Kazuyo

We don't take Valentine's Day seriously as much as we do when were younger. It's just one of those occasions that make you do a bit more special things than we normally do everyday. But like what Peter said, it's like Valentine's Day everyday. I know that's a great excuse for not doing something special for me. Haha! And he told me that after I made a sweet surprise last Friday. Flowers with notes on areas he would go to when he goes home...and the last flower lies with the gift I gave him in the closet.

He liked it, I guess. But that's just part one of our pre-Valentine date. Part two was in Kazuyo, the Japanese restaurant I've been wanting to go to since I saw them in Adobo Nation (The Filipino Channel) last year. It's just surprising that the owner of this place is a pure-blooded Pinoy. It's also amazing that owners of this business is a couple, with the loving support of their family. Kazuyo, for one, sounds like the Japanese version of a Tagalog word, "kasuyo", meaning lover. Just fitting for a dinner on this occasion we want to celebrate.

It's always a task and sometimes, a pain to go to downtown LA. Too bad, this is where Kazuyo is located. But still we went because of the nice reviews we've been hearing especially by no less than Ryan Seacrest. 

Miso Soup

We were greeted by a friendly Filipino guy (sorry, we forgot to ask his name), who apparently is the father of Chef Joe (the owner). He's the nicest and would check on us every now and then. Now, on the menu is an array of delectable dishes that we wish we can try. We just chose the best ones. We started with so far, the best miso soup I tasted. I'm a big fan of soups and this one made me feel we're off to a great night. Woohooo is the only epxression I have for the Popcorn Lobster and Kazuyo Roll.

Popcorn Lobster

Kazuyo Roll (beautifully made roll with cucumber and a lot more surprises in the inside dipped in the secret sauce I wish I can steal. Haha, kidding!)

 Our little boy, Jakob won't be left out as always. We ordered a Chicken Teriyaki bowl for him but too bad he didn't finish it, got tired and just slept that night. 

Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

Now, going there wasn't really bad after all. It's worth the traffic and something I'm willing to go through again. I'm also proud that a "kababayan" is making his way in the middle of Los Angeles where competition is really tight. His restaurant is in the middle of a food hub in Melrose Avenue and glad that the staff is so busy the whole time.

And the greatest part of this dining experience is to be with the men I love, Peter and Jakob. We would be distracted by Jakob's attitude every now and then but we know in time, Jakob will learn the proper way of dining out. With parents like us, I'm sure he's on his way!

I'm happy to take home this wonderful experience of food and love. And this.

Jakob took home the training chopsticks and is now learning to use it by himself. Isn't it the cutest?!

Real People

I have no pictures to show. Just a story to tell. 

I told a friend last night, I was in between waters when I wrote about that dining experience I had the other day. I want to write something great about the restaurant and yet I feel guilty because I know that many of us are also suffering. In between my seemingly glamorous schedule last week, I was in between conversations with people who need help. 

Back in 2008, Peter introduced me to an organization that basically help the needy. I know that's how usually it is, but I never realized how it's going to affect me until this morning. 

I regularly check messages for the organization twice or thrice a week and report it to the head. This week, I had two people I personally called and found out about what is it that they need. 

The lady asked assistance for move-in to an apartment and good thing, we will be able to help her. I was actually feeling a bit pissed because she woke me up with a phone call this morning. She called me thrice just  to be sure somebody from the group is meeting up with her today. So, she's been attended to and I hope she gets the help she needs.

I thought my task will be over until I realized I haven't called the other person who  needs help. I called him yesterday and forgot to get back to him. And so, I did. His voice was so low and in less than thirty seconds of the phone call, he just burst into tears. He's losing his home. He's accepted it but he's got no job. No family except his mother who he wants to make sure will be alright in the middle of this. Help is on the way for this guy and I hope he heals emotionally too. I wish I can give more details but the rest of his story has to remain confidential.

