tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25630927971603067102024-02-06T20:59:21.538-08:00mother may i?hoot hootums childimjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-12291273048613037842011-02-17T22:39:00.000-08:002011-02-17T22:44:30.539-08:00everyday i'm hustlin<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_3jPIr9ya7LOJEx3REIcOnHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD7PEj1m9I/AAAAAAAAFQc/3rqCRAuIAww/s640/IMG_2388.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></center>Took a long bus ride to Costa Rica and visited a local zoo that worked primarily in rehab and reproduction. They have had many problems of people taking wildlife, and then later trying to drop it off at the zoo when they either felt bad or didn't want them anymore. This objectification of animal life, which is not uncommon in the US, angers me so much. The two most often questions I get asked when I tell people I am in vet school: 1. You really like animals huh? 2. What do you think of Michael Vick? But this is neither the time nor place for a rant.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sqH812xMkBqxEnWpAatcI3HJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD7bUdYbOI/AAAAAAAAFUc/8teUOUPvNWc/s640/IMG_2452.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center>We got a behind the scenes tour and got to handle some animals. I love my field!<div><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r_Pp8NAs5K_A_4Fs2OLacXHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD7WqnUeVI/AAAAAAAAFS8/94--PY6DrGU/s640/IMG_2430.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></center>Their friendly guard dog.<div><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hBzgo6o5-Ts9vHc7wohclnHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD7TnUaOiI/AAAAAAAAFR8/I82yL_pkr5Q/s640/IMG_2412.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center>A baby sloth</div><div><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/abB_cHDUG5CFAUIeYQyca3HJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD7ZiFIe7I/AAAAAAAAFT8/c8ZDnrDZKOs/s400/IMG_2440.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></center><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Daj4ifPOnm3IucA_NZ8fA3HJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD7gQdFLEI/AAAAAAAAFWI/zPrbrgnLkyU/s640/IMG_2481.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center>Afterwards, we stopped by a nearby restaurant for lunch. I forget what the dish was called, but you had your basic beans, rice, beef, that mashed stuff was potatoes, but it had a coffee taste to it, and a fried plantain. The beef was overcooked and dry, but I did enjoy the sides.</div><div><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ie2svxhxMCIXB3n_f5g4CnHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD7j68k0mI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/jxMd_Hwe2eY/s400/IMG_2506.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></center>Got to wander the streets of San Jose for a bit. Came across some beautiful masks there...one of my favorites.</div><div><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jF16N2NIFW32eHJGi0xkynHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD8gYgjB1I/AAAAAAAAFZc/PWVDTwIyhCw/s640/IMG_2539.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center>Another night in Heredia, we went out to a restaurant near our stay. I got the traditional Aztec Soup (whether or not this is what they actually ate remains a mystery to me). It was a tomato/vegetable broth with pieces of avocado, cheese, and tortilla bits that was a bit on the bland side. Still, given the rainy and cold weather up here, I'd have another bowl of that right now.</div><div><br />School has been relentless, but I still love it. And it's little things like this that make my day. I found this in my class mailbox for vday (some other classmates got one too, but who did it still remains a mystery) that's just too good not to share. Warning: unsuitable for kids.<br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jkut9Aj6o4deX9rERj6PNdWCiMHSi60zXElw066zPXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPhHq7G1ijOBa2VbZEp22GOS0LbVDoxYlhY-da9tW71cSEzgEGRE-tiQ-07M3RlZ3Aoa4Dz0uhzg0OMMGWW9J3Boz5qWPM8XNA63hkQL9eUN9SCCvarFA7aAwIovJqlTEsKxnk1f2O6w/s400/vday.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></center></div></div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-57872553888864352702011-01-31T18:14:00.000-08:002011-01-31T22:21:48.980-08:00i'm backApologies to the handful of readers who still check the blog. Things have been busy/rough to say the least, but you're not reading this to hear excuses, so onto the show.<div>In December, I had the opportunity to go to Nicaragua and Costa Rica to do some volunteer veterinary work. Overall it was an amazing experience as I got to see vet medicine practiced in other countries, learn some clinical skills, and practice my high school level spanish =) The trip definitely made me reflect on how I live in the U.S. as well as what kind of work I wanted to do in the future...<div><div>Here's a few of my favorite pictures that I took in Nicaragua.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vNVuKcAFM7KjaF-gGLHl5XHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzQ3PuAlI/AAAAAAAAE90/0hcpLSMS19Y/s640/IMG_1955.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>We flew into Managua, but stayed at an orphanage on Ometepe Island, off the east coast.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VC25f2TE8SjMvYqRcocstnHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzT_OhXJI/AAAAAAAAE-0/IsGjTZwED2E/s640/IMG_1975.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>My roommate</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cqV40Ju-v8s4exthJBMKUHHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzat991zI/AAAAAAAAFA4/ejG7ZL83m3c/s640/IMG_2079.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>Here, we worked with large animals, mostly Brahmin cattle as well as some horses and goats, all of which were suffering from malnutrition. Having pretty much no experience w/ LA, I was more than happy to learn. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m9uKlrzku1bWj8mQlhUdvXHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf9Fje00m_JjGk-HXXaXNPcNLi-iGHWW1LkdqrrLMHZ9X4I7hzE1e3oKa7W0vGjxWSq943GaVeDF0XiSDgvwn4hb8XrYILJEQ4a8Ogtm0_cEW7vaig7d7h0lMifFvmpUbKEGy33QevNY/s640/IMG_1970.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>The meals that I had here at the orphanage were my favorites of the whole trip. You just can't beat a home cooked meal. The ladies working would make lunch and bring it to us at the worksite, something everyone looked forward to. Lots of rice and beans, a cabbage slaw, fried plantains, and some kind of protein, here chicken. Being that Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere, I did not expect to eat so well over there. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BhFBSvMjNh94aDzDy-zroHHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzfyAFsyI/AAAAAAAAFCM/uJudblOxVMI/s640/IMG_2107.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GgJq4qcYHUcr7Irb5cAJknHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzvZTCtXI/AAAAAAAAFG0/fN1Qu-2-SQc/s640/IMG_2211.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>We also go a chance to learn and do some castrations. After a friend finished neutering a bull, the owner requested the testicles. A few minutes later, I walked by, only to see him slicing it up with a machete and tossing it back w/ some salt and lime. I was curious to know how it tasted, but given the fact that we did the surgery with a local anesthetic, I really didn't want to ingest lidocaine.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dZzp_Eog31XskuJXCCJj0XHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xuk_0ozgQdKmixsJqck7b8sPEHEBr2DlCdWAFoTfxwDq9tMWOKBIQwDmN8gRsWX5RZ1Xe36YarU7DqmTyNtIpJ4MLAUB8HlwWW7MEem0DWXIyMes6hYE5a8oyKWqMtEOcHZ-AHeLCuo/s640/IMG_2146.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></center></div><div>Had to try their beer here. It tasted like a lighter/bubblier version of Heineken.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jjWmC76wjJekbBAD7kN8OnHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzlRFo9zI/AAAAAAAAFD4/BdGyCwpFc6M/s640/IMG_2149.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>And if you know anything about me, you know that I love soup....something my team soon learned. Here was a fish soup, the stock a bit on the bland side.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_Gj-onT9s6Ezpyr1Qqoe13HJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD2LhEmK3I/AAAAAAAAFMg/YKGxoy3gvpA/s640/IMG_2313.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>And I had it almost every time we went out to eat. Seafood soup complete w/ lobster tail. This was on the other end, really really rich.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XLXwBud7S9SVfVFuzQ4rs3HJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD2S7jOljI/AAAAAAAAFOM/aDwSM3HHMts/s640/IMG_2353.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>And the chicken soup was just right...a very homey and simple soup.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z0y6Sm-SVvc7hiS4uMbFenHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzhQM3u-I/AAAAAAAAFCs/XthW1u5w3iY/s640/IMG_2116.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xOSh1DJO2UwvYAVOTOeszXHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzxtC-mcI/AAAAAAAAFHg/fnNnq5SHTi0/s640/IMG_2223.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>Quite the gathering...</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Vr7cjaL9M8CvfxaitBpwtnHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDzydhAI4I/AAAAAAAAFHw/g1KS8hZDkbQ/s640/IMG_2227.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></center></div><div>Can you see the two little hooves coming out of mama cow?</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DWLBvghSxAnNdMf6sdtybHHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSDz7c5VqfI/AAAAAAAAFKs/BTFrj44WWfg/s640/IMG_2272.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>I could really see that the kids in the orphanage were loved and had a strong connection to the place. Amidst all the bs and horrible things that we see depicted daily on the news, it was refreshing to see something positive for a change.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y5dfG12z5ioZTYbHrfnovnHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD2Uw3RUnI/AAAAAAAAFO8/5dK5MaFbpK8/s640/IMG_2387.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>The last night, they threw a good bye party for us, where the kids performed, and went all out with a pinata, cake, and ice cream. I'm not quite sure what kind of cake it was (banana breadish), but it certainly was delicious. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SIwLF_qb0cfkz9wf7mlYIXHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TSD2UlKJUjI/AAAAAAAAFO0/9PTvm283VWs/s640/IMG_2385.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>Once the pinata hit the floor, it was every man, woman and child for themselves. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EzkJoahhMOM4Owyng4y-_XHJOp9vLCrKO2adL8tZM_8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBeCMZKeJPYa9h-bY-r2Pu08pGYtCseIP0ifIpgTel-V1L1P6pbVxUytowZid5KEFdST8tPnjzGssS-6NYczfnhUjfdR75hs67n6p8hyNiiEd9vSvAf-jqTIGjzv8UZSzMvgddIv21hk/s640/IMG_2351.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></center></div><div>The island was a beautiful place, and it felt quite odd to be swimming out there in the middle of December (not that I'm complaining). A week here and we were off to Costa Rica.</div></div></div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-14037325137217371212010-11-07T08:47:00.000-08:002010-11-07T08:48:08.314-08:00happy day light savings day<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0xeKEQeWQmEydS0tpwFfJdWCiMHSi60zXElw066zPXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TMSXamWJPQI/AAAAAAAADME/_W-Gs33TrvM/s640/2010-10-23%2013.34.34.jpg" /></a></center></div>November already....I can't believe it. Apologies for the lack of updates lately. School has and will always be a struggle to keep on top of things, but I'm not complaining. I love every second of it here. So here's a few pictures of what's been going on lately. All pictures below were taken with my cell phone.<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s9HsJrEfnIdfLorkkgRQ7NWCiMHSi60zXElw066zPXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TNZFoebageI/AAAAAAAADMg/vtg6998NENo/s640/2010-10-23%2011.53.36.jpg" /></a></center></div><div>My sister came up a few weeks ago, and we wanted to check out a local sushi joint, but they were closed for lunch, so we went next door to <a href="http://thairecipes.intuitwebsites.com/">Thai Recipes</a>. It's no secret of my love for soups, so I ordered the Tom Kha Jay: a hot and sour soup filled with zucchini, mushrooms, and cauliflower with lemon grass, galangal, cilantro, chili, and lime juice. Overall, I thought it was a decent soup. I'm going to have to make this myself one of these days because it's one of my favorites.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ovnf16N_TSrIHqyrIH9l19WCiMHSi60zXElw066zPXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TMSbqpy080I/AAAAAAAADMI/X2BdsquYN6c/s640/2010-10-23%2012.02.36.jpg" /></a></center> </div><div>I also went with the papaya salad. I've only had this salad once or twice before so it was interesting to see apples in this. The sauce gave it a nice pungent kick. I ordered the spiciness level at a medium, and the heat was definitely there as it slowly built up to burn away at my lips.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7U3R9LyioGVASkeYiyWI59WCiMHSi60zXElw066zPXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TNZF2E5_2-I/AAAAAAAADMs/Gb6bo4TfVuA/s640/2010-10-01%2018.55.50.jpg" /></a></div><div></center></div><div>I've been experimenting with different salads at home. Here is an purple cabbage slaw with green onions, cilantro, and toma<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MwZLQNDUsi_iByhgZlDysdWCiMHSi60zXElw066zPXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQf3m92ipeKBn7GYclDpi81wEqPR2uKpS9aRemC-vHrX5xYaS0EnMPb42L1rPAdhUGLzMhUMzbLJDEIzDCfnvyK6y35thlgixotakEHgaJh3krq3D51XUnKhUMcE2PNTssauTEOPjfxM/s640/2010-10-03%2019.30.44.jpg" /></a>toes in a gochoojang (red pepper paste) dressing.</div><div><center></center></div><div>Another time, I tried making a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ni%C3%A7oise_salad">nicoise salad</a> (I suppose I should have taken the picture before I mixed things up, sorry to those that lost their lunch looking at this picture) in a mustard vinaigrette.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mjjF9TUe6cf2Ox9x1zaGb9WCiMHSi60zXElw066zPXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLiF-QpzbZMJG-mwTb6p_BtiEoSBAGHl7NXZyqy0PGnNFaZI_R6NDuFPP2Hic2Hmq8Vqus9_QU8tkDNIfsbaM5GOe28cL-yUHZBQD13C-luIfNlnBBB5eqyy8J96umie01RoeBfmBbG4/s640/2010-09-15%2012.08.24.jpg" /></a></center></div><div>And of course, I try and take advantage of every free lunch talk the school has. Usually, it's pizza, but occasionally, we get a treat. Here's a steak sandwich from <a href="http://www.plutosfreshfood.com/">Pluto's</a>.</div><div>For the most part, I've been cooking at home and haven't been exploring the restaurants too much. It's a great way to relax and forget about school for the one or two hours in the kitchen.</div><div>Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-18287799495933108272010-10-04T20:18:00.000-07:002010-10-04T20:19:14.474-07:00let them eat soup (and then some)<div><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Tj6DyY8RqmHPtxhOoqYk5nzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MtnHx6rMwU6CoSzilna4Yea-tFFVSwusYxBZPXjPTqLxI-dRA3dZOp0-WPu42clNMWwXWdCppeK3AudR80HyCL6XrSnfI-dhczC5WUN95ZKbSC9DRhNFuumXJdHF6oDIXP4rvIEIJM4/s640/IMG_1707.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">Here ye, hear yee. Let it be known that I love soup. But you can't be jabbering without the wock, so I decided to make some to feed me for the rest of the week. After perusing a few blogs, I decided to try making Portugese kale soup (caldo verde) after remembering an old episode on the food network where Emeril is a creeper and goes to some grandma's kitchen and watches her make soup. All the produce from Davis' farmer market.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T5EFCy18glzY2LqdBWiQRnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKxPHQx7P40-2fOw1qjhaRNv8rUButG280-inrL1lqqbJb8PV0Fya56fPpG3FXNfHh-o6xZNiQUWquNl5DIBFreXmptGEOIA6HFwCPQa7_JKkQHGbR6wB-N3kOKCVWYXZdBEfwNiCg-Q/s640/IMG_1709.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">As well as some chorizo from <a href="http://daviswiki.org/Bledsoe_Pork">Bledsoe</a>, that sells humanely raises, natural, no antibiotics added pork at the farmer's market at well, and man this chorizo was good. I was tempted to just eat it instead of throwing it in the soup.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I2pqZRwS36s6EGMiTfSUVnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgRfRnOhQCrE1VBsOZgn9UpTquDXKAC35R_KI244-nzUmTNLDHosEDx9OSeFT0Qbg-5Txq_AR4bkRYP1qVhxEZfrcOjWClZvyPTpy7MCMZ1D2dkopM-7kPyIpW1CyiZm96OjEmptuhlU/s640/IMG_1710.