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short ribs

Chew Noodle Bar - Anaheim, CA

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Chew Noodle Bar - Anaheim, CA

Chew Noodle Bar just opened a few weeks ago and still going through with their soft opening. Their Chef, Amy Pham, competed on Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen (such an intense show). They are currently serving a course menu for $15, but will have a full menu out soon. 

Here's what I had:

Short Rib Gyozas - Very tender, flavorful and decadent. 

Short Rib Gyozas - Very tender, flavorful and decadent. 

Smoky Shishito Peppers - Flash fried with a mild yuzu aioli.

Smoky Shishito Peppers - Flash fried with a mild yuzu aioli.

Spicy Shoyu Ramen and Tonkotsu.

Death by Affogato - Perfect dessert and wake-me-UP.

Death by Affogato - Perfect dessert and wake-me-UP.

918 S Magnolia Ave Ste B Anaheim, CA 92804

 

 

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Caffe Primo - Santa Barbara

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Caffe Primo - Santa Barbara

I don't normally take time throughout the year until the end because of how hectic work can be. And I honestly don't have anything planned for myself to begin with. I am ready to leave 2016 behind. It was tough, and for most of the hard times, it lingered for months like mold rotten behind a wall you don't know about. I just couldn't save myself from it and it sucked my soul for the rest of the year. Come 2017, I'm going to make sure I don't let that happen again.

We decided to take a short trip to Santa Barbara this winter. More so for the scenic route since I really didn't want to drive down to San Diego again. The drive is just not enjoyable. The weather was gorgeous in Santa Barbara and I immediately fell in Love with State street downtown SB. The buildings were pretty much all Spanish style. Super tall that it casted a shadow from the sun which was the only con I can give. Not really doing much research on restaurants, I relied on yelp to find a satisfying Italian place to lunch.

Without much luck, a lot of restaurants were closed and some seemed like closed for good. That's when we stumbled upon Caffe Primo. Tall glass windows casting tons of soft light into the dining hall. It created such a warm welcoming vibe that I was ready for. And, Italian. Something I was craving. I just want to slather noodles in my mouth big bites at a time. It's one of those months. 

Each table was greeted with a small vase of fresh flowers. This easily enlightened the mood. Santa Barbara you are winning.

A lot of water was needed to stay hydrated throughout the day. Especially with all the coffee we've been drinking.

Caesar salad. Delicious, but the wrong dressing was mixed. This was actually a balsamic dressing. I didn't want to return this because it would go to waste. And it tasted fine so we didn't mind.

White truffle angel hair pasta. Succulent shrimp with a white truffle cream sauce. Everything was cooked perfectly. The sauce was nice and creamy. The avocado was a new twist, but added an extra layer of creaminess that worked well with the tartness of the tomato. The white truffle was subtle, but you knew it was there. I would definitely order this again.

Short Rib Pappardelle. Braised short ribs that will melt in your mouth tossed in a red wine mushroom ragu. Topped off with Reggiano for that nice bite. This is so classic and excellent for the weather. Extremely comforting.

Done and

done.

516 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93108

 

 

 

 

 

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Pier Del Sol - Special Olympics 2016

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Pier Del Sol - Special Olympics 2016

The Special Olympics Southern California offers year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 26,006 athletes in 11 Southern California counties train and compete in 12 Olympic-type summer and fall sports. There is no cost for athletes to participate in Special Olympics.

I'm extremely excited to support Special Olympics Southern California at the 20th annual Pier del Sol fundraiser event on October 9th at Santa Monica. It's a fantastic event hosted once a year with family fun events featuring rides, entertainment, food, silent auctions and more.

 

Below is a little more about the mission and vision of Special Olympics Southern California:

“The mission of Special Olympics Southern California is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Our vision is to provide sports and training programs for any individual with intellectual disabilities who chooses to participate, thereby improving their lives and the lives of everyone they touch.”
— Special Olympics Southern California

Here are all the awesome food that I got to eat. For $175 a ticket, you get spoiled with some of the best restaurants of Los Angeles, meet the athletes (even sing with them), go on rides (for free), get 12 game tickets, and knowing that all proceeds goes towards the programs.

Oysters from Providence / Connie's & Ted is always a favorite stop.

Live music to celebrate the 20th annual Pier Del Sol. 20's themed.

One of my favorite games! Watching awesome special Olympic athletes play.

Children are super competitive.

12 tickets, 12 chances!

Can you guess who won?

Can you guess who won?

Yup..

