The Longest Day of the Year… deserves the Longest Table, Right??? The summer solstice and the start of summer! Thanks to @cava @out_inthefield and @wattlesmansionandgardens Who would’ve thought dinner would be on a 4.2 acre urban farm in the heart of Hollywood??? On the grounds of the Wattles Mansion, designated Los Angeles cultural monument No. 579 in 1993, the farm is home to historic trees (some a 100 years old), avocado trees, citrus trees, Monarch butterflies, honey bees, and member gardens. I’ve lived most of my life in the Los Angeles area and had no clue there was an urban farm behind a fence on Hollywood Blvd. A choice of cocktails based on CAVA’s house-made beverages. I opted for the “Lavender Breeze” with CAVA’s Blueberry Lavender, vodka, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a splash of club soda. It was pared with CAVA’s famous Pita Chips. Dinner was a 4 course meal on a table filled with CAVA fans. The first course was a melon salad with fresh herbs and pickled onions. With a dash of heat that made it interesting. The next course was a noodle dish that we were expected to mix before serving. I thought it was pesto with tomatoes over noodles as I was mixing the noodles. Once I tasted it, it was CAVA’s Skhug dressing, with cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno. It was awesome! (see my IG post for the entire post)

It’s late night and I just got off work… I wanted a BLT, but would settle for a sub sandwich. The Italiano from Fat Sal’s in Culver City (Open till 3 a.m.) A sandwich walks into a bar and the bartender says, “We don’t serve food.” Ba Dum Ba With Ham, Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone, Sweet Peppers (or Hot Peppers), Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Vinaigrette, and Italian Spices on a Hero. Not all heroes wear capes, some wear deli paper… Ba Dum Ba It’s Sandwich Saturday! OK, a couple of hours after… . #italiansandwich

Dim Sum and Then Some… In my efforts to visit as many favorites before I move out of the San Gabriel Valley for a while, Dim Sum Express is one of them. I liked that they open early and almost no waiting, cause I either go early or off-hours, AND I wanted some dumplings for breakfast fast. Life is short, eat the har gow first… The har gow here are large at Dim Sum Express in Monterey Park. The good thing, I was feeling steamed, not stressed, it was a good breakfast. #dimsum

It’s Aloha Friday! Since I was packing to move today, I didn’t eat. So, I opted for the Mayjah Poke Bowl (2 choices). Ahi Shoyu and Ahi Limu over Rice at Ry’s Poke Shack in Pasadena. Ahi Shoyu: Ry’s signature shoyu blend, onion, green onion, toasted sesame oil, simple and classic. Ahi Limu: Shoyu blend, fresh ogo (seaweed), inamona (roasted kukui nuts), onion, and green onions. I grew up with traditional poke and prefer to have it like that today. I’m glad to see poke evolving, but you need to understand what the basics are first. We used to pick wild Ogo from the shores on Maui when I was younger. Hopefully my relocation away from the San Gabriel Valley won’t be for long, but I had my @ryspokeshack fill to hold me over until I move back. Happy Aloha Friday! #poke

“Life is like a burrito – you never know what you’re gonna get, but it’s usually delicious.” ~ Unknown Asada Burrito from Tijuanazo in East Los Angeles. Served with Pinto Beans, Cilantro, and Onions, with a salsa that has a 45 yard kick. Tijuanazo gets their tortillas from Tijuana and uses prime meats for their delicious tacos and burritos. The salsa is no joke, so I’m glad I got it on the side. Warning: this burrito may cause serious cravings, cause I’m still thinking about it 9 hours later… #burrito #asadaburrito

Old Skool Cantonese… Shrimp with Lobster Sauce Lunch Special from Chinese Garden Restaurant in Montebello. Served with an Eggroll, Egg Drop Soup, Crunchy Noodles, and I like Ketchup with my Shrimp. Otherwise, it’s Hot Mustard for me. This reminds me of an episode of Big Bang Theory: Sheldon spots “Shrimp in Mobster Sauce” on a restaurant menu and theorizes it either contains actual chunks of deceased mobsters or is just the kind of sauce a mobster likes. Sheldon: Wonders if the restaurant is a front for organized crime or if the sauce contains actual deceased mobsters. Leonard: Points out it’s clearly just a typo on the menu. Raj: Argues it means it’s simply the kind of sauce that mobsters enjoy. Howard: Dismisses both theories entirely. Regardless, it was a delicious old skool Cantonese lunch. #shrimpinlobstersauce #lunchspecial

A typical Monday, an early morning after closing the night before, a long day filled with issues and dealing with Monday customers who didn’t want the weekend to end (is my guess). On the way home, I was magically stopped at the signal in front of Helms Bakery complex, so I drove into the parking lot and found a space by the parking lot side of @pasta_sisters. “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” ~ Federico Fellini Tagliatelle with Bolognese at Pasta Sisters in Culver City. A Bolognese with ground beef and aromatic vegetables slowly cooked in red wine and tomato sauce over Fresh Tagliatelle. I opted not to order the Burrata Cheese this time, wanted to save room for the bread, I wasn’t disappointed. The bonus was the “Oh My” olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip for the bread service. 👍 “When in doubt, eat pasta. That’s my motto.” ~ Vince Vaughn I’m going to try his motto again this week, For Research Purposes Only, of course… Monday is now over, returning back to regular programming.