Sometimes, we think, people in America are not suffering. That everything here is a bed of roses. But little do people know we're like any one of the people in the world. People here are just luckier because they get help somewhere. There's a pinch in my heart now that makes me realize to live a simple life. My life is. Nothing is grand in mine, but living in solidarity with them sometimes ease my own pain. It always reminds me that my worries are simple bites that can be easily washed with the sweet presence of my family. 

As for the guy, I told him not to lose hope. That's the best I can do, listen and say those few words as I know it won't suffice for all the pain he's into right now. I can only get help for him and pray for him tonight that he gets a job soon. 

Toni Isn't Home

 This is one of the most infrequent occasions that I get to go out with friends and get a piece of singleness for a mere three hours. Karisma and I have been planning this trip for months and last night was the culmination of our common love for food. We had our first taste of Mo-chica last year. Thanks to BlackboardEats, a website that sends out discounts and promotions to selected restaurants in Los Angeles and New York.

For me, Mo-chica is a sophisticated Peruvian restaurant that sits in the busy downtown LA. All the while, we thought it's cafe or a single building restaurant. We were surprised and delighted to see them in a food court at South Grand Avenue. And the major bonus? Food is reasonably priced! I don't quite remember what I ordered for lunch but the Causa (Peruvian potato salad) is something lingering (I can still remember what it tasted until now). And it is also through this that we found out about their Tasting Menu every third Thursday of the month. So, as soon as Karisma landed in LA early this year, we made a reservation.
It was still early when we arrived. But it didn't take that long for the tables to filled up. It may lack a more private, uptown ambiance, but the place for me is just perfectly fine - casual and  fit for a girl like me... for girls like us!

Our "foodscapade" started with some non-alcoholic Peruvian drinks, a small plate of toasted corn (that up until now I wonder how they cooked it), and the soothing Brazilian sound of the band. (I wish I'd asked their name as I'll gladly give high credits to the wonderful renditions of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Getz and Gilberto). 

Toasted Corn

Anyway, we had a six-course meal that I believe  was satisfying on the palate and the wallet. A big round of applause goes to Papa Rellena - the classic Peruvian stuffed potato, with tiger prawn and an awesome black mint sauce. The best is yet to come on the next meal - Tiradito, the younger brother of the ceviche in Peruvian cuisine. The coordination of the flavors of the spicy lemon dressing and the crunchy garlic on top made this succulent dish a top in my list. The excitement for us is just getting started when the Pisco Sour came (another famous Peruvian cocktail drink). I'm not a big fan of it or should I say, I graduated from it years ago. But getting a few sips pushed my palate even more in this delectable experience.I just wish I can have Lenguado (the next course) every week in my plate. The fish with that mouthwatering creamy sauce is a sin so hard to resist, along with the Arroz Con Pato - a Peruvian style confit duck with cilantro rice. 

Papa Rellena

Tiradito

Pisco Sour

Lenguado

Arroz Con Pato

 Save the best for last. That's what it is with their dessert. We were all smiles when the Suspiro A La Limena came - a great classic Peruvian dessert made of dulce de leche. It was a sure winner especially for Karisma who asked for another order. 

Suspiro A La Limena

 It was a night of great food, great place and great company. I told my husband how I want to spend a Tasting Menu with him next time because it's not only about being fed and getting full, but it is a joyful experience of eating. Something worth to try once or twice in your life.

Slide

It was our second trip at the indoor playground yesterday and Jakob was more at ease with the place and the kids around him. So, I had an opportunity to take a video of him in the slide.

It's such a joy to watch him enjoy but it was a bliss to see his daddy play this video over and over again. He realized how Jakob has grown and how he does things on his own. I don't mind overreacting to it as I've seen plenty of babies grow into toddlers, then kids to adult. But it's always amazing to see your own :-)

Chicken

It's America's favorite, they say. Indeed, the chicken I've tried here are not just big, but undeniably delicious. I may still be loyal to a Filipino food chain, Jollibee, but this particular chicken, is a must-have and must-repeat.

Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles is named one of the best chicken in America. And as soon as I finished reading that article in Yahoo last year, I called my husband to buy me Roscoe's chicken that very same day. We were on the phone while he was there and it was jampacked that day. The line is long but the wait is all worth it. 

