Cross-town Rivalry

Apologies for the delay in posts! What with the Thanksgiving holiday and all, it's been hectic.

This weekend is the biggest game of the Los Angeles college football year (next to the Rose Bowl). It's the annual USC-UCLA game, and the only football game of the year that I really pay attention to. Why? I went to both UCLA (for undergraduate) and USC (for grad school).

However, I have no knowledge of football whatsoever. I've attempted many times to no avail. I will keep mum on who I am rooting for, since I will get stones thrown at me either way. :)

My experiences at both UCLA and USC have been special ones in different ways. I've spent more time in UCLA, so naturally, I know the Westwood neighborhood more, and hope to talk about its many haunts later. My time at USC was mainly during its night hours as a grad student, and I didn't really get to experience the USC school life (unless you count visits to the University Village -- the area has changed so much since I've left school). My UCLA v. USC will be based on...what else? Food :)

Here are my picks for this head-to-head:

Team Bruin:

Lamonica's New York Pizza
1066 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-8671

I started going to Lamonica's even before I went to UCLA, before the Whole Foods on Gayley sprouted up there. Where else would you find such authentic NY pizza in Los Angeles, and for such a great price? I still crave their white pizza (spinach with ricotta cheese), their large, thin slices. The restaurant itself reminds you of a NY subway station, or at least it does to me.

Team Trojan:

Dino's Burgers
2575 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006
213-380-3554

Dino's is not exactly located in the vicinty of USC, but in its adjacent neighborhood. How grateful am I that my love still lives close enough to this so that I can stop by whenever I have a craving :). Surprisingly, I've had Dino's since I went to UCLA, thanks to a friend that lived down there. Also surprising is the fact that of my years of going to Dino's Burgers, I've never actually ordered a burger. Their most popular dish there is the chicken platter. For $5, you get delicious grilled chicken, smothered with a paprika, seasoning salt, vinegary sauce. The chicken is served over fries, with a brush of this lovely sauce that spills into the fries, making me crave the sour tarty-spicy chicken.

So no matter if you're a Bruin at heart, or love your Trojans, just remember -- food never takes sides and can be loved by a Bruin or a Trojan :)

IzakaYa!

TGIF! Apologies for not posting for over a week -- it's been quite busy! In between all my madness, I realized the other day that this past weekend, from Saturday to Monday, I've had Japanese food for just about every meal. It was a very Japanese weekend, since I also finally saw the Murakami exhibit. :) It was amazing! I think I will go back before it leaves town.

During my week of Japanese food, I actually went to the same restaurant twice in one week, although two different locations. Musha is by far one of my favorite Japanese places to eat, because of the variety of foods they have to offer. They have two locations, one in Torrance, and the other in Santa Monica. It is the now very popular Izakaya food, which is basically Japanese tapas -- bar food, if you will. The plates are smaller, so you get to sample lots of dishes. I've seen a few of these Izakaya restuarants popping up around town, and I'm sort of afraid to try them. Can they be as good as Musha? Their original location, is after all, in the real Little Tokyo -- Torrance is the headquarters of many of the Japanese automotive companies, along with many Japanese markets and restaurants. The Japanese version of Alhambra and Monterey Park, you can say. :)


So, as a run down, 10 reasons why I love Musha so much:


10. Kirin draft - by the pitcher!

9. The decor and the atmosphere of the restaurant, both the one in Torrance and the one in Santa Monica, are how I imagine a busy Japanese bar should be -- filled with good food and great lively conversations. The specials are on a hand-written style menu, and the bathrooms are decorated with writings on the wall. I remember the first time I went to Musha was New Year's, and there was a guest book in the bathroom of the Torrance, for visitors to sign. The walls of the private tatami rooms in the Santa Monica branch are lined with mulberry paper, which fascinated me.

8. The combination of Japanese favorites with much loved Italian and French dishes, Japanese style, which is a favorite in Japan.

7. MFC (Musha Fried Chicken) -- Musha's version of the Japanese appetizer/snack favorite. The perfect crunchiness that goes great topped with a squeeze of lemon.


