tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25471410146747847462024-03-05T21:32:20.424-08:00Elaine TravelsFood finds, super shops, travel tips, and fun things to make your spirit smile.Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.comBlogger1515125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-87792446659603896202024-01-21T20:50:00.000-08:002024-01-21T20:50:58.818-08:00Bar Chelou<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.barchelou.com/" target="_blank">Bar Chelou</a> is not only a great place to eat before a show at the Pasadena Playhouse, but a great place to eat whenever you are in Pasadena. Many wines by the glass and bottle that are well curated and meant to accompany the dishes that you can combine into a meal or just to have a tapas size bite or two as you sip.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Clam Toast for $13 was so good, we ended up ordering 2 orders! If you are not a fan of clams, but love great toast, just order the pan de cristal for $7 so you can use it to soak up any sauces from the other dishes you will want to order.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcyI81V884vFC85G5DD0Qq_dqG2eXxNUHqfIUheQ2VkiG29UlAPTt3W7ECqhOpWF1sVn09AVih4rJji_ex0qMszyfB-vyCDJUpyNa4LXcVcTmX8bNsrTGqm2wni7WRcvaERbNfoOZUzHQKiMhTozTOuiF5eSo6AB65h48BLGu2WzmPVL8d_cvbAgEbF6a/s2826/20231203_173128.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2314" data-original-width="2826" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcyI81V884vFC85G5DD0Qq_dqG2eXxNUHqfIUheQ2VkiG29UlAPTt3W7ECqhOpWF1sVn09AVih4rJji_ex0qMszyfB-vyCDJUpyNa4LXcVcTmX8bNsrTGqm2wni7WRcvaERbNfoOZUzHQKiMhTozTOuiF5eSo6AB65h48BLGu2WzmPVL8d_cvbAgEbF6a/s320/20231203_173128.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Bloomsdale spinach for $14 is one of the dishes you will want to use the toast for to soak up the roasted garlic broth, or you can simply slurp the spinach "juice" as a delicious broth.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiA-3Ga5_rQ-AfupDfFd6O6tY8KajtyGRU140OYEjtkf_UDPgBoWdRz2_UvdQS5wy94Wyqf1mjyg-PJNo4qp1uRiwR6L7L_sjLLPpUzxDSnawKxy_AmOJMHyduBY8UiWGqYQ8IAzTKw6YOUkafumoh5GVkb6QuDN-fknbr69bKZyl1Sxxtya8AxXSDcfR/s3014/20231203_174749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3014" data-original-width="2833" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiA-3Ga5_rQ-AfupDfFd6O6tY8KajtyGRU140OYEjtkf_UDPgBoWdRz2_UvdQS5wy94Wyqf1mjyg-PJNo4qp1uRiwR6L7L_sjLLPpUzxDSnawKxy_AmOJMHyduBY8UiWGqYQ8IAzTKw6YOUkafumoh5GVkb6QuDN-fknbr69bKZyl1Sxxtya8AxXSDcfR/s320/20231203_174749.jpg" width="301" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The lamb merguez for $25 is underneath all the green bean tabbouleh and although very savory, this portion was not very hearty nor generous and I would not order it again.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M59kwbOeFdeW1HYvdLUjTsAnJOk2-1eZ5CfH-lN62Yig-JHfBUdS-TyyTL3IJHwbhr4ArCc6-m2IZtIfPeA06zJHcb204CMrJ7FT4PypltH9w4wgZR7_-eCq4YioshGXc8NVhYXSKl0k35eBIxRng1l3a3DePx6g_0vdLtKuBhl-0n48EfgvH44ldf4M/s2896/20231203_173635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2699" data-original-width="2896" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M59kwbOeFdeW1HYvdLUjTsAnJOk2-1eZ5CfH-lN62Yig-JHfBUdS-TyyTL3IJHwbhr4ArCc6-m2IZtIfPeA06zJHcb204CMrJ7FT4PypltH9w4wgZR7_-eCq4YioshGXc8NVhYXSKl0k35eBIxRng1l3a3DePx6g_0vdLtKuBhl-0n48EfgvH44ldf4M/s320/20231203_173635.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Iberico pork chop for $36 with cabbage was perfectly cooked with plenty of meat on the bone as well as a good size thick chop, so this was the highlight of the meal.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBpsAOsmd5oeB4eyhe0eEYZxH1NPs2jNLV1evAvsb0sTkfxOSjFiY3NsL3wFE54pLWnP7zXgIEHJbtmPnFLNDFXWi3u9o4pu7P0AXdsoHFyunDA5YozHojIKpSuTQhwkG_TFZXUyn_2mM7getdikFpdQWCX1fEkyyI3NaUs_IzE8xvcZwLb67HjLP8Xlz/s2994/20231203_174745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2994" data-original-width="2360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBpsAOsmd5oeB4eyhe0eEYZxH1NPs2jNLV1evAvsb0sTkfxOSjFiY3NsL3wFE54pLWnP7zXgIEHJbtmPnFLNDFXWi3u9o4pu7P0AXdsoHFyunDA5YozHojIKpSuTQhwkG_TFZXUyn_2mM7getdikFpdQWCX1fEkyyI3NaUs_IzE8xvcZwLb67HjLP8Xlz/s320/20231203_174745.jpg" width="252" /></span></a></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-220949486274632752024-01-03T17:47:00.000-08:002024-01-03T17:47:15.860-08:00Jitlada Revisted<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a dark and stormy night when I headed out to Hollywood on an errand, so as a reward I introduced <a href="https://jitladala.com/" target="_blank">Jitlada</a> to someone who had never been. The last time I went was before Covid hit, so it was a wonderful reunion for me! I was thrilled to find that there was no line and no wait at 5:30pm because of the rain and the early bird dinner time! I even found a spot in the parking lot! I started off with a spicy papaya smoothie for $6 that was probably the only spicy thing on the menu that did not make my nose run! It was made with very ripe papaya and was a great dessert like drink.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCs49Q4aNIvdRHJ7db3xRCBk74J1t0LXKnt-v63TQm6EI6OlqF2nu7WFwF7rz-xneY3QMTLnrX53PH8LwrDXE9txV5dnx5r1ndEcAqSwHezH98HXvaDkqQz8YQ0R-iINjRNcK8SYWcU-KxXCPb_SGhm9EzEagd_1h0XZfAPY741wnxE5ko8M6ISdtRyxq/s3369/20231221_182456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3369" data-original-width="1822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCs49Q4aNIvdRHJ7db3xRCBk74J1t0LXKnt-v63TQm6EI6OlqF2nu7WFwF7rz-xneY3QMTLnrX53PH8LwrDXE9txV5dnx5r1ndEcAqSwHezH98HXvaDkqQz8YQ0R-iINjRNcK8SYWcU-KxXCPb_SGhm9EzEagd_1h0XZfAPY741wnxE5ko8M6ISdtRyxq/s320/20231221_182456.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since it was a rainy night, the first order was of course soup! The spicy red crab and egg (#38) for $23.95 was the perfect thick, comforting soup to warm the chill of the weather outside. The lowest spice level was just at the tolerance level for my dining partner, especially since the spice helped warm us up on a chilly night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUW6puAzIfJT9wzyS6QBcN0EielWWapxWSSV_cIAwViQvoh383nfFwuRpD6YS23IgcbImJ0iMZYgO81bIVVSeqBgyq1KtTBsd2gq2lhPDDc_i5xYMzIM56v2ApSJtjMEIdWG8-EKYf5TS1DjWIfLpuekSo_QWUQ8yXfoIEb3E84dHoyFDpUXpxb7B1I92/s4000/20231221_182150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUW6puAzIfJT9wzyS6QBcN0EielWWapxWSSV_cIAwViQvoh383nfFwuRpD6YS23IgcbImJ0iMZYgO81bIVVSeqBgyq1KtTBsd2gq2lhPDDc_i5xYMzIM56v2ApSJtjMEIdWG8-EKYf5TS1DjWIfLpuekSo_QWUQ8yXfoIEb3E84dHoyFDpUXpxb7B1I92/s320/20231221_182150.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love rice noodles and because my dining partner can not tolerate spice, I ordered everything with no or very little spice. The Pad See Ew (#181) for $18.95 with beef was full of tender beef, chinese broccoli, and tender noodles.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzr_d6FW2AvK8MsVrmVQLuRNoBy2Ylx7ITd8OA3SpjPoDhB2HpVHKLTrsIOx6q1M0c6Z5hXJkPqdctXD5uVEr9djnV2zi7NCNNPuSaPN2z1HRVbLCPaYJxAlz_9kdeyUWaqsPXvjuvkpAeIbpPbtmEewzFhAe46DO2gPyS8GNQss2JYwddfzukC5coEZ4U/s4000/20231221_184114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzr_d6FW2AvK8MsVrmVQLuRNoBy2Ylx7ITd8OA3SpjPoDhB2HpVHKLTrsIOx6q1M0c6Z5hXJkPqdctXD5uVEr9djnV2zi7NCNNPuSaPN2z1HRVbLCPaYJxAlz_9kdeyUWaqsPXvjuvkpAeIbpPbtmEewzFhAe46DO2gPyS8GNQss2JYwddfzukC5coEZ4U/s320/20231221_184114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had to order my favorite Thai oxtail curry (#98) for $22.95, featuring falling off the bone oxtails, a complex medley of spices, and veggies to add different textures to the curry. One of my favorite oxtail dishes in Los Angeles!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdhJ9KS1dn7Uu-MNOzZwX6mhAl603qXBbytHfGywVFo0qwFA39t1MRw6ZWiNWOvmHwnRkJ7nwmxN7JSql4khlm0bR0-dXg7l2nf-M84bF7qfN0-p64W3D9mrEeWXfR2PmOjHMkpBpqw5gQU_VuD-X749c3e5Bx9X1dKqlqrTAqz4iZ_FP6oQuk-xrOeOS/s3435/20231221_182610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3435" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdhJ9KS1dn7Uu-MNOzZwX6mhAl603qXBbytHfGywVFo0qwFA39t1MRw6ZWiNWOvmHwnRkJ7nwmxN7JSql4khlm0bR0-dXg7l2nf-M84bF7qfN0-p64W3D9mrEeWXfR2PmOjHMkpBpqw5gQU_VuD-X749c3e5Bx9X1dKqlqrTAqz4iZ_FP6oQuk-xrOeOS/s320/20231221_182610.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>I had to add some asparagus to the table (#165) for $19.95. Every piece was tender and the flavor of the stir fry was so good even a non vegetable lover would eat this dish!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Euthc14WvSbVuaDJfeKd4xuJFOC8z8UFKV-9-oCgqI2u8asd7c3i2OPCF5ZktIH-Ypcf_DUZ3sA0Jjyap9ZbV3jxIg55DAmdotR0dKk-TdPQfnV9yGtKre56y-xRX5zdzWP6DR4vFAzDci_AVy0XCHccMnQwd1OeuXX2PMkQjTBz4g8aWrhN-iWLfk00/s3775/20231221_182442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2539" data-original-width="3775" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Euthc14WvSbVuaDJfeKd4xuJFOC8z8UFKV-9-oCgqI2u8asd7c3i2OPCF5ZktIH-Ypcf_DUZ3sA0Jjyap9ZbV3jxIg55DAmdotR0dKk-TdPQfnV9yGtKre56y-xRX5zdzWP6DR4vFAzDci_AVy0XCHccMnQwd1OeuXX2PMkQjTBz4g8aWrhN-iWLfk00/s320/20231221_182442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kitchen fell behind in the orders as the crowd began to gather around 6pm (line was around the shopping center even in the rain), so even though we had ordered Bangkok fried rice (#214) for $19.95, we asked for it to go since we were already full. It wasn't until I opened up the container the next day that I realized what a great "mistake" the kitchen had made with a fried egg on top of shrimp paste fried rice and a container of sweet pork nuggets, this dish had fresh mango, string beans, and very hot sliced peppers (that look very similar to the string beans). I wish I had ordered more food to go because the flavors of Thailand keep beckoning me to go back for more now that I know the perfect time to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZvWpF3zhI-TJ-kj1zjZUh0sRpfelHq6R2BQiDe6F4PzY4M6SWwZEu-3Rk47Ym52mS0EA1eYByF54DRt8O2s17xcoLR0cqtOFjf6Z3huEPAXUmCfB2nu542zNnp-Qiu9O-LZU5lz3yf71nGaxskEfc2maXFC5beHDojOZ-11eJbDQ6-wQ0ght-EEnijBn/s4000/20231221_204434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZvWpF3zhI-TJ-kj1zjZUh0sRpfelHq6R2BQiDe6F4PzY4M6SWwZEu-3Rk47Ym52mS0EA1eYByF54DRt8O2s17xcoLR0cqtOFjf6Z3huEPAXUmCfB2nu542zNnp-Qiu9O-LZU5lz3yf71nGaxskEfc2maXFC5beHDojOZ-11eJbDQ6-wQ0ght-EEnijBn/s320/20231221_204434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-17261395865074714892023-12-06T19:24:00.000-08:002023-12-06T19:24:25.559-08:00Lure Fish House Ventura<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="I've attached Rohini's invoice for last month;s services. Please let me know if you have any questions and let me know if we have permission to charge the card on file or if you are making a payment by ACH or check. Thanks," target="_blank">Lure Fish House</a> in Ventura is one of those places that make me want to live in Ventura. They have 5 other locations, but I have only been to their Ventura restaurant, so for now, this is the fish house I would chose to make my home away from home by the sea :)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their Bloody Mary is superbly spicy and served with a gigantic succulent shrimp! <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AraCkZEeQkTcrtm7Vr98ycCvwUBlMp7Y9T12KnJ8KRh211fZE9sJXlowZVhdojJEN5WpLppNUbtyMsrtJUnUlrLEm37z9A6_jyaexPQWuHv1IdsKmX8za0FwEOXV5Gc9tjBEtWcZh87cqKjYXOiczUTYoB64Ti1GL7M0L5QBH-6enM-944xGUW-Sgysg/s3822/20231128_192047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3822" data-original-width="2434" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AraCkZEeQkTcrtm7Vr98ycCvwUBlMp7Y9T12KnJ8KRh211fZE9sJXlowZVhdojJEN5WpLppNUbtyMsrtJUnUlrLEm37z9A6_jyaexPQWuHv1IdsKmX8za0FwEOXV5Gc9tjBEtWcZh87cqKjYXOiczUTYoB64Ti1GL7M0L5QBH-6enM-944xGUW-Sgysg/s320/20231128_192047.jpg" width="204" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their crab cakes for $24 were enough to make it a meal for 1 or appetizers for 3, with plenty of crab meat and flavor, not requiring the remoulade side.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1uuPaTiQvEVfXShImhgZR67Elaj9DPdk_WI7EqFEVUK2DIi6vH6InA20mk9n5HMPgkpSV6vlU9xxuxCQMvrYRVFNbeR7ZjImB69f0jD-c4z3YdYXJrn_UHFGVb_8G-26AFIxsR-5XziwQzk8tUEawRpvDttqF6Q8_b3UWsPKviNkKNY5pClgdfvloPHa/s2987/20231128_190044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2666" data-original-width="2987" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1uuPaTiQvEVfXShImhgZR67Elaj9DPdk_WI7EqFEVUK2DIi6vH6InA20mk9n5HMPgkpSV6vlU9xxuxCQMvrYRVFNbeR7ZjImB69f0jD-c4z3YdYXJrn_UHFGVb_8G-26AFIxsR-5XziwQzk8tUEawRpvDttqF6Q8_b3UWsPKviNkKNY5pClgdfvloPHa/s320/20231128_190044.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I loved having the option of adding anchovies to the Caesar salad for a total of $13.50, but I found the dressing a bit light on the garlic, heavy on the cheese, and anchovies were only placed on top not incorporated into the dressing.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh7FZUcTY0sc_7Wu0F3Jby_pwC5sZOcRWfFpVRDXOU0sjixG3IbshZ2Yo_b03XLkPbcrDI-JVVAvVXZ-cerxkWfr8XQNenBd0GASnfdDVzP30-AGljcfQhEwm2WfKPKerVpcJbSJiQXL0gV9nB4-sjdJosplrr9uQZJR73FGUrGmluUZwz7VKPPrhqPth/s3000/20231128_193140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2843" data-original-width="3000" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh7FZUcTY0sc_7Wu0F3Jby_pwC5sZOcRWfFpVRDXOU0sjixG3IbshZ2Yo_b03XLkPbcrDI-JVVAvVXZ-cerxkWfr8XQNenBd0GASnfdDVzP30-AGljcfQhEwm2WfKPKerVpcJbSJiQXL0gV9nB4-sjdJosplrr9uQZJR73FGUrGmluUZwz7VKPPrhqPth/s320/20231128_193140.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The crispy calamari for $16 was lightly battered with slices of fried jalapeno peppers and 2 sauces (I preferred the marinara).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LqmZxlOd07JYuxXn4JzAjJfTrwZJX2zWPwdlYdcoD4i7RRaY8fVTqI-w__0hU3mmm0DMyN78fio1wtZfVsc3wGZtETBOT1M3ET5VnuT-fcSJuwZrarn1ic5WQGS0s-dAb8J2ZBkaWhDOrv82DQzmzpsdeJ-8TmzPHGGfH-gc-0QFifxr_ApkVMPpJOtF/s4000/20231129_183610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="4000" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LqmZxlOd07JYuxXn4JzAjJfTrwZJX2zWPwdlYdcoD4i7RRaY8fVTqI-w__0hU3mmm0DMyN78fio1wtZfVsc3wGZtETBOT1M3ET5VnuT-fcSJuwZrarn1ic5WQGS0s-dAb8J2ZBkaWhDOrv82DQzmzpsdeJ-8TmzPHGGfH-gc-0QFifxr_ApkVMPpJOtF/s320/20231129_183610.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Baja chopped salad for $15 was enough for a meal, especially if you added a protein. As a salad it was enough to share with at least 1 if not 2 other people.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp-fA13V-jys4N93ze5aWBpwg6b6cosrWHA5rUQCIltWWscHAcTKXTLOCkeuYn3owv5iddSyFWQHb_G3I7oaYZByfV4G-vyziR1avH8J1bq7jKp5qR7FG2yEKFZ0RABmdpgD5GWMj2fy7NCop2vaXaHh-rH3oLj2DXse9RswTYvwzV8CioIt_1Se0jEzq/s2829/20231129_184047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2631" data-original-width="2829" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp-fA13V-jys4N93ze5aWBpwg6b6cosrWHA5rUQCIltWWscHAcTKXTLOCkeuYn3owv5iddSyFWQHb_G3I7oaYZByfV4G-vyziR1avH8J1bq7jKp5qR7FG2yEKFZ0RABmdpgD5GWMj2fy7NCop2vaXaHh-rH3oLj2DXse9RswTYvwzV8CioIt_1Se0jEzq/s320/20231129_184047.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their wild caught sand dabs for $26 were marvelously done with lemon butter caper sauce and very generously served with 3 pieces that all had crispy edges and tender flesh. The organic green vegetable side upgrade for $2 was worth it, and the pineapple slaw is good for those wanting a sweet treat with your meal.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8d5aYWz3zLbE-QgEx_2Ok8Xnf68t0bbsTsjgeXR35Tv5XTE5y10ovLjFVOLp44gZDbXYOUBBcZyihF9H94SdQQZm6pvYAlanXK19oPnmRMRC0VB8tHchuILI3aULeVp2WoHDGzi3DRtFf8esCGjNc5rQep2j6KMbJnlFTstS9-sdVwU5iXFSyeRxlHQ-/s3000/20231129_184059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3000" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8d5aYWz3zLbE-QgEx_2Ok8Xnf68t0bbsTsjgeXR35Tv5XTE5y10ovLjFVOLp44gZDbXYOUBBcZyihF9H94SdQQZm6pvYAlanXK19oPnmRMRC0VB8tHchuILI3aULeVp2WoHDGzi3DRtFf8esCGjNc5rQep2j6KMbJnlFTstS9-sdVwU5iXFSyeRxlHQ-/s320/20231129_184059.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The white wild caught Pacific Sea Bass for $32 was deftly cooked just to the point of perfect flakiness and the organic greens upgrade on this plate had more greens than broccoli, which was appreciated. The roasted butternut squash was the perfect sweet dessert.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzbfevJlbf2D2TaRCLxs7wknTvIEpjqWfuO1jI46EUrqFg0mAe1EQdfSWAFMNvPicXQvttGN-VwFIusk86xUTC6u0obrefCqofQu04fxYU0H38V5oYCrmTfpNzNJnM3hSlUXyVbRUzrcfawZXOog9ZJtH1HTcKuVxlY34epoq-TOcYDeMnFRUb6OH1p41/s3631/20231128_193119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2367" data-original-width="3631" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzbfevJlbf2D2TaRCLxs7wknTvIEpjqWfuO1jI46EUrqFg0mAe1EQdfSWAFMNvPicXQvttGN-VwFIusk86xUTC6u0obrefCqofQu04fxYU0H38V5oYCrmTfpNzNJnM3hSlUXyVbRUzrcfawZXOog9ZJtH1HTcKuVxlY34epoq-TOcYDeMnFRUb6OH1p41/s320/20231128_193119.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-76020499558513605752023-11-24T16:53:00.000-08:002023-11-24T16:53:34.192-08:00Kaua'i Tidepools Restaurant<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My favorite meal on Kaua'i was dinner at <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/kauai-grand-hyatt-kauai-resort-and-spa/dining" target="_blank">Tidepools</a>, located at the Grand Hyatt in Poipu. I made advance reservations about 6 weeks prior to to my trip because I'd heard from so many people that it was worth the planning and the drive. I am very happy to say there were right! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Following a winding path from the main lobby of the hotel, it is a bit tricky to find the entrance but all the hotel employees were very helpful in steering guests to this hidden treasure. Mobility challenged guests should ask for help and the waiter said they use the service elevator for wheelchairs. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpxoLIc7JJBSmivLm5cWi2jIWoNul3KmXXYOwtVYvXXdCfPHG1t5tdbJfKhxRCLZ6jiJrKUC_sVD6fHif9g9YF830AuE7oUPaqqFpmxKU10XRwGWn9kdXd3JFIPtnl2UOAGVcsUrg8TIz9_RjcYmcAtfWld4_vd-XF_pfpBb9fbGMshF92MdZdQVkg7yx/s4000/20231010_183758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpxoLIc7JJBSmivLm5cWi2jIWoNul3KmXXYOwtVYvXXdCfPHG1t5tdbJfKhxRCLZ6jiJrKUC_sVD6fHif9g9YF830AuE7oUPaqqFpmxKU10XRwGWn9kdXd3JFIPtnl2UOAGVcsUrg8TIz9_RjcYmcAtfWld4_vd-XF_pfpBb9fbGMshF92MdZdQVkg7yx/s320/20231010_183758.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The breadbasket was filled with freshly baked rolls (you can watch them being made as you walk towards your seat) that were entirely too tempting to offer to hungry people! Somehow I only ate one (and a half)!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiEyIpkwVu3snqGzf1En31VJ4FF6ZHwGgdhkeBqQyqgpqZSIxDFaRPjM5hAQh_BkfvxCf-wFIMmY3fWPT61aM7J8IEl_5lqb_Pxsam_KLIb7e1nGvTHOL38qOO0dao6JggCwh3uHCua8OCpcRKIIxVY9pOHfbKifRDZKvpYAhw8nowqS5NJN9oMrdaerY/s4000/20231010_172143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiEyIpkwVu3snqGzf1En31VJ4FF6ZHwGgdhkeBqQyqgpqZSIxDFaRPjM5hAQh_BkfvxCf-wFIMmY3fWPT61aM7J8IEl_5lqb_Pxsam_KLIb7e1nGvTHOL38qOO0dao6JggCwh3uHCua8OCpcRKIIxVY9pOHfbKifRDZKvpYAhw8nowqS5NJN9oMrdaerY/s320/20231010_172143.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We got crab cakes made with crab, kula onions, panko, lomi tomatoes and a garlic parmesan aioli for $27</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVUQet5vdO3Q2ITgpHrUDO7p8bJjJNYNytKuaXOyo4ZFiMeVu2G2EY95sN8160gGwdd1_7_cYCjLvN5nfhAKO3cIDUSVz9D2uCUf-myMcvdONsiXxaBIWMW2Xi10goYuPDQkkrAlox67-X4uXGESZSDxNeIupjPFKiK_K0iBi9_SWzTCeBIXnCeaiL8_4/s3898/20231010_172935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1822" data-original-width="3898" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVUQet5vdO3Q2ITgpHrUDO7p8bJjJNYNytKuaXOyo4ZFiMeVu2G2EY95sN8160gGwdd1_7_cYCjLvN5nfhAKO3cIDUSVz9D2uCUf-myMcvdONsiXxaBIWMW2Xi10goYuPDQkkrAlox67-X4uXGESZSDxNeIupjPFKiK_K0iBi9_SWzTCeBIXnCeaiL8_4/s320/20231010_172935.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Poke with wonton chips made with dynamite furikake for $23, that the non poke lover at the table declared the best poke ever :)<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn2BeyaTIvwYv5MxvXwI1SfItq8pFyPw_jWvIgrC1WfZ0AuwFXeW6eJRzKFFFLnrUcllwlaDkXa4lJ7_ybZimIVjDIvNlwW-l2Y6ZGFtcEyuD5JqhDKP8R8CGQVMnIzvvmTq6-lvnMQo7oxZA-3v3Jjj3n6PRJD4f_oA2xn3lSAPxKq7WtDctcB9VlcH5/s4000/20231010_172943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn2BeyaTIvwYv5MxvXwI1SfItq8pFyPw_jWvIgrC1WfZ0AuwFXeW6eJRzKFFFLnrUcllwlaDkXa4lJ7_ybZimIVjDIvNlwW-l2Y6ZGFtcEyuD5JqhDKP8R8CGQVMnIzvvmTq6-lvnMQo7oxZA-3v3Jjj3n6PRJD4f_oA2xn3lSAPxKq7WtDctcB9VlcH5/s320/20231010_172943.