tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46311003137408986842024-02-19T20:20:23.217-06:00Red Velvet CouchSavoring all the delightful things in life one seating at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-71999051635845068322011-05-24T05:07:00.011-05:002011-06-19T06:40:29.092-05:00Kampoeng Tempoe Doeloe: A Flashback of Childhood Memories<div><i>La Piazza yard was transformed into (what feels to be) a big schoolyard full of jajanan pasar*, bringing some of my fondest childhood reminiscence back.</i></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaVcV6GSjMYvXeRdHfMDRAIVBFARULkgPvo6MlBDp4X4jsBRxg7_bFME8dX8hPstWUWHi26WzyVDhV2w4i-99-qL15PS-YsoZ_5PVCFS4n8VfEuDdGQ9A-DY_kYFF3sfmKaNojzd3fPk/s800/wideshot.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaVcV6GSjMYvXeRdHfMDRAIVBFARULkgPvo6MlBDp4X4jsBRxg7_bFME8dX8hPstWUWHi26WzyVDhV2w4i-99-qL15PS-YsoZ_5PVCFS4n8VfEuDdGQ9A-DY_kYFF3sfmKaNojzd3fPk/s800/wideshot.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617658329646714882" /></a><br />I wasn't born that long ago, I had to admit, compared to some of my peers. Therefore I'd like to claim no expertise in talking about the oldies Jakarta. Yet, I can claim that I have a pretty solid memory of the street food snacks I ate growing up in the city. <div><br /></div><div>Kampeng Tempoe Doeloe is a part of the <a href="http://www.jfff.info/">Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival</a> held in La Piazza, Kelapa Gading on May 14-29, 2011. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've never really been a fan of a site that makes me do a lot of scrolling, so here are the pictures in a slideshow format (no, no tacky ballad song that auto plays simply when you didn't ask for it).</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="width:500px;text-align:left;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><embed src="http://widget-eb.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1729382256938241003&site=widget-eb.slide.com" style="width:500px;height:475px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed></div><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1729382256938241003&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-eb.slide.com/p1/1729382256938241003/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1729382256938241003&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-eb.slide.com/p2/1729382256938241003/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1729382256938241003&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-eb.slide.com/p4/1729382256938241003/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /><i>*jajanan pasar = street food snacks.</i></div><br /><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?app_id=175278199198478&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftheredvelvetcouch.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fkampoeng-tempoe-doeloe-flashback-of.html&send=false&layout=standard&width=450&show_faces=false&action=like&colorscheme=light&font=arial&height=35" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:35px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-53678218274713307482011-05-08T09:00:00.014-05:002011-05-08T10:03:20.092-05:00Going Back to My Roots Pt. 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4FILQXoR5V8LYcP5-xuMGOaV7WRIvW60fx1ZmusTr2zz5SoYnNXv4MTFudLnsHhxQqf-11btPW_IGob16hnz8VbXUuhFXgk96XY0aSVBUzhyphenhyphenJZ9-maNUCQRTt2Fo1ILVrWsVJMiOeLg/s800/bebek.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 730px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4FILQXoR5V8LYcP5-xuMGOaV7WRIvW60fx1ZmusTr2zz5SoYnNXv4MTFudLnsHhxQqf-11btPW_IGob16hnz8VbXUuhFXgk96XY0aSVBUzhyphenhyphenJZ9-maNUCQRTt2Fo1ILVrWsVJMiOeLg/s800/bebek.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604342472494215986" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A plate of roasted duck from Grand City Restaurant located inside Sunlake Hotel, Jakarta<br /></span><br />It's been pouring cats and dogs lately-- which almost works like a curse sent by nature. The city's traffic is already detrimental and inescapable by default. A lot of times my evening plans are at the clemency of the weather; that particular factor itself has potential to increase my already-uncivilized- travel time by double.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvUM3oV10ux24n62439pVBI6iQEu5vDpAuxId2vdxz1Q7ck5IvMYGIg9r9DkXTZHdraVwJgFqd4KWa8dDfx_eC4sJwr-NKbq0Fu1CB7I-xAYf0ICiTxCaaL_OQ8v-9NyKSGOlWR2PLYY/s800/sapiladaitem.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 730px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvUM3oV10ux24n62439pVBI6iQEu5vDpAuxId2vdxz1Q7ck5IvMYGIg9r9DkXTZHdraVwJgFqd4KWa8dDfx_eC4sJwr-NKbq0Fu1CB7I-xAYf0ICiTxCaaL_OQ8v-9NyKSGOlWR2PLYY/s800/sapiladaitem.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604342477038186882" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The all-time classic black pepper beef</span><br /><br />In case it's not obvious enough, finding the drive to putting my fingertips to work and writing again has been tricky. Oh yes I have been taking pictures of food. I just haven't been putting it up for consumption. My taste buds are spoiled more than ever, mostly with grubs that take me back and remind me of the family festivities I used to go to when I was a little kid (sans the annoying aunties and uncles part).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMey4uKBP3hFRH4xpNUqR8lDGQIycBOdPm8CKUP5cSG3OukxsdCKAaqUz7lBjR7rSnIX4hMza7aRMrBF7NYMfz4Jpdz6Lweg3c46VWVLTUDi6_FBhEOH7Z0iT0HfSlO8n8o_88kE8lCMo/s800/buncis.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 730px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMey4uKBP3hFRH4xpNUqR8lDGQIycBOdPm8CKUP5cSG3OukxsdCKAaqUz7lBjR7rSnIX4hMza7aRMrBF7NYMfz4Jpdz6Lweg3c46VWVLTUDi6_FBhEOH7Z0iT0HfSlO8n8o_88kE8lCMo/s800/buncis.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604342474251782546" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Szechuan-style string beans<br /></span><br />These photos were not recent, I'd have to say. These were taken during the Chinese New Year weekend in which several family gatherings took place. These were exactly the kind of food I had missed during my stay in the U.S. My relationships with these folks go waaay back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYePnikc2eajRqpCxQ6LBgjrhImu-RhESR-WKB8NnPK-RnZpgLLWb5Rw9BPa0xfD51zxxJR0y8q1WohLMBb2TuMPsPN8wKhGGLP7Lg7GQc70oR4C2tiR4v8SJrB3Idb7hyphenhyphenV_3WHwQZ5VY/s800/porkribs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 730px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYePnikc2eajRqpCxQ6LBgjrhImu-RhESR-WKB8NnPK-RnZpgLLWb5Rw9BPa0xfD51zxxJR0y8q1WohLMBb2TuMPsPN8wKhGGLP7Lg7GQc70oR4C2tiR4v8SJrB3Idb7hyphenhyphenV_3WHwQZ5VY/s800/porkribs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604342482984700882" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Breaded pork ribs with slices of orange in a cointreau sauce<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s57PrOsgfGNbJNzuSJz7cTsjZjoEY4rrGkQC__rnp5BqEvoOfMAnTi94aJhCa90PMdeiCiFtwDxTo8-NKkODpV73kbq7j7xmw_GMrjhQwi0xLGiQB_gXj5zkGfjjjxLF9mPrqLtp8z8/s1600/fishballsoup.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 435px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s57PrOsgfGNbJNzuSJz7cTsjZjoEY4rrGkQC__rnp5BqEvoOfMAnTi94aJhCa90PMdeiCiFtwDxTo8-NKkODpV73kbq7j7xmw_GMrjhQwi0xLGiQB_gXj5zkGfjjjxLF9mPrqLtp8z8/s800/fishballsoup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604342482615156226" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Seafood soup with mushroom<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNhjQIlhhb5JYA51-HZwnyT9RIoJj_WZ1h2IiRLOQVbWkGvLdbpjGdo65diQsnYP1bAqm0JRxLCM_lc3TrAyrEyS8NY3gziLdTAHKAAmhJ1EoehFL3Z2JZE-SiT0MToXEBHSjIHa07bc/s800/melonsagoo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 730px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNhjQIlhhb5JYA51-HZwnyT9RIoJj_WZ1h2IiRLOQVbWkGvLdbpjGdo65diQsnYP1bAqm0JRxLCM_lc3TrAyrEyS8NY3gziLdTAHKAAmhJ1EoehFL3Z2JZE-SiT0MToXEBHSjIHa07bc/s800/melonsagoo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604342983821742194" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A cup of melon sagoo dessert with little sago beads, chunky melon balls, and coconut milk.<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92JlBEAquK4YagIMn5mHQqxZcJKcVu3nKTJfVdX5t6QZzEs1D94u9sf0atdHxHk7mQtban7Xc7-QV_Zu-ERgP_hdaIQf3zGvx338MpVnO0THONr9SpE5cb8v8OdpQCvOqEYKgSBCEs7M/s800/mangopudding.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 730px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92JlBEAquK4YagIMn5mHQqxZcJKcVu3nKTJfVdX5t6QZzEs1D94u9sf0atdHxHk7mQtban7Xc7-QV_Zu-ERgP_hdaIQf3zGvx338MpVnO0THONr9SpE5cb8v8OdpQCvOqEYKgSBCEs7M/s800/mangopudding.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604342982666481554" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A smile-generating mango pudding-- with its tanginess as a refreshing wrap up to the entire meal.</span><br /><br />Nevertheless, I'd like to make it clear that I would never whatsoever recommend anyone to spend a fortune at this place. It's unwise to judge the way these folks taste from the way they look. It will do an injustice to some street food out there that truly deserves to bear the 'mouth-watering' title. The restaurant service was outstanding yet too bad the price tag doesn't reflect the quality of the food.<div><br /></div><div><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Ftheredvelvetcouch.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fgoing-back-to-my-roots-pt-1.html&send=true&layout=standard&width=450&show_faces=true&action=like&colorscheme=light&font&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-56008617669501657472011-05-02T11:12:00.014-05:002011-05-02T12:01:17.781-05:00Starting up the engines...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdVRyKn-KVHBDaka9njpY8ibrlJ_KBU7TnQy1QITyt0mEp98q9DCVWSlfYmk-Qvkv8mGO5pncd-GvhxsYX8WMgDIZcVB3vzHA4J1kP7QEIExwLy2tHmli7dxeP-AaqfNamF2GJi30-Pk/s800/SaptoDjokokartiko_ElleStyleAwards.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 410px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdVRyKn-KVHBDaka9njpY8ibrlJ_KBU7TnQy1QITyt0mEp98q9DCVWSlfYmk-Qvkv8mGO5pncd-GvhxsYX8WMgDIZcVB3vzHA4J1kP7QEIExwLy2tHmli7dxeP-AaqfNamF2GJi30-Pk/s800/SaptoDjokokartiko_ElleStyleAwards.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602158025683969090" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span">A beautiful work of art by <a href="http://www.saptodjojokartiko.com/f/index.html">Sapto Djokokartiko</a>, Indonesia's young and talented fashion designer -- a souvenir from Elle Style Awards, edited by my partner in crime, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/clarissakwok">Clarissa Kwok</a>. </span><br /><div><br />Ok- I guess five is the magic number here. It's been five months since the last time I blogged. FIVE whole months. That equals to about 150 days. Which is lots of hours. Enough time to train for a half- marathon. Or to build a Japanese garden complete with a gazebo in it in my mom's case. Have I been hibernating? Not physically neither mentally. I went through a few changes and just needed some new air. <div><br /></div><div>I am now back in my hometown. That's <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=jakarta&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Jakarta+Capital+Region,+Indonesia&ei=ZeG-TcKyKdHPrQeYr432BQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CDQQ8gEwAA">Jakarta</a>, Indonesia, the mall and traffic capital of the world. I started my new job about three months ago in which it takes me a painful 90 minutes to get to my downtown office. And I have rekindled with my old friends. All in all, everything's good. Some things are better. And by some things I meant food, food, and food. But not all of them. Some are still better back in the States. There, I said it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have also been thinking to change my blog name, but still haven't found the one that fits me the most. Some that I thought do, happen to have been taken by other peeps that, I guess, are faster in doing things in life than I am. Thoughts?</div><div><br /></div><div>As for now, I am having a good time running and hopping around with Jakarta as my playground. There will be more proofs. In less than five months I promise. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-88098428479374214312010-12-30T09:43:00.007-06:002011-04-21T07:59:24.621-05:00They wished me many happy returns..<div>The 24th of this month, Christmas Eve, was the day I got older. I have no intention whatsoever to whine aimlessly about the worrying thoughts of quarter-life crisis that's going to hit me soon, though it might require a great deal of self-control. To be safe, let me just cut it off right here. Here's my birthday cake, courtesy of Yoshiko of Cakebelle. Ain't it lovely? Thanks so much, Yoshiko!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgZrXJRycoLIoJPWxSTYjCUIbuRXnwSz51GAMXMYbHvxMSxaq1nfBatHcel7Rr924Heon2WixtZ-NfUlcsItu33RQsFHAQiaZuR3hxhfes8CQxx-CKylRim-HX84B0c7u0iy8T7VClFk/s1600/my+24th+bday+cake.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgZrXJRycoLIoJPWxSTYjCUIbuRXnwSz51GAMXMYbHvxMSxaq1nfBatHcel7Rr924Heon2WixtZ-NfUlcsItu33RQsFHAQiaZuR3hxhfes8CQxx-CKylRim-HX84B0c7u0iy8T7VClFk/s800/my+24th+bday+cake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556503132642701410" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-66840172757888975262010-12-18T09:00:00.058-06:002010-12-22T11:42:35.999-06:00Sugar Coma Festival {Better-Late-Than-Never Ed.}<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjLKDX4H04qpO05NNDrkva4QdktDg-KAAZV1ZX3KH3ZdJAZO90YmcxX5qUtExkfRj1v_7PP2i4__XcHq58cqu8xpZ23Y-NMlHTdt11WJeNjPnM0jltIWub9lUUYQ9ytpkoX84PcKBQ38/s1600/wineshoebigtable_880.jpg"></a><charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrJrEon8Vg6FQNysLU4BcyxmWSppZ0omF0hE_U2ztiSuiPcbcoX9yD8WDx9h6wMXXD0Z43VpW9Kq7oBLBGpDMrNJLHIH98nWUcNRLJtHCk6PC46QS3ZmttRsghu_mgY5jxor7Mt_xK0M/s800/camicakescupcakes_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553393989854566322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 387px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">First of all, hooray, my blog is featured as this week's Featured Blogs by <a href="http://www.foodieblogroll.com/news/featured-blogs-for-december-17-2010">Foodie Blogroll</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Second, I know this is totally lame that I am just now posting this, but in the heat of <a href="http://lavishxperience.com/">lavish!</a> event this past weekend in Atlanta (which I wasn't able to attend because I thought I was going to be somewhere at that time but I apparently I didn't have to be -- and of course, by the time I realize that, it's all too late, the tickets are sold out. Oh life.), this was another swanky soiree held by <a href="http://thebrokesocialite.blogspot.com/">The Broke Socialite</a> (she's such a nice and funny lady by the way) called Sugar Coma festival and I was lucky enough to snag a ticket at the time.</div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Third, I'd have to admit, this quick post is my way of cutting corners. It has something to do with the very fact that everything in my life is such a whirlwind right now. I haven't been eating at cool places and have taken zilch pictures lately. Plus, it's the week before Christmas and I am far from being done with Christmas shopping. That's how bad it is. </div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Anyways, hope this would make a feast for your eyes. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKycvMyKQvDeOugxpSUz7QEM5doBRe6BuBp-U01WH49HIe77sqPaEr0BcuJYLBaRofqoHLf1t5emDn_RQ17Rf8qqT-wrYlFbOTge-RCF023qsJb0pl4hwwOK39WnzLfFyO8c7WXy0uzug/s800/camicakescupcakeslots_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553395338890663298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 387px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">These cupcakes are from <a href="http://www.camicakes.com/">Cami Cakes</a>. I got to meet little Camille herself, such a cutie! Also, as a self-proclaimed connoisseur of red velvet cakes, I actually adore these babies. Moist, velvety, and topped with rich frosting. </div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4l4wTfy8Cf5d-i5SGjJ3uJVNFJSFeNQdl949SN4yOnVuaXBk9z__cpVweYPBUi1DNCahT_TzCBehMbhDmuzSpQtnO3TJx9HHOJhibHaEiR8taQTdA1NoJIqM-DqUeHekjXPV1kzdivQ/s800/chocdrizzledcupcake_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553395926056916306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 870px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Caramel-filled. Chocolate-drizzled. Cheerful taste buds. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCxGjZIN3Ez72Cd_NTdB8w5AQNMw4SatVlQ5Lrfohgpst_egbP6-azs8bm9mH8IPSwvt-7yfPfzd-tRBHB-8I5GUrqz4mHqJquDNnV-CzgVva3hmvw3aI3Wnyf4hSKqgSPROXEd9D4pI/s800/margarita+cupcake_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553396258477409778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 870px; " /></span></charset="utf-8"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Margarita cupcakes. Need I say more? FYI, the margarita did not get baked off. Let me repeat once again that it did not get baked off. Ahemm, I had mine straight up. These sassy treats were provided by <a href="http://pinkcupcakedreams.com/">Pink Cupcake Dreams</a></span></span></span></span> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1797556923">Peachy Treats</a>.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Q4bHZAwn5AuHhbipH60SxCbCDRhqe4poO10-WE8qq9m6L9v63YiuHzhgBoKhQgqme7fyI1ENLqIY_CEeQma0fBMMzYu5a-T8wyCeXxIzGZf3Ig82_pWvLbAO4pd-GJJqyN7xxxaBvAk/s800/caryncakescupcakes_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553396750887612706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 361px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a href="http://carynscakes.com/">Caryn's Cakes</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/carynscakes.com/">'</a> strawberry cupcakes are one of the best strawberry cupcakes I've ever had. It's such a simple goodness and the frosting is just right: a tad sweet, not too rich, and still maintains that classic strawberry flavor. I actually bought a few to take home with me. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu-85T1MsqLFzLc3HcPXaQce2tUamLd2TUYFSYp_nhFt1elpPkTZQLu8E7c61oLmb2Q3xfXIC_6DcgFCUGqBZHgiW_3uOn8Hvhyphenhyphen8CGrcoRLoL0NvnAfeI4arLYRNi3GXELIXVJZLaQ3c/s800/chocolatecake_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553397600625901458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 870px; " /></span></charset="utf-8"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a href="http://www.siptheexperience.com/">Sip the Experience</a> is what would happen if Barnes & Noble got married to Starbucks and had an affair with your full- of- homemade- goodness neighborhood bakery. I wouldn't mind sitting there all day getting some work done. It'd be kinda hard to focus with all those luscious desserts calling out my name every five minutes though. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBJswyaLfym5Q-lQJ0U-O0bpW2QsSlWyGKPqGr4AoAzRLgTxxPnXBTc6DseKq7hLakTuGIn8sHGb_-T8Zuk2M_HZpjjz2f9FgMlxfMh4Q6Oq1xbknForynICmIAOuOJlkwCni9_98kh8/s800/meatskewers_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553399896448173762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 387px; " /></span></charset="utf-8"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">We had to take a break to prevent our glucose levels from going through the roof: by showing our savory spot taste buds that we still care about them. Chicken skewers by <a href="http://www.bradfordsonbishop.com/">Bradford on Bishop</a> on the menu. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRM_kdJjjjyCJSYDP4SfX0FtA_v9CHwDiJxppu1fNFjC4AWqh4dtHhh-W7pTaecyxpenozKq7k9L89_n0-UUO5_olvJpdnhH_k0UhZF8Eft7KpDk8rhNmSuRauxN_0OHrVVbehRRqRQCg/s1600/vanillacustardsblackberry_880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRM_kdJjjjyCJSYDP4SfX0FtA_v9CHwDiJxppu1fNFjC4AWqh4dtHhh-W7pTaecyxpenozKq7k9L89_n0-UUO5_olvJpdnhH_k0UhZF8Eft7KpDk8rhNmSuRauxN_0OHrVVbehRRqRQCg/s800/vanillacustardsblackberry_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553400255621005490" /></a><br /></div><div>See these gorgeous vanilla custards topped with fresh blackberries? Yum. <a href="http://www.melecotte.com/">Chris Arpante</a>'s mad dessert skills are responsible for them. It's ok to judge the book by its cover this time - because it fully represents the quality of the content.</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KAwxU9Z6nTxk65SWkwPGOSs2EbhAy9T9CqYNg8A4HM0zO45hW89xEmJwErkWGNuR4Q6kJW8AE8nmmcWK491vXrcASYz-nR07tXUsJmY1Q1aUlyIUq4aPlsc8lC4f-wSvjIghJF4sAt4/s1600/yellowshots_880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KAwxU9Z6nTxk65SWkwPGOSs2EbhAy9T9CqYNg8A4HM0zO45hW89xEmJwErkWGNuR4Q6kJW8AE8nmmcWK491vXrcASYz-nR07tXUsJmY1Q1aUlyIUq4aPlsc8lC4f-wSvjIghJF4sAt4/s800/yellowshots_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553400189545569602" /></a><br />Nah, these are not jello shots. They're even better.</div><div><br /><div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF_Sk_496HDzifUUMDuUzFJi59bkr6ybU8ygz4sEFC20vwoIhev4YUdn6I_gWc2XEblnJTjXOHyJ82eNticN4dT_TatRfflsOzCPU4fpxpgwrOzTNzIpOHSphWF-LPyOlLWw0O5VxXpI/s1600/moltenlavacake_880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF_Sk_496HDzifUUMDuUzFJi59bkr6ybU8ygz4sEFC20vwoIhev4YUdn6I_gWc2XEblnJTjXOHyJ82eNticN4dT_TatRfflsOzCPU4fpxpgwrOzTNzIpOHSphWF-LPyOlLWw0O5VxXpI/s800/moltenlavacake_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553399184766508786" /></a><br /></div><div>I didn't actually get a chance to try these, but I'm guessing they're molten lava chocolate cakes?</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhhoqfM5NgCV7YAcJ5zHr_5nJeSiyebZQINE4vY_M8t8Et8YV21_m8Chd2y_EmKgJbf9SQF2XZWquvEgCJSgK0oCAUwfBJu13sKL_x5NyahZx90iAArjIlfOFByRhVPZKjixFSxqAImU/s1600/cubanexpressoflan_880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhhoqfM5NgCV7YAcJ5zHr_5nJeSiyebZQINE4vY_M8t8Et8YV21_m8Chd2y_EmKgJbf9SQF2XZWquvEgCJSgK0oCAUwfBJu13sKL_x5NyahZx90iAArjIlfOFByRhVPZKjixFSxqAImU/s800/cubanexpressoflan_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553398910928339410" /></a><br /></div><div>This Cuban espresso flan is a work of art by private chef <a href="http://www.flanboyanteats.com/">Bren Herrera</a>. If you're a coffee lover like I am, you'd appreciate it very much. It's very fragrant and ahh, the texture - it sort of just glides in your mouth. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjLKDX4H04qpO05NNDrkva4QdktDg-KAAZV1ZX3KH3ZdJAZO90YmcxX5qUtExkfRj1v_7PP2i4__XcHq58cqu8xpZ23Y-NMlHTdt11WJeNjPnM0jltIWub9lUUYQ9ytpkoX84PcKBQ38/s800/wineshoebigtable_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553400344147460514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 870px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span>In the name of (sugary) festivity we trust.<br /></div></div><br /></div></charset="utf-8"><br /><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Ftheredvelvetcouch.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fsugar-coma-festival-better-late-than.html&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=450&action=like&font=arial&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-52538863366999145092010-12-08T09:15:00.018-06:002010-12-08T11:23:47.592-06:00A Jolly Slice of December<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3dSDZyOR5S7DrVtYgx_MoNrb2Kn0_k9IpdFEIPGvyiBynXyvgAlC-nQMf-2XC_3V4V-ZIPhwChvWm7NDF3_o7kHuzn_i1flqWWWKdpUekRyn9aSHOi8m_2mQHYExJUR_0EKoAH3pag0/s1600/strawberrytart_880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3dSDZyOR5S7DrVtYgx_MoNrb2Kn0_k9IpdFEIPGvyiBynXyvgAlC-nQMf-2XC_3V4V-ZIPhwChvWm7NDF3_o7kHuzn_i1flqWWWKdpUekRyn9aSHOi8m_2mQHYExJUR_0EKoAH3pag0/s800/strawberrytart_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548176971909776786" /></a><br /><div>I can't believe it's December already. I was just talking to my friend about this the other day: the moment it actually occurs to me that the holiday season has arrived is when I see Starbucks red cups popping up all across town. For some reason, it's like they bring out the holiday spirit in me. And strangely enough, they gently provoke a lot of beautiful memories, those little cups. But really, this mini post has nothing to do with Starbucks or their effective seasonal branding. It has something to do with all the little things that - however fast life's images flash through our eyes due to our crazy busy schedule dominated by everything that has a screen and buttons - can still make us stop for a second, look around, and smile. <i>Because 'tis the season to be jolly</i>.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span><div>Here are some of the things that make me smile (and scream for joy). I don't have a whole lot explanation for these beauties other than they're available at the <a href="http://www.whitewindmill-bakery.com/">White Windmill Bakery</a> in Atlanta. Thanks to Yoshiko of <a href="http://www.yoshikophotography.com/">Yoshiko Photography</a> for sharing some editing tips!</div></div><div><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZt5GbIXla_aoqYCPnmVZCXnZvjuGYvbcCPjYwzLHOUoSInV5owEQJMZ4yDgZqoMAy5mtmzsfHIC5iQcrGbfZZvBQfdIeOY7hNE78p2ho0wYstxgzA9mIfFBdF2265Mh3uIN_TxUQ59A/s1600/bigtart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZt5GbIXla_aoqYCPnmVZCXnZvjuGYvbcCPjYwzLHOUoSInV5owEQJMZ4yDgZqoMAy5mtmzsfHIC5iQcrGbfZZvBQfdIeOY7hNE78p2ho0wYstxgzA9mIfFBdF2265Mh3uIN_TxUQ59A/s800/bigtart.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548166217040713634" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHoaMgb3cP_0jMF8Z7BWcHK5rVkjZchzTAmadWjsLG8tnNecHN57l_p4PgEQ2mMxE3UMCh6OI9WCtH_inI2Wn1FLIZpuU6YiOiUlIP2hrSXk29aYEoX30rGB8EA-ZV2s9BDqZRG2F_nA/s1600/kueijo3biji_880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHoaMgb3cP_0jMF8Z7BWcHK5rVkjZchzTAmadWjsLG8tnNecHN57l_p4PgEQ2mMxE3UMCh6OI9WCtH_inI2Wn1FLIZpuU6YiOiUlIP2hrSXk29aYEoX30rGB8EA-ZV2s9BDqZRG2F_nA/s800/kueijo3biji_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548184475936624914" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NULAzqLAPbTJ0t4swF4BShXNZ5B7lJvIxdYCijA804O15PwoZ4m3YzNRx30hvYo8WUdj8cxXRWkmjsBTN7-tJ5cV9j6PiiepNO6XLHHdHB89fvrwX0P733EJA321rdqeHo5bwj5pD5k/s1600/strawberrypudding_880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 395px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NULAzqLAPbTJ0t4swF4BShXNZ5B7lJvIxdYCijA804O15PwoZ4m3YzNRx30hvYo8WUdj8cxXRWkmjsBTN7-tJ5cV9j6PiiepNO6XLHHdHB89fvrwX0P733EJA321rdqeHo5bwj5pD5k/s800/strawberrypudding_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548181431615936354" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlSr9GVnsd7kJ2DRqgv9pcCNjbDeo4f6DpJ06QEthOD0r04AO0BOZQgrs9HJux-p3uTpfysW7COGXPsIi3U7Z1OV8DkBnRK1bzQ3qXP9nvUF4bJn_oWk18SxCjlsDsrposVZthgjmYhI/s1600/redjamontopofcake_880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlSr9GVnsd7kJ2DRqgv9pcCNjbDeo4f6DpJ06QEthOD0r04AO0BOZQgrs9HJux-p3uTpfysW7COGXPsIi3U7Z1OV8DkBnRK1bzQ3qXP9nvUF4bJn_oWk18SxCjlsDsrposVZthgjmYhI/s800/redjamontopofcake_880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548179425608767170" /></a><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Ftheredvelvetcouch.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fjolly-slice-of-december.html&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=450&action=like&font=arial&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:80px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-70744628386387070042010-11-26T09:00:00.067-06:002010-11-26T21:37:11.969-06:00Culinary Treats I'm Thankful For {Thanksgiving Ed.}<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguKBndipBdTiGtujGOOBbiujayyqPQpXlB-_Eub1vJaRairbN2YwZvxu5Pzi_JtD72N14Gc0aZ9QrVmOTte6eSdTLUk3G-GR4b6I90r-RjWJejL8SwC3fpDuBZ03Cqeg3lBYuR5PaDKA/s1600/duren1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguKBndipBdTiGtujGOOBbiujayyqPQpXlB-_Eub1vJaRairbN2YwZvxu5Pzi_JtD72N14Gc0aZ9QrVmOTte6eSdTLUk3G-GR4b6I90r-RjWJejL8SwC3fpDuBZ03Cqeg3lBYuR5PaDKA/s800/duren1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544057055353180626" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Durian. I know. A little bit intimidating, ehh?</span><br /><br />Thanksgiving weekend has always been exhausting for me. The dinner part, the gathering part, and the part where we all religiously participate in a glorified commercial conspiracy by purchasing goods that we're not even sure we need - called Black Friday. So I think it's always nice to step back and count our blessings. <br /><br />As for me, I'm immensely thankful for the strong network of support I have. Personally and professionally. Be it my family, friends, mentors, or professional acquaintances, I truly am grateful for the inspiration and comfort they have provided me. Without them I would be nowhere near where I am today.<br /><br />Now that I'm done with the sarcastic and the mellow part, here are the twelve most amazing culinary treats ever created in this world (that I was lucky enough to have tasted) that have constituted a gastronomic euphoria in my dictionary. I am thankful for the very existence of:<br /><br />1. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peking_Duck">Roasted Peking Duck</a>. This one needs no introduction. With its crispy skin sheltering a generous layer of melts-in-your mouth fat, supported by a vulnerable bed of succulent meat on the bottom, this one is a true winner. <br /><br />2.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_siu">Chasiu/Barbecued pork meat</a>. It's an undoubtedly pure form of beauty.<br /><br />3. <a href="http://rasamalaysia.com/recipe-bak-kut-teh-pork-bone-tea/">Bakut Teh/Pork Bone Tea Soup</a>. Great-tasting, traditional ingredients nurtured by long hours of labor and love. This dish is very comforting - almost sacred - to me.<br /><br />4. <a href="http://indonesia-eats.blogspot.com/2009/11/kepiting-saus-padang-crab-in-padangese.html">Kepiting Saus Padang/Crab in Padang Chilli Sauce</a>. Hot and spicy. This one's pretty similar to Singaporean Chilli Crab. <br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=nasi+padang&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1155&bih=593">Nasi Padang</a>. A traditional Indonesian rice dish accompanied by a myriad variety of options: ayam pop (chicken cooked with coconut water, ginger, lemongrass, etc), gulai ayam (chicken curry), telor balado (eggs cooked with chili and shrimp paste), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendang">rendang</a>, krecek (gelatinous crackers made of cow skin), daun singkong (cassava leaves), cabe ijo (green chili), etc. I also take pleasure in having a generous pour of the curry sauce all over my rice. <br /><br />6. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_fin_soup">Sharkfin Soup</a>. Oh gosh, don't even get me started on this one.<br /><br />7. Chinese-style Seafood Hotpot. A piping hot claypot of fried Japanese silky soft tofu with squid, sea cucumber, shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, fish, and vegetables swimming in a very tasty, thick broth.<br /><br />8. Fresh, glistening slivers of sashimi. The list includes sake/salmon, toro/fatty tuna, awabi/abalone, mirugai/geoduck/giant clam, hotate/scallop, uni/sea urchin, and ikura/salmon roe. And a side order of ankimo/monkfish liver, please.<br /><br />9. I love veal, especially when cooked with good wine. And its leg, loin, shank, brisket, cheek, rack, liver, and chops. Not so much of the scallopini, though. Braised, stewed, sauteed, stuffed, you name it. And oh- did I mention braised? A phrase delivered by a server at <a href="http://www.lagrottaatlanta.com/">one of my favorite Italian restaurants</a> that immediately won my heart was: "Anything that can be done to veal, we can do it for you."<br /><br />10. Bouncy, good- looking sea scallops. Grilled, sauteed, in a hot pot, or simply raw. <br /><br />11. <a href="http://theredvelvetcouch.blogspot.com/2010/08/roadside-spoils-of-jakarta.html">Martabak Manis</a>. My favorite dessert of all time, with its crunchy crust and indulgent, shiny butter gushing out from the middle when you put pressure on the top. No mousse, souffle, cheesecake, flan, or tart can beat this. <br /><br />12. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian">Durian</a>. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75vm9ik5pjo">So Andrew Zimmern can't stand it</a>, so what? If they sell durian scent in a form of air freshener, I'd get one. Or three.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Ftheredvelvetcouch.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fculinary-treats-im-thankful-for.html&layout=standard&show_faces=true&width=450&action=like&font=lucida+grande&colorscheme=light&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-90975185402313393502010-11-10T09:03:00.042-06:002010-11-24T01:44:12.553-06:00Cakwe: Fried Little Goodness Filled with Memories<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; "><i>If I were a Southerner, these would be my precious little <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hushpuppy">hush puppies</a>.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1BrzMr4zWkWRZnOrdn6lBmf2Xi_EjxPcJcWXoM3MEVW1qYNJpC-GGatujqVghNy0lYNmTacJPwKsb-g0iWZdpkqOoA90mYaTrJhGVHFF6FvtsISKcnv5McShFMQblZMACHLeFrOpng8/s1600/cakwe1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1BrzMr4zWkWRZnOrdn6lBmf2Xi_EjxPcJcWXoM3MEVW1qYNJpC-GGatujqVghNy0lYNmTacJPwKsb-g0iWZdpkqOoA90mYaTrJhGVHFF6FvtsISKcnv5McShFMQblZMACHLeFrOpng8/s800/cakwe1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542974855715576146" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; ">I'm fully aware that by this time of the year, I should be writing about fried turkeys already. But nope, I decided to defy the norm. Besides, I've never really been a big fan of turkey. Definitely not compared to honey-glazed ham. Or roasted Peking ducks for that matter. I do love stuffings though. Anyways, last week I stopped by at a Chinese restaurant nestled in the strip of Atlanta's mecca of ethnic food, Buford Hwy, called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/bo-bo-garden-atlanta">Bobo Garden</a>. And that's when I spotted these little guys. They bring back a lot of remarkable childhood memories. These are the things that I grew up eating almost every single day long before the days my taste buds got acquainted to zucchini, eggs benedict, or even pizza! They are a great complementary to what I call comfort food, a weighty fragment of my family's Sunday brunch rituals and the street food culture of Jakarta. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPThLgOvslW0t3VfHziltdmQOdtta-hccirI06anQ4cKZ4YBMwUDGwRtlzjNIZOUIbztq0f60vUyF65MCvVxCGtcaO1jsRR6wOQvBNeDQCnoXD7nwfkO2xP90YXiUFeZ77Sc8Omi53kA/s1600/cakweramerame.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 435px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPThLgOvslW0t3VfHziltdmQOdtta-hccirI06anQ4cKZ4YBMwUDGwRtlzjNIZOUIbztq0f60vUyF65MCvVxCGtcaO1jsRR6wOQvBNeDQCnoXD7nwfkO2xP90YXiUFeZ77Sc8Omi53kA/s800/cakweramerame.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542975105030087890" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; ">They're called</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "> <i>y</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; "><i>ou tiao</i> (Mandarin) or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "><i>yau ja gwai</i> (Cantonese)<i> - </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; ">very common in Chinese cuisine especially to be eaten with rice congee or soy milk. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; ">They're also called by a bunch of different names here in the U.S such as chinese crullers, chinese doughnuts, fried bread stick, fried dough, etc. Oh well. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; ">The Indonesians call it cakwe. On another note, it always amuses me how the Indonesian language tends to try adapting foreign languages and sort of adding their own twist to it (read: butcher savagely). I take great pleasure in eating my cakwe Indonesian style though: drenched in peanut sauce. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; ">Of course, the quality of these cakwe that I had at Bobo Garden was far from those that pretty much summed up my childhood. The skin should boast some satisfying crunch like it just comes out of the fryer, and the inside part should be pillowy soft. There are also some stuffed versions out there. The original shape is supposed to look like they're made of two pieces joined in the middle. Read this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youtiao">Wikipedia entry</a> under folk etymology to find out the myth behind the shape.</span><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-32527388426282659512010-11-07T08:20:00.048-06:002010-11-14T02:40:41.541-06:00Le Triskell Creperie - A Strong Blend of Nurture and Culture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OImtIVjCVl_CFtkB_71PSmuXllRSpWlfa9IKX5BwoHcSKm8kC-bD_MVzSTo5bbjFSJhQEUUv-dn-9C_KAC-F_0mXnXTU4EIWdRlHFwyYqkv_NcSYUByJhjZxuhidRlLM6Ttb4ZPXjfo/s1600/interior_blckboard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OImtIVjCVl_CFtkB_71PSmuXllRSpWlfa9IKX5BwoHcSKm8kC-bD_MVzSTo5bbjFSJhQEUUv-dn-9C_KAC-F_0mXnXTU4EIWdRlHFwyYqkv_NcSYUByJhjZxuhidRlLM6Ttb4ZPXjfo/s800/interior_blckboard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539240045415313522" /></a><br /><br />It was a lazy Saturday and I was looking for a brunch place. Like many people, I turned to Yelp for this kind of guidance. Not that I have so much faith in Yelpers, but at least they can give me ideas of places to go. I found a place called <a href="http://creperieletriskell.com/">Le Triskell Creperie</a> and decided to give it a try. This little place is located in Buckhead, inside a building called Tuxedo Atrium. And it's tiny. As in it looks like a little cafeteria where you just go in to grab your sandwich for lunch, pay at the register, and take it to go. But something drew me in right from the very moment the French lady smiled at me. Her name is Rose- Marie, by the way. She and her husband, Michel, run this place - just the two of them. I could feel the love already. Plus, hearing them speak French made me feel like I was in the set of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0211915/">Amélie</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil78097B7Cqbzu9xc56P2CjrXRVlSHvK-NLvY56WVXBoqp43oEpkSpzzvxN_yjvlEd5lkRoqH2fcz-5PGrsflz60SUh1kFE5enmv5JV6rlD9UXg3H-TtENnvB5UijZJBwbtEX4XZHRS0w/s1600/crepe+ham.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil78097B7Cqbzu9xc56P2CjrXRVlSHvK-NLvY56WVXBoqp43oEpkSpzzvxN_yjvlEd5lkRoqH2fcz-5PGrsflz60SUh1kFE5enmv5JV6rlD9UXg3H-TtENnvB5UijZJBwbtEX4XZHRS0w/s800/crepe+ham.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539255945586006578" /></a><br /><br />Their crepes are called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galette">galettes</a>, a type of pancake made of gluten-free buckwheat flour. You know how Michel sold it to me? He said, "The French love it, you should give it a try." There. I'm sold. So I went ahead and got the <i>La Bastille</i>, which had eggs, ham, and Swiss cheese. The eggs were a little bit too runny for my taste, but it might just be me. Truth is, it's not bad at all. The slightly-melting cheese added a nice texture to the merriness of the savory ham and the eggs . The galette itself was crunchy and gave you a familiar taste of wheat flour. It's not as tasty as anything that's made of all-purpose flour - a little bit more on the humble side - and definitely would do a lot more good to your body. My friend got <i>La Pacifique</i> which had smoked salmon, soft white cheese, lemon, and dill in it. The cheese was rich and the dill added some kind of kick to it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3_HnuQuPEJUaauhZF1FmSMM6hipGyBFeZRxrkjWkkysQKqHvWhfxpY6R3LIbZatS5SCLaIIx0xowzDEob4AG13UH-GTccHyiE72a5c3tPtCSkcQE8-5YYioBxz1YAGE6B9trpzz5Tfw/s1600/crepe+salmon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3_HnuQuPEJUaauhZF1FmSMM6hipGyBFeZRxrkjWkkysQKqHvWhfxpY6R3LIbZatS5SCLaIIx0xowzDEob4AG13UH-GTccHyiE72a5c3tPtCSkcQE8-5YYioBxz1YAGE6B9trpzz5Tfw/s800/crepe+salmon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539258518515045042" /></a><br /><br />Our visit there was full of surprises. It started when I asked Rose- Marie where in France she's from. She calmly answered, "Paris. And you?" Normally when I'm not so thrilled in carrying further conversation with a person, I'd say Bay Area, California, which holds some truth to it. But I decided to give her <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia">an honest answer</a> instead. Hearing that, her eyes lit up right away. She said "<a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/terima_kasih">Terima Kasih</a>" and yelled "Indonésien" to Michel who was standing in the kitchen at the time. He responded by screaming something in French that I can only tell by its elevated tone that it was indeed full of excitement. Then he came out of the kitchen and started telling us all these stories of how they've been to Indonesia, had stayed in Hong Kong for almost 13 years, and the fact that they're both musicians. How cool is that? <div><br /></div><div>Michel sat with us the whole time and we had a great chat about a lot of eye-widening, heart-warming things. From how the Southern part of France, including the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Riviera">French Riviera</a>, would be one of the best places to go due to its friendly weather and breathtaking scenery, to how the French and the Chinese bear some similarities when it comes to their cooking and how they treat their meat.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUhQk8Cn5hZFDwUhkk91HeLdP6WTgTiEBwABumibyzZc9qpi5ojQc4CYtxkR2HvoB6QVlEe8hv58CcsvXF3HB_A_V1HOGxOPeJW63RJpAiFn7FF7AJlmnC5yg73qPY1lrwNxbVP10bmM/s1600/michel+cooking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUhQk8Cn5hZFDwUhkk91HeLdP6WTgTiEBwABumibyzZc9qpi5ojQc4CYtxkR2HvoB6QVlEe8hv58CcsvXF3HB_A_V1HOGxOPeJW63RJpAiFn7FF7AJlmnC5yg73qPY1lrwNxbVP10bmM/s800/michel+cooking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539258785170763106" /></a><br /><br /><div><i>Sometimes I think the world is just way too small. </i>Michel was telling me about the hotel that they stayed at in Jakarta. I asked him if he noticed there's an all-girls school right across from it. He went, "I saw them all the time getting out of their cars." Imagine his surprise when I said I was one of those girls wearing the green-checkered uniform skirt and knee-high socks. That I went to the very same school for 6 years. This time it's him screaming some high-pitched, full-of-excitement phrases in French to his wife. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ahh, it was wonderful meeting them. To top it off, they insisted on treating us to some sweet crepes to-go: the caramel and <i>chocolat maison</i> (homemade chocolate) crepes. Wow. At the time I must have looked like a 5-year-old being treated to her first cotton candy. Or as we Indonesians call it, <i><a href="http://www.jakartaexpat.com/jakarta-special.html">gulali</a></i>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-25124123473106333932010-10-27T08:15:00.001-05:002010-10-29T18:14:45.908-05:00"The Third One said, 'I don't care'" {Halloween Ed.}<span style="font-weight:bold;">Five Little Pumpkins<br /></span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate <br />The first one said, "My, it's getting late. <br />The second one said, "There are witches in the air." <br />The third one said, "I don't care." <br />The fourth one said, "We'll have a lot of fun. <br />Let's run and run and run." <br />"Woo-oo-oo" went the wind. <br />And out (clap) went the light <br />And the five little pumpkins rolled right out of sight<br /></span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(From classic children song "Five Little Pumpkins)<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsDclRehGmlDTgvX2YWhO98zsMYOe5VZsSIaC_vjg393fPRa1diNgdEFeNkUuqx4z3l5S1En94z7cEVaPdxaKX8Vdryxfrz-2i3XSRzfIqZKlWLJGIDBK78K9K5JITb_h1OZSSxEefpQ/s1600/MStewarthallowencpks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 736px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsDclRehGmlDTgvX2YWhO98zsMYOe5VZsSIaC_vjg393fPRa1diNgdEFeNkUuqx4z3l5S1En94z7cEVaPdxaKX8Vdryxfrz-2i3XSRzfIqZKlWLJGIDBK78K9K5JITb_h1OZSSxEefpQ/s800/MStewarthallowencpks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533595190285789106" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Image courtesy of MarthaStewart.com.<br /></span><br />Halloween is just around the corner. I don't know if you care much about it, but I don't. I've never been a really big fan of it. There's nothing cute about it, everything's so "scary" (read: ugly) and lots of purple and orange. I love purple, but purple and orange? I'm also not a big fan of dressing up. I do, take the pleasure of seeing other people acting stupid in their costumes, though, especially after a good amount of some liquid courage. But ok, enough with the negativity. Sorry for being such a party pooper. As suspected, I won't be making anything for Halloween this time so I thought I'd just compile some of the (semi) cute-looking treats that I discover online.<br /><br />For those semi scary-looking cupcakes above (Of course they have been censored, I only pick the ones that still maintain their cuteness factor just a tad bit) and their recipes, go <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/halloween-cupcake-recipes">here</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPMTnQeui2s1YE3hpaWeG-uubvsyU7K4wujbPOqdTmAcK1R_ozafjhoRl5LAfif4YW7te5PLsrh7tgGT_oHGj6fodrc_rXKQR8zplwvKUIcurPWiRqbhM5bH2NRRpgcF8tRKxNcdI868/s1600/Mstewarthalloweencookies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 726px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPMTnQeui2s1YE3hpaWeG-uubvsyU7K4wujbPOqdTmAcK1R_ozafjhoRl5LAfif4YW7te5PLsrh7tgGT_oHGj6fodrc_rXKQR8zplwvKUIcurPWiRqbhM5bH2NRRpgcF8tRKxNcdI868/s800/Mstewarthalloweencookies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533597442528098546" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Image courtesy of MarthaStewart.com<br /></span><br />Classic whoopie pies! And I honestly think that haunted house cake is such a neato. Pretty cool, ehh? For recipes, click <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/halloween-cookies-recipes">here</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/halloween-cakes-and-dessert-recipes">here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPyGSsI0ZIvUOTy7z4dtuZ8S1i1KG7vqrFRtk1_jPIx3n51RxcVgBaGTU2p58DNHr9a7U1MotVRLG5NkZ_0N7Ob7d13slClCMutK1TMaW3SBfV14fFOv7-fb__JGhzqOufxGokw4Ss-E/s1600/Mstewarthalloweencoctails.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 726px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPyGSsI0ZIvUOTy7z4dtuZ8S1i1KG7vqrFRtk1_jPIx3n51RxcVgBaGTU2p58DNHr9a7U1MotVRLG5NkZ_0N7Ob7d13slClCMutK1TMaW3SBfV14fFOv7-fb__JGhzqOufxGokw4Ss-E/s800/Mstewarthalloweencoctails.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533602076822410706" /></a><br />Image courtesy of MarthaStewart.com<br /><br />Here comes the most important part: Halloween liquid treats for the adults. From eyeball martinis to the classic root beer float, take your pick. Click <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/halloween-cocktails">here</a> for recipes.<br /><br />Food Network has <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/7-devilish-halloween-desserts/pictures/index.html">their own collection</a> of Halloween desserts as well. And of course, you can count on the almighty Bakerella for everything baked and everything cute. For her <span style="font-style:italic;">Trick or Treat</span> cake pops, click <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/trick-or-treats/">here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgy3SknXrd2yFSnPtGa2mhDm3Fg2hXm7vkhfo8yA7nW0-mPdnbOA7ab3kwFTpHjuw1JAu6e2kyW24_XOhmqWDeGKCtNPPfaXyP5d0_a6KnvQGyvOVY-sSodA-FPVnXqFNo19WHopMCRs/s1600/halloweenskullprettycupcake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgy3SknXrd2yFSnPtGa2mhDm3Fg2hXm7vkhfo8yA7nW0-mPdnbOA7ab3kwFTpHjuw1JAu6e2kyW24_XOhmqWDeGKCtNPPfaXyP5d0_a6KnvQGyvOVY-sSodA-FPVnXqFNo19WHopMCRs/s800/halloweenskullprettycupcake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533605151053277410" /></a><br />Image courtesy of Geek Sweets bakery under Creative Commons.