tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18643336455519966392024-03-05T02:04:40.443-08:00GALO EATINGA journal of Galo's favorite food joints and experiencesMakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-66800614801123317182011-01-27T10:38:00.000-08:002011-01-27T11:34:15.517-08:00Cafe 50's<div style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ever since I was a child, as I'd watch my favorite show <b><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Days">Happy Days</a></i></b> or the movie <i><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_%28film%29">Grease</a></b></i> I always wanted to live in an era of early Rock-N-Roll, drive-in theaters, classic cars, sock hops and burger <u style="color: #eeeeee;">joints and</u> diners. Where </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.vintagevending.com/seeburg-select-o-matic-jukebox">Seeburg M100C</a> </span><span style="font-size: small;">jukeboxes play 45 rpm records</span><span style="font-size: small;">, and cute girls wear poodle skirts with saddle shoes and pony tails, while boys would wear flannel shirts, school cardigans with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1864333645551996639&postID=6680061480112331718" target="_blank">flat tops</a> and crew cuts. </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a time of the whoslesome "All-American" family, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Clark">Dick Clark's</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bandstand"><i><b>American Bandstand</b></i></a> and teenagers either playing frisbie, hula hoops or identifying themselves with great icon <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dean">James Dean</a></b> in <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebel_Without_a_Cause">Rebel Without a Cause</a>.</i> Whatever the case, it was a memorable era of American history and burgers, fries and milkshakes were a staple diet. </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">So let's take a trip down memory lane to the recently opened <b>Cafe 50's,</b> a cafe/diner located on Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. It's a complete throwback to that old 50's era. As soon as walking in, as cliche'ish as it sounds, you will feel like you just warped back in time through a time machine.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr style="color: black;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsez6MV74PIEwDjSzCpBzw2srYl9FbA04a5QI8M5C21WBQJfrMBdBXIDMDUwO2Q7bdpw2Ppf_3KzLeZmZi4aWNS5Lrpx1bqVtuJoW2qJlWu3SPsbLUTjC_nTGli6j7Xifb30OFBKYbGc/s1600/50s+cafe+071.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsez6MV74PIEwDjSzCpBzw2srYl9FbA04a5QI8M5C21WBQJfrMBdBXIDMDUwO2Q7bdpw2Ppf_3KzLeZmZi4aWNS5Lrpx1bqVtuJoW2qJlWu3SPsbLUTjC_nTGli6j7Xifb30OFBKYbGc/s400/50s+cafe+071.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: black;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">CAFE 50's</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even before stepping in you can not help but notice the memorabilia from the 50's such as: old vintage, rare movie posters, vintage albums and old soda-pop and cigarette signs that are plastered throughout and decorate the walls. There are gumball machines, a postcard and comic book rack, and a vintage jukebox that plays pure 50s Rock-N-Roll. </span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOD7OUdSB0OjMKyGpWG-oSGwwdDNnZclMxMMR3w4dj__IMQ4E_xtFTlwmLivW2UNLqTjmnubc1ivJLMgau79F07v1eUzQa_2TX95dBBjyeEfZPZdZI1JBu0IVdyblJakNN5OYfmzgs-Y/s1600/50s+cafe+girl+pin+ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOD7OUdSB0OjMKyGpWG-oSGwwdDNnZclMxMMR3w4dj__IMQ4E_xtFTlwmLivW2UNLqTjmnubc1ivJLMgau79F07v1eUzQa_2TX95dBBjyeEfZPZdZI1JBu0IVdyblJakNN5OYfmzgs-Y/s400/50s+cafe+girl+pin+ups.