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The most enticing menu item was the Hawaiian catch with soy glazed Hawaiian fish, cold water lobster, shrimp, scallop, molokai sweet potato, served with a lemongrass buerre blanc for $65. It was a huge portion and every bite was delicately and gently cooked to perfection highlighting all the fresh local ingredients.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxP9HDwP8GHMn0Wf1CzkK5SXUhdAxox5GHNTx7EU2kJ_gGJ4KpOtj9-79AdKD-2OlaAFiGoK6Xthl4UEMizPU3UqPVWMU5tj03S102CnqgVNTVOqVAKDWkj0tXh9tEH6Omf4WSaO-TvTaI20NGDywb0bYD7HD11Kfq9RfMsK-kh6PyeNPMYAbGKifvQQk/s4000/20231010_175430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxP9HDwP8GHMn0Wf1CzkK5SXUhdAxox5GHNTx7EU2kJ_gGJ4KpOtj9-79AdKD-2OlaAFiGoK6Xthl4UEMizPU3UqPVWMU5tj03S102CnqgVNTVOqVAKDWkj0tXh9tEH6Omf4WSaO-TvTaI20NGDywb0bYD7HD11Kfq9RfMsK-kh6PyeNPMYAbGKifvQQk/s320/20231010_175430.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The misoyaki kurobuta pork chop with furikake rice cake, seasonal vegetables, and house made bok choy kimchee for $61 was one of the best pork chops I've ever eaten and I fought to take the bone home so that I could savor it in private;)</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE9pQD34SWh_PAinnJnggrpeVU6KZDtq0C7dgnVXvr7dIIDi4GFbZFvMnSPgsbw3x6vXYfbVSXDO9kj0S7Pdlo2Nyls-lYibaer0kR95o-l3xNJzZA0S0jQVJun1PFvSvr4ShuXFSd9d8ktKr1YwSaAoiiu4U0YeKi1bbcbgroOjy7W1wLQu325RqzThk/s4000/20231010_175442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE9pQD34SWh_PAinnJnggrpeVU6KZDtq0C7dgnVXvr7dIIDi4GFbZFvMnSPgsbw3x6vXYfbVSXDO9kj0S7Pdlo2Nyls-lYibaer0kR95o-l3xNJzZA0S0jQVJun1PFvSvr4ShuXFSd9d8ktKr1YwSaAoiiu4U0YeKi1bbcbgroOjy7W1wLQu325RqzThk/s320/20231010_175442.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Getting a reservation at sunset is worth the planning just to get a view like this:<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXe2e5CdxtBlvuSFxmikjEt5KMtT_BOcfQHC-BjL8CKQ42dfN8zAgkXJZj0FkXkkeZODwBQLG304M1nD8_CnGqmLBS0Jg3rTKn1bB23PBvkakRxRtvjNE8q3_pNUiFGsdUsBiUqY1-tbOthD-UoTI2ju8lFV48Y63NfhtJZ_3MUD3hdKiR7DbMzqU0vlP/s2752/20231010_182523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2411" data-original-width="2752" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXe2e5CdxtBlvuSFxmikjEt5KMtT_BOcfQHC-BjL8CKQ42dfN8zAgkXJZj0FkXkkeZODwBQLG304M1nD8_CnGqmLBS0Jg3rTKn1bB23PBvkakRxRtvjNE8q3_pNUiFGsdUsBiUqY1-tbOthD-UoTI2ju8lFV48Y63NfhtJZ_3MUD3hdKiR7DbMzqU0vlP/s320/20231010_182523.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-43927833115219996112023-11-06T18:03:00.004-08:002023-11-06T18:27:07.110-08:00Kaua'i Chinese Food and Duke's<p style="text-align: justify;">I like to explore both local low key places and scenic touristy places, so that I get a taste of different flavors while traveling.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://gardenislandbarbecue.com/" target="_blank">Garden Island Barbeque</a> in Lihue was one of the few places where I saw no other tourists in the entire restaurant. Located in an old section of Lihue, with fans blowing, and very modest decor, they serve great Chinese food in gigantic portions for very reasonable prices.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was too humid to order soup, but some of the tables had customers happily slurping up wonton and I was tempted to get some to go :) Instead I ordered the duck with mixed vegetables for $12.95 that could have easily fed 3 people! Luckily I was staying at a condo with a full kitchen so I took most of it back to eat later. Chock full of fresh vegetables and very good duck, it would have been enough to just order this one dish, but since I had no idea the portions were so big, I ordered more dishes that ended up with having leftovers that lasted for 2 days afterwards.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3-CVHf_R9zjwNAm8WMBNolA64hgYmLB4KDZZFxZnijqxSxwS3gbHWnnx8ciH5Tc8ZSTb98p10PWHNXpZU02FRz9n6TgkxRBg8ex4YLMEvqFXiQN2viMbZqGxPFK_Drbi6xve9QKZvWzx9x6KKnJ2jIfu0ZxuPrWvMmSULPsJJPIMJfsPQjywqvKnB6Dw/s3538/20231008_155650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2710" data-original-width="3538" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3-CVHf_R9zjwNAm8WMBNolA64hgYmLB4KDZZFxZnijqxSxwS3gbHWnnx8ciH5Tc8ZSTb98p10PWHNXpZU02FRz9n6TgkxRBg8ex4YLMEvqFXiQN2viMbZqGxPFK_Drbi6xve9QKZvWzx9x6KKnJ2jIfu0ZxuPrWvMmSULPsJJPIMJfsPQjywqvKnB6Dw/s320/20231008_155650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I ordered the beef Singapore noodles for $15.95, which had nice flavors and tender beef slices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuvrdBRzSWZG_pZQIMz3pmFTOKOgXzcVHyX1YSkuJWQrSp86pIox4QhjO49Do4pzPJJO2BCpfRD-pWzKddkcjqad0cGT0QCaX0xC_L0_LFShSNnlQl8VvbQmS_CmZNu_spEhtBbET8Fx2pbUAVKCs9OssW42UTQEe8IMycrIZVBpxz4MssaRokvNsTBWi/s3336/20231008_155937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="3336" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuvrdBRzSWZG_pZQIMz3pmFTOKOgXzcVHyX1YSkuJWQrSp86pIox4QhjO49Do4pzPJJO2BCpfRD-pWzKddkcjqad0cGT0QCaX0xC_L0_LFShSNnlQl8VvbQmS_CmZNu_spEhtBbET8Fx2pbUAVKCs9OssW42UTQEe8IMycrIZVBpxz4MssaRokvNsTBWi/s320/20231008_155937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got some snow pea pods with shrimp that were succulent, savory, and absolutely fabulous because they painstakingly prepared the snow pea pods properly, removing all the fibrous parts before cooking. For $16.95 this is was one of the most expensive items on their extensive menu and worth every cent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm8nC_sKQ71Mp58I-uEmrHplEj8pXOrIHfhX1aUJN3POmSpZFp6hxgHLNWHw2_5Ftr8zoJlnBxQayfuBF1FagDkElM_eUDYlM9deY32Ve9eNDHckaODua9rqkIQUrVqlru-jxF4XyS6A7hG2Ufa0rkRE4AA37y_q1rOkTZWms0lOLRkraEaifeNRYF3kI/s3667/20231008_155644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2678" data-original-width="3667" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm8nC_sKQ71Mp58I-uEmrHplEj8pXOrIHfhX1aUJN3POmSpZFp6hxgHLNWHw2_5Ftr8zoJlnBxQayfuBF1FagDkElM_eUDYlM9deY32Ve9eNDHckaODua9rqkIQUrVqlru-jxF4XyS6A7hG2Ufa0rkRE4AA37y_q1rOkTZWms0lOLRkraEaifeNRYF3kI/s320/20231008_155644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I got a side of kimchee just because it looked so good at a nearby table and it was homemade!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJegV2UUvl9JeNfYSeNc8ay640ygLE2FbrOPqpmYKeZnf49oNziMWUXqaAEsK1BxU31MisBq8U6qRUdDECZGylfiCy_4PAarRPsZ-Ih8kuhiztBG_R9LwlyKOug1WofbjoC9V9IkcKEp9H76BN5PVKOSuhSASHuyGqYi5C7OYqwSsgsKu6BXJTxyBowciE/s4000/20231008_155943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJegV2UUvl9JeNfYSeNc8ay640ygLE2FbrOPqpmYKeZnf49oNziMWUXqaAEsK1BxU31MisBq8U6qRUdDECZGylfiCy_4PAarRPsZ-Ih8kuhiztBG_R9LwlyKOug1WofbjoC9V9IkcKEp9H76BN5PVKOSuhSASHuyGqYi5C7OYqwSsgsKu6BXJTxyBowciE/s320/20231008_155943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For a completely different experience, I reserved at <a href="https://www.dukeskauai.com/" target="_blank">Duke's</a> weeks before my trip because it was on so many lists of a place with good food and a view. They have free valet parking (please tip) down the steep driveway next to the Royal Sonesta hotel. Follow the walkway to the host stand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG3f_ZDuteZ0EHfeEe46K6FnCWrJPktAWcYwdt7fT-fk6CNOcCz0sofc_TH_R4RbmW-pinkrduHSNqRmgZH3Bpgd9xJEhouwNqaAe8mj_1XYK9EhVG5gkGOzGZtxlHWALKnipLo-Uam1Tu75xntcHELZqGmTGyseATei-tTYaPkBxzsbdpQNEBLl9UvvH/s4000/20231009_174958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG3f_ZDuteZ0EHfeEe46K6FnCWrJPktAWcYwdt7fT-fk6CNOcCz0sofc_TH_R4RbmW-pinkrduHSNqRmgZH3Bpgd9xJEhouwNqaAe8mj_1XYK9EhVG5gkGOzGZtxlHWALKnipLo-Uam1Tu75xntcHELZqGmTGyseATei-tTYaPkBxzsbdpQNEBLl9UvvH/s320/20231009_174958.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The view from the entrance was very impressive with a bar, live music, and walk in tables below. If you make advance reservations you will get one of the ocean view tables on the upper floor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUBciX-RqH5bW5JPTiA79V-Sby5vWbDSOjGgxYGhPnoTaoC8LedAhmVYllDonybAjKFTJVfNuqo9n6vGXZlbbhOAHAHGJ-zUhaQFhwYJo_LpC8QetPwtnxDd8wOuEXCWn93I_SCChyphenhyphen4b5s-PEG93WxhumEWKrIDCr_uY21p4jpfGqfL36rRaYqGpsg59Z/s4000/20231009_174951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUBciX-RqH5bW5JPTiA79V-Sby5vWbDSOjGgxYGhPnoTaoC8LedAhmVYllDonybAjKFTJVfNuqo9n6vGXZlbbhOAHAHGJ-zUhaQFhwYJo_LpC8QetPwtnxDd8wOuEXCWn93I_SCChyphenhyphen4b5s-PEG93WxhumEWKrIDCr_uY21p4jpfGqfL36rRaYqGpsg59Z/s320/20231009_174951.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The seared sashimi grade Furikake Ahi Steak served with shitakke, rice, and black bean bok choy, topped with pickled cucumber salad was a delicious twist on the usual tuna tataki for $43</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFK0F2HyHsI1y6Vypz0Szth-v4tFKGHRr3jXzRG5t7d9dGP_279ZIvaWtENFY0_CTPPMkHcSy9yqFFAWg89MgyvWbtqaMIlodBCaXZK1a8bF_CNYYcFS_vvmIg4u6jwBDl3yrO9WDuC8whYAHQeEiKIyc67xIp9S-8VjshkDvA2rtuq4b5v3yZzOVJ7zMW/s4000/20231009_181919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFK0F2HyHsI1y6Vypz0Szth-v4tFKGHRr3jXzRG5t7d9dGP_279ZIvaWtENFY0_CTPPMkHcSy9yqFFAWg89MgyvWbtqaMIlodBCaXZK1a8bF_CNYYcFS_vvmIg4u6jwBDl3yrO9WDuC8whYAHQeEiKIyc67xIp9S-8VjshkDvA2rtuq4b5v3yZzOVJ7zMW/s320/20231009_181919.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The main course of chicken, ribs and added coconut shrimp (+$16) served with rice, cucumber salad and macaroni salad for $29 included high quality Compart family farms pork and all natural huli huli chicken. I wanted to try their famous salad bar, but this plate was so big that there was no room for salad or dessert!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtijGaSBRDcHtw8io1I4HnEuVv4cGeWxMRmtvXrE8B_nCLt91qGOn09eg6PqsSx_1rN0jriKgdnmZt1BvWDfBrMzYj2Tf_btc_PJmi97Lp-etEWZFAIxPMv8X2tUP313TW6ZP7WrQMGHthb2Yf7FBrcwJkvR8cLQCZTttV-EFa3W6puiwNsttScDF923S/s3980/original_3d2eb496-d98b-43d9-ba21-e966909eea46_20231009_181855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2781" data-original-width="3980" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtijGaSBRDcHtw8io1I4HnEuVv4cGeWxMRmtvXrE8B_nCLt91qGOn09eg6PqsSx_1rN0jriKgdnmZt1BvWDfBrMzYj2Tf_btc_PJmi97Lp-etEWZFAIxPMv8X2tUP313TW6ZP7WrQMGHthb2Yf7FBrcwJkvR8cLQCZTttV-EFa3W6puiwNsttScDF923S/s320/original_3d2eb496-d98b-43d9-ba21-e966909eea46_20231009_181855.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was room for my eyes to feast on the view though...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFS9_9AwLgdBF_hPlIyFoMZV4Exg4JinuxIc5cWYPrTcDhDXVTvf6mKaE8EPfZksbV_UPbVRSRlXVPdDJFQNExmCVk1YKar-iRZxIujPtZdSfFwXOe1IrvDVa3NbstUQrPpAOreuMIczCAuMlKuYoOh-bgZJFav8_3vBNsG-a_MXOXtjW7w_PaPI3G2jG/s4000/20231009_175824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFS9_9AwLgdBF_hPlIyFoMZV4Exg4JinuxIc5cWYPrTcDhDXVTvf6mKaE8EPfZksbV_UPbVRSRlXVPdDJFQNExmCVk1YKar-iRZxIujPtZdSfFwXOe1IrvDVa3NbstUQrPpAOreuMIczCAuMlKuYoOh-bgZJFav8_3vBNsG-a_MXOXtjW7w_PaPI3G2jG/s320/20231009_175824.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-39284127282974104902023-10-31T18:57:00.000-07:002023-10-31T18:57:53.791-07:00Lana's, Waipouli Wine & Spirits and J02 in Kapa'a<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the great pleasures in food is eating seasonally and locally, especially when the local place is Kaua'i and the local food is tropical fruit! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I saw <a href="https://lanascafe.com/" target="_blank">Lana's</a> while driving through Kapa'a and made a mental note to pick up some fruit during my stay. I was so very happy that the woman behind the stand asked me when I wanted to eat the fruit so she could chose the perfect ripeness. </span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fruit on the bottom right of the picture is called an </span><a href="https://youtu.be/XQHAmNosk44?feature=shared" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">egg fruit</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">, and since I've never tried one before I got one! The interior has seeds that are inedible and the flesh tastes like cooked pumpkin. I didn't enjoy it raw, but I could see making a delicious dessert or custard pie with it. There are so many varieties of natively grown bananas in Hawaii, that I wanted to try them all, but the small sampling I did was a reminder that even a fruit as common as bananas all taste different when they don't have to be shipped or trucked long distances to market.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhcYo8vvlFEyn2-hlOALg0iBv5gNMCP1-BANXzdHAuaOJuHQ1eURQ0UWXbCJhS1SH0QJGf6WJZAwFJisI7kayLR_sRkd6dMiWZPu9q883MFZXbhdLNWFvtEDP1Id0nVU8b-vRGsGI66T2nfttJHBYjXJ66L2uu5Xk87JM_03IaqMymypFo6RRiQ532qUT/s4000/20231009_155921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhcYo8vvlFEyn2-hlOALg0iBv5gNMCP1-BANXzdHAuaOJuHQ1eURQ0UWXbCJhS1SH0QJGf6WJZAwFJisI7kayLR_sRkd6dMiWZPu9q883MFZXbhdLNWFvtEDP1Id0nVU8b-vRGsGI66T2nfttJHBYjXJ66L2uu5Xk87JM_03IaqMymypFo6RRiQ532qUT/s320/20231009_155921.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">The mango was the best I've ever tasted :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLCthCXbcZwM_LySqinN4uBIcfRdwbgCkfamzKNJWRUYFfZZVGzauF7piFpnobADgtss2iRVEtwypCqeomRaFpHtZEXirp-eU_F8gxSz3d53RdR8_YqYiWRZaz5k_uuikpApVyptc1k-2hd6tqHu84iR-g4olzwhKv9Q-ouetXn0a_7_EeoZvGmSWaiz0/s4000/20231010_093943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLCthCXbcZwM_LySqinN4uBIcfRdwbgCkfamzKNJWRUYFfZZVGzauF7piFpnobADgtss2iRVEtwypCqeomRaFpHtZEXirp-eU_F8gxSz3d53RdR8_YqYiWRZaz5k_uuikpApVyptc1k-2hd6tqHu84iR-g4olzwhKv9Q-ouetXn0a_7_EeoZvGmSWaiz0/s320/20231010_093943.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While at the stand I got their coconut smoothie, a rich delicious dessert in a cup!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I5dgvk9AdNy19mwi03aVAAfKmZwdTdMzr1ZPGeiBvH4jURcv8ghS5MR11qMSj537TQpPCml_aPkq_gFK2mnju5tft-iKRxBalqzlnlZHDDLCZamh2Cdur_BjE5nKTaTlUOBY8-HBWUk2Q4Mq1XIgG-nyWt_Mq_CJ1j3fAeVX0zRi7m9LXZItKyeLI2fW/s4000/20231009_145435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I5dgvk9AdNy19mwi03aVAAfKmZwdTdMzr1ZPGeiBvH4jURcv8ghS5MR11qMSj537TQpPCml_aPkq_gFK2mnju5tft-iKRxBalqzlnlZHDDLCZamh2Cdur_BjE5nKTaTlUOBY8-HBWUk2Q4Mq1XIgG-nyWt_Mq_CJ1j3fAeVX0zRi7m9LXZItKyeLI2fW/s320/20231009_145435.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Just down the road is the small air conditioned wine store called <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/waipouli-wine-and-spirits-kapaa" target="_blank">Waipouli Wine & Spirits</a>. I was so impressed by their selection and prices that I bought a lovely bottle to take back to the condo to support the business and to savor a fine wine outside of a restaurant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoLNedi2VG9UzXpPpB37QoxjkOJjBOSw71Oeq5G4fyr6eFV-1PwKS0o7KJengldZdevhIsTd0nKWjzd1ez1g3lCunuaAarB_huxSc9bMv40JvwjAb1E7_PdsgZcPCWpIQoTzwl6LufDk2rn57oyd81PYUxEr0EsskXwXd1Q_DsmlpB01azPNdyO6sLOYo/s4000/20231010_193412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoLNedi2VG9UzXpPpB37QoxjkOJjBOSw71Oeq5G4fyr6eFV-1PwKS0o7KJengldZdevhIsTd0nKWjzd1ez1g3lCunuaAarB_huxSc9bMv40JvwjAb1E7_PdsgZcPCWpIQoTzwl6LufDk2rn57oyd81PYUxEr0EsskXwXd1Q_DsmlpB01azPNdyO6sLOYo/s320/20231010_193412.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcsMNC6qWs3jckO5P8kXOMkQltW3LYWa0UM8FK3AqBn42Akfj5nV4_QzjsyJn_sf-mJI56Zb26hcFtfYRqc5Rw8L-cHax-JK7BXbWMPDPryjVS_EXwQXfolIDnDtd6U_HwgPjsb-SOkZ7EBa_f0a6TCzvog-DkqOCl4vvl8cJAhcW0JrlXjXgi6YF_YS2/s4000/20231010_193422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcsMNC6qWs3jckO5P8kXOMkQltW3LYWa0UM8FK3AqBn42Akfj5nV4_QzjsyJn_sf-mJI56Zb26hcFtfYRqc5Rw8L-cHax-JK7BXbWMPDPryjVS_EXwQXfolIDnDtd6U_HwgPjsb-SOkZ7EBa_f0a6TCzvog-DkqOCl4vvl8cJAhcW0JrlXjXgi6YF_YS2/s320/20231010_193422.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the best meals I ate was at <a href="https://jotwo.com/" target="_blank">J02</a> . They offer a prix fixe $45 3 course menu from 5-6pm, but I opted to order a</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> la carte. Their refreshing unsweetened hibiscus iced tea was a welcome respite from all the fruity and sweet drinks found all over the island.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVu9iLEHPOSjGsm1ckyIpclZHeGNzD9krLLyDGNZB8Z2PlSx3ZsTi8D3RoU5sDgQNwld7GBa04qiYn2PE9JYyEq5EVIX5n5Js86DrDU854jOuj8csj4mhsQTpQBTMMgFyZNWhyjEIC8XEb49tfsceWLZC1CLcqBPOtEV85aCdm4BCZBCetnKn-BYBrkXa/s4000/20231011_171501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVu9iLEHPOSjGsm1ckyIpclZHeGNzD9krLLyDGNZB8Z2PlSx3ZsTi8D3RoU5sDgQNwld7GBa04qiYn2PE9JYyEq5EVIX5n5Js86DrDU854jOuj8csj4mhsQTpQBTMMgFyZNWhyjEIC8XEb49tfsceWLZC1CLcqBPOtEV85aCdm4BCZBCetnKn-BYBrkXa/s320/20231011_171501.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The crispy duck confit salad for $25 could have been a meal by itself, and the perfectly ripe star fruit added a nice tart accent to the rich duck confit.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPysjrLk2pg5P9nfqHbz1MhfpEeBLt_4-QFKccbApYNIIwj56zcRtsI8A9z8knXWPd6pLru0YpDNUdVskatRn-rnlSuHj9yz-4E7Nnq0Dqi5KFX-a1dy_rHdrogGJB6i-hSXPK3O0DlPldi6NbNtrFM_nDg9at5644oP3YXxtYeksmTq34XMy7FZfSL4N/s4000/20231011_172224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPysjrLk2pg5P9nfqHbz1MhfpEeBLt_4-QFKccbApYNIIwj56zcRtsI8A9z8knXWPd6pLru0YpDNUdVskatRn-rnlSuHj9yz-4E7Nnq0Dqi5KFX-a1dy_rHdrogGJB6i-hSXPK3O0DlPldi6NbNtrFM_nDg9at5644oP3YXxtYeksmTq34XMy7FZfSL4N/s320/20231011_172224.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't remember the filling in the ravioli, but this dish was delicious. The ravioli were perfectly and lightly handled.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVoo6jLnFAIEo0TvdG0SXWXbW8m-mg7K6YgWzPx42z_3OlQZgeQ-3NmgyJgUGRtY2HXL2H6P4lBSWmvLSIccDUt21evzega19ku-pm3xGZNpsavAZKDvHqshU-pJd0R_hYN0HyEqwKfZi2pnZ44M7SDlZuhEWrqKi2lEmqDAsFPqTHTvoDQyhFksk9Tz7/s4000/20231011_172221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVoo6jLnFAIEo0TvdG0SXWXbW8m-mg7K6YgWzPx42z_3OlQZgeQ-3NmgyJgUGRtY2HXL2H6P4lBSWmvLSIccDUt21evzega19ku-pm3xGZNpsavAZKDvHqshU-pJd0R_hYN0HyEqwKfZi2pnZ44M7SDlZuhEWrqKi2lEmqDAsFPqTHTvoDQyhFksk9Tz7/s320/20231011_172221.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The best dish of the night was definitely the slow braised beef cheek for $45. It was so tender and such a generous helping that I took most of it back to the condo to enjoy later. Served with vegetables and soft dumplings, this is the meal you want to eat if you love beef and are very hungry for some upscale comfort food. They have a handy parking lot in front, and lovely professional service. If you are staying in the middle part of the island this is an easy spot to access for a comfortable high quality meal. I made my reservation about 1 month in advance, so if you want to be sure to get a table, plan ahead.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTgVRI9ANFPhK4CsIDbY8OcdyR14UEeeUTo78aWiPGlwmAq5kpWra2Zib94qNhkScDPWuI9Sa7lbmPm2h0xYMsy9ms9zGo6SpAoaCpYcJtqadBlNyjd0bwzGrCNstA8uzq1ljo44lcc7u3xrfN1dtptQuo1RFzLdF7XImahX5O7SeR3mZpKPGNbRTmsTR/s4000/20231011_174154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTgVRI9ANFPhK4CsIDbY8OcdyR14UEeeUTo78aWiPGlwmAq5kpWra2Zib94qNhkScDPWuI9Sa7lbmPm2h0xYMsy9ms9zGo6SpAoaCpYcJtqadBlNyjd0bwzGrCNstA8uzq1ljo44lcc7u3xrfN1dtptQuo1RFzLdF7XImahX5O7SeR3mZpKPGNbRTmsTR/s320/20231011_174154.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-48319043402430141292023-10-22T15:58:00.000-07:002023-10-22T15:58:23.210-07:00Anatta's Thai Food Truck in Kauai<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I ate some of the best Thai food at </span><a href="https://www.kauaithaifood.com/" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Anatta's Thai</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> food truck in Lihue, Kauai (the Ace Hardware Store location). Their location at the end of the parking lot has a few plastic picnic tables, plenty of parking, and lots of locals (human and feathered) enjoying the food.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAt5gy1xPW3bXfNufwE8DxRTwqy5tlJ_GyS3LH0IygOsjh_mL-z4U1eig5w3Hi5xdFbMNkdKs1lYLo7bcRinhHTd50ih6khEKH-vTp1kOLYzKyDpQWjp23vzSTj6ie9nYwBNTS9ynGM3jnO7RJD6dxCaxcjCXhiEJ8mcz9n5XXZmslb26SxGbxCvwEI2e/s4000/20231012_155014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAt5gy1xPW3bXfNufwE8DxRTwqy5tlJ_GyS3LH0IygOsjh_mL-z4U1eig5w3Hi5xdFbMNkdKs1lYLo7bcRinhHTd50ih6khEKH-vTp1kOLYzKyDpQWjp23vzSTj6ie9nYwBNTS9ynGM3jnO7RJD6dxCaxcjCXhiEJ8mcz9n5XXZmslb26SxGbxCvwEI2e/s320/20231012_155014.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The menu has something for everyone, and you can customize with your choice of proteins, veggies, or tofu.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGO3TaDkhKc6310B3hOr77uA7suG9cGMFN5IKichvzLlT4F1vvMIbdgP3vDHqJis0VhTc3e3EFl3DHptyTAQoKAHJ7QqFpxXm3PdUqmm3MLZ1yZCJkiVY_WqlJfTUogRlBz8zJpV9nzaJh0BhwW_d3m6vT_p6n15Er3vGWrIZrS1Aj9GGlfqkhDYNsR4z/s4000/20231012_155021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGO3TaDkhKc6310B3hOr77uA7suG9cGMFN5IKichvzLlT4F1vvMIbdgP3vDHqJis0VhTc3e3EFl3DHptyTAQoKAHJ7QqFpxXm3PdUqmm3MLZ1yZCJkiVY_WqlJfTUogRlBz8zJpV9nzaJh0BhwW_d3m6vT_p6n15Er3vGWrIZrS1Aj9GGlfqkhDYNsR4z/s320/20231012_155021.