Flavor of the Day - May 29th

Thursday, May 29th:


Nika and I were supposed to go to this erotic reading near Venice, but Venice seems like it's so far away, especially on a school night. So we rearranged our plans.

Din Tai Fung - I've been craving this dumpling house in Arcadia that I tried over a year ago with some of my Asian friends. The food was as good as I remember. We ordered the spinach and pork dumplings and the juicy pork dumplings, which is one of the reasons I wanted to return to this place, and the spicy roast beef noodle soup. Definitely the dumplings!



Americana - Since I'd never been to the new outdoor mall, reminiscent of the Grove in Hollywood, I suggested the Americana since it was on our way home. We walked around a bit, browsed the shops a bit, and enjoyed the night sky and the reflections dancing off the water in the Vegas-like fountain. We had dessert at Beard Papas. I tried the eclair crust and the vanilla bean cream filling. It was so sinful! The mango milkberry shake reminded me of Filipino halo halo minus the ice cream.

Ladytron After Party - At around 11pm we headed to Eagle Rock for a Ladytron Afterparty at a bowling alley. The event was hosted by Metromix, who provided free drinks and bowling and dancing. We got in and each got a free, custom-made shirt from Hit and Run. We chose 3 of 6 designs and they stamp them where you want them on your shirt. We then headed inside, passing some people playing Rock Band out the back of their car. We tried to see if we could get a lane on which to bowl, but the line was long and I was starting to fade. I thought I should have rested since I was already feeling sick. So it was about 1:30 am and I thought to call it a night since I had a meeting at work the next morning.

Overall fun Thursday night!

Oh, and on Monday night, Gabe invited us over for Nigerian food. We listened to some Nigerian music, played Grand Theft Auto 4. The food was delicious! Gabe, thanks so much for having us over! See, friends, this is what it's all about!


:)

WEEK 22: Art Gallery Openings & Vegan Dinner

A few of my artsy friends are having art openings on Saturday. I figure it'd be great to support them, and even better if I bring you guys along!! (We will also be stopping by a vegan restaurant somewhere in Silverlake. Dinner to be sandwiched between art galleries.)

2 Art Gallery Openings + Vegan Dinner in Silver Lake

WHAT: How Tweet it is: Birds from Beyond - New Sculptures by Alex Kirwan and Leticia Lacy
WHEN: Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 4:00 PM
WHERE: Monkey House Toys - 1618 1/2 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323)662.3437
www.monkeyhousetoys.com


WHAT: THE ART OF VALERIO VENTURA - "Art, Fashion, Film and Photography"
WHEN: Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 8:00 PM
WHERE: Wax Poetic - 3208 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 843-9469
www.waxpoeticsalon.com

Come and join the local (and my friendly) artists!!!

*Images created by and courtesy of their respective owners.

Flavors of the Days - More Theatre

Tuesday, May 20th:

I skipped out on the movie night and went to Hollywood's Write Act Reparatory Theatre to watch seven 10-minute plays. It was called "Reservations for Two" and the theme was about love. I like how the program represented a menu and the price was the theme of the play. Another night which I thought would be valuable for me since I'm trying to write a couple short plays myself. All were enjoyable.

Wednesday, May 21st:

We went to Little Tokyo's David Henry Hwang Theatre to watch the East West Players' performance of "Pippin." Several reasons why I wanted to see this production: 1) orchestrated by the Stephen Schwartz, the same man who orchestrated "Wicked," 2) Asian performers (gotta represent my people), 3) anime-like hair and costumes, 4) hip hop dancing. I loved the theme - enjoying the small things in life and being happy with what we have. The grandma was my favorite as she reminded me of mine, especially when sprinkling in some Japanese words. There was even a karaoke segment, where the audience sings along to the song. Anyway, it was brilliant and unlike any performance I've ever seen. Go watch it if you get a chance.

*Picture from Goldstar Events.

