUV3uxm4Rx7mYdRBz27uXMLouvmEmfZJMv40a5P6f6EoiLgSyjZqLxiusPz71Yn4pl6Acj8B9b6Ma-cLs8x5J-CjhZJVQpMF-D7FnUyQ7aS4Y/s1600-h/Blooming+Daisy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIey0NvfHXjM8MTh_-web1ZPlc8rGGrgtUV3uxm4Rx7mYdRBz27uXMLouvmEmfZJMv40a5P6f6EoiLgSyjZqLxiusPz71Yn4pl6Acj8B9b6Ma-cLs8x5J-CjhZJVQpMF-D7FnUyQ7aS4Y/s320/Blooming+Daisy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392194582524416114" border="0" /></a>"Mrs. Gohan" started the evening off with a Blooming Daisy Cocktail. I wasn't feeling particularly well that evening so I didn't order any drinks, but I tasted hers and it was DANGEROUS :) It resembled a shaved ice dessert. It was very good!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salmon Tartare</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukZzfRw2I-IZsG7Za0ghkeyUpB7xqMU4UG72lj5bqLlzsUKm0rT89cPDEHFgrTQ3g0C6eQwIWSSfpT_aSo82L3MUOhOGjZ1ZeYY5Rs60xqowgO_YxSH5uX1O631mvX7fY9GC3lUkFidjn/s1600-h/Salmon+Tartare.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukZzfRw2I-IZsG7Za0ghkeyUpB7xqMU4UG72lj5bqLlzsUKm0rT89cPDEHFgrTQ3g0C6eQwIWSSfpT_aSo82L3MUOhOGjZ1ZeYY5Rs60xqowgO_YxSH5uX1O631mvX7fY9GC3lUkFidjn/s320/Salmon+Tartare.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392195799677256962" border="0" /></a>To be honest...I don't remember much of this dish. Not to say that it was not good nor memorable, it's just that I only had a small bite. I'm not much of a fish person. But I do remember that I enjoyed the flavor profiles.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roasted Beef Marrow & Oxtail Jam</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJskxVpSKz_EH0HqwKQMWaFyQd98lWhYZut4hup8syhAijRBcreemcT-zUkZtnzpkwZsuVdPJkkEXIVIOfSBpsX1ghOR5HLt4iqrEJIoEb_SdoAJHofc1JvIdobLvPvg3Rd4Maqsai4Btv/s1600-h/Roasted+Beef+Marrow+%26+Oxtail+Jam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJskxVpSKz_EH0HqwKQMWaFyQd98lWhYZut4hup8syhAijRBcreemcT-zUkZtnzpkwZsuVdPJkkEXIVIOfSBpsX1ghOR5HLt4iqrEJIoEb_SdoAJHofc1JvIdobLvPvg3Rd4Maqsai4Btv/s320/Roasted+Beef+Marrow+%26+Oxtail+Jam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392198595571497474" border="0" /></a>Now this appetizer I remember vividly :) This was just indulgent and rich! I just love marrow in all of it's glory. It's soo tasty and yummy.....oh yeah and probably bad for me :) When combined with the oxtail jam, toast, and fleur de sel, this appetizer was a slam dunk for me. I'd order this again and again.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Steak Frites<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO2gIalXhSwXhDDRHRVm2SUn7WbyUIQkpA7uPT1w7TTGiJLxOwUbswyerEd-dIf3foaNOtyTKU68nhlv9hXIsDWXl5SWhQKdbCplISRqMKhMYW544bRTITl-IbnGo2OaEKuwjwUssnYib/s1600-h/Steak+Frites.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO2gIalXhSwXhDDRHRVm2SUn7WbyUIQkpA7uPT1w7TTGiJLxOwUbswyerEd-dIf3foaNOtyTKU68nhlv9hXIsDWXl5SWhQKdbCplISRqMKhMYW544bRTITl-IbnGo2OaEKuwjwUssnYib/s320/Steak+Frites.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392200341765893282" border="0" /></a>A typical a menu item at "French" restaurant. Steak and French fries. This was "Mrs. Gohan's" entree. I took a few bites and was not overly impressed. It definitely was not bad, but it definitely can not compare to other top restaurant's steaks.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Beef Stroganoff<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PDvkwAzw3x03otfDsotS1GiMH8IZhZ92tq_wOwHslntlMUyLBuvR5OWW0HIJeeljO8_LCKNXFbqwj0kY9Bl8s1vC98-Nl1_5kT6e6UUzw_eJTT7h_OWjoYZnTX05pjDWoGqw_0KrWFm5/s1600-h/Beef+Stroganoff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PDvkwAzw3x03otfDsotS1GiMH8IZhZ92tq_wOwHslntlMUyLBuvR5OWW0HIJeeljO8_LCKNXFbqwj0kY9Bl8s1vC98-Nl1_5kT6e6UUzw_eJTT7h_OWjoYZnTX05pjDWoGqw_0KrWFm5/s320/Beef+Stroganoff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392202434405562722" border="0" /></a>This was the dish I ordered. Sorry for the crappy picture! It was really dark and plus I forgot my camera again. I enjoyed the flavors of my dish and particularly the texture of the egg noodles. I nearly licked my plate clean :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Crispy Skate Grenobloise<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV8sgTsMUuhSM67kc6iv1oqOuHeXfzSo-9MbzUTW4RXmXbPjorM3k4yuSxVNLfIPV87Yf1h3OUCuUFSjAgZ7E5aRf_hcvcTEyjowL6qnjmlNxM9m4C87ThEeqW_xVm1BWOIiKKCp5McFu/s1600-h/Crispy+Skate+Grenobloise.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV8sgTsMUuhSM67kc6iv1oqOuHeXfzSo-9MbzUTW4RXmXbPjorM3k4yuSxVNLfIPV87Yf1h3OUCuUFSjAgZ7E5aRf_hcvcTEyjowL6qnjmlNxM9m4C87ThEeqW_xVm1BWOIiKKCp5McFu/s320/Crispy+Skate+Grenobloise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392203598803063026" border="0" /></a>My only prior experience with skate is eating it in Japanese cuisine. Particularly, eating it sliced thin and broiled. Although I always enjoyed the flavor, I really never cared for the texture. My experience has always shown me that skate tends to be a little tough and chewy. This was on the contrary. This dish was both crispy and moist. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks sister in law for letting me take a bite. It changed my perception forever.<br /><br />Although we did order several desserts, it was soo dark in the restaurant and without a proper camera, I did not even attempt to capture the images. We ordered a rice pudding, creme brulee, and pot du creme. They were all very delicious and a good way to end the night. I enjoyed our dinner very much!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.commecarestaurant.com/">Comme Ca</a><br />8479 Melrose Ave<br />West Hollywood, CA. 90069<br />323-782-1104Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-64517169689255489542009-06-29T10:42:00.000-07:002009-06-29T10:48:49.320-07:00What a name! (Silver & Gold Amazing, Monterey Park)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rNsroPptjJlIURj3Wxn4wzTw53NXbyB4yTsqSCPTUlIclWmN9cnpF1KwFIo2USt8evDPvVZBCQJqLh_zAqnWdEvISC2FHX07i8aLOhtm6m7q1UR-twQIgbioWS6Mqo_4BSmDOfIYXiSp/s1600-h/0419091853.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rNsroPptjJlIURj3Wxn4wzTw53NXbyB4yTsqSCPTUlIclWmN9cnpF1KwFIo2USt8evDPvVZBCQJqLh_zAqnWdEvISC2FHX07i8aLOhtm6m7q1UR-twQIgbioWS6Mqo_4BSmDOfIYXiSp/s320/0419091853.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336118502995736098" border="0" /></a>One day someone showed me an article in the LA Times about a restaurant in Monterey Park which grabbed my attention. Naturally my eyes and ears perk up when anything is written about Monterey Park because I was born and raised here. Not too many people can say they were actually born in the city of Monterey Park. Anyways, back to the food. The LA Times article went on to describe this tiny restaurant which turned out excellent noodle dishes, although their name is something left to be desired. WTF is the meaning of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Silver & Gold Amazing</span>. There has to be something lost in translation on this one. One thing that wasn't lost in translation are their tasty dishes. Now that me and Mrs. Gohan have a <a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan</a>, we don't get the chance to go out to eat. The only exceptions are places that are relatively close to home and quick. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Silver & Gold Amazing</span> is both. The first time we walked in we were pleasantly surprised. We were expecting a hole in the wall, but what we found was a very clean and bright little restaurant which has become of my favorite local places.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Minced Beef Fried Rice</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo117X8IWk9tuZReDK45ZhCPfVNxbxqY1nAP67NMlACNx3ddTXAFtTk-gaJDJlbpinWPK155EDlH8abtlYiAJ9LMxiQ6A6STZ8x4OZdw_pbZ2lHzUinGUqrW7wqwlrqqraFuPMgo7nQdL/s1600-h/0419091828a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpo117X8IWk9tuZReDK45ZhCPfVNxbxqY1nAP67NMlACNx3ddTXAFtTk-gaJDJlbpinWPK155EDlH8abtlYiAJ9LMxiQ6A6STZ8x4OZdw_pbZ2lHzUinGUqrW7wqwlrqqraFuPMgo7nQdL/s320/0419091828a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351690261644369810" border="0" /></a>The minced beef fried rice was one of the dishes that was mentioned in the article in the food section of the Times, so we had to give it a try. I don't think that the minced beef was what made this dish good. You could have substituted it with anything and it would have been just as good. Although this was very delicious, I wouldn't say it's my favorite fried rice.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Chow Mein with Shredded Pork & Bean Sprouts<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia619XHxlIOY4vTAU1CvRa0Au2XoI_mLy2s7KKPK2by9KHWvasiqsVqIbHFBIPLK7HLyUFwzTe7R9zFuHDqfbUDAESobSzsZHe-TBGucGRkMzidFjSIilW0achC24_WRZ8cTkuAd7YbL96/s1600-h/0419091829a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia619XHxlIOY4vTAU1CvRa0Au2XoI_mLy2s7KKPK2by9KHWvasiqsVqIbHFBIPLK7HLyUFwzTe7R9zFuHDqfbUDAESobSzsZHe-TBGucGRkMzidFjSIilW0achC24_WRZ8cTkuAd7YbL96/s320/0419091829a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351692767922404210" border="0" /></a>This now has become my favorite <span style="font-style: italic;">chow mein</span> ever! The noodles are super crispy and very tasty. The gravy on top of the <span style="font-style: italic;">chow mein</span> is the icing on the cake. Did I just do that?<br /><br /><br /><br />I know I've said this before about Chinese restaurants and other type of foods that are better served family style, but it's always better to go in a big group. Otherwise you have to make repeat trips to try everything you want. On this occasion, it was just me, Mrs. Gohan & <a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan</a>. Well, <a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan</a> doesn't really count because she can't eat yet. So we only had room for these two dishes. Although we only got to try these two, it left a very big impression on us. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera and had to make due with my phone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Silver & Gold Amazing</span><br />728 S. Atlantic Blvd #108<br />Monterey Park, CA. 91754<br />626-282-8108<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-28623778171504567672009-06-22T09:35:00.000-07:002009-06-22T09:47:54.816-07:00Sure beats hospital food (El Taquito Taco Truck, Pasadena)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_-Pxl2K7Y_hqAVpwSmLs6xVwrLrBSI_kWxcX0B0c5GI5B2Qi8dwoinI8MUGA-cD9vq9iVKBMhl1ihQSCm_bM_TepWaLblwrPZRMokan6dlMx7w0gOdtX0e0XEu6d_I2wOMPTnPjxSTsD/s1600-h/IMG_2022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_-Pxl2K7Y_hqAVpwSmLs6xVwrLrBSI_kWxcX0B0c5GI5B2Qi8dwoinI8MUGA-cD9vq9iVKBMhl1ihQSCm_bM_TepWaLblwrPZRMokan6dlMx7w0gOdtX0e0XEu6d_I2wOMPTnPjxSTsD/s320/IMG_2022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336111944391106818" border="0" /></a>I've heard about this place for years, but I never had the time to go or it never crossed my mind to go. It took me the birth of my daughter to finally go and eat here. "<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan</a>" was born at the Huntington Hospital in Pasadena which was about a block away from El Taquito's taco truck. After the long and excitement filled day of "<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan's</a>" birth, the whole family was hungry for some good food. Unfortunately, "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mrs. Gohan</span>" didn't get to eat any. She had C-Section and was only limited to a liquid diet :( So on that note, the whole family picked up and went to go eat some tacos leaving behind baby and mamma. Sorry "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mrs. Gohan</span>" :) Some of us walked while others drove, but we all met up there the night that"<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan</a>" was born and grubbed down. The tacos were absolutely delicious. It sure beat the cafeteria food at the hospital.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My plate of tacos</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8roRLqrEJEw_PtQjDs5VWfbYnKXcMP2FS8DfigxIdOqUIYyW-CDReXuzLFLkPT0NFTlmDRBYXbQBOCDCm-AjPreiRsbE9b1_R2cmTc9Q6-EGzZ1ySt7kxmB7M2cvosOdpL2cxsRk5W7G/s1600-h/IMG_2017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8roRLqrEJEw_PtQjDs5VWfbYnKXcMP2FS8DfigxIdOqUIYyW-CDReXuzLFLkPT0NFTlmDRBYXbQBOCDCm-AjPreiRsbE9b1_R2cmTc9Q6-EGzZ1ySt7kxmB7M2cvosOdpL2cxsRk5W7G/s320/IMG_2017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336116520860557842" border="0" /></a>This was my plate of different tacos that I ordered. I got the <span style="font-style: italic;">carne asada</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">carnitas</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">al pastor</span>, and not pictured was the <span style="font-style: italic;">chicharron</span> ( I ordered seconds :) I have to say that my favorite was probably the <span style="font-style: italic;">carne asada</span>. They were oh so delicious!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">El Taquito Taco Truck</span><br /><span class="street-address">510 S. Fair Oaks Ave</span><br /><span class="locality">Pasadena</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">91105</span><br /> <span id="bizPhone" class="tel">626-577-3918</span>Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-57985042954140006912009-05-18T13:15:00.000-07:002009-05-18T13:22:41.609-07:00Exciting lunch (Saladang, Pasadena)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-ukf4-DUNTPHAtny3zHLA5nz5j5N8pinadRljQ3rH5zAxpHsMgp9erT8yC3a0QUL43ANLCVmhcK8zx3ojzyuEpeNOOmXlcDSwQCl0RuhZ-CvsOi5Pm5KjInUVH3fF-RTl5EglKWyoqCo/s1600-h/1115081248.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-ukf4-DUNTPHAtny3zHLA5nz5j5N8pinadRljQ3rH5zAxpHsMgp9erT8yC3a0QUL43ANLCVmhcK8zx3ojzyuEpeNOOmXlcDSwQCl0RuhZ-CvsOi5Pm5KjInUVH3fF-RTl5EglKWyoqCo/s320/1115081248.