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Set of Girl Pin-Up Posters and Postcards</span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObpO3MuPyLUUkFzXA9rSlEjJ2U32_8qOJ5qqeRZeG7FwFRW8IHXw36UnDXvo6S6io6Xor4S4RPghLn5vVpjSqHbmTYoLClBfQD2Yp7c-4dEyKNhbRbkY0XCMFmGPasDsfF4876pVB6f8/s1600/50s+cafe+comic+and+postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObpO3MuPyLUUkFzXA9rSlEjJ2U32_8qOJ5qqeRZeG7FwFRW8IHXw36UnDXvo6S6io6Xor4S4RPghLn5vVpjSqHbmTYoLClBfQD2Yp7c-4dEyKNhbRbkY0XCMFmGPasDsfF4876pVB6f8/s400/50s+cafe+comic+and+postcard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Postcard and Comic Book Rack</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were greeted and seated by the lovely and jovial Ana and almost immediately, she recommended one of their 42 shakes! 42 shakes?!!!! We were stunned and the number of shakes and most definitely had to try one. After nearly 5 minutes deciding, we ordered their Key Lime Pie Shake. I would have ordered myself a shake like their Snicker Bar Shake or their Elvis Presley or their Peanut Butter and Jelly Shake or their Root Beer Freeze Shake or the S'more Shake...(a S'more Shake??) or their Butterfinger Shake or even their Breakfast Shake....or or or...oh man - I had to maintain my appetite in check so I resisted temptation and just ordered me a classic Cherry Coke. </span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcFGSkim1rYaUkHPsZ4dFJqwm5EK1tGJX2QEqZKsF5G1CdcvKVmyx0s4fVByyym0Jf9ZSX6udqbM1OWKX0A9B5iycjWoJotAQt3zCPZj4di9-6OLFeJ6UwJDjYAqZ_ptDWxWiFGiZQmE/s1600/50s+cafe+key+lime+shake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcFGSkim1rYaUkHPsZ4dFJqwm5EK1tGJX2QEqZKsF5G1CdcvKVmyx0s4fVByyym0Jf9ZSX6udqbM1OWKX0A9B5iycjWoJotAQt3zCPZj4di9-6OLFeJ6UwJDjYAqZ_ptDWxWiFGiZQmE/s400/50s+cafe+key+lime+shake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Key Lime Pie Shake - one of their 42 deluxe milkshakes - </b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The shake was nice and smooth and very creamy. Not too sweet and enough nutmeg to add some nice spice to it. It was definitely like drinking a liquidfied Key Lime Pie...so good. Shakes are $4.49 </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyhow - Their menu is huge and even before arriving to the cafe, I had my mind set on either some garlic cheddar cheese fries or their gravy fries. So even without looking at the menu, and all agreed, we went on and ordered the garlic cheddar cheese fries. </span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj-WItwYZgYrv1rSZrNBZBH3xPpCvAxUcN_hfDyWjUwc8-IY-BeBXED1MzFVG2_Kzki4NA5ThANuXey6iPWeyqYRve1Vsj8KU37LaRndgJgDUeWbWyTNMoG6cdzz_ZjCwASv5y2m79wQ/s1600/50s+cafe+garlic+cheddar+fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj-WItwYZgYrv1rSZrNBZBH3xPpCvAxUcN_hfDyWjUwc8-IY-BeBXED1MzFVG2_Kzki4NA5ThANuXey6iPWeyqYRve1Vsj8KU37LaRndgJgDUeWbWyTNMoG6cdzz_ZjCwASv5y2m79wQ/s400/50s+cafe+garlic+cheddar+fries.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Garlic Cheddar Cheese Fries</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The order is a heaping serving of golden brown, thin, crispy fries smothered under melted cheddar cheese and small chunks of garlic, topped with parsley. The garlic was the right amount, not overwhelming like in garlic fries I have had before, which I personally don't mind, but these fries had the right amount of seasoning and garlic that kept me wanting more. All this for $6.95.</span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">While we ate our fries, Craig, the owner, walks on over to our table with a plate of Southern Fried Macaroni and Cheese. Strange triangular shaped breaded looking tid bits. I was like..."what can this possibly taste like?" My first bite was a crunchy cheesy delight. Never have I ever imagined breaded mac n' cheese anything. They are served with ranch dressing and some veggies and fruit...so far two side favorites on my list. </span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspNnasGN0vTCyP2kRaFC1UE9N7w9WfFcZ9PWAEl6QLqRfzGBKIKQMXYQU2K-6yv81QSyuQG8bURv5gGJeAOoBM9_pDKZVyefPerRIamUSYD5l_pm4DRvnFE4Yzf23ScFpL_bySdnp97I/s1600/50s+cafe+Fried+Mac+and+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspNnasGN0vTCyP2kRaFC1UE9N7w9WfFcZ9PWAEl6QLqRfzGBKIKQMXYQU2K-6yv81QSyuQG8bURv5gGJeAOoBM9_pDKZVyefPerRIamUSYD5l_pm4DRvnFE4Yzf23ScFpL_bySdnp97I/s400/50s+cafe+Fried+Mac+and+cheese.