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I chose the pad see ew with veggies for $15.95, a very generous portion loaded with beautiful fresh vegetables.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlt6Jjd_QOyosfrJa5CPtJ9N0qsRz0tJky3CLKgHSnszjZxkzK27miFnLBU5lhXKChQ_Za_vQlEV_QgIGVabtN7aTFyKr5US_3Ov0DWxAnqOaNcjN2QltlCsepy1TXEPUdc8Bkp1m0OKV-5fBzIACTT4ft1OV3syvlO-Z6P0gG5HwVXmaY7fcuPnv42Mp/s4000/20231012_160819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlt6Jjd_QOyosfrJa5CPtJ9N0qsRz0tJky3CLKgHSnszjZxkzK27miFnLBU5lhXKChQ_Za_vQlEV_QgIGVabtN7aTFyKr5US_3Ov0DWxAnqOaNcjN2QltlCsepy1TXEPUdc8Bkp1m0OKV-5fBzIACTT4ft1OV3syvlO-Z6P0gG5HwVXmaY7fcuPnv42Mp/s320/20231012_160819.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The red curry with beef for $16.95 was beautifully aromatic with tender slices of beef and plenty of bamboo shoots and cabbage.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO-St1KwxXqAnCu29VCbnflHYtag2sZV8UKjJgvorwHgpscFNYUWsJ7FBy5gmDbrVEatbJ0xfghq3961OkRit6_TQJpuNT5yI0LkY1-AQnuxMbiTQMG7irOaqJSZWBl7M7_awWvCYoxw7N5LYkXuLj4dLbwRgw_vq8t7d8NPIhkdw4QZUxZGFz3_gm24l/s4000/20231012_160749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO-St1KwxXqAnCu29VCbnflHYtag2sZV8UKjJgvorwHgpscFNYUWsJ7FBy5gmDbrVEatbJ0xfghq3961OkRit6_TQJpuNT5yI0LkY1-AQnuxMbiTQMG7irOaqJSZWBl7M7_awWvCYoxw7N5LYkXuLj4dLbwRgw_vq8t7d8NPIhkdw4QZUxZGFz3_gm24l/s320/20231012_160749.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;">A chicken thigh skewer for $4.75 was succulent, perfectly seared and a must!</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoia2C0QG4WDqNIdU-zA8mNPNMBQOpA3PsEhgdWkfAUl25ipnV28E3IJmU8CaYyDFnVR1y46YCxPvPvbo9gJnBGqWMTp7tSIFYQ2pLT4dgYLbupnjecDTFaJBGaO-4eEiqmJsiRI2jV-zCqClymMFM_8ftoGDvcYTMBXapH7eb9b3x5IBxNoTE1RSIGfjm/s4000/20231012_160103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoia2C0QG4WDqNIdU-zA8mNPNMBQOpA3PsEhgdWkfAUl25ipnV28E3IJmU8CaYyDFnVR1y46YCxPvPvbo9gJnBGqWMTp7tSIFYQ2pLT4dgYLbupnjecDTFaJBGaO-4eEiqmJsiRI2jV-zCqClymMFM_8ftoGDvcYTMBXapH7eb9b3x5IBxNoTE1RSIGfjm/s320/20231012_160103.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Three tender skewers of chicken satay for $7.95 with the best Thai peanut sauce I've ever tasted.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUBXdiu_FKsgmAMyfqch3RYotrPvdYy_Iq3H0J5viUkNNRtETWOZB1zyysVNNdEI-8XXg9lKHS65dohdNgz-Z7zaIEtKEDJBYq_7a4V_Mpq7A8I4tOHSZHOM1ccHJI-FCEjx3JTI2tWYasEBoMLwI52D_CqR4mMEDeMQeITOppyS1938UUUcIwSOG2ODn/s4000/20231012_160058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUBXdiu_FKsgmAMyfqch3RYotrPvdYy_Iq3H0J5viUkNNRtETWOZB1zyysVNNdEI-8XXg9lKHS65dohdNgz-Z7zaIEtKEDJBYq_7a4V_Mpq7A8I4tOHSZHOM1ccHJI-FCEjx3JTI2tWYasEBoMLwI52D_CqR4mMEDeMQeITOppyS1938UUUcIwSOG2ODn/s320/20231012_160058.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I got 2 veggie summer rolls for the plane ride back to the mainland, which were the perfect red eye food packed with fresh veggies and with a sweet chili sauce side.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnivrxXFTxeIQJ7kRXzb9RQkUZrJD2hDyne8w2ebQHQkOtG2E8EW_1cqlbc-n9IxD9wWkqLM9CUtHt4NP66qjWqx2bHEnbhI3qnAdEIfXV8nnKq_ONWUw_Z6zq6OcFmdww3MXetZJBVwm0TXQmNv2JST2gQkZBu1vthOENrdC-MIQsXVOORkSH8wgoQNl/s4000/20231012_170525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnivrxXFTxeIQJ7kRXzb9RQkUZrJD2hDyne8w2ebQHQkOtG2E8EW_1cqlbc-n9IxD9wWkqLM9CUtHt4NP66qjWqx2bHEnbhI3qnAdEIfXV8nnKq_ONWUw_Z6zq6OcFmdww3MXetZJBVwm0TXQmNv2JST2gQkZBu1vthOENrdC-MIQsXVOORkSH8wgoQNl/s320/20231012_170525.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Any return trips to Kauai will definitely include a stop at Anatta's :)</span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-87264387737441738052023-10-15T22:07:00.000-07:002023-10-15T22:07:02.456-07:00Kaua'i Breakfast at Java Kai & Lunch at Kenji Burger<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I spent a week on Kaua'i for a wedding celebration and found some wonderful spots, so several of my upcoming posts will all be about places on the island :)</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I stayed in Lihue, so Kapa'a was only 3 miles up the road and a great place to shop, eat and walk around. A frequent stop during my stay was </span><a href="https://javakai.com/" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Java Kai</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9ffFvd-QW-Q7sNMakSO7HK_siIA256JcyXfy8eGAv2dhlSxIQBzRPLKWJ1QUZoj9VP5qckPupP-U3Kf0FV-lte9e39c-xVtCFJJKnd2HJBtrcmy3gsedAV2mURWFVcNoT9vIFc43QpgvThvWYZXEU-YFj9_YB2N5JtRQzY8768Y2ChIRjKyH5B4tRMAo/s2556/20231006_105823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2077" data-original-width="2556" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9ffFvd-QW-Q7sNMakSO7HK_siIA256JcyXfy8eGAv2dhlSxIQBzRPLKWJ1QUZoj9VP5qckPupP-U3Kf0FV-lte9e39c-xVtCFJJKnd2HJBtrcmy3gsedAV2mURWFVcNoT9vIFc43QpgvThvWYZXEU-YFj9_YB2N5JtRQzY8768Y2ChIRjKyH5B4tRMAo/s320/20231006_105823.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their oat milk latte $6 was the best I tasted on the island and the same price as the ones in Los Angeles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTsdz5RsfruXx1lSe3ewrx_dHHaoSQITQDSzR8MNWGK6hm2Wy7D1-2u2wqB2X3B_mEg5wV46pgWb_c-XmSA6t5UI5U1QU2xzLOL0angZQKgGPbLwM4zdpZ6yqkD6zxW9satLeimWdw2OSNQWBqUldArQ0JqzenGt2ZrAJlbSCZXVwjRCOxPvaHQqpLFH-/s4000/20231007_133334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTsdz5RsfruXx1lSe3ewrx_dHHaoSQITQDSzR8MNWGK6hm2Wy7D1-2u2wqB2X3B_mEg5wV46pgWb_c-XmSA6t5UI5U1QU2xzLOL0angZQKgGPbLwM4zdpZ6yqkD6zxW9satLeimWdw2OSNQWBqUldArQ0JqzenGt2ZrAJlbSCZXVwjRCOxPvaHQqpLFH-/s320/20231007_133334.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their sunrise brekkie for $15 was a perfect papaya with greek yogurt, granola, a generous portion of delicious bacon, and a toasted bagel served with cinnamon butter.It was such a large portion that I took the bagel back to my condo to eat later. There is nothing like eating local fruit; the papaya and pineapple were the best I've ever tasted!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczloralsp5uKrPTmNMNEMmuinWRd4Vr09ltsdiG3kPCE5Raioq-0QmmIrhMQI2aCMA-hAhwTRbPkrT-mjHxtNzwOuAa7c7DMhe90AdSIoahdE652Qd85Ixa3Oa5vViUNugudQin23-utjyQMcal3rhHFcaV_q7eH2Usxu6ASCJwsw-Pyk9TsABJEEqU1-/s3689/20231006_103857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2793" data-original-width="3689" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczloralsp5uKrPTmNMNEMmuinWRd4Vr09ltsdiG3kPCE5Raioq-0QmmIrhMQI2aCMA-hAhwTRbPkrT-mjHxtNzwOuAa7c7DMhe90AdSIoahdE652Qd85Ixa3Oa5vViUNugudQin23-utjyQMcal3rhHFcaV_q7eH2Usxu6ASCJwsw-Pyk9TsABJEEqU1-/s320/20231006_103857.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Portuguese sausage (home made) and egg sandwich with machego and romesco for $16 was a heartier breakfast choice and the home made sausage elevated it to a preferred choice if you like breakfast sandwiches.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TQldJFbtQxFO3_pcnjo9pxTWR2ei-fnVh8l8xdHLJ4ULkbNyqKjmw-aY1mbAe2LCB5OpiwX89Jusdnp2me9qQDwdkpNKoF0xug6YfQ84HhL7mWa_UnUkZvPj3faGBZYWKxTthN-xaP0CL2wMG5ea0cj6Hmq7Wnk9xiqzMW7A_fXYbPSE1c5mhYfiLYlC/s4000/20231006_103850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TQldJFbtQxFO3_pcnjo9pxTWR2ei-fnVh8l8xdHLJ4ULkbNyqKjmw-aY1mbAe2LCB5OpiwX89Jusdnp2me9qQDwdkpNKoF0xug6YfQ84HhL7mWa_UnUkZvPj3faGBZYWKxTthN-xaP0CL2wMG5ea0cj6Hmq7Wnk9xiqzMW7A_fXYbPSE1c5mhYfiLYlC/s320/20231006_103850.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their turkey club comes with a side salad that was good on its own</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUnkPgWnarx_9L9jEQsEuzLmGJ-D_gDzfQMLEUB4DmwwutkT2d0V89PqA44_eEE2Cc-xeC0mQ0XfkccLRYC4Uppm24ilSPtPo2-mXMhTYaeBLaozsZvuz0-DjhKdrqJdwrgl6lcF9iNe_3gMTfRBoZdwWOw01wUdQ3aVpU3lbHhctSatho9tKEZTFtYZY/s4000/20231007_133749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUnkPgWnarx_9L9jEQsEuzLmGJ-D_gDzfQMLEUB4DmwwutkT2d0V89PqA44_eEE2Cc-xeC0mQ0XfkccLRYC4Uppm24ilSPtPo2-mXMhTYaeBLaozsZvuz0-DjhKdrqJdwrgl6lcF9iNe_3gMTfRBoZdwWOw01wUdQ3aVpU3lbHhctSatho9tKEZTFtYZY/s320/20231007_133749.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">and the sandwich itself was well balanced portions of all the ingredients for $16.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rS8sr2lhyphenhyphensePt68MVjunLgesmHxeHmd81rNEfuqpIIUdCZmaxxW-HpQAR2O528PzXEoS9aNq10KVkCEx1rX0s741g7Xa_jdLBLxJjdo9vt35Nvz3Hxy72qyED0fW1ZTFCHNVE_mX_29SAAePkX64J0p6uIeT80TeX4Q3o1JIrVWXQ842ZXOTfQgrKjM4/s4000/20231007_133745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rS8sr2lhyphenhyphensePt68MVjunLgesmHxeHmd81rNEfuqpIIUdCZmaxxW-HpQAR2O528PzXEoS9aNq10KVkCEx1rX0s741g7Xa_jdLBLxJjdo9vt35Nvz3Hxy72qyED0fW1ZTFCHNVE_mX_29SAAePkX64J0p6uIeT80TeX4Q3o1JIrVWXQ842ZXOTfQgrKjM4/s320/20231007_133745.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kaua'i has cattle on the island and one of the few places where you can find their local beef is at <a href="http://kenjiburger.com/" target="_blank">Kenji Burger</a>. The best sign of how good this place is was driving up to see an entire construction crew in line waiting for their order :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I went to the Kapa'a location, but they have 4 in total all over the island. Of course I had to taste the Kenji burger with teriyaki, ponzu aioli, caramelized onions, cheddar, tomato and arugula for $13</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlrssZHECsm7S8bMZnyspcVXeLwERlTk6P4F1-tYe2bIkkd5BPZr1-7a3y1md3-tTEW9GUPR8-S6SRAq4QYLTQXywQ-hphlN5YdcI1tavHxZ40AXCqE11C1ju7H2-wTJbNgD2sR-x6iJNYV03MTC9TSaf8PQ1DG-_Yb88SbM6XG1jxo6oBLErLoY_sSC7/s4000/20231009_141819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlrssZHECsm7S8bMZnyspcVXeLwERlTk6P4F1-tYe2bIkkd5BPZr1-7a3y1md3-tTEW9GUPR8-S6SRAq4QYLTQXywQ-hphlN5YdcI1tavHxZ40AXCqE11C1ju7H2-wTJbNgD2sR-x6iJNYV03MTC9TSaf8PQ1DG-_Yb88SbM6XG1jxo6oBLErLoY_sSC7/s320/20231009_141819.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">I resisted the fries, which looked amazing, because I wanted to try their Misoyaki fish bowl with miso glazed black cod, arugula salad, and rice for $18. The fish was incredibly tender and fresh, some of the best I ate during my entire stay on the island.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgklDd3T7nNv0qMyX-fiMzuFUyWPR_C73LBCX6FAQLQRUOfTtc-P-VfLFrIKcrnVQETwaMQM8V9owpgTfncGp__OLPbm2P0TBSSrmOeTMjdaHeCnc3nwB0vDqk0fZwelmNmzb_y1wdshd4wwLjr9OFPZVG0cB1lP-zua0dQLHayFM4fdlG5ggLmidLXfh/s3472/20231009_141831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2492" data-original-width="3472" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgklDd3T7nNv0qMyX-fiMzuFUyWPR_C73LBCX6FAQLQRUOfTtc-P-VfLFrIKcrnVQETwaMQM8V9owpgTfncGp__OLPbm2P0TBSSrmOeTMjdaHeCnc3nwB0vDqk0fZwelmNmzb_y1wdshd4wwLjr9OFPZVG0cB1lP-zua0dQLHayFM4fdlG5ggLmidLXfh/s320/20231009_141831.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-72442811392848297852023-09-30T17:50:00.000-07:002023-09-30T17:50:31.163-07:00Cantonese Food In NYC<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The official reason I went to NYC was to attend a wedding, but the driving force was to eat my old familiar comfort Cantonese food in Chinatown. Although there are good Chinese places in California, something about the style and taste of the Cantonese food in NYC just doesn't exist out West. It's like finding NY pizza in Los Angeles; there are great pizzas but none have the same flavor...perhaps it's the water, air, or simply the available ingredients.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Luckily, a few hundred feet from the <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/new-york/jdv-50-bowery" target="_blank">Hotel 50 Bowery</a>, where I was staying, are TWO fantastic Cantonese restaurants. If you go to eat in Chinatown, bring cash! Most places DO NOT take credit cards.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/nb-wing-wong-new-york" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">NB Wing Wong</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> was my first stop for several reasons; they are known for their roast duck jook (congee) and the wok hay of their dry beef chow fun, both these elements are hard to find anywhere on the west coast. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I ordered waaay too much food ,but since the hotel had a mini fridge, all the leftovers were packed to go and I gave them away to a local friend the following day. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Starting with the roast duck jook, the bowl was huge and completely loaded with duck. The best part was the flavor of the jook tasted as if it had been made by someone's grandma who knew how to cook! Using just a bit of white pepper enhanced this dish even more for those who want a bit more warmth. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LnBbBsi_ypoFJZajE2IpVxMVsKhIqD6vln1dzkTxcYIPgBrb6McibwJIllg13Z_9bpM9oW9ynmHDhUk3kohwsphxD19-kfhY17DzsSdt2dFBNoHZFbuodHnblsgxDe58eZLFywrutTyrvZgzr8tCxZzQs0u8yT0FnOzEPqY38CINSn34-tp2D9lm8ONr/s4000/20230922_151338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LnBbBsi_ypoFJZajE2IpVxMVsKhIqD6vln1dzkTxcYIPgBrb6McibwJIllg13Z_9bpM9oW9ynmHDhUk3kohwsphxD19-kfhY17DzsSdt2dFBNoHZFbuodHnblsgxDe58eZLFywrutTyrvZgzr8tCxZzQs0u8yT0FnOzEPqY38CINSn34-tp2D9lm8ONr/s320/20230922_151338.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was so happy to see that they had donut sticks that I ordered one to dip into the jook. Even though it was gigantic, I still managed to eat half of it just because it was perfectly chewy and savory, just as I remember them to be. This is another thing I don't see on the west coast and I once sent friends on a wild goose chase trying to find one while I made jook at home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9vtxa6aA6xch0kQtO6rvGrC8tVYdsPAOuGpzYjPCQZft9MuiXcD3zKxg2dQIO5Rqu9aj10QEZNS8gsZjS8cFFhrBXDWJlS5eDHvrAQico_I9p5d2KwzzNJwac0KZAAKWGXn71tbVJJH2aHtEDwjCiPxpp_gsP6maTJ4FNAZeYDDjtzrovpUnwLdk7Mqk/s4000/20230922_151249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9vtxa6aA6xch0kQtO6rvGrC8tVYdsPAOuGpzYjPCQZft9MuiXcD3zKxg2dQIO5Rqu9aj10QEZNS8gsZjS8cFFhrBXDWJlS5eDHvrAQico_I9p5d2KwzzNJwac0KZAAKWGXn71tbVJJH2aHtEDwjCiPxpp_gsP6maTJ4FNAZeYDDjtzrovpUnwLdk7Mqk/s320/20230922_151249.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">The classic shrimp with lobster sauce had GIGANTIC prawns that were perfectly cooked and very addictive.</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJdPnAs3zrvbSJvxS_UH3vQy5Rdj_qLK53i-45plnaSxoZQXLzRkigXUdaNG0AUNTvcPKh77KQAKEwDS7hHpDa0tmsOY0YP0-VkaXJmi7xALcZYP3R42mXu-u1gHaEl0jwDAoPwXMhAKPHs6sMS8z2iZpWe1hjxag7UJEL26iBoT7PU1mJTv3RmfZXfzQ/s4000/20230922_151747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJdPnAs3zrvbSJvxS_UH3vQy5Rdj_qLK53i-45plnaSxoZQXLzRkigXUdaNG0AUNTvcPKh77KQAKEwDS7hHpDa0tmsOY0YP0-VkaXJmi7xALcZYP3R42mXu-u1gHaEl0jwDAoPwXMhAKPHs6sMS8z2iZpWe1hjxag7UJEL26iBoT7PU1mJTv3RmfZXfzQ/s320/20230922_151747.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I came for the wok hay in the dry beef chow fun and it did not disappoint! The beef was tender without too much tenderization, and the noodles were not too greasy while still not clumpy. Wok hay is the flavor of the wok that gets imparted into the food, and the obviously well seasoned woks they use added that elusive flavor to this dish to give it a savory smoky seasoning that is impossible to describe other than to say you know when you taste it that this was not made in a brand new wok.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDndVg3uGlKHtIaMTupn2eJ9j2CMTnduEmuZeNvpZPTdAfs1wrYxPkEsgUFc0zdq4ytjm6k8vCKc7LpBxBt5JcHZ9ay1QJb2HxHRCS5zNTAX0OAiKGkQaOrJXpGMqkrhoWXLOpLKAzRJGlcFBMQby8tGwP8Y7E4odu-TTrO7bUXklkxi3w88CwYvxjv6yz/s4000/20230922_151744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDndVg3uGlKHtIaMTupn2eJ9j2CMTnduEmuZeNvpZPTdAfs1wrYxPkEsgUFc0zdq4ytjm6k8vCKc7LpBxBt5JcHZ9ay1QJb2HxHRCS5zNTAX0OAiKGkQaOrJXpGMqkrhoWXLOpLKAzRJGlcFBMQby8tGwP8Y7E4odu-TTrO7bUXklkxi3w88CwYvxjv6yz/s320/20230922_151744.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They even make their own chili oil! It was a rare treat to get homemade chili oil served in a restaurant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnAt90GA3L20gC6s-e9Kn4BQ7Bw7wijwysQvznYtfhzyaSQSd_cvvCtRbq51RHw2ExkoysQ6zFc7C8vh3PrAoBCxrQ8vvCtn-oJ96x_vGEVv1CDLi6oL6g2qbGFIkLyDI6AIAJ9VH2abCtJ4GeTgCo4RTTS4joNYIVwvoD5Hy45va9C1_8q7GjCH-fN6y/s2251/20230922_151750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2251" data-original-width="2025" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnAt90GA3L20gC6s-e9Kn4BQ7Bw7wijwysQvznYtfhzyaSQSd_cvvCtRbq51RHw2ExkoysQ6zFc7C8vh3PrAoBCxrQ8vvCtn-oJ96x_vGEVv1CDLi6oL6g2qbGFIkLyDI6AIAJ9VH2abCtJ4GeTgCo4RTTS4joNYIVwvoD5Hy45va9C1_8q7GjCH-fN6y/s320/20230922_151750.jpg" width="288" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had to get some gai lan in garlic, and even the stalks were tender!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDEL6Rp8p4WTWczo0hbKX0vtZB29Q5DhkBE8Hz9BVzZ4GcxoUJDswLEpovWqsiL-Lx23lOq_AypDTjuHTvBkXMjNmqJw3kBf1YrM-fwX3b0wSSr-6KVwfcjAShrkMKx1Bu5uj8cuFS6erUPWkqpHq3t7e9kgQ2lszb0rU-oQ3gzsBLIVLRQLBDbVEhBKE/s4000/20230922_152015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDEL6Rp8p4WTWczo0hbKX0vtZB29Q5DhkBE8Hz9BVzZ4GcxoUJDswLEpovWqsiL-Lx23lOq_AypDTjuHTvBkXMjNmqJw3kBf1YrM-fwX3b0wSSr-6KVwfcjAShrkMKx1Bu5uj8cuFS6erUPWkqpHq3t7e9kgQ2lszb0rU-oQ3gzsBLIVLRQLBDbVEhBKE/s320/20230922_152015.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved their food so much, I ordered take out the morning of my flight for my flight home, roast duck and rice (which came with cabbage) and baby bok choy. Everyone on the plane, including the stewards, was eyeing the food on my flight home ;)</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The next day some local friends met up to eat before the wedding and we went to <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/joes-shanghai-new-york-2" target="_blank">Joe's Shanghai</a>, literally next door to NB Wing Wong and my hotel. This place usually has a line around the block, but it had been a very rainy night and morning, so it was a miracle to have no line and empty tables at noon! They also have a great machine for rainy days which wraps your umbrella into plastic as you walk in (you are obligated to use it by the staff at the front door who will help you figure it out).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They are famous for their soup dumplings, which are huge! We ordered two trays of the pork and crab and devoured the wonderful broth inside the dumplings that brimmed with crab flavor.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqB2p0DHNQeT5q4ITM-mHhzYHidQKAtkdgR7zZwO0caQ7d4M_85-o5By6wS_1Ifk92RSaV6M1b8Jt_tQKSKgInq8u92KnDdYtP468z4rfp9FIg4mepi2hVdvgjUd7h3cM_DI-_ESwdO8QO-aovoqKE0Mj7rPm9U9_j-BYW3XUL9neRr0CwGPnxE6KXlM5/s3181/20230923_120347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3181" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqB2p0DHNQeT5q4ITM-mHhzYHidQKAtkdgR7zZwO0caQ7d4M_85-o5By6wS_1Ifk92RSaV6M1b8Jt_tQKSKgInq8u92KnDdYtP468z4rfp9FIg4mepi2hVdvgjUd7h3cM_DI-_ESwdO8QO-aovoqKE0Mj7rPm9U9_j-BYW3XUL9neRr0CwGPnxE6KXlM5/s320/20230923_120347.jpg" width="302" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The green beans with garlic was also a table favorite.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-5BGu0_cuiw5_wSkZSGNQIgnrmWkU9NZlR10AOW_vcKjsGQOAeqZVjkAs8_ydfR7ePS1vt95-xBrbu4_5CpoDGslXaT76dQNTlUFIS8SunwlPrEAk41NxTSlX3VcvlTkIOcRU7OORkR3YbJ2SXZj7LkFrbQ_qPQ2g5ZiQGBMHXV9NDu9hjjLdG8fLukr/s3916/20230923_123457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2728" data-original-width="3916" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-5BGu0_cuiw5_wSkZSGNQIgnrmWkU9NZlR10AOW_vcKjsGQOAeqZVjkAs8_ydfR7ePS1vt95-xBrbu4_5CpoDGslXaT76dQNTlUFIS8SunwlPrEAk41NxTSlX3VcvlTkIOcRU7OORkR3YbJ2SXZj7LkFrbQ_qPQ2g5ZiQGBMHXV9NDu9hjjLdG8fLukr/s320/20230923_123457.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My friends indulged me as I asked to order the steamed flounder which was not only beautifully presented, but also delicately cooked.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_GxNMBq7oIt7sbNFBvWHiiu3Z-OrKQ6eIPx9lNBRdOMcbe2IMPNCWPAQ-pYhieHMllP6k0Pfc9cfZI6sXrT6SciFbnHs7uLTWrqq5Hqf-EZ9pHbgUWHjy0dhhsokyrTlzp5wK6tnVFRIdQFD9GYlUGHABLjxjILQzQGIt0mQqxeBvXJkecBnT1pGxkE-/s2797/20230923_124510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1895" data-original-width="2797" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_GxNMBq7oIt7sbNFBvWHiiu3Z-OrKQ6eIPx9lNBRdOMcbe2IMPNCWPAQ-pYhieHMllP6k0Pfc9cfZI6sXrT6SciFbnHs7uLTWrqq5Hqf-EZ9pHbgUWHjy0dhhsokyrTlzp5wK6tnVFRIdQFD9GYlUGHABLjxjILQzQGIt0mQqxeBvXJkecBnT1pGxkE-/s320/20230923_124510.