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325764462269895602" border="0" /></a>Many moons ago, <a href="http://chandararestaurant.com/default.aspx">Chan Dara</a> was one of the few popular Thai restaurants that people used to frequent. But unfortunately for people who lived on the East Side, it was not very convenient. Not until the mid to late 90's when <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saladang</span> in Pasadena opened, did us East Side people have something to get excited about. In my opinion, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saladang</span> has gone down hill. Perhaps my opinion is a little harsh. Perhaps it might be that many other Thai restaurants have since gone on to show case Thai food. Back in the day, people's palate towards Thai food was relatively in the infant stage and therefore everybody thought places like this were the greatest ever. So I must rescind my previous statement that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saladang</span> has gone down hill. Actually their food is still very good. Damn, I'm flip flopping like a fish on land right now :) But in all honesty, I can't say that their food is bad. I still like this place, but the only thing is that I compare it to a place like <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/07/worth-trip-lotus-of-siam-las-vegas.html">Lotus of Siam</a> in Vegas. And really, that's not a fair thing to do.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Singha Beer</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRysa6ay0kBoMfGJsQUeD_MvveQgcos32tnsrQ3hvdTA7OvSvxL8T2pdFLu-FAgY4OQAsEox4DxCaiPA62KwnE9yeHmWxaGHNCONImODbvHdqJjt3QtAA_I6VU7mtBTZ0UphQVzbXH-vXa/s1600-h/1115081213.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRysa6ay0kBoMfGJsQUeD_MvveQgcos32tnsrQ3hvdTA7OvSvxL8T2pdFLu-FAgY4OQAsEox4DxCaiPA62KwnE9yeHmWxaGHNCONImODbvHdqJjt3QtAA_I6VU7mtBTZ0UphQVzbXH-vXa/s320/1115081213.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336107041632801874" border="0" /></a>This beer was refreshing! I've really grown to like the different Asian beers. To me, they are similar to Mexican beers. Really refreshing on warm sunny days. Ahhhh!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Garlic/Black Pepper Chicken<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ5ua_ztMme6cpaw57D3-3-cCtzYk0dXzvOmGsSmXIMqZqFjDbCoMACWMIz8o5hH0aZTWtOv11YPaJOZ0aR1L-fs-Y6GJ4pSPqREj1BC3L84gLll1PMfl2HIWTA2bbIKDxI3-0MexmBKY/s1600-h/1115081217.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ5ua_ztMme6cpaw57D3-3-cCtzYk0dXzvOmGsSmXIMqZqFjDbCoMACWMIz8o5hH0aZTWtOv11YPaJOZ0aR1L-fs-Y6GJ4pSPqREj1BC3L84gLll1PMfl2HIWTA2bbIKDxI3-0MexmBKY/s320/1115081217.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336100188554023490" border="0" /></a>This dish is consistently delicious. Although it says Garlic Chicken, in my opinion it is not overly garlicky. Maybe, that's because my taste buds are permanently nuked from eating so much garlic. I love garlic!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pad See Ew</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1A-VBj24RQrNkN0YZLOif2eR5B9ZajngRhClDgob8ngoQRE7kPihOf9_GS4xC53qzGQyE0LvQr0FNduZBT1j0f2EyN8liu9jg0WR1MxXC7EuPac9Ja8q4ndfEYvvitiLW25Gkl1V38Ez/s1600-h/1115081219.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1A-VBj24RQrNkN0YZLOif2eR5B9ZajngRhClDgob8ngoQRE7kPihOf9_GS4xC53qzGQyE0LvQr0FNduZBT1j0f2EyN8liu9jg0WR1MxXC7EuPac9Ja8q4ndfEYvvitiLW25Gkl1V38Ez/s320/1115081219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336102112676302450" border="0" /></a>This dish<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span>was a little disappointing. Usually the noodle dishes here at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saladang</span> are pretty good, but on this occasion it was not. The beef in this dish was tough as nails too. I was surprisingly disappointed :( But I'll forgive them this time.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Ice Cream</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_7h1kEuQhx4TO6Y7rZaf9frE5WTtf_FOvAl6toSyIj3F1iERUpUsZioWjEVuO99QtBe88gOj4poUIvrEwAdhSYR2JhPqfjf_q4wCgPEp8o_jHHeX4KdY3nfqIEvD481Qc_J1vp3fbIQG/s1600-h/1115081243.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_7h1kEuQhx4TO6Y7rZaf9frE5WTtf_FOvAl6toSyIj3F1iERUpUsZioWjEVuO99QtBe88gOj4poUIvrEwAdhSYR2JhPqfjf_q4wCgPEp8o_jHHeX4KdY3nfqIEvD481Qc_J1vp3fbIQG/s320/1115081243.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336108091186554066" border="0" /></a>The complimentary ice cream was a real nice treat. I just wish they gave me a bigger scoop :)<br /><br /><br /><br />When dining at places like Chinese or Thai restaurants, it's best to go with a lot of friends and family that way you can order a myriad of dishes. Variety is the spice of life. But on this particular occasion, it was just me and "Mrs. Gohan". We were in the neighborhood seeing the doctor. This was before "<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan</a>" was born. So we decided to stop in and enjoy some lunch and to talk about the excitement of having a baby.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saladang</span><br /><span class="street-address">363 S Fair Oaks Ave</span><br /><span class="locality">Pasadena</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">91105</span><br /> <span id="bizPhone" class="tel">626-793-8123</span>Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-65407533400577129562009-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:002009-05-15T10:55:00.816-07:00Everyone's Favorite Gyoza (Mom's house, Monterey Park)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTjPs6A5jKfG-xU25d0INRtn6LWnA1TVIXKfYXZvdlfUcb8Nu1XGK3HCcyBh4g7w84wWm_fRJ3XlDJOpVS8isCo1pN33vctVt5kYCJ-oIvhGjIQLTojZacS2LE7Y2zCPTSguGOwGdX_QH/s1600-h/DSC01248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTjPs6A5jKfG-xU25d0INRtn6LWnA1TVIXKfYXZvdlfUcb8Nu1XGK3HCcyBh4g7w84wWm_fRJ3XlDJOpVS8isCo1pN33vctVt5kYCJ-oIvhGjIQLTojZacS2LE7Y2zCPTSguGOwGdX_QH/s320/DSC01248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247094055812560098" border="0" /></a>There are somethings in life that brings such joy to people and sometimes it is a particular food. Such is a gift that is my mom's <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> (Japanese dumpling). Anyone who has had the privilege of tasting her <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> will tell you that it is absolutely fantastic. Everybody craves her <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> and can barely wait until she makes it again. It's like a food orgy in your mouth. "Momma Gohan's" <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> are delicious and perfect. So perfect, that I find it very difficult to order <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> from any restaurant or eat anyone else's home made <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span>. They pale in comparison to my mother's. Some may say that my opinion of her <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> is a bit over exaggerated or biased, I say you're crazy. They are that good! We always joke, that one of us better learn to make her <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> before she passes away and takes her secrets with her. Sadly that was the case with my father's <span style="font-style: italic;">sukiyaki</span>. Since he passed away 7 years ago, no one can come close to replicating his <span style="font-style: italic;">sukiyaki</span> :( You always hear a question posed when it comes to eating....What would be your last meal? I recently asked my wife to narrow down her list of a last meal. My mother's <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> was a top of that short list. And I would have to say, most of my family would agree!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Uncooked Gyoza<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz50jpek5owqv8EQO279HuLBl3SWDdX3e8dSFbwWId_XawpdTciIGh1Ugk8VHlKUht_xs_JneyLSqmCMruyX_lJWn7vRjV6CFzpWakih3q_Vj1thmWECj-XHYLmZSQaTQIIM7UZQBcRAz/s1600-h/IMG_0921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz50jpek5owqv8EQO279HuLBl3SWDdX3e8dSFbwWId_XawpdTciIGh1Ugk8VHlKUht_xs_JneyLSqmCMruyX_lJWn7vRjV6CFzpWakih3q_Vj1thmWECj-XHYLmZSQaTQIIM7UZQBcRAz/s320/IMG_0921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336110481418867586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Gyoza<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXgxZ_Zryw78D91rqUdHKLvS6OG1UMXyfewFe7UR-ln0nR8KIMDVtnrGxTgAMp4nn3dZmXitZsVzqc4_UKcjm4jjFgfjPnqbNwtYUMgpSXa36Fp7LS_5xOm0sUx95DhrzrmhHp58MDBA4/s1600-h/Gyoza.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXgxZ_Zryw78D91rqUdHKLvS6OG1UMXyfewFe7UR-ln0nR8KIMDVtnrGxTgAMp4nn3dZmXitZsVzqc4_UKcjm4jjFgfjPnqbNwtYUMgpSXa36Fp7LS_5xOm0sUx95DhrzrmhHp58MDBA4/s320/Gyoza.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247094795138556914" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately the picture I took of my mom's <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> doesn't do it any justice. Believe me, it is to die for. When they are cooked right, they are crispy on one side, but yet nice and moist. After each batch is made, my whole family begins to eye them before they even hit the table, so that they can lay claim to the one they want. It didn't take long for "Mrs. Gohan" to get in the act too :) Before long, her<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">hashi</span><span style="font-style: italic;">s</span> (chopsticks) were moving pretty quickly too. Sometimes even my nephew and niece eat any where from 15-20 pieces.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mom's House</span><br />Address: Top Secret :)<br />Monterey Park, CA.Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-14387536245685899552009-05-04T10:55:00.000-07:002009-05-04T11:06:59.254-07:00Delicious Katsudon! (Ducks Restaurant, San Gabriel)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrH6378x1Q7aDLw9kjlGNhHrT5_nc-G0Nmaxse-nf4CQBxL8j2MVX-suSvVbc1yUfOPrDgIiEHaULjXqha6XqE1-wiMk4Z0jrPYtTh9vvqysMiG0bL_3alytDyeLabPxrjR71dqfO9yH6i/s1600-h/Duck's.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrH6378x1Q7aDLw9kjlGNhHrT5_nc-G0Nmaxse-nf4CQBxL8j2MVX-suSvVbc1yUfOPrDgIiEHaULjXqha6XqE1-wiMk4Z0jrPYtTh9vvqysMiG0bL_3alytDyeLabPxrjR71dqfO9yH6i/s320/Duck's.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315388014551959058" border="0" /></a>Rewind about ten years or so.... my mother's friend told us about a new restaurant that serves really good <span style="font-style: italic;">katsudon</span> (Japanese rice bowl dish with pork cutlet). Having just returned from a short stint of living in Japan, I was in the mood for some authentic <span style="font-style: italic;">katsudon</span>. But since that time, a decade had past since I returned to eat at Ducks . Not that I was disappointed from my previous experience, on the contrary, it was more out of convenience. Ducks was a little out of the way and soon became....out of sight out of mind. But I'm glad that it's back in my life again!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Katsu Don<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNtie4uoz32UU-aMGIgoIo4MTDPBnVyerzZy3sZm-pwLmz7RjG_wX48LFZjBB41ykk8Z85HqxOYuPFzNFAYVnrc69hwnKDqVdEsHTSckuZPuntGzjqNfqtSgx6Tsrsb_ryfw7X8AOv60d/s1600-h/Katsu-Don.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNtie4uoz32UU-aMGIgoIo4MTDPBnVyerzZy3sZm-pwLmz7RjG_wX48LFZjBB41ykk8Z85HqxOYuPFzNFAYVnrc69hwnKDqVdEsHTSckuZPuntGzjqNfqtSgx6Tsrsb_ryfw7X8AOv60d/s320/Katsu-Don.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316500577393570498" border="0" /></a>The breakdown for the terminology of <span style="font-style: italic;">Katsudon</span> is actually two-fold. The first portion <span style="font-style: italic;">(katsu)</span> comes from <span style="font-style: italic;">tonkatsu</span> (Japanese for pork cutlet), the second half <span style="font-style: italic;">(don)</span> comes from the word <span style="font-style: italic;">donburi</span> (Japanese for rice bowl). So actually this would be a pork cutlet rice bowl with egg and sauce drizzled over a big bowl of rice. What ever you want to call it...it's just plain and simply good! I would have to say that Duck's <span style="font-style: italic;">katsudon</span> is probably one of the best that I've tasted here in the states, although I have not tried many here. It's not that often that you see <span style="font-style: italic;">katsudon</span> on menus.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Udon & Tempura Set<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gB4Igakl9e_t2Q6F5P1rGpohZRomHXdrFdKsWtiASzV2DBF4T5wauV3STLNFM8krhTGMnWpqiWwVWv7oZUPwWuukTW3JfnecQdFsJNkdGxAshxMMc77mF_wPnsezvNZ4Oq3Z0a7HG2Xs/s1600-h/Udon+%26+Tempura+Set.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gB4Igakl9e_t2Q6F5P1rGpohZRomHXdrFdKsWtiASzV2DBF4T5wauV3STLNFM8krhTGMnWpqiWwVWv7oZUPwWuukTW3JfnecQdFsJNkdGxAshxMMc77mF_wPnsezvNZ4Oq3Z0a7HG2Xs/s320/Udon+%26+Tempura+Set.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316504007008939122" border="0" /></a>Because Mrs. Gohan doesn't like eggs and therefore doesn't order the <span style="font-style: italic;">katsudon</span>, this is what she usually orders. She orders the <span style="font-style: italic;">Udon & Tempura </span>Set. Since I'm not the biggest fan of <span style="font-style: italic;">Udon</span>, I really shouldn't judge the quality or taste. But for what it's worth....I thought it was pretty decent and the Tempura is pretty good as well, although this combination set is a little bit on the pricey side.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Corn Soup<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjUSMWd4NmoXWn2t-zOrdSuKi-Gp5IPYx3KYJCZTNKb71MbSMJDy9bPH0-D6io9l702sXl0Z5vCqXaXMWTKRaXgvZEgIZLKAMWi6W9h1C4jxvmpoinwa3B32sW2IHUKDU5unXutkwrWgH/s1600-h/IMG_1841.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjUSMWd4NmoXWn2t-zOrdSuKi-Gp5IPYx3KYJCZTNKb71MbSMJDy9bPH0-D6io9l702sXl0Z5vCqXaXMWTKRaXgvZEgIZLKAMWi6W9h1C4jxvmpoinwa3B32sW2IHUKDU5unXutkwrWgH/s320/IMG_1841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316506091441987986" border="0" /></a>In my opinion this corn soup is one of the worst corn soups I've ever tasted. If this was the only dish that I had to base my opinion on about Ducks, I would never ever return or recommend them to anyone. But luckily for them everything else that they serve is pretty good. The corn soup seemed like it was warmed up milk with a little corn inside. Absolutely terrible in my opinion. Definitely not like Curry House's corn soup.