My brother wins!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Claudine - Encino

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Claudine - Encino

A little bio on Claudine,

"Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop is the collaborative effort of Chef Anthony Jacquet and Pastry Chef Lea Newton, whose combined skills and culinary passions have led to the opening of a globally-influenced neighborhood café and bakeshop in the San Fernando Valley. Named after Jacquet’s late sister, the driving force behind his decision to become a chef, Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop is a full service restaurant, bakeshop, coffee bar, and grab n’ go deli. Serving only the highest quality food made with local and sustainable ingredients, Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop features an assortment of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.Highlighting the bounty of local and seasonal produce in California, the restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from the many cultures and people who have shaped the city."

16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436

16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436

Stone IPA

Stone IPA

Located on Ventura Blvd in Encino is where you will find Claudine. From the outside, it blends it with the neighborhood Chipotle which sits in the same center. But walking inside, the expectations are blown away by how adorable this place is. Open kitchen with tons of baked goods ready for you to hover over. Everything is made fresh daily, so if you see low inventory, that's a good sign.

Michelada

Michelada

Claudine also serves wine and beer which is always a plus. I started with a Stone IPA. They also carried a few specialty cocktails like sangrias and micheladas.

We had a few dishes to sample, all delicious. They make their own house cured lox on toast. The salmon was not overly salty served on top of some preserved Lemon Cream Cheese, Pickled Shallots, Cucumber and Capers. Their Briana's Short Rib Grilled Cheese is also a must order. Stuffed with Stout Braised Onions, Roasted Mushrooms, ‘Merican Cheese, Black Vinegar Teriyaki, and russet wedges. Get your napkins ready.

Cianna's Naan-Zza

They also make their own naan pizzas. We've tried 2 and fell in love instantly. Cianna's Naan-Zza: pesto, buratta, bacon, mushrooms and asparagus. Serrano Ham and Olive Naan-Zza: fresno chile, buratta cheese and oregano. The Lea's Lightened Quiche was a winner all around. Custard made with spinach, basil, and only one egg with salad greens (SO GOOD).

If you are not sure what to do about your life, order the Malted Milk Pancakes. Cinnamon-Blueberry compote, salted honey butter, Warm Maple Syrup and Bacon. Sandwich this baby together and eat it with pride. Lot's of it.

16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436

 

 

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GD Bro Burger

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GD Bro Burger

First of all. GD Bro Burger has been breaking the internet with their gnarly looking red freaky bun burger. With that said, it looks like one hell of a delicious gnarly red freaky bun burger. A lot of you know me by now, as a burger porn whore. I love my burgers. And what I love about a burger is the unexpected flavors you may find. It's amazing to think, a meat patty, between a bun, can be innovated in so many different ways.

I am delighted to share with you, my burger experience at GD Bro.

1798 East Willow Street, Suite B. Signal Hill, CA 90755

I was lucky to be invited today by Andy Nguyen (Co-Founder/Investor) for a friends and family preview night. You better get there on time or early. Because those pictures you see on social media is real. That long line either wrapping the restaurant or literally invading someone else's backyard.

There was a good selection of burgers to try from. But, I had my eyes set on one.

The "Juan & Only".

This was their specialty spicy burger. As much as I absolutely love spicy foods, there's also a slight hesitancy on how much I could actually tolerate. Will my #Buttfires be too extreme tomorrow? Who knows. But, let me tell you that this burger is well balanced. Yes, it's slightly spicy, but not overpowering where it destroys every sensor on your tongue. This burger consisted of : Meat, Jalapeno Cream Cheese stuffed, Pico de gallo, avocado, chipotle mayo. The chipotle mayo, was the best I've had. SO creamy, perfectly spiced, and rich with the avocado and meat. I would get this again. The burgers were also pretty decent sized.

The Juan & Only

All American

Of course, John had to order a burger that is least frightening to him. John is normally the western burger type of guy, or the straight up In & Out lettuce-tomato-onions-special sauce dude.

All American

It's pretty decadent huh? Before I forget, these are raspberry buns. I forgot to mention that to John.. he actually thought it was red velvet and freaked out because it didn't taste like it. The All American has good ole American and Swiss cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, homemadeBBQ sauce, and kettle chips. Bobby Flay would be proud.

The best for last, KBBQ Kalbi Poutine Fries

KBBQ Kalbi Poutine Fries

These were out of the world. The short ribs were fatty and full of flavor, not overly sweet. Perfectly pickled onions, gravy, shredded mozzarella, sesame and green onions. Call it heaven or sweet baby Jesus. Every bite of my burger I took a big forkful of this. The only thing is, you better eat it quick before the cheese congeals. Would love more gravy next time I come. And, the kalbi had a beautiful smoky black pepper flavor that tasted very familiar. Love it all.

Everything was a thumbs up. I know I am going to pay for it tomorrow. Cheese never sits will in my stomach. This guilty pleasure is always worth it. I don't care what day it is. I am always up for a good burger.

Check them out on:

http://www.gdbrotruck.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gdbroburger/






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