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't miss much of NYC, but this trip reminded me of the flavors I do miss sometimes....</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-18489657221170642582023-08-14T01:22:00.000-07:002023-08-14T01:22:04.203-07:00Seafood Pot in Charleston, SC<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The best meal I ate on my trip to South Carolina was at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeafoodPotSC/" target="_blank">Seafood Pot</a> in Charleston. It's the perfect place to stop for a meal before or after your flight because it's only 4 miles and about 10 minutes from the airport. It's a casual spot in a strip mall, so come as you are and place your order at the counter with the very friendly and professional staff before sitting down wherever there is a seat.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZEpbCUbzihiqeUeolaEv0fkDV-Vg5uScwyx0D86py5DtL4Pqvm14PJwsn-_PV5aE5nXg23tIuf1cbvtVBa30hDayDn2X6SQkSde5Bkf_q6wXlMUEjBnfzv2Ekjltms2bXDcMzxxnb79VfjxABnlqIymsB4-nfbetfARGfFUr8TcZZy7NqoO5lVuYTFIR/s4032/20230731_105635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZEpbCUbzihiqeUeolaEv0fkDV-Vg5uScwyx0D86py5DtL4Pqvm14PJwsn-_PV5aE5nXg23tIuf1cbvtVBa30hDayDn2X6SQkSde5Bkf_q6wXlMUEjBnfzv2Ekjltms2bXDcMzxxnb79VfjxABnlqIymsB4-nfbetfARGfFUr8TcZZy7NqoO5lVuYTFIR/s320/20230731_105635.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I love crawfish and I was thrilled with this huge seafood boil for under $17 with GIGANTIC fresh crawfish, delicious beef sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes. Somehow I managed to eat everything except the potatoes :) The spicy boil was perfectly seasoned and I would have drunk it as a beverage if it hadn't been so rich.</div></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vUrOUGC1kr8GQte1HmXXevco4d-sxqzviyVWfFgiKIycAmP4cAWS07THBVvRiyEh5PSC60qUX9bXPmdPveEMIKvNhDLLHDXTvLxUu3TxH0aiXuoWTxTijWACu6x1chFMo8s4-TJc40Ychz-CaEE0pokAsXe0cnodNdZvistIZ3spG6NTdRgQheO51BYZ/s3620/20230731_110704~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2600" data-original-width="3620" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vUrOUGC1kr8GQte1HmXXevco4d-sxqzviyVWfFgiKIycAmP4cAWS07THBVvRiyEh5PSC60qUX9bXPmdPveEMIKvNhDLLHDXTvLxUu3TxH0aiXuoWTxTijWACu6x1chFMo8s4-TJc40Ychz-CaEE0pokAsXe0cnodNdZvistIZ3spG6NTdRgQheO51BYZ/s320/20230731_110704~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had read so many good reviews of their gumbo that I had to order it and compare it to the other versions I love in Los Angeles and New Orleans. The chicken, shrimp, beef sausage, okra, and roux version was less than $11 and a hearty hefty serving with very nice spice blend. The gumbo was a bit thin, and the shrimp were a bit small, but for the price and flavor, this was a definite winner.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf6IL2dN8zBTfLcdM53oxEhC0jSZlBUuWr_ZU-HM803-aNq-S6lk0hzRqAveJlYk_Td92Yo1qWa_mYt5w0vuh0gj3J7U3O1R0O4oIyxusDtV97iHz78XSKn8ovvpy0DSgbQ60vDslvwifVRr8bpeBab-TOh33GlnsReFq2NSJ66fDIDTdwHXCqph7i4W9/s4032/20230731_110439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf6IL2dN8zBTfLcdM53oxEhC0jSZlBUuWr_ZU-HM803-aNq-S6lk0hzRqAveJlYk_Td92Yo1qWa_mYt5w0vuh0gj3J7U3O1R0O4oIyxusDtV97iHz78XSKn8ovvpy0DSgbQ60vDslvwifVRr8bpeBab-TOh33GlnsReFq2NSJ66fDIDTdwHXCqph7i4W9/s320/20230731_110439.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt5L1okHh8vbwf39X5zkXj0TJwwm7uJtqegeoS5JMdU2ILBpcLHrd33rm8upIziYZVnEMIjbriovDgG31nn49uoqqG1fmudr_gl_XpizFeyOUFBmauNDwSmkcbfX9mcbqyYgnbSk4lRL9tK1vlJfLHBVQnBzI2I-nm6QQIpWlDb9YL53AoyB0YX3Yl9o_/s4032/20230731_110537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt5L1okHh8vbwf39X5zkXj0TJwwm7uJtqegeoS5JMdU2ILBpcLHrd33rm8upIziYZVnEMIjbriovDgG31nn49uoqqG1fmudr_gl_XpizFeyOUFBmauNDwSmkcbfX9mcbqyYgnbSk4lRL9tK1vlJfLHBVQnBzI2I-nm6QQIpWlDb9YL53AoyB0YX3Yl9o_/s320/20230731_110537.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The shrimp version of the seafood boil was equally delicious, again for under $17, the shrimp were plump, juicy, and perfectly cooked with all the same beef sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes included in the crawfish boil.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFhMa0ygvH01sEDzrb0GC7XrTNSw1sooPnrlyyQieiORvDJP5BPrEpV0uHtWDLMwBj5VBQCh_ZrVFE4Al97s3Qu_bY8fkF4a-b0Va2_KRa5St8IQgnxHaB8QEY2UyPV3e026YzpqehY7qRpG4jC5FxYIpNfMpY-gZAgGIIiBsuKScP25BjGTlIu73GpCC/s3823/20230731_110707~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2417" data-original-width="3823" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFhMa0ygvH01sEDzrb0GC7XrTNSw1sooPnrlyyQieiORvDJP5BPrEpV0uHtWDLMwBj5VBQCh_ZrVFE4Al97s3Qu_bY8fkF4a-b0Va2_KRa5St8IQgnxHaB8QEY2UyPV3e026YzpqehY7qRpG4jC5FxYIpNfMpY-gZAgGIIiBsuKScP25BjGTlIu73GpCC/s320/20230731_110707~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I was thinking of taking some of the food on the plane when I ate there on the way to airport for my flight back home, but I was so starved for great food after my sojourn that I literally ate everything before boarding my flight! If I ever go to Charleston again, the Seafood Pot will be my first stop after a flight and before a flight!</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-43749906747211070882023-08-07T01:00:00.001-07:002023-08-07T01:00:00.141-07:001st Class on Delta<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was invited to attend a week-end gathering in South Carolina in a town with a total population of 791, and as part of the invitation I was treated to 1st class seats on Delta from LAX - Charleston. I had never flown in the Delta One seats before, so it was a treat to be able to totally recline and close off a partition to create my own little cocoon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKrih0DyC-1L1QA25JROl0aNGRDeeC3lwLLBzrSkBG3i8IAVyNYUSzxvM-IPk8uhYhCr8X-t96nXLmbs22hfN2x8x4-T8upjGvu9leqLfRpskHUAV3yEVKFOCi7oNUbPjzTUs-SZ5MrqDZ4N8K58dcQ6xhTzcmdm7GMxtI1eakDwCQBGJEEWZJGz5Qjz6/s4032/20230727_072641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKrih0DyC-1L1QA25JROl0aNGRDeeC3lwLLBzrSkBG3i8IAVyNYUSzxvM-IPk8uhYhCr8X-t96nXLmbs22hfN2x8x4-T8upjGvu9leqLfRpskHUAV3yEVKFOCi7oNUbPjzTUs-SZ5MrqDZ4N8K58dcQ6xhTzcmdm7GMxtI1eakDwCQBGJEEWZJGz5Qjz6/s320/20230727_072641.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I used the full recline function for nearly the entire flight :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMIo8V7YyQUyK271qH_TE-4-K-wYs7Mf7cR40Mk8zra7QSSOIPyRiMV5NhJgi6Py0T8G7pXqEF03e12Q47m_txXlEnxv6sz6LfhuS8TDeH8lw8s6rcr_hZK1tCBxx37CXTOjvcfIzeMAIom4ie5kM_j7vo3hJIvhtHeolPjJbNy-Eq9wL2HVc0mK2D0WC/s4032/20230727_072558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMIo8V7YyQUyK271qH_TE-4-K-wYs7Mf7cR40Mk8zra7QSSOIPyRiMV5NhJgi6Py0T8G7pXqEF03e12Q47m_txXlEnxv6sz6LfhuS8TDeH8lw8s6rcr_hZK1tCBxx37CXTOjvcfIzeMAIom4ie5kM_j7vo3hJIvhtHeolPjJbNy-Eq9wL2HVc0mK2D0WC/s320/20230727_072558.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There was extra cubby space for my purse and carry on.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fUk-RB8aGvIh-RdFpWRLjII3yJF-3B_d9sKluXNPSRiYHmvyIuIKvQHj4R1GxsKjq5xqmIGrDjY1rbFDw7uuM-JqPgxBR2ErgWtuWyg7FAua4GatyxKsDdqTXvm9zn1JWILpqceqchBlUUH4YSw--WK-EuxppBd5qXfIUY_96wyH9vMc15YIIufUMInO/s4032/20230727_072603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fUk-RB8aGvIh-RdFpWRLjII3yJF-3B_d9sKluXNPSRiYHmvyIuIKvQHj4R1GxsKjq5xqmIGrDjY1rbFDw7uuM-JqPgxBR2ErgWtuWyg7FAua4GatyxKsDdqTXvm9zn1JWILpqceqchBlUUH4YSw--WK-EuxppBd5qXfIUY_96wyH9vMc15YIIufUMInO/s320/20230727_072603.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;">Headphones and water in another little cubby adjacent to the seat.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLVfcmdGo6vwXUHtpggPo6syuD9BiZzGTP5Vmi67R_hamD2nV5xYIcdymUy7dEG8DYZc_edkW7k1banE5w1SUJb4GsQMIr1ljcZqIGh47OcJTv7HdzBALHzOlvjIcUltokj-aIZcfNzzaqSceKg67LEtJ-XnrScmIXiJo5-pKCVg1MO2PYXyfl7U406mc/s4032/20230727_072554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLVfcmdGo6vwXUHtpggPo6syuD9BiZzGTP5Vmi67R_hamD2nV5xYIcdymUy7dEG8DYZc_edkW7k1banE5w1SUJb4GsQMIr1ljcZqIGh47OcJTv7HdzBALHzOlvjIcUltokj-aIZcfNzzaqSceKg67LEtJ-XnrScmIXiJo5-pKCVg1MO2PYXyfl7U406mc/s320/20230727_072554.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of movies and entertainment to keep me amused until my connection.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LzWvihSYeGM1Z0LduqPsUL_aKLVs3FHeWRAF9gH7W-xneJcQpZxotfPNNcS4isR_tD_YYLvJhAbe6FHh0j0QsZaUpIa3V3fnUqo_oDFW5CO_GuMJjvDzQAJCF4Qdb5DyHqszCNs-T7zSL9bwHvg7T2TX-foPIQ1vfYnYi2aAH-hHVEnFXJJquQ1PErW-/s4032/20230727_072453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LzWvihSYeGM1Z0LduqPsUL_aKLVs3FHeWRAF9gH7W-xneJcQpZxotfPNNcS4isR_tD_YYLvJhAbe6FHh0j0QsZaUpIa3V3fnUqo_oDFW5CO_GuMJjvDzQAJCF4Qdb5DyHqszCNs-T7zSL9bwHvg7T2TX-foPIQ1vfYnYi2aAH-hHVEnFXJJquQ1PErW-/s320/20230727_072453.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a morning flight and as I usually preorder a kosher meal, I was looking forward to eating something other than the sandwiches I had made at home. Two trays of food appeared with truly the WORST meal I have ever tasted on any class of any airline. The eggs were the consistency of rubber, the mushrooms inside were a mushy mess, the tasteless hash browns could not be saved even with condiments, and the stewed tomatoes were appallingly greasy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUf4YhJ7kQnydAwIBmikZ2U-ZsKzc6f4y42FziLa3giwugeXzAFBY1K2wumhjZrHtYHjJvWaSPHv8u96kw3tlM545MCYJYzp5B7Q-ub9iCgAgoOFo2JaL9NeZBE0N9lLahGdzWPnFLK712tEEMGSSCqMDHY5ucc3EMfM5RpNklVSxgf685a9zeYxxvgnIS/s4032/20230727_091539~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUf4YhJ7kQnydAwIBmikZ2U-ZsKzc6f4y42FziLa3giwugeXzAFBY1K2wumhjZrHtYHjJvWaSPHv8u96kw3tlM545MCYJYzp5B7Q-ub9iCgAgoOFo2JaL9NeZBE0N9lLahGdzWPnFLK712tEEMGSSCqMDHY5ucc3EMfM5RpNklVSxgf685a9zeYxxvgnIS/s320/20230727_091539~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I was hoping the second tray would at least have a roll or something edible, but the roll was so hard I couldn't bite into it and I thought at least I could eat some cereal, but the milk for the cereal was frozen solid! The peaches and pear were canned in high fructose corn syrup, and dry the sweet roll was both too sugary and too dense to be any kind of treat. </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFCee8ccLN09TPmcwRrz0Nuc7RZXqXqjTKv3QKfqIBCAQHUilgR6YLf7mZexuPnXR_ef-A0WblPaxFlDEv3SRwfx8Z2cyChIRbhXqx3szAdYYHk_pORNXKaPsNiSL8kO0ZGH1aSNLNbyLJMDxJu1Gz1BoJwDhUjS8z4VvrdVwwbCikIFV5pc7B2DWmPSf/s4032/20230727_092046~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFCee8ccLN09TPmcwRrz0Nuc7RZXqXqjTKv3QKfqIBCAQHUilgR6YLf7mZexuPnXR_ef-A0WblPaxFlDEv3SRwfx8Z2cyChIRbhXqx3szAdYYHk_pORNXKaPsNiSL8kO0ZGH1aSNLNbyLJMDxJu1Gz1BoJwDhUjS8z4VvrdVwwbCikIFV5pc7B2DWmPSf/s320/20230727_092046~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The return flight did not start off well with inoperable screens, but the free wifi for skymiles members made it palatable.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5J_58Nm3BTJzU5cPdyzhYPyLfGJdXP8wvLkew8xfgF_65kTu-6kXh3wVWYJWB73p9Yt1cNgQRT3haFPW8xZZ3acbkx_mSpNzAFr7AqMDonL-AIFrpZ6QkCgwFqOTYirs1ayQ8_U_Y-ML8NZUMpk61kuHnMNh7KJadZ3L_qyrzUjrPg6gSSY6qLMqVOFf/s4032/20230731_144558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5J_58Nm3BTJzU5cPdyzhYPyLfGJdXP8wvLkew8xfgF_65kTu-6kXh3wVWYJWB73p9Yt1cNgQRT3haFPW8xZZ3acbkx_mSpNzAFr7AqMDonL-AIFrpZ6QkCgwFqOTYirs1ayQ8_U_Y-ML8NZUMpk61kuHnMNh7KJadZ3L_qyrzUjrPg6gSSY6qLMqVOFf/s320/20230731_144558.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The window seat view was a nice way to see the nearby air force base full of planes and unique landscaping.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgexKvL9mkHc8WZERJyAlH9UWlBQ3QOcO5RYeQTXO_uaBLSFwksuXUxSa8m8OIM3BoIKYN86DojemZSNdczn0l9-PXrmpwn8pX-85iGfedz4mJ5WGmu26TlkKfQb96GPDL1ZJ8A0_BfHfdzQeEU-wPWJQv6ikigkOo4-_ebp8eCtKxsGibQTDcJ1ufvWgd/s3430/20230731_153131~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3430" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgexKvL9mkHc8WZERJyAlH9UWlBQ3QOcO5RYeQTXO_uaBLSFwksuXUxSa8m8OIM3BoIKYN86DojemZSNdczn0l9-PXrmpwn8pX-85iGfedz4mJ5WGmu26TlkKfQb96GPDL1ZJ8A0_BfHfdzQeEU-wPWJQv6ikigkOo4-_ebp8eCtKxsGibQTDcJ1ufvWgd/s320/20230731_153131~2.jpg" width="282" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The meal on the flight from Atlanta to LAX was one of the BEST I've ever eaten on any flight in any class of service (Air France Business is tied as my favorite airplane meal:) The short rib was meltingly tender and redolent in flavor from low slow cooking, the fresh broccoli and onion were thankfully lightly cooked, the mashed potatoes had a nice cheesy infusion, and even the salad and dessert were restaurant quality. I would have happily eaten this in a brick and mortar place on the ground and I was thrilled to have this quality in the air. When I saw the card that came with the meal, I was even more impressed that I got to taste Mashama Bailey's cuisine without having to deplane!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBd6qsicVBobAY0GSGuSNsV08WmYuxyyS1NFqJTuXPNYyRIphnTdmcuAyzg8KMJZnb8X_MpU1zD96AHFlB6-bD9U8HFaK5NCeSlOg1DCi2LOicZ_QzFmcUqS5UG_dYTO6I-mEKxlkSj_UXmn782Gwu8jFSDdqxyeqxluKMedUjAdktwJqTm8oyCVE3586/s4032/20230731_193421~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBd6qsicVBobAY0GSGuSNsV08WmYuxyyS1NFqJTuXPNYyRIphnTdmcuAyzg8KMJZnb8X_MpU1zD96AHFlB6-bD9U8HFaK5NCeSlOg1DCi2LOicZ_QzFmcUqS5UG_dYTO6I-mEKxlkSj_UXmn782Gwu8jFSDdqxyeqxluKMedUjAdktwJqTm8oyCVE3586/s320/20230731_193421~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1vPI6fiPhLRLsscFAomLcVswWXl8b6V1AwoNWgwp2aQI-qSfykaibu34ADWHGMrFwPE2LYqrkxLyOHOU5_77gMFbp-BfLUWoOuAoG29USn03b3LoU9iwKrtCN-kvyPEz0tKiMLqH0VM0KSPapZmrs01BJkwt4liOPRQ8aDvAtp0B3INmzgmxXhrpNBAi/s4032/20230731_193431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1vPI6fiPhLRLsscFAomLcVswWXl8b6V1AwoNWgwp2aQI-qSfykaibu34ADWHGMrFwPE2LYqrkxLyOHOU5_77gMFbp-BfLUWoOuAoG29USn03b3LoU9iwKrtCN-kvyPEz0tKiMLqH0VM0KSPapZmrs01BJkwt4liOPRQ8aDvAtp0B3INmzgmxXhrpNBAi/s320/20230731_193431.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-36833773999835876152023-07-10T01:00:00.176-07:002023-07-10T01:00:00.136-07:00Lemon Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken<p style="text-align: center;">Today's post is a bit different :)</p><p style="text-align: center;">I had a request to show how I made a chicken that I had posted on Instagram, so let me know if you want more content like this.</p><p><b>4.5 lb heritage/organic whole chicken</b></p><p><b>1 large lemon or 2 small lemons</b></p><p><b>Oregano, Thyme, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper</b></p><p><b>Kitchen Shears/Scissors</b></p><p><b>A sheet pan large enough to hold the spatchcock chicken. I used a 13" x 10" pan which fits in my toaster oven, but you may use a large sheet pan if you are using your regular oven.</b></p><p><b>Meat Thermometer</b></p><p><b>Glove for at least one hand if you do not want to wash your hands throughout the preparation process.</b></p><p><b>Heat your oven to 375 F (if you have a convection oven set it to convection).</b></p><p><b>Set timer to 40 minutes (it will need about 20 more minutes, but 40 minutes is a good time to test the internal temperature with your meat thermometer).</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vSfiluSn8rz6vviNKl8dGmUncIQ15bjtcHTSfh3gm0fP1Lp54XZUsLJjqQbMX1BwjQE3kLgOQbIwbRp7R2_Vlnb7pTfyOLlJ-3wH8ZfCJapKzswGYOzwWHKMcr7GF15RcWyQW3UeKoJjNnJZM5FjwEoGaYMl1rhmERT1QXCBxl-Vg5WPQAQUOePO4vB0/s3024/20230703_161337~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1699" data-original-width="3024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vSfiluSn8rz6vviNKl8dGmUncIQ15bjtcHTSfh3gm0fP1Lp54XZUsLJjqQbMX1BwjQE3kLgOQbIwbRp7R2_Vlnb7pTfyOLlJ-3wH8ZfCJapKzswGYOzwWHKMcr7GF15RcWyQW3UeKoJjNnJZM5FjwEoGaYMl1rhmERT1QXCBxl-Vg5WPQAQUOePO4vB0/s320/20230703_161337~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VV4rmytHYyBMrWelzVyETjBuhRI3SHKPXRqKtQSNhAEY3tKwViT6OJQytOFCF1rMmbC_4Ejyvrmf-xIXsemKN0OmvfrBG2oezEVQ2-dmlkbv_yv8GQTWUzu6bt4zUVcAK5raEYDcFfymApH7pu5sEmETkkhp_ZCU-m_3PN1me3aisvIfpAJE_3EvJ_kp/s3024/20230703_161339~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="3024" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VV4rmytHYyBMrWelzVyETjBuhRI3SHKPXRqKtQSNhAEY3tKwViT6OJQytOFCF1rMmbC_4Ejyvrmf-xIXsemKN0OmvfrBG2oezEVQ2-dmlkbv_yv8GQTWUzu6bt4zUVcAK5raEYDcFfymApH7pu5sEmETkkhp_ZCU-m_3PN1me3aisvIfpAJE_3EvJ_kp/s320/20230703_161339~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__FMVZAvitDwTPKO_jTDBimc8qb25BkguVlntUJk-yg9gFsClIVW5WOpTBI8djXKM3jnecUl0czJfATsTkTg9KTVgucvSocOJBO1Kra14Wibgk8-MiJ5PwlRiZs2MNlJwAiWXTbH-DvRrdtps1xHfa6mi_7yegGyCJzaQTJomN2h2a7wijAE94CsLkwGf/s4032/20230703_160329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__FMVZAvitDwTPKO_jTDBimc8qb25BkguVlntUJk-yg9gFsClIVW5WOpTBI8djXKM3jnecUl0czJfATsTkTg9KTVgucvSocOJBO1Kra14Wibgk8-MiJ5PwlRiZs2MNlJwAiWXTbH-DvRrdtps1xHfa6mi_7yegGyCJzaQTJomN2h2a7wijAE94CsLkwGf/s320/20230703_160329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsuL4W7m42rUwJmCWT59ybMGKX15lM_bmpoR7Nf-y8Vs49MtMuhmc-17NOncJegSTLLfCUDyJ_fy8U4p3dZnvgresE_W-Ur-I20Ofi4UHVT0R6Ma0oSToPF_2_wkvP40gnhlHulZdCmuDMX1-IL3XLH7y5fTQ4woKo00CgYfhU-TzP3wp7LamEXTHrdas/s4032/20230703_161308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsuL4W7m42rUwJmCWT59ybMGKX15lM_bmpoR7Nf-y8Vs49MtMuhmc-17NOncJegSTLLfCUDyJ_fy8U4p3dZnvgresE_W-Ur-I20Ofi4UHVT0R6Ma0oSToPF_2_wkvP40gnhlHulZdCmuDMX1-IL3XLH7y5fTQ4woKo00CgYfhU-TzP3wp7LamEXTHrdas/s320/20230703_161308.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Slice your lemon or lemons into 1/2" slices and place on your sheet pan in a "T" shape. After you spatchcock your chicken, you will be laying it on top of the lemon slices with each of the breasts splayed out over the top part of the "T".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorSyz3S8jGV9vV3vR-tSkph03P7tbf4dDeKmqpbsgXHg7dK_W7gzXeTXQj1NScHlpIJASsh5p_2vz6IreZ8b5B84JC75J41AhJm_ZNBwWnkgzJL7D7fyyae9jYHiFX2aJbKIdlCKpqmflnrBjzYPS4Hdje6jl6XV-m9gmvWuNFk85v-C49f0s8tgubClb/s4032/20230703_155505~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorSyz3S8jGV9vV3vR-tSkph03P7tbf4dDeKmqpbsgXHg7dK_W7gzXeTXQj1NScHlpIJASsh5p_2vz6IreZ8b5B84JC75J41AhJm_ZNBwWnkgzJL7D7fyyae9jYHiFX2aJbKIdlCKpqmflnrBjzYPS4Hdje6jl6XV-m9gmvWuNFk85v-C49f0s8tgubClb/s320/20230703_155505~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are using a glove, put it on your non dominant hand so that you can hold on to the raw chicken while using the kitchen shears with your dominant hand, cut along the side of the back bone of the chicken, starting at the butt all the way to the neck. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnACo3QO_y0shOLha5Ue-Sf8uXh6nITWCX85rX7-84Dm8mwbmX6kmSgSVqxISU-_D1-1j6mEVFCbxuNtUhUJBM7M0Ap9fRVRhNmWIgjUInTJJIaRIBRAaAvyeprc36N_kP-qap0LycJ2Tx6EfwdM2ypoE870KO9MYbTQARTV0OwUWYKcHw8qeS7WBQ-YU/s3839/20230703_155748~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3839" data-original-width="2458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnACo3QO_y0shOLha5Ue-Sf8uXh6nITWCX85rX7-84Dm8mwbmX6kmSgSVqxISU-_D1-1j6mEVFCbxuNtUhUJBM7M0Ap9fRVRhNmWIgjUInTJJIaRIBRAaAvyeprc36N_kP-qap0LycJ2Tx6EfwdM2ypoE870KO9MYbTQARTV0OwUWYKcHw8qeS7WBQ-YU/s320/20230703_155748~2.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ0EfFTmvlA7mZQhq4kP0nalqGqKlmuyJxeh_IrgsDLd4JOANoFRJQ84EiQ9WJrL0WGzayvnXWWoRY2n1ROXUmVX_qiS1_lNqzd7b6SlcZUdA9v5Mm0dUk2mboo4inTLoDex1xU-cn0zFSeQ8ulq_Upzf_J8BmtsHSWo6hB1Ft9y2N4CXUCCH2eANJoZx/s3347/20230703_155832~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3347" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ0EfFTmvlA7mZQhq4kP0nalqGqKlmuyJxeh_IrgsDLd4JOANoFRJQ84EiQ9WJrL0WGzayvnXWWoRY2n1ROXUmVX_qiS1_lNqzd7b6SlcZUdA9v5Mm0dUk2mboo4inTLoDex1xU-cn0zFSeQ8ulq_Upzf_J8BmtsHSWo6hB1Ft9y2N4CXUCCH2eANJoZx/s320/20230703_155832~2.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Repeat on the other side</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq_1F7jeSGCFph7ylRs8mJGgdZ9vA-qUwSEVv7ya_yQapF4ndVvlLIfeupQ2zR7iliWtnqi3eyhRIaCUhnZ16Sd4Gc9S0qw6aOJIXfCenJ74PATEMtbLqA4iGRhiQzyB50azQYhFcFNgEJOzvnRnwBq1KYBXbzMhjPB-ak2OtrvJDszvo2HP1HS5hAu70/s3248/20230703_155848~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3248" data-original-width="2662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq_1F7jeSGCFph7ylRs8mJGgdZ9vA-qUwSEVv7ya_yQapF4ndVvlLIfeupQ2zR7iliWtnqi3eyhRIaCUhnZ16Sd4Gc9S0qw6aOJIXfCenJ74PATEMtbLqA4iGRhiQzyB50azQYhFcFNgEJOzvnRnwBq1KYBXbzMhjPB-ak2OtrvJDszvo2HP1HS5hAu70/s320/20230703_155848~2.