<br /><br />I was scouring the net and bumped into these Death by Chocolate cupcakes by <a href="http://geeksweets.squarespace.com/">Geek Sweets</a>. Thought I'd share. I think these are the prettiest Halloween cupcakes I've seen. <br /><br />Happy Halloween!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">These images are courtesy of those stated below each of them. I own no rights to any of them. Nothing. Nada. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-44074562863442108742010-09-29T08:16:00.002-05:002010-11-13T20:16:35.309-06:00Tortillas, Steaks, and a Smackdown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiWxfOa7CfWWe5Z0ce3KrbCWiEYCOonO7h7hYGedYdmqOLjE2htOvg_X0us45_nFq4M1ge65JDdhjkFn5TB0D9SenRPZr3W00RgPmXtwRVhWCOuj9-GqL4m4YEryTQEDbR6gj_5BLD0Y/s1600/walls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 518px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiWxfOa7CfWWe5Z0ce3KrbCWiEYCOonO7h7hYGedYdmqOLjE2htOvg_X0us45_nFq4M1ge65JDdhjkFn5TB0D9SenRPZr3W00RgPmXtwRVhWCOuj9-GqL4m4YEryTQEDbR6gj_5BLD0Y/s800/walls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532449886228946978" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Hot- pink walls covered in luchadores paraphernalia and illuminated by spinning disco balls?<br /></span><br />They say time flies by when you're having fun. I'd say there's a lot of truth to it. I had a chance to reunite with a Taiwanese friend of mine whom I met when I was still going to school in Bay Area, California four years ago. She drove down from Irvine to meet me in San Diego. We went for a stroll in in downtown La Jolla and spent hours and hours reminiscing the past. I felt like hours just didn't cut it anymore. I needed days. Or months. It was a lot of remembering what my first few months arriving in the U.S were like. A lot excitement and a lot of adjustment. A lot of laughters and a lot of tears. Who knew, five years later, here I am, ready to leave and see what the other parts of the world have to offer. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXHcZkHc6La9qEUzvZbPmmHC5G4ZGAaNvJvqBbMbSfA5anhsqmTjvldWMFd8SJtneS-uQIKwJmKw0duaNMvWsFuXjR4vgT6x3FLHbXg5-QfBm1vn2Dx5PR90TKpb72F1JIMaV5rMdo8k/s1600/huge+wall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 435px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXHcZkHc6La9qEUzvZbPmmHC5G4ZGAaNvJvqBbMbSfA5anhsqmTjvldWMFd8SJtneS-uQIKwJmKw0duaNMvWsFuXjR4vgT6x3FLHbXg5-QfBm1vn2Dx5PR90TKpb72F1JIMaV5rMdo8k/s800/huge+wall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532454470895932370" /></a><br /><br />Anyways, my friend and I decided to grab a few bites at <a href="http://www.tacosmackdown.com/">Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop</a>. Lucha means to fight or wrestle. Libre means free. La Lucha Libre commonly refers to the type of professional wrestling in which fighters are normally masked characters named by a pseudonyme. The term is used in Mexico and other Spanish- speaking countries. The movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457510/">Nacho Libre</a> (with Jack Black in it) might ring a bell a little, yes? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yilHsZLiT0g6ILBUb0Mv8rmF76iRJvc1KhMoVfTzjZrY96s__AGRpmU2hwOwOP2_ERRmnU2fCDoSGCDzzf6AuySBRUGNKB7CugvYaxOqc0jOQbRCS-_mCmlxwnnkjX2dDcQw2N8Ok2I/s1600/booth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 460px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yilHsZLiT0g6ILBUb0Mv8rmF76iRJvc1KhMoVfTzjZrY96s__AGRpmU2hwOwOP2_ERRmnU2fCDoSGCDzzf6AuySBRUGNKB7CugvYaxOqc0jOQbRCS-_mCmlxwnnkjX2dDcQw2N8Ok2I/s800/booth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532455833182070530" /></a><br /><br />Notice that it says "Reserved for Champions." I found out later that apparently you can make a 24-hour-in-advance reservation to self-proclaim your "champion" status. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVe9vbw4_0biG47U4FiTFntZK_YsC1gPUqsF7pNYq9fOgyC-WHhu3_fNd93g5x4hD5FPrD_FCVbfeRR1s8hXcXpY7whwkEd7laqrTtPW4abGbCJ5yfcISKsKMY1HnVpVxbiZbAEiWzNI/s1600/twotacosoneburrito.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVe9vbw4_0biG47U4FiTFntZK_YsC1gPUqsF7pNYq9fOgyC-WHhu3_fNd93g5x4hD5FPrD_FCVbfeRR1s8hXcXpY7whwkEd7laqrTtPW4abGbCJ5yfcISKsKMY1HnVpVxbiZbAEiWzNI/s800/twotacosoneburrito.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532457106959350562" /></a><br /><br />I had Surf and Turf taco filled with marinated steak, shrimp, & avocado slices, smothered in a special sauce and Queso taco, which was grilled crispy cheese filled with steak and topped with more cheese and avocado slices. Other things on their menu include Tap Me Out, Undefeated Seafood Tacos/Burritos, Smackdown Quesadillas, and TJ Hotdogs (beef hotdog, wrapped in bacon!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1msijzzVw_CGBHqojVSakGkwCiI3hBTnbKGXVph_GWUaSNu5SrNMyurWvqsXTxOIdvKdQqwbgg-F02xG4Tgs6zOEDuHbAYF3hxA69Ito2uVTHl9mZ1C36xuA7LGY8bAuGGmH19rIojuQ/s1600/twotacos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 435px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1msijzzVw_CGBHqojVSakGkwCiI3hBTnbKGXVph_GWUaSNu5SrNMyurWvqsXTxOIdvKdQqwbgg-F02xG4Tgs6zOEDuHbAYF3hxA69Ito2uVTHl9mZ1C36xuA7LGY8bAuGGmH19rIojuQ/s800/twotacos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532457330927891474" /></a><br /><br />Like most taco shops, Lucha Libre has a small bar at the corner where you can spice up your tacos by making your own sauce. Their cilantro- lime sauce was phenomenal while their steak, on the other hand, was pretty dry. The fresh avocado slices seem to slightly make up for it, though. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb24kNlECxpN0U0xzkrcnPHf_ipE6TPlTkugGK3oTQNXN5uaG3ufdh8R5RsQMFKpUmS0RclsGHCsVt9BvkxYFhzWRmrc9sWhaXPBxBxNQiUv8uylj_oGP_1Wpc0O0LuTix3oZk1bwhI0/s1600/comment+box.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb24kNlECxpN0U0xzkrcnPHf_ipE6TPlTkugGK3oTQNXN5uaG3ufdh8R5RsQMFKpUmS0RclsGHCsVt9BvkxYFhzWRmrc9sWhaXPBxBxNQiUv8uylj_oGP_1Wpc0O0LuTix3oZk1bwhI0/s800/comment+box.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532457894428997282" /></a><br /><br />I can't believe it's almost October already. I'm now back in Atlanta and trying to post all the San Diego entries as fast as I can before they get outdated. That is if I don't get distracted in between salivating over those winter squash soups that will start popping up all over the blogosphere and ahemm..figuring out what I'm going to do for Halloween.<br /><br /><a title="Taco on Foodista" href="http://www.foodista.com/recipe/KG2DKSG7/taco" style="display: block; padding: 5px; border: 5px solid #C44F50; -moz-border-radius: 2px; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; background-color: #fff; width: 100px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0;"><img alt="Taco on Foodista" src="http://cf.foodista.com/static/images/widget_logo_md.png" style="border: none; width: 84px; height: 18px; padding: 0; margin: 0;" /><img src="http://dyn.foodista.com/content/embed/z1.png?foodista_widget_KG2DKSG7_AAAAAAAA" style="display: none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-75237501367479837762010-09-22T08:07:00.062-05:002010-10-29T11:57:17.910-05:00Buttery Lobster Tails (with Edible Shells)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTo1k2ba9wbNYV2ja7XE2tL30goTAGGkjVXz38LbB2VNZVl3uwTlFSgcwaAvopZEHrr5oQtqvjkPK__JLET1JUZ2Lm0RVXLMviu6O47b7SB8qNrzl_-pyjCXQEQ3JQ6YD1Mb_NOrCfRE/s1600/sfogliatelle_modif.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 436px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTo1k2ba9wbNYV2ja7XE2tL30goTAGGkjVXz38LbB2VNZVl3uwTlFSgcwaAvopZEHrr5oQtqvjkPK__JLET1JUZ2Lm0RVXLMviu6O47b7SB8qNrzl_-pyjCXQEQ3JQ6YD1Mb_NOrCfRE/s800/sfogliatelle_modif.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533195434823837538" /></a><br /><br />I might have made it clear in the past that I'm no way a fan of MTV show <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/jersey_shore/season_2/series.jhtml">Jersey Shore</a>. I did write a<a href="http://www.waxingunlyrical.com/2010/08/11/the-marketing-that-took-%E2%80%9Cjersey-shore%E2%80%9D-from-zero-to-hero/"> blog post</a> about the show though. This doesn't mean I have something against Italians (or what they call themselves - guidos and guidettes). I actually love a lot of things about Italians. Well, to be exact, their food. And the size of it.<br /><br />We stopped by in Little Italy in San Diego because E had been craving for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sfogliatelle">sfogliatelle</a> (some people call it lobster tail) for a while. Sfogliatelle is a seashell- shaped Italian pastry filled with cream. There's a bakery in town called <a href="http://www.cafezucchero.com/">Cafe Zucchero</a> that's really famous for their cannolis and happen to have sfogliatelle as well. We had to call in advance and asked them to save the sfogliatelle for us. They would've run out of those buttery babies had we not done that. Trust me, the person right in front of us actually asked for them and the wait staff swiftly shook her head. <br /><br />Here's a video from the TV show <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/cake-boss/">Cake Boss</a> showing how they make sfogliatelle:<br /><br /><object width="580" height="351"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XvEp82dMwpE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XvEp82dMwpE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="351"></embed></object><br /><br />It was such a bummer. The sfogliatelle turn out to be not impressive at all. It was slightly unacceptable to be honest. The pastry shell was not at all soft nor flaky. The cream isn't the freshest and it's a tad bit on the sour side. It tasted like it had been sitting in the counter forever. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwq6hyK2VIowCxoLDH6udpaw4oWqWBI3uaQfWkEOLQtoxv7l4NRW-vI5k8N6wMlpAnbk0J_L197WEgUSSsNR4LLD9CslpQUnfEfO7tIsAy-JAuLTUfVTknckYipJ8e6b6Xc4jOJIZtmQ/s1600/cannoli_modif.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 435px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwq6hyK2VIowCxoLDH6udpaw4oWqWBI3uaQfWkEOLQtoxv7l4NRW-vI5k8N6wMlpAnbk0J_L197WEgUSSsNR4LLD9CslpQUnfEfO7tIsAy-JAuLTUfVTknckYipJ8e6b6Xc4jOJIZtmQ/s800/cannoli_modif.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533195772075381250" /></a><br /><br />The cannolis on the other hand, were such superstars. The ricotta filling was more on the refreshing side, especially with the endearing presence of the succade (candied citrus). And the chocolate morsels added some kind of depth to the flavor of the cream. Dusted generously with powdered sugar, the shell was quite crunchy judging on the fact that these cannolis might have also been sitting in the counter (I'm guessing - for a shorter period of time than the sfogliatelle did?) for quite some time. The crisp texture could've been brought up a notch but it was far from being soggy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxw38o8CM67XjP40GS8z2-jq1dzyKW5_s37x4-i0TJD5xF-tSEgNC7Wlr-dbGhEZq4wl43qoguIjgVCpPQrjCvo9hkF1Q_CZXcIeJO0x2qrIevbaMvDRBfIBzX9zJ4vUpXuZXR7CIdsGk/s1600/filippi'spizza.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 409px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxw38o8CM67XjP40GS8z2-jq1dzyKW5_s37x4-i0TJD5xF-tSEgNC7Wlr-dbGhEZq4wl43qoguIjgVCpPQrjCvo9hkF1Q_CZXcIeJO0x2qrIevbaMvDRBfIBzX9zJ4vUpXuZXR7CIdsGk/s800/filippi'spizza.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533196834316957794" /></a><br /><br />We couldn't help but noticed the long line that's coming out of <a href="http://www.realcheesepizza.com/web/home/index.html">Filippi's Pizza Grotto</a>. After changing a few words with some people with some foreign accents, we decided to join the crowd. We were in line for over in hour and decided to take our food to go. Not that the old-fashioned, red-checkered tablecloths didn't entice us enough, but I guess the weather's just too beautiful to pass up. It's a good thing that the pizza (or pie, however you want to call it) was actually worth waiting for. <br /><br />The bread was insanely good. It must have been a really elastic, stretched, and nurtured with love kind of dough. Please note that I might be a little biased since I'm a sucker for thick, hand-tossed crust. The crust had just the right amount of crunch on the outside and once you dive in, it's pure soft, pillowy goodness. And the cheese, it was the freshest, silkiest, best- tasting mozzarella I've ever had sitting on top of my pizza. The toppings and the sauce weren't bad at all but really, the bread and the cheese outshone everything for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4kNvBEptkZBq7Nqf0531bm377nYqkvuOn9s55yEX60Pdtw6FRq9XkumET9Wm9k9r2DLqvLwfc41lXmTt-sqLCruLFmXjEpz4RzltHLS4tqkGrI05oM8KwVqGaEV81og0uhsxJJbt9K8/s1600/lasagna_modif.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 483px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4kNvBEptkZBq7Nqf0531bm377nYqkvuOn9s55yEX60Pdtw6FRq9XkumET9Wm9k9r2DLqvLwfc41lXmTt-sqLCruLFmXjEpz4RzltHLS4tqkGrI05oM8KwVqGaEV81og0uhsxJJbt9K8/s800/lasagna_modif.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533197220245246834" /></a><br /><br />The goodness buried under the tomato sauce was a meat lasagna. Look at the size of that meatball. Oh my. I can't really say anything about the lasagna since I didn't take a single bite of it. And oh- the pizzeria is also a delicatessen, it has a good selection of Italian gastronomy from dried salami, specialty pasta, to Sicilian olives.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-13737929491825568132010-09-15T09:00:00.000-05:002010-10-26T17:54:08.109-05:00Ocean Beach's Farmers Market in San Diego<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OrjPowvkXt9KH1_S-WJ2581-yH3nJEVtmo1ySlJSBh_c_dNSfDcBc3P6ZjSsdfJ9-pqJqj4KxiqLejK2rbpYivEi1P0UJuDYD4CBBCZ2nYblIdmUfWLV01xNOV3lAPA_RF2wWS6GDaQ/s1600/ethnicfoodsth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OrjPowvkXt9KH1_S-WJ2581-yH3nJEVtmo1ySlJSBh_c_dNSfDcBc3P6ZjSsdfJ9-pqJqj4KxiqLejK2rbpYivEi1P0UJuDYD4CBBCZ2nYblIdmUfWLV01xNOV3lAPA_RF2wWS6GDaQ/s800/ethnicfoodsth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529604672722269234" /></a><br /><br />Standing in the U.S Airways check-in line at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on my way back from San Diego to Atlanta, I was constantly scrolling my way down the streaming tweets on UberTwitter. There, I finally saw it. A tweet from Atlanta's local meteorologist saying that it was hailing and pouring like crazy. He used a different kind of terminology of course, a more civilized one. At that very moment, I wasn't feeling so glad that Georgia's on my mind. Humid, sticky weather? The non-existence of sandy beaches within 20 miles? Ah, not exactly my favorite place on earth. <br /><br />So let me indulge myself again by reminiscing all the good times I've had for the past few weeks. Last week I went to <a href="http://www.sdfarmbureau.org/BuyLocal/Farmers-Markets.php">Ocean Beach Farmer's Market</a> in San Diego, thanks to E for taking me. A farmer's market isn't all about organic, locally grown produce. It's also about the community and supporting local businesses. And of course, for me, when is an occasion not an occasion to pig out? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWovHNjv2J9KsS6NuCL2z22qn0hASLIKpEuwtIfPwg5xyUoDwVy5zQStaIeMRBPqMr3dT37uYhGaccMIiMjJaalF0wukElUewkEqSNvU8Hvat9pRRKx8VXQyecy8HClkh0QqGespTmII/s1600/street+singers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 435px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWovHNjv2J9KsS6NuCL2z22qn0hASLIKpEuwtIfPwg5xyUoDwVy5zQStaIeMRBPqMr3dT37uYhGaccMIiMjJaalF0wukElUewkEqSNvU8Hvat9pRRKx8VXQyecy8HClkh0QqGespTmII/s800/street+singers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529608601516221538" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymXoI0PaJG8pggwVtvzQ-8Npu-Ke1Ve58NCmYq0vqb4-XatvTUkCHQk1gQgol_CVUrn3bycT12OYBR-h2CVyqRJvZlyrmSBrbwIhGjdnsisKULafgXrM6srErXlnnwRPTYbIGiUYw12A/s1600/kyotograpelady.