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Katsu Curry<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUV7ZIVR2mT9ukDKL_BqCdqg3UG_6NoKjHgMkDWxkePMqHwyQqFwIOnRNYC-D9_GJc8MpUAx8Jo5A62_BajQVGQ4XEjFznEw7KzY9GimV0sFAqfucYF5UZdvxMdNT1S7VwBVhmqKtXqRC/s1600-h/IMG_1843.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUV7ZIVR2mT9ukDKL_BqCdqg3UG_6NoKjHgMkDWxkePMqHwyQqFwIOnRNYC-D9_GJc8MpUAx8Jo5A62_BajQVGQ4XEjFznEw7KzY9GimV0sFAqfucYF5UZdvxMdNT1S7VwBVhmqKtXqRC/s320/IMG_1843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316508283178572514" border="0" /></a>I've always know that Duck's <span style="font-style: italic;">tonkatsu</span> was delicious, but I never tried their curry before. And on a recommendation from a friend I decided to forgo my usual and try Duck's <span style="font-style: italic;">Katsu Curry</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Katsu Curry</span> is one of my all time favorite dishes so I was pretty eager to try it. After having tried it I was not as impressed as I had anticipated. Although the flavors were all good, I think I'll still stick to my usual dish....<span style="font-style: italic;">katsudon</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Ducks Restaurant<br />1381 E. Las Tunas Drive #1<br />San Gabriel, CA. 91776<br />626-287-8743Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-63445206037717459252009-04-27T09:16:00.000-07:002009-04-27T09:29:30.240-07:00What a great import! (Beard Papa's, Little Tokyo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxrYtBZivHIRUsKypc0DJdomD-6-7S-gpqYp4h-Tj0uWqsjmy9povnrvp9DapeD6wVQhfB14bKmmHZ15QF_TH4dgAsHaWIyFZCdgUg_1lTTV0ibL66zmHvue4GEE8qUYqqLAK5nkU9KDe/s1600-h/Beard+Papa%27s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxrYtBZivHIRUsKypc0DJdomD-6-7S-gpqYp4h-Tj0uWqsjmy9povnrvp9DapeD6wVQhfB14bKmmHZ15QF_TH4dgAsHaWIyFZCdgUg_1lTTV0ibL66zmHvue4GEE8qUYqqLAK5nkU9KDe/s320/Beard+Papa%27s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247048700049809906" border="0" /></a>In Japan Shu-Cream (cream puffs) are really popular. It's almost like donuts here in America. I never really got into cream puffs, but years ago I remembered hearing about this place at the Gardena Marukai store where people would line up just for cream puffs and often times would sell out. The place was called <a href="http://www.muginohousa.com/index.php">Beard Papa's</a> and it was a franchise store from Japan. Why would people line up just for cream puffs? But then again, when <a href="http://www.krispykreme.com/">Krispy Kreme</a> first opened it was a mad house as well. I figured it's probably the same thing, so it piqued my interest. Now you can find <a href="http://www.muginohousa.com/index.php">Beard Papa's</a> everywhere. What a great import! From the moment I first ate a <a href="http://www.muginohousa.com/index.php">Beard Papa's</a> cream puff I was hooked. Hook, Line, and Sinker. I'm glad that they've grown but I'm afraid that they are over saturating by growing too fast and that they will end up closing up shop. They just need to look at <a href="http://www.krispykreme.com/">Krispy Kreme</a> and learn from their mistakes. I do like that they created a new cream puff. The cookie crunch cream puff. I absolutely love it!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eclair</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzA4rW2NX9TNNfSv0tJ8Jsq1Tei9ozVz7t20p4W2vplEe2EElxpZ4NXA5JicCUywp2X8uYJ5aXTHJVwxQzb060IkbhqKIrUiPFUTjXOnuduAa9hfmTYz-CALE5pNHp0wRj6DuPdgCP7bD/s1600-h/Eclair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzA4rW2NX9TNNfSv0tJ8Jsq1Tei9ozVz7t20p4W2vplEe2EElxpZ4NXA5JicCUywp2X8uYJ5aXTHJVwxQzb060IkbhqKIrUiPFUTjXOnuduAa9hfmTYz-CALE5pNHp0wRj6DuPdgCP7bD/s320/Eclair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247067373783030098" border="0" /></a>The eclair is just like the original cream puff except that it covered in chocolate. Anything dipped in chocolate is good!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Strawberry Cookie Crunch Cream Puff<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8-wneZz5kCWZ9-B9BpVjObRwVbfG65YmUsto4goVMqYBOsSAKkuI1kLYuSB8o4hJGljQ3cSE8xYWtjZPNWtR9tiiFPjD344WNFcpVtZAsfnb1WK4Vhav4hueVsSFI3dpxo_OTA8s9BoV/s1600-h/Cookie+Crunch+with+Strawberry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8-wneZz5kCWZ9-B9BpVjObRwVbfG65YmUsto4goVMqYBOsSAKkuI1kLYuSB8o4hJGljQ3cSE8xYWtjZPNWtR9tiiFPjD344WNFcpVtZAsfnb1WK4Vhav4hueVsSFI3dpxo_OTA8s9BoV/s320/Cookie+Crunch+with+Strawberry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247068737492807810" border="0" /></a>This was the first time I tried the cookie crunch with the strawberry filling. And I fell in love with the strawberry filling although I still think the original is better.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vanilla Cookie Crunch Cream Puff</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypbPWikAlsuXO1fWWSvXrjo0b1YJC4RVcPUO9KsUMXHbRutnO-8vxTYS1-WAqqFAQwuxDwLAOMWEZIyhESdzACgOhHYPyNrnCuO0Rm9b_9TQxeJjZg_og1Oin0PPNKXRbO_WzTAC5mrrL/s1600-h/Cookie+Crunch+with+Vanilla.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypbPWikAlsuXO1fWWSvXrjo0b1YJC4RVcPUO9KsUMXHbRutnO-8vxTYS1-WAqqFAQwuxDwLAOMWEZIyhESdzACgOhHYPyNrnCuO0Rm9b_9TQxeJjZg_og1Oin0PPNKXRbO_WzTAC5mrrL/s320/Cookie+Crunch+with+Vanilla.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247072305359521794" border="0" /></a>The original vanilla filling is still my favorite. If you look closely you can even see specks of vanilla bean in the picture :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.muginohousa.com/index.php">Beard Papa's</a><br />333 S. Alameda St.<br />Los Angeles, CA. 90013<br />213-620-0710Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-56721876312645536982009-04-20T10:50:00.000-07:002009-04-20T23:06:51.771-07:00Always a crowd (Shabu-Shabu House, Little Tokyo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45gfB18o0rLhauGVZsdbcgxMtHwmYGFiQhSq6H2xwe1GduLRJE_zCOla5ACIe__ce1DwS8wZu6avHCcd0RxWrdZLldP1gxXM8Vnr4sH1fJagK6wXlGovZzKRIQf2qDzrf72NIiOAVNltm/s1600-h/Shabu+Shabu+House.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45gfB18o0rLhauGVZsdbcgxMtHwmYGFiQhSq6H2xwe1GduLRJE_zCOla5ACIe__ce1DwS8wZu6avHCcd0RxWrdZLldP1gxXM8Vnr4sH1fJagK6wXlGovZzKRIQf2qDzrf72NIiOAVNltm/s320/Shabu+Shabu+House.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269750435065783298" border="0" /></a>Many, many, many years ago I used to work in the heart of Little Tokyo and I always wondered why does everyone wait outside for so long to eat at Shabu-Shabu House? Like clock work, people would start gathering outside right around 5pm or so as I watched in amazement. I couldn't get over the fact that people would wait such a long time and pay money to eat <span style="font-style: italic;">shabu shabu (Japa</span><span style="font-style: italic;">nese Hot Pot)</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Shabu Shabu</span> was always a type of food that we would eat at home, never at a restaurant. Next thing you know <span style="font-style: italic;">shabu shabu</span> style restaurants were all the rage. The first time I ate here was years after I had worked in Little Tokyo. Again it was my wife's family that got me hooked to this place. Soon after my first experience, I too, was one of the many who would endure standing in front of the restaurant like a bunch of salivating wolves ready to pounce.<br />The quality of the food is really good, but what makes this restaurant so good is their sauce. Their sauce is truly unlike any other <span style="font-style: italic;">shabu shabu</span> restaurant sauce. Oh, and I can't forget....they don't charge for extra <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> (rice) :) You got to love that! And we always end our meal with an Iced Coffee, which by the way, used to be free :( But I won't hold that against them. I still love this place!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shabu Shabu Set Up</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco_RryjTFddJHG248l87jzvaLud1yTxesGteudetRnVOwaHc3chHsXErzXpg23qYRcwue-44LNpPGm5VhP5fRGG60VnDkGD3KxBO7meVWysdMqtkIN0t0dWY-zblDHRAA8VzqaQR_WJUb/s1600-h/Sauce+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco_RryjTFddJHG248l87jzvaLud1yTxesGteudetRnVOwaHc3chHsXErzXpg23qYRcwue-44LNpPGm5VhP5fRGG60VnDkGD3KxBO7meVWysdMqtkIN0t0dWY-zblDHRAA8VzqaQR_WJUb/s320/Sauce+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269755969538826866" border="0" /></a>In my opinion, what makes this place so special and worth the wait is the sauce. The sauce on the left is some sort of peanut/<span style="font-style: italic;">miso</span> dipping sauce. Add a little minced garlic and this sauce defines deliciousness! The other dipping sauce is regular <span style="font-style: italic;">ponzu</span> (Japanese citrus sauce). Nothing too special about it, but the peanut sauce is something else!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Beef<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB6fH6FjehvcOpWI30frDOD2g3xlrLX2slBPUx2fLf_S9eWy0asuzTellzieKkceuuWVpxtYvoh7hRqzswok0QB1S2z1LiQY4bIrt32xPJW3_bwo7FtKo7Su_qwoL9iKX-6PdQxnYVFUs/s1600-h/Beef.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB6fH6FjehvcOpWI30frDOD2g3xlrLX2slBPUx2fLf_S9eWy0asuzTellzieKkceuuWVpxtYvoh7hRqzswok0QB1S2z1LiQY4bIrt32xPJW3_bwo7FtKo7Su_qwoL9iKX-6PdQxnYVFUs/s320/Beef.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269758276768277346" border="0" /></a>The quality of beef is really good at Shabu-Shabu House. In fact, the owner's wife actually attends the same church as my mom and for awhile we used to order big slabs of the ribeye from them. We then used to slice it ourselves and eat shabu shabu at home or cut it thicker and make steaks.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shabu-Shabu House</span><br />127 Japanese Village Plaza Mall<br /> Los Angeles, CA 90012<br /> <span id="bizPhone">213-680-3890</span>Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-11151132017228237452009-04-13T11:09:00.000-07:002009-04-13T11:14:37.153-07:00My third favorite (Hakata Ramen, Rosemead)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRhGpUB9vNjn37AYLZwLwlmM6yhg452Tm_nZruB4kRzH0DM8uTLLkRmTX30rKp1NVDnUR07B-Dtr9I1QUnC_WsMZxs4XgyPEmjWXeUCHMsLqJ8gG3tv0R48QgEc9MmOlOjH1obPtZPC2U/s1600-h/Outside.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRhGpUB9vNjn37AYLZwLwlmM6yhg452Tm_nZruB4kRzH0DM8uTLLkRmTX30rKp1NVDnUR07B-Dtr9I1QUnC_WsMZxs4XgyPEmjWXeUCHMsLqJ8gG3tv0R48QgEc9MmOlOjH1obPtZPC2U/s320/Outside.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269773056936451362" border="0" /></a>You know, I would have to say that <a href="http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/R_ramen/index.php">Shin Sen Gumi's Hakata Ramen</a> in Rosemead is probably my third favorite <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen-ya (ramen</span> shop). But due to its proximity to where I live, I frequent this<span style="font-style: italic;"> ramen</span> shop more than any other now. I used to go to <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/rolling-dice-foo-foo-tei-monterey-park.html">Foo Foo Tei</a> in Monterey Park, but since we moved I really haven't gone back there. And having eaten at <a href="http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/R_ramen/index.php">Hakata Ramen</a>, there really is no comparison to that location. <a href="http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/R_ramen/index.php">Hakata Ramen</a> truly serves a better <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> anyway.<br />There are times when you go to <a href="http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/R_ramen/index.php">Hakata Ramen</a> and you may encounter a line and other times you can go there and get a seat right away. I don't think there is any rhyme or reason. I think you just got to be lucky. But as far as the food goes, I really enjoy there <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> a lot. I love the fact that you are able to pick how your noodles are cooked (hard, medium, soft), how much oil in your soup base, and how strong of a flavoring you would like have your broth. Another thing I like about this <a href="http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/R_ramen/index.php">Shin Sen Gumi</a> compared to the <a href="http://www.eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/irashaimase-shin-sen-gumi-monterey-park.html">Monterey Park location</a> is that they are not as boisterous.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Gyoza<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiG2FfTKCvBbTfqYBfSGjK6C92ptBzfyzZiIBGoNaka-o0fVdyeYBoXRf8LJxik-H-BXCtW7lM8UIdhUbZ4c8eU_hq5xahUCeOT3MT4g6HvibW0yaCWrCYTMPWqGPFLUfGjx8hp73XPe1/s1600-h/Gyoza.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiG2FfTKCvBbTfqYBfSGjK6C92ptBzfyzZiIBGoNaka-o0fVdyeYBoXRf8LJxik-H-BXCtW7lM8UIdhUbZ4c8eU_hq5xahUCeOT3MT4g6HvibW0yaCWrCYTMPWqGPFLUfGjx8hp73XPe1/s320/Gyoza.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269783682256999282" border="0" /></a>Although these <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span> (Japanese dumpling) are quite small, they pack a big punch of flavor. I have to say that <a href="http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/R_ramen/index.php">Hakata Ramen's</a> dumpling is quite delicious. Although nothing compares to my mom's home made <span style="font-style: italic;">gyoza</span>!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hakata Ramen</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWI5AmuYxvT8aLokEmXwPjvEQEnumtfeGuRbUXzLxQwJV1KTgnSRffY3kaaqfIMuB58WfCvsPpuIj3Iqk8i0zbAQUHnDSfdxhQbnIAsU80AIevkKti7btrvPXp9ucqqyQNA_eKR1g8BPyh/s1600-h/Hakata+Ramen.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWI5AmuYxvT8aLokEmXwPjvEQEnumtfeGuRbUXzLxQwJV1KTgnSRffY3kaaqfIMuB58WfCvsPpuIj3Iqk8i0zbAQUHnDSfdxhQbnIAsU80AIevkKti7btrvPXp9ucqqyQNA_eKR1g8BPyh/s320/Hakata+Ramen.