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">I sauteed the sausage and onions first.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PgNBTtSB-6P6TyBSnGqGGnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EWe3iLwM9x_EFH1sTaqeJ4cyVbbpnrejZDLaf94u0gO8GKXXu9GtFZmCgHzhw7Tcx4RWhDzVlaVNAkTBDJ9tnTO-5wFfYV41tVf95e6O1mOdEj9BUMp5CAPi_uEfDcnfpmSr8_DfVh4/s640/IMG_1712.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">I then added the beans, potatoes, kale, a bay leaf and filled up the pot w/ chicken broth. Cooked it for about an hour.</center><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Joj8_pbUABjeyLZpbkY4oXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXxm20yqqWYiGgDe-SLXsc0MqFHBwTr9dECue2IfsUMkd8VJxnl3mGJoBSVpxC8any0YL-m-tauL7uYKCQL6bT84CrBtATdIs52jpIpeQzGavw9RL7dzN_EUez_GjGfZWirdulx4KnQE/s640/IMG_1714.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>My finished product. What I knew was once again reinforced. To make a good soup, you can't do it half assed w/ premade chicken broth/I shoulda cooked it for longer. I can't really talk poop on it though...I just don't have the time right now to make my own broth. The soup wasn't that great, but the next few days it got better. I would definitely try this again, but add some more herbs/veggies to perk up the soop.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2zGeCPYXkGh9Co3K3MPvoXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrlfNotYe2LARfRn0GPIoIn1Lns6thrrSqrePEAj9wZce_M8kL2bTttGnjhaD8g0o1TJG3F46Oox46bEEyf-PJtNOuwxG4E8oxNgP9MYxon7EeObT-mQ8BsVWecyd6ATAqk2NvwzFrCQ/s640/IMG_1771.JPG" /></a></center><div>Sorry about the lack of posts. School is just rushing by as I desperately try to keep up w/ the pace. Sometimes in class, I feel like I'm in a dream, that I still can't believe that I'm going here. What's even more bananas is that I'll be a doctor in four years. The highlight of my day today was standing in the hall eating chips and salsa that people had left out from the lunch talk.</div></div><div>To end, I have a quick question. How much do you guys spend per week/month on food (groceries wise)? I felt like I dropped a lot this weekend (granted the farmer's market can be more expensive, but for some things I think well worth it), and I've already cleaned out a majority of it. Well, back to studying some bones, muscles, and the glycolytic pathway. </div><div>No soup for me tonight.</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-87773897105735243872010-09-19T08:18:00.000-07:002010-09-19T08:18:00.704-07:00eat yo greensI'm so glad it's the weekend...this first whole week of school was definitely though, and my body is still adjusting to the long hours. But, i love every second of it here. The past weekend at the farmer's market, I passed by a booth that was selling collard greens and decided to try making it. It's always so hard to just stick to my list of things because everything looks so good there!<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1bnvQKxjyQ4XX8dE-pr-xXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0o-n9OrT9Q-LmYgpborigwLGcv2Vb2ASXURg9KkJ4DRWrOoSg394tUvddYfjAmaduPVbPGCX88pO_Qc4DuVDQhGQZXM_pr6cVF0ho2_X0tnjIeT6Tvvb7NHUfOBI3LjspS6r0pFcMa8/s640/IMG_1598.JPG" /></a></center>I looked up a few recipes, and it seemed simple enough. I think usually it's made with ham hock, but I didn't have the time to get that going so I just used bacon instead.<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ORJ767fnKviRLMUgDIN5onzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP_oZoXcXa7abtHjChCojdj1gHc5a43zroJ6EmN9dHAvGJZl_8DNwn2x7jpD_lGUnrTBYd3XHX1gZA46aHluSJzY9B0SLy2h0-bSMgiC1rpJdR4nlNNfjhUvIrglwVDEEcjUHtkR4O6A/s640/IMG_1599.JPG" /></a></center>Cook one diced onion with some bacon (I used 4 slices of thick cut) and garlic until the onion turns translucent.<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kDrW6KSRMfu8rURDQgmYE3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA5MHMRtKASDV833HKFzFutAPABe37EWRW4H1ALJ0w32y5jAyH25As1EyBMA0Ven0uBiW4wwPUQsJKNCr_Md4018ZtZPuXG-5MG2KJJ2iuEVb9Yeg_mgbsYmxsiwhJCMqO-lpnteA6Vs/s640/IMG_1601.JPG" /></a></center>Then add the greens. I used two bunches destemmed. It may seem like a lot, but they really reduce in size after a few minutes. I added a few tablespoons of vinegar, then when the size goes down, add 1 cup of water of chicken broth. Simmer for about 30 minutes.<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Aut4VOrrKjkDIG7FM45hHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOqSiJGk5k5SnE4b2S0iWcIlJqbkUc4mE8a2ijMhSr4aVXZwNiAVEy7FgsavOzLiL0uP7K7o-dv8EcMjK7bjPwkPud77eVwyc3hJDzBFqMj2aP9f2rFH3dxOq2_n2HkUmRhPCnpn0Ctk/s640/IMG_1700.JPG" /></a></center>The finished product. Overall not bad at all.<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h5UqYSEZOzUqnG1AdECeVHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaf5tbTQlUDVYEJ2RiEaydzSej2ra5bi-eTsYyYvuIGj-AwMY_Ys0vxNPuMPEFkfaYGPlarTFNL68CULEeTLaXMbxqd79o89msWa3wK6OQhwn38LkiauDUsTA5R_saXnN49IJijlm-GQ/s640/IMG_1702.JPG" /></a></center>I've been eating pretty simply otherwise. For dinner today I just had a salad of corn, bell peppers, celery w/ garlic olive oil/vinegar dressing, a piece of gouda, and a cup of wine ( I have no wine glasses). I think my cooking strategy is to make a lot of something on Sunday, then have that for the rest of the week. I bought some kale today at that same stand I got the greens, so my next post will be about that.<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k8-2ouCXqKacvvtqvwi88nzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E2myfT2inTB0G-Gk0-z7KnxDoHReckcOcoV3_mPBy5fq_nwB5A9zUsZ84hnEBuhes6fxnzwC2PgL_sfqirfehU_gobdQBd4clbWdikm-HM9SiVPuRhCCrEjYpACt4qGrsdq5kE24JSc/s640/IMG_1698.JPG" /></a></center>The cat is doing well, and we're both slowly learning about one another. I've discovered he <i>loves</i> the laser pointer. I've thought of a few names, but I'm still not sure if they completely fit him: Poot (short for Pooter), Little Man, and Hubert. Happy Sunday!imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-25898495765527712122010-09-06T13:07:00.000-07:002010-09-09T18:30:17.131-07:00new toys and some beef<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V-nfWI1r1PdocaZpLRCaI3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrMcbVzOzRt5iCxoFJW1fsnyWHgIGBgLZcAbrrkPj-rcgaqVdP_nOXlIbOHlp1bPAMaafh04MJLeNsfBn8DQbXidA3HjJoNsq0BJ71ilZxjiORdzOksDpm7jqV8SUrD3VrKIpPfVVqos/s640/IMG_1582.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Hello from Davis! Things have been busy with moving into my new place and orientation and such, so I'm glad to have this holiday weekend to writeup a quick post!</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z4GAks0RI0QZs9W_AY6qD3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXMZOlQVB2xERS708dAr3-XOSR-ZA8Hd7Y-oTVIlewQAWmQrXbDTOmz-zazdBPwEWcBig0Cu41KajCaGqy6uIR2s4HOT1Duv6h3Mfh-6tnJiQwqqGxEGNLZneUrosaO-sPkvD37BTjRg/s640/IMG_1583.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I went on a little splurge and, with a lot of help from <a href="http://cabcooks.wordpress.com/">CAB</a>, I bought some new knives for my place, a Shun 4" paring knife and a Global 7" Santoku. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P2GnyTgr2M_FztpNiYh_O3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBub6o8wI9F8z8Fj0shP1WNy7hJO8feeIqx6dmT5VuZEok36NgbcPY_RmY2eIgZQmTgVGnRjMN93T03dGtGqGpwCUh_AssvvN9qviAwlLX1wxRzYd4rChOwCalmEll8Icj_Rl4Ui1xSwA/s640/IMG_1584.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>So far, I'm quite happy with my purchase although I am a little scared when I use them because they are quite sharp.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FotC0RmIUtW9ULa83DOk_HzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtIx2zqzi238vwbRXBcQc4IytKXqnjjPjtbG51ilacvLh1RAeMzbLsIifLxBXgwuFbyx7Qi2coAr7c2_wK3fvML-mJZ5-rPe77AcauJGvVtqhc1z3fejj8cp6SZeA6plBol4ZLpQKnLg/s640/IMG_1586.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I've been trying to save money and eating at home, and my meals have been simple for the most part. Here is a bunch of stuff I got at the farmer's market (post to come in the future). The tortilla type thing is a potato <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolani">Bolani</a>, an afghan bread thingermabob. It's pretty darn good, a bit thin but the potatoes make it pretty filling. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8g-9hvpL6XcsMzJTjICgg3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_i5fTB4SS9MJZWDJzwV2KXQlAfOOcvqvqPlKxcyvpWXGOIVWH24_niP5Wy0NVJD4dQbKPSF1jrsUzRUGszqXvPc20dt_sCgBC35B3njfoGigl8LRdSLBHqbuEtIPjBLM9KeHi83BDkE/s640/IMG_1591.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>What I've been missing in my diet though is meat, and after a few days, I couldn't take it anymore, so I tried making boeuf bourguignon (don't ask me to pronounce it), inspired by Paestry's lovely <a href="http://paestry.christinepae.com/2010/08/28/boeuf-bourguignon/">post</a>. The recipe seemed simple enough and reminded me of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_soup">Stone Soup</a> story, and I was excited to see how a few ingredients would mix together to make a tasty stew.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0F8-XFQ_F1eiZczgeMsBkXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocsJXg_bIFKSXyiYE1mwFziQ-oK-eQNkg2Pt54p5tHW9mIFYpzeM3iNN3OzJqDFyBgJX8E5GULzuHTH1CLdTNMW3TEs5M3JD-QuwLfjcWsxobO7zoUdExBSo2_HnSKvwPmDkZ_BsS3ag/s640/IMG_1593.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I know nothing about wine and just ended up getting the cheapest one. Until yesterday, I don't think I've ever had a Pinot Noir, but man it was good and so gentle on the tongue!</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uL0RgYOTl2HV6W3sY4-au3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiiluTEHit4h250rcUD_LceYiY0sAJBdj6WwRniE75Ihvr6okp-gwv8t4hTJXl6Ndkb7bfROxCEPkxakUyuwTVngE3wyAWgsMf-8-GLTM2iLdRKFBW5bPKSmJJCuhAlY6gW4_pW6lkVs/s640/IMG_1595.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Down the bottle went into the pot.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KBiqCQBKiFab8c3y4XNHsXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExbhywvmgY7wlnbgIghrLfmAJ1i7JSQ6xHXbM5ITPv8hXf040_L54i8nnrCYGo9jhcCHXu1cHDAui8Ekt7T-LLRzdxA-DdZUG2p4t4mnrNtU3_kHtuz5UvL-BrvKO2hi5pK5ebGckImY/s640/IMG_1596.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>After a few hours with some added mushrooms, tomato paste, and flour+butter.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eUO8coZkNOEUpAWbDL26yXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURZHv90QHEdsSOvHqy3Myf2aU47gyLLwIstnep-zfLirBWeENwXhOJi34gC-rI_JiqBriLtREfs-Ac7dlTQIJTlK-TaBISzNxEAPe306C5TFBXqlz5v-y5oQAQ2JoUTwL58uRdnY6d9k/s640/IMG_1597.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I ate it with a big hunk of french bread. I made a bunch to eat for the next couple days. Overall, I was happy with the product, but next time I am going to add some herbs and see how it turns out.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zNcdocpuyqufHHBxxUcLc3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgbLpZUR3R6vR6YiAn8CkrtcG5t_CepqwJujWlsONc0z8njOQkBIqS5I3xH808BfbSsT9BS05pIzWJsQo3_pBGNF0IcqP7fDCL76Rz68pTgXyyLwtFEDW16xma493o03Tw1QuEnFzzhc/s640/IMG_1587.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>In other news, I got a new roommate/my first cat! His previous owners couldn't keep him because he didn't get along with their other cat, and when they got him from the shelter, he was named "Tizer." I've been wanting to rename him, but can't think of anything good at the moment although I'm sure it'll come. Hope everyone's enjoyin their holiday!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-58701370738188647962010-08-25T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-25T08:00:01.833-07:00S.A.T.C 2010<div><center><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1823.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1823.jpg" height="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center></div>No, this isn't a post about <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_SiO6LjScg&feature=related">Carrie</a> or one of her whiny friends. I'm here to talk to you about LIFE and what's real: Santa.Ana.Taco.Crawl, HOLLA-day inn (i love that line <a href="http://www.paestry.com/">paestry</a>!)! I hadn't done one of these in a <a href="http://herbjankles.blogspot.com/2009/08/la-taco-crawl.html">while</a>, and I made sure to do quick run beforehand to work up the appetite and rockin my gym shorts with the expandable waistline. Some quick shoutouts:<div>-Gratitude to <a href="http://elmomonster.blogspot.com/">Elmo</a> and <a href="http://blogs.ocweekly.com/stickaforkinit/">Gustavo</a>, and everyone else from stickaforkinit who provided the necessary info from their blogs.</div><div>-Much love to my adventurous friends who braved the heat with me and persevered to five spots + dessert. Special thanks to the young and up and coming <a href="http://xjomox.blogspot.com/">Jomo</a> (who can bake bread in your rice cooker, biatch!) who took all the pictures, drove, and made it to the bonus round.</div><div>This year's taco crawl is brought to you in part by:</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1815.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1815.jpg" border="0" width="600" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>And now, with the formalities out of the way, I introduce to you Harry Potter and the Santa Ana Taco Crawl.</div><div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1813.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1813.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div><div>The secret list.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=1708+S+Main+St,+Santa+Ana,+CA+92707&daddr=1442+S+Bristol+St+Santa+Ana,+CA+92704+to:202+South+Bristol+Street,+Santa+Ana,+CA+to:400+mortimer+street,+santa+ana+to:1029+E+4th+St+Santa+Ana,+CA+92725+to:1177+South+State+College+Boulevard,+Anaheim,+CA&hl=en&geocode=FfSbAgIdi3r5-ClTqUQVI9ncgDGBjZYsZC7eXw%3BFe2kAgIdUjX5-Cl1hsjm5tjcgDGt4mwCM8UNww%3BFWvmAgIdyjb5-ClH4f_A-NjcgDHwCCANvKc39w%3BFSb0AgIdhov5-CmZQvJUCNncgDFgz-xNe05oVw%3BFYb0AgId-Kf5-ClLO1ddC9ncgDG8EgOlzT14Zg%3BFfIKBAIdlCX5-CnnqSEqrtfcgDG59ZgQPfN10Q&mra=ps&sll=33.772869,-117.871284&sspn=0.189211,0.363579&ie=UTF8&ll=33.772869,-117.870941&spn=0.198629,0.291138&z=11&output=embed"></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:40px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Marauder's Map.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1816.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1816.jpg" border="0" width="600" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Amuse bouche.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kavPM3l8UJtp2L2Dbl_Po3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs-RHZb0dDGVjGhd0EZNmvwGSJWS7kQb6vzrOYaXpv8CPC6j5ipsScR61fePONbbcec7mwWSqMjJgqSLT9a6MQgAkdueI_jaf3RkbQ8VyN1oNiIW1dJkPXnUXC_9q8t76DFgzqlK9zoI/s600/IMG_1820.jpg" /></a></center></div><div>A. Alebrije's Grill. The owner (?) was quite a friendly guy who enthusiastically described his product and some of his favorite items. We ordered a Taco Acorazado to share and sat down on some plastic crates outside the pink truck. </div><div><center><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1826.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1826.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center></div><div>This thing was bananas. A freshly made tortilla(so good), beans, rice, thin pounded breaded beef steak, tomatoes, onions, avocados, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese with some cactus on the side. We liberally added some hot carrots and some of the tasty salsas, and this was quite a delicious meal. I was tempted to order another for myself, but we had places to go and tacos to see!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jah9bVeuBKiaeVrxlQ4HkHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8XAoIPSkK5fz17GbhltgSoS7NLpJwHNVHJJWqkOyMHzoUSbc35JztIJid6nzH4e6WldxuUu7B0-JMFzaJYOzkcAfxPStL_bs3zfTakZ9AoRIwykEr4OaB47RdJMTlOHrFOkx9hhYZVE/s600/IMG_1831.jpg" /></a></div><div>B. <a href="http://www.gallogiro.com/">El Gallo Giro</a>. </div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1835.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1835.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>Dayammmm!!!! A perfect remedy for the heat.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1841.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1841.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>Sandia, tamarindo, horchata. I enjoyed my watermelon very much. </div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1844.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1844.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>We ordered the Torta Cubana to share. Ham, spicy pork, beef steak, and headcheese all stuffed with veggies on their own freshly baked mexican bun, which was a bit airy although my piece had significantly less bread than the other two. A monster.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1846.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1846.