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Southern Fried Mac N Cheese Bites</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">On to our main meal. Albeit I am a breakfast all day kinda of person and granted, they do serve breakfast all day, I had to stick to traditions and order me a burger. Most of us ordered burgers with the exception of one of my counterparts. I ordered the Bacon and Blue Cheese Burger with grilled onio</span></span><span style="color: #eeeeee;">ns. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeCrMvaMlFPedNPBB5z5jPtiHhFT7gY8F9jkg-RnTNcNZGSaeh1iG9e3nPy9JtOoI_jJ3mEAmGDJWk45xeRCdSwHn4dalpGbCQG12kY13SdOyJdkvzdZJ1WNTCIUzbULY05ofEKRrnxk/s1600/50s+cafe+bacon+bleu+cheese+burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeCrMvaMlFPedNPBB5z5jPtiHhFT7gY8F9jkg-RnTNcNZGSaeh1iG9e3nPy9JtOoI_jJ3mEAmGDJWk45xeRCdSwHn4dalpGbCQG12kY13SdOyJdkvzdZJ1WNTCIUzbULY05ofEKRrnxk/s400/50s+cafe+bacon+bleu+cheese+burger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bacon and Blue Cheese Burger with grilled onions</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I have been on a crazy Bleu Cheese Burger trip lately. I really enjoy the saltiness and kick bleu cheese brings to any burger. </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Cafe 50's burger is served with a side of cole slaw that is nicely sweetened and not too mayonaisey. It isn't either runny like most cole slaws I normally have at diners or have had period. I was ready for my first bite. </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The burger meat tasted fresh and juicy while the veggies were fresh and crispy as well. The blue cheese, as anticipated, added that right amount of kick that just complimented the slight sweet apple smoked bacon on my burger. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The burger was definitely a handful.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QQTxnmBj6FHm0SI0svyOuQIyrQhZ9hvNmjElIWhdqMoA_34fIpJSA5Uj1IJT6FQubg53NIe6x4vEQRvNqzb2ZGoqz1ZBERWJb9FkjIJPo0GcorO7nGMStZVeewCNWpjH3nXj0dKOE50/s1600/50s+cafe+burger+bite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QQTxnmBj6FHm0SI0svyOuQIyrQhZ9hvNmjElIWhdqMoA_34fIpJSA5Uj1IJT6FQubg53NIe6x4vEQRvNqzb2ZGoqz1ZBERWJb9FkjIJPo0GcorO7nGMStZVeewCNWpjH3nXj0dKOE50/s400/50s+cafe+burger+bite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Cheese Burger with avocado</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="color: #eeeeee;" /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we all quietly ate away, with hardly any conversation, Craig came on over and brought us over some samples. Their turkey chili, albondiga soup that is made daily and made from scratch and some of their New England Chowder.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIBOHsKKDWQZ8_9cnd-uyv9SnT_1s_16y4Q-fzLRj8YsC_m4-MtT0SFmSi1m0LVWLaPehOdRIEdAo9wV9pLDhbqCZmwWVbkhf-O0oJ-kBmvt6Ge-qwMobp-hvWi3-jMXUgKu985Bsa0k/s1600/50s+cafe+chowder+albondiga+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIBOHsKKDWQZ8_9cnd-uyv9SnT_1s_16y4Q-fzLRj8YsC_m4-MtT0SFmSi1m0LVWLaPehOdRIEdAo9wV9pLDhbqCZmwWVbkhf-O0oJ-kBmvt6Ge-qwMobp-hvWi3-jMXUgKu985Bsa0k/s400/50s+cafe+chowder+albondiga+soup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The turkey chili was not greasy and not heavy at all. The clam chowder was creamy and thick with a not so clammy taste. And the albondiga soup was hefty too. </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was time for dessert and Ana recommended one of their sundaes....sundaes?...mmmmm....okay - so as we all were going back and forth between their banana split or their strawberry sundae or their black and tan, Ana, just standing there watching us debate was like. "You should try our pineapple sundae". Inside of me, being that pineapple is my favorite fruit, was crying. "Everyone please say yes" and lo and behold - we all agreed and I yelled out "yes!" </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">She smiled and shortly after, brought us over a beautiful display of a sundae. It looked so good tht i didn't even want to eat it...