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymXoI0PaJG8pggwVtvzQ-8Npu-Ke1Ve58NCmYq0vqb4-XatvTUkCHQk1gQgol_CVUrn3bycT12OYBR-h2CVyqRJvZlyrmSBrbwIhGjdnsisKULafgXrM6srErXlnnwRPTYbIGiUYw12A/s800/kyotograpelady.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529608219680647394" /></a><br /><br />These Kyoto grapes were the best grapes I've ever had in my life. If Concord grapes and konyaku jelly got married and had babies, it would be these grapes. They're so plump, soft, juicy, and melts in your mouth type of delicacies. They're not necessarily sweet, but still would be a treat to your taste buds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1HQK5g6kb_w005w9K3X_as63-d83fQR48Z3flknfP-4Lzhu2v81P9oWpQ7ifaq4NuV4tQFoaOhPtTuynKfU2FB-HllcWppponwkrkQU1geBF1v2mIMi8Ac5niRKy417ScYjHxKbiY4I/s1600/blinis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 436px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1HQK5g6kb_w005w9K3X_as63-d83fQR48Z3flknfP-4Lzhu2v81P9oWpQ7ifaq4NuV4tQFoaOhPtTuynKfU2FB-HllcWppponwkrkQU1geBF1v2mIMi8Ac5niRKy417ScYjHxKbiY4I/s800/blinis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529610175879540338" /></a><br /><br />This was my first time trying out homemade <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blintz">blinis</a>. I had one osweet with jam filling and the other one was savory with cheese and potato fillings, prepared on the spot by a middle-aged Russian lady. She found it funny that I made several serious attempts on taking pictures of the food. Well lady, obviously we haven't met. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQXVpBpjVpwB6B_SPMFv6JJCp8l5T5HC9a_-lp0bK6UCN2p9zngKLLnBOIv7F00kR5H3acSvXaJfBGBQbR99ySmf0TrUUhLcl6z_j8HI1FxVXd7lA2Ozj0osRZemRvsqjUQRdxqhSrbE/s1600/flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQXVpBpjVpwB6B_SPMFv6JJCp8l5T5HC9a_-lp0bK6UCN2p9zngKLLnBOIv7F00kR5H3acSvXaJfBGBQbR99ySmf0TrUUhLcl6z_j8HI1FxVXd7lA2Ozj0osRZemRvsqjUQRdxqhSrbE/s800/flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529611166412592882" /></a><br /><br />I don't want summer to end too soon. Stay here a little longer, please?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-67543256918036616842010-09-08T02:36:00.013-05:002010-09-28T15:48:11.128-05:00The Hillside Spoils of Bogor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCnn_duU9RA6Lh-pu9yshyrs2Jdjf_7MUSEvksgUNPhkkXMUAz2vn4POxzuMFq4Hs2lzMOZ03UpDMY_4g4tc4wHsF3cYpcRuiQofrzHlsFHZBKqGcU0IV-4uGsaSQONVRqLbCfmo-7Yw/s1600/hillsideofbogor1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 867px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCnn_duU9RA6Lh-pu9yshyrs2Jdjf_7MUSEvksgUNPhkkXMUAz2vn4POxzuMFq4Hs2lzMOZ03UpDMY_4g4tc4wHsF3cYpcRuiQofrzHlsFHZBKqGcU0IV-4uGsaSQONVRqLbCfmo-7Yw/s800/hillsideofbogor1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518865371429523810" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Another post from <a href="http://blog.weigy.com/">Weigy Widyanputra</a> who's kind enough to share his culinary experience during his stay in Jakarta, Indonesia. Thanks, Weigy!<br /></span><br />Hop in a car, drive away from the urban jungle that is Jakarta and in 2 hours, you will find yourself in Puncak, Bogor. <br /><br />Skyscrapers get replaced with hills, rice paddies and clouds. Shopping complexes get replaced with store-houses selling local food, crafts and daily necessities. The only constant seem to be the traffic; seasoned drivers in both Jakarta and Bogor navigate like lions after gazelles.<br /><br />The first hour of the drive you will still experience similarity but keep driving. Soon enough there will be only tiny shacks by the side of winding roads, with undulating greens, gently nudged by a cloudy sky. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNn_0EnlJQN0LqaeoKQLECqnAOgTNqwzLFxYDscNVypN42UaUM3TaGmlTU_hniH0zQf7OO3ciQ8zJ80XdiVaoD-Ijn1L084C3I_gQp8rNEfUY16BqCXRDH4eP5Un8tNpJMpShWRshb98/s1600/hillsideofbogorgreens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 867px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNn_0EnlJQN0LqaeoKQLECqnAOgTNqwzLFxYDscNVypN42UaUM3TaGmlTU_hniH0zQf7OO3ciQ8zJ80XdiVaoD-Ijn1L084C3I_gQp8rNEfUY16BqCXRDH4eP5Un8tNpJMpShWRshb98/s800/hillsideofbogorgreens.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518864762416937826" /></a><br /><br />If there is a consolation to the way we Indonesians drive, Bogor's traffic is sparse on the weekdays. This being the month of fasting also meant a lot of the places were closed in the day. Still, a family run satay shop waved us down, to signal that they are open. <br /><br />We took a step in and was amazed by the view. This was a concrete-based, wooden-floored shack hanging off the side of a hill. Before us was an unobstructed view of the hills, a calming breeze and a blanket of fog. <br /><br />Their specialty is "Sate Kelinci", that means "Rabbit Satay / Skewers" and "Sate Kambing", which means "Mutton Satay / Skewers". We ordered both, sat down and took in the view. In my head, I honestly couldn't stop thinking that if we were in any other place, this location would have been capitalized on, made into a fancy restaurant, charging exorbitant prices for a view coupled with okay food. In reality, satay is already served as overpriced, bland, appetizers at misguided fusion restaurants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3KE0OrionVsag-zPgXmzKSUXuI2-7qLx0-I918X03c0n4rZPkbRROKeQcumxO_ORqDxhrz-TnqCV03DOExrpyOkGDRMDZAik1eS4w4kytx4F2jHHtFG1NjY-OuoKoHaoUZlWGVjtJFE/s1600/hillsideofbogor2_sate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 867px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3KE0OrionVsag-zPgXmzKSUXuI2-7qLx0-I918X03c0n4rZPkbRROKeQcumxO_ORqDxhrz-TnqCV03DOExrpyOkGDRMDZAik1eS4w4kytx4F2jHHtFG1NjY-OuoKoHaoUZlWGVjtJFE/s800/hillsideofbogor2_sate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518860727853851554" /></a><br /><br />The skewers come topped off with fried shallots, bits of red onion, chopped fresh tomatoes and assorted chillies. Basking in both the light and sauce it's resting on, the view got even better. <br /><br />The rabbit was cooked perfectly, the rabbit was springy but not chewy. The judgement to serve this not drenched by the sauce was also a great move. The consistency was top-notch, the presentation was appetizing and again, it tastes great. The way the meat has been treated matches and in some ways, exceeds some fine French chophouses I've been to. If you are looking for ways to try rabbit as a delicacy, this would be a great way to start. Simple, tasty and unobstructed. <br /><br />The mutton received the same respect and care, at a glance it is impossible to tell the difference. The aroma sets them apart. The mutton had a more prominent aroma, strong but not overpowering. The fact that the garnish was identical reminded me that the strength in these dishes is in how they've showcased the flavors of each meat. The usual gamey aftertaste of mutton was noticeably smoother and not obtrusive at all. The slight tinge of blackened tips, coupled with a tender core, this is great mutton.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJmGfyiWhi8fHDmZm0TpSILhgAUki2JQpXO0ChhL70hEL-7g52lU33UB2uhyFLrnBymDhgP-81CDxX3B_F3DwLAYVFc7N1GM2JQMwNPmwvHAfs78Jkxie_jQL8f80B153juk_eh3Yx0o/s1600/hillsideofbogor3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 867px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJmGfyiWhi8fHDmZm0TpSILhgAUki2JQpXO0ChhL70hEL-7g52lU33UB2uhyFLrnBymDhgP-81CDxX3B_F3DwLAYVFc7N1GM2JQMwNPmwvHAfs78Jkxie_jQL8f80B153juk_eh3Yx0o/s800/hillsideofbogor3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518861455803333922" /></a><br /><br />I asked the store-owner / chef if his is the best around here, he humbly replied in Indonesian, "Ah, all are the same, we've all been at this for years and years". It reminds me of a fact: simple eateries in Asia that specializes in one dish excels at it simply because they've been improving on a family recipe for decades. Simple eateries in Asia usually starts as sources of food for the locals who aren't of high or middle-level income brackets. Every ingredient is used to the most, in consideration of nutrition, taste and conservation. There is a delicate balance in the way the food is treated that you won't find in Outback or such. <br /><br />All this cost me a meager $ 5.00 US. There is no name to this place, you simply have to look for a small turquoise barbecue shack with a great view when you are on your way to the peaks of Puncak (which means peak, by the way). <br /><br />Love,<br />Weigy<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo Credits: Weigy Widyanputra</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-59795573206839226162010-09-01T16:24:00.003-05:002010-09-08T02:36:17.610-05:00"No Shirt- No Shoes- No Problem"<span style="font-style:italic;">Sounds very So- Cal- ish to me, yes? <br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvZ6FYZHaKkyo122ZAOZEkyFXDQDBVCWfK9ywizVwlqqD7T6RtoDNo7w568Ta76H4M0rYqtsGyfcOH6BHl_D3uMfwavl1qwzAjvSIPO4T9bI1K_XIhQqrZSS9JjsgbxxVlXSiDgZr2pU/s1600/OB+hodad%27sline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 811px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvZ6FYZHaKkyo122ZAOZEkyFXDQDBVCWfK9ywizVwlqqD7T6RtoDNo7w568Ta76H4M0rYqtsGyfcOH6BHl_D3uMfwavl1qwzAjvSIPO4T9bI1K_XIhQqrZSS9JjsgbxxVlXSiDgZr2pU/s800/OB+hodad%27sline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513700594132402258" /></a><br /><br />Ahh, summer will be over soon. At this point I am still in San Diego, California, with every cell of my body persistently making its own case of telling me not to withdraw myself from the Sunshine State. These days I've pretty much been pampered by the friendly sun and the refreshing ocean breeze that almost emulate a rejuvenating sanctuary - I mean, it helps me clear my head and refrains myself from fulfilling my every-5 second urge to tweet from my Blackberry. But really, what's been doing wonders to me is the constant company of a great girlfriend. Yes, you know who you are E (*wink). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8Gz1KkhcJq3_Vmfvx3vgaQXzJUKLrF1xaAZDEv2i_DdKsl_xy-EA9Lm2kAMkLDamYumSsjtU1jfeEz1P-dPfv2C6mnJmZVYq26_e30EiZd0wiNiXIH96bcM4Q9yvpn4srhJoTTbi9gU/s1600/OBstreetTRIO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 418px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8Gz1KkhcJq3_Vmfvx3vgaQXzJUKLrF1xaAZDEv2i_DdKsl_xy-EA9Lm2kAMkLDamYumSsjtU1jfeEz1P-dPfv2C6mnJmZVYq26_e30EiZd0wiNiXIH96bcM4Q9yvpn4srhJoTTbi9gU/s800/OBstreetTRIO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513708253174723442" /></a><br /><br />Today E took me to Ocean Beach to try out one of the most popular burger joint in town which boasts more than a thousand reviews on Yelp. We met up with another friend of ours on the spot, who previously warned us about how the waiting line could be quite intolerable. Turned out it wasn't that bad. We waited for 15-20 mins and got seated right away. As you can see, it's got a very laid back, surfer shack kind of ambiance with all the surfboards hanging from the ceilings and the license plate-covered walls. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnG9xjT2G4iDIcVbjuSVfhZjttaHfGwAjdulqk8JjDjdGXm5G_nMAMkk4ZmFRHhiZ-k_O2yL7t417xiE3VF74IJmTrrBo41gEm5kmT8LQYcXHbD0ItpHEB6g-9i8xtusbKgb-Ty4J1jI/s1600/ob+hodad%27s+wall+plates.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnG9xjT2G4iDIcVbjuSVfhZjttaHfGwAjdulqk8JjDjdGXm5G_nMAMkk4ZmFRHhiZ-k_O2yL7t417xiE3VF74IJmTrrBo41gEm5kmT8LQYcXHbD0ItpHEB6g-9i8xtusbKgb-Ty4J1jI/s800/ob+hodad%27s+wall+plates.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513702114469871186" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"No Shirt- No Shoes- No Problem" is their motto.<br /></span><br />This is <a href="http://www.hodadies.com/">Hodad's</a> that first opened on the beach at the end of Santa Monica Avenue in the very laid back neighborhood of Ocean Beach (or as San Diegans call it, OB) in 1969. Rumor has it they serve the perfect American trifecta: burgers, fries, and shakes. A very generous portion of them. This place is definitely not for the faint-hearted, at least portion-wise. It even got the <a href="http://guyfieri.blogspot.com/2009/06/best-bacon-guy-fieri-ever-ate-hodads.html">thumbs up from Guy Fieri</a> on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" on Food Network, agreeing that their bacon cheeseburger is quite a show stopper. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHd5gG8FuR3mEPUv5Yuyr5VEOWnzpGk1PKnjNxn7WGI3UxkPrLwYmP9OYSg2pe2-ignYmC3iY0zbbOz_aNJWmkL8-cAmaAEqSExDtX1eL70cPoI_IpewdVec4TmOZARrKLTznIVI4LT0/s1600/hodad'sinterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 773px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHd5gG8FuR3mEPUv5Yuyr5VEOWnzpGk1PKnjNxn7WGI3UxkPrLwYmP9OYSg2pe2-ignYmC3iY0zbbOz_aNJWmkL8-cAmaAEqSExDtX1eL70cPoI_IpewdVec4TmOZARrKLTznIVI4LT0/s800/hodad'sinterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513702688984825186" /></a><br /><br />A basket of huge and crunchy deep fried battered onion rings arrived first on our table. A bountiful of them. But really, how many pieces of onion rings can you actually eat? There were four of us but we ended up finishing only half of it. They're not bad, but they're not the best. Especially with the breading looks a little bit darker than it should be, then you know how many times they've reused the oil for frying. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GZJU2kUFpiu_uJqVyvN62_L2vx3bAreKkhEaxwPFGGuquyZmvInDEbcmJs_pXn-bAeu1sjtAmWizdIO4D9S1QGGQG3mNG47iPKVmoJ5XzhEKC4nA6i_Imx3RXtHenFJ2qdrcvP75msE/s1600/hodads+TRIO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 574px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GZJU2kUFpiu_uJqVyvN62_L2vx3bAreKkhEaxwPFGGuquyZmvInDEbcmJs_pXn-bAeu1sjtAmWizdIO4D9S1QGGQG3mNG47iPKVmoJ5XzhEKC4nA6i_Imx3RXtHenFJ2qdrcvP75msE/s800/hodads+TRIO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513699768356686482" /></a><br /><br />I got the smallest option on the menu called mini cheeseburger, which in my honest opinion, was far from being minuscule. It's almost the same size of an In-n-Out burger, only slighttttly smaller and a lot messier. Perhaps the fact that it's not the biggest burger on the menu has something to do with my patty being just an ok patty. Not juicy enough, not rare enough, not thick enough for me. Things might've been different had I gotten a bigger one, I can't say for sure. But they give you a lot of pickles to go with the burger. I normally like to have everything on my burger and end up eating all of it. But I actually had to get rid of some of them because it was just a little too much. I'm pretty sure this doesn't apply to most of my guy friends. <br /><br />I didn't get their shakes - I'm not a milkshake person in general. I heard people are raving about it, though. I also heard that they have a pretty good beer selection. I happened to find a recipe of their famous bacon cheeseburger <a href="http://poshposh.com/2009/07/hodads-ocean-beach-ca---best-bacon-cheeseburger-as-voted-by-guy-fieri-and-cnn/">here</a> on the internet. I don't know how close it is to the real thing, since I haven't had the real thing anyways. I'd love to come back for it though. But whatever, the recipe makes me salivate already. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Special thanks to E and A for taking me to Hodad's! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-23677918194908176082010-08-04T10:00:00.013-05:002010-09-28T15:48:18.971-05:00The Roadside Spoils of Jakarta<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1dtaXW0dottppY4ZJQrFu_29Ix1TiMKUPmivO2l4G88KIY7YMrHkyrC2VlSsmAUJfQA_FZ9W2zwYeSGSEG-vjTlYKD4PO4dBoI-EdJ4-wGzugm1IqMM2L3lL1hWavcajzy41wq3pNIs/s1600/char+kway+tiao.