April Food Adventures 2019 Recap

Two month ago, five little gems were rediscovered or discovered.

Headed out with two friends on a spontaneous trip to get tacos at Ensenada's Surf N Turf Grill (called Baja California before) It also happen to be a Tuesday. Taco Tuesday's! I ordered two shrimp tacos. So good with a little spicy kick to it. Really good. Fresh and all the ingredients were a perfect combo.

My sister came to visit me and we headed out to eat at Lit Cafe. We ordered the Philly Cheese Tori and Lit Brick Toast. I was a little drawn to the cheesesteak choice because of my cheese craving that sparked from the cheeseburger in Paris. It was really good! The steak was juicy and the sauce was not too much. The fries were so great too. Perfect with a little ketchup. The brick toast was also really good. The bacon wasn't too salty and the eggs, bacon, and cheese were just perfect together. Not too cheesy and very light. The bread was also very soft too. We got to meet the owner, David, as he stopped by each table to talk to the customers. Super nice and friendly.

When I was home for the weekend, we stopped by Big Softee, a little ice cream shop in Monterey Park that focuses on the Chinese cultural flavors with its menu options. What a great way to incorporate a little taste of the Chinese culture into the world of dessert! We got the Tofu Flower and Hojicha. I absolutely LOVED the tofu flower. It was spot on for me as I love tofu flower, a Chinese dessert/snack made with tofu and a sweet syrup with ginger flavor. This dessert is like comfort food for me. Something that always makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside. To be reminded of it in ice cream was perfect. Comfort food plus ice cream equals the best combination ever. The Hojicha was also really good. It was a roast green tea flavor, something I never tasted before. Very unique taste.

Ate at Kim Kee Noodle Cafe with family. A simple noodle place that is a go-to if we can't figure out where to eat. I got the Cuttle Fish ball and Seaweed with Pho Noodles. Amazing! The cuttle fish balls had great texture and taste. The noodles were great, chewy, and flavorful. 

Had an econ study session with one of my good friends at Heeretea. First time ever and ordered the Oreo Cheese Milk Tea. So good! Loved the cheese foam. Not too cheesy, just right. The oreo flavor was just icing on the cake.

The Best Way to End Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Hello my fellow readers! Happy first day of June! As you may know either from the news or from my previous post, May was the month of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Netflix came out with Always Be My Maybe, a love story between two childhood Asian American sweethearts who fell out of love and reconnect as adults fifteen years later (spoil ahead warning!) on May 31, the last day of May. I watched it with my big sister and I liked it a lot. Asian American representation in the entertainment industry is an important cause to me that I will always support.

To see Asian Americans in features more and more is one step closer to getting more representation and opportunity to showcase the talent Asian Americans embody. I liked how the film was about an issue that many can relate to. Yes it did feature the Asian American culture, whether in a little bit of the dialogue, action, or visual (props, set, location), but it was not the main focus of the film. The main focus revolved multiple facets including: the relationship of two people, chasing after one's dreams, taking risks, conquering fear, and how one's past reflects one's current stage.

The topics discussed in the film are matters that transcend over all ethnicities. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can relate to these concepts. This is what it is all about. It is not about discussing the Asian culture, even though that is a good thing too. Having Asian American representation is about adding more Asian faces to the screens, whether in theatre, television, or film (and many other mediums in the industry) while telling stories that any person can connect to. Adding a taste of the Asian culture into any of the entertainment mediums is a plus, but it isn't the real reason why so many Asian Americans are battling for Asian American representation. It is about allowing Asian Americans be included to tell stories about universal concepts. Content that many can understand and relate to. Very proud and happy to see Always Be My Maybe be the perfect way to end the month of May. A strong message and empowering opening to continue the Asian American representation.

Spring Break with Family

April may have past, but let's stroll back to memory lane shall we? I know, I'm a little late. My apologies as I juggled school, work, and career related matters. Nevertheless, I still love to share my food adventures with you! Be patient with me as it takes some time sifting through pictures to use. Many posts in drafts in the works, so keep a look out for them throughout this summer!

During Spring Break, I was able to have lots of family time. Always good to be able to be home for the break. Home sweet home, am I right?

One of the many food stops was The Congee. Always good to have some congee when I'm back home. Probably one of the many comfort foods for me. The fish balls had a little kick to it, with a spicy sauce it. It was alright. Without the spice would have been better for me, since I don't like spicy foods much. Both congees were delicious. I'm bias but I like preserved egg with shredded pork congee better. The beef congee had a little bit of pepper in it, but overall it was good. The lo mein was great. The noodles were amazing, flavorful and chewy and the stew was excellent, very tender. The pan fried rolls were also delicious and flavorful.

The Congee: House Special Fish Balls 

Ginger and Scallion with Beef Congee 

Preserved egg with shredded pork congee

Two items Lo Mein with Stew and Fish Tofu 

Special Pan Fried Rolls 

Another food stop was Green Earth Vegan Cuisine. My mom and I ordered one starter - Quinoa Sushi and two lunch specials - Chow Mein and Vegetable Teriyaki and Broccoli that came with the soup of the day. I loved the soup. It was so good! The spinach and tofu were a great combination. The quinoa sushi was very light and delicious. The chow mein dish was great. The noodles had a great texture and just the right amount of flavor. The vegetable teriyaki and broccoli also was great.  