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>They also make baked goods and were giving out free samples of their tres leches cake. Amiga made the comparison of this place to Lee's Sandwiches.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1847.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1847.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>C. Taqueria Tapatia</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1849.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1849.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>Here we each ordered an al pastor taco. Overall, it wasn't great, but it was above average imo although the others didn't seem to like it too much. No picture, but they make a pretty damn good melon aqua fresca.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1850.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1850.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>D. I'm still not sure if this place is called Torta Ahogada or Chiva Torta. I had visited this place on the <a href="http://herbjankles.blogspot.com/2009/03/santa-ana-taco-crawl.html">last run</a> I did.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1854.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1854.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>We ordered their specialty, the torta ahogada and split it three ways. This looked a lot more naked than the last time I had it although I suppose I could have added the pico and what not myself. The bread was like an crunchy baguette and I think the filling was pork though honestly, I have trouble telling the difference sometimes. Also inside was some beans and onions. Being a pansy, I requested it to be "media" so that slow burning sauce didn't drown the sandwich completely. Definitely a different kind of torta and one worth trying.</div><div><center><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1859.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1859.jpg" height="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center></div><div>To aid digestion, we walked around the adjacent Northgate Market and picked up some mexican candy. </div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1864.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1864.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>Also D. El Rincon de Sabor. We went on a bit of a wild goose chase for this one. We saw a truck a few feet away but didn't see a name. After some turkey jivin and some wild turkey shots though, we headed back and saw the name on the other side. I laughed so hard at my dumb mistake that I walked into a pole. I cried for a bit, then I laughed some more.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1865.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1865.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>We saw that this place offered the acorazado too, so we had to try it out to compare. While overall, this was a pretty decent taco, it fell short of Alebrije's Grill. The tortilla didn't seem hand made and more oily (seemed lightly fried). There were also no beans and other veggie goodies.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1870.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1870.jpg" width="600border=" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>We didn't get to go to E, so we went straight for dessert to Natural in Anaheim.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1872.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1872.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>I ordered the chamoyada. Basically apricot+chile+salt+mango shake. Read the full description <a href="http://blogs.ocweekly.com/stickaforkinit/sweet-sweet-sweets/the-best-dessert-youve-never-h/">here</a>. This was a really intense drink.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1871.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1871.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>Comes with a special straw!</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1873.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1873.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>The young eligible bachelor got a cantaloupe smoothee. Two white gloved thumbs up he sang. We then headed back home. The end. Or was it?</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1878.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1878.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>A few hours later after some gentle coaxing (like the guy is trying to do on the right), we met up at <a href="http://www.bootleggersbrewery.com/">Bootlegger's</a> for a beer and some more tacos for the bonus round. I thought the Dos Chinos Truck was gonna be there, but instead it was Calbi. No pics of the beer, but it seems they raised their prices a little bit and a lot of their selection is gone although I did get to try a delicious hopped up hef.</div><div><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1881.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1881.jpg" width="600" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div>I've had this truck before once after a tipsy night in L.A. The cute worker took my order of a spicy pork and chicken taco. The chicken wasn't very good...cubed pieces that reminded me of sandwich meat. The spicy pork was better though. It had this sweet taste to it that kinda reminded me of apple juice and later on, a slow burn. I wasn't a big fan of the lettuce or cheese on it. But my friends both said they thought it was better than Kogi. </div><div><center><a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/?action=view&current=IMG_1822.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/xjoemoex/2010/08%2020%20Taco%20Crawl/IMG_1822.jpg" height="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center></div><div>All in all, a pretty fun and successful crawl, and I didn't get sick either. +1 star. This will be my last socal post, and I think it's fitting that I go out with a bang as I'm moving up to Davis tomorrow to spend my next four years. So to end, lemme hear you say, "hotel, motel, HOLLA-day inn!" Peace love and tacos everybody!</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-81664220966249179732010-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-24T08:00:02.572-07:00Ojiya!<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oPEbCV0UA4Hq9DtI_JjjynzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgjecdpvONahvt5QqzyRVIQhDY5eiyd5os_OV_rfUF91IX8YhIastW9S3jchWJB2CL5b9ZnV0kLJm31shGNORIzDIA_gE28QES-_9fBF-rlV89Ngz5MRM5Yq0LWR9DJFAkWl3E99iLvg/s640/IMG_1243.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Still on my search for good sushi in the area, I decided to check out a place in the Chino area. I had been here once before a few years back, and it had seemed to be a promising place.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I6w4McZb3_iD5sYE1gUUVHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9Nzq5vSCz9vJ-ow22UIgm4WhVtNjs9BM_uTb6ZvFFAkd9e8nODV16_VKTE2F4schHo1MnHxctLqFetf-ilaQ1zGgkhvKBbCYwvA19Nv1xfD45JiOHAkbpa2i8XQGYvPi50Wzxg1XPjc/s640/IMG_1238.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>To start, I shared an eggplant dish that had been simmered in some kind of soy sauce base and topped with some grated radish, which I thought was pretty good.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zSa909Tr6pO2UfErKLI2_HzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYdob7LDpnUgEOcB_J4nXySoC0HvadgSbnzFPPW4_K68Y23Velwx0RTYPmRmFVRG-4pwcnszrrSk3PHvJLHAT906m0MqurWVRJpFINoFxfMiYeyOG1PxauNRFYVtiTF7yS9zlq-ytEaE/s640/IMG_1237.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>My sister ordered a combo that came with soup and salad.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s-S5l6gihAiacXng9bAHHHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hVclEpHbhwYySQfkj9GJUQI4k_VmiXvcjnQDI-JtdHn22Admpn631TVFZY67jVhPNTgeByWqDlOqjy86tMsrFTCAnoZgF8WiZeI6sBNDj-iwmbwRLAqLvRyiwnKfhb3osaDsoDnYbrM/s640/IMG_1239.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>For her main dishes, she got chicken karaage and some sashimi. I've only had that chicken once a long time ago, so I don't really remember it too well, but this version was a bit bland although decently fried.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3yqq4lRD_M58CUB3ZnHXKnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC6SttgI46wJCumuC8ZlCRsRACt0vCRYyZ4BHcwoR8KC-2u0sZHEYmuA0_1Z0u_syjX8yLN25e2RK_05qUrWp_NzR622BaYXLE1IUVnQ9nOrEz9Ym0vR1OYRqFcgtPMT5wU5NxG8e-zY/s640/IMG_1240.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I got the chopped yellowfish (or was it toro?) in ponzu sauce, which wasn't too bad.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DfofhKmB8Y6Dxl5v0DVU8XzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMViXTrx-LiOVeQ7b-AfEAggGXb9G5_G-PyWDIq_az_QM6Ix7nmqPlK1QoJrLThFq1_owjX5DAX5M9lFeSYnat-55QYiEqyrar6QbiLIzEiQ-3hoDPPSjdTvVWHhqNTQO0ZHPPf_PCtVA/s640/IMG_1241.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>An order of ikura, which was also average.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4lvCdoyxrQxl43BFKEzYi3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oqEZrpfg7HoSI25zNqf398B8zUZ5yf8ruXyKjkqKzZrNi1SNy4iy5-Bce3xbFyKvVeFrcIfH4wmdurOTkeHHmHFo2wyjTUUv1WHShDQpJw9oKaqloDCKRILwuy2RYX-tznmcdRzdWIs/s640/IMG_1242.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>And a sample nigiri plate. None of the stuff besides the spicy tuna roll was very fresh. I had proceeded to mark single orders of nigiri, but when I saw that it was cheaper getting this, I jumped on it. Well, now I know why. </div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dXuoPzj4akkA4nBUdm29iXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzU5AZDijhQvQn9uCJD3e-h79alVLH9AWgXRVDbGVWdro5-bdLZAvMPxQhbs5zOQf4B8odNw90atRR1r7xlyS9ehV6D2i793hkJCZzKSd3L1jBg5WVzU9FAPF9gfpNSOLw7y4twSu1Nq8/s640/IMG_1236.JPG" /></a></center><div>I found both the quality and their prices average for a sushi bar. Seems to be a neighborhood favorite as the place was pretty packed. But my search for good sushi in the area still goes on.</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-50171194010887017192010-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:39:04.564-07:00korea: hongdae and shindangdong<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9qSvgypj4cKI70ULNf5NpEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfE_Dq-_xI/AAAAAAAAC5U/69cw74BqyYc/s640/IMG_1104.JPG" /></a></center><div>We stopped by Ewha University (the top women's university) to visit an old friend, then we were off to Hongdae U, in which the surrounding area is known as a popular college hangout. While I loved UCSD and La Jolla is a beautiful place, it's far from a college town and I was always slightly envious when visiting friends at other campuses, particularly Berkeley, where the city seemed to be integrated, and not segregated, with the school.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aAcG69jzegnMZ0Bjlsm45UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfE_xOM9pI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/k0qHXT439JI/s400/IMG_1107.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>The women here were definitely a lot more beautiful than I remembered them to be. Lol, actually that's a guy, rockin the tight jeans and a leopard skin hand bag. A lot of the males here seemed to be on the feminine side in dress...Sorry for the blurry picture, but when you're in the subway station, you gotta move, lest you get trampled.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D4et7CUVYuAmEIEKJnWtMknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfpfaW9qgI/AAAAAAAAC5k/ETYRrCQ-ci8/s640/IMG_1109.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>The subways are awesome here though, and we found Hongdae easily enough.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MAKCfO6FftAS3v7_CKiAVknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfpfl4NWlI/AAAAAAAAC5o/6v6bmbHckV4/s640/IMG_1113.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>We stopped by Bonchon, the Korean fried chicken place, for a quick snack. I've actually never had visited this particular joint in the states, so I wanted to see how it would be in the motherland. We ordered some Asahi and munched on some free chip/corn thingies.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g_yatisJzrrhtYI6HQSHnEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuDa5wkG98bkxK7U3zg_GWTfOlfWQJlSWKZuyM3kv_RDEI1DFLq0he5tRIWslgIrw7lWBaYN2kyxz3rW81L1R4mgQT2HHKTMNYdjviw0SUUEKQKNv5mgPikMq6TppA07Chzq7LnBSxwM/s640/IMG_1118.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>The digs.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i2j9TUye1iEYweh2TgaFxEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfp_78tBRI/AAAAAAAAC6A/aaCVuVBEoy0/s640/IMG_1119.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HaoI0S4uVIlTSbqzG4LluknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfpf-M4i_I/AAAAAAAAC5s/a8CX7P9Wzuo/s640/IMG_1114.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>While waiting, the helpful waiter came out and gave us each a box saying "sample." What the fruit?</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bnxn3QsTq00re8udog-af0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfpgWcOGpI/AAAAAAAADGM/8WoQqayDOVU/s640/IMG_1115.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Inside the cute little package lay a small chicken wing. I thought to myself if these were the size of the wings, I would feel jipped. It didn't seem to be very fresh, and I guess they were trying to get rid of them. Later when we were leaving, I saw them handing out free samples outside.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yYxz-Rpza9chE9XkmUWtfUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfpgo7VzUI/AAAAAAAAC50/bgNDDHxmWng/s640/IMG_1117.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>The waiter then came out with a metal gravy boat. I asked what it was, and he said it was a fruit cocktail as service. Lol...gotta love it here.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wps7aGIPL5B2BUvcwQFylEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfqASkdZXI/AAAAAAAAC6E/WtMdsQQaiSc/s640/IMG_1120.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>We ordered 5 drumsticks, 3 spicy and 2 soy sauce I think. These were quite big pieces and if you love thin crispy skin, you would enjoy this. I don't remember how the soy sauce tasted, but the spicy wasn't very hot at all. It reminded me a bit of a korean ramen packet seasoning (like shin ramen). I still think Kyochon has the best spicy wings although the one in Rowland Heights seems to have gone out of business.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MyIaGG3NDJUYJfQSq4fBWUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP_vpxY4gj8SuzJDJRR3PbjMYxH_iCfF1z9qoUWdg_hWwzUg14KEw1LYhJ26hQQKqa8DU2k7g-prR19-6Ryms4GVl0BNDmaW1ucBn88b52XTmfvE6SkNx8xnG9jI4i_sSchVldMhmqEE/s640/IMG_1121.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Up close and personal with that double deep fried goodness.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xXhQeFPLRuaZYXCYbs8d9EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfqiycvdMI/AAAAAAAAC6U/KgiKdfbnJdk/s640/IMG_1123.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>We spent the rest of the night wandering around from place to place. Some kids spitting some rhymes at a playground.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TWvIKt3I_OoA6tbJyeFN5UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBWOSHozTrIEIP0T7v5WIizD1PgNEoE5eB72oiFcJjxIvQAGENxC13hy8TuavHeid3k9RcNf4yCh1rXYp-oGDtHdeIY2G0RrQauC2hnP_YA6LYn6IJ5SAEoRXNnYFhpE8tqIb_o0IuNo/s640/IMG_1122.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Wonder what they have in here?</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wa6P8eR7g0qItE9IFagGbknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfqjPmuSnI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/LBdTQBd8OYM/s640/IMG_1124.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Seriously though, the ladies were looking right, a stark contrast from my past memory of ugly school girls. A friend of mine described this place as a "meat market."</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HmtyB36RfPmTCx9yno0hCEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfqjr3cNZI/AAAAAAAAC6c/ZwCZF9qzC3M/s640/IMG_1125.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Nearby was some reps from Cass, giving out free beer. Another watered down lager, but hey, it was free, and you know me!</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HNEECwClP8XFKRUMbr-xoknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfqj356piI/AAAAAAAAC6g/FFdURFSI15U/s640/IMG_1126.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Do your thing little turkey....</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dpyl3Nr-RqDlQOx7V4gRTUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfqkSN-UoI/AAAAAAAAC6k/RKv0cKkX1Zs/s640/IMG_1128.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>As the sun went down, the crowd grew bigger.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lNmC-s82UsvW5PtUImKM7EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfrSbqy_lI/AAAAAAAAC60/n8B7YjgOsY8/s640/IMG_1129.