6. The mini grills to grill filet steak and beef tongue (not gross, merely an acquired taste ;)

5. Cheese Risotto that comes in a block of cheese. Creamy. Delicious. Amazing.

4. Umeshu Soda! I discovered this Japanese treat on my last visit to the Santa Monica branch when a friend who was in town for the American Film Market. It's actually plum wine, mixed with club soda. I'm not really a fan of the plum wine, but this was delicious. Served in a tall glass with a big green plum at the bottom.

3. Lobster Rolls -- Lobster sushi, wrapped in soy paper. The most succulent lobster ever, paired with asparagus and avocado. Triple yum.

2. Grilled Saba (Mackerel) -- Absolutely delicious. Grilled at your table with a blow torch - ingenious!

1. Maple Creme Brulee -- The top is grilled with a blow torch for a crunchy, sugary top shell. Delish!

Musha Santa Monica
424 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 576-6330


Musha Torrance
1725 Carson St., Suite B,
Torrance,CA 92780
(310) 787-7344

Fall Backwards

Happy Friday! What a long week it's been. I'm heading out this week to San Diego -- very excited! I haven't been on vacation in a year, and although SD is only 2 hours away, it's still nice to get out of the city once in awihle.

I'm so excited for the Nantaka Joy site finally launching. :) Check out her blog (linked on my READ list, too) for great design ideas, cute product recommendations, and just a fun read. Joy has my dream job --she designs stationery in her own home with the company of her cats :). Actually, my dream job is to actually open a stationery shop. That sorta reminds me of Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. I was also excited to find out that Joy was Thai :D. Yay!! It makes me even more proud. I'm genuinely in love with the designs of the notebooks -- the colorful designs and the beautiful lettering. I am in love. :)

It makes me think of the way I feel when I go into my favorite stationery store. If they gave out punch cards for stationery stores, I would've filled up at least three of them. Pulp (what a fitting name) is on La Brea Ave., between 6th and 3rd. There are times when I haven't gone to Pulp for awhile and I get giddy and excited (I know, I'm a nerd) for all the new things they've received. I want to run through the store, and simultaneously, take my time and peruse through the whole place. I stock up on birthday cards here -- you never know when you'll need one!

These are a few of the ones I bought recently. My favorite one is what I call the Domo Arigato one -- the one of the little boy bowing thank you very, very deeply.

Its sister store, Il Literature is also another store I love to visit for one of a kind jewelry pieces, baby gifts, and kitschy home products. They carry lovely Hobo International bags and wallets, Dogeared necklaces that I love, and handmade rings and earrings that I have to resist the urge not to by them all. The last time I was there, I bought a soap dish that I turned into a business card holder -- so cute. :)



PULP 456 S La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 937-3505



(Il Literature is two doors down. Parking on the street and complimentary valet in the alley.)

**And don't forget to set your clocks back an hour on Sunday!

The L.A. Culture

Buon Weekend! (as the Italians say). Next Monday marks the beginning of many exciting things to do in Los Angeles. Whenever I'm bored on the weekends, I always find myself at a loss for things to do (aside from shopping and eating, that is). But I am truly excited about the end of October - early November events.

How can I not be? The MOCA is having a Takashi Murakami exhibit!! For those of you unfamiliar with his work, I'm sure you've probably seen it and just didn't know. Think about those playful Louis Vuitton bags that marked the beginning of LV's revolution into hipster-hood. Or even now, when those cute cartoons can no longer be found, the Monogram Multicolore is a remnant of his work for the brand.

Murakami's work

Murakami for Louis Vuitton

Murakami's work is a testament to the influence of Japanese art and pop culture on the world. His work for Louis Vuitton is only a glimpse of what the artist has to offer. I'm really excited to see the exhibit and learn more about him and get to see some of his art. For while I've seen his work through my frequents to Japanese shops (Giant Robot and the like), I have yet to learn more about the art and the anime. This week's LA WEEKLY has a cover story on the exhibit. And how can you miss it with all the banners around town? The exhibit runs from October 29th to February 11th. (The exhibit is having a special opening on October 27th for MoCa members.) I don't think I'll catch it for another few weeks, so if you do get to see it first, PLEASE! Let me know how it is :)