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1dtaXW0dottppY4ZJQrFu_29Ix1TiMKUPmivO2l4G88KIY7YMrHkyrC2VlSsmAUJfQA_FZ9W2zwYeSGSEG-vjTlYKD4PO4dBoI-EdJ4-wGzugm1IqMM2L3lL1hWavcajzy41wq3pNIs/s800/char+kway+tiao.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511434316010737938" /></a><br />Photo credit: Weigy Widyanputra<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Today's post comes from <a href="http://blog.weigy.com/">Weigy Widyanputra</a>, who's currently vacationing/being completely pampered by such culinary blessings in Jakarta, Indonesia. Thanks so much for sharing, Weigy! </span><br /><br />In South East Asia, luxuries come in big, small, humble and extravagant situations, one simply has to be ready to eat his way accordingly. I came very prepared.<br /><br />I got off the plane at approximately 10.30 p.m. Jakarta time, got out of the airport by midnight. The time excludes the extravagant settings but the luxuries of great tasting food is still around. I relied on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_kway_teow">Char Kway Teow</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murtabak">Martabak</a> Keju to fill my jet-lagged stomach.<br /><br />Char Kway Teow is known better as Kway Tiao Goreng. The word "Char" means "Goreng" means "Fried". The words "Kway Tiao" means "Ricecake Strips". It's a dish you will encounter served at almost any hawker center in South East Asia and as an overpriced alternative in fusion restaurants. Personally, I have never found one from a fusion restaurant that can beat the roadside options I've had here in Jakarta. You will be most welcome to prove me wrong. <br /><br />What is interesting is the choice of protein included in this dish. Jakarta style means getting beef and tripe as your main protein, other South East Asian territories such as Malaysia and Singapore serves it with shrimp and clams. The Jakarta one leans more towards a salty-kind of savory while the Singaporean one is noted for leaning towards the sweeter-kind of savory. The vegetables generally are left up to the preference of individual hawkers. The Char Kway Teow isn't a light contender, it's cooked in animal fat: pork, beef or both. Each bite is packed with flavor yet trails off quietly, never too heavy. How they do this with such a high fat content is a mystery and a quality I appreciate. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIXYMOZzRWu5oKNq2ne6P80SNmEDA0Bg4xa-8hv2MRoqAf0yEmoafGoH8uoWiFKwXXMy84Tpv6UjWVkhC_T7t0XUYSJ5IjdGt-9ib_5AV56DSz6ylLN3c3jO0WE9FLb4WFtoSGh2Iyos/s1600/Martabak+Keju.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIXYMOZzRWu5oKNq2ne6P80SNmEDA0Bg4xa-8hv2MRoqAf0yEmoafGoH8uoWiFKwXXMy84Tpv6UjWVkhC_T7t0XUYSJ5IjdGt-9ib_5AV56DSz6ylLN3c3jO0WE9FLb4WFtoSGh2Iyos/s800/Martabak+Keju.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511441356564891778" /></a><br />Photo credit: Weigy Widyanputra<br /><br />The other guest we have here is Martabak Keju. "Keju" means "Cheese". The word "Martabak" I can't translate, but I guess it would be somewhere along the line of "Pancakes," only 100x better and 100x fattier. I simply have accepted its glorious existence since I've been alive. Martabak comes in several variations, the most prominent: "Keju", "Coklat" and "Telur". That's "Cheese", "Chocolate" and "Egg". My personal favorite is the cheese option. <br /><br />Martabak Keju is packed with cheese, condensed milk, butter and some kind of delicious crust I have also simply accepted as a fact of life. Each bite is a springy heaven that drowns you in intense flavors. If you've ever dreamed of how it feels like to drown in tasty, savory, springy cake, this is your chance. There is also no possible or humane way of eating a whole box of it by yourself. <br /><br />If this were a boxing match, it was a fair fight. Both were certified heavyweights and knocked me straight to the dreamland. <br /><br />Much love from Jakarta,<br />WeigyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-10610210675359521792010-07-28T10:00:00.037-05:002010-08-13T01:46:18.935-05:00C'est Magnifique Lunch on a Rainy Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J_cl1IkCrZWaHuO2x90YBBzgXPFt7oGcidNXdHW25sPuODlgnxhIRS0fKM1OlxwuDKlUgsd85EZpUfx_AJ-qkOC9YQcHyGy6m4XdNvNUa6SbjBzrQP7OvdofzR0zM22B_LzVNkOsuLk/s1600/atmosphere+the+resto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 777px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J_cl1IkCrZWaHuO2x90YBBzgXPFt7oGcidNXdHW25sPuODlgnxhIRS0fKM1OlxwuDKlUgsd85EZpUfx_AJ-qkOC9YQcHyGy6m4XdNvNUa6SbjBzrQP7OvdofzR0zM22B_LzVNkOsuLk/s800/atmosphere+the+resto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504674749602171362" /></a><br /><br />My 3rd anniversary with <a href="http://blog.weigy.com/">the boy</a> is coming up next week. Unfortunately, by that time, he'd be halfway across the world already. So we decided to celebrate early. He took me to a little French place on Piedmont in Atlanta called <a href="http://www.atmospherebistro.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Atmosphere</span></a> for lunch. The price is pretty fair and the food actually goes beyond my expectation. The place itself is a cute little house with a little bit of a Southern touch and a nice outdoor patio. It was slightly raining when we first got out of the car, so we went for indoor seating. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MJctPsSJtOtHT_ZJv5cOoIVTh5uKZlxPRU6uOt8x3rBOADdqbMgkVVwcmfk7G2P4c9AmMAEQC_p5BImG35gJ7wJcZLIs-7hKu9a3tf07xuidL2HxwUHkcirwd6afY0tCPq1YR64smg8/s1600/cocktail+e+crabe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 777px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MJctPsSJtOtHT_ZJv5cOoIVTh5uKZlxPRU6uOt8x3rBOADdqbMgkVVwcmfk7G2P4c9AmMAEQC_p5BImG35gJ7wJcZLIs-7hKu9a3tf07xuidL2HxwUHkcirwd6afY0tCPq1YR64smg8/s800/cocktail+e+crabe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504677893415841426" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldijUMhmkMmaUBpkbvLHk1vC6DZyttfR3s1BA0K0TDqdxjfBFbvpkqAWjAC4OI-3x30fK4Q65GiVda2bbCnE6IKrZ9z7tOS2LHTM2jzw7brIE8Er0UB1rdAvJKI4lsVGmkKuVWQ4HDEQ/s1600/cocktail+e+crabe2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 777px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldijUMhmkMmaUBpkbvLHk1vC6DZyttfR3s1BA0K0TDqdxjfBFbvpkqAWjAC4OI-3x30fK4Q65GiVda2bbCnE6IKrZ9z7tOS2LHTM2jzw7brIE8Er0UB1rdAvJKI4lsVGmkKuVWQ4HDEQ/s800/cocktail+e+crabe2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504674792815923378" /></a><br /><br />The server brought us some fresh complimentary bread, piping hot from the oven, which I honestly didn't even touch (I try to do this whenever I'm not that starved). We started off with the cocktail de crabe et avocat, which is crab lump and meat with avocado Napoleon, diced tomatoes, and mango chutney. We were going to order the foie gras poëlé but they didn't have it at the time. But oh boy, our pick was far from disappointing. I had no idea that mango could create such a magical effect when paired with the right ingredients. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgh54NK7JPX2bd9lFd8dToYSavTbF-VuwWsPH2NyKZW6hWr60aLxiY_LfGIeWqQiaX-at_aJl_D8EetNNdHFRGhMwcNmwQ6XOLUMoHWLhLwOZUnwIiqPvoRuCMhDsnZHj8RVzbIx0BVM/s1600/moules+mariniere.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 777px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgh54NK7JPX2bd9lFd8dToYSavTbF-VuwWsPH2NyKZW6hWr60aLxiY_LfGIeWqQiaX-at_aJl_D8EetNNdHFRGhMwcNmwQ6XOLUMoHWLhLwOZUnwIiqPvoRuCMhDsnZHj8RVzbIx0BVM/s800/moules+mariniere.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504674778968804066" /></a><br /><br />My main entree was moules marinières, mussels cooked in white wine, shallots and garlic butter. The mussels were cooked to perfection, very plump, juicy, and flavorful. I really like it when the white wine sauce isn't to buttery sweet and still has the wine flavor that slightly kicks and fully complements the mussels. Perfect balance. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8RWDWBYjfE1RFdnEsxhyphenhyphennnh-2ukkJaA3lMbevTflDRxb98Q2Q_ejC6Cx0YZ-KPWM7CafZmZSIT6my2ug6eOd_nf0HoLHJxFcZEPqZU87OvDXutaCQ82nM2T_vu6_wWoKgwWZBMCb2Ro/s1600/duckconfit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 777px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8RWDWBYjfE1RFdnEsxhyphenhyphennnh-2ukkJaA3lMbevTflDRxb98Q2Q_ejC6Cx0YZ-KPWM7CafZmZSIT6my2ug6eOd_nf0HoLHJxFcZEPqZU87OvDXutaCQ82nM2T_vu6_wWoKgwWZBMCb2Ro/s800/duckconfit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504674786257950978" /></a><br /><br />The boy opted for a confit de canard atmosphère, which is duck leg confit with wild mushrooms raviolis, baby carrots, red wine reduction sauce. The duck meat simply falls of the bone. So tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I honestly think that duck meat is one of the sweetest and most savory kind of meat by nature. This dish still maintains a little bit of its sweetness and combine it with flavorful herbs and a subtle kick of the red wine flavor. And oh- FYI, the boy isn't a huge fan of pasta. Want to know what he thinks of the mushroom ravioli? "It tastes like meat," he said. His favorite pasta so far. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7TtJAVoBPgjpz3kETwyhOQXD8RuqFO3HiiMowCXGmNkB3Xs6QNJpbdPpWIdddqO-dxkiqG10mo_vVf_jBrJgfDUfhOh66GFuNSs8UWeHSa0tXpPRU-rVX8BIAIjO23zfIHb_jAU6j4E/s1600/appletart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580x; height: 755px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7TtJAVoBPgjpz3kETwyhOQXD8RuqFO3HiiMowCXGmNkB3Xs6QNJpbdPpWIdddqO-dxkiqG10mo_vVf_jBrJgfDUfhOh66GFuNSs8UWeHSa0tXpPRU-rVX8BIAIjO23zfIHb_jAU6j4E/s800/appletart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504674764912291554" /></a><br /><br />The desserts list for lunch isn't all that grandeur, but we went with the server's recommendation of apple tart fine with vanilla ice cream and Calvados caramel. It was pretty good, but not exceptional. And oh- they use real vanilla beans, which is always a plus. The boy actually offered to come back here for dinner but we went to Fogo de Chao instead. Oh well, there's always a next time. <br /><br />PS: The pictures were taken using iPhone 4G's camera. Apology for them being a little fuzzy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-78557804179014958752010-07-24T09:07:00.031-05:002010-10-29T11:29:50.887-05:00"I Know a Place Where the Grass is Really Greener.."Not sure about that, but I can vouch that the food is better. <br /><br />This post was prompted by the fact that it was 70 degrees in San Diego yesterday and it was an almost heat-wave like weather here in the South. And also, I haven't gotten the chance to show some of the beautiful things that I encountered during my brief stay in the sunshine state. It was a really short trip actually, one of those over-the-weekends. The purpose of it was to attend my cousin's wedding in Del Mar. But we stayed a couple extra nights just so we could make the best out of our $400 plane tickets.<br /><br />What I miss so much from California is the constant indulgence my taste buds experience when it comes to food. But I won't explain further. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, right? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIyi2MS9_llmoFidBEbbxGt3ifyeKX3_NnyjuD5Xk8QQWDCCHkEAgmvxRMopwx4yB2m70vz5cuSDmyFoLlNjOSeKLOdgxviM2zuxbgOVcg7GfTKsiYqnpPRrtEDSDput_bC_Pmm1Itho/s1600/blogpost1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIyi2MS9_llmoFidBEbbxGt3ifyeKX3_NnyjuD5Xk8QQWDCCHkEAgmvxRMopwx4yB2m70vz5cuSDmyFoLlNjOSeKLOdgxviM2zuxbgOVcg7GfTKsiYqnpPRrtEDSDput_bC_Pmm1Itho/s800/blogpost1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496068478841169826" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mitsuwa.com/tenpo/sand/eindex.html">Mitsuwa</a>'s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen">tonkotsu ramen</a> has always been a winner. It comes with a bowl of rice topped with ikura (salmon roe) and eggs. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KApusbFaQ1jA3WpqXHP2swLmXGLqmZZSgtUCf61U4GkOV2gbN3j36mS_2HuEmerD8Nr4j5I7XK06X6IHnvNzDRWeKNi5Weq5bAUTTdQeoq0zjwx1qskeMfmimA_hWV83Eq02h_dpf8Y/s1600/blogpost2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KApusbFaQ1jA3WpqXHP2swLmXGLqmZZSgtUCf61U4GkOV2gbN3j36mS_2HuEmerD8Nr4j5I7XK06X6IHnvNzDRWeKNi5Weq5bAUTTdQeoq0zjwx1qskeMfmimA_hWV83Eq02h_dpf8Y/s800/blogpost2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496072049945643282" /></a><br />I don't know how Mitsuwa (the little stall is called Kayaba) does it, but every broth that they have in each of their soup dish tastes pretty amazing. This one is a very simple niku (beef) soba that most Japanese places would have but theirs is no doubt the best. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mXaYJQ-3eM76tlatogK1GybEpW-FBJeomW2-wlT8aFhNujaXkS1y0WuaJDQSR2wTa1aJ2SI_naZ3IAOjP_1oHUOya2coYgXxiiZr7on-q1HGG_ZszGDaLk45J0VdroJEOB5723eJ8WQ/s1600/blogpost3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 606px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mXaYJQ-3eM76tlatogK1GybEpW-FBJeomW2-wlT8aFhNujaXkS1y0WuaJDQSR2wTa1aJ2SI_naZ3IAOjP_1oHUOya2coYgXxiiZr7on-q1HGG_ZszGDaLk45J0VdroJEOB5723eJ8WQ/s800/blogpost3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496075359428436370" /></a><br />What I really like about this katsu don (chicken bowl) is the fact that the chicken is still so crispy on the outside (juicy on the inside) although the whole thing, including the rice, is really moist. A lot of places don't do it this way. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJKjfvjhhtYdD2buxXE0r_N7mv0C4Pth35-H7a0F05Av4oUMpHM-f_LLw-Smzji7V1CSLMnlPgBG4SM7bX6Wt3tZydWaSiOuIKQeo9-7UyRleMh9TTKwlHHRmxieoUjD36yP6iygUX-Y/s1600/blogpost5innout.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 485px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJKjfvjhhtYdD2buxXE0r_N7mv0C4Pth35-H7a0F05Av4oUMpHM-f_LLw-Smzji7V1CSLMnlPgBG4SM7bX6Wt3tZydWaSiOuIKQeo9-7UyRleMh9TTKwlHHRmxieoUjD36yP6iygUX-Y/s800/blogpost5innout.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496080810066928034" /></a><br />Oh yes, you recognize that logo. The <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/">best fast food chain</a> in the U.S, IMHO. During our 4-day visit, we ate there 3x.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxyIDjtslgU4ZNArTG3NDYLUY1ykOSvtU6Y8kc4GrohQSpWylimmXVsF0F0mBl1J1j_XDKeOmgW6PfuPsrwLSypuDipEKfAc1uPbW9XlUQ26SCrdDmzWq0UmWUegsoVlNq1sHhmnawzg/s1600/blogpost6shrimpcrepe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxyIDjtslgU4ZNArTG3NDYLUY1ykOSvtU6Y8kc4GrohQSpWylimmXVsF0F0mBl1J1j_XDKeOmgW6PfuPsrwLSypuDipEKfAc1uPbW9XlUQ26SCrdDmzWq0UmWUegsoVlNq1sHhmnawzg/s800/blogpost6shrimpcrepe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496091620605636754" /></a><br />I don't think I've had that many shrimp crepes in my life, but this one was pretty good. We had this for brunch at <a href="http://www.operapatisserie.com/">Opera Patisserie</a> which is pretty famous for its desserts. No, seriously, pastries, cakes, tarts, macarons, truffles, in the most delicate form you've ever seen. Don't hate me for not having any pictures of it. I got 2 boxes of macarons in which I ended up giving to others. Ok, back to the shrimp crepes. The baby shrimps were very-well cooked. I know, the crepes don't look very appealing here but the sauce (which I'm not sure what kind) was incredibly subtle but tasty. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1XImz3MBODMMv6NF10qwm-nRzmMR5_h9GxSqWK552lSIW9-l5_rkfdbTE7dp8S6PI7stHm9MZHjYkVElytDyqi8Z4ui3V-_LRp-2M4USjLgJ_ToTMMi3rMorrlyXRmqvALipdLjzFyE/s1600/blogpost8arugula.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1XImz3MBODMMv6NF10qwm-nRzmMR5_h9GxSqWK552lSIW9-l5_rkfdbTE7dp8S6PI7stHm9MZHjYkVElytDyqi8Z4ui3V-_LRp-2M4USjLgJ_ToTMMi3rMorrlyXRmqvALipdLjzFyE/s800/blogpost8arugula.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496098576605408146" /></a><br />A little touch of Spring awakening to go with my shrimp crepes. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPUt_mYMnvt3pH9toyCXGmODLBuceweKTSa1tydYgxHPL9ItRjNDQKdBmc9xHL1sQkkj8-11PX1zDk-eHZONeR6m98tx4I1bqf0g-mba6TCOhpLM2BngAToy12WvaDl-aL_34F5iIEPo/s1600/blogpost7quiche.