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">until the entire backbone is completely cut and you can remove the backbone. You may use the backbone for soup or discard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lN1cTiEJUbEIw4Q3ZznsadtKH-bLmWClUlNkR_aGYYjUxMjmGDffc5tomOILKJ6cr-_VmAnVlzE_ofrxlcME9V16O12CMVqCLhXqrD4y8_A25GIhH6zqpbiDiwb4HARuAY67IQbu9zfsiyFOflSBTQWuQWIp2VDBVhPSyi0aRK2hAy-O7cWXz8iqAF2d/s4032/20230703_155918~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lN1cTiEJUbEIw4Q3ZznsadtKH-bLmWClUlNkR_aGYYjUxMjmGDffc5tomOILKJ6cr-_VmAnVlzE_ofrxlcME9V16O12CMVqCLhXqrD4y8_A25GIhH6zqpbiDiwb4HARuAY67IQbu9zfsiyFOflSBTQWuQWIp2VDBVhPSyi0aRK2hAy-O7cWXz8iqAF2d/s320/20230703_155918~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Snip the breastbone </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4POIBI9EBz7sqputynvpw4rBfovYnJkIkrs_0-DpVxeG47moJIYBi6Z2pI8XI4f8QEjtK_ade5TJW9L2q8VOKK1h6KLfoB0SCNATbirwZt413MJ-2BXEssTfI_x99LOLpr41XYtagsdLW5v0QywTgT0aN4wuIRY1egOk7TW2XBcv29NbB51bLw2KWKcG/s3788/20230703_160045~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3788" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4POIBI9EBz7sqputynvpw4rBfovYnJkIkrs_0-DpVxeG47moJIYBi6Z2pI8XI4f8QEjtK_ade5TJW9L2q8VOKK1h6KLfoB0SCNATbirwZt413MJ-2BXEssTfI_x99LOLpr41XYtagsdLW5v0QywTgT0aN4wuIRY1egOk7TW2XBcv29NbB51bLw2KWKcG/s320/20230703_160045~2.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">so that you may splay the chicken completely flat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM9qReCSIKIPi26YjVnwCUYZEJQNnces_MDvmlOusQhVxGd7ij-g1cOM2_EL7r3tJdKlk6LgrbUdsa0v0PAWH6tY2LgR7WNZgzKUV7dG14uS9EWifjEqXzu7pp4Pw0rAeQGT-IESlGw0fFCde_0QsZ965vhnB_9VJXT-zZt4DYW9DpiHzPCQ9TcDGuFFi/s3381/20230703_160114~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3381" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM9qReCSIKIPi26YjVnwCUYZEJQNnces_MDvmlOusQhVxGd7ij-g1cOM2_EL7r3tJdKlk6LgrbUdsa0v0PAWH6tY2LgR7WNZgzKUV7dG14uS9EWifjEqXzu7pp4Pw0rAeQGT-IESlGw0fFCde_0QsZ965vhnB_9VJXT-zZt4DYW9DpiHzPCQ9TcDGuFFi/s320/20230703_160114~2.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Using your dominant hand (which has not touched the raw chicken) or after washing your hands in warm soapy water, generously cover the inside of the spatchocked chicken with all the seasoning and herbs (about 1.5 tsp of each)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPDIefvKhzIy_ocMvjXhaT9e7XzeBu6_3D3SanlXI0Sr4XMyT6jsbQhEAHFzU9qBTpO_BmikCnKlCIaUc-ZB4LhPDnuUYloSxzjoLtiHS_27SxI0qAVKFxb0bhR3qRo7n9VXWaNQp8dsEHIOUTK2p8t1mtgu9GHLEaUq0JBaz34cPs1JbEEujDbfXSN6A/s4032/20230703_160329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPDIefvKhzIy_ocMvjXhaT9e7XzeBu6_3D3SanlXI0Sr4XMyT6jsbQhEAHFzU9qBTpO_BmikCnKlCIaUc-ZB4LhPDnuUYloSxzjoLtiHS_27SxI0qAVKFxb0bhR3qRo7n9VXWaNQp8dsEHIOUTK2p8t1mtgu9GHLEaUq0JBaz34cPs1JbEEujDbfXSN6A/s320/20230703_160329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It should look something like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmGxEXcLUUR1FoP5_QeeYS9IDcRg1lTzI_tBqbHXmb4camjnDOthHDY5ouKg4EQInc2eYyYX3KngT4Q3ulQ-3LwfD0OuagbMMqsBw81DF1VtfYy2KJu9LRTJrS02HdkKrAULEGxLwziyt89jx9Ix-MpYnp78mye_rhmzfOoKGwb4EEru4KsnwdAER7MnS/s4032/20230703_160547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmGxEXcLUUR1FoP5_QeeYS9IDcRg1lTzI_tBqbHXmb4camjnDOthHDY5ouKg4EQInc2eYyYX3KngT4Q3ulQ-3LwfD0OuagbMMqsBw81DF1VtfYy2KJu9LRTJrS02HdkKrAULEGxLwziyt89jx9Ix-MpYnp78mye_rhmzfOoKGwb4EEru4KsnwdAER7MnS/s320/20230703_160547.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Put the herbed and seasoned side down on the lemon slices along with any giblets you want to roast. Dry the skin with a paper towel (this will help keep the skin crisp). Tuck the wing tips under the wings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMTmcnFAnUTsU3gGVvryf-aQ7knF-YlcqkaOrAWhKAef6Hx0y6r09Eo4iTaa1hTT_wKgblnuf_UWGwjUFkVTUMqjXkHtpw2Y_1pc62W4-TJxNQG34jiCxUbOZ_Xo9BkN9l-8cWtDeQcMFBTlQvWgHEcwIkwnZEkiuJuZZ9vIBBZvc-CN909o0x5PYjkiz/s4032/20230703_160800~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMTmcnFAnUTsU3gGVvryf-aQ7knF-YlcqkaOrAWhKAef6Hx0y6r09Eo4iTaa1hTT_wKgblnuf_UWGwjUFkVTUMqjXkHtpw2Y_1pc62W4-TJxNQG34jiCxUbOZ_Xo9BkN9l-8cWtDeQcMFBTlQvWgHEcwIkwnZEkiuJuZZ9vIBBZvc-CN909o0x5PYjkiz/s320/20230703_160800~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cover the skin side generously with all the same seasoning and herbs (about 1.5 tsp of each).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmaIhVbazUlsG-Mqcq6O1GCXHsJMOARoYJPltCRlJD4g87XvRXmcGLx0_piFEw6euBRQFSKpgTHDJDGBlPqeLUTlDb-2pM1Ycd_jkV88xk7sQpYQTVEv8mzSg7P6YHRaq5yQYoYEsJyO1BK7L4B9jaSMn54tXbseQWVnp0BSUfM4EUZpUwuK9tVdjHXPv/s4032/20230703_161301~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmaIhVbazUlsG-Mqcq6O1GCXHsJMOARoYJPltCRlJD4g87XvRXmcGLx0_piFEw6euBRQFSKpgTHDJDGBlPqeLUTlDb-2pM1Ycd_jkV88xk7sQpYQTVEv8mzSg7P6YHRaq5yQYoYEsJyO1BK7L4B9jaSMn54tXbseQWVnp0BSUfM4EUZpUwuK9tVdjHXPv/s320/20230703_161301~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Check the internal temperature of the breasts after 40 minutes. Turn the sheet pan 180 degrees and keep roasting until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 160 F which should take another 20 minutes. Allow the chicken to rest at least 20 minutes before carving and serving so that the temperature can carryover another 5 degrees and the juices will stay intact. Squeeze out any lemon juice from the lemons into the pan and scrap all the drippings and lemon juice into a bowl. You can spoon this over the carved chicken before you serve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bon Appétit!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ5Maivrt5HRujrBsSLkzd5WuRfv7u_dZeFu0C8j3nD5F2I3F-ycSr1YqkHUmKZsg6g2SMMTujvDHZZP7FzNl3M9rZgBwwKlz6I6KwPWDuMjGyBiDFXZJvmxBNatmphrlItHaoXBXxnxxImfs06eVx1HAdNRpbXf0_G-qNb0xFXj9n1lqK0a33scTvE5v/s4032/20230703_171307~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ5Maivrt5HRujrBsSLkzd5WuRfv7u_dZeFu0C8j3nD5F2I3F-ycSr1YqkHUmKZsg6g2SMMTujvDHZZP7FzNl3M9rZgBwwKlz6I6KwPWDuMjGyBiDFXZJvmxBNatmphrlItHaoXBXxnxxImfs06eVx1HAdNRpbXf0_G-qNb0xFXj9n1lqK0a33scTvE5v/s320/20230703_171307~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-74887466855016325992023-07-03T01:00:00.121-07:002023-07-03T01:00:00.158-07:00La Jolla and Solano Beach Stopover<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A friend of a friend was performing in <a href="https://youtu.be/eKlQF3nRjDA" target="_blank">Love All</a> at the <a href="https://lajollaplayhouse.org/" target="_blank">La Jolla Playhouse</a> last month, so I not only saw a wonderful play, but I also got to meet a fantastic young woman. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The trip was also a nice excuse to visit some new places in La Jolla and Solano Beach since I had not been to either in over a decade! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For dinner before the show, <a href="https://lajolla.piatti.com/" target="_blank">Piatti</a> was nearby the Playhouse and highly recommended. Because traffic was so slow on the freeway, we were a bit tight on time for the show, so we let the servers know and they not only sent everything out very fast, but even split all our dishes for us before presenting our plates. Their freshly baked bread was very tempting with the balsamic and olive oil dip, but we somehow managed to eat only two pieces each before our dinner arrived.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraMO07iG5upPQkGcLeyUlpIcwvhUW_R0XtOrxfy-dkx8RFuoUc-odLDiYXeRh8eAuEs1Yhs26-TyMSoZpWq2hqmUF1UrqxShVUtlNku04T5Pg2s0qPCm4VazRlW6BabV7kQJTBLXiOKrtX_y-Ne_CTHUi0yYI907s_172P0zDRbyNXL-L8eeB4pYjXMup/s4032/20230618_174819~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraMO07iG5upPQkGcLeyUlpIcwvhUW_R0XtOrxfy-dkx8RFuoUc-odLDiYXeRh8eAuEs1Yhs26-TyMSoZpWq2hqmUF1UrqxShVUtlNku04T5Pg2s0qPCm4VazRlW6BabV7kQJTBLXiOKrtX_y-Ne_CTHUi0yYI907s_172P0zDRbyNXL-L8eeB4pYjXMup/s320/20230618_174819~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We split a caesar salad $14 (below is a half portion) that was fresh and nicely dressed.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKPFp_FjbrzwHHEQ1-095hmSmKsNbBwNzfUgFezSU1smNMhJtkyUzT_J8n3wMzQ-zVeyeb05EZlnKksphZbZ6Qp6ByKMvVM3raCCQhhLk7yi9iIB3BXUai8aSPTcuyD0-N4SKEqpSyu1X9T3iDG8GsiPuej6i7ls2cBj_TTFdRy7OSqgODo8bqgd3sHB5/s2873/20230618_175213~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2873" data-original-width="2831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKPFp_FjbrzwHHEQ1-095hmSmKsNbBwNzfUgFezSU1smNMhJtkyUzT_J8n3wMzQ-zVeyeb05EZlnKksphZbZ6Qp6ByKMvVM3raCCQhhLk7yi9iIB3BXUai8aSPTcuyD0-N4SKEqpSyu1X9T3iDG8GsiPuej6i7ls2cBj_TTFdRy7OSqgODo8bqgd3sHB5/s320/20230618_175213~2.jpg" width="315" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We also split the fritto misto for $22 that included shrimp, calamari, asparagus, and shaved fennel. This could easily have been an entrée for one.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzXfajSqV3ZjH0Rts_010-iijX4P2olXh18QoQJvkYkpLTWUquEuRgX85802WJCcKxzVpCDCklXR76jpZ08Kpucm413lW0DZbix6huOEGiyRzBk7L7GiLWjC7oyUBIR7BqHv004Uw2bFw1u9zELzHJt2u3Y0TrdOIvZ5YiJxc2DRMj5own5QPtPMcXY00/s3503/20230618_175222~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2995" data-original-width="3503" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzXfajSqV3ZjH0Rts_010-iijX4P2olXh18QoQJvkYkpLTWUquEuRgX85802WJCcKxzVpCDCklXR76jpZ08Kpucm413lW0DZbix6huOEGiyRzBk7L7GiLWjC7oyUBIR7BqHv004Uw2bFw1u9zELzHJt2u3Y0TrdOIvZ5YiJxc2DRMj5own5QPtPMcXY00/s320/20230618_175222~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We also split the veal piccata $34 (half a portion pictured below) with lovely spinach and what they called mushroom risotto cakes that I found bland. I chose a lovely glass of the Niklas Italian sauvignon blanc for $15 and we finished in plenty of time to make the opening curtain! </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR6dgM_s4zHFtQzrwwR7QiIpGOqE9oLHEomWyISlpS2vvJ-WiTVXXSv79pU83INp0DhrMk2JYQR9qn4lqh7hb-GBX814Ek0sxpAE2nup1f9A2q7nBgN2K_LIfH6Ct27IOh9p8G1bgS9QyIDH3Wgc823ahW1harEgtJc5QGDtlXtGrp_cDIO-Yqhy4MaMI/s3096/20230618_180052~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2730" data-original-width="3096" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR6dgM_s4zHFtQzrwwR7QiIpGOqE9oLHEomWyISlpS2vvJ-WiTVXXSv79pU83INp0DhrMk2JYQR9qn4lqh7hb-GBX814Ek0sxpAE2nup1f9A2q7nBgN2K_LIfH6Ct27IOh9p8G1bgS9QyIDH3Wgc823ahW1harEgtJc5QGDtlXtGrp_cDIO-Yqhy4MaMI/s320/20230618_180052~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After a watching the very educational and inspiring play, I spent the night in Solano Beach and headed to breakfast the following morning at <a href="https://www.madeleinecafebakeries.com/" target="_blank">Madeleine</a>. They offered classic French staples, so I started with an oat milk cappuccino for $4</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HQhvzvklGlLhyo2h5ZaqATzdI5g3Gy9XFSyz4kQBXbZjX9y_VLDynfUK0YMRMB8zy29ETmBefJdA8ypjfuMPNPBXM89Ds9AymQmUUCN7kSjQm2TCqqydg6E2ZEz9PNp3T1LGvuCWs9o2UESbc_kIbe7K-p-JgSzCiTyhVeUDzUoav3Cx0cMr_8olXFvo/s4032/20230619_114248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HQhvzvklGlLhyo2h5ZaqATzdI5g3Gy9XFSyz4kQBXbZjX9y_VLDynfUK0YMRMB8zy29ETmBefJdA8ypjfuMPNPBXM89Ds9AymQmUUCN7kSjQm2TCqqydg6E2ZEz9PNp3T1LGvuCWs9o2UESbc_kIbe7K-p-JgSzCiTyhVeUDzUoav3Cx0cMr_8olXFvo/s320/20230619_114248.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">and chose the spinach and goat cheese quiche of the day with a side salad for $18. It was a marvelously light and creamy way to start the day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVstzjd2QUkTASIVzBGHMwYeyzUJGDoExKVBSdUe8dDvNYtSob3B1bK-3KgT7m6AAlzhFfTS4om5AG9w9NtVHSfoSp1oZHzfuGWZZJrWM92ZRt03tfCZWHIsmP5Ob5NruQIMWRi5c6UyW13nlF0AdU-IduonLcC21KkKY_KpGcxoMd01IgIbdRNVtEeOMp/s4032/20230619_114726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVstzjd2QUkTASIVzBGHMwYeyzUJGDoExKVBSdUe8dDvNYtSob3B1bK-3KgT7m6AAlzhFfTS4om5AG9w9NtVHSfoSp1oZHzfuGWZZJrWM92ZRt03tfCZWHIsmP5Ob5NruQIMWRi5c6UyW13nlF0AdU-IduonLcC21KkKY_KpGcxoMd01IgIbdRNVtEeOMp/s320/20230619_114726.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;">My friend got the chicken pesto omelet for $18 and throughly enjoyed it.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH39LHJgTxbYqwILkVRMBzpc8QwK5KMJjFA7QG7ferml3oNEmcKwKJKTN8OcwJqLvPWgoxcpgtnkWwBXPFJfSmTUqMoUNIhJOi5nDgy-jPF7qJTEwZhNsSs1ce9WO97kxb4cIk_lCs_EfRuPqBcefCwGlhsaF4VyZ0LgD1ho6srbj72Cgm1gR9olMqoTj/s4032/20230619_114714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH39LHJgTxbYqwILkVRMBzpc8QwK5KMJjFA7QG7ferml3oNEmcKwKJKTN8OcwJqLvPWgoxcpgtnkWwBXPFJfSmTUqMoUNIhJOi5nDgy-jPF7qJTEwZhNsSs1ce9WO97kxb4cIk_lCs_EfRuPqBcefCwGlhsaF4VyZ0LgD1ho6srbj72Cgm1gR9olMqoTj/s320/20230619_114714.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Design District of Solano Beach was a perfect place to take a stroll after breakfast. I stopped by <a href="https://loftycoffee.com/pages/solana-beach" target="_blank">Lofty Coffee</a> for a perfect oat milk latte to sustain myself for the drive back to Los Angeles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYROfME0fVZ9v5tJtqnCU7VmTnnQ_UuPDZIO88K9Kt_CP51yWvXoyHZ1rHAOuC4r13AY2cip8AmMKrD72bDf7i_wgX96RZESchT-zrPxnnSyk0q5oJUaDaw4Ha5tU72wOGuZLWJS1YyUa54wKDFMGl8MQToJx9QFZyOc4lrGPidDW5aITbEpsm-i15_66/s4032/20230619_122909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYROfME0fVZ9v5tJtqnCU7VmTnnQ_UuPDZIO88K9Kt_CP51yWvXoyHZ1rHAOuC4r13AY2cip8AmMKrD72bDf7i_wgX96RZESchT-zrPxnnSyk0q5oJUaDaw4Ha5tU72wOGuZLWJS1YyUa54wKDFMGl8MQToJx9QFZyOc4lrGPidDW5aITbEpsm-i15_66/s320/20230619_122909.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-61743244547985184812023-06-26T01:00:00.002-07:002023-06-27T18:07:11.232-07:00Two Days in the Desert<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I used to live in Palm Springs and go there regularly, but I no longer have the ability to drive 2 hours to have a meal with friends out there and then drive 2 hours back to Los Angeles. Road trips over 1 hour driving time now require an overnight stay:) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a pleasure to go back to <a href="https://www.morongocasinoresort.com/dining/cielo" target="_blank">Cielo</a> on the 27th floor of the Morongo Casino. Last time I went there was before Covid for happy hour, but this time I wanted to try their full menu at the restaurant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dinner started off with a great bread basket and delightful butter.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrpkjuo4nOPVKFVv5IHL2pSkbl8cINsm6yAD2DxbGhm8j5t3pO4HmMVJR-kZgQLy60HfaaXRAV4TEBSdZtTa7hYgZVlZdq4QUO9Yb-aJ5vMIpXmoWfTFFDEHAB_EHPmwLvIfUZKwcy65TpV_sL8-3qDjBkppqX7PNXj9yHJ7sCa7A7zh_P2kBT4iJHTYw/s4032/20230611_175852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrpkjuo4nOPVKFVv5IHL2pSkbl8cINsm6yAD2DxbGhm8j5t3pO4HmMVJR-kZgQLy60HfaaXRAV4TEBSdZtTa7hYgZVlZdq4QUO9Yb-aJ5vMIpXmoWfTFFDEHAB_EHPmwLvIfUZKwcy65TpV_sL8-3qDjBkppqX7PNXj9yHJ7sCa7A7zh_P2kBT4iJHTYw/s320/20230611_175852.jpg" width="240" /></span></a> </div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;">Fried calamari for $25 was delicately fried and enough to share for as appetizer.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyCEGph5BfZ7kKS4TyV-tiGlJdGyR1_a-j_Qkoy28eTl0sAFHTO651UZFRio1mqpa79T2bj4YZJZwJDapJdHddQgozybxEeh7XBH1CE7h-YDhaePsi5M1NRpOqmN2GBhoPVpY0T-fUhhIORQPhetFdq87HKXhzgjCULM1qHQaFpQrgT7t2gRxJkR7LIeV/s4032/20230611_180910~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyCEGph5BfZ7kKS4TyV-tiGlJdGyR1_a-j_Qkoy28eTl0sAFHTO651UZFRio1mqpa79T2bj4YZJZwJDapJdHddQgozybxEeh7XBH1CE7h-YDhaePsi5M1NRpOqmN2GBhoPVpY0T-fUhhIORQPhetFdq87HKXhzgjCULM1qHQaFpQrgT7t2gRxJkR7LIeV/s320/20230611_180910~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Kale Chopped salad for $18 with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cipollini onions, pecans and apple, served with a blood orange vinaigrette was enough to share or could have been a meal for one person.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVTsot789vfhWQFeAqz6MBzoO1dHndn-RiIAwJO6-OnxOlAjF7xMO5qYTQpqoOVUtBocejiht1mlzcuFOw2oI1zsWkh4YY85k3BKDet6TqSEbjxDDUZ52eCMq8qTA1C-CMul8MKbrtcR_A4x7GFjF-6PFH5HVM4OA7oQcr6eph5V2Rjn6ZbUBpGfpQ1Xd/s4032/20230611_183150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVTsot789vfhWQFeAqz6MBzoO1dHndn-RiIAwJO6-OnxOlAjF7xMO5qYTQpqoOVUtBocejiht1mlzcuFOw2oI1zsWkh4YY85k3BKDet6TqSEbjxDDUZ52eCMq8qTA1C-CMul8MKbrtcR_A4x7GFjF-6PFH5HVM4OA7oQcr6eph5V2Rjn6ZbUBpGfpQ1Xd/s320/20230611_183150.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The shrimp and fettuccine pasta for $44 was very buttery and loaded with plump perfectly cooked shrimp in a garlic and basil. After all the starters it was nearly impossible to eat the whole thing, but the leftovers kept well enough in the hotel fridge to eat the next day.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIqHqx-7Zya_Vycisk9eTcJP9z5mDfEIu5VGwSdIKU47kftl4U13UbbnkHIyR3ldCduVwtQ59Hxmvwp6YIJpraV4EiHl-80eVSOYPy0RgdiMhLBTvxBPMBmG1glI8f0yYYSVZat_0dGKIPfccEZQ7cE08N0GFAhtdp9OI83hSLAV5K_5LMASR3O8wD2ac/s4032/20230611_185943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIqHqx-7Zya_Vycisk9eTcJP9z5mDfEIu5VGwSdIKU47kftl4U13UbbnkHIyR3ldCduVwtQ59Hxmvwp6YIJpraV4EiHl-80eVSOYPy0RgdiMhLBTvxBPMBmG1glI8f0yYYSVZat_0dGKIPfccEZQ7cE08N0GFAhtdp9OI83hSLAV5K_5LMASR3O8wD2ac/s320/20230611_185943.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Since Cielo is basically a steakhouse, we also ordered the kurabota pork chop for $48 cooked medium with a marsala reduction that was a perfect for any meat lover who appreciates quality pork done with a light hand and expertly cooked.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyshZiPqnvn5qiBEQOI3glYul5LhUeRqIWZwqCjHUEtc0sfvs72Bk3ChNkgVbjI5DOPWSjEH5OcfzUNon7Hcuf7q6f7qpSXbEBe-XeOjmsUHLPo_ObaI45tAeCZ8cVRnafqx2mpgSgLE5WETsyObYxJPsa1g6rd_6ipShapwJsSIHnze9__ZZYCYeV9D_6/s4032/20230611_185959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyshZiPqnvn5qiBEQOI3glYul5LhUeRqIWZwqCjHUEtc0sfvs72Bk3ChNkgVbjI5DOPWSjEH5OcfzUNon7Hcuf7q6f7qpSXbEBe-XeOjmsUHLPo_ObaI45tAeCZ8cVRnafqx2mpgSgLE5WETsyObYxJPsa1g6rd_6ipShapwJsSIHnze9__ZZYCYeV9D_6/s320/20230611_185959.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Since my friend had an upcoming birthday, Cielo offered us a brownie, chocolate covered strawberry, whipped cream and berries dessert with extra spoons for sharing ;)</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3940" data-original-width="2576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjI1vxg63u8YzGYGiK5-sGLKDhRa1MgTksudXEp28dxrMmBlLF0o1N02x6vK2Pl2dU1yc8BSMg8WF2iceVGm8ZMeArkHIiA5JPXy5Xj1vwN58prbX3R-YrlUT-QEad05v4jJ1l2gv-1DAXiPjcuYjOlhyZnV844jdt2XkHjCCzI5AZHcAJDKi66ihi19UB/s320/20230611_193446~2.jpg" width="209" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The next day, I met another friend in Palm Springs at <a href="https://farmpalmsprings.com/" target="_blank">The Farm</a> for brunch. The most decadent dish on the menu was the bacon, chicken, sausage, and waffle with a side of potatoes for $18 so of course we had to try it! It was a rich as it looks and I recommend a giant salad for dinner if you eat this for brunch!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh907s68nfpeckd5abVy6_CMbwllBwI4HXG8LPnHq43uOa7TWnuofpBvwWoaQC3lPSQaz9PcIPT4pTj6_ZSexzI_eGDEdeTHIoGX6kPQPaMKHMe3sDATXedugw3PFn8491LKQAhV5KJYfYh6qd7Hsu37sVI_KiKAAkoa10UbPg4kPibk0ogrMHyou0R3u5g/s4032/20230612_130814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh907s68nfpeckd5abVy6_CMbwllBwI4HXG8LPnHq43uOa7TWnuofpBvwWoaQC3lPSQaz9PcIPT4pTj6_ZSexzI_eGDEdeTHIoGX6kPQPaMKHMe3sDATXedugw3PFn8491LKQAhV5KJYfYh6qd7Hsu37sVI_KiKAAkoa10UbPg4kPibk0ogrMHyou0R3u5g/s320/20230612_130814.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;">We got a side of crab cakes to share.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5LQ8GZyYAZnh81NXCdC9j7ZkHCQKlIZze1nSOXZvDWiI3J27QhTWfDnJvg-8M6jGJMNGRCnnFnRxuEmW3eOz9AaT3xuQc1yKHB7MoTqrVWQkziN1hweUvukRY-O1V4PV1Vy4KY6FzWz0zbEbcSJJKpkLiAqWfMCeNQ3Mxjip_Dj3RTO50Zsjuf1pXIAm/s2714/20230612_130506~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2470" data-original-width="2714" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5LQ8GZyYAZnh81NXCdC9j7ZkHCQKlIZze1nSOXZvDWiI3J27QhTWfDnJvg-8M6jGJMNGRCnnFnRxuEmW3eOz9AaT3xuQc1yKHB7MoTqrVWQkziN1hweUvukRY-O1V4PV1Vy4KY6FzWz0zbEbcSJJKpkLiAqWfMCeNQ3Mxjip_Dj3RTO50Zsjuf1pXIAm/s320/20230612_130506~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I got the eggs Florentine for $15 and enjoyed it even though I prefer the traditional English muffin bottom to the multi grain bread they used.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRpaaNg43KdmhJnWNICuc33HaG0N1pnYKx1puMS3LiEY9R5aZj_TVpUx16PpqBnSeYC6tTzOKO6Sz267QzM0h7ASLNW9MuuIDDd5j3LCaPgpjgv3j1ap3h6jccM_OXPuhusZ-muibAMTopHYjmgfEC6y3WfEu976Kn7iVYN60YU1_pmk8eN9RXrvBruF9/s4032/20230612_130831~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRpaaNg43KdmhJnWNICuc33HaG0N1pnYKx1puMS3LiEY9R5aZj_TVpUx16PpqBnSeYC6tTzOKO6Sz267QzM0h7ASLNW9MuuIDDd5j3LCaPgpjgv3j1ap3h6jccM_OXPuhusZ-muibAMTopHYjmgfEC6y3WfEu976Kn7iVYN60YU1_pmk8eN9RXrvBruF9/s320/20230612_130831~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We ordered 2 glasses of the Bouvet Brut for $11 each and toasted the pricelessness of friendship.