I was planning on going home after work, hoping I would leave work before 4 am. But in life, we don’t always get what we want… So, after leaving work at 5:30 am, I knew it I could get a great breakfast burrito on the way home. But, I decided to get my favorite cheese enchiladas instead of a breakfast burrito. I was the first person in line when they opened at 6 am. The #4 or Cheese Enchiladas with Red Sauce at El Tepeyac Cafe in East LA. Served with Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Sour Cream. I love their Red Sauce and Green Salsa here. Now, it’s time for Good Morning America… Happy Wednesday! #cheeseenchlladas

I wanted a Club Sandwich after work, but there aren’t many options at 5 am. Once I got to Norms Restaurant and saw the Sirloin Steak and Eggs in the Late Night Menu, served with Hash Browns and Hotcakes, Club Sandwich who??? I figured I’d eat the Hot Cakes and Hash Browns right away and take home the Steak and Eggs, so I ordered them scrambled. Not a bad deal for $17.99. Only problem, I got stuck in the 6 am morning commute on the way home I close again tonight, Club Sandwich??? #latenight #steakandeggs #pancakes #open24hours

From “The Big Bang Theory”: Sheldon: And look over here, “shrimp in mobster sauce”. What is mobster sauce? Leonard: It’s obviously a typo. Sheldon: Perhaps. Perhaps this restaurant’s now a front for organized crime. For all we know, the mobster sauce contains actual chunks of deceased mobsters. Raj: No, no, no, no. I think it just means it’s the kind of sauce that mobsters like. Howard: It doesn’t mean any of that. It’s a typo! After watching this episode, I got hungry for Shrimp in Mobster Sauce…I mean, Lobster Sauce. Shrimp with Lobster Sauce Lunch Special from Chinese Garden Restaurant in Montebello. Served with Egg Drop Soup, Rice, a square Egg Roll, and a Fortune Cookie (which said, “You have great taste in food”) for $11.50. Old Skool Cantonese for Lunch… #cantonese #shrimpinlobstersauce

It’s Taco Election Day! (or Taco Tuesday) It’s too close to call… Taquitos campaigned hard over the weekend, but Tacos flooded the market with Taco Tuesday ads. The main issue is Cheese, Making America Grate Again or Pre-Shredded? 😂 But right now, as the counting continues, it’s time to eat! Taquitos and a Hard Beef Taco from Pepe’s Finest Mexican Food in Alhambra. Regardless of what happens… we can sit down together and have a great taco and taquitos. Tacos Forever #tacos #taquitos

Still celebrating the Dodgers’ World Series victory AND needing coffee before work. Thanks to @drmarkisin, who made me aware of this coffee, which reminded me of a Dirty Thai Iced Coffee I once had at a now closed restaurant. This morning, I happened to be at a signal and looked over to see Cotti Coffee which seemed familiar but couldn’t remember why? I drove around the corner and saw one of my messages that this is the name of the coffee place that Mark mentioned! Rise and grind, it’s coffee time! Pampas Blue Coco Latte from Cotti Coffee in San Gabriel. A Sirius coffee blend, mixed with milk and premium coconut milk, infused with the iconic blue hue of the Pampas Eagle. It was a good coffee and it only costs me 99 cents. Let me explain, there was a couple ahead of me who couldn’t decide what to order and the workers were busy making drinks. The service here is lacking and I got tired of waiting, but saw a QR Code to order. I’m guessing, since I had to sign up, I got a $3.50 discount on my first order, otherwise it’s a $4.49 drink. Besides the longer wait behind the couple who couldn’t decide, the drink was pretty good, as Mark had also liked. Would I go back? I’d order ahead of time for the next visit, but would order the same coffee. Foodie friends and great coffee make the perfect blend, thanks Mark. #coffee #coconutmilk