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>We stopped by this strange place that sold "hard" drinks in a bag, much like Kirk's adventure with <a href="http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2010/08/qingdao-beer-in-a-bag.html">beer</a>.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YHm5-YVkULMFrhcKQDiq1UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfrSrZSRPI/AAAAAAAAC64/zHuE91xL_6M/s640/IMG_1132.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I ordered a jungle juice (haha) and drank this down pretty quickly. Not very strong, more sweet than anything else.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aIP5BRaFUQ0D5HEeS3Ww_0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfImKtt0ecmoKWBkmYh3lZkyvQNvHe5AVqRUv-erlaH2kvPjT6qu__zYIt3ZV2u8Amz1jWk-CBEnPZDMQg6wiIc_ma8KKpyxj8_w1JAarO-FIaMVtFUlLXGh0wgK0-3RcRiHyCVLrQHE/s640/IMG_1133.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>We allowed ourselves to be pulled in by the tide of the crowd and ended up at some random drinking place.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y8ZaC3-67-viCI1P-9yfREnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfrTvc8OSI/AAAAAAAAC7A/8hWyJX-7C0A/s640/IMG_1134.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>We just wanted to drink, but they said we had to order something, so we went with the cheapest thing on the menu, a fruit salad. This weird looking thing came out. I think the white stuff was a bit like frosting.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kEJYGMFheqadzPO2SE1ySEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfrUAXvgFI/AAAAAAAAC7E/DN7RbNBgTX0/s640/IMG_1137.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Of course, we had to get the classic combo. How are you gonna say no to soju for under 3 bucks a bottle? Boktan gumbeh! (Soju bombs lol)</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ahm9HRQtnCfFCG76CAwcH0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfscvcPUII/AAAAAAAAC7M/7KGhw6l_VxU/s640/IMG_1139.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Shortly after, a waiter stopped by and proceeded to quickly put it all this stuff on the table. "Whoa whoa whoa, we didn't order any of this stuff!" *Waiter, giving me a curious look* "It's service yo, so enjoy yourself!" *Me nodding and smiling* "Thank you!" Among the goodies was a cabbage salad, seaweed soup, spicy marinated squid, tofu, and hidden in the dark because I didn't use my flash, a whole fish and corn cheese.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VkttQCXjeoCO-lcuo_k6HknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfsdEtVrlI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/jN8Oocf4SNk/s640/IMG_1141.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Finally getting to a decent buzz, I started to crave ddukbukki (spicy rice cakes), but I decided to hold back the craving (despite the fact that there were a bunch of vendors on the streets), and we took the subway back home.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hQu25Zhye6bsdJH1dOcG_knCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDftRbIDO4I/AAAAAAAAC7s/RotTQp5pOko/s640/IMG_1154.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>But not to worry kids, there is justice in the world. I met up with my cousin the next day, and he took me to Shin Dang Dong ddukbukki town, a small strip that sells solely ddukbukki. There were people outside of their own restaurants, inviting you in, saying theirs was the best and you'd get hooked up. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QEJmBdpvoL68eIRVG4hRB0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDftQnO2PvI/AAAAAAAAC7k/only0Jw96kk/s640/IMG_1152.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>This ddukbukki was a bit different from what I was used to though. It was served in a big pot and cooked in front of us with a whole other bunch of random stuff thrown in like ramen noodles. We ordered the extra spicy.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Je2VOJjBz_QnxsuxruuGU0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClKIZRufMg4GyCRXy3MF-moy4qUvTKKTJm_kudpXNzPsRgEr4uV7O_4o1E88sHyciVu7OpBkjDbC78q0EXOZh9RPq3486TeEY0__j_XcvIp3CqlES_TYQFMcYbGF_975Inm17BPHnrPk/s640/IMG_1153.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>After a few minutes, it started to boil and turn an angry shade of red. And St. Peter in heaven, it was spicy. The heat on this was not a creeper; it immediately burned you from the first sip and if it went down your trachea, God help you son. Even my cousin, who has a high tolerance for the spice, had to admit it was pretty <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGS1-2T-wUU&feature=related">extreme</a>. The small rice cakes were on the bottom, but because of the potpourri of other ingredients, there didn't seem to be too much of them, and that was a pity because I like those things. Overall, I preferred the more traditional version, but it was still good. After that, our two weeks in Korea were up. It went by so fast. It definitely is an amazing place, especially since I hadn't been in 15 years, but I hope to visit again soon!</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-1939740294100177862010-08-22T12:52:00.000-07:002010-08-22T12:53:03.061-07:00korea: nam dae moon & myung dong<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GXmFGh8tvPOL6aHFSQkHXUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfC__NwJzI/AAAAAAAAC4c/D96WYH_OnAQ/s640/IMG_1078.JPG" /></a></center><div>It seems so long ago since I went to Korea, but I still have a post or two to finish up the trip. Namdaemoon Sheejang is a market/shopping area, one of the largest/oldest in Seoul.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t2bvhOhOSqNJc7_sRPCMMknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfC_m-_ITI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/rLIEXv2KjVY/s640/IMG_1077.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UR91y-lnkz6AtZSgwqtyRUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfD5-CzaMI/AAAAAAAAC4k/JJPaVbiBnbs/s640/IMG_1079.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vB-Wt38s2J37P_ueYsPz4EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfD6GdktPI/AAAAAAAAC4o/KNLOhTCkPYs/s640/IMG_1081.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>This spot was selling some delicious wang mandoo (king dumplings), 5 for 2000 won (less than 2 bucks).</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ziSAkRvjVkHsHWd4UR_8mknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfD6uBpDlI/AAAAAAAAC4s/JFVJq7xqY28/s640/IMG_1083.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>This was about a week or two before the World Cup, so national pride was running strong.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ix1seTLvozog1O7-G0H_YUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfD7dlMCmI/AAAAAAAAC40/WHQUVPOxy_A/s640/IMG_1085.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>We then headed over to a nearby mall for lunch. I got the jjol myun (chewy noodles with vegetables), a refreshing antidote to the warm weather outside.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lreHRxmh6gAS3eilDWxpeEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfE-EmL6_I/AAAAAAAAC5I/vh9ymXXigx8/s640/IMG_1086.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>For dessert, we stopped by the nearby Red Mango and got some Pat Bing Soo (red bean shaved ice). I was a bit disappointed by this and have had better in the states.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JX8QoEZiNS8C00TUEOLx2EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mj_VZyw9if7l8Dz0CtprEwZRkKx-r4i1f0D8iuHf5YLOZ_RTDKii9m5rBRf6-3L63rLRwHtt_iISFHp-SObl4HE-Uh12-Yo01sg-5w2MX9WCLk0OlFWMxJr_-dt3rQJt1UGj8tiby-k/s640/IMG_1095.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Afterwards, we headed over to Myung Dong, a similar outside shopping center, where the old and modern coincide.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PSAbdbGQO22jybfiIh7_IEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDfE-aXOTkI/AAAAAAAAC5M/211L8zuUwjc/s640/IMG_1094.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Wtf? This place was a clothing store.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tYFkcvho4U5v8zz2f85hsknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDftR90OHXI/AAAAAAAAC7w/-D_YAl482QA/s640/IMG_1157.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>At night, this place totally transformed with a lot more of the younger generation taking over the streets.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z88cv2KFAHoFjaNokc2qm0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDftSNd4uzI/AAAAAAAAC70/2mRwz2o1rS4/s640/IMG_1158.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MkdO7U6_5IVc16Lh68XSaUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDft6rQbU8I/AAAAAAAAC78/K5T3JZzliOk/s640/IMG_1159.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>A street food bonanza.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MLDD9jH9Xq-VCi13Hjr700nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnovN3PDAfM4AYbJFNBnXH3j7HY4kr0EjBrMUspg-J8qwm-93gRzpImBdfDpUYLqC1hLxLL8YErSXBSZ-UefnfBdA3384elfPC8xvhY49JBKAMilrdhDwihTLGcyyjfQaSZ8dzYBuxc0/s640/IMG_1160.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iLyJwHEDbo3FuLUUdDUJcUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDft74T693I/AAAAAAAAC8M/2UIE5kGjttM/s640/IMG_1162.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NWej9B_p8BmWg0MoroyJdEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDft7egtQHI/AAAAAAAAC8I/Q4lYQS_qkF0/s640/IMG_1161.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>It seemed overwhelming, but was nowhere on the level of the next place we were to go to...</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-38614955140243271912010-08-21T17:55:00.000-07:002010-08-21T17:55:44.126-07:00road trippin 4: caspar and the bear<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rer_jlIhOLGq6PfxtvYcpHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmjrCaXZa_OnrpK6_bkRl5gCZTW-qR8yI8C-iG7Ia0wVnxh2Cn9mZVxy1_EO8PoehYUFyghqNwKCpnflox9lXOMSQt1gbZrbb7q1S4MBg7BPc1jamyiNBmEFS2e5tpzZWTGDUROxUfcU/s640/IMG_1491.JPG" /></a></center><div>Of course, I had to get some hiking in on my trip up there. I did the Staircase Trail, an easy 5 mi hike (for the most part, there's very little incline/decline).<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2qTDgdD7vmcLAkMubuIMhHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBisf2HNIX9KcqzaxeghOu4wIJWt7U85kuXECAaIFa-quj6kHEZUzkNb2nzotNQdICGGNWPpmE2FwTTm-0KD4Zx5fei4oODlYpKH-xEou5Kwd4lauKJXQmGpOFBVVeJAs3lLGzUW9I4o/s640/IMG_1470.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f6LlqFr72L7ySSYqlV3zBHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUmQ6aZKnobZlbuvAvu0NuivEtsbI5vhOJitgKQBGD7NflLeohqzHePDMWIAKuF_Kh5jeiMlza0HwWcfoshebMRzqPcd7B9E4LmOaRPj9ldYUrPvSdNAat0E0F4NsD93wQx62t_fKND8/s640/IMG_1503.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nj3BsHCkV4nEp569sv4_jHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXikSLECTypCjzAFme_EX9rnrGbNsko1YV3o6WA4QnypiuN9gsFYT9OTXlwyj6Bx08ftF7QPAO1N0OS6YoGgFakth5EStmWtO-EIDmvywdvbP1F7PYdSpThaUZ4HaFf0E9IdZklF2JAgY/s640/IMG_1509.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>When I saw this banana slug on the trail, I nearly crapped my pants as I silently screamed like a pig being slaughtered. These things were all over the place.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IrHq_QkLK4hH1hIcxPTQ7nzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZW71Hkf7hSkx2J5pXqQy7dAJdoFMMAoAhuw2bWNpdexwb5JBz68wc-HxQJ7zuJTi0FZDvvXWbqnB-IU3kwRVmH39SCUURdZ4SUmV_PktQfaPzBWGXnmvVG1fYi6AwkRcIyBDc6TXXEg/s640/IMG_1513.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VBAZ916hJgLhZnNRCF_3KXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLD4rh2GmejGOiyhhiDf4Ef-SsODBN7d_p8Kz7nt2UBpnWSWoNeRkHx4rZw8EFR6NS_oaKxfWZ8wzxPVMQue80-2plLelwNEXFNIWhZEXRCgE_MGXMRNKGlxTEo_FfWn48Lc3Y-8TgUE/s640/IMG_1540.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>All good things have to come to an end though, and after a few quiet days, I headed back south. I stopped by Healdsburg to visit <a href="http://www.bearrepublic.com/">Bear Republic Brewery</a>.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yqcLWZUn1l_uK2Vb4yh1PHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZmdCNkud4Y45ylfMzQX0QUb4ubhxYOSqFgRJwcLjhkSpJh6k0SIKHgVjEFiieXugPSV4vuNTqIX5yvx3-rA5XrcFidIWcDV3sFHNELtjynTd7OgFcJ8GzJ1bA9iPpWnYmV3g_l9EqkA/s640/IMG_1537.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nvyMj0qeZKwFXgfAXZmjuXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdKzb4dC8MjKbRR_r_AKUHvTCaRVRZ_lBQrqwczLhyphenhyphenmZnwRldK15u_nWikRVViG42dhTGDUObAyRx2YGU0eH6cHpYGrkghYFyHw8rqZR2qATbK3jm0C_yY7LmN_PAC1uKuoQjGzUGAIY/s640/IMG_1536.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>To drink, I had the seasonal Whangadoodle Ale, an Imperial Amber at 8.4% abv, filled with malty goodness.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-tFqbcNKcRTm3OaLCXZUrXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Abvayh1hvMq8yQjBNZbj7IMWEJPso82JA2k-9s7Em7j_zJjowVv5IOLN0Lvd-4cOG461D-ZLJ8vKaTBnXuneHWrvgOx_RzEsjBvxcX5UA86YtjPaH8ODCZ5VamDN8mwOoJFwqFPU_Zo/s640/IMG_1538.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>To eat, I had a disappointing clam chowder, which had the consistency and bland taste of paste.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TSJYwVugbbzcYJI2LuROUXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9xQNK2BMneI0wsee22A_8nbhHma5ibCviDcuhgCLTMUWffOZsg7iU58acvv9Ua3PQ4VzOTahwEZy5XeabBI-73XhJJbQXwHFCDER2ojUq_6z9pSJaPKUZ90amk0QdPBpvEA8MbeZ4zo/s640/IMG_1539.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I don't know why, but throughout the trip, I had this craving for salad, so I ordered the Santa Fe chicken salad. As described on their menu: "grilled marinated chicken breast, avocado, tomato, roasted red peppers, on a bed of baby romaine hearts and baby greens, with a red chili vinaigrette." Sadly, this fell short too. The dressing tasted mostly of oil, and none of the ingredients here tasted very fresh. I don't want to hate because I do love their beers, but at least what I tried, I have to tell it like it is.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0XJ5C2qqf8Sj-UK6Yg_lTnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ULdHyBtP-sFdm3L11QzG2OpvjnhlHQv7-1MjG-FUhZIF5990E-117zv8pQ4jWqGAhknhfn-LF_8dCfXnro_szvPzAUcn1Bi_TO3THtNRFchG4RfegS3AkIjNI8VsyXG02KhvDYi3cmc/s640/IMG_1546.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I stopped by Oakland to visit some friends, then I was off back home. First time travelling alone, and I have to say it was a great experience, something I definitely plan to do again. If anyone is planning to do a road trip of a similar nature, I suggest bringing an audiobook or two =)</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TnTVYfvTL_HlByWF5N00W3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0pawY7iO5fpMspbLCRX6Ys-PifYikih55edaK8bG4aMeTw4VciAl7JLvHb2-aACPxWMDGKpuaDYJBd58lPkoRtOj22Es1QOESXev-34U59CGmIpB8OmSbjv7PbiWTFahUI14lgQHgJE/s640/IMG_1549.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Here is what one's drinking for August. Looking forward to enjoying the barrel aged Rasputin XI.</div></div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-72421537026995360252010-08-19T21:17:00.000-07:002010-08-21T17:56:56.483-07:00road trippin 3: a farm house & a farm house beer<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WQ38QILTZs2vJzpoIld633zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8hjphAG61cGKa2Pj0UMWHQSpVAGP2mG0fME4IstRJm1VhdAwJRgBEV7St03AAUeszlql4Gihj27cDWjJqpT-ra8xyseYSyN6Z3YG8tnncOCHJQzn1-1qcP_Xt9c-uuDw9WyjVKVM-rM/s640/IMG_1492.JPG" /></a></center><div>I drove up and through the Jackson Forest to reach caspar, a small little town. I stayed at the nonprofit hostel style <a href="http://www.jughandlecreekfarm.org/">Jug Handle Creek Farm</a> for a few days. It was an old place (built before 1900), but beautifully maintained. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T2lF4Q8PbFtEnd5D9Mh2KHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvYAGa-udFTuYHVe5MSWlflHSo9zbNZ9lIvVU0VtXuqjzTK1dkyWNlRecw4C75NFpJ1zSn365vKxDo5NYX1WODlKcum2o6w5DSLQLA9DA_KM6SZWu6DCqKXojDow1DpThRBSouIqxqYI/s640/IMG_1466.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>And for $28/night for my own room, queen sized bed, lemme hear you say HOLLA-day inn (as a <a href="http://paestry.com/">friend</a> would say). After an uncomfortable night at the hostel and the driving, I felt like I was sleeping on a poofy cloud.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uuOwQcFVrfL_j-N1jt5L_XzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa1Fx62bF9AbmfQ62N1eRQ56PMFa4NvDkmA_FQqvPsR_9T2iRpQvkV4ujrTy_fe89zEmDWKE0RsmYCq7S5kjFfg32MQqKlYaV6P7n9d3Ss18qyYirwoRqrbwJgbMHsQUEzw1WxtCd8O0/s640/IMG_1493.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>They had a wonderful organic garden, where you were free to pick the produce and use it in the ktichen.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hyL6oIBDW66iODSqHvXitXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDLQbRb0YiIQwFBz6W3epnZGqc18NBM3eB7dYm51Sgs007KhxZ7BvrUGbbuxATe9gqkQUawcNsLlogClzwCDIOh6YeA0pvZAxb2gokh3_OielVnmnmIkjy4ggybeqgxPLF1jg9zYmwzs/s640/IMG_1494.