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fDd6Ius_UPiFMIIQWPD9Zx-dFJziobqDDPNAoj0MbUie-D67ZvLL0rG95jAENxLeHzIYLreba-qJVrrcRaRBiPmE7KJYeZH4ZAg2gT0lBT24WFjhz_7bcQqHqEM2rdDb3wX5jqavImp7Z57aejYKjuwAKkZuSx9P3z7eJtS_TE4VtGlfGP5Qhctv8dbt/s4032/20230612_131351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fDd6Ius_UPiFMIIQWPD9Zx-dFJziobqDDPNAoj0MbUie-D67ZvLL0rG95jAENxLeHzIYLreba-qJVrrcRaRBiPmE7KJYeZH4ZAg2gT0lBT24WFjhz_7bcQqHqEM2rdDb3wX5jqavImp7Z57aejYKjuwAKkZuSx9P3z7eJtS_TE4VtGlfGP5Qhctv8dbt/s320/20230612_131351.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-79953254436979450212023-06-12T01:00:00.001-07:002023-06-12T01:00:00.145-07:00Day in Laguna Beach<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meeting friends at Laguna Beach was like taking a vacation for a day. E</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ven though I now live less than 10 miles from the ocean, the last time I went to the beach was when out of town guests came in from overseas. Maybe because beach visits are related to vacations, it seems I only make to the beach when it's either my vacation or someone else's vacation :)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My friends chose <a href="https://www.hotellaguna.org/larsen" target="_blank">Larsen</a> at the Hotel Laguna for its panoramic views and Californian food. Making a reservation in advance will help guarantee one of the window seats, so plan ahead. The easy onsite valet parking (validation at the restaurant makes it reasonably priced for beachfront hotel parking). </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhkCwA5wbESEMlOYu0h6b8-ymuTU6wzYt06HB0tkPtNe6zuAZRcRSXu9H7JhHT8e1tAgNKBS9sDANXo6IXBlBBy--wGS9JABqnRxHQBrud6iIbSu7wLGqZfed9pLbGk4eHsZOGmVAfgRcKi-KlDInX4-o-lZ2T_chufbPChRHtAz76zcFkiBQWmu8Jg/s320/20230528_134920.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We all enjoyed the shared calamari appetizer for $24</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ9c6i1JBxHE3H6TJlg_C__1um2mt0En6t0kTuYQatnKircHnvso6OOq4Inh5XGFnozXUCuoFzPp_xJp81fJGnB-xtiDigWqz6oweI7B0dQFrAwzwhS76gvXasyjSsHhrJiwjcoVJrXcvHdBRj4DkZtZChYhAJqq4FDqm-cXefyau_nzwnt7kQCixFw/s3244/20230528_142227~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3244" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ9c6i1JBxHE3H6TJlg_C__1um2mt0En6t0kTuYQatnKircHnvso6OOq4Inh5XGFnozXUCuoFzPp_xJp81fJGnB-xtiDigWqz6oweI7B0dQFrAwzwhS76gvXasyjSsHhrJiwjcoVJrXcvHdBRj4DkZtZChYhAJqq4FDqm-cXefyau_nzwnt7kQCixFw/s320/20230528_142227~2.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">One meat eater chose the caesar salad ($18) with added steak ($16) which was enjoyed even cooked at medium instead of rare doneness.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bJWlNu5m_Q2dJw0Wx7-avPUtDHNL1xn_0HNtPjUslHy6SXC7-VZLyVF73d3iiCI5HyuoQa7Ik_qi5aaSpAPzAvq8fw7EHYtvtWdUDJ2zfTE9XczGp7dKIhzJGqA50ligs0S6rg00ZHPhSieXem2axdoWBdo6CdVIYLpozLhyp7_BDXNMhK9C471WyA/s2855/20230528_143109~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="2191" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bJWlNu5m_Q2dJw0Wx7-avPUtDHNL1xn_0HNtPjUslHy6SXC7-VZLyVF73d3iiCI5HyuoQa7Ik_qi5aaSpAPzAvq8fw7EHYtvtWdUDJ2zfTE9XczGp7dKIhzJGqA50ligs0S6rg00ZHPhSieXem2axdoWBdo6CdVIYLpozLhyp7_BDXNMhK9C471WyA/s320/20230528_143109~2.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;">I chose the $28 octopus which tasted much better than the presentation looks.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkRCIvKb05qrk6JN4flctskzIBx4iIVgNrN4EOSJSG4SolZ37lChTjq5OBY9aepULX-9GjpaDlXNrkmGmD4JzW1oSbL3xDCbNSV4dTzC2-yxCPO0xyDrPpOJcrFNrwnwtrdhmYLIbqoUfQLf4dhgSNiVw2c-FaIDyhPb32kpDYImm-ZbhTBqlDce1yw/s4032/20230528_143114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkRCIvKb05qrk6JN4flctskzIBx4iIVgNrN4EOSJSG4SolZ37lChTjq5OBY9aepULX-9GjpaDlXNrkmGmD4JzW1oSbL3xDCbNSV4dTzC2-yxCPO0xyDrPpOJcrFNrwnwtrdhmYLIbqoUfQLf4dhgSNiVw2c-FaIDyhPb32kpDYImm-ZbhTBqlDce1yw/s320/20230528_143114.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This is half of the $26 shaved steak sandwich which was the least enjoyed of all our entrées.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fc5q2BQjc4Lrx-6y_1E8SAD6IwrlxAWW4A7O6ODmsJRRVGAIbHhYtNuTnjkV0DI83WMHClymfUEhMrCCzYQFZ7BoLhQX6-zaGtxFTFiV1gYSicxlhGl3DvTJ-rs5DkjJeWMcDv88mfCTFo6_c3P6kG7nmXP8Pi6ic_aPxn9xx0yij--b4dsZ5_vbIA/s4032/20230528_143308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fc5q2BQjc4Lrx-6y_1E8SAD6IwrlxAWW4A7O6ODmsJRRVGAIbHhYtNuTnjkV0DI83WMHClymfUEhMrCCzYQFZ7BoLhQX6-zaGtxFTFiV1gYSicxlhGl3DvTJ-rs5DkjJeWMcDv88mfCTFo6_c3P6kG7nmXP8Pi6ic_aPxn9xx0yij--b4dsZ5_vbIA/s320/20230528_143308.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After a stroll through Forest Avenue and a seat people watching at the beach, we decided to go for coffee before driving back. My local friends suggested <a href="https://zeytooncafe.com/" target="_blank">Zéytoon</a> with a quiet upper patio featuring a view of the water.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-utLHeUu6p5Aq4D_o-bKi93RglwzMcoOnZSpq9XCLko2O4ziO2pX9XhQLoCRiQYHjf_jCy32gwKMGxohYWWCbFNN7BlrqH4-VvnEpQPpO9WwD7ZLMwEyKIIR_q_tHLIfJtr0D-MPdXKt9IOBeU2njcmua3JYxLUy_5qPxhgcR4CkJGF2aEU1sLG5hA/s4032/20230528_174920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-utLHeUu6p5Aq4D_o-bKi93RglwzMcoOnZSpq9XCLko2O4ziO2pX9XhQLoCRiQYHjf_jCy32gwKMGxohYWWCbFNN7BlrqH4-VvnEpQPpO9WwD7ZLMwEyKIIR_q_tHLIfJtr0D-MPdXKt9IOBeU2njcmua3JYxLUy_5qPxhgcR4CkJGF2aEU1sLG5hA/s320/20230528_174920.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They also serve wine and savory bites ranging from hummus and grape leaves to paninis and kebabs if you want something more substantial than the sweet pastries we chose.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUj_vBYYJsu8ydneMUFMWXMuB2mVBzuoORD84Oor9S1Qu6qZPp7ruz9E6B3CG1r1-dh2eXbY4s3X1ZR7SiYPF9oUgbJLbFQeW7RV2LxP21MLZB--xJTXELmGI5APpvCDdVjMIyerVC6kj8TCBbGhqf_s-El5Ei2EGKl2ppPGrqOWVkMY5Xbx37Z7_sA/s4032/20230528_172008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUj_vBYYJsu8ydneMUFMWXMuB2mVBzuoORD84Oor9S1Qu6qZPp7ruz9E6B3CG1r1-dh2eXbY4s3X1ZR7SiYPF9oUgbJLbFQeW7RV2LxP21MLZB--xJTXELmGI5APpvCDdVjMIyerVC6kj8TCBbGhqf_s-El5Ei2EGKl2ppPGrqOWVkMY5Xbx37Z7_sA/s320/20230528_172008.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtv4M7WwxYZeltzc6L_7dvs0lZNr09trk4oP5K6VajgtvMp7f4t4sMVTTTPCsyb_SKUlT0_PrhNbK0_izqa6HQK9Yn3BlZH8ChaEv2-HEgfUt68DkAdOgPO6m4nzO70wRbyIf-HQarsUM_BvdYy8BRza9uRojhDqa2ltaMfg3NGICziHz2k8IxS3N0w/s4032/20230528_172014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtv4M7WwxYZeltzc6L_7dvs0lZNr09trk4oP5K6VajgtvMp7f4t4sMVTTTPCsyb_SKUlT0_PrhNbK0_izqa6HQK9Yn3BlZH8ChaEv2-HEgfUt68DkAdOgPO6m4nzO70wRbyIf-HQarsUM_BvdYy8BRza9uRojhDqa2ltaMfg3NGICziHz2k8IxS3N0w/s320/20230528_172014.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their cappuccino was the perfect amount of caffeinated fuel to safely make the drive home.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdOyD-ZG1YP3J47lsN82LbEALvL25YaPJUXsO2SWkneHlwzLYd5pDX4nvCaZhCdHX-OfXw-KMC84u37wZ0E8urh7HCrbHkxYLHZDO_RlUzrCjSTWr9v0IDzfM8YpiAdAe_ovRedOU-h4pomygv-PKM8MyYdKCA0Hl4BG0oMg9CAg9DConWTtAwoibSA/s4032/20230528_172022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdOyD-ZG1YP3J47lsN82LbEALvL25YaPJUXsO2SWkneHlwzLYd5pDX4nvCaZhCdHX-OfXw-KMC84u37wZ0E8urh7HCrbHkxYLHZDO_RlUzrCjSTWr9v0IDzfM8YpiAdAe_ovRedOU-h4pomygv-PKM8MyYdKCA0Hl4BG0oMg9CAg9DConWTtAwoibSA/s320/20230528_172022.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-45607055951483644462023-05-08T01:00:00.001-07:002023-05-08T01:00:00.280-07:00Holbox & Chichen Itza<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have not been to <a href="https://www.holboxla.com/#/" target="_blank">Holbox</a> since before Covid 19, so when I had several appointments nearby, I made it a point to stop by and treat my tastebuds to fresh fish and seafood. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They were remodeling their kitchen, so they were operating out of their food truck parked in front. The menu was limited to ceviches and tacos for a few weeks, but they had a special of ceviche mixto with shrimp, octopus, and fish served with a crisp fried tortilla, along with 2 fried baja rockfish tacos for only $19. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every bite of the ceviche was perfectly marinated with lime, onions, and topped with avocado and micro cilantro. The generous serving was more than enough for one person, so I saved some to take home and concentrated on the lightly battered fried rockfish tacos served with cabbage slaw, tomatoes, and a drizzle of crema and lime on excellent corn tortillas.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6QTwowFGRmcSBRHfpuOHUz4sOTTHYNygUbi01QaA1zoZg4kktfr_lqGqrXdLCABjNcazfRzRLoVu16wcyyiHsPqr4cwFdPIksuLy_6blK6XW201ZfHgSUqBebM_MtsjAcgHfoma0odVWuOmCpFrnc9ed6Yc7L8e26kXzTfdL4yOjpykwyUanmdrluA/s4032/20230405_154526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6QTwowFGRmcSBRHfpuOHUz4sOTTHYNygUbi01QaA1zoZg4kktfr_lqGqrXdLCABjNcazfRzRLoVu16wcyyiHsPqr4cwFdPIksuLy_6blK6XW201ZfHgSUqBebM_MtsjAcgHfoma0odVWuOmCpFrnc9ed6Yc7L8e26kXzTfdL4yOjpykwyUanmdrluA/s320/20230405_154526.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeDDQIZ8FaXb3KM-awIm1E_JchrOCJezejA3_1GOB7_EFCb94od_NKXD_upNtgsYuogucj4HHXBSF5RaLccvkvIVJOej-VajDX1-WJ_bZddnMUg607tj_2bQYY9Z42RzVQsNxC49tQkfG7IyRQ-EZSBbXy8L4SIo549o0xUEH-bsjJQaQtTc8p2b1Yw/s3730/20230405_154721~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3730" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeDDQIZ8FaXb3KM-awIm1E_JchrOCJezejA3_1GOB7_EFCb94od_NKXD_upNtgsYuogucj4HHXBSF5RaLccvkvIVJOej-VajDX1-WJ_bZddnMUg607tj_2bQYY9Z42RzVQsNxC49tQkfG7IyRQ-EZSBbXy8L4SIo549o0xUEH-bsjJQaQtTc8p2b1Yw/s320/20230405_154721~2.jpg" width="259" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Since I had several visits to the area, I got different tacos on different visits, like the scallops ($8 each), octopus ($7 each), and shrimp ($6 each). Each one was either lightly seared or fried and all served with the same hearty corn tortillas.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxANZFdip_JJHzE6OjkAztE41T3K5v24sTvkrjPxB0tcUV_Z_IRoLcFEyS7YXUkKeU-JidKSsi1ItfdHqu3fZYjlGFrHVhZzxbMn-Mp6DpdwsOypSrpdZdRFIbqh8OuyEsLTRGDHdNXmoER3Lpqqr8vecGNHuVqQd-OpcWy-NGxTQAOf39SSYamdOuJg/s4032/20230411_155002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxANZFdip_JJHzE6OjkAztE41T3K5v24sTvkrjPxB0tcUV_Z_IRoLcFEyS7YXUkKeU-JidKSsi1ItfdHqu3fZYjlGFrHVhZzxbMn-Mp6DpdwsOypSrpdZdRFIbqh8OuyEsLTRGDHdNXmoER3Lpqqr8vecGNHuVqQd-OpcWy-NGxTQAOf39SSYamdOuJg/s320/20230411_155002.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSamnotxR1gDeMH1OdYcCGKqjmXAXmP3EHrpvgmLMCJbm8xBcJNAsaIu9tGEwRCs3UDcaz8YdMusVaFQfgum8f6Q3xkIdI4he8KX2CsYHnre4hQxJJDFaBihCq0YV4deoFF6gDvwamEjCd-dI9c5V3kUphfNQTvq6v9ft65QHa_HFp-Ih9dYHvjLulRQ/s4032/20230411_155016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSamnotxR1gDeMH1OdYcCGKqjmXAXmP3EHrpvgmLMCJbm8xBcJNAsaIu9tGEwRCs3UDcaz8YdMusVaFQfgum8f6Q3xkIdI4he8KX2CsYHnre4hQxJJDFaBihCq0YV4deoFF6gDvwamEjCd-dI9c5V3kUphfNQTvq6v9ft65QHa_HFp-Ih9dYHvjLulRQ/s320/20230411_155016.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">When they finally reopened inside <a href="http://www.mercadolapaloma.com/" target="_blank">Mercado La Paloma</a> with a large new kitchen and seating area, I immediately ordered the whole branzino for $28 with cilantro rice, black beans, x'catic sauce, avocado, tomato salsa, and corn tortillas. Their branzino is one of my favorites in all of Los Angeles, stuffed with lemon and fennel, and tenderly grilled.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8MRsJe1hJDnS8DOHY9T_S-jXhTLoLIpdUaJRn1FqctM-Og_l9UP911QqKdqhZqmSWUWr9uldo4QRmQF2uV_xU5sQc9-8JPkwt1luVl6cgukJQUbuAzQVLTO-LkFQL9WijgrjIU_pU9FJQVe9P0y8fXt4-BEpqSJYBG95w3QqbtskGsEmQZ_m31lQEw/s4032/20230504_160506~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1993" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8MRsJe1hJDnS8DOHY9T_S-jXhTLoLIpdUaJRn1FqctM-Og_l9UP911QqKdqhZqmSWUWr9uldo4QRmQF2uV_xU5sQc9-8JPkwt1luVl6cgukJQUbuAzQVLTO-LkFQL9WijgrjIU_pU9FJQVe9P0y8fXt4-BEpqSJYBG95w3QqbtskGsEmQZ_m31lQEw/s320/20230504_160506~2.jpg" width="158" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While waiting for the remodeled Holbox to open inside Mercado La Paloma, I also revisited <a href="https://www.chichenitzarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Chichen Itza</a>, Holbox's sister restaurant in the same Mercado. I ordered the rockfish special which came with a salad of orange and jicama, and served on a bed of rice with a citrusy sauce that tempted me to lick my plate :) On another day the pollo asado, marinated in achiote and sour orange juice for $14.95 served with black beans, cabbage, rice, tortillas, and fried plantains was such a generous serving that I made 2 meals out of it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their habanero sauce is addictive, but thankfully they sell bottles of it so you can take some home until your next visit.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTzccuPx-b0_vC3MLcqfbhQMdH20elAkLg9Y4OSEyd52X_SrxcmsdNixFpPw3DVFdk8LQUxz_5Y8cwRZeBkR9h-q0goxNt-t0x7D1J2BL5L2-z1gci7Fa_-5xVpp7ECScbfGwrhrx1NMRNUyvR443mLNa8g5qzuVHNHCQcr1Dpyk0kbbdmP8TRp_Ypw/s4032/20230425_162659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTzccuPx-b0_vC3MLcqfbhQMdH20elAkLg9Y4OSEyd52X_SrxcmsdNixFpPw3DVFdk8LQUxz_5Y8cwRZeBkR9h-q0goxNt-t0x7D1J2BL5L2-z1gci7Fa_-5xVpp7ECScbfGwrhrx1NMRNUyvR443mLNa8g5qzuVHNHCQcr1Dpyk0kbbdmP8TRp_Ypw/s320/20230425_162659.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe6D3IDpRmU25BoPV8HQ440F3LH8xU8ecLWvexEt-K0cDVebO55NKgg1RCPcwOHJE9RBVtU-Sz6eQhN2YoNM9Yw5M2BRHyQv7djl-mf0b8-qyAyWujLDAghD8xnk3IT5rX5xFrUfy5iGsWd_X_os1ROJRa3dw3tLqjd318M0GUA_i6MNoGOrR0CiZig/s4032/20230425_162656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe6D3IDpRmU25BoPV8HQ440F3LH8xU8ecLWvexEt-K0cDVebO55NKgg1RCPcwOHJE9RBVtU-Sz6eQhN2YoNM9Yw5M2BRHyQv7djl-mf0b8-qyAyWujLDAghD8xnk3IT5rX5xFrUfy5iGsWd_X_os1ROJRa3dw3tLqjd318M0GUA_i6MNoGOrR0CiZig/s320/20230425_162656.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXauFlT2XE1hdp1y7cM2ICTsbvx1gDTxFbosJmzEbNBTsLKhQrmZgg4Bs3gZSctp3NSvSGVXM4EnouGY093qisRT-t8I77FytXQqktedszY29ojk0EB4S_7x2D5JQeY80WBpaRomeH62Rrb_tYi_RXNf42xVI7TOpNrjYww7aA_Ve-0c7qlbYGw22jg/s4032/20230425_162653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXauFlT2XE1hdp1y7cM2ICTsbvx1gDTxFbosJmzEbNBTsLKhQrmZgg4Bs3gZSctp3NSvSGVXM4EnouGY093qisRT-t8I77FytXQqktedszY29ojk0EB4S_7x2D5JQeY80WBpaRomeH62Rrb_tYi_RXNf42xVI7TOpNrjYww7aA_Ve-0c7qlbYGw22jg/s320/20230425_162653.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsrKXZaEGf2FaVjenzgMWZpF7GHqhaugQDKPYcR66JyVshnGf_IEFulLBC7-4XiomB2csCVb14uX97EW16DzX_aH_drpRG0pJc4ZmOnho4iis4VcoOa02tivU7Q1pbV6M5wrLRDzu2aWW3iiM5QonR92jcnRG9LHThiFmNIWsTK4Qq_9MqZ4SdWcB2Q/s4032/20230425_161929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsrKXZaEGf2FaVjenzgMWZpF7GHqhaugQDKPYcR66JyVshnGf_IEFulLBC7-4XiomB2csCVb14uX97EW16DzX_aH_drpRG0pJc4ZmOnho4iis4VcoOa02tivU7Q1pbV6M5wrLRDzu2aWW3iiM5QonR92jcnRG9LHThiFmNIWsTK4Qq_9MqZ4SdWcB2Q/s320/20230425_161929.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-89115444353372429902023-04-17T01:00:00.003-07:002023-04-17T01:00:00.212-07:00Adore Dessert Café<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I was very happy to hear that <a href="https://elaine-travels.blogspot.com/2018/07/desserts-by-patrick.html">Patrick</a>, my favorite French dessert maestro, is back in the US and has opened <a href="https://www.adoredessertcafe.com/">Adore Dessert Café</a> with his partner Kaity! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Their new space is much bigger with plenty of free parking, close to the Redondo Beach Pier on Catalina Ave. They will also be expanding their menu beyond desserts once they hire enough staff. In the meantime, they are serving their wonderful viennoiseries, patisseries, quiches, coffee and tea.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I love their buttery croissants, cannelés, pain au chocolat, ham and cheese croissants, and their incredibly light and fluffy vegetable and mushroom quiches.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I've missed their smiling faces and happy energy as much as their rose macarons. Like recovering a lost treasure, the sadness of loss only adds to the pleasure of finding more than you began with in the first place :)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRo4bx94ZfGFGsHGOKA3-o9y4aYkAPVFto7Zf8M6fhD8NOkPysSvXADEJQs3WZJhrzItIBTA1rFWgumgTrZ-uAHFU7NSZDm71ePULRnNZr0oZ9E8YHbYw99P1VLNinePPiNc4xndmxCJdEJQ6JK5XlUNkSP_VJbG0dqVdQB_X6jAQCEUAE1NSRBz0Lw/s3900/20230415_103724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="3900" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRo4bx94ZfGFGsHGOKA3-o9y4aYkAPVFto7Zf8M6fhD8NOkPysSvXADEJQs3WZJhrzItIBTA1rFWgumgTrZ-uAHFU7NSZDm71ePULRnNZr0oZ9E8YHbYw99P1VLNinePPiNc4xndmxCJdEJQ6JK5XlUNkSP_VJbG0dqVdQB_X6jAQCEUAE1NSRBz0Lw/s320/20230415_103724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPJBKx6fVT6g0q-UQ0yanjqyJCTvCHgcZPJeqs5u0X8XjwQdOrILiMRWjp_tV2YA4dYSndBS_chHin3112qE-WXNPr2Fl6iZekOCqfZS9gta62dVKjH686uhOKRNY8T85A03Vtd5BS8Xgi0kC5bJDS4jZUSx4XJqOkCU3ifgMPQCtgxf0OQsUz4yiRA/s2859/20230415_133329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1774" data-original-width="2859" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPJBKx6fVT6g0q-UQ0yanjqyJCTvCHgcZPJeqs5u0X8XjwQdOrILiMRWjp_tV2YA4dYSndBS_chHin3112qE-WXNPr2Fl6iZekOCqfZS9gta62dVKjH686uhOKRNY8T85A03Vtd5BS8Xgi0kC5bJDS4jZUSx4XJqOkCU3ifgMPQCtgxf0OQsUz4yiRA/s320/20230415_133329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJpjKqLlwcS0WUvaiI0eHMIsu916XDfxo0-6GLew6gemcPg4ilhWDdgO6XqgCJI3CLki2jmbRPxa-gnp8QxEXHXt1u9IjeoHqVTmQ75t7CJolSWE5DViwOxGXxZLiIHRbyWGLsYhOZdAYQZPYlmDlBMswWq3RO2n0tK5IAVOJ0h5hSBOMlAGMv4_kFA/s3035/20230414_121358~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3035" data-original-width="2709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJpjKqLlwcS0WUvaiI0eHMIsu916XDfxo0-6GLew6gemcPg4ilhWDdgO6XqgCJI3CLki2jmbRPxa-gnp8QxEXHXt1u9IjeoHqVTmQ75t7CJolSWE5DViwOxGXxZLiIHRbyWGLsYhOZdAYQZPYlmDlBMswWq3RO2n0tK5IAVOJ0h5hSBOMlAGMv4_kFA/s320/20230414_121358~2.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxnluqm9d400ew1b864EqBCjctiFW6yPz0UkEx3jK75yycB0GVro4CACNZPeH2u617W55sQblJhv_mSW5OPej718J0cph4PnKxj4Z3GdmUv4VdZmYl0wTEN228DKrGHichY9y92yDFwuxtewaRJe0AAXpUXSYisY2AKf8DnUhPBl0Lqdv-tPiNjuMuA/s4032/20230414_121350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxnluqm9d400ew1b864EqBCjctiFW6yPz0UkEx3jK75yycB0GVro4CACNZPeH2u617W55sQblJhv_mSW5OPej718J0cph4PnKxj4Z3GdmUv4VdZmYl0wTEN228DKrGHichY9y92yDFwuxtewaRJe0AAXpUXSYisY2AKf8DnUhPBl0Lqdv-tPiNjuMuA/s320/20230414_121350.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOChNFi9YFInqWUmTCcwfAMBdoGQ2VuBhqgeeCa7-Ucuh7IsS70PlZJxVdgbylEXbsUjbJVfe_5JvCqVNLTC8-IzDzSD5wgm2t91q-D7W1iLOX907PvWXA5aHjULTc_hLH1jg8RIX3t8EOIvWH-WYCbs4wX5jdnXqyimwUg5d2uPuhuthzDsRDkbZAFg/s3989/20230414_115613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="3989" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOChNFi9YFInqWUmTCcwfAMBdoGQ2VuBhqgeeCa7-Ucuh7IsS70PlZJxVdgbylEXbsUjbJVfe_5JvCqVNLTC8-IzDzSD5wgm2t91q-D7W1iLOX907PvWXA5aHjULTc_hLH1jg8RIX3t8EOIvWH-WYCbs4wX5jdnXqyimwUg5d2uPuhuthzDsRDkbZAFg/s320/20230414_115613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtNMoYiRt6wZI13QCpyPDIaVaVcmLPkvLD_7296nMZ1sE6_2ZG3bYALmMp3xf8gxIpcwIncX6I4oULilFVrN2-9EVE6-vl4JqMYTJuEYZQ0z4hLhK3R3W3aNf6RxVYKhIZFp_4CldqfG5ZGuMi0G6kXcditKCwymPda3jhDnJJRQ8Y9m2A6SFKjH3_Q/s4032/20230414_115609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2541" data-original-width="4032" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtNMoYiRt6wZI13QCpyPDIaVaVcmLPkvLD_7296nMZ1sE6_2ZG3bYALmMp3xf8gxIpcwIncX6I4oULilFVrN2-9EVE6-vl4JqMYTJuEYZQ0z4hLhK3R3W3aNf6RxVYKhIZFp_4CldqfG5ZGuMi0G6kXcditKCwymPda3jhDnJJRQ8Y9m2A6SFKjH3_Q/s320/20230414_115609.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-48036773890669529082023-04-03T01:00:00.094-07:002023-04-03T01:00:00.188-07:00Pizzeria Bianco<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like everyone else who watched the <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81292981" target="_blank">Netflix show</a> about <a href="https://www.pizzeriabianco.com/los-angeles" target="_blank">Pizzeria Bianco</a>, I wanted to catch a flight to Phoenix just to eat pizza! Thankfully Chris Bianco came to DTLA and opened up in a beautiful space at the Row (where <a href="https://la.smorgasburg.com/" target="_blank">Smorgasburg </a>is held on week-ends), with plenty of parking, and in a patrolled and well lit (i.e., safe) area. It took me months to get a reservation at 5:30pm, but I grabbed the 1st opening and even though I knew traffic would be a bear, my party was still 20 minutes late, taking freeway alternatives.