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 508px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPUt_mYMnvt3pH9toyCXGmODLBuceweKTSa1tydYgxHPL9ItRjNDQKdBmc9xHL1sQkkj8-11PX1zDk-eHZONeR6m98tx4I1bqf0g-mba6TCOhpLM2BngAToy12WvaDl-aL_34F5iIEPo/s800/blogpost7quiche.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496094041115040898" /></a><br />Our friend opted for tomato and spinach quiche. It was slightly (note the word slightly) bland, in my opinion, but maybe because it's all veggies. It just needs a little kick, just a little bit. The crust (my favorite part) is very tasty and crunchy. The boy had salmon eggs benedict with perfectly cooked poached eggs and salmon. The hollandaise sauce had the right level of creaminess, I think. I'm not a big fan when it gets too creamy or too thin and lemony. <br /><br />I only include pictures are that at least decent enough to post here. Most of the places that we went to don't have bright lighting so most of the pictures we took turned quite dark. We went to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/ristorante-arrivederci-san-diego">Ristorante Arrivederci</a> in Hillcrest for dinner once and the boy had black linguini with shrimp, scallops, in a creamy sauce and I had some serious sea scallops with spinach in a white wine sauce. That was delish. We also drove up to LA, had lunch at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/orochon-ramen-los-angeles">Orochon Ramen</a> in Little Tokyo, and had Indonesian food at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/ramayani-los-angeles">Ramayani</a> for dinner. Hands down to Orochon ramen's chasiu (pork belly) which I think is the best I've had in the U.S. As for Indonesian food, Ramayani is the most expensive one of all the Indonesian restaurants in the U.S I've been to (note that I've never been to the ones in Houston) but so far is the best and most authentic. And yes, I'm credible enough to talk about authenticity when it comes to Indonesian food. I could talk on and on about this but I hate it when I have no photos to show. Anyways, thanks for treating us to dinner there, my <a href="http://radiodisneymedianet.com/web/showpage/showpage.aspx?program_id=3127156&type=kuhre">amazing fellow alumnus</a>! It was really nice seeing you and your lady. <br /><br />Check out <a href="http://blog.weigy.com/2010/07/san-diego-familiars/">the boy's blog</a> for more!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-24761568161836037622010-07-10T09:06:00.000-05:002010-08-12T19:41:17.385-05:00How I Like My Meat: with Rice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZGJHGwRrHU-rvtXrH9zhFTj9Py5RT8cYnV6G4Bs8j-Zd_gk0_AmGKsrSum-zEQ1GDc8-jYgJ476NXL25q6V8TjwuDgH1ubGzAMVoXhvwsmzZnb-ze_6Xn7R5TLB-K6eVJcDaHz8_Kk8/s1600/lambchopscurriedrice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZGJHGwRrHU-rvtXrH9zhFTj9Py5RT8cYnV6G4Bs8j-Zd_gk0_AmGKsrSum-zEQ1GDc8-jYgJ476NXL25q6V8TjwuDgH1ubGzAMVoXhvwsmzZnb-ze_6Xn7R5TLB-K6eVJcDaHz8_Kk8/s400/lambchopscurriedrice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494663970179096434" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Image courtesy of Real Simple (Romulo Yanes)</span><br /><br />This past weekend I was just sitting at Seattle's Best Coffee inside one of the Borders around where I live. And oh yuck, that savory herb and cream cheese pretzel was quite a disaster. But the guy who was working at that time looked like somebody's grandpa who looks like they deserve more to be doing some golf outing rather than serving lattes to a bunch of twenty-something bookworms. He's just way too nice and I didn't have the heart to tell him about how even Bess and Russ don't deserve a pretzel with that quality. <br /><br />Anyways, that was totally irrelevant. While I was sitting down and flipping through the pages of some of my favorite magazines, I found this recipe. It is so easy to make and if you're like me, meaning you love to impress your significant other, <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/lamb-chops-curried-rice-cherries-recipe-00000000035791/index.html">this lamb chops and curried rice recipe</a> I found on Real Simple would be a perfect fit. It' summery and still very hearty with the tenderness and succulence of the lamb chops. <br /><br />You can always substitute the rice with some pantry potatoes with fresh thyme, parsley, and parmesan cheese. As for me, I'm a rice person - can't live without it. I thought of actually testing the recipe myself and taking pictures of it before writing this post, but I have no access to the camera at this moment. Oh well. <br /><br />Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-67913888793531971422010-07-07T13:26:00.010-05:002010-07-07T13:50:49.439-05:00Michael Michael Kors and Leola Couture on Ideeli<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO-Hnw57LIdrLYXpHtoAV0-f0anrVKvxQv1VIXojK41DEhURpPKHy0iN7vLwdxAUvhmNFO1tfO_DdSkXilLRDaW71Y-RI8k2Otbys2utsjWu8Uo6eXuaZSBcT7XBOLIuKDWllhmNX6TU/s1600/ideeli_MichaelKors_CS_coming_soon_small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO-Hnw57LIdrLYXpHtoAV0-f0anrVKvxQv1VIXojK41DEhURpPKHy0iN7vLwdxAUvhmNFO1tfO_DdSkXilLRDaW71Y-RI8k2Otbys2utsjWu8Uo6eXuaZSBcT7XBOLIuKDWllhmNX6TU/s400/ideeli_MichaelKors_CS_coming_soon_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491234390331140354" /></a><br />Michael Michael Kors<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViuurvsmVjjSh6nGmHSPjezstiVkh92GT3q4YNjczjRxvYlnYzrupyo4_w21n0Qn7OqyozkVprnLjvinAblDgIMB2J5jCvl5BU5OazktanKMvhYVto54JBR9aWk_bUnhcWqE9APhOn0Q/s1600/ideeli+Leola_CS_coming_soon_small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViuurvsmVjjSh6nGmHSPjezstiVkh92GT3q4YNjczjRxvYlnYzrupyo4_w21n0Qn7OqyozkVprnLjvinAblDgIMB2J5jCvl5BU5OazktanKMvhYVto54JBR9aWk_bUnhcWqE9APhOn0Q/s400/ideeli+Leola_CS_coming_soon_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491234480488477138" /></a><br />Leola Couture<br /><br />Just stopping by for a quick announcement.<a href="http://www.ideeli.com/"> Ideeli</a> will be having Michael Michael Kors and Leola Couture on sale tomorrow (Thursday). As usual, the sale starts on 11:00 AM for 1st Row members and at 12:00 PM for 2nd Row members. The sale will run for 40 hours, or until it sells out. And trust me, normally the good ones are gone by 12:15. <br /><br />Images courtesy of IdeeliUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-67551180701337042442010-07-01T08:02:00.011-05:002010-07-03T22:37:23.457-05:00Burberry Trench Coat Sale!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8fv5Hnbbm1ND8m_aU4F3kTTUgLg6W2MaI1jTw0D4-Gjt9_Ef4OPsV-2-Ko1uiV7ytdTHp4Ct7vXfq_r4ufXGMW-1q2APvsix4IGSndhMdJJntymlXEJWHGovtm81kNwBXcxsAZEzAGQ/s1600/Burberry-Saletrenchcoats.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 481px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8fv5Hnbbm1ND8m_aU4F3kTTUgLg6W2MaI1jTw0D4-Gjt9_Ef4OPsV-2-Ko1uiV7ytdTHp4Ct7vXfq_r4ufXGMW-1q2APvsix4IGSndhMdJJntymlXEJWHGovtm81kNwBXcxsAZEzAGQ/s800/Burberry-Saletrenchcoats.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489480091558722162" /></a> Image courtesy of <a href="http://fashionrules.com/">Fashion Rules</a>.<br /><br />So it is summer and the heat is blasting out there. The last thing that you would probably need is a coat. But so what? Burberry is having a sale for their Spring 2010 collection. I could care less about how it's like a sauna out there, I'd find just any reasons so I could show one of these babies off. They are G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. They would probably be your best investment ever since smart phone! <br /><br />But remember, early bird gets the worm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-51404468257153983212010-06-19T07:00:00.001-05:002010-06-24T02:36:45.181-05:00Happy Father's Day!Where I come from, we don't really celebrate Father's Day. But I don't think there's a reason my dad wouldn't love the idea of it. Here are my top 5 picks for Father's Day gifts. I only have 5 because: 1. I honestly don't think there are other gifts out there that could beat these. 2. I'm swamped with work and have 1,001 things to do today. <br /><br />1. Treat him to a weekend getaway, whether it'd be a golf outing, relaxing spa therapy, tour to the wineries, white water rafting, or even healthy gambling, take your pick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1SUkL9wzS7Voj1Y5b5MB-nkW0ZNNFj4SzDH4yehjFXZtsFf3EfirbWzt8N8RDyCbI89H48CiVVa6RGTPcbV_OUBEZQQre0ZYtlApiz39ajXgoS6ONmHCms15MmS9de_ik7p-R7isz7I/s1600/kiawahIsland.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1SUkL9wzS7Voj1Y5b5MB-nkW0ZNNFj4SzDH4yehjFXZtsFf3EfirbWzt8N8RDyCbI89H48CiVVa6RGTPcbV_OUBEZQQre0ZYtlApiz39ajXgoS6ONmHCms15MmS9de_ik7p-R7isz7I/s400/kiawahIsland.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486202185739438754" /></a><br />Image courtesy of the beautiful <a href="http://www.kiawahresort.com/golf/">Kiawah Island Golf Resort</a> in South Carolina. <br /><br />2. Get him this lounge chair & ottoman by <a href="http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19250&subcategory=h_hermanmiller">Herman Miller</a>, available from Room & Board. Trust me, it's as comfortable as it is gorgeous. It also comes in white. <br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmQv2-0DrzyJgLb14ACV9TXdGS81vTJqcHae4TaWLHBpaVzQc5MaVjz7VxeIOolJr30kldRpeV9zvao-Mnh30LzuLkhxOXaGIbcBSXWrmY3xirOvAXfLi1fpoS9Z7fXiTBRRigJsLm8I/s1600/hermanmillerottoman.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmQv2-0DrzyJgLb14ACV9TXdGS81vTJqcHae4TaWLHBpaVzQc5MaVjz7VxeIOolJr30kldRpeV9zvao-Mnh30LzuLkhxOXaGIbcBSXWrmY3xirOvAXfLi1fpoS9Z7fXiTBRRigJsLm8I/s400/hermanmillerottoman.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486110062625391442" /></a><br />Image courtesy of Room & Board.<br /><br />3. Take him to <a href="http://www.megurestaurants.com/">Megu Japanese Restaurant</a> in New York City for some serious real men treats: meat. Their Kobe beef come in carpaccio, skewers, stone grill, slow-cooked, or sashimi style, among many others. Want something fancier? They have a 9-ounce<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chateaubriand_steak"> chateaubriand</a> with few different choices of flavor. If you don't live in New York, any place that specializes in meat such as a churrascaria would be a good option. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga57dzHnKxgmGMaAHneYBfCv82LfsTNyAQjtPX0PXX4k3pBtnln-rTj5IeVif4-b6JVdAQ1snLsD5u-94hOpH_MA2DpnF1JHQLQl0GEy96E-oa-QClTqTER3Rx0h7yQacikZiwK2EoTho/s1600/kobebeefstonegrill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga57dzHnKxgmGMaAHneYBfCv82LfsTNyAQjtPX0PXX4k3pBtnln-rTj5IeVif4-b6JVdAQ1snLsD5u-94hOpH_MA2DpnF1JHQLQl0GEy96E-oa-QClTqTER3Rx0h7yQacikZiwK2EoTho/s400/kobebeefstonegrill.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486110521496019762" /></a><br />Image courtesy of Megu Restaurant.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwJgPAA8XLrcTJOuDohbWOxAndfbwwmzaFBNLz39dm4HkSRUBp6V6nYz0BbOPREmMjvFR56KXwyXkjLfqijHsJL2h7uwSJ5pW5-AVBuuDnidTdmDY_gPuG2gvNCn-_zExwqHFJMvLZ-A/s1600/kobebeefskewers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 357px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwJgPAA8XLrcTJOuDohbWOxAndfbwwmzaFBNLz39dm4HkSRUBp6V6nYz0BbOPREmMjvFR56KXwyXkjLfqijHsJL2h7uwSJ5pW5-AVBuuDnidTdmDY_gPuG2gvNCn-_zExwqHFJMvLZ-A/s400/kobebeefskewers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486111541611995842" /></a><br />Image courtesy of Megu Restaurant.<br /><br />4. Keep him within your reach, give him an <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/">iPhone 4G</a> so you can "see" each other through video calls. Ordering one might be a little bit of a hassle right now but still, who has the heart to say no to this pretty little thing?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEh3V0N2NWqTEzO6Q_tE-RdTztIPcTmxmrY89sCQ7zryV51rtEvrD2kEYjjMgNFcyUBGMltm_n0qwkBsBz6MDtvlo7PP7EfVfS31bd2EIVAe1OCMhs2oMmCzu6xDc3E83RBCF9hsuNAU/s1600/iphone+4G.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEh3V0N2NWqTEzO6Q_tE-RdTztIPcTmxmrY89sCQ7zryV51rtEvrD2kEYjjMgNFcyUBGMltm_n0qwkBsBz6MDtvlo7PP7EfVfS31bd2EIVAe1OCMhs2oMmCzu6xDc3E83RBCF9hsuNAU/s400/iphone+4G.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486180581880274754" /></a><br /><br />Image courtesy of Apple.<br /><br />5. If you're more like me, meaning none of the above options fits your budget, or/and your dad lives on the other side of the world, this last option would be your best bet: cards with sounds! Yes, a paper card with your handwriting on it. I know it's cheap and can be slightly cheesy. But guess what, it's also very sweet. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4bEHRbdqCMevSTd-v93o1LZVWsBnWFbyHeMEz1-2OJMn49mjxMH2MlEgXBaXxZEtGf_mkHOzHGsjQKMTXeSO_0jxAKJmuVx-BOND2hKFYf1PN1cZD7WJ_ylxqm2cUB2793NGvb3J9Uk/s1600/fathersdaycarddog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4bEHRbdqCMevSTd-v93o1LZVWsBnWFbyHeMEz1-2OJMn49mjxMH2MlEgXBaXxZEtGf_mkHOzHGsjQKMTXeSO_0jxAKJmuVx-BOND2hKFYf1PN1cZD7WJ_ylxqm2cUB2793NGvb3J9Uk/s400/fathersdaycarddog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485862666660123698" /></a><br />Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category3%7C10001%7C10051%7C273069%7C227068;243583;273069%7Cphotocards%7CunPhotocardandMore%7CFather">Hallmark</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-fv_YoLXLcG7I9qpOwpqsVbPRfmf31ooNEBELLH7EY2AJfLAfQCPiMpHQ8uNs-bJJXBhY3HZSRHPuEd0fnY2KwlGL_AHMOmKGAsPtJZboG2ujhJwsQNfWA7P99WC0-cq1X7Xiv5we6M/s1600/fathersdaycardbeer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-fv_YoLXLcG7I9qpOwpqsVbPRfmf31ooNEBELLH7EY2AJfLAfQCPiMpHQ8uNs-bJJXBhY3HZSRHPuEd0fnY2KwlGL_AHMOmKGAsPtJZboG2ujhJwsQNfWA7P99WC0-cq1X7Xiv5we6M/s400/fathersdaycardbeer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485865254587498642" /></a><br />Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category3%7C10001%7C10051%7C273069%7C227068;243583;273069%7Cphotocards%7CunPhotocardandMore%7CFather">Hallmark</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-60472180668727480452010-04-29T19:41:00.001-05:002010-07-03T22:38:58.163-05:00To Dwell in Design<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZbmSlEbuwxfQ6YvPISRH_ihBj8-PWPgEJvgh9CiwFZUTVHns5uOp0c1DTSGTOJ_GCyWJZQWkKcrXunEtMKM-1LE_m9uyGbIIHgM7kj-8tScGlZs0ugsDJK85Aol-0eSE3qeOjHJMQbk/s1600/dwellstudio1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 545px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZbmSlEbuwxfQ6YvPISRH_ihBj8-PWPgEJvgh9CiwFZUTVHns5uOp0c1DTSGTOJ_GCyWJZQWkKcrXunEtMKM-1LE_m9uyGbIIHgM7kj-8tScGlZs0ugsDJK85Aol-0eSE3qeOjHJMQbk/s800/dwellstudio1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469460756756528994" /></a><br />Another lecture that I went to during SCAD style was To Dwell in Design: DwellStudio's <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/christianes-faves/">Christiane Lemieux</a>. Christiane worked for Gap and Isaac Mizrahi before founding <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/">DwellStudio</a>, a $20 million-a-year furniture and bedding empire. A Canadian native, Christiane first studied art history and fashion design before actually realizing that her expertise in pattern-making can take her places. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BDiohUo99ct1dykHUtwfQd9VIFNmfoffE0x2IKQxF9n6ABBGqty4QmuvqwG_bsaqbAuYzE567HuChyphenhyphenzKpuLcaTcWhM_cPILmgbVJTY2cLC3N-UhQ3YjyV6y57On7C0-5f5u3b4cd_x0/s1600/dwellstudio+newpeacockdoveduvetset.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 543px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BDiohUo99ct1dykHUtwfQd9VIFNmfoffE0x2IKQxF9n6ABBGqty4QmuvqwG_bsaqbAuYzE567HuChyphenhyphenzKpuLcaTcWhM_cPILmgbVJTY2cLC3N-UhQ3YjyV6y57On7C0-5f5u3b4cd_x0/s800/dwellstudio+newpeacockdoveduvetset.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469463806042705346" /></a><br />A few tips for aspiring designers out there from Christiane:<br />- Get a diverse experience, internships, and talk to a lot of designers.<br />- Keep your eye on the lucky break.<br />- Create a website, open up an Etsy store. This way you'll get feedback and see what you need to tweak. Target and Crate & Barrel are on Etsy all the time scouting for new talents.