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269784676270567666" border="0" /></a>Hakata is actually a city in Japan in Fukuoka prefecture and it is renowned for <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span>. And this <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> definitely does not disappoint! Like I stated before, I love that they allow you to pick how you like your <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> cooked! I always order my <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> noodles hard with strong oil and flavor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/R_ramen/index.php">Hakata Ramen</a><br />8450 E. Valley Blvd<br />Rosemead, CA. 91770<br />626-572-8646Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-72090364097293201282009-04-06T12:39:00.000-07:002009-04-06T12:50:49.693-07:00SoCal's best Ramen! (Santouka, Torrance)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMvO74uxBfoYxYzf6fuvo8JU6K62xTmcS3CkOXbiQ9btjQA4_duiuRWb5tRnxtlpN6yyciglg0htlXKlCGbRWeUCSJaH2Pr0AHOUeC6pW85bM7XURWU7ozyLyNnBSb2sLjGGqyCVBjlOc/s1600-h/1019081419a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMvO74uxBfoYxYzf6fuvo8JU6K62xTmcS3CkOXbiQ9btjQA4_duiuRWb5tRnxtlpN6yyciglg0htlXKlCGbRWeUCSJaH2Pr0AHOUeC6pW85bM7XURWU7ozyLyNnBSb2sLjGGqyCVBjlOc/s320/1019081419a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269762444488161682" border="0" /></a>After reading countless reviews of all the different <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen-ya</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> restaurant/shops) around SoCal, one shop is always mentioned as one of the best. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> is consistently rated as the top <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> shops, but unfortunately for me, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span> is only located in the <a href="http://www.mitsuwa.com/english/index.html">Mitsuwa</a> Markets on the West Side, Torrance, and Costa Mesa. Living on the east side makes it difficult for me to justify driving all that way for <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span>. Like I've stated in previous blogs, I'm not the biggest fan of <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span>. The only <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> I actually really love is in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenri,_Nara"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tenri</span></a> Japan. But having said that, I think I might have found another favorite <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen-ya</span> in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span>.<br /><br />The first time I actually tried their <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> was when I was coming home from watching my nephew play basketball at Venice High School. I had to pick up a few things at the market and I remembered that I passed a <a href="http://www.mitsuwa.com/english/index.html">Mitsuwa</a> on the way. So when I went into the market I had totally forgotten that there was a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span> there. So needless to say I was ecstatic and anxious to try <span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span>. What I ended up ordering was the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Tokusen Toroniku Shio Ramen</span> (Special Pork ). I was completely blown away. The texture and of the noodles and depth of flavor in the broth was just exquisite. Not to mention that pork. The pork is so tender and delicious it almost melts in your mouth. If you really want an in depth review, you should read <a href="http://www.rameniac.com/resource/comments/santouka_west_la/">Rameniac's blog</a>. After having tried the <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span> I became a believer!<br /><br />On this particular occasion, I found myself at the Torrance location. And again I was coming home from seeing my nephew's basketball game at South Torrance High. Wow, I should thank my nephew for having games in locations where it is close to some good food :) Personally, I felt that the location in Los Angeles was actually a little better than the Torrance one. Perhaps it was just my imagination, but regardless it was spectacular!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toroniku</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XrIzL6RrvaXy5ER8ZkDNWD33jTzFOcL258L0dodjBWTVig6nUjcsJqSABoyANFwznz96JlBLlyRVDgc-WMT6BtQv6r31E0CAOWx3ucxKvuS7DlC4nLpujAPatc2n3Wzo0_9ns7LSd24y/s1600-h/1019081341a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XrIzL6RrvaXy5ER8ZkDNWD33jTzFOcL258L0dodjBWTVig6nUjcsJqSABoyANFwznz96JlBLlyRVDgc-WMT6BtQv6r31E0CAOWx3ucxKvuS7DlC4nLpujAPatc2n3Wzo0_9ns7LSd24y/s320/1019081341a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269768454401462738" border="0" /></a>Here it is....the special pork. I like that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span> serves the accompaniment on the side for you to put in by yourself. The pork is so tender that it probably would disintegrate if it was put in there for too long. Just thinking about this is making me crave some <span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Ramen<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmM4ynUSTfuh9dnwMwK5FibJVhV7Z8O1yGJye_wHB8Zcy9rhOTYLgw3weH5XloMhxZYuReKh-jhb1LKyowSW5ruPu5D1KTYVqksUOlm2Eds3jF6iDP4IhG5WSeY55mzVuhRU1ayM7Lj4O/s1600-h/1019081342.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmM4ynUSTfuh9dnwMwK5FibJVhV7Z8O1yGJye_wHB8Zcy9rhOTYLgw3weH5XloMhxZYuReKh-jhb1LKyowSW5ruPu5D1KTYVqksUOlm2Eds3jF6iDP4IhG5WSeY55mzVuhRU1ayM7Lj4O/s320/1019081342.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269769289514118962" border="0" /></a>Here's the picture of the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Tokusen Toroniku Shio Ramen</span>. The noodles have a very nice texture to them unlike many typical <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> restaurants around. They have a nice bite to them and the soup is soooo good! In my opinion, its the best <span style="font-style: italic;">ramen</span> in SoCal!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Santouka</span><br />21515 Western Ave.<br />Torrance, CA 90501<br />310-212-1101Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-60747417215443821012009-03-30T09:30:00.000-07:002009-03-30T09:32:45.543-07:00Old faithful (Curry House, Little Tokyo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVazBwBUd-ZdaGfmB2nsnkbYxP7jQ4hb71fjJtOb4M3VokTNQNEJPlsKisEVlqaXDlAqYPlVjeG5bfsIXQyM7t_C-QKWC8X0_8fJsU9v9puROg-yJSdR1HpSrXSXkqhb0ZykK3A0Cm51E/s1600-h/pic_lttle_tokyo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVazBwBUd-ZdaGfmB2nsnkbYxP7jQ4hb71fjJtOb4M3VokTNQNEJPlsKisEVlqaXDlAqYPlVjeG5bfsIXQyM7t_C-QKWC8X0_8fJsU9v9puROg-yJSdR1HpSrXSXkqhb0ZykK3A0Cm51E/s320/pic_lttle_tokyo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247050143198138050" border="0" /></a>I've been coming here ever since I was 8 years old when they first opened their doors in Little Tokyo back in 1983. I remember when they first opened on the second floor of Weller Court and then they moved up to the third floor and then back down to the second floor. That's how long I've been coming to <a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House</a> in Little Tokyo. And every time I get the same great tasting curry. I remember when my family first came to eat here, we were all excited to see that a new restaurant specialized in curry. Although curry is originally from India, the Japanese have adopted this dish and tweaked it to appeal to the Japanese palate. Curry has truly become embedded in Japanese culture has become a type of comfort food to many Japanese.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House</a> is like Old Faithful. I can always count on having good consistent curry, fast service, and a relatively inexpensive meal. <a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House</a> has been there since my childhood all the way up to my adulthood. And now I'm a father myself. Crazy! I'm getting old.<br />There is a funny story about <a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House</a>. Years ago, me and my friends used to work in Little Tokyo. Man...those were some fun times, but anyways...It was one of our best friend's birthday so we all decided to go take him out for dinner after work, so we decided to go to <a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House</a> because it was good and within walking distance. His birthday happens to fall in the month of June, which unbeknownst to us at that time, also coincided with <a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House's</a> special Anniversary special. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Katsu-Curry</span> was only a few dollars. So our friend was like "thanks guys for splurging on me". Laughing our asses off, we told him he could order as many as he liked :) I think we only chipped in a couple of dollars each. To this day he won't let us forget how cheap we were by taking him there for his birthday dinner. And because of that incident I will never forget that in the middle of June is when <a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House</a> has their Anniversary special.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Corn Potage</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2QZEcw22qlrRIpa5Ipqw-Pnpef1VEiDe1nDjLMQRX1evgeijq52dhaZJpvRJoJlaJ4-LRtnUU3yRvPRnqDhcSQw52ZJrW28_BtUdb0a-9OnnLa3eQp1-OZuM2xzNQ7zeBg2DZhR7o8V/s1600-h/Corn+Potage.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2QZEcw22qlrRIpa5Ipqw-Pnpef1VEiDe1nDjLMQRX1evgeijq52dhaZJpvRJoJlaJ4-LRtnUU3yRvPRnqDhcSQw52ZJrW28_BtUdb0a-9OnnLa3eQp1-OZuM2xzNQ7zeBg2DZhR7o8V/s320/Corn+Potage.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247057340582400210" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House's</a> corn potage (from the French, meaning a thick soup) which is the fancy way of saying corn chowder is one of the best corn soups I've ever eaten. The corn potage is creamy, savory, and absolutely delicious.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Katsu Curry</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDM5P4vcvQCn67jX2qE7qkWa9NOsy6zc-JHwr3x7IH2YrwemFouhwdmPguoyRhtSU3FtQwfnkZkgD_P6PKjwYKkVMf0yql7-PcJHmOHqqBUjY_BaeTIsmbMeNXlOyLs29IKrPbkHrjdMM/s1600-h/Chicken+Katsu+Curry.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDM5P4vcvQCn67jX2qE7qkWa9NOsy6zc-JHwr3x7IH2YrwemFouhwdmPguoyRhtSU3FtQwfnkZkgD_P6PKjwYKkVMf0yql7-PcJHmOHqqBUjY_BaeTIsmbMeNXlOyLs29IKrPbkHrjdMM/s320/Chicken+Katsu+Curry.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247059632571324322" border="0" /></a>Notice anything different here? That's right there's no salad on my order. For those who know me, know that I'm an anti-salad type of guy. I always opt for more<span style="font-style: italic;"> gohan</span> (rice) in lieu of the green stuff. <a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House's</a> chicken <span style="font-style: italic;">katsu curry</span> is consistently good and is what I ALWAYS order.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.house-foods.com/curry_house.html">Curry House</a><br />123 S. Onizuka St. #204<br />Los Angeles, CA. 90012<br />213-620-0855Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-38635871104294967262009-03-23T09:45:00.000-07:002009-03-23T12:17:03.736-07:00In Memoriam (Regent China Inn, Los Angeles)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5kzVaeMcrMIpp8-iMvIdtChQ9pZoc21CyO924clvIZa1ckUKrNWN3xvFkUxXrPR0UyOb6fDgfi9gBoxgrUoR_bsE6u6fzG09qpiqcHyhJQKEuae2uagg7cTNrruUpMWmJ4-0mRPFV_qm/s1600-h/IMG_1876+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5kzVaeMcrMIpp8-iMvIdtChQ9pZoc21CyO924clvIZa1ckUKrNWN3xvFkUxXrPR0UyOb6fDgfi9gBoxgrUoR_bsE6u6fzG09qpiqcHyhJQKEuae2uagg7cTNrruUpMWmJ4-0mRPFV_qm/s320/IMG_1876+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307569627010635346" border="0" /></a>With a sad heart, I write this entry. Long before I met my wife, her and her family would always make it a point to eat with their "Granny" at her favorite restaurant in China Town.... <a href="http://www.regentchinainn.com/home.php">Regent China Inn</a>. And this tradition continued all the way until her passing about a year ago. At least once a month, my wife's parents would come pick us up and we would drive together to go pick up Granny at the Tokyo Towers in Little Tokyo. And we would always have to eat by six o'clock. She didn't like to eat late :) Like a well oiled machine...as soon as we got off the third/fourth street exit and crossed over the bridge, my wife would make the call to Granny on her cell phone and say "hello (in a broken English accent mimicking Granny) come down stairs" And as we would approach, she would be eagerly waiting outside for the car to drive up. I truly believe that her joy in life towards the end was seeing her grand kids. Her face would lighten up and you could see the pep in her step. It would have been her 93rd birthday just last week. It's just a shame that she was not here to see her other great grand daughter....<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">baby gohan</a>. She is sorely missed!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spicy Salt Shrimp</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TJsqctGVvh7wM7f2QSblsTVRhE3vpb-JuZ1gbf2DDN093_RCoiaJGTgfF3NDZ5-EWbpkypscJb7zAvuCVRF8f2W76VyYskWhamL8rrRgqn_nfo2UIieL0bcmnLkcFi6_Sf5AFcoy8WYO/s1600-h/IMG_1866.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TJsqctGVvh7wM7f2QSblsTVRhE3vpb-JuZ1gbf2DDN093_RCoiaJGTgfF3NDZ5-EWbpkypscJb7zAvuCVRF8f2W76VyYskWhamL8rrRgqn_nfo2UIieL0bcmnLkcFi6_Sf5AFcoy8WYO/s320/IMG_1866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313849752951570674" border="0" /></a>I just love these shrimps. They always come out piping hot and perfectly seasoned. My wife and I would always tear the head off and give it to Granny. She would always end up with ton of shrimp heads to eat :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Egg Foo Young</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQZU326pPGYwpiwb51_CRfSxB6-galdJmdwaIq1ssoSaDyORyC94WFD3N933UHMYSZMzqZTgjmY0uTgjEs1xYYXv_istad4Kmkz8ibGANP9Rps2Bt1Z0y0yjEADx39UFfpAZ_VfaiBwTe/s1600-h/IMG_1869.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQZU326pPGYwpiwb51_CRfSxB6-galdJmdwaIq1ssoSaDyORyC94WFD3N933UHMYSZMzqZTgjmY0uTgjEs1xYYXv_istad4Kmkz8ibGANP9Rps2Bt1Z0y0yjEADx39UFfpAZ_VfaiBwTe/s320/IMG_1869.