Flavor of the Day - Petros and Miss Saigon

Sunday, May 18th -

Spent the day with my family. My bro and I took my mom on a belated Mother's Day outing. We went to Manhattan Beach for lunch at Petros Greek Restaurant. Food was pretty tasty and very filling. I ordered the dip plate combo for us and my mom and I both had the lamb special of the day. After the meal we walked through the downtown area to the pier and spent some time in the sun people and surfer-watching.


Then we headed to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. We watched "Miss Saigon." I'm surprised I've never seen this Broadway production, as I've seen most of the big ones. This one made my eyes tear up a little. It was very good, and I loved all the songs. I want to get the soundtrack!

Flavor of the Day - The Academy and Ice Cream

Friday Night:

After a busy day at work I headed to Beverly Hills to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. I'd never been before, but Sue Kroyer had forwarded me an email because her husband Bill was presenting the lecture. The discussion was on Art Direction and Production Design from the mid-20th century to now, and how new technologies are changing the way we produce sets. Very informative, though it was 2.75 hours long, and after a while some of the guests' topics became redundant. We viewed the art gallery - Ink and Paint - after the presentation. It was very inspiring. I need to go and produce my own pieces of artwork!

Then we headed to Westwood Village and met up with many of the "spoiled college kids" for some ice cream cookie sandwiches at Diddy Riese. I can never spell the name of that place! I had heard about this place from a number of friends who recommended it, and I wasn't disappointed! The prices were very low considering the area. 35 cent cookies! And they were good cookies, too. I tried the chocolate chip & walnut cookies with espresso chip ice cream in the center. It was heaven! That and a glass of milk and I was content... followed by a nice stroll around the little village.


I would definitely go back for more screenings: www.oscars.org
And more ice cream: http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/44293/

WEEK 21: May 20th - Movie Night

I'm looking forward to a night in, relaxing on the couch watching a movie... And if it's before 10:00pm I'll probably be able to stay awake during the entire film!!! Who wants to join me???

WHAT: Movie Night (Movie: Hard Candy)
WHEN: Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 at 7:30 PM
WHERE: My apt.

Snacks will be provided, though bring whatever you want to bring... like your own snacks and drinks, a pillow or blanket...

Hope to see you there!

REVIEW on WEEK 20: Sushi Night

For many people their experience with sushi has been just consuming it, not actually creating it. So when people learned about sushi and how to make it - use the sticky rice, add rice vinegar, let cool, spread on top of the nori, add fillings, roll - they found out it was a lot easier (and cheaper) than they had thought it would be. People brought many types of fillings that I haven't even tried before. We had cucumber, avocado, smoked salmon, imitation crab, bacon, brie, mexican cheese, carrots, jalapenos. Each person had a chance to sit in the "sushi seat" and make a roll with whatever ingredients they liked. The end results were a variety of different yet tasty kicks in our mouths. Yes, the bacon was pretty good and a nice alternative to the fish. Asparagus is another ingredient that I usually use more of but it just slipped my mind this time.

Some of us also got experimental with creative rolls, some of which we named: Firecracker Night, Dragon Scale, Rabbit Roll, and Squirrel Chaser.

I also made a huge batch of Japanese chicken curry in case the sushi didn't fill us up. Originally the sushi would have been the appetizer, but I got carried away and made multiple rolls which just about filled everyone up. I hope people will continue to experiment with sushi and I hope to come up with a roll I can sell, or finally go along with my "Wrap and Roll" idea I had way back in college. In any case, this was a pretty successful event! :)


STATISTICS -----
People attended: 8
Time alloted: 3 hours

----- RATING ----- (out of 5 stars)
Overall Experience: 4.5

UPCOMING! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

So I have several things I'm planning that are in the works, and they may take some planning (or at least a headsup) on your end, so I wanted to stick it somewhere on your radar too.

1. Clothing Swap - Clean out those closets and make room for summer! Bring all the clothes you don't care for and we'll swap them out. Your trash is another's treasure! All the leftovers and unwanted clothes will be donated to charity.

