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 :-)