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313850888842196210" border="0" /></a>Not until recently did we start ordering this dish. My father in law started to have a craving for the egg foo young and I'm glad he did. I never really tried egg foo young until this time, but I'm a big fan now. I just love the onions and bean sprouts in the light airy egg batter smothered with a type of gravy. yummm!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Chow Fun w/ Black Bean Sauce</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG9V-uw9KvD3x4XIFahpQcdhxNPYaqkmA6hyu8gd5rzUKE6Ep5Lyt5CSrOm3qZ8kCU94T31G5G4dqADXMJV_LS5mbftopYp-V-uWVr0UJVW-dfxnVpHx_WxYWvi1NVf1uzUGl2C3oUPBA/s1600-h/IMG_1871.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG9V-uw9KvD3x4XIFahpQcdhxNPYaqkmA6hyu8gd5rzUKE6Ep5Lyt5CSrOm3qZ8kCU94T31G5G4dqADXMJV_LS5mbftopYp-V-uWVr0UJVW-dfxnVpHx_WxYWvi1NVf1uzUGl2C3oUPBA/s320/IMG_1871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313852605198141458" border="0" /></a>I am a sucker for carbs. Anytime I see a rice dish or a noodle dish, I am like white on rice. I am all over it. I really enjoy <a href="http://www.regentchinainn.com/home.php">Regent's</a> version of Chow Fun as it is slightly spicy. And besides, doesn't it seem like anything cooked with black bean sauce is delicious? But in all seriousness....<a href="http://www.regentchinainn.com/home.php">Regent's</a> version is really good!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Crispy Chicken<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEEdB4FRlFiKSHHTGtiAgidj9VsbfGzZpLArcRu-_3h9r7UQN_OyKpNSd2qbi3bJhErFeDNKyiPB0UCQWZZ1IVAEISHSI9wHWKzN76jAqUOp4zmeQqhXvrJ5FTYKREYDSXbL_wxpyqDe1/s1600-h/IMG_1873.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEEdB4FRlFiKSHHTGtiAgidj9VsbfGzZpLArcRu-_3h9r7UQN_OyKpNSd2qbi3bJhErFeDNKyiPB0UCQWZZ1IVAEISHSI9wHWKzN76jAqUOp4zmeQqhXvrJ5FTYKREYDSXbL_wxpyqDe1/s320/IMG_1873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313854270714414770" border="0" /></a>Who doesn't like crispy chicken? Especially when it comes out hot and crispy. Sprinkle a little bit of the salt and you are good to go. And after all the years of my wife's family requesting to get extra chips, the waiters don't even have to ask and always serve our chicken with extra crispy chips. You can barely make out that there is chicken underneath heaping amount of chips :)<br /><br /><br /><br />On this particular occasion eating at <a href="http://www.regentchinainn.com/home.php">Regent</a> was our first dinner there without Granny. When she was alive, we would always order the lobster with black bean sauce. And once that dish came out, you would not hear a peep from Granny. She would have her head face down working hard on getting every morsel out from the lobster shells. She absolutely loved that dish! On a regular basis her appetite was average, but when it came time to eat at <a href="http://www.regentchinainn.com/home.php">Regent</a> she would almost eat as much as me. And trust me....I can eat a lot! You can bet, every time we go to <a href="http://www.regentchinainn.com/home.php">Regent</a> we'll be thinking of Granny. We'll miss you Granny!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.regentchinainn.com/home.php">Regent China Inn</a><br />739-747 N. Main Street<br />Los Angeles, CA 90012<br />213-680-3333Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-83456238968946169892009-03-16T10:35:00.000-07:002009-03-16T10:39:52.157-07:00Small plates, big appetite! (Honda-Ya, Little Tokyo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CFzQ47R2I5e98CUjbM0AXugVnr1vumfW-N0WqN5I0PKQd8xolfaN3VjBRdNWVrKrR272oLwoEOBHBWXYy83sfW1BM0mVKcAWA1YQsBA5yveSOE-cOTB2t-SqiBPOHb5m89Fg7nbK3LKR/s1600-h/Honda-Ya.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CFzQ47R2I5e98CUjbM0AXugVnr1vumfW-N0WqN5I0PKQd8xolfaN3VjBRdNWVrKrR272oLwoEOBHBWXYy83sfW1BM0mVKcAWA1YQsBA5yveSOE-cOTB2t-SqiBPOHb5m89Fg7nbK3LKR/s320/Honda-Ya.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247495865368128226" border="0" /></a>I remember hearing about a place out in Orange County on <a href="http://chowhound.chow.com/">ChowHound</a> for quite some time and when I got wind that it was opening up here in Los Angeles I was pretty excited to give it try. Honda-Ya always got good reviews from everybody so naturally it piqued my interest, but unfortunately never got the chance to go until recently. For a while it seemed that <span style="font-style: italic;">Izakaya</span> (Japanese Tapas) restaurants were all the rage. Everyone and their grandmas were opening up <span style="font-style: italic;">Izakaya</span> restaurants. My only gripe with these style restaurants is that there is more pictures for me to take. Although I really enjoy photographing all my meals, sometimes it gets tiring. Occasionally, Mrs. Gohan has to remind me to take a picture. Once in awhile I get ahead of myself and I want to start eating before snapping....a photograph.<br /><br />On this occasion, me, "Mrs. Gohan", and "<a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/">Baby Gohan</a>" joined a very good friend of ours to have a nice dinner. Knowing that it can get a bit crowded at times I was a bit worried when I called earlier in the day to procure a reservation. Sadly I was informed that they did not take reservations for small parties, but the person who answered the phone revealed something interesting to me. The person stated that for some reason that they did not have a single reservation for the entire evening, so it should not be any problems getting a table. Even with that knowledge I was still worried. I hate waiting with a passion! And when we arrived we were one of the few patrons in Honda-Ya. What could be wrong? Has the food quality gone bad? Or could it be the sign of the economic times where people are eating out less? Regardless I was both happy and skeptical. Happy that I finally got to try Honda-Ya and I didn't have to wait, but skeptical because the place was so empty.<br /><br />Regardless of the reasons why it was so empty, the quality of food was quite nice! To be honest I still feel that Musha is better. The amount of choices that were available to us was mind blowing and a bit confusing. I wanted to try so much but only had limited amount of stomach room. Perhaps sometimes offering too much of wide variety compromises food quality. I would have to say though, not a single dish served was a bad dish. Every thing was at least average, although some dishes that sounded absolutely delicious underachieved. All in all, Honda-Ya was worth the try, but I don't feel that it lived up to the hype.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Age-Dashi Mochi</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt8xgk_AAhzLmDX8IdZ-1od7iItZHwOaG-zj8cIvQ-MDHrH6QkHV1_J3-ZR0Ku1C89bkK_VPVTc3iOPNsGoQTWaT4dJConbQJzkrGt8PR-8O0gvJSQhj8Ru14c5MMdZRvxPlrrA9tgMab/s1600-h/Age-Dashi+Mochi.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt8xgk_AAhzLmDX8IdZ-1od7iItZHwOaG-zj8cIvQ-MDHrH6QkHV1_J3-ZR0Ku1C89bkK_VPVTc3iOPNsGoQTWaT4dJConbQJzkrGt8PR-8O0gvJSQhj8Ru14c5MMdZRvxPlrrA9tgMab/s320/Age-Dashi+Mochi.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256773470271919234" border="0" /></a>One of my all-time favorites is eating fried <span style="font-style: italic;">mochi</span> (Japanese rice cake). So I was super stoked to see this variation on the menu, but unfortunately this dish failed. For one the <span style="font-style: italic;">dashi</span> (Japanese broth) was just okay and the <span style="font-style: italic;">mochi</span> was not fried enough and lacked a textural difference between the softness and crunchiness that can be accomplished with frying <span style="font-style: italic;">mochi</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garlic Spinach</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfZGv-XPoSoB3Z7SdpvIFzpOAS52hAJZ2Ps8KvHNu1JYO0H6YYKjiO48gjLELNtv_nx1hWFYg97FpfYC-gnY3Pylp80zxUO7Y3UW8Bkz3zq5c0FJnqDHk1Yv_bH1xwJk-KWicTzrLNzSl/s1600-h/Garlic+Spinach.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfZGv-XPoSoB3Z7SdpvIFzpOAS52hAJZ2Ps8KvHNu1JYO0H6YYKjiO48gjLELNtv_nx1hWFYg97FpfYC-gnY3Pylp80zxUO7Y3UW8Bkz3zq5c0FJnqDHk1Yv_bH1xwJk-KWicTzrLNzSl/s320/Garlic+Spinach.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256775301300187506" border="0" /></a>This particular dish was slated as one of Honda-Ya's specialties. If they are going to boldly highlight such items as being one of the specialties they should make sure that they are really delectable and delicious. Again I was slightly disappointed with this dish. By no means was this inedible, on the contrary, this dish was not bad but it lacked proper seasoning in my opinion.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Buta Kakuni</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUGrtFYI8svX1ZuQaap8lDMSYd4rFCHJX-S5YLoDtdC943_U0Cc-s6Ii3owUJjswjUlc4ev-T-qk3HZXhnqfgS7sv19an3-5QwYMlhvxz06IeGZQeumgoKvW-3ZU6BhFigG83dBRnnRcR/s1600-h/Buta+Kakuni.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUGrtFYI8svX1ZuQaap8lDMSYd4rFCHJX-S5YLoDtdC943_U0Cc-s6Ii3owUJjswjUlc4ev-T-qk3HZXhnqfgS7sv19an3-5QwYMlhvxz06IeGZQeumgoKvW-3ZU6BhFigG83dBRnnRcR/s320/Buta+Kakuni.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256777724660992418" border="0" /></a>I usually love this dish. Everything about <span style="font-style: italic;">Buta Kakuni</span> (Japanese braised pork belly) is comforting. I just love the rich flavor and the melt in your mouth quality that <span style="font-style: italic;">buta kakuni</span> can achieve. Honday-Ya's version was satisfactory but does not even come close to other places like Musha for example.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-WjdnVvr3ZP5p8vyWtwZ_kz4fKc6xbJs8_JCNILXWFuUqxFRIO2ue_jVGgNmopspJ4_Xxu3e7713Ar9nOBKE7I9AEs3g0s6GlahSyxie5bf0Ts0l5TVu4ORa_ktjk1wApxr6DtXEGwNX/s1600-h/Deep+Fried+Soft+Shell+Crab.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-WjdnVvr3ZP5p8vyWtwZ_kz4fKc6xbJs8_JCNILXWFuUqxFRIO2ue_jVGgNmopspJ4_Xxu3e7713Ar9nOBKE7I9AEs3g0s6GlahSyxie5bf0Ts0l5TVu4ORa_ktjk1wApxr6DtXEGwNX/s320/Deep+Fried+Soft+Shell+Crab.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256779584385560930" border="0" /></a>Now this dish was a hit! Finally something that thoroughly satisfied all of us. Like I said before all the dishes served that night was definitely satisfactory, only a couple really stood out and the deep fried soft shell crab was one of the stand outs. The crap was nicely fried which was crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. Very nice!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Kawa<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIzIR6Y6Fp4Ut03GmIDSzEY2MHIWZ1O8rTM5yN_lhoesb8_THlFgx-_lixr3bkD1tEbCzmKADXnPqWOpgITQrlMeTTEIHCNpSsHOMBuPSPumG89qpdh6sL5ghjY5NZZ60D8l2RwyPMO-B/s1600-h/Kawa.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIzIR6Y6Fp4Ut03GmIDSzEY2MHIWZ1O8rTM5yN_lhoesb8_THlFgx-_lixr3bkD1tEbCzmKADXnPqWOpgITQrlMeTTEIHCNpSsHOMBuPSPumG89qpdh6sL5ghjY5NZZ60D8l2RwyPMO-B/s320/Kawa.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256781600596425042" border="0" /></a>I just can't help myself. Every time I see <span style="font-style: italic;">yakitori</span> (chicken skewers) items on the menu I have to order some, especially <span style="font-style: italic;">kawa</span> (chicken skin). I just love fatty foods, but this version was very disappointing. It was dry and lack luster. As much as I love <span style="font-style: italic;">kawa</span> I would not order this again.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Miso Nasubi<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFy7Nqz70asTeuLFYOTiiAiYCnYR9NdWdjuJ2ZXaubFu76Yu_8NtgbLMoVRNyjDywobUNRxnLIiPpzZ_S9yZ49aNYIpLcd9Unl-5dhJMkmju4DRhiKPLt4_Y1dykCKzIOQ8hQ1bwwUTNYt/s1600-h/Miso+Nasubi.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFy7Nqz70asTeuLFYOTiiAiYCnYR9NdWdjuJ2ZXaubFu76Yu_8NtgbLMoVRNyjDywobUNRxnLIiPpzZ_S9yZ49aNYIpLcd9Unl-5dhJMkmju4DRhiKPLt4_Y1dykCKzIOQ8hQ1bwwUTNYt/s320/Miso+Nasubi.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256785150809192466" border="0" /></a>One of the few healthy food that I actually love....<span style="font-style: italic;">nasubi</span> (Japanese eggplant). Another hit for Honda-Ya. The <span style="font-style: italic;">miso nasubi</span> was actually one of my favorite dishes of the night. The <span style="font-style: italic;">nasubi</span> was nicely cooked and still preserved some of the firmness of the texture of the eggplant and was nicely marinated in their <span style="font-style: italic;">miso</span> sauce.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sasami</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvINkaekRoaWnw91UZTpevlCojJf1w5bX_tSSU51POYZr5mtcYDYp5LgDjVMpafr1VZmXY6cWNieiH57xb9dgziBK2g0S0gdWVNTOonE0CiLYLZGGbmpcKqhXRrLdDamQukptc0THw1lS/s1600-h/Sasami.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvINkaekRoaWnw91UZTpevlCojJf1w5bX_tSSU51POYZr5mtcYDYp5LgDjVMpafr1VZmXY6cWNieiH57xb9dgziBK2g0S0gdWVNTOonE0CiLYLZGGbmpcKqhXRrLdDamQukptc0THw1lS/s320/Sasami.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256786840113640898" border="0" /></a>This dish was also a big disappointment. The <span style="font-style: italic;">sasami</span> (chicken tenderloin) was over cooked and too dry. Not to mention the <span style="font-style: italic;">wasabi</span> that was on the chicken skewers. The <span style="font-style: italic;">wasabi</span> was a bit overpowering.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Pork Belly<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBkfVzTZlJfM69t-vNym8wBm7PAf7g-C2yJRMF1-mx7AOqSoeIH_a-Co9JSG23J3qoOIzzGKDAhvo1oNAK7C3xIXgWZRAxcqQ4fv39wcT6SyBzztJeeeEXDFg_6zADeD35qOV6M0RvShK/s1600-h/Pork+Belly.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBkfVzTZlJfM69t-vNym8wBm7PAf7g-C2yJRMF1-mx7AOqSoeIH_a-Co9JSG23J3qoOIzzGKDAhvo1oNAK7C3xIXgWZRAxcqQ4fv39wcT6SyBzztJeeeEXDFg_6zADeD35qOV6M0RvShK/s320/Pork+Belly.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256788129109983186" border="0" /></a>Yet another dish that I must order..... and again was I disappointed. <a href="http://www.eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/03/irashaimase-shin-sen-gumi-monterey-park.html">Shinsen gumi's</a> version is much better. Honda-Ya's pork belly was again to dry, tough, and lacked proper seasoning. I guess I should have known not to order <span style="font-style: italic;">yakitori</span> dishes here, I should of just ordered off the menu and if I felt like eating <span style="font-style: italic;">yakitori</span> I should have gone to a <span style="font-style: italic;">yakitori</span> restaurant.