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNjJt5ZiCgNgXejnbPH1ZzUj2NfDCQ7WDC83No7FL0zC1hRDIez7GYZuuVSJTpuAVmn46nhIoLLoHJxtCDXMewW5fQErXGmPKJTfsOAzqYmp8vcYtaXSVin3xCrVnk41Rd4AGAXPdwes/s1600/50s+cafe+Pinelapple+milshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNjJt5ZiCgNgXejnbPH1ZzUj2NfDCQ7WDC83No7FL0zC1hRDIez7GYZuuVSJTpuAVmn46nhIoLLoHJxtCDXMewW5fQErXGmPKJTfsOAzqYmp8vcYtaXSVin3xCrVnk41Rd4AGAXPdwes/s400/50s+cafe+Pinelapple+milshake.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: large;"> Pineapple Sundae</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">One word. Delicious. You are just gonna have to try this one or one of their many 15 fountain favorites. This alone is worth coming to Cafe 50's - I tell ya. </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Craig later came on over later and kindly offered us a tour of the joint. Took us to their Tiki Room. People, they have a Tiki Room filled with surf boards, Hawaiin stylized decorations, bamboo trimming and 1950's Hawaiin/Polynesian 50's Albums and postcards...this is definitely a cool room to come eat at. </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking with Craig as he showed us everything on their walls and around was like talking a history tour. He had so many old school stuff like Ike buttons, gas masks, posters, and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predicta">Predicta TV</a> that plays nothing but old school classic movies. In fact, Craig tells us that a customer once told him that in one of the movies being played her aunt was in it and pointed her out. How cool is that?</span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbYnhHwCQ-MGOPfUqpiG-mcohDvlevxkP0aBm1PSuC89kfwNZbxk9es39CBHf4ioAX9SoWqx44uap6BUeAfgZabryI6dKOHayrG6QiLw2XcTVa3wk5ilBqwoRVbaD-5qrv9z8eO6szjY/s1600/50s+cafe+war+stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbYnhHwCQ-MGOPfUqpiG-mcohDvlevxkP0aBm1PSuC89kfwNZbxk9es39CBHf4ioAX9SoWqx44uap6BUeAfgZabryI6dKOHayrG6QiLw2XcTVa3wk5ilBqwoRVbaD-5qrv9z8eO6szjY/s400/50s+cafe+war+stuff.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ike Buttons, Gas Masks, Old Tin Cans and Games</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: small;">I asked Craig why the 50s stuff and why Vermont after having a location in West LA. he said “It was a great period of time. My father also grew up in this area. I have always like this area and I thought this area needed a place like this” </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNE0IZBIWoFLLYiOEEltF8o2eZzuyNaxfJRQ2SRB08WD2WPgkYFZl7xWvlm86IDS5OgnWmqEBJ6UwZNUwxuWtveJtREuc2tZPSqGTIyu_j8cxHSoHPmeGkY3qS9L0sdX3DdjACqo_nJyo/s1600/50s+cafe+Craig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNE0IZBIWoFLLYiOEEltF8o2eZzuyNaxfJRQ2SRB08WD2WPgkYFZl7xWvlm86IDS5OgnWmqEBJ6UwZNUwxuWtveJtREuc2tZPSqGTIyu_j8cxHSoHPmeGkY3qS9L0sdX3DdjACqo_nJyo/s400/50s+cafe+Craig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Craig next to their famous jukebok</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">So if ever in the mood for a 50s throwback meal and experience...come on down. The place was recently opened; about 4 moths ago and Craig wants to invite everyone in the area and about to come on down. Specially in the evenings. They are always having great specials and even have a Pajama Parties. They serve breakfast alllllll-day and as mentioned above, have a great selection of shakes and fountain specialties. </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">They also print a newsletter with jokes and a glossary of the 50s lingo with a calendar of their events. The have a kids eat free night, a Scrabble night, a celebrity birthday night and as mentioned...a pajama party night where if you come in dressed with your PJs you get something free....aint gonna say what....you just gotta come on by. They also have magicians on Sundays from the <a href="http://www.magiccastle.com/"><b>Magic Castle. </b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Any evening you come I assure you, you will have or be into<b> a treat.