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Pasadena

Sushi Roku Pasadena 16th Anniversary

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Sushi Roku Pasadena 16th Anniversary

Happens only once a year for all of us. Birthday's are special. Especially at Sushi Roku, they go big by offering their dinner menu for 50% off (food only). I've been eating here for many years now, but only found out about this big shebang last year. Rounded up a small group and rushed towards the bar seating area since they were booked for the night.

Sake for the table. After this bottle, we did some sake samplers (recommended).

And here are the slew of foods we ordered to celebrate Wednesday 

and the 16th Anniversary of Sushi Roku. I swear I am here all the time it feels like home.

Shishito peppers, nasu dengaku, and hanabi are always my go to for appetizers when I'm here. Oh! and fluke kumquat sashimi in a yuzu vinaigrette. The sushi you see are yellowtail, ankimo, salmon, toro and uni. Orders of salmon cut rolls are always welcomed. Some baked crab handrolls are always satisfying. And surprisingly, the chicken Karaage was very tasty with a bowl of hot rice! For dessert, we had their warm butter cake with vanilla ice cream and 3 unique mochis with flavors: pistachio, strawberry chocolate chip, and passion fruit.

One Colorado 33 Miller Alley Pasadena, CA 91103

 

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TLT Food - Pasadena

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TLT Food - Pasadena

A good foodie colleague of mine recommended this place that just opened not too long ago. Even though I work in Pasadena, surrounded my tons of restaurants, it's still hard to find a place to eat around here. After having dinner at TLT, it definitely felt like a breath of fresh air. There's a lot of variety on their menu with playful ingredients. I didn't find their menu to be boring, but unique to their offerings. TLT used to be a food truck. Like all ambitious entrepreneurs, only a few make it to open a brick and mortar. 

36 South El Molino Ave Pasadena, CA 91101

Tamara getting her Monday drink on. 

Shishito Peppers

Cali Ceviche - Cauliflower, Avocado, Lime, Red Onion, Cilantro, Jalapeño, Corn Tortilla Chips. Additional charge to add tuna.

Ahi Tuna Tostada - Tostada with Sushi Grade Ahi, Garlic Ginger Dressing, Pickled Veggies, Avocado, Lime, Cilantro, Iceberg & Sesame Seeds

Beet Salad - Pickled Golden Beets, Roasted Red Beets, Arugula, Mint, Spiced Candied Almonds & Whipped Goat Cheese

Pee Wee Potatoes - Cheese Sauce, Chimichurri, Scallions (these were freaking GOOD)

Blue Crab Grilled Cheese - Blue Crab, Cheese Blend, Scallions, Jalapeños, Sambal, Grilled Sourdough. No Substitutions (For $12, this was worth it.)

Amazing Chimmi Wings - Tossed in Chimichurri & Topped with Chipotle-Honey Aioli. Green Apple & Lime Garnish. 6 Wings total. These were one of the best wings I've had! Not comparing them to your typical bar wings or game day wings, but the flavor of these are so different than anything I've ever had. Must order. The lime does wonders to this as well.

I'm counting on them to stay open, so check them out.

36 South El Molino Ave Pasadena, CA 91101

 

 

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Smitty's Grill

My supervisor took me with her to a Vendor lunch today for new partnership opportunities in our broadcast department. I love going to Smitty's for a good cocktail, shrimp cocktail, more cocktails, and endless conversations. 

Glancing through the menu, I really didn't feel all that hungry. But for some reason, I ordered a burger. I should've ordered a salad, or seafood. Something that screams I'm not that hungry. A burger? What was I thinking?  

In no time, our food came in a snippy.  

Smokehouse burger

Smokehouse burger

Applewood smoked bacon, grilled onions, white Vermont cheddar, and rattlesnake bbq sauce.  

Umm hey guys I know it's the first time you are meeting me... And I should've ordered something cleaner.. But. BURGER! Get in my BELLY NOW! Of course these guys have no idea what a foodie I am. And I only got lucky with this photo because my supervisor brought up my love for food (thanks Kathy!)  

The burger was not just big, it was juicy, good greasy from the cheese and bbq sauce. Each bite that I took needed to be followed by licking my fingers. Extra napkins is mandatory. White or beige pants especially, should have a napkin over, with the dirty on top of that. 

