Saturday, October 19, 2013

The Avocado, A Nearly Perfect Snack

avocado

I say the avocado is a nearly perfect snack because although portable, it's no banana. You need a knife to get to that glorious "nature's butter," not to mention salt and pepper (lime juice really takes it to the next level, but I rarely buy limes as I don't use them much in daily life). While you can't just forget about avocados on the counter or in the fridge (I have had to throw out way-past-ripened avocados before and yes, it's sad every time), pay a little attention to them and you will be rewarded. I personally feel good about eating them because they offset all the popcorn and Chex Mix I consume.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Milk Jar Cookies

milkjarcookies

I have found my favorite oatmeal raisin cookie in LA at Milk Jar Cookies. It is undeniably good and everything I want in an oatmeal raisin cookie: slightly crunchy on top, chewy in the middle and lots of raisins. It's memorable and for someone who doesn't give cookies a lot of thought on a daily basis, that is certainly something.

Milk Jar Cookies
5466 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-634-9800

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Green Beans with Butter and Dill

green beans with butter and dill

Green beans are so easy to make, no joke. I was looking for a vegetable side that wasn't another lettuce salad and all I had to do was throw the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes, drain, run under cold water (I have seen enough cooking shows to know that you're supposed to "shock" them in an ice bath, but honestly) and throw back in the pot with butter, fresh dill, salt and pepper. And you're done! My favorite part of making green beans is that they require no prep aside from rinsing; yes, you can trim the tips, but I don't find it necessary.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Gaju

Let's just jump right back into it, shall we? Happiness is...

gaju1
Bibimnaengmyun

gaju2
Kimbap

Gaju
3839 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213-380-2714

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

L'Epicerie Market

L'Epicerie Nutella crepe

A Nutella and banana crepe with good coffee makes for an excellent breakfast. L'Epicerie Market also offers savory crepes, but I generally gravitate towards sweet varieties. I enjoy little breaks like these to think about things big and small. As you may have guessed, many of these moments involve food.

L'Epicerie Market
9900 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 815-1600

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Pa Ord Noodle

Chamomile tea with honey. Hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows. Pancakes with butter and warm syrup. All things I associate with soothing the soul and creating calm within.

This is not that.

Pa Ord Crispy Pork

No, the Chinese broccoli with crispy pork at Pa Ord Noodle is not going to lull you into a relaxed state. It's more like the chorus of Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer" on the highest volume setting. And I got the medium spicy. 

After I finished my meal, which included a small sized portion of tom yum noodle soup (excellent and also medium spicy), I was relieved to have made it through all the spice. Of course, as I look at the photo, its siren call beckons. I get the fanfare now.

Pa Ord Noodle
5301 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 461-3945

Friday, January 4, 2013

Olympic Noodle


Olympic Noodle

My preferred version of chicken noodle soup can be found not in the pantry, but in Koreatown. Now, don't get me wrong. What I consider to be the traditional American standard (without getting into what American means, let's just use the definition of "if I order it in a diner, I am expecting a bowl of this stuff") can be beautiful and lovely when made at home. But, when I'm weary or recovering from illness, I do not think about making mirepoix. [Sidenote: due to Food Network, I think of Emeril Lagasse when I hear or see "mirepoix." I don't know how many, if any, of his episodes do not include mirepoix.] 

Instead, I usually do one of two things: purchase below average soup from the grocery store or pine for Korean food (more times than not, the second one is almost always the case). So, recently, when in need of a restorative meal, I headed to Olympic Noodle. The chicken noodle soup was $8, a respectable bargain, but the best part was the immediate sense of contentment that followed. Happy New Year! 

Olympic Noodle
4008 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 931-0007