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b> </span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">So visit Cafe 50s and also visit their website for a list of specials and also their menu</span></div><div style="color: #eeeeee; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cafe50s.com/">www.cafe50s.com</a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cafe 50's </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">850 North Vermont Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Los Angeles CA 90029</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">323.906.1955</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photos courtesy of Do</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ña Junta</i></span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-86873946604895845012010-12-27T11:11:00.000-08:002010-12-27T16:45:44.429-08:00Under The Tuscan Gun<div style="text-align: justify;">Many know I love and enjoy to eat and eat out a lot. I enjoy trying new spots and expanding my experience in food whether it is of or from a different region or culture or simply be extremely adventurous and try something crazy or wild that many may frown upon. Aside from my many other passions, I have a passion for food and I thrive to please my taste buds and expose them to the sensuality found in different foods. Another objective, is also enlightening people on the aesthetics of cooking and possibly help them break from the shell of conventionalism and not be afraid to try something new. As the saying goes: <i>"Don't knock it until you try it!" </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the last year, and after blogging for other sites, I have been attempting to simply concentrate and blog for myself. Albeit, I have not been all that consistent at blogging for myself and updating my blog regularly, I can say my food blog has somewhat created a "tiny" buzz, specially in and around<b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koreatown,_Los_Angeles">Koreatown</a></b>. This has lead me to focus more on the area and neighborhood I so proudly, and basically, was raised in...and still live in. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well aside from eating out, I enjoy cooking. At a very young age, I can remember my beautiful mother bringing me into the kitchen to have me help with either cooking and/or baking. Every dish she made, every cake she baked, she had my hands in it and I pretty much learned to cook most of those dishes. I think it was at this point that my love and passion for food was born. Aside from her cooking skills, my mom's philosophy of not fearing to try something new was ingrained in me and it is why I also am so adventurous with my food. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyhow - as much as I love to talk about myself, this isn't about me. This post is about cooking and cooking recipes from a site/show called <a href="http://www.underthetuscangun.com/"><b>Under The Tuscan Gun</b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Under the Tuscan Gun</b> is a site/blog that features recipes from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuscany"><b>Tuscany</b></a>. Tuscany is a region located in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Italy"><b>Central Italy</b></a> - mainly known for their beautiful landscapes and its rich artistic legacy. Tuscany also has it's own unique cuisine. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is here where the lovely <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debi_Mazar"><b>Debi Mazar</b></a> and her husband <b>Gabrielle Corcos</b> come in. They created this show/site to bring you homemade Tuscan food and share their family recipes. The couple takes you through a step-by-step cooking process and shares a list of amazing recipes from appetizers, to cakes, pastas, meats, drinks, desserts etc. The show is casual and intimate as they allow you to enter into their kitchen at home.<br />
