the sips, chews, and reviews of a Californian foodie
Come see about me - you won’t be disappointed.
Photo cred: Alan Sailer, Lychee Nut Detonation
Come Eat with Me!
2012 is a new year of sips, chews and reviews!
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To find reviews on where to eat tonight, please visit: she-speaks.yelp.com
E+D: December 2011
As we begin the countdown to end of 2011, it amazes me how much has changed within the last months and how much personal growth I’ve experienced in the last three.
With this blog alone I’ve made the official switch from a full-time yelper (elite 2010 and 2011 w00t w00t!) to a truly independent food/lifestyle blogger. Though the number of posts mimicked the tide levels of the Pacific Ocean, it was a great experience to be able to “color outside the lines” and take creative direction of my work, however small or (in)frequently.
But really, the applause goes out to the 111 unique visitors that have stopped by and dwelled on my “sips, chews, and reviews” this past year, especially to the returning visitors (75% bounce rate :D) who have continued to motivate me to continue writing. I hope that I have inspired a fun date for someone special in your life, was a source for happiness and uplift; or created a relaxing break during your workday.
With that said, cheers to 2011 and all my best for 2012! Here are my E+D suggestions for December 2011!
Eating: Hawaiian Typhoon Popcorn | Hawaii Popcorn Company
I am spoiled rotten by my friends ( ALOHA @Melanie Wu & @Marysia Wu) in Oahu who send me care packages twice a year filled to the brim with Island goodies (i.e. Li Hing Mui (salted plum) coated gummy candies, dark chocolate covered mac nuts, rice crackers - the works!). Since meeting them in London during my semester abroad in 2008 I have been HOOKED on hurricane popcorn (popcorn tossed with rice crackers, sesame seeds and nori strips). This year they have decided to change things up and send me a box of Typhoon Popcorn - popcorn tossed with sour cream powder/nori strips/sesame seeds. Though I’ve never been a fan of sour cream and onion potato chips, this Pacific-loved snack brings popcorn to a whole new level!
Tangy, salty, sweet - I’ve shamelessly had 2 gallons of popcorn in one sitting completely to myself! If you are not as lucky as me to have Hawaiian-born friends, spice up the snacks at your next movie party by ordering a case of Hurricane or Typhoon popcorn via Amazon. Serve alongside virgin pineapple spritzers or mai tais for a taste of the islands - you’ll be sure to impress!
Flecked with bits of sour cream seasoning and nori strip, the sesame act as natural pop rocks that pop in your mouth!
Drinking: Red Medicine Natural Refreshment | True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen prides themselves on serving smaller portions that are of the utmost quality - “eat less, but better.” Walking into the airy, open restaurant, you are instantly inspired to eat healthy and fresh. Chefs work behind plexi glass, freshly prepping made to order pasta, burgers, and sandwiches.
Upon being seated, your gaze settles on the left margin which lists a selection of “Natural Refreshments”. The “Red Moon” is a mixture of fresh grapefruit, yuzu (a Japanese citrus resembling a lemon) and soda sweetened with a touch of agave. Let your mouth water and prepared to be refreshed! I typically don’t indulge in drinks beyond water with lemon at restaurants, but at True Food Kitchen, I encourage you to indulge!
Doing: Wicked @ The Pantages
I have been blessed with the opportunity to have seen the musical Wicked at a total of three different locations (Los Angeles 2x, London and New York City). Though the dialogue and stagecraft remain the same, the shows at the Pantages have a special quality to them. The inside architecture of the theater is as much of a show as the production itself. I could sit and stare at the ceiling all day and be perfectly content.
You can hardly tell, but I’m wearing my ruby red slipper just for the occasion.
As we approach the final hours of 2011 and gyms prepare to offer flash fire sales of their memberships, I encourage to mindfully indulge while you can, after all, it’s the holidays :)
Eat, be merry, be safe - see you next year!
Merry Christmas from SheSpeaksAplenty
Whether you decorate your home with Santas, Menorahs, or a Nativity scene, I wish you and your family the Merriest of Christmases! Thank you for taking time out of your day to Read SheSpeaksAplenty’s reviews, posts, and other foodie hankerings.
This year I’m splitting my holiday between Northern, Central, and Southern California. Taking much needed time off to catch up with friends, extended family, and loved ones. To celebrate the festive month of December, my apartment was equipped with an upgraded tree (6 feet this year!) and you could even say that we got a little carried away compared to our neighbors.
Go big or go home right?
Happy Holidays!
Margo loves December, it’s the only time of the year that we can truly bring in the outdoors inside!
ATM: Milo & Olive
From the people that brought Angelenos Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry, and Sweet Rose Creamery has recently launched Milo & Olive.
Situated unexpectedly on the side of Wilshire Blvd, Milo and Olive is an Artisan oasis, but…with no parking lot (bring change for metered parking, rub the belly of the Parking God, cross your fingers, and steer clear of the neighboring Chase Bank - they keep their spots on lock down).
However, once you make it in, take a moment to absorb your atmosphere. The left side of the restaurant/bakery if filled to the ceiling with freshly baked goods. The open kitchen lines the back wall, the agility of the staff is mesmerizing and rhythmic - like a well rehearsed waltz.
The dining area is cozy, as its made up of two large square communal tables and a bar at the brim of the kitchen for at most, eight lucky onlookers. The industrial pairing of exposed wood and gray is a neutral backdrop.
Sitting down at one of the communal tables, I am giddy with the diversity of the restaurant/cafe’s dining patrons. People of all ages and backgrounds, noshing on freshly baked pizzas and fresh ricotta.
There’s something about this space that makes me feel alive! It’s minimalistic decor. Bustling kitchen. Fully stocked bakery. “Hole-in-the-wall” feelings without being dingy. It’s beautiful. Plus they’re open until 11pm. Ex-cell-ent.
Panoramic view
ARUGULA & RADICCHIO fried capers, shaved fennel, anchovy dressing, Parmigiano Reggiano ($11) Perfectly dressed in a refreshing citrus vinaigrette. The fried capers provided a nice differentiation in texture and a pop of pickling juice. Arugula provides welcomed pepperiness off-setting the saltiness of the shaved Parm. Radicchio is a strong lettuce, holding up nicely against the dressing. Fennel’s licorice-taste rounds out the palate,
MARGHERITA fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, olive oil, sea salt ($14) The kid next to me claimed that the sauce was more “pasta-y” than “pizza-y” aka, expect a full bodied sauce that tastes of fresh tomatoes that has simmered over the stove with lots of love, with none of that commercial tomato paste in site. Minimal cheese brings your attention to the perfect crust. Basil enhances your senses and makes your pupils enlarge with each bite.
She Speaks-aplenty Glossary | ATM - term used to describe a food item I’ve recently consumed or activity I’ve recently experienced that I am obsessed over “at the moment”