As soon as I saw my chicken when he went home, I felt how homemade that was. More meat and less breading. The waffles may also be an everyday thing for most Americans, but putting chicken and waffles together made that first try, really satisfying. Like my cousin said about Roscoe's, "Who would've thought it can go together?" True. And after this first try, I knew in my head I'm going to try Roscoe's again. But this time, right in the restaurant. First hand. 

Karisma, a good friendof mine, has been asking me on food trips in LA since last year and Roscoe's is the top in our list. So yesterday we went to the Pasadena branch. We planned that we had to go on lean hours to avoid the line my husband told me about. So we were glad that there was ample parking when we arrived and people are just starting to come over for brunch. We were seated in less than thirty seconds and the server came quickly with the menu. The list is not only long. We were tempted to order a lot. So, we just asked the very nice lady server to give her recommendation. We ordered a $15 worth of chicken and waffles that's split into two and one side for the little boy, Jakob (of course, he can't be left out with our food trip *wink*). 

  

Trying Roscoe's chicken in the restaurant is really way better than having it taken out. The skin is crispy and the chicken is meaty and moist. The gravy is so good that it's almost a soup in our meal. Alternating mouthfuls of chicken and waffle is sinfulness. Karisma and I didn't mind the calories we were getting from it all so we just skipped dessert just to lessen the guilt. In between eating and attending to Jakob, we were chatting about trying fried chicken recipes at home. 

 I told Karisma that Peter and I never had a successful fried chicken yet. But we're trying again soon and this time with better technique and material we never had - a thermometer. I will surely post whatever outcome we'll have. 

And if we're to give this a rating, this one's got to have a lot of stars. With great food and great service, this one's something-worth-to-try!

Break the routine

Every day is a different day. Some days are plain, some are special and some are lonely. I started off the week feeling low probably because I've been doing what I'm doing a bit long (with no breaks or whatsoever) and I needed something new. I've been procrastinating a trip with Jakob to an indoor playground that's just a bus ride away from our place. So yesterday, I woke up feeling jumpy already. After a therapeutic conversation my mom (that's how I describe it because I suddenly felt fine by just a mere voice of a woman who knows me best), I decided I've got to help myself and just do something.
I initially planned for two bus rides. I was imagining Jakob running on the grass at the Americana at Brand in Glendale (hip and cool place). So I took the 10:15 am ride and got down to my first stop, four minutes later. I still have ten minutes to wait for the next bus to get to Glendale. But, I suddenly realized, I shouldn't be going that far if we can walk to the playground which is two blocks away. And so, I followed my gut. Paid $9 for a whole day play (which we didn't do of course), with free wifi internet and an enormous joy I gave my son.
I've been skeptical the past months if Jakob can handle other kids. He's been around older kids which spoils him a bit, as he usually gets what he wants. So, I realized this is the best time to give it a shot. My happiness multiplied as I see him smiling at other kids and saying "baby" and "hi" to them. He's such a delight!

We were there for the whole two hours and ended up our trip with lunch at the famous Oinkster in Eagle Rock. When we got home, I was even more productive with household chores and felt very proud for it. Now I thought I should do this regularly :-) Weekly, I guess. I'll see.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/11022197@N03/4389655875/in/set-72157623367768859/

As a tribute to "breaking the routine" theme today, I'm sharing a recipe that made the turn a lot tastier not just for me but for Jakob, or maybe your toddler too.

Breakfast: Cheese Omelet with Cumin

Recipe:
-2 eggs
-cheese (your desired amount but not as much as the 2 eggs :-)
-a pinch of cumin (you can buy in Asian stores)
Note: no need for salt as you already have cheese in it, for the flavah!

Steps:
1. Beat the eggs, add a bit of water (to prevent the egg from toasting). Then add a pinch of cumin.
2. Heat the pan, add a small amount of oil. When temp is high, turn it into medium low heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture and after about 30 sec, add the cheese.
4. Fold the egg and when it is fluffy, turn off heat and put in a plate.
5. Toast some bread. Spread some butter/jam if desired. Matched with your favorite fruit or yogurt.