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tsukune</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnYQSjdEIK1sF4NKhYm3brXnHP2OGby6AyJBUIeZr0kYY2DM3xaRDUXDfWTbkczgFJemcZ0Mpp85XN7eVpomZQu-ljo1se2mrLJU4qrCXYpi1WQhEVWKHa_t8uVvKySe8P21RYU5aQkp9/s1600-h/Tsukune.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnYQSjdEIK1sF4NKhYm3brXnHP2OGby6AyJBUIeZr0kYY2DM3xaRDUXDfWTbkczgFJemcZ0Mpp85XN7eVpomZQu-ljo1se2mrLJU4qrCXYpi1WQhEVWKHa_t8uVvKySe8P21RYU5aQkp9/s320/Tsukune.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256790276827143698" border="0" /></a>Sadly again I should have to stuck to the main menu....and leave <span style="font-style: italic;">yakitori</span> items to a <span style="font-style: italic;">yakitori</span> restaurant. The <span style="font-style: italic;">tsukune</span> (chicken meatball) was poorly executed and can not even compared to other restaurants. I guess you live and learn! or in this instance...you eat and learn!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sesame Fried Chicken</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCY1t8vBcWmvjWP_w8vVrNBrB71hLD7nAcuQJfEms7NvooPEeXqcsM5YM7IaEyJXV4yBPCRdeoGxDHvBaKDz-ngQI-wMPUMosJUJ-4HQ68xu2BYxN1u1rc_Pg-3sgPUB1fNKJgaONMePj/s1600-h/Sesame+Fried+Chicken.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCY1t8vBcWmvjWP_w8vVrNBrB71hLD7nAcuQJfEms7NvooPEeXqcsM5YM7IaEyJXV4yBPCRdeoGxDHvBaKDz-ngQI-wMPUMosJUJ-4HQ68xu2BYxN1u1rc_Pg-3sgPUB1fNKJgaONMePj/s320/Sesame+Fried+Chicken.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256792144859486866" border="0" /></a>The sesame fried chicken was pretty good. I was expecting a more bold flavored chicken marinated in some type of sesame sauce but what came out was a surprise. This was more like a traditional <span style="font-style: italic;">karaage</span> with sesame seeds. It was very delicious and I would definitely order this again.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tonkatsu</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtN5NE5-atpZTe1LQu-jBia7Htr0jXNv5AIdwfOYe8aja7iAFlKrcXbV1TYjGI_4ZwRNYYWbHd6NS7Tt_LE7dZsRTvA4Ca6OizJ2XyUC-tUEWJuKZbyp3l3MnYo_yo_CgLh2DvEZQArz0E/s1600-h/Tonkatsu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtN5NE5-atpZTe1LQu-jBia7Htr0jXNv5AIdwfOYe8aja7iAFlKrcXbV1TYjGI_4ZwRNYYWbHd6NS7Tt_LE7dZsRTvA4Ca6OizJ2XyUC-tUEWJuKZbyp3l3MnYo_yo_CgLh2DvEZQArz0E/s320/Tonkatsu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268667318510934258" border="0" /></a>Although this was an ordinary <span style="font-style: italic;">tonkatsu</span> (deep fried pork) it was actually one of the better dishes of the night. The <span style="font-style: italic;">panko</span> crust provided a nice crunch and the pork was nice and tender.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Zosui<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oHIOcppWiLlGUxg4JUBgWkUFfpXUwI6AZn1RUAOaFyq39gCIJfi3l3KwWABL-D_9JAR0KoaBjSEs4_pa3SYYG23R8-SZhfGUkLDPU48NcZB1_z2g1ODqyjJrfyY2TOxDKSVaXeb0FLOp/s1600-h/Zosui.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oHIOcppWiLlGUxg4JUBgWkUFfpXUwI6AZn1RUAOaFyq39gCIJfi3l3KwWABL-D_9JAR0KoaBjSEs4_pa3SYYG23R8-SZhfGUkLDPU48NcZB1_z2g1ODqyjJrfyY2TOxDKSVaXeb0FLOp/s320/Zosui.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268669422750166770" border="0" /></a>Although the <span style="font-style: italic;">zosui</span> (Japanese porridge) was serviceable, I wouldn't recommend it. Perhaps it's just me, but I felt the <span style="font-style: italic;">zosui</span> lacked a depth of flavor which is usually associated with a <span style="font-style: italic;">zosui</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sesame Ice Cream</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJq8DEafTWeBARlmpn92TOdhqn8jdFNPqZZM9o5Nc2M8J9hKKknk5eE_Wk_tuHLESa9ohUjfnf8pn3iywdHlU1d3NQ46ScFazv_OcbsHMIIMsVqFQhc_AFWlJAY3QrmmuOJWTkpXy-t6-Y/s1600-h/Sesame+Ice+Cream.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJq8DEafTWeBARlmpn92TOdhqn8jdFNPqZZM9o5Nc2M8J9hKKknk5eE_Wk_tuHLESa9ohUjfnf8pn3iywdHlU1d3NQ46ScFazv_OcbsHMIIMsVqFQhc_AFWlJAY3QrmmuOJWTkpXy-t6-Y/s320/Sesame+Ice+Cream.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268670592060469922" border="0" /></a>Finally after all that food, we still had a little room for dessert. I decided on the sesame ice cream. I just love sesame ice cream because of the intense nutty flavor. It almost has a hint of coffee as well.<br /><br /><br /><br />Honda-Ya<br />333 S Alameda<br /> # 314<br /> Los Angeles, CA 90013<br /> <span id="bizPhone">213-625-1184</span>Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-29814733127248009962009-03-09T10:27:00.000-07:002009-03-09T11:33:17.776-07:00Chicken Man (Rotisserie Chicken of California, Pasadena)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xVeq-kuK5_8RTr2NSfKpy81SWdARwc35nSujtx4HWuiR2T6GBNjM13B_qvV-ub1SjUhXQUaU_rdbKvk5jiJLVXQe7KMxY3xEyaIDZB7iSX3WNZG8VCH7cfH-6dxci0RwdWrhBv1FvotN/s1600-h/Rotisserie+Chicken+of+California.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xVeq-kuK5_8RTr2NSfKpy81SWdARwc35nSujtx4HWuiR2T6GBNjM13B_qvV-ub1SjUhXQUaU_rdbKvk5jiJLVXQe7KMxY3xEyaIDZB7iSX3WNZG8VCH7cfH-6dxci0RwdWrhBv1FvotN/s320/Rotisserie+Chicken+of+California.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246750043572723330" border="0" /></a>My family likes to call him Chicken Man and so do a lot of people, but actually his name is Yoshi. Chasing him around was like chasing a chicken. The main thing is that I'm glad he has found a new home. Rotisserie Chicken of California is located right next to <a href="http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/">Pacific Asia Museum</a> in Pasadena and still serves one of the best rotisserie chickens around. And did I mention they serve rice! Any place that serves rice is good with me. It so happens that my sister is really good friends with Yoshi's nephew who also is one of the top chefs in Mammoth Lakes California. One day we were dining at Chicken Man's restaurant and we got around to talking about how we know his nephew and so on, Yoshi was kind enough to cook up some special items. Delicious! Yoshi then told us that he used to train in Japan and then went to study in France. He said his true love of cooking is actually French cuisine. Lucky for us he found his niche cooking chicken. The chicken is so delicious and the sauces are great too. The chicken skin is perfectly seasoned and crisp and the chicken is moist and delicious. There is a myriad of different sauces that are available but I always order the garlic chicken. Sorry I don't have a picture of it though :(<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rotisserie Chicken with Rice</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsbMFMlWwReAGy8saSoJA428DCdMmrjIhcYrlTxtBxYAJfoS-eRFu6VJ8eZXlBW_Ar6AanJ7L8o_fLcnHKl4AzBkmnbmZDZVCJPGnFBbSyBsA7S-JvHLbQ0rBFmnt6QplbS4CJZlibeNR/s1600-h/Chicken+with+Rice.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsbMFMlWwReAGy8saSoJA428DCdMmrjIhcYrlTxtBxYAJfoS-eRFu6VJ8eZXlBW_Ar6AanJ7L8o_fLcnHKl4AzBkmnbmZDZVCJPGnFBbSyBsA7S-JvHLbQ0rBFmnt6QplbS4CJZlibeNR/s320/Chicken+with+Rice.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246763815160193490" border="0" /></a>On this occasion we dined here for lunch and unfortunately during lunch time they do not offer the garlic chicken. But the chicken was still outstanding, although I wish Yoshi would use regular Japanese rice instead of what they serve. But beggars can't be choosers....I'll take any rice that I can.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rotisserie Chicken with French Fries</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwI4YnD9gLeSlSl6dAv8-l9t0KCXdpA9PCmtxkxt5lO9a-PviBri_aCbn0c0cIEB1N4_jJOF6EIC2_GK-HscLMyOmuRlnr8UawpqwE3QlULqSQXu7GLbRtLhmfuugw7w8YTJRYA96Igjg/s1600-h/Chicken+with+French+Fries.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwI4YnD9gLeSlSl6dAv8-l9t0KCXdpA9PCmtxkxt5lO9a-PviBri_aCbn0c0cIEB1N4_jJOF6EIC2_GK-HscLMyOmuRlnr8UawpqwE3QlULqSQXu7GLbRtLhmfuugw7w8YTJRYA96Igjg/s320/Chicken+with+French+Fries.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246765161178606338" border="0" /></a>This was Mrs. Gohan's chicken with french fries. Although Mrs. Gohan likes <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> (rice) she LOVES french fries and Rotisserie Chicken of California's french fries are really good!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Rotisserie Chicken of California<br />26 N. Los Robles Ave<br />Pasadena, CA. 91101<br />626-405-0365<br /></div></div>Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-32055183369114948012009-03-02T10:34:00.000-08:002009-03-02T10:53:13.556-08:00Glad she didn't take that bet! (Rio's Pizza, Monterey Park)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgA2iRv_upRzwXZ3WiolzHuTvuwBpehPdBwluW6wMfcK6UxurH5Ac6_AaPP7qhp_k__YHt4WrdrQv7JiuGkkZbywfUJKw7uKYoLJBfxB8TllyWqhWVyxhxk912cYhE190Gii5KSmJ-ptw/s1600-h/Rio's+Pizza.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgA2iRv_upRzwXZ3WiolzHuTvuwBpehPdBwluW6wMfcK6UxurH5Ac6_AaPP7qhp_k__YHt4WrdrQv7JiuGkkZbywfUJKw7uKYoLJBfxB8TllyWqhWVyxhxk912cYhE190Gii5KSmJ-ptw/s320/Rio's+Pizza.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247076265869183602" border="0" /></a>I remember when Rio's Pizza first opened, I said to "Mrs. Gohan", "there's no way this place is going to stay in business. I bet $100 that it won't last a year" Man, am I lucky that she didn't take me up on that bet! For some reason I didn't think that it'd do that good. Fast forward 8 or 9 years now and there still going strong. I forgot to factor in that East Los Angeles Community College is right next to Rio's. I'm sure the college accounts for a lot of their business as well as the decent pizza that they serve. If you like thick crust pizza with oozing melted cheese, than Rio's Pizza is the place for you. On a side note....For some odd reason I love eating left over pizza the next day and zapping it in the microwave. I know it sounds weird but that's what I like. Oh, and I can't forget, you can't eat pizza with out drinking something carbonated. Whether its soda or beer. It's just standard operations :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Fat Tire<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh223S66GqtLS-cmR14M8tZHzHy2N5fYWh3yUp3FR3jKksBnsUcfx1PcSAQhnQlyhP9juXUoTw39VVp6i2JfLmBM-6QHe8I5lDRjjcBrvym4dkSPkOT31JhBd1AEiNr_zkrmGNLAm31fMvm/s1600-h/Fat+Tire.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh223S66GqtLS-cmR14M8tZHzHy2N5fYWh3yUp3FR3jKksBnsUcfx1PcSAQhnQlyhP9juXUoTw39VVp6i2JfLmBM-6QHe8I5lDRjjcBrvym4dkSPkOT31JhBd1AEiNr_zkrmGNLAm31fMvm/s320/Fat+Tire.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247081817166504674" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.newbelgium.com/beers_ft.php">Fat Tire</a> was my choice of weapon to wash down the pizza this time. <a href="http://www.newbelgium.com/beers_ft.php">Fat Tire</a> is one of my favorite beers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pepperoni Pizza</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xq0Nv8F0f3WqmcLaw_k727JSv19Q30z0gxTZplvs6LXaOoTfX8VXs89UkYFxKybbmDrZ_AdBxUpAO2DV2X8B9Yv6G2v7m7TLU4LQiTfa_7uRH7BrTayReM4tDLPRJnDpNUbVXDO_3aC3/s1600-h/Pepperoni+Pizza.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xq0Nv8F0f3WqmcLaw_k727JSv19Q30z0gxTZplvs6LXaOoTfX8VXs89UkYFxKybbmDrZ_AdBxUpAO2DV2X8B9Yv6G2v7m7TLU4LQiTfa_7uRH7BrTayReM4tDLPRJnDpNUbVXDO_3aC3/s320/Pepperoni+Pizza.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247083732397040370" border="0" /></a>Well here it is....the slice of pizza that ALMOST costed me $100. The thing I like the most about Rio's Pizza is their crust. It's nice and crunchy without being too heavy and doughy. I've really come to like Rio's Pizza.<br /><br /><br />Rio's Pizza<br />2223 S. Atlantic Blvd<br />Monterey Park, CA. 91754<br />323-269-2002<br /></div></div>Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-6800179482462273222009-02-23T10:35:00.000-08:002009-02-23T10:42:22.645-08:00Special lunch combo (Tokyo Cafe, Little Tokyo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMde88_fizfLDOFIkjMARdTr2INs44erMeavsyKZGBv_bCENuK5aE-nbNnt__krQO11SRyU5zo_qw0SH4UBGl2UYnYnLJgqKuA4ssOuA0lW2XURJBLf9caEDiYyqmz4dnUb6tjjFECi1F/s1600-h/Tokyo+Cafe.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMde88_fizfLDOFIkjMARdTr2INs44erMeavsyKZGBv_bCENuK5aE-nbNnt__krQO11SRyU5zo_qw0SH4UBGl2UYnYnLJgqKuA4ssOuA0lW2XURJBLf9caEDiYyqmz4dnUb6tjjFECi1F/s320/Tokyo+Cafe.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246742835271447474" border="0" /></a>I remember years ago when I used to work in the Little Tokyo area we used to eat at Tokyo Garden every Thursday to eat their lunch special. Only on Thursdays were you able to get the <span style="font-style: italic;">Chashu & Shumai</span> Combination. All the old timers and locals knew what days were the "special" days. So years after I stopped working in the Little Tokyo area and learned that they had closed down, I was very saddened to say the least. Fast forward a few years....What? What's this you say? Tokyo Garden is opening again at a new location and under a new name. I can't believe it. I thought I would never get to eat their combo again. Wow! The good thing about the reincarnation of Tokyo Garden is that the new Tokyo Cafe serves the <span style="font-style: italic;">Chashu & Shumai</span> Combination everyday but the bad thing is that they are not open for dinner. So only on special occasions when I am out that way or if someone happens to be in the area do I get to eat the Chashu Shumai Combo. I think of it this way, at least I still get to eat it. The combination once slipped through my hands but time was kind and the combination was given back to me like a heavenly gift. God I hope it doesn't get ripped from me again! Long LIVE Tokyo Cafe!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chashu Shumai Combination</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvAjPPEUDvLgJ-Hk5BZVoN2OIiXefpHU-uwFWplqoL8mlhD4yUVKUP7B6U_fGe0o-bzR1Q1dFgA1TkcfTBGJz4dQ3b479L9Gs7H8FUpUx9W2vFVDmwS_WgSPZDDjgybhFn_7X-QOUDG5b/s1600-h/Combination.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvAjPPEUDvLgJ-Hk5BZVoN2OIiXefpHU-uwFWplqoL8mlhD4yUVKUP7B6U_fGe0o-bzR1Q1dFgA1TkcfTBGJz4dQ3b479L9Gs7H8FUpUx9W2vFVDmwS_WgSPZDDjgybhFn_7X-QOUDG5b/s400/Combination.