After a 14 hour day, I was NOT going to eat at work… So, I headed to Johnnie’s Pastrami in Culver City for a Hot Pastrami on a French Roll. I was hungry enough for a whole sandwich (vs. half) and a potato salad Togo to head home and watch the end of the Dodger game. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Johnnie’s Pastrami, I usually get a chili dog or chili size. But tonight, I was hungry enough for a Hot Pastrami. Happy Sandwich Saturday! #pastramisandwich

It’s Sandwich Saturday! On my way back from the hike in Malibu, I stopped at a couple of places I wanted lunch at, but two of them were closed, too early in the AM. Plan C… Italian Salumi Sandwich at @acabutchershop in Santa Monica. With Mortadella, Capicola, Sopresatta, Coppa, Salami, Provolone Cheese, Giardiniera, Arugula, Aioli, and Dijon on a Baguette. It’s been about 3 years since I’ve worked in the area and missed the sandwiches at A Cut Above, this is my favorite here. . . “Too few people understand a really good sandwich.” ~ James Beard #italiansandwich

It all started in the morning, early morning… I was getting coffee at 5:30 am and overheard two people talking about a horrible Hainan Chicken Rice at some place on the Westside. On my way home from my manager outing for GMs and AGMs, we did an early morning hike and breakfast in Malibu. I thought about the horrible chicken rice and since I don’t live on the Westside, that’s what’s for dinner tonight. Hainan Chicken Rice & Salad from Savoy Kitchen in Alhambra. Served with a salad dressing, a ginger sauce, a chili sauce, and a dark soy sauce. For me, the dark soy goes on the rice, the chili and ginger go all over the chicken. Before someone comments that there are better places in the SGV, I do like the sauces here. There will be someone who will say almost the exact comment as above, it always happens… A good dinner and the Dodgers won! #hainanchickenrice

One of my favorite dishes at Bachan’s… I’ll be moving away from the SGV soon and hopefully not for long. I’m trying to eat at my favorite places before I move at the end of the month. So, I picked up dinner before the Dodger game. Chashu Plate (Medium size) from Bachan’s Take Out in Monterey Park. Served with Rice, Mac Salad, and Spicy Mustard. Let’s Go Dodgers! It’s Time for Dodger Baseball. #chashu

I find your lack of faith in Wednesday disturbing... Didn’t Darth Vader say something like that??? Don’t worry, the week is almost over. So, I ordered a Combination Dinner at Taihei Japanese Restaurant in Monterey Park. With Chicken Teriyaki, Shrimp Tempura, and a California Roll with Potato Salad, Green Salad, and Edamame. Smile, It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!

It’s Taco Tuesday… BUT, It’s Time for Dodger Baseball! I won’t be home for the first pitch, so it’s a Hot Dog and a drink at Costco. I just forgot to bring my @bertmanballparkmustard with me today, but then again, I wasn’t planning on having a hot dog today. I just got home and they’re behind… Let’s Go Dodgers, it’s my night off! #hotdog

Happy Mother’s Day! The BEST Sandwich on Mother’s Day, The Godmother Sandwich from Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica. This Signature Sandwich made with Prosciutto, Ham, Capi Cola, Mortadella, Genoa Salami and Provolone Cheese – best with the works, mild or hot peppers. A happy day for all of the moms, GODMOTHERS, and mother-types, without you, it’s just another Sunday… Thank you for all that you do! #sandwich

I wanted an Old Skool burrito after work… The only bad burrito is the one you didn’t eat. The Meat and Cheese Burrito from Taco Lita in Arcadia. Just meat and cheese, that’s it. Just roll with it, no matter what. . #burrito

In queso emergency, eat more nachos. I’m just following the emergency procedures… Cheese Nachos from Poquito Mas in Burbank With Pico de Gallo and Jalapeños, the Guacamole, Sour Cream, and Salsa were added just before eating as I didn’t want them to get soggy. Life’s too short to skip the guac, right??? #nachos

When you’re caught between a palm tree and a poke place… Heading to Ry’s Poke Shack in Pasadena for a regular Ahi Shoyu Poke. They had me at Aloha and Ahi. Originating from Oahu, Ry’s Poke Shack has two SoCal locations, one in Huntington Beach and the other in Pasadena. Before the pandemic, I worked across the street from their Pasadena location. Back then, their space was a pizza place. It wasn’t great pizza, but they had an inexpensive lunch special, 2 slices and a drink for $7 or so. I headed to @ryspokeshack in Pasadena to pickup my lunch and to head home to watch the end of the Dodger game. Ry’s Poke Shake uses fresh tuna, I can tell by the texture, color, and taste. Frozen tuna can be watery, due to the formation of water crystals, and color added. I’m pretty much a traditionalist when it comes to poke. So, I ordered the Ahi Shoyu Poke over Rice and served with Pickled Cucumbers. It was good and always consistent. Spending summers in Hawaii growing up with my grandparents, I was used to really good poke. My grandma used to say that good poke was with fresh Hawaiian tuna and a few good ingredients, more on the simple side, just like the traditional one the Hawaiians created back then. It’s a poke-tastic day and the Dodgers won! #poke #ahipoke