2. Open Mic Night - I hope you're preparing what you're going to be sharing! Poetry, music, dance, etc. This is an open night for all creative souls!

3. Craft Day - We will each come up with a craft of our choice and make it to share with a group. If possible, we will get together and donate some of these to local children's hospitals.

4. Iron Chef - The ingredient of choice will be either eggplant or cherimoya. Stay tuned!

5. Volunteering with the Soup Kitchen - Anyone interested???

Flavors of My Saturday

Saturday, May 10th - Spent the day in Malibu...

Hiking in Temescal Canyon... nice trails despite the dry season. We came across a waterfall with little water falling but a trickle. You could climb a rope up the rocks to the top of the waterfall. I got up halfway. Super scary! My shoes were slippery. And I thought I was going to lose my life the entire time. When it comes to hikes and nature, I'm all for it, but not so much rock climbing. Have you guys heard my story about rappelling down a cavern? Rocks and heights equals broken ro... Anyway, there were other cool things to discover as well, like hidden caves and a bustling beehive. Beware the poison oak though.




After we stopped to relieve our bladders, we went to this gorgeous beach in Malibu called El Matador. We checked out the other two, but our first stop was by far the best. I'm not a fan of So-Cal beaches, but this one was very intimate and had unique rock formations... one in the shape of an elephant. Many couples and families were there taking family photos or anniversary pics. Great picture spot... just a little chilly. I haven't been by the ocean out here for a while. But I always freeze as far as I can recall.




By this time we were starving (or at least I was) so we went to Malibu Village and ate at Nobu Restaurant. Supposedly Matthew McConnehey was there, or so stated one of the papparazzi. Didn't see him there, of course. But the food was delicious! Well worth the prices. Not super fancy either for we trailed in with the clothes that had been accumulating dirt all day. I ordered what I usually order when I try a new sushi place - albacore sashimi and spicy tuna roll. So good! The spicy seafood soup was very filling and very good, as well as the tempera (mushroom, pumpkin, and sweet potato) and the beef sukiyaki. Raw beef there tastes like the seared ahi tuna (one of my favorites!!!!!!!)

Thus, I would highly recommend each of these places (the hike, the beach, and the restaurant) to only my close friends (to keep the number of people at a minimal.) Perfect place to spend a Saturday.

Oh, and once we were back in town, we stopped at MILK for ice cream and sorbet. Yum-yum!!!
:)

WEEK 20 - May 12th: Make Your Own Sushi Night

Want to make a custom sushi roll, made with whatever ingredients you want? Now you can! (My favorite is the ones with a slice of cheese rolled up within...) I'll provide the rice and the seaweed. You bring whatever fillings you want!

WHAT: Sushi Night
WHEN: Monday, May 12th, 2008 at 7:00 PM
WHERE: My apt.

For some sushi ingredient ideas: http://www.mediterrasian.com/delicious_recipes_sushi.htm


Also... FYI: The weekend of the 16th-18th is the annual Duck-a-thon in Huntington Beach. I'll definitely swing by if I'm in OC that weekend.

Info: http://www.duck-a-thon.org/

REVIEW on WEEK 19: Cinco De Mayo

Although Mexicans don't care to celebrate this holiday, it was a great excuse to cook up some amazing Mexican food. On the menu was the following:

- Cactus Soup
- Spanish rice
- Refried Beans and Black Beans
- Sope
- Tacos (con pastor and chorizo)
- Ceviche
- Pan dulce (4 different kinds)
- Cheesecake

And of course the usual accompaniments like guacamole (yum), salsa, crema, cilantro, onion, cheese, and tomatoes.

As we ate and drank at the apartment, we played Kabooki (a Cranium game for the Wii.) A few more people showed, then we walked to the park and beat the Bob the Builder pinata. We didn't destroy the pinata but we knocked all the Mexican candies out of that sucker! First we used a stick off a tree, then we used the baseball bat I used to play with when I was 5. Brought back childhood memories. Ah, nostalgia.