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246748848433157826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tokyo Cafe<br />116 Judge John Aiso St.<br />Los Angeles, CA. 90012<br />213-628-3017Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-7304021200712964592009-02-16T11:36:00.000-08:002009-02-16T11:57:53.060-08:00One of my all time favorites! (Furaibo, City of Industry)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU4_ilULwuD44f6KdYd5HIxrZJYsfOkdt_OCCLvD7juRt06xkXre0rSTGezA5Hex7ZLMVU8tQvj53plBkb7rqLyFVkD7KWIYdWKwwNEVHtcVOG-NhXtd9PS8R4rQsn2vHTAxoAcx56Jjf/s1600-h/Furaibo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU4_ilULwuD44f6KdYd5HIxrZJYsfOkdt_OCCLvD7juRt06xkXre0rSTGezA5Hex7ZLMVU8tQvj53plBkb7rqLyFVkD7KWIYdWKwwNEVHtcVOG-NhXtd9PS8R4rQsn2vHTAxoAcx56Jjf/s320/Furaibo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246768022213399090" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.furaibou.com/">FuRaiBo</a> is one restaurant that I used to frequent regularly when they were located in Little Tokyo because I used to work in Little Tokyo. Unfortunately they closed that location down years ago, but when I first started dating my wife years ago, she told me that there was this restaurant that just opened up right by her parent's house called <a href="http://www.furaibou.com/">FuRaiBo</a>. Then it got me thinking "could this place be the same restaurant? or is my wife (my then girlfriend) mispronouncing it? sounds too good to be true!" Lucky for all us it was the same restaurant. I knew that the original was out on the Westside, but that was too far of a trek for us.<br /><br />The one thing that keeps me coming back has got to be the <span style="font-style: italic;">tebasa</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ki</span> (chicken wings). I swear they must lace their food with some highly addictive drugs. I get these cravings for their <span style="font-style: italic;">tebasaki</span> that are indescribable! I definitely would have to say <a href="http://www.furaibou.com/">F</a><a href="http://www.furaibou.com/">uRaiBo</a> is one of my top 5 restaurants ever! Unfortunately I don't get to dine at <a href="http://www.furaibou.com/">FuRaiBo</a> as often now. I guess it's pretty hard to maintain that once a week or once every other week visit to <a href="http://www.furaibou.com/">FuRaiBo</a> :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Age -Dashi Tofu<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIdasRh2zRCOZp2j2-C9T9PkjpGv2NoeiilchaQLDMx6EagHnihUj3nn00Zm3R6L_e_y1Tf3b5k69_73cQIiOGOjUarxy8P3akOiDbsvyDiV6jy30Nu7s7YtXODTVmlvIdFaGkZrdltNv/s1600-h/Age-Dashi+Tofu.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIdasRh2zRCOZp2j2-C9T9PkjpGv2NoeiilchaQLDMx6EagHnihUj3nn00Zm3R6L_e_y1Tf3b5k69_73cQIiOGOjUarxy8P3akOiDbsvyDiV6jy30Nu7s7YtXODTVmlvIdFaGkZrdltNv/s320/Age-Dashi+Tofu.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247027257212985362" border="0" /></a>Furaibo's version of <span style="font-style: italic;">Age-Dashi Tofu</span> (deep fried tofu served in a broth) is very good. The tofu has a nice light coating of potato/cornstarch and then is deep fried and served in <span style="font-style: italic;">tentsuya</span> (Japanese dipping broth) sauce. Although I thoroughly love tofu, you would think that I would love eating <span style="font-style: italic;">Age-Dashi Tofu</span> . But some odd reason it's not one of my favorite dishes.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Age-Nasu</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aGC2RyuHkZKyOiuqgScGDoKG1ejJU81dXy0OO0E9VKUm-J_HxfOl9_vXIVIDLz6DNUtwVcglK6AXsEweBQ16SfQgHeullxJG24NQd6qCGiaGfAGK8JuiNDPyJEDA8IGnYTmFqXXOmUZm/s1600-h/Age-Nasu.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aGC2RyuHkZKyOiuqgScGDoKG1ejJU81dXy0OO0E9VKUm-J_HxfOl9_vXIVIDLz6DNUtwVcglK6AXsEweBQ16SfQgHeullxJG24NQd6qCGiaGfAGK8JuiNDPyJEDA8IGnYTmFqXXOmUZm/s320/Age-Nasu.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247032665693589154" border="0" /></a>Now this is one of my favorite dishes at <a href="http://www.furaibou.com/">FuRaiBo</a>. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Age-Nasu</span> (Fried Eggplant) is absolutely delish! The eggplant which is deep fried soaks up all that goodness of the broth and brings joy to my taste buds.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tofu-Katsu</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJK9vlQf8qB89uVQqZWl2ryk1GdCidsbfpzMnuHX3tE5eBAEP5ac46K3g32y18ng4jwZT45XMxVNuhBx11aebmUNSiyszFlVIvFbdGfl4dS1pq8FKNNPFDBCT13jvYzRiSMKXSL_nT7Sn/s1600-h/Tofu-Katsu.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJK9vlQf8qB89uVQqZWl2ryk1GdCidsbfpzMnuHX3tE5eBAEP5ac46K3g32y18ng4jwZT45XMxVNuhBx11aebmUNSiyszFlVIvFbdGfl4dS1pq8FKNNPFDBCT13jvYzRiSMKXSL_nT7Sn/s320/Tofu-Katsu.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247033943260381810" border="0" /></a>I have to admit, the first time I ordered this dish I fell in love it. It was love at first bite! All that crispy goodness contrasting with silky softness of the tofu...it is pure Heaven! The <span style="font-style: italic;">tofu-katsu</span> is served with a dipping sauce that is equally as good.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gyu-Kushi</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv8XCR4P-MgV_siOCRlbfSqR3NQ_GGKODho1L3XrCBUAoOxsWtoMNSJbdrw5OHoz4FY5Xyb69qoc-YJvA_oynxGmLtfEmcdsV76E_foCVrAqp2TO2Zl4kVTMK5WUbmwB0iIspa2y9VVI7/s1600-h/Gyu-Kushi.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv8XCR4P-MgV_siOCRlbfSqR3NQ_GGKODho1L3XrCBUAoOxsWtoMNSJbdrw5OHoz4FY5Xyb69qoc-YJvA_oynxGmLtfEmcdsV76E_foCVrAqp2TO2Zl4kVTMK5WUbmwB0iIspa2y9VVI7/s320/Gyu-Kushi.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247039489596817186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Gyu-Kushi</span> (beef on a skewer) is another dish that is absolutely delicious. If I only could grill some meat like this at home. The meat is sooo juicy, tender, and tasty it should be illegal. Squirt a little lemon on this and eat it with some rice and you're good to go!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tebasaki</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2w9utVInICGf6KvalbeVfUpj8_n6rFk1DZJ-r8-FcgSWJYyFLOTJ67XrDOKOtQoTUe708IMN844nu2oScQ7tVpISn0iAKSYL9sO64-SJL5W8jNhcDD2YVJX3tscPKXgUCxw0JhRG2tO5/s1600-h/Tebasaki.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2w9utVInICGf6KvalbeVfUpj8_n6rFk1DZJ-r8-FcgSWJYyFLOTJ67XrDOKOtQoTUe708IMN844nu2oScQ7tVpISn0iAKSYL9sO64-SJL5W8jNhcDD2YVJX3tscPKXgUCxw0JhRG2tO5/s320/Tebasaki.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247043250608798546" border="0" /></a>Now this is the true reason that I keep on coming back. The seasoning is a perfect balance of the slight sweetness and the taste of pepper alongside with the sprinkled sesame seeds which gives the <span style="font-style: italic;">tebasaki</span> (chicken wing) a slight nutty flavor. Because of my inept quality to describe taste, I unfortunately can not begin to describe how good these really are. Again served with <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> (rice) you're good to go!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.furaibou.com/">FuRaiBo</a><br />17859 Colima Rd.<br />City of Industry, CA. 91748<br />626-964-4014Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-85524078638204993782009-02-09T13:30:00.000-08:002009-02-09T18:19:51.472-08:00Simplicity! (Koshiji, Los Angeles)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkEE3akGusosV30LYVbHM_C1i4UyudHFOCxpdMutP_ggNXJ0DKHPKDgAoM9fNYw8eevGbQxzqw0LJwCTEdUHsTJ67H-TH_CiEpwc_v0xXDfSsJ82_icvoNESMnSYu_jiuU48v3Mpu7GRb/s1600-h/Koshiji.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkEE3akGusosV30LYVbHM_C1i4UyudHFOCxpdMutP_ggNXJ0DKHPKDgAoM9fNYw8eevGbQxzqw0LJwCTEdUHsTJ67H-TH_CiEpwc_v0xXDfSsJ82_icvoNESMnSYu_jiuU48v3Mpu7GRb/s320/Koshiji.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238869593558105522" border="0" /></a><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji</a> is one of those restaurants that truly has a special place in my stomach. Simplistic and delicate flavors are at the forefront of this <span style="font-style: italic;">yakitori/kushiyaki</span> style restaurant. I've been dining here for well over 10 years now and I always leave wanting more. In the beginning, I didn't appreciate the subtle flavors, but as I've gotten older I've learned to appreciate simple and delicious food. If your looking for bold flavors this is not the place for you. <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji</a> truly lets the main ingredients shine.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Chicken Karaage<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8TXKziwL7QFv8J_hyphenhyphen9WiXaLQePbscnoPT9GQsuEwZuSWmHctPI8mAlKLapGV1JFovwqL3EW4zkmMesSThyphenhyphenl3tEJtIogDW-0rNvg564DSx00wTPy9M13TQer_3RPSwSie3kf87eSXc0SV/s1600-h/Chicken+Karaage.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8TXKziwL7QFv8J_hyphenhyphen9WiXaLQePbscnoPT9GQsuEwZuSWmHctPI8mAlKLapGV1JFovwqL3EW4zkmMesSThyphenhyphenl3tEJtIogDW-0rNvg564DSx00wTPy9M13TQer_3RPSwSie3kf87eSXc0SV/s320/Chicken+Karaage.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238925170620526834" border="0" /></a>For those who have read my blog before, you'll know that Chicken <span style="font-style: italic;">Karaage</span> is one of my all time favorite dishes ever. I used to eat <span style="font-style: italic;">Karaage</span> almost everyday while I was living in Japan. <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji's</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Karaage</span> is pretty damn good when it is on....the problem is that this is one of the dishes here that for some reason is really inconsistent. When its good... its really good, but when its bad its just okay.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Elingi Foil<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQRveRWC4PCAGlyNFhIui-aAVG1qnQY0bNEkt4KIEnD1RaCNYV0-G4H13CCjXX3WIVh6igJsT1iyvLXeYbjsbkiIEkJKAvVczbJlzFBL62C9Y1siIvdazc7tU35gv0X-T2rTd3dAxfql7/s1600-h/Elingi+Foil.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQRveRWC4PCAGlyNFhIui-aAVG1qnQY0bNEkt4KIEnD1RaCNYV0-G4H13CCjXX3WIVh6igJsT1iyvLXeYbjsbkiIEkJKAvVczbJlzFBL62C9Y1siIvdazc7tU35gv0X-T2rTd3dAxfql7/s320/Elingi+Foil.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238933246838243282" border="0" /></a>This pocket of goodness is filled with Elingi Mushrooms, <span style="font-style: italic;">Moyashi</span> (bean sprouts), and a slice of lemon cooked on the grill with a dollop of butter and some <span style="font-style: italic;">shoyu</span>. I'm not the biggest fan of mushrooms but I really like this dish. The elingi foil is slightly tart from the fresh lemon and is accompanied nicely by the <span style="font-style: italic;">shoyu</span> flavoring. This is one mushroom dish I love!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Sasami<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b8wwyuRzjXw7-OFePhDLO9_JFlpkCnpan_2P07bDGQjEJO8LIplhCzfU3f3pfAh08D4PJALibra6d66WYkNuVW5k6UkOZeQR9HTA-qJbO-9SopFh5FQSsskMzqDEetEMpX5wKfd_Y9B5/s1600-h/Sasami+with+Shiso.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b8wwyuRzjXw7-OFePhDLO9_JFlpkCnpan_2P07bDGQjEJO8LIplhCzfU3f3pfAh08D4PJALibra6d66WYkNuVW5k6UkOZeQR9HTA-qJbO-9SopFh5FQSsskMzqDEetEMpX5wKfd_Y9B5/s320/Sasami+with+Shiso.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238938129317488994" border="0" /></a>Talk about simplicity at it's finest. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sasami</span> (chicken tenderloin) wrapped with <span style="font-style: italic;">shiso</span> leaf and grilled to perfection. The <span style="font-style: italic;">sasami </span>is juicy and perfectly seasoned as the taste of the chicken is perfectly accented by the herbaceousness of the <span style="font-style: italic;">shiso</span> leaf.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teba</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQSoD237VWzA-4GkUgMDPy75GRWgiSZGRDTtFzOCsSziagcWKA0abllUNLEPGkIhVBb2EqTHlIDGu_3cU9oLzN523GU_5G2hYyj6jgatToCLm0WBOGNO2MUUkdeD-doRTk0iBdQhBTbET/s1600-h/Teba.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQSoD237VWzA-4GkUgMDPy75GRWgiSZGRDTtFzOCsSziagcWKA0abllUNLEPGkIhVBb2EqTHlIDGu_3cU9oLzN523GU_5G2hYyj6jgatToCLm0WBOGNO2MUUkdeD-doRTk0iBdQhBTbET/s320/Teba.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238940984162090850" border="0" /></a>Yet another simple and delicious dish. The <span style="font-style: italic;">teba</span> (chicken wing) is simply seasoned and grilled to perfection on the grill. <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji</a> simply lets the chicken shine. The <span style="font-style: italic;">teb</span><span style="font-style: italic;">a</span> are absolutely delicious!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Nasu-Maki<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyJg2FZErrhDTGIzNICSwvRyHCFQs87taGxbS4m-hm9Y9pV3dn7_93QiIi9o7naXiyyC8lJSjCsgAdNWN7lTMsDbmQFcubZfmNl22qpPDOLzsoXLTybKMqRMLpl_L6AjB4bxYvvqbS8SR/s1600-h/Nasu-Maki.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyJg2FZErrhDTGIzNICSwvRyHCFQs87taGxbS4m-hm9Y9pV3dn7_93QiIi9o7naXiyyC8lJSjCsgAdNWN7lTMsDbmQFcubZfmNl22qpPDOLzsoXLTybKMqRMLpl_L6AjB4bxYvvqbS8SR/s320/Nasu-Maki.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238943219004890066" border="0" /></a>Now this is one of our absolute favorites. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Nasu-Maki</span> (Japanese eggplant wrapped with pork belly) are so juicy and tasty they're GREAT! Wow...when I wrote that, I envisioned Tony the Tiger from the Frosted Flakes commercials :) Seriously though, if you like <span style="font-style: italic;">nasubi</span> (Japanese eggplant) and pork belly (who doesn't) this dish is for you. If I only could order one dish, it would be this one.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Corn<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvZwiylnog4p-YAVtEPLQMYIagPKcbTzWRh6NVDSsrOGbmE-gyC5o6sGbZB3k6v4pl50DF_ajk7AelOhOnBAgopZLrw7xJUE7e8LCZp8FJ5RMQbZ1UwvgKKOaFOF_Xq72QmzYiuCVjjOc/s1600-h/Corn.