Green Earth Vegan Cuisine: The Soup of the Day -Spinach and Tofu Soup 

Quinoa Sushi 

Vegetable Teriyaki and Broccoli 

Chow Mein 

A second mother and daughter day. We went to Pho Hai Kieu. This trip was inspired by June Quan, on her Instagram account, @stirandstyle. She is a food blogger and documents her food adventures on her Instagram. My mom and I both ordered the Pho Ga Boneless Chicken Slices. Amazing!! I loved how it was really clear and the chicken was juicy and tender. 

Pho Hai Kieu: Pho Ga Boneless Chicken Slices 

Always down to eat Japanese food. I found myself with my parents at Mikomi Sushi in West Covina again. Tonkotsu Ramen (in another post as well)  is still one of my favorites. Ramen and California Rolls. A great combination.

Mokomi Sushi: California Rolls

Tonkotsu Ramen

Food adventure with the parentals. We headed to President Thai and it was a really nice experience. First off, the salad was great. The dressing was amazing, not too heavy, just right. The wonton soup was amazing. The wontons were delicious and the meat was tender and juicy. The soup was really good, just the right amount of flavor. The Cashew Delight was simple yet flavorful. Similar to Kung Pao Chicken except a lot clearer. The Chicken Pad Thai was also amazing. Very authentic. 

Salad

Wonton Soup 

Cashew Delight 

Chicken Pad Thai

Next stop, Marugame Udon with the parentals. It is an order what you want and get what you want as you go down the assembly line to the check out. I got udon, beef, onions, and some fried crumblies. Love noodles, so can't go wrong any way. After filling our tummies, we headed to the Americana. We stayed for a while in Barnes & Noble, reading books. Stumbled upon Laduree, a French bakery with lots of sweets including macaroons! I've been to the Aermicana multiple times, but this time was a little different and extra special. Not only did I get a fun packed day with my parents, but I also got to stroll down memory lane and feel like I am back in Paris. I first heard of Laduree when I was in Paris during my study abroad trip in January. Those macaroons were spectacular. So so good! To see it in America was really nice. Definitely missed Paris a little extra that day.

Marugame Udon

The Americana 

Desert X

A little over a month ago, I was very fortunate to join my sister and her two friends to explore the beauty of Desert X in Palm Springs. Surprisingly, it was super windy at the first location we went to, which had Sterling Ruby's orange geometric sculpture called Specter. Hair my my face, sand in my mouth. Yes, you guessed it, I would talk and I can feel myself crunching away. Nevertheless, worth battling the wind and sand to see this orange beauty in person.

Next stop, Superflex, by Rasmus Nielsen. A pink safe haven from everything. A shelter that reminded me of sponges a little. A gem for the ones who need a place to just feel like home.

Hungry bellies called for... FOOD. We stopped at French Corner Cafe. It brought me back to studying abroad in Paris, as it was a little French cafe with servers who had a French accent. The cordon bleu sandwich with fries was good. The meat and sauces were a great combo and the fries were great. The size of the portion was a little lacking as it was a little bit pricey but was satisfying to eat.

Last stop for the day, Pia Camil's Lover's Rainbow. A simple yet creative design, with a shape of a heart when the sun hits it just right, creating a shadow to make the love symbol.

Definitely one for the books to an end of my spring break adventures.

French Corner Cafe: Cordon Bleu Sandwich 

The Long Haul -> Risks. And. Patience.

Eyes wide open. Teeth guard. Check. Boxing gloves. Check. Get in the ring. Check. There's one opponent. Cool, you got this. Blink once. Another appear. Blink twice. A second appear. Blink a third time. There's a total of five opponents in front of you. Wait, where did all these people come from you think to yourself.

That feeling of one obstacle/situation/task you face and four more comes at you. All at once. Do you have time to defend yourself from all the blows at you? It's scary. You think to yourself: "Can I handle all of this?" There are two strong words that suits any difficult position you are in, when you are engulfed in so much to do, obstacles in your path, and tough decisions or conversations must be made: Risk and Patience.

Risks: There are always going to be challenges/situations thrown at you, whether you are ready for it or not. It can be speaking up for an issue that is bothering you with someone. It can be traveling out of state for the first time. It can be asking someone out on a date. You name it. The list goes on. Choose to take the risk. Do what scares you the most. Those gitters, nervous feeling, heart racing. Those are all signs of you being out of your element. Out of your comfort zone. It's exciting yet scary. That is the exact feeling that will push you to grow. It keeps you on your toes and will teach you a lesson or two. By doing things that scare you, you will discover a little more about yourself. What you like. What you dislike. What you want to keep doing. What you don't want to keep doing. It will allow you to get one step closer to become the person you are always meant to be. You might even discover you can take on five people in a sparring ring when you never even thought you can even take on one person. You may be surprised of what you find out about yourself.

Patience: There are going to be times when you feel you can't reach the light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel goes miles and miles and the more land you cover, you find yourself seeing a longer distance ahead, towards the light. Just like seeing all the fists and kicks thrown at you in a sparring ring. You block and duck and you still keep seeing more and more thrown at you. When is eight minutes up? The journey would not be easy. You will feel defeated along the way. You see others winning and you still inching your way through. Don't. Give. Up. Your time is just not now. Your time will come. It just means you have more to learn before reaching your goal/destination. Keep your hopes up, have faith, and know you are on the right track. Your path is just a little longer but don't fright. Your journey will teach you so much and you will come out of it wiser than you ever would have thought.

The journey is a long haul. Take those risks. Challenge yourself to do different tasks and do what makes your heart race a mile a minute. See each blow as a victory as no victory came without many failures before. Get up every time you get beaten down into the ground. There's a beautiful future ahead for you.