AND, speaking of the influence of Japanese culture on the world, check out this month's issue of WIRED MAGAZINE where they illustrate, in Manga form, the impact of these Japanese cartoons on Americans and the world. Another reason why I am in love with Japanese culture. :)

ANOTHER great event in town is the AFI Film Festival, which runs from November 1-11th, where my beloved ArcLight in Hollywood becomes transformed into the headquarters for the festival, and all things AFI Film Fest. Having visited a few film festivals, Los Angeles is not a city I picture to have a festival, despite it being the hub for celebrities and film production. However, if you're yearning to see a new, unreleased indie flick, or maybe even to catch a glimpse of a celeb, swing by the ArcLight during those dates. If anything, you can experience the great popcorn -- voted the best in town(and wonderful seats) that the ArcLight has to offer.

Trendy L.A.

If you live in L.A. or the vicinity, I hope you and your family are safe from the fires. It's quite scary. >.<


I spent Saturday with a friend from out of town. We went to some of the trendier spots in LA, I guess you could say. :)

We had lunch at BLD (stands for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, cleverly enough), a new spot (for me) that I am growing to like. I think they have marvelous French toast, and their bacon is almost as delicious as The Four Seasons, my absolute favorite place for Applewood smoked bacon. There are times where I yearn for it. But that's for another day. BLD also has these awesome meat and cheese plates that are so yum. They have a wonderful selection of meats and cheeses as appetizers, that are served on marble slabs.

For dessert, we stood in line at Sprinkles for about half an hour. Of all the times I've had Sprinkles, I've never really had to stand in line for it. There was the time I actually visited the shop, after dropping off a repair at Arturo's (down the street from Sprinkles at 9643 Santa Monica Blvd.), the best place to get your designer bags and shoes repaired ever. Most times, my experience with Sprinkles has been reserved for my office, where clients have them delivered as thank you gifts. While I do agree that they are tasty, I still think that Doughboy's and Toast make a meaner Red Velvet. Either way, I love the decor of Sprinkles -- my favorite pink and brown color combination, the simplicity of the design, and the cute little round (tasteless) candies atop the perfectly frosted cupcakes. I had a Red Velvet and brought a Banana Dark Chocolate home for my love. Hmm. Looking at their site, I must go back on Tuesdays for the orange flavored cupcakes. That sounds divine.

After dessert, we cruised over to Robertson Blvd. for some hip LA shopping. This is where the likes of Lindsay, Britney, and Paris can be seen shopping. Of course, the day when I bring out of town guests to the area, none of the celebs were to be seen -- only a lone paparazzo. One of my favorite shops on Robertson Blvd. is WeSC - We are the Superlative Conspiracy. It's the hipper, younger brand of J. Lindberg. I love their urban chic style and their winter wear that doesn't look too buttoned-up and formal. Oddly enough, the shop I frequent the most on Robertson Blvd. isn't one of the 3 Kitsons, the Lisa Kline, or even the very many accessories shops (and I love accessories), but it's American Apparel, sadly enough. I've finally caved after so many years. I love the solid Summer tees and how they fit me perfectly, both the Deep V for men and the crew neck women's. I love the many colors that are available, and I can say that AA makes its way into my wardrobe at least twice a week. You can't have too much of a good thing, right? ;)

Cuban delight

Happy Monday!

So many food adventures last week, but one place really comes to mind, especially since I found an excuse to go there two and a half weeks in a row. Why? Because it's cheap, it's quick, and it's absolutely yum. Note: an affinity to garlic and onions is sort of a must.

Versailles is one of those places that you can go in for a quick bite and still indulge and enjoy. I've been going to this place ever since I was in college, and I still love it. (Speaking of places I've been to since I was in college, I've just thought of so many other goodies -- will have to follow up with that later). I know it's not one single restaurant, but I've been to about 3 of the 5 locations.

One thing to note is that most of the dishes here are covered and smothered in their delicious garlic sauce, topped with onions galore. I am not a raw onion fan, and I only like garlic in small, indistinguishable doses (hard to believe since I'm Thai), but I really love their dishes. Their most famous is their half chicken, the #6 Famoso Pollo Versailles. I really like the 7a, which is the chicken breast version of the half chicken. Most meat dishes are served with rice, black beans and plantains.