Just before Election Day… I picked…Garfield! Not for President, but for my combo. Garfield and Chicken Teriyaki Combo at Sushi on Garfield in Monterey Park. The Garfield Roll, 4 pcs of California Roll and 4 pcs of Spicy Tuna, with Chicken Teriyaki, Salad, and Edamame in my dinner combo. This is a one person small business, so call in your order early and hope the wait is not too long. Support small businesses, they need the help. Happy Sunday! #spicytuna #bentobox

“What if you mix the mayonnaise in the can, WITH the tunafish? Or... hold it! Chuck! I got it! Take LIVE tuna fish, and FEED ‘em mayonnaise! Oh this is great.” ~ Bill Blazejowski ‘Night Shift’ Spicy Tuna Bowl from Sushi on Garfield in Monterey Park. Doubtful that THIS tuna was fed mayonnaise, but there is some in the recipe. It’s not as good as my spicy tuna, but for lunch, not bad. BUT, you should call your order in early or be prepared to wait…awhile. I called at opening and selected my pick up time and now watching The Breeder’s Cup Classic from Del Mar, Where The Surf Meets The Turf in Del Mar… #spicytuna #spicytunabowl

I was working last night during Game 5 of the World Series and didn’t get to see the end of the game before work. AND we got slammed after the game, so I knew it was over but didn’t know who won, until a customer told me the final score. Since we were slammed and I didn’t get a chance to eat during my break, so I decided to stop for breakfast and then watch the game afterwards. At 4:30 am, not many options. Actually, I only wanted pancakes and hash browns, but ordered the IHOP Breakfast Sampler anyway. I figured that scrambled eggs would be good for lunch later in the day with my 6 sausage. I got home to finish watching the game, I left for work after the 3rd inning. Wow, the Yankees played pretty bad defense in the top of the 5th inning. Congrats @dodgers! #pancakes #latenight #open24hours

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ~ Virginia Woolf MEATing a friend for lunch at original farmers market. When I think of a variety of MEAT, I think of a Brazilian churrasco AND that means one place for lunch…Pampas Grill! It’s been awhile, but my usual Pampas Grill plate is missing a few of my usual items. I usually get the Garlic Noodles and top with Chicken Strogonoff, but the guy in front of me made a mess serving himself the noodles and I just decided to avoid it all together, same with the Collard Greens. It was a bit disappointing, but some people have no awareness at a self-serve/buffet. The same guy at the carving station wanted to grab the meat as the server was carving and was told to wait twice. He then moved the meat around on his plate with his fingers and then licked his fingers, I wonder if he used the utensils given? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Today’s Lunch: Picanha (Sirloin Cap) Top Sirloin Leg of Lamb Chicken Strogonoff over Garlic Rice Fried Plantains Potato Salad Pasta Salad It was a nice lunch and even better with having lunch with a long-time friend who loves a Brazilian churrasco as much as I do. Come to think of it, this is the second time we’re having lunch at Pampas Grill. Where do you like to MEAT your friends for a get together? #picanha #sirolincap

It’s Sandwich Saturday! With the @dodgers in the World Series, I needed to celebrate and get ready with other #Dodgers fans AND have a great lunch too. So, we went to Langer’s Deli! I took my friend from Hawaii, @melissa808, because I wanted her to experience a true LA landmark AND the famous #19 sandwich before Langer’s Deli closes for good. Hopefully, THIS won’t be my last visit and #19. Let me explain: Langer’s Deli, one of Los Angeles’ historic restaurants, may close its doors if the city fails to address crime, homelessness and illegal street vending at MacArthur Park. Say it isn’t so, but I understand… The Famous #19 Sandwich at @langersdeli in LA: I believe that this might be the place where I first had Pastrami growing up. If not, it was THAT place we’d get Pastrami and Corned Beef sandwiches growing up. I know we weren’t the only ones coming here, as they’ve been open for 77 years. With hand-cut hot pastrami piled high with cole slaw, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese, all on double-baked rye bread that’s warm on the inside and crunchy out. For me, what makes this sandwich is the double-baked rye bread. It’s moist and not dry like other rye breads I’ve had. The hand cut Pastrami is the right thickness and with the Cole Slaw and Russian Dressing, it’s almost perfect. AND if you’re keeping score at home, my friend liked it too! This is at the top of the list of my favorite sandwiches. #pastramisandwich