The burger had no chance. Even though I wasn't that hungry as I said, I can never leave a burger half eaten. It's just not in my character. The burger itself was huge. Had a nice smoked charrrr. Delicious smoked bacon with crispy edges. And the sauce was finger-licking good. 

When I got back to the office, I went straight to the kitchen and poured myself a big cup of Joe, and chugged it like vodka.  

Until next time Smitty's. When I am there to guzzle myself with endless martinis and talk like a pirate.

daisy  

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The Counter Burger

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The Counter Burger

It's been a while since I've had a burger. And by a while, it's not having it every other day. I think it's been over a week since I had one, and probably the reason why I've been in a not so pleasant mood.  

Why Daisy?! Why did I stop eating burgers?! Well, to be honest... I was at the dentist one day. And they were working up my mouth for so long, my jaw was stuck, and became sore for the next few days. I had a burger that night because I couldn't say no. But then, the regrets starts to roll in as the pain punches your face. Yes I still ate my burger but decided to give myself a break. 

After a long week of work, I realized, I needed a burger. Need is a little bit of a understatement. I felt like I was almost turning Vegan. I wanted a burger to bring me back to reality. I am a carnivore. 

Witt a slight hesitation, I went with my basic pick. Because I was starving, and really wanted something I know I could trust.  

This is my 1/3 of delicious Hormone & Antibiotics free beef. John got the 1/2 pounder. It didn't even cross my mind to order a bigger patty until I saw how thick his was.  

Toppings: red onions, corn and black beans salsa, fresh jalapeños, Anaheim chilies, roasted green chilies, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, and coleslaw.  

The Jaw test. I think I did pretty good. I don't like cutting my burgers in half. Maybe for a photo, but, I like to hold it in my hands. It makes me feel powerful. The slight grease that trails on your fingers, and the constant napping grabbing. 

I've been going to the Counter for 8 years now I believe. The first time I was here, I arm wrestled someone and had my first Fat Tire beer. It happens! but I love to arm wrestle, it helps me take down burgers.  

At the end of the day, the Counter is still one of my favorite Burger restaurants. They have killer onion strings, Allagash Curieux (I love tripels) and Gold Road Hef on tap. 

From your professional burger eater,

Daisy

 

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Kings Row - Piggy Roast

Kings Row is one of those spots that you've seen, but you were never aware of the name. The conversation always goes "Where is that?", "It's in the alley next to Coffee Bean", "OH THAT place! I walk by it all the time and wondered what it was!".

The FIRST time I came to Kings Row was one of my luckiest. I came exactly on the 3rd Thursday of the month. And if you don't know what that means, now you know, because I'm going to tell you, Right, Now.

They roast a whole pig in a China Box for 12 hours. The pig is in a beer brine for 2 days before it hits the box. Happy Hour also ends at 7pm, so whatever drink you are having I recommend ordering a double each time you go up. There's no table service, so all orders are to be placed at the bar. A plate of this succulent will cost you $15, but it also comes with delicious Mac&Cheese and a side garden salad. The pig sees the light at 6PM so come early.

$15 Pig Plate

This was my 3rd time coming to Kings Row. I always ask for the crispy skin, and sometimes, extra crispy (they would fry it). If you don't understand why it's so freaking amazing, just close your eyes and put that sh*t in your mouth. You can't complain about crunchy pig skin. You just can't. I got extremely lucky with my cut this time because it was near the belly. And if you don't understand what that means, then - YOU NEED TO FIND A WAY TO LIVE.

These wings were in a brine for 24 hours, TWICE fried, and drenched in a chipotle honey glaze served with a side of herbaceous ranch. Kings has a pretty fun menu and I would definitely come back just to try out their other items. These wings stay true to the name given. The chipotle was smoky and balances perfectly with the honey. The key is that they were twice fried to make sure that crunch holds up to the drench. Easy to share or hard? I went to order a drink and they were gone when I got back.

Cheers

This image was from the previous time that I stopped by. Salad seems to change, but it's still tasty. But honestly speaking, no one really cares about the salad. Pig and MacCccheeeese, there's no saving from this.

Enjoy and see you there next month! Or before.

Cheers,

Daiisies

 

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