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>It was my first time seeing a rhubarb plant.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RdQJ0PSOXhhF8wzJi3bANHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHe0wNQDydNqXaGTjYUdzNWwqnbqYT-7ab9cSekBtn3qxhTIOtEwY8RKd50PWIC7iR0FT6Rgh-4sXeWpoDKWzNHrgMBvOmMrLP1EejkxOtk_xx9-Y7aIeIPzNK3zDKxQW5-gy5RYUl5c/s640/IMG_1495.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Strawberries were slowly starting to grow.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C0_cSNpVvWb_mgGtGnZ3x3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwouvF2LF85awFeLMAS4j2peWelSkG8YSzPrxIeTZWv1S71UJPHvj3F_te-UvbeUB7UYJFOpDXASg2lcOrqskupn4XIQsvnDDltEZEHJnHANzlDgNrHGcTbmuXlpIoE2KWZiuNEw7nAA/s640/IMG_1496.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Peas!</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wcEh0t4PkugD8xJ-iGRTE3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD55sMFrqe0yixkoShQvdaAmbEuZI_W25bzGP01i68Za0Dq9-h1oP5NGpI9Ap_SEPtXNwZoL5o56LLwwksKbvHE2uYiIkOeq0fdlEQH125pPcS6XPuRpOTTD_kEVxfAzKFoOi8MBKLeI8/s640/IMG_1497.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>One thing I enjoy about the outdoors is seeing all the different plants and their many wondrous colors. This bright flower was no exception.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jki3por9SipXepWdmw1AR3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-vdTXRYQ_0FelmRUjvec3YEL93BPazaFEuZGySQB8K2EkYEXz-y4DYWLC75017_lA0g4kCYOt8s8PdGauRmUKqFKz4wMxiPQECVsksZ_GUbET3w0aifP4iPNJ5eD0KzKmWbcDKr-pcY/s640/IMG_1527.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Just a few miles away was Fort Bragg and the North Coast Brewery. They make Old Rasputin & Pranqster Ale to name a few.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kOf9bbIzfb5ebRQyNngPnHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqVUVgBt-3kK0LiNQzPLGg6J7D_NyShtX4-vWTw60E455EjCUBXvdOtuXNd4vo39kFSBawMqnQViMgQL8Fq1oWTpHY6-jSzEyikED2Nw9gfNvkcCQTLd6N_u7Hzo0cm6qoZmOcAvsifo/s640/IMG_1528.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>Across the street is their brewpub, which was a little more upscale than your average bear. To drink, I had Le Merle, a saison/farmhouse style ale. I've only tried a saison one other time at <a href="http://thebruery.com/">The Bruery</a>, but I really enjoyed this beer, particularly the smell, which reminded me of a fallow field, whatever that is. That's a horrible description, but hey, I tried. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wveAAZjSGTkq1oExjINGFHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj481YhAtGMY2L9G0_1eU3HAQ5AeJLZcD9Fxp5Qy7GH2kyOobIW5uaohpRYt8aSfhomqminxSbxxIUKscCG5dB44sPHZKbY3ckFO_1VTj_SRzmVm_G-jOGyoomQvZFrii9WgWtjxk_DbIQ/s640/IMG_1531.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>So after reading all about it in <a href="http://radiusedcorner.blogspot.com/">Dennis' blog</a>, I was delighted to see cioppino($24.95) on the menu (Sorry for the bad picture). It was filled with red snapper, shrimp, small scallops, and a clam or two and served with several slices of garlic bread. Upon my first sip, I was surprised to find it have quite a kick! Overall, an enjoyable stew, one I would like to try again somewhere else to compare or give it a shot myself.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I9iz34qMmmzsDDTcNiZvKXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04QLCGU1sp_6vTGRKIekNTD0sa1S6q07fx9WEwIFRG78SExrKEv7piNN0NZPVJNO4rmHcdiGTUS9LmOI6k1DSum_upwYdqK5YyhQsbKnbHwFbGNUO59PzQaIUa4UAjfG2btjOtI29ef4/s640/IMG_1533.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I usually don't get dessert, but I decided to splurge for one night and ordered the mud cake made with their stout and topped with some vanilla ice cream along with a glass of Brother Thelonius, a Belgian style strong dark ale. I believe this was my first time having a beer inspired dessert, and this fell short. While I could appreciably taste the stout, the cake was way too dry, and the ice cream was the only thing making it work. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EC-UWAxv6onmkTsYNLuH9XzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xogK2OID5YbUJE_cXfaNdwMm-mB-1-1lOwydns5qTTabJ5IvgIBBcbBOTvW7kkRMT2vTtVd-vIoM_cCQ5OkddoqsnUTAtnzxmCD5ml3ad4gjuHJd5KZw2aRAuo1fFMS1ZevvJCY3sCA/s640/IMG_1535.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>I came back to the farm house, feeling tipsy, and swapped tall tales with the other inhabitants over the warm inviting fire. It was COLD there (and we're talking about august folks...)</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-74335329513961433092010-08-18T15:19:00.000-07:002010-08-18T15:29:48.058-07:00road trippin 2: berkeley, point reyes, russian river!<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YgyXCzeEinFfxWYZug54PnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKJwuHzQAtALSQsl_UGsc0ZAfyjKTb3N72h9ZjoLtDyNnyJNGcWj-a1y72s-BKBFx7WjjnMVm7Grzv3w9qxNJT-pd0L9jMRsr4MAGA0Js_nh7vjYsa28tbc_f-yI4U_zetthVLlCeRbE/s640/IMG_1427.JPG" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;">well rested, i continued my trek up north, stopping by <a href="http://www.bakesalebetty.com/">bakesale betty's</a> in berkeley for lunch. the menu is simple: fried chicken sandwich, chicken pot pie, and whatever baked goods they happen to be making. i opted for the sandwich. i'm not a big fried chicken fan, but i found this to be pretty good. the coating of the chicken was still crispy when i got it. the simple slaw comprised of cabbage, peppers, and i think parsley or cilantro, dressed in some kind of olive oil/lemon dressing. put some tapatio on that, and this was a pretty tasty and filling sandwich. also picked up a slice of banana bread, which honestly was the best i've ever had (no picture tho, ate it for dinner).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DoVNXDZq_sn_z3kjUmcl8HzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46EOuLx_q3Vk92BHd4FeX2y9s7T0MEdi5QnlICn87EovTt_-YAo90BUsWtJbOr6ILubJ6x7_sdK6uwuAvzLnIfpIqVLtfyUq1zYdLjIPV4SAyLJhKsV0AdSidqpkGr77hh2AQXs4znIY/s640/IMG_1431.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">i planned my trip to explore parts of cali i hadn't been before, so i kept goin up, across the richmond bridge to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/pore/">point reyes</a>.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RqpQMfggigJ113WC2WRUxXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWT1qWSG56_RjPSKHPSZw0TwsGgAB44LcPMGEP4VQx0jw-e3RMrVVmY1pxPTKr8mjOEE4snND4WtbivlLzup814kE3agiOmxds7ZD5dCDixjdWB2SKW_gC28kcP4gsS6B9hSkSUSPXK0/s720/IMG_1438.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">did an enjoyable hike although i have to admit i was a bit scared as i had never really hiked alone before. paranoid thoughts ran rampant of being killed and my body never being found. luckily, my backpack has a built in rape whistle, which gave me confidence and quelled my fears.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DEmfo2XQZlpaio5JOGdYdHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjZoveyAniFdA2EqGxwRsnTyKTmRQyme6PUs6Qq0w-Z6kTeSthLkU5t8lc2DlisZEt5u9vA1qFl-wPrDaik5VD4gA-vutgisXv4MC-61tvHr7DgcThde51q-yslBVBbOqDkOD372-Tso/s640/IMG_1454.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">stayed at a hostel for the first time (never thought there were any in the us for some reason)</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q6su8w194MmhribmaP99vHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVej0aE4DirF5I18TjVrqsfKwLjluud36HjEJDT9Z7a1xWzH_M2NtBk0_EZ_l-V03X4vqbv4fHlkfck1N_A4zkW9AC9qC3DnmDXvFFNWjp_WHQ38qtROzkPHvptbsd-wt5oiUSvsRw0Hc/s640/IMG_1456.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">room shot.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SmnoESSNcA853zQYLAo93nzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknSFjsqIX9wCvNXON1zTw44aQlhyQjP733tnHCJe8i4IFEgFnTT8hnArH-vXDTJwcmQK_7oenH4X_lpBppQecocEsudKRop8iQruFxCrmaV1Zt4SIDjCir-yiMdzOCf174MXDu1hOyyM/s640/IMG_1460.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">after a rather sleepless night, i explored the area a bit more the next morning (curiously enough, it had rained the night before), then made my way up to santa rosa to visit the <a href="http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/">russian river brewery</a>. sound familiar? they make pliny the elder.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FGUFSaIt6F_xTOlWZESI3nzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0_ToTwo2rPhb9nwgv2qFJsbxCJgM0hCaL-drY208eF1ywP31TPdiRU8XZ99lLO928OjCuZRW-fhjRz3t1FFYT2h5FHJgNrbYfVLdlpC2kxDrls3vKLtwPClXcuGhNUCsviced4hdzOs/s640/IMG_1458.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">it was around lunchtime, so i ordered the meatball sandwich with a side salad. the sandwich was nothing special (meatballs tasted frozen), but i really did enjoy the vinaigrette on the salad.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-NawQDQsvoeOXzRKYoS-kHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA2Ufa7vTQ_-OMxy5p-kD_RFS7rw7LojJhek9gZtbhdB5kSsw-g-7zQBzJceCe-Y7WVC-R57N3mCNItwWrdUsBFMtzGRwNkQtB5jYNHGAuzgJsY6ValdPYbctZQoJF4mN22XDem6wQgU/s640/IMG_1457.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">but really, who cares about the food? it's all about the beers here. i sampled a few of their brews, my favorite being damnation, a strong belgian style golden ale. i ended up buying a few bottles to bring home.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fc2NuSXj3_SAVpbhidCtEHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumzeB8LDkU_zY5f2UO2PjKvppuPnTuYh63UdKr4lpWzfRUZkxS6bh-gJl0jGkwAFYmmlPOoaBnALdFmNB6b62kNZgToLFlqObY5nwhOVJHiZUfpxariJYVeABwv_chV-xCq2P6y49Se4/s640/IMG_1459.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">as much as i wanted to try them all, i had to show some restraint because i still had to drive a few more hours up north to caspar. remember not to drink and drive kids!</center>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-15986658422345039402010-08-17T11:56:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:00:45.900-07:00road trippin 1: nipomo and big sur<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-_hSY1YpnK-udF3Wft0GoXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpA8ZcJfNzy3dqXdiB69z7KlxAiYw-L4XBLlU51a8FmSPxQ7eJId6p-06ccfy7MX9JbIOjx3rYa21DLIZnZYQTb6hphPpKt3I1U6BCrFF3ceWqtffeQ0wer3sx5b9qPZgYT_5EZ6OONY/s640/IMG_1376.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">as a final huzzah before school, i decided to take an impromptu solo road trip up the coast two weeks ago.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y2QfizAwlPhP_MGnc1DcEnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RR7yBBzHw0gyRLt_kDBP5GKZM69m-3ZKseTp5CDSyMhFmNeQVlrfyP0rFwO4RL7s9g1vDnKkcCz1oSEguDaEmniiZn-iGXvKYle7jNZ5yeqatOrbREnD02qu-1W3JlTCYGFrLfGE2zI/s640/IMG_1380.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>passed through nipomo for some santa maria style bbq. this joint was next to the santa maria brewery, but i didn't go in sadly...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rBjTkCejITM085bWX0DDHHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidjVdzFKfYbJLtep3rrCRMZb_3lxcFJVqQkGVYf_l4cnA5s7zE8unwjc-yZ7pe5XMIpdjGQ_1YSMuMtiDadaKjjlFkFspJYoSVfKXl0O-sNioVdG_CtC_Ue3qCV2wKYFbo55IdiGPuYE/s640/IMG_1379.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">ended up getting the pulled pork sandwich though. the telera bread was a winner: slightly toasted, fresh, and thin but just enough to sop up the sauce. the coleslaw dressing was light, but it did its job in balancing out the bbq sauce, which was more sweet than tangy. gotta appreciate that crunch of the cabbage too! the pork was pretty darn tender. overall, a pretty solid sandwich although i'm not sure if it beats <a href="http://cabcooks.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/a-giveaway/">cabs </a>with her smoking sprees lately.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XY-1KemSjSwAj5CuT63s7nzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOAGk4uebM0Az33RZQ8nNHsODaX63_T1jTpfCq38y2mlmKKWnjt1733fYaKkJCJGiAVnz5Mk51AGSL0lKfgQvhH60sr0h559UFlq2koTgeveVsDc99luEjaGddWVQFhgzjqhGPwHPFJI/s720/IMG_1407.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>from there, i went up to big sur and stayed at the <a href="http://contemplation.com/">new camaldoli hermitage</a>. </div><div><center style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iPPHh6YlRnNR_luCdALyHXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4je9wWAQUXZ11NyeboziJ-ajBD8Hh0hyphenhyphenpYqktwj1c_VzYgu0d5-rGJuddObTdApcKRz3hKWFzj0rG9DULOsqxWcido8MZKY0CT4DGA6E8z6G20HT31BYmTpwiBp2wydFlzdl_nZvXZo/s640/IMG_1381.JPG" /></a></center></div><div style="text-align: center;">room shot.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w-0EG0Nbl0L7qH0DekSC73zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUYko_PDytLN03wbP-wr15xKO7Yym-dMB8QTZSt6Hzc8-cE3nFYR1AZIk7E-ONzKXHob3i_8-u8P3jT_SGVYkWjcV0RRdl3_a8igIv6EEb8CuXxzB2yIJPPwfmJyFpXi7Pj5ZZB3GLic/s640/IMG_1408.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>lunch was the main meal here, served buffet style and eaten in our separate rooms. i particularly enjoyed the quiche.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5xVxhgdR8LmPVzA3W_YfJHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMWQv23Uw6v93oKg20rqUiUfe-Ert0GCa5pAuv5u3O84nP__S0N-cSVunDhkVxNHNcyefTyrfyvPCsyENCiGrDdRI8nng4dhSq52KwUT7SWHKYLmoyCqcmyo1UKcGH5tm4RIQnNZT8PQ/s720/IMG_1410.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>i spent a few peaceful days here, reflecting and getting my mind right for school. i know that it's a cliche, but i still say it with wonder every time: i can't believe how fast time has gone....be movin up to davis in a week and startin in two!</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-88090309146473007492010-08-15T00:13:00.000-07:002010-08-15T12:33:38.321-07:00back in seoul: insadong<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xyB4H2t8pfBQ9fZKERT8WUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDEB3FT7rII/AAAAAAAACzs/E7PXuT42zx4/s640/IMG_1043.JPG" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xyB4H2t8pfBQ9fZKERT8WUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"></a>after a few days in the <a href="http://herbjankles.blogspot.com/2010/08/gochang-and-naju-korea.html">countryside</a>, we headed back to seoul. although the city is pretty amazing, there are a lot of places that tell a different story of anyone who doesn't belong in the wealthy minority. i recently met w/ a friend who just came back from korea and told me how hard it is to make it out there (unless you're a foreigner).</center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HoiBDOPNIT8Mz-JjUEXtaEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDECoXNoIvI/AAAAAAAACz4/NMaDuI7H6UU/s640/IMG_1044.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>sign for a laundry place.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xy0eL3-V-sCCZdWiZvexFEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TGg5YEXj85I/AAAAAAAADBI/PY_ls7mbxHY/s640/IMG_1148.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>from there, we went to insadong, an area famous for its many shops that sell artwork and antiques. i got a painting framed here for 40 bucks...only to break the glass at the airport and get a new piece fitted here for 60. >_< </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hf3d3LSCY6zs_Jc3v6HSe0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDEConODurI/AAAAAAAACz8/2fFeNM0_0Yg/s640/IMG_1045.JPG" /></a></center></div><div> and of course, there's always some street food vendor hustling. this lady was selling some kind of custard filled "bread" (can't think of really what to call it). what was funny was that she had a picture of lee myung bak on her cart, ordering some of her goodies. they weren't very good though.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WWrUx9DzWdeDRHaL5r1Ts0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDEDQ5pawjI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/kbGu03u8Mzc/s640/IMG_1058.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>after walking around a bit, we stopped by for a drink at a tea place.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JsZ8HVUv7BhloHedJ8wxZEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDECo2BosgI/AAAAAAAAC0A/60gQBLndmc8/s640/IMG_1048.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>all homemade.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kwUl0VXHrOUzVboQYwEtz0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDECpE6IcII/AAAAAAAAC0E/ipJzEErliuo/s640/IMG_1055.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>i ordered sujunggwa, a cinnamon punch, which was the strongest i've ever had and woke me right up.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rt6M3lRC8wrTjAkBv76S_EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDECpQBKelI/AAAAAAAAC0I/NUWS7zSMs_M/s640/IMG_1057.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>and some snacks on the side: i'm not sure what the stuff on the left is called, but its a thin puffed up piece of yut (malt) and on the right, some candied ginger.