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They bring you normal food, using normal ingredients. And as stated by Debi in an interview with <a href="http://www.theflorentine.net/">The Florentine</a>: "<i>You don't have to use a bottle of $70 olive oil to be a great Italian cook</i>." She adds "<i>that their recipes and meals are for real people, who have jobs and kids.</i>" Sounds like many of us. <br />
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The site has a grass roots method. It has no advertisers and said to, at times, have averaged 300, 000 hits in a month...that's a lot!!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdYkexHO53eqooos1k_mJwidOnGZxhNcxf8lYb79ZdfE3MLE-ubc2JVP8va3cv3XSqDwwATB_ZnBV7ldMqzqXHFXThwWGLuB-cGXjHHp6XCZkezsjpcp_grum4-AtCAsE872SjS49FcY/s1600/2010%252BVanity%252BFair%252BOscar%252BParty%252BHosted%252BGraydon%252BJ5TJMeN5s-Al.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdYkexHO53eqooos1k_mJwidOnGZxhNcxf8lYb79ZdfE3MLE-ubc2JVP8va3cv3XSqDwwATB_ZnBV7ldMqzqXHFXThwWGLuB-cGXjHHp6XCZkezsjpcp_grum4-AtCAsE872SjS49FcY/s400/2010%252BVanity%252BFair%252BOscar%252BParty%252BHosted%252BGraydon%252BJ5TJMeN5s-Al.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The show has had so much success, that it recently was promoted to Television. On Sunday January 19th, 2011 the <b><a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/">Cooking Channel </a></b>will air and premiere their brand new cooking show called, <span class="caps"><b>EXTRA VIRGIN</b>. And I, personally, can't wait!! They promise to bring you f</span>antastic traditional Tuscan recipes that will be served to you and dressed with a lot of comedy, lifestyle and some fashion…and hopefully me as one of their guests. ;-)<br />
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So for all you so-called foodies or cooks, who specially love Italian cuisine...if ever in the mood for some authentic cooking some Tuscan or Italian cuisine visit the blog or tune in and watch the show. II am sure the show will be a great success.<br />
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I leave you with some videos of some of their recipes.<br />
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</b><br />
<b>Pasta al Vino</b><br />
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<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="299" src="http://blip.tv/play/hMJGgdKeKQI%2Em4v" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></embed><br />
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<b>Lasagna alla Bolognese</b><br />
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<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="299" src="http://blip.tv/play/hMJGgbKEcgI%2Em4v" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></embed><b> </b><br />
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<span class="caps">and if you want to learn more, make sure to visit their blog/site at </span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_633041823"><b><span class="caps"> </span></b></a><br />