Cinco de Mayo didn’t go unnoticed… My place was really slow at lunch and we ended up sending some of the crew home early, I left early too. The only thing I could think of was it’s Cinco de Mayo and we don’t serve margaritas… 🤷🏻‍♂️ That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Regardless, I headed to Tito’s Tacos in Culver City before fighting traffic home. I listened to the Dodger game on the drive home. They ended up losing to the Houston Astros, but hey, I had tacos! You can’t be sad after eating tacos. OR can you??? I might have to test again this theory. Taco with Cheese Served with Shredded Beef, grated Cheddar Cheese & sliced Iceberg Lettuce within a freshly cooked Corn Tortilla. Remember, Tacos are not the answer. They’re the question, and YES is the answer! #cincodemayo #tacotuesday

I don’t remember how long I’ve been following @doughdroppizza, but it’s a pizza I’ve been wanting to try. Dough Drop Pizza is currently a takeout only, with limited drop times, located in a shared kitchen in Glendale. Known for using Italian flour, spring water, San Marzano tomatoes, and organic vegetables, with no sugars or seed oils. It’s the cleanest pizza in LA. Since I had the weekend off for a family friend’s wedding, I thought this was the perfect time to order a pizza. I ordered the pepperoni pizza with the imported pepperoni and it was ready on-time with an easy pick up procedure. I got it home and started watching the replay of the Miami F1 race while I tasted my first slice. Loved the very light thin crispy sourdough crust, which a three day fermentation process. As I’m eating the first slice, I hear from my sister that my niece is on her way to the ER from her track meet. I headed over to the hospital. Having the same symptoms and hospital stay the weekend before, I knew where to park, security check, and how to find her room in the ER. Fortunately, she’s ok and after tests, she was released. She’ll need to see a specialist, but thankfully, she’s ok. 9 hours later, at 3 am, I come home to cold pizza. After reheating, it wasn’t the same as the first slice. I’ll have to find another weekend that I’m free and can order another pizza to enjoy a second slice. #sourdoughpizza. #pizza

X Marks The Spot! Deciding to eat before today’s wedding??? After running errands, I was in search of food, until I saw the “X” I’ve been to about 50 weddings in the last 10 years, OK, not as a guest, but catering the receptions. This time, I’m an invited guest. I met the bride and her chef mother about 10 years ago at a shared kitchen in Pasadena. We’ve become friends and have enjoyed good food together since, the latest was the Branzino pop-up. I’ve helped with their catering events (weddings) and at their restaurant. But today, I was told that I’m a guest and to enjoy the celebration. With 90 minutes before having to leave the house, I do have a few minutes to watch the Miami F1 and enjoy my Double Double & Fries. . . Wedding Traditions… Something Old: I was invited is my guess 😂 Something New: Earbuds, since my new phone doesn’t have a headphone jack. Something Borrowed: Will have to think about what I can borrow between now and the wedding. Something Blue: my new phone is blue. I wish the bride and groom best wishes! #doubledouble

Having to get up early to run errands… Means picking up breakfast on the way home. A Bacon Breakfast Burrito OR as they say in the morning there, “Bacon!” at Lucky Boy in Pasadena. Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, and Lots of Bacon, with the Green Salsa. It’s Friday! #breakfastburrito #bacon

After a delicious Caribbean wedding rehearsal dinner, with Chicken Curry, Oxtails, Salmon, Rice & Peas, and Cabbage, the bride surprised the groom for his birthday earlier in the week with a churro bar. I selected my churros and ice cream with Nutella, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Sprinkles from Jr’s Churros A great start to a full weekend of wedding activities…

“A burger is like a canvas, and the toppings are the paint.” ~ Louise Belcher It’s been awhile… Had the famous Bacon and Avocado Burger today at Howard’s Famous Bacon & Avocado Burger in West LA. It was a good burger with lettuce and tomato. The bacon was crispy and the avocado was ripe, not bad for under $9.00. Until we meat again…

The Dodgers are playing today in SF AND I have the afternoon off. ITFDB Chashu Plate (Medium) from Bachan’s Take Out in Monterey Park. With Mac Salad, Rice, and Spicy Mustard. Dodgers Win, 3 - 0 I’d say it was a good day off… #chashu

“Picanha” is my second favorite word… This is what I usually get at Pampas Grill, a Brazilian churrascaria (BBQ), in Culver City yesterday. With Picanha (Sirloin Cap), Tri-Tip, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Garlic Noodles, Chicken Stroganoff, Garlic Bread, and Fried Plantains. I picked up some Roasted Potatoes from the farmers market and enjoyed it this morning with the leftover Picanha. For those keeping score at home, “Charcuterie” is my favorite word. #picanha