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3Q_MmU_OwBsXAQKSPZB_SUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5n2NBaBqKrm0KGkRMKLe7KQzHbNFlqV12XeIE-_0_eNAZTiQhKQiD6XLfBQlSO7SzcGVOHbzn-dpgGvaxcsmX-CfmeOI5JP8Fwwv_0_HrMbUIaMVBmJpWDNDPZYpN0lUNHYGvaB6sKY/s640/IMG_1059.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>as we were leaving, we saw a group of young pups tryin to make a dollar, singing jason mraz. check out the drunk man in the back as he dizzily swayed and clapped his hands to the music. if there was a caption for the second kid on the left, it would probably say, "wtf?"</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jQ6g4cbBF1QKv1tq1as56UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDEDS1CF5fI/AAAAAAAAC0g/5so2IAkjcME/s640/IMG_1067.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>happy sunday yall!</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-21802522933266411772010-08-14T20:38:00.000-07:002010-08-14T20:38:53.610-07:00beef salad<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y3P_S1FLtswjLzdEE_1KP3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG63VcwSEFQujH2-2_-BnVtqdbYNHxY4LcXwh73P3H1GdD1wkmoB7xUTdtEPhpqdJNnuG1kiIEC36DYKTFg8WBJ3a35CPtkDDGFwd-JK36U_agVpAWKp2rGNuIal06ACDtqZSssRd5p7E/s640/IMG_1371.JPG" /></a></center></div>cravings are a funny thing. i find myself wanting something that i hadn't even thought of or even never had. perhaps it's my body telling me it needs a particular nutrient or maybe i just read and eat vicariously through too many food blogs. whatever the case, i found myself very badly craving a beef salad. and not just any beef salad, but a thai beef salad. i had only a hazy recollection of what this really meant. i've never tried one before although i did have a delicious raw beef salad last year at <a href="http://herbjankles.blogspot.com/2009/07/sd-for-lunch-sab-e-lee.html">sab e lee</a>, having had a memorable lunch with several of my favorite food bloggers. so i decided to finally submit to my wants and took the opportunity to check out a new thai place in diamond bar.<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xu4tqb1-lu9Nz5ivy76vd3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxD_ALycsw_td8Z2St9MGibFdMuD-ywJqfvN8S3rxBZlbcOB3v1YU0MYYBsiFGdL3XhcFVU9KsmYg0Vc4XKXpRazlApaM_9sEJN5j1qYDGrZ5ZeBZ7HGizxZwmE5BpWvBlYZN6oQN7ok/s640/IMG_1366.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>for the longest time, this used to be the neighboorhood amicis....cheap and filling pizza that i would get sometimes with a friend as we walked home from middle school. and i was pretty shocked when a few months ago i drove by and saw a thai joint. ordered a thai iced coffee that was a bit too heavy on the half and half, but still did the trick.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R1kdyOJ3LsixodFFgWWabXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbj_VnqY0OAQc_qTw87vccs2Rg9pojU8QPtB-mHiklLF9IC6CCij2RQzwNx_UleA6OhJMn8A5UOJH5oYMA7SY2HSl11FgjGg6wzlSpm1EGhLprWoIdgmmq4cOhbFawesKcwZu5dixvIE/s640/IMG_1370.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>and here is the grilled beef salad (~$10): standard iceberg lettuce mix, mint, cilantro, red and green onions, and a lone slice of tomato topped with a whole lotta steak cooked medium. the dressing was a citrusy fish sauce base and i shoulda requested it on the side because there was too much on the salad. overall a borderline good salad but my body was happy. as i left, i found myself thinking that i should try to make this at home sometime as it seems simple enough.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-57488408339575049792010-08-13T20:34:00.000-07:002010-08-13T20:36:01.291-07:00my first chicago hot dog experience<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d63ettaTkmJBlqyBOP4h_XzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw2ElSnn5xpHUaRcv4LZt2dM1gl8zHnP6OYTHSlj4-OrA1hsBM1WJ0UuWWN_Lac5wwC9x8AxM6vPubtQsVBYJw7RoJxKNtEoi47i-Kz73sKBX6KDHhnLW-Lu1pKlFw1OWNl7uXGO704U/s640/IMG_1210.JPG" /></a></center></div>after enjoying a few beers at <a href="http://herbjankles.blogspot.com/2010/06/drink-local.html">bootleggers</a> with some friends, we started to have the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLXFStRygiU">mad munchkin</a> munchies. a <a href="http://noirthenewblack.blogspot.com/">friend</a> suggested <a href="http://www.portillos.com/portillos/">portillos </a>in buena park, and off we went. the majority of these pictures are credit of the young, up and coming <a href="http://xjomox.blogspot.com/">jomo</a>.<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HNa79-I4R3_70K_SxtZyZHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbudJlCRSpx-XdxLJdV3x4vfJ6Aj-NSFlTJLVQnyRLmsJ6V6Qlt7FUvz4kjgPXT-WWH9_NBtDr2ruOIh71WOHoKL54TmfFfDcn4Ku3yUoq-zZzIqKaVDH9vCSS8UW1_YJW34_avZycH8/s640/IMG_1214.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>inside, the place had enough visuals and bright lights to trigger an epileptic seizure.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3lzCzQCKMqpISAQlP1tranzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW42_vMhNy9PjfjUUgzszCg75C4Vty2QeR9DzouOmNMxVxHNZjvgbcE2Z2NTJQAEGD7e72tQUPk_ykz6t-weV6fawcKYX6Njv9L39BBGPhiFEh5x6qQCb5iKPe3cq_Z5Pci-dHh0d2KJo/s640/IMG_1213.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>after the posts on <a href="http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/">kirk's blog</a>, you can only live vicariously for so long before you break down and get your butt over to whatever it is you've been reading about for the past few months...or even years. and let me say that this was delicious. Mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles and peppers on a poppy seed bun. i could taste celery salt in it too. like the restaurant itself, the dog looked like it had too much going on, but once you took a bite, wow. like the protocol when one has a fit, follow suit: clear the area and enjoy the ride. and for $2.45? winna~</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZDx9X6u1mW0Tp4RtzDghTHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JIkH7ld6qEDEdKNVYqCi8PV4KLwRMh8k508xE4GCpUIsZabbxRs9QGPjGty_UolkVw-BuiRKlog5I59IjLPk6IBwCxseMtYfSpMcNxlvEr237fPN_enACdY0KVPrne_rlRgxNOi00Ks/s640/IMG_1212.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>i'm an onion rings lover, so of course, i had to try these as well, and these were solid....perhaps not the best, but when you got the munchies man...</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2BwTXmbhBj6dT_c-oK7hfXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnpD1rqhj_TM-f15Kb4BKdGPWRgjR2UH9jgtqtYNzdvoe9x6oASinfPrt84zc4ho8nH4DvwiAf7fdEQdqK6p03j2H7x7LpR6hLH4XAyjz0_iKkylxSH7EAsuvE0qt7WXKiW8qzsMvp78/s640/IMG_0424.jpg" /></a></center></div><div>friends opted for the italian beef on french bread, which looked really good too. they gave it two thumbs up. i mean look at that thing. would u want to mess with that? (the answer btw is hell yea, and say it with some gumption!)</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XnuxcDgPqI3Wb5FpFHNrfXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9voI8cdlrWbzxv5G4-MkILNncKUVGpj2KMQYOejKbKTigYOWv0mmR-_STaHF-jlesdKwWe-wJ5KsiBSKKlhGSUXRyqv0U3RqRRcIvammNy8CnxZEHTLPgWE1UuuM2xkocC31xTWolvgY/s640/IMG_0428.jpg" /></a></center></div><div>we killed that **** mang! the place is pretty close to knotts...anyone want to go? i haven't gone in years and for some reason have been itchin to go. holla day inn! (credit goes to <a href="http://paestry.com/">paestry</a>, who's been murkin it w/ the posts lately)</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-88299282605427508622010-08-12T21:28:00.000-07:002010-08-12T23:07:49.110-07:00gochang and naju, korea<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ya2t83lstAubyHoEudX4LUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDD6TVJ7JWI/AAAAAAAACxk/wHh9mqBhvG4/s640/IMG_0942.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>after a few days in seoul, we took a bus down to the country, a noticeably different sort of place...</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K4xV9LoKsBU9TDg8dv96kUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDD6T42LjaI/AAAAAAAACxo/FkcfG19vwJM/s640/IMG_0951.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>lots of rice fields out here.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4vBH48lWOKBpvj_DD2z1xEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kFhgz8o1HjiMtQoLydm6Ee9klR71Df0WR_yZgrGKa-CeaogYzZifm1J_uPWWy1V_6HdmRhFX7-83aSl0JC20yEL3cKu9db-_FaYnPvBOnGuKYUaN9X4bJQLvDDPbKfvkRwUwqNrCvr4/s640/IMG_0970.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>made some new friends</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_OlVuWywyt8H-lmJGrU29knCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBCyrxmH3nl8rJzyw98GPoMCJRz6NZh3JyjIJkPbRfIk6eo1I1q14PcAWs-t5Cp9Pc922RfkMz-2UBg5Oebl8rqOQHeQzUkTp2TqjZri8Zm3tCewSO-QXLLaelMA8vY4GmAZ9culkx98/s640/IMG_0978.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>so i learned about something called temple stays. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D7Gfm35j5z5LHA2VFARDxEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDD8G0k8a2I/AAAAAAAACyg/sm9m8U6V6c8/s640/IMG_0987.JPG" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;">it's like a hostel, but you stay at a buddhist temple. i would love to do that one day and see how monks live.</center><center><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size:medium;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fd4lJY7wUzIDW4nz7QUU2UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDD-YAwFJ0I/AAAAAAAACzI/ToKVpMlFOnc/s640/IMG_1014.JPG" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;">as you would guess, the pace of life was quite different here for people...</center></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size:medium;"></span></div></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4k8WZJdkNeM5wZLQigCQpknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TDD-X_rLMeI/AAAAAAAACzE/kDJ7WvqjDwM/s640/IMG_1012.JPG" /></a></center><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;">and animals alike!</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rgz-THaGyQPL7eNN32eAF0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqIj15cZhI/AAAAAAAACrM/CN_t29HsEOs/s640/IMG_5341.JPG" /></a></center></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;">for dinner, we got to try korean beef for the first time. it was a circular building where you buy your own meat in one section...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hozh3rft5C2RU3w-Elzhu0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqIjvzIGiI/AAAAAAAACrI/Wpe_gJHzulA/s640/IMG_5340.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">then walk next door to the connecting restaurant to cook it.</div><div style="text-align: auto;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vs1bqIV-qP4xqfDwdNKW7knCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqIi_kouqI/AAAAAAAACq8/xFmg3aghRKQ/s640/IMG_5337.JPG" /></a></center></div><div style="text-align: auto;">some of the meat purchased</div><div style="text-align: auto;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ePpAFAbQ4ZDQYX83tOEAiknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqH3oRCeSI/AAAAAAAACq0/7qM7ko2E5sk/s640/IMG_5334.JPG" /></a></center></div><div style="text-align: auto;">the simple setup. some vegetables (lettuce and perilla leaves) to wrap the meat in along with some green onion salad. </div><div style="text-align: auto;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aLGZ8wxbbZtxVjs5T5p6_EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqIjLhaXvI/AAAAAAAAC80/AU5C7PKkGng/s640/IMG_5338.JPG" /></a></center></div><div style="text-align: auto;">banchan wasn't much but i was too busy stuffing myself w/ the meat to really care. and while i can't remember the details, just trust me when i say, it was damn good.</div><div style="text-align: auto;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/omrRuY2fMHTWgKITdk1oQUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqIjZq59KI/AAAAAAAAC88/-TIQ6wy0mG4/s640/IMG_5339.JPG" /></a></center></div><div style="text-align: auto;">after some bbq, it's common to eat neng myun (cold noodle dish in beef broth). the noodles however were darker than usual. i think they are normally made from buckwheat, but in this case, these were made from some kind of root, but I forget the name. But this was so refreshing after eating all that delicious meat. </div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-87125327762888430042010-08-09T01:24:00.000-07:002010-08-09T01:24:32.256-07:00hwood hike + wurstkushiclesalthough i am a southern california native, i haven't really seen all the landmarks the golden state is known for since i am quite comfy in my suburban sanctuary thankyouverymuch. however, a few weeks ago, i ventured out into the wilderness (albeit cautiously mind you) into the jungle known as hollywood. sad to say, but i've only been once. so when a friend asked if i wanted to do a hike up to the iconic sign, i said sure, why not? starting off at Griffith Park, there is a slight detour that's worth seeing.<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rWt85g8ptx92i_udYmOHJ3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXxK_EY5TnT0INk39Kt5enrU-g-qJuWrjK3wfG0RAIquf3f2a4gGXN_3wlUyInhOLEr4qLuq7hQh-cf0N5V0KBA_JbjyR7vkFz2wA_mJ_IpSQkYd08ZuT9qXULfitXCPdtyb0PEwRzKw/s640/IMG_1346.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>give you a hint: duh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh duh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i0rm_tdS_07qfwJoaYq4cHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT_Js1fPO_Z_b_NS8coZ_mxtdx3iYiljQXnV0tjHFw5Wo-MkJei6-Jp0gYv6qUxBt-JoEblSlatbl3JDFAcdLy1BcLFioiVN0wDb3OukEtxX0bLNmmgvAaOUlaNTjxcMNshCXjc6x254/s640/IMG_1349.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>pow! the batcave from the Batman tv show from the '60s with Adam West. The cave was really small though.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f3ErroYlLP-tD5Ikrsfc3XzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGBoNOPYyrv96xSTpMtfpQeRy9kfpA90W4LGnzN24mrU6ISlOMT_oI1gQZtVat1qxizqDdFb0wT89Bm6EOb0ssvEWTQ0h0VI9GcOhCjdpkzitN4mspjHJwSe_8CR-WBSUKRZ5ifBRdio/s640/IMG_1350.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>it's an easy hike about 3 miles to the top with a mild continuous incline.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NjAyBbBGoJoobOsXjEug-3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqx3cWmm0qeixXQXYstVHhVtrjtg2TMB_14AEahh5HJ9NwZx7cjnuDmxoE6n3KsLt4qr3nd54eK32cRJpst0xI3tgZzzpDhIBHCcH9Dp_b12pu6e6OmvC6qJ2Qfu4FQ_wf2eVlXqm0JPY/s640/IMG_1354.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>the route we went took us behind the sign. the whole thing is actually fenced off and a helicopter makes it rounds regularly to make sure no one tries anything crazy.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4ub3VsUOb3g8uXiKpwjdOHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfMcRbTjKT7Xx4Ku6WptiEIXSNdlphEOyEZ7D8migA1DdsDzZ4jK2y8CgwCrrDhhpnvhoYDAEI3rvBknF70bvuYaREferoSfEQx2ipjkHd2Io3KWya5_hy_KvX2qIx7pE8YHR_oLze_E/s640/IMG_1359.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>for dinner, we went near little tokyo to german sausage and beer joint, <a href="http://www.wurstkucherestaurant.com/">wurstkuche</a>. there's always a heated debate on how to correctly pronounce the name. i thought it was wurstkushies while another thought wurstcooch. one of the guys ended up asking the beertender, who said it was vurstkookah. i still like my way of saying it better although it'll change depending on my mood. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TjXTzimCdrOsY3-LSmAuLnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfVngbkwOutzm_hQNGPlEWFF3AU0_LmzjZdE7u35lLI0k7xZDOYOC4wFB0JnmKdCoW23cwQp6pQcQPLAtVvAO5CtxA5oL78aRXzPNECpPEFWUDvY06jnFlYaSTNmnOJIS6ywCZmoQtgc/s640/IMG_1363.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>it's a pretty simple menu. a whole bunch of different sausages, beer, and belgian fries with homemade dipping sauces. that's it. oh and dessert they have a oatmeal cookie ice cream sandwich, which i have yet to try. they have nice glassware for all their beers...which is a pretty extensive selection of both bottled and draft beers, many unknown to me. I tried the Koestritzer Schwarzbier.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-laQzIC8BXVOn-mcu8ySQXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAwQTaFs14TXd1_S87_ZtFhre00qu5GMzochTxE7bZVN9jw2GtYAt8qdaPn2aGjpbp0cVvgM0_7Bqp62NLoCx7-5UTLX5xUXwH485Qd2Gpb6DfAORG1slhR3qKkbQKrcsbKT6wOH9qmY/s640/IMG_1365.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>for the sausages, i got the bockwurst (veal, pork, & spices) along with the Filipino Marharlika (sweet pork & natural seasonings), both with grilled onions and peppers (one with spicy, one with sweet). both were pretty tasty although i thought the bockwurst had a better snap. they do offer exotic sausages too (take a look at their <a href="http://www.wurstkucherestaurant.com/Menu.html">menu</a>) and on a previous visit, i tried the rattlesnake (but i think it was another type of sausage not rabbit) and found it rather dry. if it was just rattlesnake, i think i would have liked it better so i could learn what that tastes like by itself, but i guess it's either too expensive or it can't stand on it's own? No picture of the fries, but I'd vouch for em. If you want go the extra mile, you can ask them to sprinkle some truffle oil on it. Go ahead and pamper yourself, you deserve it! my only gripe is that both times i've gone they've messed up on my order, but they were quick to fix it. overall, a fun place to relax and knock back a few steins of great beer.