<br />- Social media can help you branch out<br />- Diversify your products (furniture, apparel, etc)<br />- Licensing, yes. Selling, no. "Rent" your loyalty to manufacturers.<br />- Do strategic partnerships.<br />- Sell products directly to consumers, through stores, and trade shows.<br />And yes, Christiane is a true definition of an all-around designer in this business. DwellStudio is designed to meet various demands through its myriad of different, charming styles. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9QQAyCScDiID5PtumHeAuuFvvSaYvv03M8xtM333vFGsA-5PT_l0RvLsB4RuDS7adhIgB3pbxNIjgX-h8KiOqVfJenq_rN8KntVhd6jF1rfXeSHUu76Wtbz3q1_5NM0lO60i7PXvlgE/s1600/dwell_studiochristiane.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9QQAyCScDiID5PtumHeAuuFvvSaYvv03M8xtM333vFGsA-5PT_l0RvLsB4RuDS7adhIgB3pbxNIjgX-h8KiOqVfJenq_rN8KntVhd6jF1rfXeSHUu76Wtbz3q1_5NM0lO60i7PXvlgE/s400/dwell_studiochristiane.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469466951383509410" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo credit: Buck Ennis of <a href="http://www.crainsnewyork.com/">Crain's</a>.<br /></span><br />And if you ever feel like you're stuck in your design career? Christiane says not to worry."You develop an eye and that eye you can use for a lot of things," she says.<br /><br />PS: Catch up with the DwellStudio crew via their <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/blog">blog</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/dwellstudio">Twitter</a>. Crave for a more intense dose? <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/blog">Request a catalog</a>. I just did.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The first two images in this post are courtesy of <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/">DwellStudio</a> and its fabulous founder, <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/christianes-faves/">Christiane Lemieux</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-6861871295406503192010-04-28T07:50:00.012-05:002010-05-02T22:31:08.668-05:00The Beauty of Custom-Made Gucci Shoes...I mean, What You Need to Know about RetailFor the past few days, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has been having a special series of events called SCAD Style including lectures, exhibitions, panels, discussions, book signings, and workshops in both Savannah and Atlanta. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6ILvI7DtKOy-nDclMEiFnqveLdatQ4K5MlkdC7_GWg2CO-ozVl_8e325M_znh03avS2jGXHxCSwi5jW5nRv8WXQOBddIML3zF7qQJeUmbTxratu-o_l24oCaPfHwMtCZ4vm0vlJK5YY/s1600/brian+bolke+shelley+coowners+4510.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6ILvI7DtKOy-nDclMEiFnqveLdatQ4K5MlkdC7_GWg2CO-ozVl_8e325M_znh03avS2jGXHxCSwi5jW5nRv8WXQOBddIML3zF7qQJeUmbTxratu-o_l24oCaPfHwMtCZ4vm0vlJK5YY/s400/brian+bolke+shelley+coowners+4510.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466860697947398466" /></a> <span style="font-style:italic;">Shelly Musselman and Brian Bolke at a Forty Five Ten Fall party, courtesy of<a href="http://www.socialwhirl.com/SWFortyFiveTen06.htm"> SocialWhirl</a>.</span><br /><br />The first panel discussion that I went to in SCAD Atlanta is called <span style="font-weight:bold;">Design with Retail in Mind</span>. I've always been interested in design and anything that satisfies the eyes, there's no doubt. There's also no doubt that I have no talent when it comes to utilizing my hands to physically create something beautiful. Retail could be my one of my chances to partake in the design industry and use just my eyes and brain without my fingers. To my surprise, SCAD Style brings some of the big names in the industry. At Design with Retail in Mind, the speakers were Brian Bolke, Jaqui Lividini, and Robert Rufino.<br /><br />Brian Bolke co-owns <a href="http://www.fortyfiveten.com/">Forty Five Ten</a> boutique in Dallas which collection includes Givenchy, Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, and Alberta Ferretti. Oprah and Gwyneth Paltrow are among his customers. <br /><br />Jaqui Lividini, the moderator, is a partner in LWP, New York-based fashion marketing/public relations company, representing clients such as Coach, MaxMara, and Diesel. She's named as one of NY Daily News’ “100 Most Influential People in the Fashion Industry.” <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqtE6VIWCQm_eXY_xbkY33ubKJnDFRDdWDDDCU5CqKRJuoqTQBi87gSPOXmzKHP90wqGS_G2n0MWzVuuR4-66Gs-JdiZQc9q4JU01yKEBuovfAI8Uu1ZuNnoKuEjejwDn5xw9Uy_ABWo/s1600/JLividini_102308.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 675px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqtE6VIWCQm_eXY_xbkY33ubKJnDFRDdWDDDCU5CqKRJuoqTQBi87gSPOXmzKHP90wqGS_G2n0MWzVuuR4-66Gs-JdiZQc9q4JU01yKEBuovfAI8Uu1ZuNnoKuEjejwDn5xw9Uy_ABWo/s800/JLividini_102308.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466861498241171458" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Jacqui Lividini at The Fashion Group International "NIGHT OF STARS" 2008 Gala: The Alchemists, courtesy of Billy Farrell/PatrickMcMullan.com</span><br /><br />Robert Rufino is the former VP of creative services for Tiffany & Co. He began his career at Henri Bendel and has worked in visual merchandising and creative direction for various national publications. He is now the senior editor-at-large for House Beautiful. FYI, Rufino owns 6 pairs of custom-made Gucci shoes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgN3oxvnFu2O_zP7tHBGQEcDXy7f5fEkfqSTDfcZApy8G6YjdXg6tsduhqqmaDk5-KckZZi7MRpZnD4dYur808PZDOQhKxePumsWKnekfyi5o9OWzK3zhxihaZE86cffzbJYftGbkmRM/s1600/elsa_robert_rufino_susan_lyne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 450px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgN3oxvnFu2O_zP7tHBGQEcDXy7f5fEkfqSTDfcZApy8G6YjdXg6tsduhqqmaDk5-KckZZi7MRpZnD4dYur808PZDOQhKxePumsWKnekfyi5o9OWzK3zhxihaZE86cffzbJYftGbkmRM/s800/elsa_robert_rufino_susan_lyne.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466862046323211010" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Rufino and Sarah Lyne, courtesy of <a href="http://elobservadorsolitario.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html">El Observador Solitario</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Who has the role of educating the customers?</span><br />Brian: Customers see the same collection everywhere. How a retail store interprets the collection and makes it different is what matters. Display and merchandising are the keys. One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started was to want everything to look a certain way. It's most important to know how customers really feel. It's a balance of knowing who has what in their closets.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Does retail validate fashion/design?</span><br />Brian: If you're a design student and you have the most beautiful collection and nobody buys it, how is it successful?<br />Robert: Customers see well-designed windows. It really helps.<br />Brian: The most amazing thing is seeing who the real customers are. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How important is visual merchandising?</span><br />Robert: You have to know your customer. It takes sometime to realize. Then you have followers and you'll know. But you need to also take chances. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Examples of collections that marry design and commerce?</span><br />Brian: iPhone. But I really like anything Hermes. Then again, I also have an Hermes iPhone holder.<br />Robert: I have a shoe fetish. I have six pairs of white Gucci shoes in black and 6 pairs in white. They're all custom-made. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">For designers, how should they entice buyers to carry their lines if they're not Chanel?</span><br />Brian: Who am I approaching? Everyone is approached by 50 designers a day. Really do your research, talk to your associates. I'd open an email that says "You're really good client Ms. Smith told me this would be very good in your store."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What should you do at the beginning when you don't know what people want and have no followers?</span><br />Brian: You make one million mistakes. It's one of those if-it's-easy-everybody-would-do-it. You also need to walk around places and do your research. Hire somebody to get the right kind of press and be creative when it comes to dealing with clients. We know our clients have the money to spend but some of them would say, "My husband can't see anymore of Forty Five Ten charges." So you figure out a way to use different methods of payment and help the clients.<br /><br />These might not be the exact words they used, but I can guarantee you I had the concepts right. And yes, can I have a pair of Gucci shoes custom-made just for me, please?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631100313740898684.post-74162588730396293122010-03-31T11:29:00.042-05:002010-10-29T11:30:20.376-05:00Spring Starts with a Sweet Finish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83gAdD37NUFwcfS-yL6_J62bEpyEvflanFCnF8oT2_rAIX19eTb7XmKvCiXrBeH2n-oMVSYF3pizWiBP9aMAaZtBcdoPYAbIhEiCcecK2eFe_qXE_oCwJY3NwA0MakMW81TeMkMSQJhI/s1600/bloguse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 467px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83gAdD37NUFwcfS-yL6_J62bEpyEvflanFCnF8oT2_rAIX19eTb7XmKvCiXrBeH2n-oMVSYF3pizWiBP9aMAaZtBcdoPYAbIhEiCcecK2eFe_qXE_oCwJY3NwA0MakMW81TeMkMSQJhI/s800/bloguse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458732371483354562" /></a><br /><br />I've been putting off writing this post for a while now. Today was unusually warm and it's quite a definite that spring has sprung. So I thought either I write about this now or it's going to be next year until the topic will be relevant again. I'd like this post to be a celebration of the first day of spring. Since I turned 21, I have always been celebrating this very occasion by going to a winery. This year, the decision was much of an impromptu one, though. A friend of a friend from Chicago was in Atlanta for a visit. So, this year, North Georgia's Dahlonega is my California's Napa Valley and my Mid- Missouri's Hermann. Unfortunately, we only visited <a href="https://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com/index.htm">Wolf Mountain Vineyards</a> since we didn't leave until late in the afternoon. But let me tell you, it was a very good decision to go. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_9kwJ0Janw-QDYZOKBt4atvI4WfEYqwskl6fW6hxN56PQhBweTu7RN5n5Un2LZcG4MzslL6-oicXD4jVlYZiXCbvdtn3sEZldfDtNv8WrOqGx55p7ti1TjcenA2D0KgEMejwleLxHgA/s1600/bloguse7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_9kwJ0Janw-QDYZOKBt4atvI4WfEYqwskl6fW6hxN56PQhBweTu7RN5n5Un2LZcG4MzslL6-oicXD4jVlYZiXCbvdtn3sEZldfDtNv8WrOqGx55p7ti1TjcenA2D0KgEMejwleLxHgA/s800/bloguse7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459851319957373554" /></a><br /><br />Wolf Mountain Vineyards has that warm family log cabin feel that makes you want to cuddle up on a rustic cedar log loveseat with your significant other (or your dog- while sipping a glass of zin or cab, of course) by the fireside. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB9AaRO0AfLHfPtywj8yOcym2fT2PfGIt_MPSwUaFJNQiqna2vW0hy6t4qrx-xu2dUh8-cThIktMEnIAWC0NipjnvMOEoDDIfMN0a7A-Kw9Uoy8J0HETnctL8_TYfouJ-Ha-Lh2NCEQw/s1600/bloguse10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB9AaRO0AfLHfPtywj8yOcym2fT2PfGIt_MPSwUaFJNQiqna2vW0hy6t4qrx-xu2dUh8-cThIktMEnIAWC0NipjnvMOEoDDIfMN0a7A-Kw9Uoy8J0HETnctL8_TYfouJ-Ha-Lh2NCEQw/s800/bloguse10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459838404206439474" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6hLJyo96WCPrQVYFcGA_WAFl6NrcgeyVKlkmRn_0DhbdSBzDRpRjsWPMVN4vq5QStnsy3dfb3Mcasqws0yFkCd1KLKnyuIk3G3F5e7UOP8e48tv_gCnmM_F71scmV0Ysst1ytxEDW4E/s1600/bloguse8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6hLJyo96WCPrQVYFcGA_WAFl6NrcgeyVKlkmRn_0DhbdSBzDRpRjsWPMVN4vq5QStnsy3dfb3Mcasqws0yFkCd1KLKnyuIk3G3F5e7UOP8e48tv_gCnmM_F71scmV0Ysst1ytxEDW4E/s800/bloguse8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458735372202489378" /></a><br /><br />We had a wine tasting and my pick was a tall, sleek bottle of Delicieux (French for "delightful"). It's the winery's first port-styled, full-bodied red dessert wine listed as private reserve. It has dark berry fruit flavors with a finish that fully satisfies your sweet tooth. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw-FNwryC0yK0RLVKLQHTrslMcT3k4vuGYggAgwGg14p3RDCqD2tI7ZQHuOkMJEYZBZOoDsN5paCIOF4D4jHzUdeXV9Fg4DZqQfgwT-l9HoNdRGsw51PGyK7KoUGWpA6YBuNKvs9hUF0/s1600/bloguse9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw-FNwryC0yK0RLVKLQHTrslMcT3k4vuGYggAgwGg14p3RDCqD2tI7ZQHuOkMJEYZBZOoDsN5paCIOF4D4jHzUdeXV9Fg4DZqQfgwT-l9HoNdRGsw51PGyK7KoUGWpA6YBuNKvs9hUF0/s800/bloguse9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459835405550261810" /></a><br /><br />Wolf Mountain Vineyards uses mostly French and Hungarian Oak Barrels. Those types of barrels allow the oak flavor to not overpower the rich fruit flavors. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg5ltE_wtjoO-eMNmdKOP0TK3m-hEKFhhF5C69n-mCuiBhy5ZSzy0s839mm5_so52WRT7FKGcCnaOBdqZb-k5EJ3fpWAvo2zKncq5mMZWo_KD8T5rLwzrNiXaRAexNthKC31G8qRyJbs/s1600/bloguse6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg5ltE_wtjoO-eMNmdKOP0TK3m-hEKFhhF5C69n-mCuiBhy5ZSzy0s839mm5_so52WRT7FKGcCnaOBdqZb-k5EJ3fpWAvo2zKncq5mMZWo_KD8T5rLwzrNiXaRAexNthKC31G8qRyJbs/s800/bloguse6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459836307835323890" /></a><br />Approximately 3 tons of red wine fruits are fermented in each of these 800 gallon stainless steel tanks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KivSTdLBGq9KNJ4hVza8HJg337jW8-34V1I0vxdh5BFC3VJcxESHosVVUWGZrOaBhk02gNywIc-BoquryY_Byc30w2DDmG09jdVXBVpNdRvnQpv_yhM00RkaiWzB33Nf40dMSLxCmqY/s1600/bloguse3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KivSTdLBGq9KNJ4hVza8HJg337jW8-34V1I0vxdh5BFC3VJcxESHosVVUWGZrOaBhk02gNywIc-BoquryY_Byc30w2DDmG09jdVXBVpNdRvnQpv_yhM00RkaiWzB33Nf40dMSLxCmqY/s800/bloguse3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459845894925568306" /></a><br />Photo Credit: <a href="http://blog.weigy.com/">Weigy Widyanputra</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5eMZ5ebv_5b-qTEY__gtipXnqP6SCh_n8IcCc2EnET4HdFxZ2Sg0MxAEGPj2JCqXqu88orFVE0zc5Tpkl9vXT3HHQkpHQWKsSOSyPrXQNNgSbNSR0TJrrRL7URpec03-T8YcEurQ3TU/s1600/bloguse11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 870px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5eMZ5ebv_5b-qTEY__gtipXnqP6SCh_n8IcCc2EnET4HdFxZ2Sg0MxAEGPj2JCqXqu88orFVE0zc5Tpkl9vXT3HHQkpHQWKsSOSyPrXQNNgSbNSR0TJrrRL7URpec03-T8YcEurQ3TU/s800/bloguse11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459843839757264050" /></a><br />Photo Credit: <a href="http://blog.weigy.com/">Weigy Widyanputra</a><br /><br />The winery lost its wolf 'muse' named Nootka last year. Is Nootka the wolf that inspires the winery's name? I'm not exactly sure, but I highly doubt that he isn't. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanuiqhaps2pXo_9STBJ4vATyONMjDSkt_Qh964WrBvIVDcAdXMBP3ZviBinEMHfrAaS9b-CkM2E493tNpyFRCVSlTQkmW0H60W5EObXpqwdKYaYHIAdqXvuv66R6Mu3NEAuRq8X7WZBA/s1600/bloguse12flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 580px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanuiqhaps2pXo_9STBJ4vATyONMjDSkt_Qh964WrBvIVDcAdXMBP3ZviBinEMHfrAaS9b-CkM2E493tNpyFRCVSlTQkmW0H60W5EObXpqwdKYaYHIAdqXvuv66R6Mu3NEAuRq8X7WZBA/s800/bloguse12flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459848994794698738" /></a><br /><br />I snapped a shot of these charming little creatures on my way to the parking lot. Anyways, happy blooming, everyone!<br /><br />ps: You don't have to visit the winery to get a taste of the wines (although for sure visiting the winery gives you more of the visual and psychological benefits), the wines are also sold in<a href="http://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com/where_to_find_our_wines.htm"> stores throughout Atlanta</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0