refining childhood

I had a new bottle of black truffle oil just waiting patiently for me to create the perfect dish to drizzle over. Well its patience ran out on my will to cook so it finally took its magical flavors to my side of McDonalds french fries. Oh my did the wimpy bag of fries turn into a luxurious grown (wo)man's taste of gold. Dipped in a ketchup-honey mix and it's a $2 taste of French Laundry. OK exaggeration, but it still tastes fabulous. I was an extreme makeover to my childhood.

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the bay food diaries

{kang tong deage} some good, spicy dok bok ki and yummy rice wine. 

{katanaya ramen} very filling and tasty ramen bowls, perfect for a comforting lunch in the city

{trattoria la siciliana} zuppa di pesce and the best pesto linguini I've ever tried

{ici ice cream} candied ginger creme brulee scoop in a cone 

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a bay weekend

An early morning for me to start packing for my trip to the Bay. If weathermen weren't so unreliable half the time, I'd have a light suitcase packed with only exactly what I need. But alas the weathermen aren't only to blame; my genetics as a female must take the brunt of it. The sun is considerably less friendly and visiting in the Bay so must switch from shorts and tanks to knits and flowy skirts. Not a bad tradeoff. I've made sure to not make the mistake again of not switching the location on my weather app and packing for Los Angeles when I'm going to the completely polar San Francisco...

sick

What I would give to just get better! I caught a really bad cold/flu right after Labor Day weekend. I'm sure it was a result of the busy days and nights, but at least I'm glad it didn't develop until after the holiday ended. Now I've succumbed to my bed the last two days and eating nothing but congee and green bean soup. I'm not complaining though, I love those two. Green bean soup is really tasty and nutritious and is one of those "cooling" foods according to Chinese culture. It dispels internal heat and clears away toxins. So more bowls and bowls to come.

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raw cravings

Finally finally finally got my sushi fix from Taiko, my favorite and best sushi bar in Irvine. I'm blessed it is only 5 minutes from my house so I can get it right at noon when there is no wait. They have the freshest and tastiest fish that melt in your mouth with every delicate bite.  I always love sitting with Chef Ono-san because his eyes always smile and he reminds me of good ol' Charlie Brown. One plate I highly recommend...no, praise to the gods about is the hamachi sashimi.

For those new to this place, you must sit at the sushi bar. Do not order from the dining room and do not order to go because different chefs prep the sushi for those two.

seafood salad

hamachi sashimi

spicy tuna roll - is it me or is the sushi flicking me off before I devour it?

unagi sushi

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