</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-13269309991246514382010-07-29T20:01:00.000-07:002010-07-29T20:03:23.470-07:00yosemite sam<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SwAUbKIcW-CUU2z8EU0PDHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qVIziQCZxIWw7POI82QQwIiZVwXSm1ZZ5LbYmmBVU374THBV2GwPjktexgFsrXx26SmltgyTrhxpfrBcrB0w0zmgmn-Srqtelc7R8DWc_3rY0hxzXBqsUCKIS2xwf5O-ff4hyphenhyphenRTd5UQ/s640/34981_724325109578_6719297_40727467_1384328_n.jpg" /></a></center></div>a few weeks ago, i went camping with a few friends to yosemite. i didn't take pictures of the food because i was too busy cooking, but i did get to try a <a href="http://menuinprogress.com/2008/09/doggers-tri-tip.html">tri tip recipe</a> from menu in progress that was pretty doggone good. it was my first time cooking over a fire though, so it was tricky, but i did learn a few things from it. honestly though, it could have turned out like crap and still tasted good. i don't know about you, but when i'm out camping, everything tastes delicious. i remember once i had canned corn beef hash on a trip and thought it was the best thing i ever had. so when i got home, i bought it at the market and cooked it up, only to spit it out because it tasted like dog food. so there you have it.<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JbhydYQg9xzZQw2r9SNn0XzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2ELg_A_YMMgj0LsY3E0k8XN7eh-ldBIXsamZjvqJ-McHNazth9_GRyTBJvmmcZ2_DvyK2l1sFP9ZXeyX6YNwylebeHhdolhVhGzIhFO_oJZP3nvfCJprIyts99fiQzUPNp-EmOcrt20/s640/IMG_1263.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>despite the beer drinking binges and card games, we did have time to squeeze in a short hike to sentinel dome.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ys0hNzq0SFKFem3nJBF96nzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhlf1xKVi3oDKfvmQmm03jxxtsWjOfiMrktyUFgUFQKlJfjmoR4uvwVb8RCqdsvjRgJPhlhATsezWeXt_9bZn8ZSS1MwGl0XSaVISC11ub_nigL7YMRN2fZwTlWLAQPrCGeXyrzwnQ8c/s640/IMG_1264.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>where you got a pretty nice view of yosemite falls</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RoMY_7Ylg2AlmwzDSXCzyHzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE6n9VQvp_j5YKZd3aXo6JzWB4cXr99RahCSGZkenubEeAVenCUgYGNiADicfsH4nEV9EjygdpkxncdI0jIP-b4tvnrOO4a4B0UcPD_h3vBC8UscfZ-ADWJSVXan60AM3koKfcUkN2PA/s720/IMG_1267.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>as well as the amazing half dome....something that is on my to do list the next time i come here.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_jf6A3XDdnU4JewlR5nBGnzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx4RznAu05umwJZxdUEEaBUcyBTgYDEFJoy6QjqQEKc0NyoelZDpfIjyQMUCJJFMkOBQT5RzzU_-dG8yAzYla8TOT_otfIyKz930fjKTOgNJyRoxTWa1XJy51J7yM_C-lBwykg7MsZ7Q/s640/IMG_1293.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>made a new friend up here. damn thing had been fed by people so many times, it wasn't afraid to get close.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lLgOZlA-K6-DWD6wUIDXz3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVMrdzwltNjGwx1io34FIbPqu9Zw8ItooGrBUS-ytTOUniV9AtLtDZO3lm49yxdPfSeQyE_RmbaQTMrgT5XznKKNxFMaHlQ5feZ0DkTkxY811wVRjaBZ90Q83foHl30Eomg1XX-gkkz0/s640/IMG_1308.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>inspiration point. a weekend is barely enough time to just see one place because the park is huge.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lAjs1tEE5x-pNq0jHL8TE3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK46PnHqscS6lPovw6Yr7E5cuRSWlqAFIsvr_yXMObOPahdtuf_91Sl9vC4kzsdfPx1rh5mqDRatzXFHEtcuNBTiOzcNW_fEZU5uvdaA75HK62272wyG2pLYjWH_vS7clxyMiTNjfdbRo/s640/IMG_1324.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>we left the park through the west exit, following the merced river and noticed it was remarkably hot as it got well over 100 F that day.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GEXdZRIURSb5bvaUYBdv-3zTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2l2-FZzTfJvu6iJd1LivTb5Va485SrMEaMMtRS2WFomvirWlV5K6EC6fw6YN6h0uFFZKqSSpbD20J9TkXlmv_RN3AHzJdnynG1DUjcqpvY2uHKKL3XtxUJZuMXi0SW-cua09Dqs81l0/s640/IMG_1334.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>decided to just stop by the first place to grab a quick lunch before the long drive back and saw this happy joint in mariposa.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MaeFqGsTlF_hsx2cC7aQ2XzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWuo-eVD5x7wMB_Do-Vj34dYG5vh9JjsJqVtGzXXhHFmy5ul1BU0M_YuJ6qdGh3KVP4m-1VgeapPpgd7efY-vyGMfnR8ql2FfkFO3zXqd8yJ_5fnwClMU0S1Pr6mDQgFP_HqWQ5a6fOQ/s640/IMG_1327.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0tTiKLSpvwMdwvqlrqw8EXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCMRYUs0bc-LIK04e-_45bXTSbOkQ8El9rph_-fbqYEMHXt4XgxH-alQZ3qzlLz9g9zA8C_nJ9NSa1mDxbivv2Zfp7iN0NHwKKHF4YrtxQDXh3WpokZlYPfc29jOUinc7TKh8RvDDIlE/s640/IMG_1330.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>the place was so packed and busy! a typical american joint with your sandwiches, burgers, and what not. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m0xJVbOoAHdgUPlPX2ywxXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBgjPAH_rIQ3LDLlwtyYKpfQFB8cs3LUcY4dRTCR5YsFmeGwJlhiPKIiCuQ10ijT1ROra_NKEzQlArn2_M_mhF8Ua2_fMNBLdidE59CHKiZigSvVwyjAUjXaao5pb_OrCG_k4vm8CVZc/s640/IMG_1332.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>having had my fill of meat and heavy food, i was craving for something light and fresh so i got my favorite tuna sandwich on wheat and a trip to the salad bar.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/88uP-8MVsgG913ZbRtFXhXzTnOZG3faFSDQDufXZlw8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DwVpwq-ptTsddcIqbfJRcR3Xg5F7RjcF0fCK5eljT35v-4GanPXfoPzVnLuqg9Iajax01_jXxQApLJ85dVTq91tv3qhutiImyC7ziCe9d-2t_M6FCsX2PFHJ0sSA8fBhAMqYVE01jdk/s640/IMG_1333.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>verdict? it was a good sandwich although the mayo seemed a little watery. all in all though, a fun trip with some old friends.</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-59509471322989063332010-07-26T21:57:00.000-07:002010-07-26T21:59:51.256-07:00truit fart<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/caFfLhkTB9aRKh6CLyS3Ag?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TE5dK7DpBPI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/_rPDCxv0luE/s640/IMG_1251.JPG" /></a></center></div>Inspired by <a href="http://www.nadsbakery.com/">Nad</a>'s Bakery's post on a <a href="http://www.nadsbakery.com/2010/07/fathers-day-fruit-tart.html">fruit tart</a>, my sister and I decided to give it a shot. <div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZsQGiiBJ95UNRVv92c0rfA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGn_LhWla9UABY1YV4qIczb1_woSBEfAoouIjyGTV10rwFbCiIYsNKft5KMaohwOfBvQzlAq2BnmMRDvLiFhXIkLHbxhZwo0CzeXX_G8s8c5SZJEfaAjMKT7y-0Evj9GfKeySTdqWbvg/s640/IMG_1235.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>We're still getting the strawberries from the <a href="http://herbjankles.blogspot.com/2009/06/strawberry-fields-and-beer-run.html">same spot</a>, and while I don't often go out on a limb to sing my praises about this hoot nanny or that, this little shack sells the best strawberries I've ever had, and the prices aren't too bad looking either (~$16 a box or less than $10 for seconds(smaller strawberries, but same sized box). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GJNUkAukRZLcR23xd8hdaw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TE5dLEAkFtI/AAAAAAAAC9c/BUWuuVJnT5M/s640/IMG_1246.JPG" /></a></div><div>the finished product, which was laughable compared to nadia's. guess i should have looked at her pictures before putting on the fruit haha. also i ignored my sister about the crust being too thick, which it turned out to be. timing the crust cooking time was tricky too, and the crust ended up being overcooked but not burnt thankfully. overall though, it tasted good if you just closed your eyes and didn't look at the thing. i plan to give this another shot, but will use vanilla bean instead of extract to see how it tastes. </div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-49471580966519506922010-07-26T21:40:00.000-07:002010-07-26T21:41:06.952-07:00disney adventures on kcal nine<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_mDO0bT7ajzWl7iMfHbw9g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCSiT7WylceJyczbysO7xYxuDFb3X3iZBzfP4WF-QCHaBmkfrcy_gJzt1dcSAXKJIC2dDu0YRha6qLczk7Jxp792KbfcOIo5bUEXUaWZk5vlcTtqXtyfD8hxPny6g4QQSOq6JA10_WE4/s640/IMG_1198.JPG" /></a></center></div>about a month back, my recently engaged cousin and her fiancee flew into cali for her birthday, while i did have a disneyland annual passport once, i had never been to dt, so with my camera, i trotted over to downtown disney.<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bYhk9qIKKroNIOy2MXdkZg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrZ5qH0meI/AAAAAAAACtE/XGUnEdbc338/s640/IMG_1170.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>to tortilla jos.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IzvraZSWtGbj6An7-CveRg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrakzaFOHI/AAAAAAAACtg/KfrXZUhNXq0/s640/IMG_1192.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P30BSJgjGeeWkomWvAqDtw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCral9gHUVI/AAAAAAAACtk/DUmR0kxqLpE/s640/IMG_1193.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LMNlVQI1PEkwEu6qBja2aA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrZ6AIpOcI/AAAAAAAACtI/WPtfvpjnb6A/s640/IMG_1181.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>while we were waiting, i munched on some free thin tortilla chips with some decent blended salsa and sipped on my strawberry margarita. Given the location, it's pretty darn pricey (~40 bucks a pitcher x_x)</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pafY1U_BhcZe22t1X5AhkA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAnd7bvdDIO5oXw72ghl-U0YmMcJaVPsKuk0K7Oe1M2K3IGAUyu1fr7xHxfzXKw7GEN9RzCK46PzbzpbmrqZRLLwPZYlLOuyMXIaPHJb4lObWOFWz45OsLGnM2Gep4qSIoWB-LeOIQjU/s640/IMG_1183.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>After changing my mind a few times, I settled on Jo's favorites ($14.95): chicken flautas, tequilla bbq ribs, spicy mango mustard shrimp, and a carnitas tostada. The carnitas and ribs were dry with not much going on, but I did enjoy the flautas. The shrimp, sadly, wasn't much on the spicy side and was more of a very sweet mustard than anything else. But it was a pretty big platter, and I wasn't able to finish it. </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fmt0udsKyQx8NuAU7bQEYQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrakWGr9II/AAAAAAAACtc/ftK8fPmlV5s/s640/IMG_1186.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>besides the happy couple, i also got to meet my cousin's talented friend/co-organizer of the party <a href="http://www.nadsbakery.com/">nadia</a>, who has a beautiful blog. she baked some nice treats for everyone to look at and enjoy.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OfOtcrWPIuHTASdNZJw2IQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCraj7tZv4I/AAAAAAAACtY/OviAYIwMwiE/s640/IMG_1184.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>along with some chocolate cupcakes with a hazelnut(?) filling inside. *so* good as <a href="http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/what_cathy_eats/">cathy </a>from <a href="http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/">mmm-yoso</a> would say =)</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RFm7QjFV-8iE6m80GegMLw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrazgrS3nI/AAAAAAAACts/Zw9Fd350MoM/s640/IMG_1197.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><div>a trip to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twilight_Zone_Tower_of_Terror">tower of terror</a>(that ride is awesome) would have been a nice nightcap, but being able to see j&j was good enough. congrats again you two!</div></div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-75244451244920096412010-07-11T08:53:00.000-07:002010-07-11T11:41:25.272-07:00cowabunga dudei have been wanting to go to <a href="http://www.tonyslittleitaly.com/">tony's little italy</a> in placentia for quite a while now after reading <a href="http://thenewdiner.blogspot.com/">the new diner</a>'s <a href="http://thenewdiner.blogspot.com/search/label/Placentia">post</a>. the opportunity arose when I met w/ a friend, who let me choose the joint.<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eeGIYLXVPTjqqUp25N-KMA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrZ3RCE1OI/AAAAAAAACs4/BcJC12prpN4/s640/IMG_1163.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>we ordered tony's special: sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms (i think canned? not that I cared), and onions. the crust was thin like a pie, and what stood out the most here was that it was very cheesy. i've had two chicago style pizzas before, at <a href="http://herbjankles.blogspot.com/2009/08/and-another-one.html">bjs </a>being in the middle and <a href="http://herbjankles.blogspot.com/2010/05/driving-up-north-sucks.html">zachary's</a> with a lot of sauce, and it's funny how this one fell on the opposite scale. overall, i liked it although i wasn't much of a fan of all that cheese, but if that's your thing, i think you would really like it.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tH2nAEb7euzNsQgGrw-shQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90PlraIfmHYErfjeSzD8ZDHCss4Xu_cZWg5Izvkp1d5uY2_iItqohZVhlytDa9NNLQGKlczPC8Fvx2oA9XHWSJEZXE2WuwpaRTsiGTBC9SyOMwZ8ihjalefd5f5XLMiNYxQmcD4TDIZ8/s640/IMG_1164.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>observe the healthy puddle of oil leaking out on the side. call me weak, but after two slices, i was done.<br /><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/dashkim/Fishing?feat=embedwebsite#5488438670244928194"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyOLQNqkqVkYjD3clmPLd4YfpmyEGyhNQ2wjITx22WcEq-Li8xOnxZ1njbGgdIftKMdGyKjntwyMkviU6vNFhu5oZrGWV-a8fx_BhWmNaXfUGbSm4-y9W5stzeg2c1nG5-IzOagadv_s/s640/IMG_1165.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>the place itself is pretty small and in a strip mall that's easy to find. we went for lunch, so there wasn't much of a wait besides the time it took for the pizza to bake.</div><div>1808 N. Placentia Ave Unit B</div><div>Placentia, CA 92870</div></div><div><br /></div><div>also, don't forget, free slurpee at 7-11 today!</div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-56030291004480229672010-07-08T13:30:00.000-07:002010-07-08T14:02:23.968-07:00yahtzee! another food pornapalooza palazzi!<center><div style="text-align: left;"><div>while my korea posts have been severely lacking in food pictures, i hope this one partly fills the void.</div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JuxfNx_kZpwJblS9TpsO2UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9_3xX8hZmjeuye8BDn7hniIHWEiqVwQ1jufOiffQkCLxkt59LOM3fD6Qgdvo_Fe0AtZMV6zKV8FrQNVEg64htzWiDN987km2jv3nCPaQjP3BS6iC8nngVhV1J4fyZgWJusntL6H_uZ4/s640/IMG_0914.JPG" /></a></center><div>i can count the number of times i've had fine dining on my hand(s?), so i was lucky to add one more finger to my rather large collection of experiences when i got to eat at <a href="http://www.chaegundaam.com/">chaegundam</a>. we heard that it was a vegetarian restaurant, but they did offer meat.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-lQ74Y_c9ej6ujTKbWTpwUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCreo6GeFpI/AAAAAAAACt4/KpASH9O4kcI/s640/IMG_0873.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>you can choose among fixed meal sets, and we opted for the lower priced ones at 33k and 45k won, around 30 and 40 USD.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JjdFlWV1pr5PBKmZB1mMR0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrepiGMSSI/AAAAAAAACt8/s14tpRBdoBI/s640/IMG_0874.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>to start, we had a cold jellyfish dish in a light mustard sauce.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M3MiLvlwP3a0uMGhrc30bknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeA2LN4d-hF1YbNShCuK03qb8wGZ45keDCFyEAz5SMpeaUZKTPj6iYWoaooouTxn35zcFV_V5tzPY0BL0I8nXvh_toOLmyRk-MAO572cQAu-djwJvKOR8NakIAZHGQb5E7cWx-9EIPfY/s640/IMG_0875.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>a green salad with lotus chips in a delicious berry dressing.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JtUdKxZxmX9hX4ajWzfh00nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkaGX9Qq5nkS9HDvsJ3HR_hCV-wfmgJOJcVmtg880YSFeDRjh-bUibTztcMVpvk_GodeBKcKEp_AM2USjkeVOl3gLXlvfyVoTk7hLQI6d9nZk23ybnquMniFkXxaVFBu-vqAMHk3D-3M/s640/IMG_0877.