Another Late Night… But, I was able to get off of work earlier than scheduled and was able get over to the World Famous Pastrami spot before they close at 1 am. Although they’re known for Pastrami, I love the Roast Beef Sandwich with Au Jus dip at The Hat in Alhambra. When I get home, I do add my own @bertmanballparkmustard and horseradish sauce before dipping in. At least I have the next two days off… #latenight #roastbeef #frenchdip

I got off of work at 4 am this morning, but needed to be back at work for a 7 am meeting. On the way home, I stopped at Celito Lindo just before 10 am for some taquitos before taking a 2 hour nap and being back to work at 4 pm… Just another day at the restaurant. OK, not a typical day tho… Taquitos and a Tamale from Celito Lindo at Olvera Street in DTLA. This plate comes with 2 taquitos and a choice of tamale (Beef, Chicken, or Jalapeno & Queso - at least those were what I remember) and served with refried beans and cheese, I added 2 more taquitos with sauce on the side. If you get it Togo, always sauce on the side. Once I took them home and there was an accident on the freeway and I was delayed getting home, the taquitos were soggy. This way, they stay crispy. A 14 hour work day and being at work 3 times within 24 hours. 😂 #Taquitos

It’s Taco Tuesday! These tacos are truly a-maize-ing! Shrimp Taco & Steak Taco at MidEast Tacos in Silver Lake. Always a fan of Mini Kabob and loved the Steak Burrito (with extra Thai Basil) at SmorgasburgLA, so I brought @melissa808 for her to try a kabob taco. SHRIMP TACO Shrimp with Salsa Roja, Cabbage, Red Onion, Cilantro, Thai Basil, Toum Arbrol, and Sumac on a tortilla. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and one of the best shrimp tacos I’ve had. STEAK TACO Steak with Avocado Salsa, Cabbage, Red Onion, Cilantro, Thai Basil, Toum Arbrol, and Sumac on a tortilla. Yes, I did bring home a Steak Burrito for later… (But, I forgot to ask for extra Thai Basil, next time) The only bad taco is the one you didn’t eat. Tacos Forever #tacos #tacotuesday #shrimptaco #steaktaco

A donut in both hands is my idea of a well-balanced diet The more you know… I went with the “Fudgegazi” (a raised donut stuffed with chocolate mousse and topped with miniature chocolate chips). My new Donut Friend favorite in Highland Park #donut #chocolatedonut

I’m on the way home from work and hungry. It’s 4:20 am, somewhere in the city… Not many choices open at this hour, BUT Original Tommy’s on Rampart and Beverly is OPEN! A Chili Tamale with Everything (pickles, onions, tomato) from @originaltommys in Historic Filipinotown. I close tomorrow too, where am I going to eat??? #latenight #chilitamale #open24hours

I couldn’t decide, spaghetti or ravoli? Who doesn’t love spaghetti, right??? I ordered 1/2 spaghetti with meat sauce and 1/2 meat ravoli with a sausage from @little_tonis in NoHo. I was hoping to enjoy this late dinner while watching the replay of today’s Dodger game. But, life doesn’t always go the way you want it to, they lost to the Mets. So tonight, I watched the Yankee game replay and had my pasta dinner. Not a bad Plan B, right? #spaghetti #ravoli #noho

But first, Sunday Dinner… When could you say GOAT was actually the Greatest Of All Time??? Don’t goat me started. Goat Curry, yesterday’s “Saturday Special” at Caribbean Gourmet in San Gabriel. As “they” say, it was better the next day. (When “they” are used as a reference, who are “they” referring to? The Kardashians???) It was tender pieces of goat in a curry blend that was developed for this particular protein, so this curry doesn’t taste like their chicken curry. Still good, tho! Most places would take their curry recipe (or whatever item) and use it for all different proteins and would pretty much taste the same. Served with Rice and Peas, Cabbage, and Fried Plantains. I haven’t had Goat this good, but then again it was probably cooked the same way as others cook a variety of proteins. Whatever floats your goat, right? . #goatcurry #curryplate

