Sunday Dinner - Mother's Day

This past Sunday's dinner was dedicated to all the moms out there, new and old.  And especially to the best cook I know....Mom- thank you for all your support, love and inspiration always, happy Mother's day!  

Santa Monica Farmer's Market 

Spring Vegetables - Artichokes, Fava Beans, Mint

Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Favas and Yogurt Mint Dressing

Roasted Chicken with Shitake Mushrooms and Stuffed Artichokes

Grass Fed Sirloin

Tam's Trifle of Strawberries, Creme, Wafers, Chocolate

Foods of Japan 2012

As promised, here are some eats from my trip to Japan.  I must say the food in Japan is fantastic, incredibly fresh, healthy, and I never felt full, it was just the right amount.  My favorites were always at the Izakayas which are basically Japanese pubs.  Very chill and casual, just a fun environment.

Sushi Dawai, Tokyo - Omakase Breakfast at 6 am - Grilled shrimp head in the middle

Aburasoba Noodles (ramen-esque) - specialty of Tokyo

Our friend Junko cooked breakfast, awesome - Salmon, rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables - simple, healthy, and delicious

Junko's dinner - a spread of rice, ahi tuna salad, beef and potatoes, chicken salad,  karaage chicken - all delicious!

Our friend Taka took us to a beautiful Japanese restaurant for breakfast - again simple and delicious

This was by far my favorite dessert, Mochi at the restaurant - so delicate and not too sweet

Hida Beef grilled on a miso leaf - in Takayama (their specialty beef)

Hida Pork in a Miso Broth - in Takayama

Bakery in Tokyo

Shoyu Ramen in Koyto - fatty and delicious

Street Eats in the Park - Karaage Chicken on a stick, Hot dog pastry, Yakisoba 

At an Izakaya - Chicken Tsukune, Gyoza, Fried Mochi

More Izakaya - Bacon wrapped Pork Lemongrass Skewers and Tempura

Octopus Lollipops - a delicacy here - Sorry folks, didn't try it

Japan 2012

We hit up Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto all in 2 weeks.  I really love this country! Such gracious people, efficient in every manner and the place is super clean. Fashion, food, all on point and aesthetics were beautiful.  I encourage everyone to put Japan on their countries to visit.  Food pictures coming in next post.  For now, enjoy the scenery...

Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo - A potential buyer checking out the Tuna

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo - One of the most chaotic intersections in the city

Park in Tokyo - Locals love to picnic when Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom

Harajuku district, Tokyo - Lots of the young generation with great shopping

Tokyo - style, style, style; people watching was at it's finest

Takayama - Small town a few hours from the Japanese Alps

Takayama - Hida Folk Village

Takayama Famer's Market - Same in season as LA; spring onions, fiddlehead ferns

Temple in Takayama

Sake Barrels

Kyoto - Chion-in Temple 

Kyoto - Only 100 working geishas left in Kyoto, we saw 2; always passing through the night

  

                                                

Kyoto - Kiyomizu - Dera Temple

Kyoto - Famed Zen Rock Garden, Ryoan-Ji Temple

Kyoto - Kinkaku-Ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion)

Photos courtesy of: Vin Tran

the Eats of Los Angeles

Everyone always asks where my favorite places are.  I try at least everything once and we all know there are a million great restaurants in LA of all ethnicity's.  Lately I've been working offsite in 'the MP' and boy oh boy are the food choices stellar...asian and mexican...all very authentic.  I do have a few stand-bys that I keep on going back to.  Take a look....old and new....from the South Bay to Santa Monica to Monterey Park...have you tried it???

Al Watan in Hawthorne - Goat Khorma is outta this world

Larry's in Venice - I bike here from Santa Monica-- love their pizzas

Soup Dumpling aka XLB aka Xiaolongbao at Mama Lu's in Monterey Park - one of da best

 Beef Rolls at Mama Lu's - newest fav

Fantastic Shrimp Ceviche at Dorado's in Monterey Park

Crying Tiger at Jitlada in Thai Town, North Hollywood - a must try

Raffi's in Glendale - Barg Kabob is amazing

Red Velvet cupcake at Vanilla Bake Shop- need I say more?

One of my favorites in DTLA - the Gorbals - Bone Marrow

What's Been Cookin' - Tofu and Bean Burger

Been cooking a lot of simple dishes that I've been craving.  Lasagne Bolognese or anything Bolognese is one of my favorites.  Butternut squash, sweet potatoes and Japanese yams, tis the season, along with Manila clams.  Saffron Risotto with Barley, love those different grains.  Tofu and Bean burgers, trying out vegetarian dishes, recipe below.  What are you cooking this Winter? 

Love my Sunday dinners- Lasagne Bolognese

Japanese Yam with Scallion Butter. 

Striped Bass, Manila Clams, Quinoa Vegetable Medley, Perilla Leaves

Saffron Barley Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto

Pinto Bean Burger and Baked Sweet Potato Frites

Pinto Bean and Tofu Buger


4 oz Tofu, firm
1 can of Pinto or Black Beans, rinsed
1 egg
1 c of Panko breadcrumbs
1 T of Cumin
2 t of Red Chili Pepper
4 oz of Mushrooms, sliced, sauteed
4 oz of Onions, diced, sauteed
4 oz of Green onions, sliced
1 T of Dijon Mustard
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cheese of choice

1.  Put all ingredients except for 1/2 can of beans into food processor, mix until incorporated.
2.  Fold in remaining 1/2 can of beans.
3.  Form 3' patties.
4.  On high heat with olive oil, sear patties for 1-2 minutes on each side, until caramelized or golden brown.
5.  Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F, place patties in oven with cheese on top and warm for 12-14 minutes.
6.  Serve with or without bun, with or without tomatoes, with or without sprouts, etc!