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>jap chae, a noodle dish made from yam starch</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dce_YhBMA2bzs4TPv41cDUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrer3vCqlI/AAAAAAAACuI/aSbeOo-Q55Q/s640/IMG_0878.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>i didn't like the pickled lotus too much because they put in cinnamon, which was a weird combination for me.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/poVZriY5TGBJtbSBx6c1JEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwDayf_VCkKKAoOtUAM1xYe4IVgI9aDsbxzIwQkypbo2PP368PKI780KRzpkDn7zC9pq5-Zsf6AzBRhycGRRLCaRmKitngI9t7a0KnkWA6pmc6Z5z4y7EDCHQH8A3AWmSpHqoELvbYqw/s640/IMG_0880.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>refreshing white radish kimchi</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0bauuR36MjHmkw2-psgxtUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrfxt9fqdI/AAAAAAAACuQ/t354u6k2AsY/s640/IMG_0879.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>a black sesame porridge</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><table><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></strong></span></div></div><table style="text-align: left;"> <tbody><tr><td><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY1cQSErvlDF-j1AXT2flaYRdKH8sBF2x6SZY3hgrpu6iGPXtRmoAeVGpFTaVft3Ej4fa6zVcW2vC_d9i9xyasSYH0CBisILXd2zZRMtvmsiwd4B8YcJFIUlxLTxXfSsVZkFVXBV_EU8/s400/IMG_0882.JPG" border="0" /> <p></p></td> <td><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrgYJfWo5I/AAAAAAAAC2I/PF9M6rJnPjs/s400/IMG_0885.JPG" border="0" /> <p></p></td></tr> </tbody></table></center><center><div style="text-align: left;"><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P-AZh4h1OwTmj5AmJnqkLknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrf0aoO82I/AAAAAAAACuk/jti2HVWltTk/s640/IMG_0883.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>arrowroot jelly with some mixins</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3NqwmqJoX0voMEh9j8KUCknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrgXvTLSCI/AAAAAAAACus/55peN31C8xc/s640/IMG_0884.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>soy sauce shrimp</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YfvtnfjiE8sTLWbCo616d0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrgY0UBnAI/AAAAAAAACu0/rFBtWswUTRU/s640/IMG_0886.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>some "nigiri" was given out as service. first was dolagee (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platycodon_grandiflorus">bellflower root</a>)</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b7PHJJcjTbghj0AVFJobh0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_zru7Cpamb43eRusEDSZwa6rS6apbrMSuSs56pOwmB9Ku3P3n6GDAl1ILoVA4vTbU7Dyc8kslcL8wMkPGJLu4oy1ocE0Mx_FU2kjJDQ7wCopHkX3Mam1a7PwY3kSM5a2VFHpsLUfcls/s640/IMG_0887.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>along with mushrooms.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iZBdJYbzdhtQrtnRtVi1MknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrhNe8tQCI/AAAAAAAACvE/683EvdLgA38/s640/IMG_0889.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>to drink, we had some makgeoulli</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dei3NQ9-kX4j3ldrU0jH9EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5heZsoyOcgNubp7wvbH38bi3TRErOfQfuor1UN-f9kN5PX-a_SoNaHCAC4y7F4k1xkoizLPjuXiWhs-TX7hu4I-SIzRDTRRqrmKHRxCAaC9q4qTmLlems988ckCKfz4Xr0wMbfqglUsM/s640/IMG_0888.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>traditionally drank in a bowl. this one overall was average...it wasn't that great, but still drinkable.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BpezJTCbTqN3P_RL3n8twUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VIOId3Zfm1W49GIrXTEKnFlKx-pYf43X1R2dXbE4gAE49mKe5pXh7wlHYazOYC5YLXCtSHuTKVq3PWKi1jIc2xUkoGsM6VowIpH0AwHYbZP2CzpE1XL-7TP-xS1y_N_0nBCKETAlucQ/s640/IMG_0897.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>some kind of beef wrap</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9RsbGbQMt12wTob57ZOQdUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzb_9rYTWnmRSIZeURXRK-3UWgtzEB7PcAgVdWkd_P0sQ3mktIceSEdxlzVGJGah2e0PaF7SXDvgqNbWGoPzEkRGYDbHbVBpVoawdl0PKmNBKBglpFa6irdbmr6iHh3vAG7pJC7EEq_Y/s640/IMG_0898.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>a very thick mushroom soup (stew?). i think the broth was made from soy beans.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rb4XNxAlNttL7ik5f9bi5UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrhQepZgNI/AAAAAAAACvU/8-Z8YBZqVV8/s640/IMG_0900.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>at this point, taking all of these pictures started to feel like a bloody chore, which is probably why i'll never do a sushi post, at least in the foreseeable future. big ups to <a href="http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/">kirkk </a>on his ridiculous three part <a href="http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2006/12/railroad_trip_u.html">urasawa post</a> as well as <a href="http://www.kirbiecravings.com/">kirbie's </a>recent post on her <a href="http://www.kirbiecravings.com/2010/07/san-diego-gaslamp-tasting-tour.html">gaslamp tasting extravaganza</a>.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-wPoPb7g0lPxCgRX3egYnUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLWH_1uJtBa-V8uKGQYx52zkRvy8QtCdJXk-DSHhSpx3SRJQP3FP-qtY1S8uRmOzXB8i_Cl1Cx673wt86rfXwNMLQs0x8P6B-YR8a5DjPCO076DqOQWAAVH6ImPvvsd4Of-PSoyRn_s4/s640/IMG_0901.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>gujeolpan, thin pancakes in which you took some of the veggies(traditionally nine, which is what gu means) and made a wrap. we were ready to throw in the towel here. belts were loosened, bellies clutched, and groans let out freely, yet <i>still </i>the food kept on coming</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fXzCniAFQlsOoVRYYYzNp0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrjD6QGLzI/AAAAAAAACvk/OR9r1i8bYNU/s640/IMG_0902.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>galbi jjeem, a korean pot roast type thing.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KIWcHeHoCXJMAKgj_mdP6EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3m38cqPWmXKV_e189ff7Z5ZdToZfjKf4JE6jsXsFrsd-H1KLlVW2HKW0mkbA4v99z3IXWGFqC5-w6yxiGlyE4VYEyw1q1FUIRwNENifq4kn31lkt0k1bVRUC-M4KfBF6uKrxHoABxUk/s640/IMG_0903.JPG" /></a></div></div></center><div>fresh out of the fryer tempura: jujubes, orange zucchini, and ginseng (?!)</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Twf8_GarHjShZRaeofWIGEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimTeWUrrZs__UfLxPv0cfBbCas4MvKLiUU9XHll8vaAwO09ZIG3NROTm-q2REEPYPS0qyI-Q-8hxMgz99iVM1NBMNPZXseiERnrYcb-4nllbBje06aC-ffbbLve5Gqe6jznlPC5i0g_4/s640/IMG_0904.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bmwVOpgtMqdfv8ITL79rVEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrjGRImx4I/AAAAAAAACvw/XENXiYjWwLQ/s640/IMG_0906.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>mushroom and green dduk (chewy rice cake) skewers</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FZxz0ZE8atGSO6MM23hKyEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiHN2x3f4R1bJUUlXVw__Y9KMBwbYtovQgfergpv8uPjzRTCgcvunTh3NBsRvRQ8YPB3-e6s3hNxQSEqjHFvwJX4Wo1Hr27VyqpIt04biJ8TgBvcYiAhR1WYlFmewpUy_37lRTwFHA_g/s640/IMG_0907.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>then, as if to rebuff any thoughts that the joint wasn't legit, the traditional rice and dwenjang jjigae (soybean stew) was served.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ONWkZ1-wtstSULseE8M5JEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrjrL3BCbI/AAAAAAAACv8/QkQC8--y4Ds/s640/IMG_0908.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>along with a myriad of banchan. as the old man in my yoga class hooted last night "oh lordy lordy lordy!" </div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NPfKFP26afkIBEKEmjEhgknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtupB4N_cmus30seXsE-XN6MTXLKyX-MNz7qWuU9TgzyJrAgzM_ylCn89gmqrhwQIYHJOmYjN0We5JmZ6oDGpzeRCyT7w9JG3IF7h0Ast5MhX7-AIWkMmCRC7C2LQwQ8cxJO4DlrVKo5c/s640/IMG_0909.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>the rice was cooked in a dolsot (stone pot) and scraped out, leaving a thin hard crust. tea was poured in afterwards, and you eat it as a soup. (as anyone who's been to a korea tofu house probably knows).</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b29beHHhoX0v39RvTUtUaknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrjtATeFFI/AAAAAAAACwE/FaKIS7i_1Q0/s640/IMG_0910.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>at last, dessert was served. some dduk that was filled with red beans and pine pollen, which really tasted...piney</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tBrQI_iNMTuq1Of1Vj4z8EnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrjt96RM-I/AAAAAAAACwI/MzXuVqiVf7c/s640/IMG_0911.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>along with watermelon and a light fruit tea. produce was really fresh here but also quite expensive.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-q1qgIXUkWybeIQtRcoK-UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrkoE8EolI/AAAAAAAACwU/UB1EsDuQRH4/s640/IMG_0912.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>overall, the food was wonderful and i really enjoyed being able to experience a new dimension of korean cusine. stuffed, we decided to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8V4nc9Qzdo">walk it off</a></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/imUbpyAXzWnwcFy2ffvGPUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCmrgVz2pwI/AAAAAAAACqQ/bkGbxhsnJZ4/s640/IMG_0929.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>to the hotel. but still bloated, we walked across the street to a buddhist temple. i really wanted to take more pictures but my camera battery died shortly after. this had to be one of my favorite places i got to see at seoul. with all the hustle going on 24 hours a day in the city, i really felt like one could find some peace and quiet here.</div><center><table style="text-align: left;"> <tbody><tr><td><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi_NPTAasaPfRK0MGezzhQYgbS2pA_FnmvPxLkQR4hNw_KsPSCUih355iacQiNPyuFu6Ls4G86ubDn4xw5pl9XWtCZfiVn8diBgszKmUnt_8uGaQCmUegfZGnnAHoJWuLPVfv_QSHU5w/s400/IMG_0922.JPG" border="0" /> <p></p></td> <td><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrkrFy4zqI/AAAAAAAACwk/hhxEI9vpp9Q/s400/IMG_0926.JPG" border="0" /> <p></p></td></tr> </tbody></table><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KzPDszC4fLkMB-JFGRmuF0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCrkqsy36eI/AAAAAAAACwg/NiczDZwb2Ms/s640/IMG_0925.JPG" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KzPDszC4fLkMB-JFGRmuF0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"></a>the more pictures i take, the more i realize the difficult challenge of trying to capture everything i felt during that particular time. still, doing the food blog has awakened an interest in photography and its self taught lessons freely given with the growing pictures i <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoA-ByjIf2M">snap</a> (yo bagels). holla.</center></div></center>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563092797160306710.post-84430660110267827602010-07-04T12:06:00.000-07:002010-07-04T12:07:04.796-07:00seoul - south sidebefore this trip, i had only been to korea once around 15 years back. I have some memories of the month I spent there, but Seoul was nothing like I remembered it to be. After parting ways with the tour group, we were free to explore on our own. The first place we went to was a few minutes away from our hotel by taxi, which is a cheap option for transportation w/ the starting fare around 2.50. But sometimes it was pretty scary to be in the backseat. While I find bad drivers in America to be characterized by their egotistical selfishness and ignorance of their surroundings, the drivers here speed around with a recklessness that only shows a disregard for all life, including their own.<div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5UR9GnZcnX7Y1uEdtguXsUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCmlbaKquuI/AAAAAAAACpc/HEUs0oI-4Rw/s640/IMG_0853.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>But by the grace of god, fresh bread, and everything else holy in the world, we arrived at the Kim Young Mo Bakery, the first organic bakery in Korea.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7uZTEjyJh5Jpb1ysSv-FxUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCmlaAxuFJI/AAAAAAAACpQ/l_XJS2KYbI4/s640/IMG_0850.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>plenty of free samples to try. lots of european and korean goodies on display.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2B5MFljqjRkEreABOoPNJUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCmlal0qA0I/AAAAAAAACpU/f2-dQx48_4o/s640/IMG_0851.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8lte3oxuMzZG1Hd5Em-cdUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajH1ioKHQFzvXI62VTbk7g3npbXf8HCuAClIcG5HbAhiy8o_W7rmMXKI6oM8hn8YnLoaYQ304SsmZPARNX62qxRMjOOpJ7p76jo9tc3HLoZjY8dfBgrDSXSuBvE6zbxaLguEBBZgEAZ0/s640/IMG_0852.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ndsyESlqvBPs3FHSZh5scknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCPiKZ4f7KbSZMjo2PktfnjYjck9fJV2ynRXJIRzFwQVZVd0eYANEBRz22I6P1RVfoDzhYyefXhPqUjFv7EMqQHMUaAKWt1iK1UFSmUKv9aJ1TOt_YguXWRrRIc9H1hg8Ch1s8aaLqH0/s640/IMG_0854.JPG" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;">for myself, i picked up a strawberry ice cream sandwich. the outer layers were more of a cake than cookie, and the inside was more of a sorbet.</center></div><div><br /></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PhB_9BmI9VOURnrMcIRIxEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCmq1LNBLrI/AAAAAAAACpw/-wmJKzhPQjE/s640/IMG_0858.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>there are so many businesses here, stacked upon one another. i wondered how they all survived. (the minimum wage here is 2500 won, a little under $2.50).</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rbA97gGbXEoKpVRf0t2JREnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCmq0qDStSI/AAAAAAAACps/2t-dNtL-iuU/s640/IMG_0859.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>minsokchon was a traditional folk village park that showcased the old ways of life. it's also a place to drink soju in sd.</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IuXNjHm0fEFMRE8cFs9rO0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqH3OzGlRI/AAAAAAAACqs/t8vmTgYQyNY/s640/IMG_5300.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ESG5aey92V8tS2l3R-gF9UnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqH26jEWVI/AAAAAAAACqo/K6ZwDhksQ2s/s640/IMG_5295.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fOojEvf8BfVkDr1BQuBGi0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9Cj-NOGc8q83JmOTFFFga7HrjxaLfdD9G40klsZ3BIlteaMdY1Jv6-OuDlTmjjkGsPyaBp0l5V2DxxXt_dC6WsXeSSqz-DZwsnj59xMIoCfR0bsCLbmkmkcZ0RSZGDI8pTc8L7rAKmQ/s640/IMG_0860.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K-UmvzTvDH23B_yGH1oWdUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66sbHIjrTU-93CkH1l9KFgixQv4UwrFdlkH_xobzgtfSJMYt9b8MxY8XAhvDne9Au2fnZ6vOg0JYgWu2IpxjM6RZQcBldG8W6sj8DyaI45r9yGIwQNKXkhr3E81xaW_pJbQqVgRVrFfY/s640/IMG_0866.JPG" /></a></center></div><div>all that walking around was definitely tiring.<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i1Pxw-Ypq7MpIMuGwyTScknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCmq14vBgvI/AAAAAAAACp4/y8YICOT7tEc/s640/IMG_0868.JPG" /></a></div><div>we also visited gyeongbok palace and changgyeong palace. one thing i loved about seoul was that the modern coexisted with the old, something you don't really see in the U.S. since it is relatively new (with the exception to the indigenous).</div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gWmoHm9xH_2OXdsWBCS7o0nCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqH3YwoJ1I/AAAAAAAACqw/NcIKfY8t3M4/s640/IMG_5304.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tOVKnyv-x0Hn2f9MvGLysEnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqJENo04gI/AAAAAAAACrU/8EHYT3wVB1g/s640/IMG_5410.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/skI5QTT950VV5ee_6NkzBknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCmq2OPyfuI/AAAAAAAACp8/k-WVkNHzilw/s640/IMG_0870.JPG" /></a></center></div><div><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/caiMmswAuHrjUxzkZqlARUnCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8Z2G-WxKnoIfDnbtZnq71SnVZ9EkxGYo_CbTCCO-9M4br0aHV9v5YSQahqWn1ZKMOh-aJ-Et6dlxKV3TjxxHfdrLW-xjxtuVUp-PCs3M-5VwCzzDcdKAQxgLcqhkWZ675rHiS3FlOHM/s640/IMG_0869.JPG" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ako5eaM91mIu_tKXJOUePknCGHXazC3IQyIvOTuv8qU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_y0hywOTzYqM/TCqH2t5JsUI/AAAAAAAACqk/P6vvmrYYp-8/s640/IMG_5281.JPG" /></a></center></center><center style="text-align: left;">also loved that you were free to drink outside. here's the classic combo that will have your head spinnin. have a happy 4th everyone!</center></div>imjustatreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12013748959922486813noreply@blogger.com0