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I got there 1st so I ordered a marvelous glass of Italian red, tried to settle in after the driving derby experience. We started with the little gem salad for $12 that was simply delicious and a perfect portion to share.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRtQAzvew4Z4xJ1aEzKHMKtnsxK0UP_oQCm35_yFfswuv-fmXaYdrHSWR6O2jbIYNJGf7DtTwdL3kwDtpTyGPj6KySYkansEUsHbjv40peEr3HY4bLGeqzC3Y2iRoZEw1FxS7eac6QnWkedrLPsyqxOrI341XyJyfCMbRjnhnMKNhENYs0kUslzPAxA/s2892/20230308_175156~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2493" data-original-width="2892" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRtQAzvew4Z4xJ1aEzKHMKtnsxK0UP_oQCm35_yFfswuv-fmXaYdrHSWR6O2jbIYNJGf7DtTwdL3kwDtpTyGPj6KySYkansEUsHbjv40peEr3HY4bLGeqzC3Y2iRoZEw1FxS7eac6QnWkedrLPsyqxOrI341XyJyfCMbRjnhnMKNhENYs0kUslzPAxA/s320/20230308_175156~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The marinara for $22 was a no brainer, with tomato sauce, oregano and garlic; like the salad, it was simply wonderful and every component perfectly complimented each other.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb78l9Aec32F70R3jHDod2JJ6hMTPyys7OYfdc5pk3yJbnwCCKwZIQ2MMKEoe8UhVPRkr94u9CsG0vCjiML0vHnOdMmh60gXF_OCVCvnDZOI2aBn13_g1Jc0w72USkDBmrTDoxVFcPxkj1Z-rJLF4nBCHRCEtmgsRcXZpUY3CBhhfHT8IxhaajYAY0cg/s2895/20230308_180842~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="2895" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb78l9Aec32F70R3jHDod2JJ6hMTPyys7OYfdc5pk3yJbnwCCKwZIQ2MMKEoe8UhVPRkr94u9CsG0vCjiML0vHnOdMmh60gXF_OCVCvnDZOI2aBn13_g1Jc0w72USkDBmrTDoxVFcPxkj1Z-rJLF4nBCHRCEtmgsRcXZpUY3CBhhfHT8IxhaajYAY0cg/s320/20230308_180842~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Wise guy for $27 was a hit with the meat eaters who loved the wood roasted onions, smoked mozzarella, and fennel sausage. We alternated bites of a slice of the marinara and the Wise Guy, and found our happy place:) We contemplated ordering another pie to go, but since we still had leftovers, we decided to just make another reservation instead :)</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9oS4Re9Mi-tyaP3UJqTy-4fXvMk-rdYnvESdNnWzHrAiZ0TfLOq29zTPYSlNTDTbSZwK6oLTswEZvssnMKCwjPenXUdk6_VkOBhgBMHxrNgjMUma1DN0_LGMkXz4kkdrA3xkkaJ59xAqMDuEXRwsOoC2Og481ouFTdZl4WZIAZD74oDSTFqX9JjuZA/s2854/20230308_180313~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2742" data-original-width="2854" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9oS4Re9Mi-tyaP3UJqTy-4fXvMk-rdYnvESdNnWzHrAiZ0TfLOq29zTPYSlNTDTbSZwK6oLTswEZvssnMKCwjPenXUdk6_VkOBhgBMHxrNgjMUma1DN0_LGMkXz4kkdrA3xkkaJ59xAqMDuEXRwsOoC2Og481ouFTdZl4WZIAZD74oDSTFqX9JjuZA/s320/20230308_180313~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pizzeria Bianco is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles for pizza now! The crust is fabulously fermented and crisp, while the toppings are upscale classic. If you live or work downtown, this might be a good spot to pick up a slice during lunch (only slices at lunch for now), but otherwise, I would say it's definitely worth the wait and the drive to make a dinner reservation and enjoy a few full pies and sides.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /> </span><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-75805737420742142023-03-27T01:00:00.001-07:002023-03-27T01:00:00.208-07:00Willie Mae's Venice<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I haven't been to New Orleans in decades, so I was thrilled to hear that <a href="https://williemaesrestaurant.com/willie-maes-venice-los-angeles-location/" target="_blank">Willie Mae's</a> was opening up here in Los Angeles. I went to their first operation at the Colony in West Los Angeles, which is set up for take up, but there are picnic tables (with shade) on the side of the co operative restaurant operation, as well as plenty of city parking directly behind the building. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On my trip there, I got the massive family portion with cornbread, with sides of greens and red beans with rice. The chicken was a bit spicy (which I like) and very juicy, but also quite greasy. I reheated the leftovers at home and that helped render out some of the grease. The red beans and rice were fantastic; I could have easily made a meal of just that one side!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hoped the actual restaurant in Venice would do better; I am very happy to report that not only was the chicken perfect, with great crunch, tender and juicy, but also NOT greasy at all! They offer a side salad for $6.95, just to help all of us say we ate something fresh and green ;)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0dQrUEJtPfs-lFK7TacMxIQIbwxjyvPuqtwz7jrr9QtodBlDW391aW9vaZOEJWlvis5zOD9mKjFa2cPklFdvZHaeZ6Lcxj0ryfUIFuaXC_mYvD2XQjtynZF8bndhwNEnl1TJq8w4D_sw-wJLJMc7rs2JXTB0k0I2TO9IG4n9RijtqEyEaa_MioPbPw/s4032/20230227_165243~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0dQrUEJtPfs-lFK7TacMxIQIbwxjyvPuqtwz7jrr9QtodBlDW391aW9vaZOEJWlvis5zOD9mKjFa2cPklFdvZHaeZ6Lcxj0ryfUIFuaXC_mYvD2XQjtynZF8bndhwNEnl1TJq8w4D_sw-wJLJMc7rs2JXTB0k0I2TO9IG4n9RijtqEyEaa_MioPbPw/s320/20230227_165243~2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The gumbo was very salty, oily, and the crab was overcooked, so I would stick to the fried chicken. (<a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/stevies-creole-cafe-los-angeles" target="_blank">Stevie's Creole</a> on Pico still is my gumbo go to spot).<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIlSFBL9YoUzvX1eQsJtczjcTFwkm69pcvnnOfpirZdSLMBrSbPWXJLYEuquGC4dFxYObFlnoAtNV9qPUsZ8mNVGtaGs7AL6fFEG_b9linTutXm7ImjTDBrVvR2WX2PXJqY8GlGEhgPoqFpicd5-IalYqcFu71Ry5teKvC3s79etj7M6QwomfoO0-Hw/s3060/20230227_165233~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="2961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIlSFBL9YoUzvX1eQsJtczjcTFwkm69pcvnnOfpirZdSLMBrSbPWXJLYEuquGC4dFxYObFlnoAtNV9qPUsZ8mNVGtaGs7AL6fFEG_b9linTutXm7ImjTDBrVvR2WX2PXJqY8GlGEhgPoqFpicd5-IalYqcFu71Ry5teKvC3s79etj7M6QwomfoO0-Hw/s320/20230227_165233~2.jpg" width="310" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I got the wings with red beans and rice for $19.95 The red beans and rice needed some hot sauce this time, but they were still delicious.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBOxfd5RyaGdyjaL0PKp_PZBQ-Cg1C98nUZhIAxWE_EmeJY5-1OTnaGXcG2TKdjlCQtMcdtSKrcSqMlS5jOGh0dHd3X5-1blfh2GTbcUzsKNCphP81OhNYOP1qU15XCqBWAorJOuXV5R__Lo8NWidgDYNy1L5kLSGjLbLUKUlQXUgA4fv9EJMuILB3g/s3999/20230227_165224~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2847" data-original-width="3999" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBOxfd5RyaGdyjaL0PKp_PZBQ-Cg1C98nUZhIAxWE_EmeJY5-1OTnaGXcG2TKdjlCQtMcdtSKrcSqMlS5jOGh0dHd3X5-1blfh2GTbcUzsKNCphP81OhNYOP1qU15XCqBWAorJOuXV5R__Lo8NWidgDYNy1L5kLSGjLbLUKUlQXUgA4fv9EJMuILB3g/s320/20230227_165224~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">My dining partner got the 1/2 fried chicken for $24.95 with cabbage side. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Their cabbage is sweetened, so if you like yours that way, this is a good side for you. </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJTXSbdgDYRmiO6-u13U_mkYoiFWhcAvfwu36HnRletSR5FBcmdxeyrUqtjCLx7-E9tPK0RlvHzen0H2qsTaRisF9MGB25ovOh82yKcmLJ0AVtzRaJwHAf0ikOL3g1rB4_JJih-DdNjYrqUgEYJ0Cl8N1hOeU6ZFJUTxe5Eivv6twhERjpGPhAA-q3Q/s4032/20230227_165216~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2738" data-original-width="4032" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJTXSbdgDYRmiO6-u13U_mkYoiFWhcAvfwu36HnRletSR5FBcmdxeyrUqtjCLx7-E9tPK0RlvHzen0H2qsTaRisF9MGB25ovOh82yKcmLJ0AVtzRaJwHAf0ikOL3g1rB4_JJih-DdNjYrqUgEYJ0Cl8N1hOeU6ZFJUTxe5Eivv6twhERjpGPhAA-q3Q/s320/20230227_165216~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Note that the Venice location is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit during non rush hours (i.e., not the week-end), and you will find great service, excellent fried chicken with a bit of heat, and a taste of new Orleans without having to deal with jet lag.</div></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-61763555471359277232023-01-09T01:00:00.001-08:002023-01-09T01:00:00.168-08:00A Food Affair Encore<p>T<span style="font-family: verdana;">oday's post is an update on <a href="https://www.afoodaffair.com/" target="_blank">A Food Affair</a>, still wonderful after all these years! It's been 11 years since they opened, and I am so very grateful to call them my French home away from home. Still family run, Babette welcoming guests and running the front of the house and Christian creating the recipes and doing the cooking. It's always a pleasure to walk into this softly lit, warm, and inviting oasis.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">During Covid 19, I mainly ordered take out, but as the vaccines and boosters eased our concerns, it was nice to finally go out to eat again at my favorite restaurants. A Food Affair has managed to not only maintain their heart warming piece of Provence on Robertson Blvd, but they have also retained their standards of delicious dishes and professional service.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's also been fun to introduce new people to this marvelous place! We started with Wild Alaskan crab cakes, served with a caper saffron yogurt sauce, and mango, green papaya, scallion, and bell pepper for $19.95<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IXFmhifGF0GKufjudXnKVacs_p_Dpbg-qwzKKwWoKXsth61FhQ_1tjxLAQkaXrBvMLdJpca9D7wan7-uAa3r6n5NyKtx2Gj7IYusAPTDa2Fqs2RZ2jPUaeJy2D2OxLJqvHJXDYtjn-9PfebOf21eVUe2iHC-0El9sASPrnWj24MmkgYVmW_SSceSrQ/s4032/20221224_185957~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IXFmhifGF0GKufjudXnKVacs_p_Dpbg-qwzKKwWoKXsth61FhQ_1tjxLAQkaXrBvMLdJpca9D7wan7-uAa3r6n5NyKtx2Gj7IYusAPTDa2Fqs2RZ2jPUaeJy2D2OxLJqvHJXDYtjn-9PfebOf21eVUe2iHC-0El9sASPrnWj24MmkgYVmW_SSceSrQ/s320/20221224_185957~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love their Organic Artisan Salad for $14.95 with persimmons, goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, almonds, tomatoes, and aged balsamic.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDbyG_AJhXPU3661Qm4jVR0Btfjd9TYJvZrBIscDxWRYSvODbN1_ovpvbYodruslObl51_xB84h5ga4VvPXAnS89_1e9CkEiMj0hBLxAEdlj-AEbNo0_KI-Io5ZjYlZTVgr9ma-hVOS7xhpCiki_pqNchsHoqTgy_mbFVRjjAqXEx7F5K_5GDrYdkrA/s4032/20221224_190004~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDbyG_AJhXPU3661Qm4jVR0Btfjd9TYJvZrBIscDxWRYSvODbN1_ovpvbYodruslObl51_xB84h5ga4VvPXAnS89_1e9CkEiMj0hBLxAEdlj-AEbNo0_KI-Io5ZjYlZTVgr9ma-hVOS7xhpCiki_pqNchsHoqTgy_mbFVRjjAqXEx7F5K_5GDrYdkrA/s320/20221224_190004~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Scottish salmon and crispy calamari served over grilled corn, asparagus, cauliflower riced risotto, and honey chipotle for $34.95 is a wonderful dish for pescatarians who want a hearty bowl filled with a medley of flavors.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X6BKZ5_rHWbOC-1IqXEEkGleUlrZfT56j81zhuXFbzWD2L9rpNPrbnM3QlEhQEXjfUG0cRrJJedVniYMUO14ORenqVQPJ8yqGrXitwv5Zj7ZfkBrA9vOlBu-XjwMQum78UrT5AtHjM3wmIRFsjB6GmeBSoPsDov0IEI1d09YAYsQBSfZM8mAmgQEpw/s3017/20221224_191850~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3017" data-original-width="3006" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X6BKZ5_rHWbOC-1IqXEEkGleUlrZfT56j81zhuXFbzWD2L9rpNPrbnM3QlEhQEXjfUG0cRrJJedVniYMUO14ORenqVQPJ8yqGrXitwv5Zj7ZfkBrA9vOlBu-XjwMQum78UrT5AtHjM3wmIRFsjB6GmeBSoPsDov0IEI1d09YAYsQBSfZM8mAmgQEpw/s320/20221224_191850~2.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I ordered Mom's boeuf bourguignon for $33.95, still the best version I've ever eaten anywhere in the world. Made with prime beef, wild mushrooms, carrots, and served with pappardelle, this was easily enough for 2, so of course I took home leftovers for my second meal ;) </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuweFnx5teid3aEHKDvnx9RdebUa6CLoslSaIMhpqj9muSVy-faSDRoGCKUkS14Pie82fU86jK9_0YKekA0X4mRk-6xcIuQc6IlX3d5sRmthF_remWT_WxjKFSgqEMnqDuiyIKdPP12EKTKGRZSErnDUtpxjGFOMGFMVkWeJV9otn69f5WcwHbVxS0Q/s4032/20221224_191856~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuweFnx5teid3aEHKDvnx9RdebUa6CLoslSaIMhpqj9muSVy-faSDRoGCKUkS14Pie82fU86jK9_0YKekA0X4mRk-6xcIuQc6IlX3d5sRmthF_remWT_WxjKFSgqEMnqDuiyIKdPP12EKTKGRZSErnDUtpxjGFOMGFMVkWeJV9otn69f5WcwHbVxS0Q/s320/20221224_191856~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">People say you can't go back and expect things to be the same, but thankfully I can go back to A Food Affair and it is the same in all the ways that count, wonderful people, excellent food, and a place that warms my heart.</span><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-74834875064117134032023-01-02T00:14:00.002-08:002023-01-02T00:14:50.753-08:00American Beauty Venice<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I went to <a href="https://www.americanbeauty.la/" target="_blank">American Beauty Venice</a> to celebrate friendship and the holidays, kicking off a wonderful end of 2022 and beginning of 2023. Life is a beautiful circle of old and new and American Beauty was a perfect place to incorporate both with old friends and a new place. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We shared many plates, some of which were eaten before I got a chance to take a picture :) The wood grilled flatbread for $12 with labneh and smoked honey was devoured before I could even pull my phone out of my purse! It was a sesame topped hit, with everyone at the table.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Heritage Pork Baby back ribs for $34 with sweet and spicy glaze, pickled daikon and kohlrabi. The ribs were very tender, and the slaw was a nice vinegary compliment to the generous serving of rich pork. It was good enough to take the leftovers home, but I would have preferred a bit more spice or seasoning to the pork.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaNefqjuCPDeFmaXzcuHb4NJDqOdpIWK1tnwqySd5WpQJ-dfZAWVi99trZ8uu23nXpQ4H7x4RIKN5WQf-4IRBwH3JTqBse6LSEvhLTn3-CbhS08N1aNMxawqlnF4va_-1fUUC1W6VFaWMjPiAMqTbiAMPOfYSdfhhOPXU8RheW-47qguY7-07ZJZ_pw/s3143/20221228_193709~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3143" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaNefqjuCPDeFmaXzcuHb4NJDqOdpIWK1tnwqySd5WpQJ-dfZAWVi99trZ8uu23nXpQ4H7x4RIKN5WQf-4IRBwH3JTqBse6LSEvhLTn3-CbhS08N1aNMxawqlnF4va_-1fUUC1W6VFaWMjPiAMqTbiAMPOfYSdfhhOPXU8RheW-47qguY7-07ZJZ_pw/s320/20221228_193709~3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">American Beauty is known as a steakhouse, so we ordered one grass fed NY strip for $ 65 medium (table consensus) and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was so perfectly seasoned, that no one touched the side sauce.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH1bc7b6ZEREwhbEOh4fXzJ5fB0DaJOK7xe5Oxe1V3bRvbo1xEbC119Ai0DZfwoDrvqAULjQM0Lcqn_O6iPXPsZd4-t3rIW88vMlQ64BnNfIuKUGOtaVtCVtyF4wbZVNQWGXCJIaSTzLtxp6BUstZTMtRrHsBYh2LlPEmpOqJE4sHMP2d4SUSsLAe3w/s3265/20221228_193714~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2808" data-original-width="3265" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH1bc7b6ZEREwhbEOh4fXzJ5fB0DaJOK7xe5Oxe1V3bRvbo1xEbC119Ai0DZfwoDrvqAULjQM0Lcqn_O6iPXPsZd4-t3rIW88vMlQ64BnNfIuKUGOtaVtCVtyF4wbZVNQWGXCJIaSTzLtxp6BUstZTMtRrHsBYh2LlPEmpOqJE4sHMP2d4SUSsLAe3w/s320/20221228_193714~3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a non meat dish, I chose the grilled Orata (a type of sea bream) for $34 with ajo bianco, grape and leek. It was very nicely done, with crispy skin and tender flesh. Anyone with allergies should note that it is served with hazelnuts.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V0wBqB_6Tb6kl6Cra0DqtStWjz90cZi07uZIt2YKZSRM86D4Kj7x1kWe01pH-oT4Yq-gUr8IRAeCHlfrwROXLJ2qscgsOWJpwL4kkowj2uAlWjiPiU1Y11t3EVeM51F7CdyxJWP1jhYcqSSk52mGd9n0BZZBr7_HT3Z3DlSMFYEOa1sBN-Q1njTBXA/s3553/20221228_193726~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2598" data-original-width="3553" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V0wBqB_6Tb6kl6Cra0DqtStWjz90cZi07uZIt2YKZSRM86D4Kj7x1kWe01pH-oT4Yq-gUr8IRAeCHlfrwROXLJ2qscgsOWJpwL4kkowj2uAlWjiPiU1Y11t3EVeM51F7CdyxJWP1jhYcqSSk52mGd9n0BZZBr7_HT3Z3DlSMFYEOa1sBN-Q1njTBXA/s320/20221228_193726~3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I did not get a chance to taste the lamb chops since the meat lovers at the table pounced on them as soon as they arrived, but I heard they were delicious!<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKKHrKgmpiBpUy_sH0YRWv8RKljaDG8G0i6xuzZ7cny6v5k2DF2W01jKHcFFsJ7TId960pT-_JsZc5_jhf5aJ5icmTGIxmEnFf9rGzS0jgHBLiMUw_rWO52nukBZ5biSMgPTfycHXX1ZDdjJpeG8gfYrJZR3UQ8pzZeSl_8E3lFieGYMpZ8iBtnzing/s3033/20221228_193734~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2259" data-original-width="3033" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKKHrKgmpiBpUy_sH0YRWv8RKljaDG8G0i6xuzZ7cny6v5k2DF2W01jKHcFFsJ7TId960pT-_JsZc5_jhf5aJ5icmTGIxmEnFf9rGzS0jgHBLiMUw_rWO52nukBZ5biSMgPTfycHXX1ZDdjJpeG8gfYrJZR3UQ8pzZeSl_8E3lFieGYMpZ8iBtnzing/s320/20221228_193734~3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also chose the broccolini for $13 which were so good that we nearly ordered another serving.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi8W8R00uOOirg3L6opa0qlf-UVzE-1flIlJ767Hv5Rn3DwnXYnIooJxNyR0OmTC_6fwl3uaxkepzLvcXnI63Xu8gBhQfqI49DQjd77Ibus--I77rMegZtipfRrm42yIuDtNMOp8V-0g2vZw6tpxwEE7d6KJZmU8FhfULkAZmEe54Osn0MH19BkeYwg/s3830/20221228_193746~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3830" data-original-width="2460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi8W8R00uOOirg3L6opa0qlf-UVzE-1flIlJ767Hv5Rn3DwnXYnIooJxNyR0OmTC_6fwl3uaxkepzLvcXnI63Xu8gBhQfqI49DQjd77Ibus--I77rMegZtipfRrm42yIuDtNMOp8V-0g2vZw6tpxwEE7d6KJZmU8FhfULkAZmEe54Osn0MH19BkeYwg/s320/20221228_193746~3.jpg" width="206" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The onion stuffed hash brown for $15 with sour cream was a perfectly done huge patty that we managed to divide without using knives ;)<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3sMUBrjy7CFsbk3uloT6MnsnIu-K0ApalcNiplQogsV0ANNrureB0RSDKFuBKomUl9_P0HysnCpGkAwVS94ZZt1pPtvSxbbyNaWxx-KyKWgdMDAsR0eg7D5HpRslCndp6j9v2dQRRKW-FhEfW8BTkHdJekQvCzMoi23I60BVEWIXFPwuRS5q1aBteg/s4032/20221228_193754~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3sMUBrjy7CFsbk3uloT6MnsnIu-K0ApalcNiplQogsV0ANNrureB0RSDKFuBKomUl9_P0HysnCpGkAwVS94ZZt1pPtvSxbbyNaWxx-KyKWgdMDAsR0eg7D5HpRslCndp6j9v2dQRRKW-FhEfW8BTkHdJekQvCzMoi23I60BVEWIXFPwuRS5q1aBteg/s320/20221228_193754~2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I loved the oyster and shiitake mushrooms with cippolini onions for $18 and could have easily eaten this as my main dish.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LJZoIq4HLavPGR6u0ovLwQ6Oe2qLfMQqV-62TzsyDuwb0hlTFVDbk-XNjHbfSjqyrHDPEd6Nj7G_QkpCu9IP2tttolAP3z9memY3Mfg87D-Aph0NhAWFj7IWgtdpn-mHZoTwgHNxbjjgku3YnioTtwb4rxb5sLsRc9wxxMSfD7oRVbvuMkJVjsYGzw/s3370/20221228_193822~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2661" data-original-width="3370" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LJZoIq4HLavPGR6u0ovLwQ6Oe2qLfMQqV-62TzsyDuwb0hlTFVDbk-XNjHbfSjqyrHDPEd6Nj7G_QkpCu9IP2tttolAP3z9memY3Mfg87D-Aph0NhAWFj7IWgtdpn-mHZoTwgHNxbjjgku3YnioTtwb4rxb5sLsRc9wxxMSfD7oRVbvuMkJVjsYGzw/s320/20221228_193822~3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We ordered the burnt cheesecake for $12 (which was eaten before I got a picture) along with the apple pie for dessert and the table devoured both, so if you have a sweet tooth, save some room for dessert!<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPic2fcQw3wgUf6G9abn8E6itcqMP3orSbF3bRHPE37z3OZlL6xnOlPxSNVoEgT2hkQtCPzXOEU1iRbItlSp0mXAJv15JI_Dt-UQlqKZYcHhSsnHJTqFXI1HUqui8h-8GoxlyJDuTHG0N2Wxv0pguQDF9j5pjzbz2jFgUPBPzRSUjwxIZXfhkW31quvQ/s3501/20221228_203216~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2903" data-original-width="3501" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPic2fcQw3wgUf6G9abn8E6itcqMP3orSbF3bRHPE37z3OZlL6xnOlPxSNVoEgT2hkQtCPzXOEU1iRbItlSp0mXAJv15JI_Dt-UQlqKZYcHhSsnHJTqFXI1HUqui8h-8GoxlyJDuTHG0N2Wxv0pguQDF9j5pjzbz2jFgUPBPzRSUjwxIZXfhkW31quvQ/s320/20221228_203216~3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-3762937526571846282022-12-19T01:00:00.120-08:002022-12-19T01:00:00.166-08:00Matu Steak<p>When friends who love to eat wanted to share a new favorite steak house, my only response was to ask, "When?". <a href="https://www.matusteak.com/" target="_blank">Matu</a> serves only fantastic <a href="https://wagyu.org/breed-info/what-is-wagyu" target="_blank">Wagyu</a> grass fed meat, is less than 5 minutes from my place, offers easy valet parking, and online reservations, this may now also be my favorite steak house!