Getting ready for tonight’s Dodger Game… ITFDB

Oh, meat-LESS Monday… Never mind. Yakitori Bowl from Tozai Food Market in Rosemead. Chicken topped with a sweet soy sauce and pickled cucumbers served over rice. You’d think I would order something other than chicken on my day off… Since I work nights, I miss out on going to a Yakitori restaurant for skewered meats and vegetables. It’s not the same as freshly grilled over imported charcoal, but on my day off, it’s a Yakitori bowl for lunch. #yakitoribowl

It’s Sandwich Saturday! After a crazy morning in the restaurant industry, I looked forward to THIS sandwich for dinner. Chopped Jerk Chicken on handmade Coco Bread and a signature Cabbage Slaw, Today’s Special, from Caribbean Gourmet in San Gabriel. The Coco Bread is soft and buttery, also known as “butter flap” in Guyana. I could eat this bread on its own and would be happy, but add Jerk Chicken and a slaw, it’s so good! The next time Chef Yonette makes this sandwich, Run and get it, as she ALWAYS sells out! YES, it’s THAT GOOD!!! Follow @caribbeangourmet to find the next time she makes Coco Bread Jerk Chicken sandwiches, as she makes it every so often. “Too few people understand a really good sandwich.” ~ James Beard I’m happy now… #sandwichsaturday #jerkchickensandwich #cocobread

After a 10 hour work day, AND the first day of October, not to mention, the MLB playoffs… It’s Time for a scoop of Baskin-Robbins’ BASEBALL NUT ice cream! A vanilla flavored ice cream and raspberry swirls team up with roasted cashews for a home run flavor. I look forward to this flavor every baseball season, since I was playing baseball… Did you know that Baskin-Robbins has a drive-thru in Burbank??? “I’d give up ice cream, but I’m not a quitter.” ~ Unknown

Watching the last day of the regular baseball season… The playoffs begin on Tuesday, except for the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. They are currently tied and will play a doubleheader tomorrow to decide who will fill the last two brackets in the National League. Spicy Tuna and Tuna Bowl, a Grab ‘N Go item from Tozai Food Market in Rosemead. Spicy Tuna and Tuna slices over Sushi Rice. Tuesday is the first day of October and the first day of the MLB Playoffs. It’s October Baseball! #spicytuna #spicytunabowl

It’s Sandwich Saturday! “Life is too short for a bad sandwich.” ~ Unknown The Sandwich from Raising Cane’s in NoHo. Did you know you can get a chicken finger sandwich at Raising Cane’s on Texas Toast? It costs a little bit more to do, but if you love Texas Toast like I do, it’s worth it. With 3 chicken fingers, lettuce, and Cane sauce on two slices of Texas Toast. AND if you’re “Extra” you can ask to have the Texas Toast with butter on both sides… It’s too much butter for me, but however you butter your bread… “A sandwich is a meal that can make any day better.” ~ Unknown #sandwichsaturday #texastoast

When your night doesn’t go well, cause no one wants to clean the kitchen to what it’s supposed to be and the night drags on. The delivery gets there early and I get stuck moving things around. Finally leaving work at 3:30 am. Only getting 3 hours of sleep (maybe) before attending a food safety class and exam for my certification at work. Yup, needed the “Extra Large” coffee before the class this morning. The class was great and I feel I might have gotten 100% (90 questions), but learned too much about bacteria and toxins and don’t really feel like eating right now… Happy Thursday

When you can’t decide… Beef Bulgogi or Pork & Shrimp dumplings??? Get both and make it a meal, served with a pickled daikon radish and sauce over greens from Manduyo at Blossom Market Hall in San Gabriel. Delicious and I can’t decide which one is better. Just demolished all these dumplings… Now, that’s a wrap! Happy Wednesday #dumplings