What's for today? (To Tess & For Moms Who Need It)

I haven't made blogs for the past three or so months and it's nice to be back in a bigger page where I can write my thoughts again. This is going to be a great week!
 So how did this start along.
Tess (my friend and batchmate in Australia) and I have been exchanging emails the past days sharing stories and catching up. But she specifically is asking me about feeding Jakob. I'm no expert. I just have all the time in the world to experiment (that I guess, is one big advantage of a stay-home mom). On her recent email, she's asking me what am I preparing for Jakob today. And actually, as of this minute, I haven't really thought of something.
It's a really serious business for moms to feed their children well. For moms who have their parents around or experienced nannies, lucky you because they exactly know what to give them. But for moms like us, we always have to figure out by ourselves. For some, feeding time is a struggle. I went through that. I also went through a stage that I can't sleep at night thinking what else should I do to make Jakob eat what he has to and enjoy it at the same time. So before I give today's recipe, here are some of my realizations about feeding my little one.

Every stage has different stories. Mine is 21 months and there's a variety of food he can eat now than before. But there are also type of food that I don't give him yet like shrimp, mussels and the like because of mercury content. It pays to read books or online help about feeding babies and toddlers. That way, you get to know a variety of vegetables, protein and carbohydrates that I can mix and match to make it something new everyday.

Every baby or toddler is different. Some are easy to be fed and some are such a pain. There might be times that he no longer eats the veggie he used to eat. You were so proud that your little one has eaten broccolli a few months back, and now he's not even touching it. You know what? Losen up. That's the next best realization I had. Sleep it over. Get over it.

For some whose little one is as old as mine or like Tess' who's just a little over 12 months, they're very much aware of what's going on around them. So I would always suggest a routine. And there's an article I read that we, mommies, shouldn't be expecting our babies/toddlers to sit on their chair as long as we do :-) It's such an achievement for them to last five or ten minutes there! And congratulate them, commend them. A "good job" or a high five will make that habit last longer in the next coming months. Also, I was so afraid before to let Jakob eat on his own, or mess around with his food because I hate the cleaning part. But I realized how it helped him and me later. He's eating on his own with fork most of the time and it also gives me time to eat my food. It's like having a date with my son every meal :-)

So now, we come closer to the food itself. I noticed that toddlers are adventurous on the texture of food. That's why, it was difficult for me then if I give Jakob pasta or rice everyday. There should be a variety. Maybe not on the carbs, but on the protein. We were surprised one time that Jakob ate about 3 average sized spring rolls that my sister-in-law, Ate Cynthia made. It has veggies inside and it gave me an idea that he likes the texture because spring rolls are crunchy! And if your little one has complete set of teeth, maybe you can try this. But for now, I'm gonna skip the crunchy part. I'm trying this simple pasta recipe with peas and chicken that I saw on tv last weekend. I'm just giving it a tweak. I'm adding chicken for the protein.

Ingredients:
-pasta (for Tehya, use elbow macaroni or small ones. I use penne or spaghetti for Jakob).
-frozen peas
-chicken breast (sliced, cubed)
-heavy cream or milk that Tehya is drinking
-salt
-pepper
-jack cheese or regualr cheese (grated)

Steps:
1. Cook past according to direction. When the past is almost done, dump the frozen peas too. Then drain together when cooked. Set aside.
2. In a pan, put a bit of oil/olive oil then cook chicken about 1-2 minutes each side. Chicken breast is easier to cook. When cooked set aside.
3. In the same pan (just clean the oil), put the heavy cream or milk, a bit of salt (as you'll have cheese later) and pepper to taste. Then put the pasta and peas. Mix them well. Then add grated cheese. Mix well.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: As I said, I'm not an expert. I do not hold a degree of some sorts and I'm just writing my personal experience (you know, blog hehe). If and when you cross this blog and tried what's in it, it's basically your choice. May or may not work for you. But it would be such a delight if you read my blog, try what's in it and be happy with the results.