</p><p>I started with a dirty Grey Goose Martini because it's my go to cocktail when <a href="https://elitvodka.com" target="_blank">Élit</a> isn't available. Others at the table enjoyed nice glasses of <a href="https://www.flowerswinery.com/" target="_blank">Flowers</a> Pinot Noir from Sonoma, and we ended up ordering a bottle after we finished our cocktails.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZowbgKr-2OuZX4DBvDnHx1lEXODiSG-RaZXR5niGa_DGVnBYB_LYdb1lyy0l0tHmer2xGyo0jS0nTTo77lhZJNageXIovaRt7y3WRH_2MewuqMoO5Cv7UT343wVONKStVq0qYzdZVjX8KvOtcdNicZnSlXMbI7ciNsbFtnwGMBA1T0MV7BUTk7w8zDg/s4032/20221211_181950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZowbgKr-2OuZX4DBvDnHx1lEXODiSG-RaZXR5niGa_DGVnBYB_LYdb1lyy0l0tHmer2xGyo0jS0nTTo77lhZJNageXIovaRt7y3WRH_2MewuqMoO5Cv7UT343wVONKStVq0qYzdZVjX8KvOtcdNicZnSlXMbI7ciNsbFtnwGMBA1T0MV7BUTk7w8zDg/s320/20221211_181950.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We all chose the 5 course Matu menu for $82 per person, and it was worth every dollar! The 24 hour bone broth starter was the perfect teaser to the quality of the food to come, with a rich deep nourishing flavor you can only get with high quality ingredients and the patience it takes to produce this deeply satisfying broth.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTilLhbAWmv_N92RtkeT0dXpZC6i94Xj3LwhlcrJBnyqyokLt8BSV_GFyQYexA4c3Ep2axGPZytl2frgppWrub4YuuS1iS9n13n9849ut7sveIVb6p1WUSSpnfT83FilDcSCEU47Pgr049gQKUdpG3KupUdzyliqNtJYg9Uout78Jt4EHtpWxVC3qCA/s2932/20221211_181957~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="2227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTilLhbAWmv_N92RtkeT0dXpZC6i94Xj3LwhlcrJBnyqyokLt8BSV_GFyQYexA4c3Ep2axGPZytl2frgppWrub4YuuS1iS9n13n9849ut7sveIVb6p1WUSSpnfT83FilDcSCEU47Pgr049gQKUdpG3KupUdzyliqNtJYg9Uout78Jt4EHtpWxVC3qCA/s320/20221211_181957~2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>The tartare with Japanese accent was fabulous, so much so that the non raw meat eaters at the table ate a few bites before sharing their plates with us raw meat lovers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXOvRgxVdavlKm5nzw1xTsvXEsDiWMkM42-xwl1MYFk1uYEsx_EkJlssoOxmIRgjCpmYivQExfMkrtMWfd7o9NFhrMJUk7RVa6HdRqgQgGgpSZACpt6SkzV7OItYc2NSCJBjJPWbASCJDWf21d85aC_jGgnrAnASYFWrOQdIeScv5dOc98uqwHFRQeQ/s2970/20221211_183059~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="2654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXOvRgxVdavlKm5nzw1xTsvXEsDiWMkM42-xwl1MYFk1uYEsx_EkJlssoOxmIRgjCpmYivQExfMkrtMWfd7o9NFhrMJUk7RVa6HdRqgQgGgpSZACpt6SkzV7OItYc2NSCJBjJPWbASCJDWf21d85aC_jGgnrAnASYFWrOQdIeScv5dOc98uqwHFRQeQ/s320/20221211_183059~2.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>The 3 oz center cut filet with 47 salad was a nice introduction to what the restaurant calls their medium rare. I loved that it was what would be called rare elsewhere. Even those at the table who usually prefer their meat pink and medium, ate every bite and proclaimed it to the only place where they liked a rarer temperature. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49cTapTuBMZF5iQrmx5VKdL9uCaqM2FUTyXGazn80W6wNm5Hm8Djmj6sNRhGocjp7j63SvyTGDKhU5QeU88YgwKNhMs_OPjPFK65PhwWyuXY5WYg0VitJG1QLgh6rcF3ypGqOjL4k2wgZddSJUMd0-vUyUx5bORKhX9w6WsTAuwtF5kWFEhPHskeWig/s2656/20221211_184500~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="2656" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49cTapTuBMZF5iQrmx5VKdL9uCaqM2FUTyXGazn80W6wNm5Hm8Djmj6sNRhGocjp7j63SvyTGDKhU5QeU88YgwKNhMs_OPjPFK65PhwWyuXY5WYg0VitJG1QLgh6rcF3ypGqOjL4k2wgZddSJUMd0-vUyUx5bORKhX9w6WsTAuwtF5kWFEhPHskeWig/s320/20221211_184500~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The 8 hour braised beef cheek was so tender, no knives were needed. The celeriac purée was a nice accompaniment. I ended up exchanging some of my beef cheek for the tartare, because I knew the ribeye was coming!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgTX2zMiTp3nWQA6R_hSL9iV8abQ_v4-DodnRvDTfUtpJQBn52hQqz_RiXeNtJxG49eI1T8Hwgmaf47xpi3QsToHSkrIUi6IOt5SAk-seQ0JpqPdzO7AG5V1foVTVEYRTvgRA0FEyFAA8yvJE1guBR3-eYSjxRkB7yzaB-xaHTDmT9hm2SwtaudY4bQ/s2839/20221211_190329~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2465" data-original-width="2839" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgTX2zMiTp3nWQA6R_hSL9iV8abQ_v4-DodnRvDTfUtpJQBn52hQqz_RiXeNtJxG49eI1T8Hwgmaf47xpi3QsToHSkrIUi6IOt5SAk-seQ0JpqPdzO7AG5V1foVTVEYRTvgRA0FEyFAA8yvJE1guBR3-eYSjxRkB7yzaB-xaHTDmT9hm2SwtaudY4bQ/s320/20221211_190329~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Broccolini with garlic and red pepper flakes came with the dinner, and if I wasn't so full I could have eaten another order of these!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozoT6Tg37TSNeViGr4mETNWXNDQMQwfSWOGaykmTE3CvkH9MgIEqsAD5dWbAuB66mA4lDuBwOWk1oXirLvIPSn-DiPaAIKzqCwtahLKM4duzR_LbQYCLz8sZB3RlteN3dNnMGRnR-uLNf3IxQi6lPNCjGII37KWEMJ_BSkhfAyb8sUz7X4uNPKbvAmA/s4032/20221211_193727~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozoT6Tg37TSNeViGr4mETNWXNDQMQwfSWOGaykmTE3CvkH9MgIEqsAD5dWbAuB66mA4lDuBwOWk1oXirLvIPSn-DiPaAIKzqCwtahLKM4duzR_LbQYCLz8sZB3RlteN3dNnMGRnR-uLNf3IxQi6lPNCjGII37KWEMJ_BSkhfAyb8sUz7X4uNPKbvAmA/s320/20221211_193727~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My foodies friends insisted on getting a side of fries (fried in beef tallow), so sinfully delicious that it was good to have so many people sharing the plate.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxp6NAboEDBM9c3uGUy-sV6LC2P-CSigw8ORm7-8lgv9xDo_KGTlYnuVY9fNE-wMI_QhLNH7pi2RWqgR4n30-OKGYvY1iVmVRx0fPsQavgfP36SGG9lm7_dAW5X24nB-uZN_4xXaJr0vVDgjPVg_xONuICUyvwxLuYbrSUBAcFxeEXDDoLwNmDs-O8w/s2783/20221211_191134~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2223" data-original-width="2783" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxp6NAboEDBM9c3uGUy-sV6LC2P-CSigw8ORm7-8lgv9xDo_KGTlYnuVY9fNE-wMI_QhLNH7pi2RWqgR4n30-OKGYvY1iVmVRx0fPsQavgfP36SGG9lm7_dAW5X24nB-uZN_4xXaJr0vVDgjPVg_xONuICUyvwxLuYbrSUBAcFxeEXDDoLwNmDs-O8w/s320/20221211_191134~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The star of the night was the ribeye with the cap cut separately. All we could say was OMG after taking a bite. I was too much for me to finish, but the leftovers made for a decadent snack the next day!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxj9lxNfHILNQz2sj_wk8Bmc8CgoBYiHdi5gvw-ZdcgDOteTaioIEehuiSCi-TeO6rjObCiI1_SH9ShTikkYi16uwK_I-H9o3wqeVsVP9j7skhpJxhXLiyZjlLx-tWVQ_Dk_fVzsQ2DeMavE2KaDcvdxNRoRbkvvS1OgRmiUsZZsS0LE6hPpnMpsiJA/s3484/20221211_193626~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3484" data-original-width="2960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxj9lxNfHILNQz2sj_wk8Bmc8CgoBYiHdi5gvw-ZdcgDOteTaioIEehuiSCi-TeO6rjObCiI1_SH9ShTikkYi16uwK_I-H9o3wqeVsVP9j7skhpJxhXLiyZjlLx-tWVQ_Dk_fVzsQ2DeMavE2KaDcvdxNRoRbkvvS1OgRmiUsZZsS0LE6hPpnMpsiJA/s320/20221211_193626~2.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>The atmosphere was very upscale but comfortable, with kids and casually dressed diners all equally enjoying their meals. We made friends with the table sitting next to us and traded names of other places to eat; after all if we all loved Matu, chances are we would all enjoy the places shared from all over the world, including a vegan place in Rome and a steak place overlooking the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosporus" target="_blank">Bosporus</a>. <p></p><p>The pleasure of spending time with friends while eating great food and meeting new friends is the best kind of evening!</p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-28167778569945880922022-12-05T01:00:00.164-08:002022-12-05T01:00:00.187-08:00Spago Beverly Hills<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I first went to <a href="https://wolfgangpuck.com/qr-menu/spago/" target="_blank">Spago</a> when they were on Sunset Blvd in the 1980's, and I have been to the Beverly Hills location a few times before they remodeled and took over the corner of Canon and Wilshire. Some people came out from out of state wanting to try the iconic restaurant, so it gave me a chance to revisit this classic Wolfgang Puck flagship.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Food and energy prices have risen since Covid 19, and that has been reflected in the menu, with starters averaging $35, entrées about $65, and cocktails / wines by the glass $25. Spago has always been a high end restaurant with great service and ambiance, but I found the food and drinks were not worth the splurge anymore. The dining room was full of tourists and old regulars who are diehard fans. The service and ambiance were still elegant and smooth, but I found the food to be bland and more exciting in presentation than in flavors.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The beet and burrata starter used quality ingredients and it was beautifully plated, but nothing noteworthy enough to warrant the $30 price tag.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLbEdoH8NrkMyFj8Z4zL-QwSdF_N5uadw6x29iZ1Yn5p9PS_poLwc0hGOY8xskz22c6cTFpJ1kPD-9NGvaaoj5dtSJMmDOb-0jW4cP19q-iRlWp4-RMrQ9LDZNrPViqU3Mjhe78GqejRI9dz6pxFpoi_ClXmjVRulOztHSvNhPzKzEQcSa_uk9fPdDg/s4032/20221122_183001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLbEdoH8NrkMyFj8Z4zL-QwSdF_N5uadw6x29iZ1Yn5p9PS_poLwc0hGOY8xskz22c6cTFpJ1kPD-9NGvaaoj5dtSJMmDOb-0jW4cP19q-iRlWp4-RMrQ9LDZNrPViqU3Mjhe78GqejRI9dz6pxFpoi_ClXmjVRulOztHSvNhPzKzEQcSa_uk9fPdDg/s320/20221122_183001.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The pear starter was equally beautiful, but the aged balsamic made it a tastier starter for the price point.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nuqHTuVn-SK8hmKbCKmPOWHzjqGY4us7uBSpmC6VBAmjPDQINlRAPk4fFgmWRC9mK2ArvTM9EIukr-cWiwQfuVu9TqJXN0XNOYeiRTIzB65UYMC9m5NTaNyBkINld1SqIwrAun4l2lMCWO4ezO2HoxZvYPzR9J48kL2cfgkFD1kyke4hnluzJDzIDQ/s4032/20221122_183005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nuqHTuVn-SK8hmKbCKmPOWHzjqGY4us7uBSpmC6VBAmjPDQINlRAPk4fFgmWRC9mK2ArvTM9EIukr-cWiwQfuVu9TqJXN0XNOYeiRTIzB65UYMC9m5NTaNyBkINld1SqIwrAun4l2lMCWO4ezO2HoxZvYPzR9J48kL2cfgkFD1kyke4hnluzJDzIDQ/s320/20221122_183005.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I chose the crispy black bass for $59 which included a bit of lobster and perfectly cooked fish, but the entire dish was as bland as the photo looks. My dining companions offered me a taste of the scallops and I found that the scallops were perfectly seared, but also unremarkable in terms of flavor.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7RVRBpDG9ths0hbeSYlGGQCOjf-QIcnm9wVyrNxB4wtL5jL85fQDjI6bIuFbahMoGna-dtJ1letTGqBjDLGekjHYfmftUnax4QOujyiosRFYmlsmzwxoDm45nSMKt2nYY0LL8RLq8jxeaIHc5s4szA3o8Mu9VfTZstwVyNmkgwJu4wAPydLhCY-SQw/s4032/20221122_185937~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7RVRBpDG9ths0hbeSYlGGQCOjf-QIcnm9wVyrNxB4wtL5jL85fQDjI6bIuFbahMoGna-dtJ1letTGqBjDLGekjHYfmftUnax4QOujyiosRFYmlsmzwxoDm45nSMKt2nYY0LL8RLq8jxeaIHc5s4szA3o8Mu9VfTZstwVyNmkgwJu4wAPydLhCY-SQw/s320/20221122_185937~2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The out of town visitors wanted dessert, so we got the chocolate soufflé. This may have been the highlight of the meal. Served with a flourish by our skilled server, this old school dish was executed perfectly.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXB8Sb8LxrAtY4zixuzY2G6-H0kcoJe_TIorooohksn1Lr7A2YZgPTfNA3g4l_OGwQXWj_v0ADBAFMTVDG79cx50HLPkr_4i0XDWE0PNQb-_2TfSz_qQCvC48X1uuKxsGcvc49_hFNVklJhBcbm2GMO3vovjkLLJSETSqtgl3G1zF5kRtnQWUjK5qxA/s4032/20221122_195204~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXB8Sb8LxrAtY4zixuzY2G6-H0kcoJe_TIorooohksn1Lr7A2YZgPTfNA3g4l_OGwQXWj_v0ADBAFMTVDG79cx50HLPkr_4i0XDWE0PNQb-_2TfSz_qQCvC48X1uuKxsGcvc49_hFNVklJhBcbm2GMO3vovjkLLJSETSqtgl3G1zF5kRtnQWUjK5qxA/s320/20221122_195204~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Would I go back? No. The tourists and die hard regulars probably enjoy their meals here, but I prefer chef owned places where the food is more interesting and flavorful than the reputation and location.</span><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-19658633187583384342022-11-28T01:00:00.086-08:002022-11-28T01:00:00.171-08:00Stevie's Creole on Pico<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My favorite place in Los Angeles for </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Creole / Cajun food is <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/stevies-creole-cafe-los-angeles" target="_blank">Stevie's</a> Creole Cafe. I had not been back since before Covid 19, so I decided it was time to satisfy my craving for Creole food and revisit. I had forgotten how big their portions were, so I ordered a bit of everything; their jambalaya is made up of large shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers, onions, and tomato that is a perfect comfort food. One portion is also enough for at least 3-4 meals!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AzRqkENoFPyY_tftUtHLCg9NYUZAsPNc1IUR_QcB2_uOHyrkdCs_VHo2sehTRxeJqCkWTrXXm3VhRHehiDajLwYfAWFUs8bf1Bt2yjC7DGATbmTtSXzbDbOEQesYf1bZ9Av8wcYihsdE7IMRyNc4bWrED68U0SvcPLxajGAHYFKPbllDerB-zyB0qw/s4032/20221023_180622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AzRqkENoFPyY_tftUtHLCg9NYUZAsPNc1IUR_QcB2_uOHyrkdCs_VHo2sehTRxeJqCkWTrXXm3VhRHehiDajLwYfAWFUs8bf1Bt2yjC7DGATbmTtSXzbDbOEQesYf1bZ9Av8wcYihsdE7IMRyNc4bWrED68U0SvcPLxajGAHYFKPbllDerB-zyB0qw/s320/20221023_180622.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love their greens, simply made and addictive with a few splashes of hot sauce.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrztnPOoZ-jQqFAVc9wy3o_8QErQWJha2kEQBhC_GB-wZJ8aWtQjfffd6frcjKpssC59bOc2eDWZ8LmEmq4lQ-sSNrW5236CetentPylb_rOQKtOvo-S9vRAozqst6fJl9sgYKBw_RY4bhourMFiTXJLzDiqHuORFyIYs4SqQqI4EReJyMCs_ZL8sWA/s4032/20221023_180803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrztnPOoZ-jQqFAVc9wy3o_8QErQWJha2kEQBhC_GB-wZJ8aWtQjfffd6frcjKpssC59bOc2eDWZ8LmEmq4lQ-sSNrW5236CetentPylb_rOQKtOvo-S9vRAozqst6fJl9sgYKBw_RY4bhourMFiTXJLzDiqHuORFyIYs4SqQqI4EReJyMCs_ZL8sWA/s320/20221023_180803.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Seafood gumbo for $21.50 was full of crab, shrimp, andouille sausage, and chicken in a filé gumbo that had so many layers of flavor that I wanted to slurp up the liquid like soup, but settled for using rice to soak up all the deliciousness.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad92pOZw7tdhzT_Vn28pJLqyBH6uPgzR2YHtd3e4uPigYEycadod9Gh1GWZLpMuPZLitF7CpiJ_anauJtjHJduaPVfxHBeMTXZeomFYcVxAk1bTR6baW_11mAlIGcdDJY41tTNVv9wfwwlwpUI8ykt9m0-XmiRrJgAKHbvX7_RKEcl3JSgNMqW-llPg/s4032/20221023_180750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad92pOZw7tdhzT_Vn28pJLqyBH6uPgzR2YHtd3e4uPigYEycadod9Gh1GWZLpMuPZLitF7CpiJ_anauJtjHJduaPVfxHBeMTXZeomFYcVxAk1bTR6baW_11mAlIGcdDJY41tTNVv9wfwwlwpUI8ykt9m0-XmiRrJgAKHbvX7_RKEcl3JSgNMqW-llPg/s320/20221023_180750.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was very hungry when I ordered, so I also ordered the short ribs with red beans & rice, and some red pepper cabbage for $25. A portion big enough for 2 hearty appetites to share, but I found the short ribs a bit coring after the spicy jambalaya and seafood gumbo. The red pepper cabbage had some heat, and the red beans and rice were a contender for my favorite side dish.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpNzBoPs9HjE6scgqE_C2SkEnfPPqlptDFCyDxZePKy2JkOEq3qYx3TlF2X-f0LCMxzQ_6dbxU5-8Tblm_LKiyWNke4iJuATwB1LvkCTLz6fgqsNNDDMMx-WbtMgdaFu1V-M6cEKEdjaDc2zrDmVzPfDquyiuZR0ee9lorSnJD0yruIBu-dyENu0HxA/s4032/20221023_180630~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpNzBoPs9HjE6scgqE_C2SkEnfPPqlptDFCyDxZePKy2JkOEq3qYx3TlF2X-f0LCMxzQ_6dbxU5-8Tblm_LKiyWNke4iJuATwB1LvkCTLz6fgqsNNDDMMx-WbtMgdaFu1V-M6cEKEdjaDc2zrDmVzPfDquyiuZR0ee9lorSnJD0yruIBu-dyENu0HxA/s320/20221023_180630~2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">I definitely need to becoming a regular customer again!</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /> </span><p></p>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2547141014674784746.post-76707822936444770742022-11-21T01:00:00.082-08:002022-11-21T01:00:00.174-08:00Willie Mae’s in West LA <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've never been to <a href="https://williemaesrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Willie Mae's</a> in New Orleans, but I've seen and read about it for years, so I was thrilled to have them finally open up an outpost here in Los Angeles. There is a large public parking lot directly behind the multi kitchen co-op, with a back window for delivery drivers to pick up their order, and picnic tables with sun shade and televisions along the side, if you want to sit down and eat your take out.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mLvzXpSpUA_e8MyzOExL2JU3F50vI8Xsp1hY3DTGQTIHoWQFnW3bIuY9u6mC6t-up8qYTkqOgoGKEfzfz_7cQ_ADwtk53ntt81NSKZ76-cI7C6TfhBGF2968p2nJtk3zbM0mBjsT-zHcGUA0nj9uIJaj1dT00Ozg-7kmcO1wMOvoxaFxJ5pG1M6B9Q/s4032/20220928_160054.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mLvzXpSpUA_e8MyzOExL2JU3F50vI8Xsp1hY3DTGQTIHoWQFnW3bIuY9u6mC6t-up8qYTkqOgoGKEfzfz_7cQ_ADwtk53ntt81NSKZ76-cI7C6TfhBGF2968p2nJtk3zbM0mBjsT-zHcGUA0nj9uIJaj1dT00Ozg-7kmcO1wMOvoxaFxJ5pG1M6B9Q/s320/20220928_160054.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I got the large tray with sides for $64.95 with 12 pieces of chicken, 4 sides, and cornbread. It was obviously way too much to eat at one sitting by myself, but I froze the leftover chicken so that I could have some extra food in case of an "emergency" :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VgbU4o-b6da-xlCNdDYhxJ7xSeSV6B0EQfhReO91W1quluGme5O2eObch4h_W02MdChPmF3QinC4EHKhKswpHYojre7Q4427YCRVkdRhxqJUwKKHygy7isML9AXhDGWmG0XPLrhwgiU7UpwrJ8YUTGHXDvnCXMbRn_GsjJTraJ7Yrh-sshzoi-227Q/s4032/20220928_160129~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VgbU4o-b6da-xlCNdDYhxJ7xSeSV6B0EQfhReO91W1quluGme5O2eObch4h_W02MdChPmF3QinC4EHKhKswpHYojre7Q4427YCRVkdRhxqJUwKKHygy7isML9AXhDGWmG0XPLrhwgiU7UpwrJ8YUTGHXDvnCXMbRn_GsjJTraJ7Yrh-sshzoi-227Q/s320/20220928_160129~2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The chicken had a beautiful crunchy scald that was perfectly seasoned, and the chicken itself had been brined with love and heat. It was an absolutely awesome fried chicken. I ate a few pieces at the picnic table and took the rest home. I enjoyed the reheated pieces even more because excess oil dripped away onto my oven's drip tray and made every piece less greasy, but still very moist.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfdSKYAwDzvy__94uHbqjdpD7ufz1mQtFJqfHVuRrlu9mVEMs06KrjDaW-4ta9TayC3Ee-yC_P4aHL_HluPLKSJ3Uafe0v7rbguVsKP-1P8yXck-qR9_w4EvtVQrp72qSGI9hPI9_kjKdvMBCOh59J4QGYNW3bRKVMdQ_stDJdVSFltbtp4q_WBofDg/s4032/20220928_160558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfdSKYAwDzvy__94uHbqjdpD7ufz1mQtFJqfHVuRrlu9mVEMs06KrjDaW-4ta9TayC3Ee-yC_P4aHL_HluPLKSJ3Uafe0v7rbguVsKP-1P8yXck-qR9_w4EvtVQrp72qSGI9hPI9_kjKdvMBCOh59J4QGYNW3bRKVMdQ_stDJdVSFltbtp4q_WBofDg/s320/20220928_160558.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The side of sweet potato fries was a generous portion of plump, crisp, and lightly seasoned potatoes that also reheated perfectly in the oven.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DTsrzkTVhCIn-NIzmg4hF0JSPUFIbr5EMPNIxKXdpM3DZoWmcAcaMcVWhZZP2cOpdGV_nlwiCf2-97oxHUZ0jyIdKtJrw1anKsfX6Fj_Th9w1_u5t0rxoRLZmLlA1XzAsg2W1A8PvBx5pH0MH6EhCFozCdUjMu0B2JhzMxbVdlq4lU6hePd7ELZ7EA/s4032/20220928_160246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DTsrzkTVhCIn-NIzmg4hF0JSPUFIbr5EMPNIxKXdpM3DZoWmcAcaMcVWhZZP2cOpdGV_nlwiCf2-97oxHUZ0jyIdKtJrw1anKsfX6Fj_Th9w1_u5t0rxoRLZmLlA1XzAsg2W1A8PvBx5pH0MH6EhCFozCdUjMu0B2JhzMxbVdlq4lU6hePd7ELZ7EA/s320/20220928_160246.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Mac & cheese was pretty basic, but my favorite side was the red beans and rice, which I ate so greedily, that I forgot to take a picture! I wanted to go back to get a quart! Complex and richly perfumed with the holy trinity of peppers, onions, and celery, their kidney beans may be my favorite rendition of beans and rice!</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWmozcwbD7lFafVXuLfavmYxM4UfVh0QEd8Nv-SqvwJ-o3resTNmKuRC2AftsEV2DSmJp3f8codxRslpwm8Yc5BKalsDaxu4nUDt1h31gFr-89xa3zbJCCNovpgmS0rck9eAomdSa_BwuGx6lsp7R_eGy4VEbQdBQsHx1Z_ZcEAaFXDGWus7nrBveWg/s4032/20220928_160305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWmozcwbD7lFafVXuLfavmYxM4UfVh0QEd8Nv-SqvwJ-o3resTNmKuRC2AftsEV2DSmJp3f8codxRslpwm8Yc5BKalsDaxu4nUDt1h31gFr-89xa3zbJCCNovpgmS0rck9eAomdSa_BwuGx6lsp7R_eGy4VEbQdBQsHx1Z_ZcEAaFXDGWus7nrBveWg/s320/20220928_160305.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162697050688378695noreply@blogger.com0