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvZwiylnog4p-YAVtEPLQMYIagPKcbTzWRh6NVDSsrOGbmE-gyC5o6sGbZB3k6v4pl50DF_ajk7AelOhOnBAgopZLrw7xJUE7e8LCZp8FJ5RMQbZ1UwvgKKOaFOF_Xq72QmzYiuCVjjOc/s320/Corn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238946444026822674" border="0" /></a>"This corn is spectacular" is how one of my friends described the corn at <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji</a>. It was kind of funny but a spot-on description of how this corn tastes. The corn is always really sweet and juicy. The flavor of the wood coals blends perfectly with the <span style="font-style: italic;">shoyu</span> basted corn. The sweetness of the corn and the saltiness of the <span style="font-style: italic;">shoyu</span> is a perfect balance. The corn at <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji</a> has to be one of the best corn I have ever tasted!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Zosui<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZmBz1Ytf_GUbLgkfai1L-Gp4Grywb-OsB7ykL_oINrrhJLPLLnEx8FrukAj1Faa7GAWXWWvBJtjG4QXtkw3pg9yAZ5FGRb2XWnhwZRwvT2YTHjd5jgl_TWoZa7GwaZui4TGWAjQQYI4K/s1600-h/Zosui.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZmBz1Ytf_GUbLgkfai1L-Gp4Grywb-OsB7ykL_oINrrhJLPLLnEx8FrukAj1Faa7GAWXWWvBJtjG4QXtkw3pg9yAZ5FGRb2XWnhwZRwvT2YTHjd5jgl_TWoZa7GwaZui4TGWAjQQYI4K/s320/Zosui.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238955154312351986" border="0" /></a>You know me, anything with rice I love. The <span style="font-style: italic;">zosui</span> (rice porridge with chicken) is a dish that really hits the spot. Although it is typically pretty good at <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji</a>, sometimes it can be a bit over powering. The <span style="font-style: italic;">zosui</span> is served in a hot pot with rice, chicken, carrots and mushrooms. You can add extra <span style="font-style: italic;">ponzu</span> (citrus soy sauce) if you like, I prefer not to. This dish is really good during the winter months.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Yaki-Onigiri<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjgc6upNjheWY7yJASnXeJuoPx7az8CKFYTNI9n_k8IQ0BB_SETIyRmr1eZksg8-tS7CDeJMZzdxWi2_Nv2L1ftmdAkWXyXy7BPmU8o5DPaWkar4Zjy-c2ZUvy55qTIHPBPjo8mNwQZOd/s1600-h/Yaki-Onigiri.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjgc6upNjheWY7yJASnXeJuoPx7az8CKFYTNI9n_k8IQ0BB_SETIyRmr1eZksg8-tS7CDeJMZzdxWi2_Nv2L1ftmdAkWXyXy7BPmU8o5DPaWkar4Zjy-c2ZUvy55qTIHPBPjo8mNwQZOd/s320/Yaki-Onigiri.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238957228951830530" border="0" /></a>This is another dish that I always used to order in Japan whenever I had the opportunity. The problem with ordering <span style="font-style: italic;">yaki-onigiri</span> (grilled rice balls) here in America is that they never take the proper time and care to go about cooking the <span style="font-style: italic;">yaki-onigiri</span>. Too many places rush to make it and do not grill or season it enough. Some places also try to get all "Hollywood" and make it all fancy, but <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji</a>, true to form keeps it plain and simple. We always order the <span style="font-style: italic;">yaki-onigiri</span> in the beginning because it takes a long time to cook. They take the time to cook it right. The outside is crunchy and perfectly seasoned with <span style="font-style: italic;">shoyu</span> and the inside is hot and fluffy. Perfection!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=82642860">Koshiji</a><br />123 S. Onizuka Street #203<br />Los Angeles, CA. 90012<br />213-626-4989Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-83033506872525408182009-02-02T09:50:00.000-08:002009-02-02T09:54:55.200-08:00Celebrating 4 birthdays! (Mastro's Steakhouse, Beverly Hills)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHgc3cShEWceSFZYsHHw-cY6lMzgf5pO8MT6Qo0BXMKFGeUpI45OQ8ivtgVuQS2Mbdl3jSucZYXtxwVrXkVeGTax2jCA8btN0eTF7WycYFSgIflgWXUrRUGb4GmMyJV86xu0bC-YU3YLM/s1600-h/IMG_1884.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHgc3cShEWceSFZYsHHw-cY6lMzgf5pO8MT6Qo0BXMKFGeUpI45OQ8ivtgVuQS2Mbdl3jSucZYXtxwVrXkVeGTax2jCA8btN0eTF7WycYFSgIflgWXUrRUGb4GmMyJV86xu0bC-YU3YLM/s320/IMG_1884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270507886245171922" border="0" /></a>Can you believe that we were celebrating 4 birthdays in our family? On this particular night we were celebrating my sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother's birthdays. All of their birthdays are about a month apart so we celebrated all of theirs together. So when they said that we were going to go to <a href="http://www.azeats.com/Mastros/">Mastro's</a>, I was game! I was especially excited because of my memorable experience at the <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/09/kill-3-birds-with-1-stone-mastros.html">Costa Mesa location</a> a few months ago and I was eager to try the Beverly Hills location. And you know me, I am always down to eat some kick ass steak.<br /><br />My initial impression upon entering <a href="http://www.azeats.com/Mastros/">Mastro's Steakhouse</a> in Beverly Hills was that this location felt more like a steakhouse than the <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/09/kill-3-birds-with-1-stone-mastros.html">Costa Mesa location</a>. True to form of traditional steakhouses, <a href="http://www.azeats.com/Mastros/">Mastro's</a> is really dark but unlike traditional steakhouses it maintains a more modern feel and decor. We were seated upstairs where the dining room was filled with an air liveliness. The jovial laughter and conversation from our table and surrounding tables permeated throughout the room and created this lively atmosphere. There was also a pianist playing and singing which also added to this atmosphere. It truly was a pleasant night, but then again, when isn't it a nice night when you get to share great food with family :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Chilean Sea Bass<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5cbrbBP0pTR2BsJ3nxemPhTOhc1V0bZDzF0zoCGkAmxAbjC7lSQrPGVyaTvvN93urW07sXvXMxFrESLI3P202_Cl6UIzGZGXbj-dutfsTT9KFRLD7Z039aRKlrz_fE71pcu4fjjjJPmb/s1600-h/IMG_1878.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5cbrbBP0pTR2BsJ3nxemPhTOhc1V0bZDzF0zoCGkAmxAbjC7lSQrPGVyaTvvN93urW07sXvXMxFrESLI3P202_Cl6UIzGZGXbj-dutfsTT9KFRLD7Z039aRKlrz_fE71pcu4fjjjJPmb/s320/IMG_1878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270517686986013074" border="0" /></a>"Mama Gohan" ordered the Chilean Sea Bass and I was happy that she did :) I love when other people order different entrees that pique my interest. The Chilean Sea Bass was really succulent and buttery. It was really good!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">18oz. Bone in Kansas City Strip<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwiJtyIiArIPZqXg8jfl0ZwJbNnoYS_gBmVnN8pDYUyZYHSnnmT-bhUH-UYIuj4QVO2aebT2VEAV9rS5Ol5jm4KbA5xKpTiV1Q34pE3CYh58pTpDiWvstvNvGhpbWXHGQuYWRkxVxPzj4/s1600-h/IMG_1879.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwiJtyIiArIPZqXg8jfl0ZwJbNnoYS_gBmVnN8pDYUyZYHSnnmT-bhUH-UYIuj4QVO2aebT2VEAV9rS5Ol5jm4KbA5xKpTiV1Q34pE3CYh58pTpDiWvstvNvGhpbWXHGQuYWRkxVxPzj4/s320/IMG_1879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270519257469829842" border="0" /></a>For some reason or another I veered away from my favorite cut of steak (ribeye) and ordered the 18oz. Kansas City Strip steak. Perhaps it was our waitress' doing. (Okay "Mrs. Gohan" close your eyes.....) Our waitress was extremely pretty and she said that it was her favorite steak, so how can I question her recommendation? Besides I figure I might as well be a little more adventurous and try different cuts. Although the steak was cooked perfectly and tasted great, I don't think it was as good as their Chef's Cut Ribeye.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Mouth watering bite size steak!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6x_7HVwaL1W1ennSznLUMMGvO40-fZp9Cx3iIqzWLVwImj5PooexPk-2yS0Iy3BQqTscRVAoXwF8R-_P2ksxLrbBqJJa75nLvpTMCkJAJOREa6BxZdJ5x-fzAoCt5CRAUxFHZWQd5HP-/s1600-h/IMG_1880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6x_7HVwaL1W1ennSznLUMMGvO40-fZp9Cx3iIqzWLVwImj5PooexPk-2yS0Iy3BQqTscRVAoXwF8R-_P2ksxLrbBqJJa75nLvpTMCkJAJOREa6BxZdJ5x-fzAoCt5CRAUxFHZWQd5HP-/s320/IMG_1880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270521796000908514" border="0" /></a>Here's a look at "Mrs. Gohan" holding up a piece of the Kansas City Strip for the camera :) The steak actually tasted better the next day, when I ate my left overs with some <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> (rice) But to me, everything tastes better with <span style="font-style: italic;">gohan</span> :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Wow.... Look at our dessert!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPrSQKl0h6HexjkCEuS9l831Gusbhm456pEObNQkrya85ubSiAQiVDa2kRoDEUiQhwOVbvWZlfSzBI8H6iSbjlCrylriXOvj0Gllh8jB4_yDiHWqTzkktof-S3yQjMiQJvkg1iIIe-guh/s1600-h/IMG_1883.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPrSQKl0h6HexjkCEuS9l831Gusbhm456pEObNQkrya85ubSiAQiVDa2kRoDEUiQhwOVbvWZlfSzBI8H6iSbjlCrylriXOvj0Gllh8jB4_yDiHWqTzkktof-S3yQjMiQJvkg1iIIe-guh/s320/IMG_1883.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270523425381476866" border="0" /></a>Our waitress had asked if we were celebrating anything and we informed her that we were actually celebrating four birthdays. We were waiting for her to come back to look at the dessert menu to see what else we would order, but when she came back and brought these lavish desserts, we were all shocked. She really did it up! Starting on the top left: Key Lime Pie, Butter Cake, Chocolate Cake. On the bottom left: Cheesecake and assorted fruits with whip cream. They were all so delicious! But my favorite has got to be the Butter Cake. It's so good! You can take a better look at my <a href="http://eatgohan.blogspot.com/2008/09/kill-3-birds-with-1-stone-mastros.html">previous entry</a> for a better view of it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.azeats.com/Mastros/">Mastro's Steakhouse</a><br />246 N. Canon Drive<br />Beverly Hills, CA. 90210<br />310-888-8782Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979263714118816624.post-21719755206561302292009-01-26T14:10:00.000-08:002009-01-26T14:41:17.190-08:00One of the best bargains (Aloha Mixed Plate, Maui)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkukj2LXNYVsJGM1psQrsraurVDYRL5G9qc4pgw9wogrheoVhk0Gh7Zl0m2lFcQfpaRfsY8g-AOxpdfwQxabjkKqaHxM_FMfor8ck2peC4R5Zjzd6DzXfOAErRAMtrwW5QgAG8CSaQVEYW/s1600-h/Aloha+Mixed+Plate.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkukj2LXNYVsJGM1psQrsraurVDYRL5G9qc4pgw9wogrheoVhk0Gh7Zl0m2lFcQfpaRfsY8g-AOxpdfwQxabjkKqaHxM_FMfor8ck2peC4R5Zjzd6DzXfOAErRAMtrwW5QgAG8CSaQVEYW/s320/Aloha+Mixed+Plate.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268655194660220882" border="0" /></a>This place brings back some good and bad memories. The first time we went to <a href="http://www.alohamixedplate.com/">Aloha Mixed Plate</a> was many years ago. And I would have to say that was one of the best vacations ever. Most of my family and relatives were in Maui for my cousins wedding and we had a blast. We actually ate here one night and the sad part was my nephew who was only three years old back then fell and hit his head on the floor. But other than that I have nothing but good memories of this place.<br /><br />It so happened to work out that this was our last meal on our <a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/2008/10/babymoon-in-maui-week-24.html">babymoon</a>. To my surprise, although <a href="http://www.alohamixedplate.com/">Aloha Mixed Plate</a> is right in the thick of tourist area, their prices are probably the most reasonable in Maui. And the food portions are also a great deal. If I had only remembered that it was such a good bargain I might have eaten here more often. The food was great, inexpensive, and the views were also great. I'm really going to miss Maui! I wonder if we can have another <a href="http://babygohan.blogspot.com/2008/10/babymoon-in-maui-week-24.html">babymoon</a> in the future :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Furikake Garlic Fries</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPq_ym8VZ7bpjOUlC_fWoW2HejTQ-eYLIpX1G4ZQNp61pLkdmcYgqpzSW4wwC-yA1TcoMZTsv4cNVKyaGKMoVcez6MFEYnrHca9OQc0f6AvLYhIwroA1vJp54nKnHZK_W0rT9ZD0M1sPn/s1600-h/Furikake+Garlic+Fries.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPq_ym8VZ7bpjOUlC_fWoW2HejTQ-eYLIpX1G4ZQNp61pLkdmcYgqpzSW4wwC-yA1TcoMZTsv4cNVKyaGKMoVcez6MFEYnrHca9OQc0f6AvLYhIwroA1vJp54nKnHZK_W0rT9ZD0M1sPn/s320/Furikake+Garlic+Fries.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268658930581172418" border="0" /></a>These <span>Furikake</span> Garlic Fries were delicious! They are so tasty and make the perfect side dish. I literally could eat these every day. The seasoning of the <span style="font-style: italic;">furikake</span> (Japanese seasoning for rice) and garlic is perfect marriage.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Breaded Teriyaki Beef<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-Q0C9hLfSO7ya60YKoCTOqU3hOnlX59FJq8Wqf8b8uZG2OwhjBYpiC6mYLJ8t7nxSWEjxxeWixnQX-fxAk37428oInCX62P3AdcJT2tWTwFiSJ9Q9AX7fG461E41JEcpXHp2YKNF1X5l/s1600-h/Breaded+Teriyaki+Beef.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-Q0C9hLfSO7ya60YKoCTOqU3hOnlX59FJq8Wqf8b8uZG2OwhjBYpiC6mYLJ8t7nxSWEjxxeWixnQX-fxAk37428oInCX62P3AdcJT2tWTwFiSJ9Q9AX7fG461E41JEcpXHp2YKNF1X5l/s320/Breaded+Teriyaki+Beef.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268660305079643634" border="0" /></a>I am surprised that this dish is not replicated more often. How can you go wrong with two very popular dishes in one. Deep frying a piece of teriyaki beef coated in panko (Japanese bread crumb) sounds like a home run every time! <a href="http://www.alohamixedplate.com/">Aloha Mixed Plate</a> is the only place that I know of that serves this and they do a very good job. Not to mention that cost is very reasonable and you leave very full!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.alohamixedplate.com/">Aloha Mixed Plate</a><br />1285 Front Street<br /> Lahaina, Maui, HI. 96761<br /> 808-661-3322Mr. Gohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380223579924508862noreply@blogger.com0