Their tamales, one of my most favorite foods, are also delicious, smothered lovingly in the garlic sauce and topped with onions. I've recently been adventurous and tried the shredded roast pork sandwich -- the Pan con Lechon. It is the most amazing, delicious pork I've had since pulled pork and I am in love with pulled pork. I'll admit, it's a little bit on the salty side, but the mixture of the onion-garlic taste with the crispy-soft Cuban bread was so YUM.

A good hearty meal here is also not too expensive -- $10-15, depending on the drinks, appetizers, etc. A pretty good deal, I'd say, which is how I thought of this place. My friend and I wanted to meet for dinner but are both on a budget. We both walked away stuffed, with another meal of leftovers. :)

CLOVER

There are days when I pine to go to Clover. I'm having one of those days.

Clover is one of my favorite boutique shops in Silverlake, an artsy-kitschy area between Glendale and Hollywood. There are Saturdays when I plan my afternoon around how I can make a pit stop at Clover. Part of that is because I can never make it there after work before it closes, since it's on the other side of town.

Silverlake is one of those I-could-get-lost-here areas (Burbank is another one) -- and I mean literally get lost. That Sunset junction, hill, streets cutting off bit can get confusing. I've lived here my whole life but I'm so bad with directions and geography :(. Nonetheless, I like Silverlake for its quaint boutique shops and real independently owned coffee shops and cafes (more on that another time ;)

When visiting a friend that lived in Silverlake, I passed by this store on numerous occassions without ever setting foot in, always wondering what goodies lay inside. I finally made it there a year or so after driving past it without stopping in. Aside from the designer denim, (which I would rather buy at a sample sale or a Fred Segal sale), they have unique brands, beautiful tops and sweaters that don't make me look cookie cutter anymore. There's a newly expanded menswear section, with denim and jackets, and before then, they had a wonderful baby section, where I bought a Chinese Zodiac onesie for a co-worker.

Aside from clothes, Clover also has accessories, housewares, kitchenware, and fragrance and beauty items as well. Their sales are also very awesome, especially when they go to 50% off.

My favorite Clover find thus far is a 3/4 sleeve wool jacket/blazer by Tulle. I tried it on, on a Saturday, and decided to buy a green sweater instead. I found myself calling the store on Monday, putting it on hold, and leaving work early and rushing over to pick it up before the store closed. That's how obsessed I am.

Ramen (not Top Ramen)

Someone once asked me, if I had to eat one food for the rest of my life, what would it be? Of course, that's one of the hardest decisions ever, but one of the foods that would rank up there would have to be ramen.

No, not Top Ramen or Cup O' Noodles. I'm talking about the honest to goodness -- goodness. The huge bowl filled with fresh noodles and array of toppings. My dream is to one day have ramen in Japan -- I'm told it's fabulous!

Tonight, I went to Daikokuya, a Japanese restaurant I frequent, because it's relatively close, and because it's oichi (delicious). Daikokuya is known for their Daikoku ramen (Note: ya means store in Japanese), with its rich broth, perfect egg, and soft succulent chashu pork. At one point, you could order the broth to be extra rich and flavourful -- a friend and I discovered that this meant extra fat added to your broth. Either way, the line for this small shop on 1st St. in Downtown is always out the door. I went when dinner was just beginning and we still had to wait.

The restaurant has been around for ages and it's decorated with vintage Japanese ads for beer, banks, and just about anything you can think of. While I'll admit that the quality of the ramen has descended recently (according to my friend, the yakuza-looking cook is no longer there) -- the chashu isn't as soft, the egg is too well boiled, and the extra-rich-broth option is no longer available -- I still think they offer one of the best ramens in Downtown.

Hello and Welcome!

Thank you for visiting. I wanted to share some of my favorite things, particularly Los Angeles things -- my favorite restaurants, shops, new finds, and anything else imaginable. I also wanted to share my version of Los Angeles -- it's not as G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS most of the time, but it's what makes me happy. I'll hope you'll find your time here enjoyable, useful, and entertaining.

Feel free to visit links to my favorites -- shopping, food, technology, and blog sites. ---->

Enjoy!