----- STATISTICS -----
People attended: 14
Time alloted: 6 hours

----- RATING ----- (out of 5 stars)
Overall Experience: 4.5 (hooray for the Mexicans vs. the French!)

Flavor(s) of the Day(s)

I've had an action-packed last few days:

THURSDAY:
826LA benefit at Anthropologie at the Grove. Deane won a papier mache head. So cute!

FRIDAY:
Watched "The Mikado" an opera by Gilbert and Sullivan at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Very fun! Happy ending! Catchy tunes. Like a cross between musical and opera.

SATURDAY:


1. Went with my mom to a buffet lunch at the Indian Restaurant, one of my favorite Indian restaurants in Little India, followed by asian market shopping at 99 Ranch across the street.

2. JPL Open House - interesting, though would have been more interesting if I understood more about robotics and this sort of space technology. I'm not a geek enough, sad to say, though space fascinates me and I still want to take a trip to outer space one day.



3. Dinner at Restaurant Fifteen - tried their $15 tasting menu - good food for a good price! I ordered the mac and cheese, the seared salmon, and we had chef's choice for dessert which was yummerz.

4. Kelly Towles Art Gallery - mediocre, minimal pieces, not as inspiring as other galleries I've visited lately
5. Iron Man at Paramount Studios - I love taking any chance I can to get on the Paramount "campus." And the movie was fun and one of the best Marvel movies yet. I did have low expectations going into it though.

WEEK 19 - May 4th: Cinco de Mayo Celebration!

Hola, mis amigos!

I've never celebrated Cinco de Mayo, but I figure it's another excuse for me to throw a culturally-themed event at my place. Bring out your Mexican flags and sombreros and come over for some Mexican food. We'll be listening to some mariachi, eating beans with our meal, and sipping on some tequila or other Mexican-influenced beverages - someone bring the horchata and Mexican beers. I also have a pinata for us to bust up, so be ready for that as well.

WHAT: Cinco De Mayo Celebration!
WHEN: Sunday, May 4th, 2008 at 2:00 PM
WHERE: My apt.

This is an optional pot luck, which means you can make some food and bring it over as well. Need some good references for Mexican recipes?
http://www.mexicanmeals.net/
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/World-Cuisine/Latin-America/Mexico/Main.aspx

Please RSVP so I know how much food to provide. Muchas gracias!

REVIEW on WEEK 18: Improv and Ice Cream

It's always nice to get out on a weeknight. And you can't beat a great show at a decent price. The performers were very funny. In one act Deane came out singing an improvised tune about beanie babies to "Cabaret." I got all excited because improv was now turning into musical genre. Although I still had my annoying cough, I still had a great time, as always, watching Id Vicious.

I still don't know how they can think up so much on the spot like that. It seems extremely agonizing for me. However, a few of the people that came along with me said that I should put one on at my place sometime. So look forward to that in the future.

Afterwards, we walked downstairs and tried Mashti Malone's ice cream. (We figured Baskin Robbins was closed so we didn't even try to get their 31 cent scoops.) This place looks like it's been around for a while, and it's no wonder. Mashti's uniqueness stems from his use of other ingredients in his ice creams that you normally wouldn't find in others - like saffrom, rosewater, and felulah (I think that's what it's called - a sort of rice thing.) Although they have the common ice creams like butter pecan and cookies -n- cream, the unusual ones piqued me interested taste buds, as always - the herbal ice was good and the felulah was, um, unusually interesting for lack of a better word. I ended up getting the orange blossom, which I hadn't even sampled, but which Nika had described as tasting like tea. So, thinking it would help my cold, I grabbed a scoop of that.


----- STATISTICS -----
People attended: 8
Time alloted: 2 hours

----- RATING ----- (out of 5 stars)
Overall Experience: 4.5

FYI: I took video of their performance. Please view them at my youtube account:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5hB9ZWfX960
(This one's my favorite. There are related links on the side. And I'll be uploading these every time I go.) Hooray!