<span class="caps"><a href="http://www.underthetuscangun.com/"><b>Under The Tuscan Gun</b></a> - for fresh, traditional Tuscan recipes.</span></div>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-55297331799949925502010-11-04T02:09:00.000-07:002010-11-04T19:24:45.657-07:00Betito's Mexican Restaurant<div style="text-align: justify;">So what's up people? As many may know, or not, I recently returned from a trip to Mexico about a month ago. While in Mexico, I had the divine pleasure of having some excellent food and dishes that were "to-die-for". Definitely worthy of a blog on it's own but not today. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyhow - to prepare for my visit to Mexico, I wanted to sorta get my palette ready. Finding it difficult to find quality and good tasting Mexican food in Los Angeles now-a-days, I decided to have dinner at a Mexican food spot I have heard so much about out in Canyon Country. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I called some friends up and rolled out there with an appetite. After a 30 - 40 minute commute on the 5 fwy, we arrived to our destination...a spot called <b>Betito's</b>. A little joint found in a small plaza in Santa Clarita.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29HtTNltTKzn6zXL-a424p2KInwUjMDlMuCpg8wxWCUTXc_NQkHmu2xs7OTtJyF1FF9DBX4kncheRBmosyMd6RjC4nDpvdJLLSprxVtHDr23uxVPFOElolVvVbBGxiTJF6T1KRwFS1hY/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29HtTNltTKzn6zXL-a424p2KInwUjMDlMuCpg8wxWCUTXc_NQkHmu2xs7OTtJyF1FF9DBX4kncheRBmosyMd6RjC4nDpvdJLLSprxVtHDr23uxVPFOElolVvVbBGxiTJF6T1KRwFS1hY/s320/l.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Betitos logo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by a nice looking host and were taken to a nice table in the back area. The place was somewhat packed with young couples, families and older folks as well. A definite good sign. I found the place to be cozy and very charming. The decor? mos def Mexican. The music? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranchera">Rancheras</a> and playing at a decent decibel level. The place was mildly lit...a perfect setting for any occasion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our server immediately brought us our menus and our "servicio", two large plates of "homemade" chips and salsa. The owner, who was also working the kitchen, had the server highly recommend their margaritas. We were like...uhhhh....and before we even decided or had time to think it over, we had a pitcher of margarita and shots in front of us. Who would complain about that? </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVny0rCkeK6tEBZ3xwhIXSfV7KOGdFq3G2gXAT320_H8f8JSODsw-Zb_QqXzM9nvoa6vaK709_v4Z6qmc2bq_pIm9i1uVGdyGkThffrxA-gwQHT3oyTK-JRGtzLQWe8XrPtbxQGsBenm8/s1600/bet+chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVny0rCkeK6tEBZ3xwhIXSfV7KOGdFq3G2gXAT320_H8f8JSODsw-Zb_QqXzM9nvoa6vaK709_v4Z6qmc2bq_pIm9i1uVGdyGkThffrxA-gwQHT3oyTK-JRGtzLQWe8XrPtbxQGsBenm8/s400/bet+chips.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Chips</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAVu_0W_u-Xcm3yMMAankarSq5k1TXiNHye3gT3IM9-347wOvoPfArLhBEHzz48nd0ushrqqLdAyOKH48SIE3aOnY0VSH0PAamBnjKPTQ_Xv-773MHqIg1D-__mUrlzmkBecUwd99E-4/s400/Bet+margarita+and+chips.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margarita Pitcher and Chips<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOydpHZJ1yJSk5WDM6wuHePwA3U5TTQatOyzo8CCcrfosALWXTDc7CtjtPcLYiY1ytXI73BOBvC1dNUghE_TBI9o8YV_uCmmoe9GIynQPQIqApeVPBVFrLtWdD4J5GVWQsYkixgXBqf4M/s1600/bet+margarita+drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOydpHZJ1yJSk5WDM6wuHePwA3U5TTQatOyzo8CCcrfosALWXTDc7CtjtPcLYiY1ytXI73BOBvC1dNUghE_TBI9o8YV_uCmmoe9GIynQPQIqApeVPBVFrLtWdD4J5GVWQsYkixgXBqf4M/s400/bet+margarita+drink.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margarita</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Their margaritas were delicious. Strong, but not overwhelmingly strong where all you taste is alcohol. [Albeit, for some that may be all what matters] They were perfectly balanced. Just enough triple sec and you can taste it was made with real lemon juice. The tequila was definitely not their house tequila since it had a nice smooth finish. They were also perfectly chilled which served to be refreshing on a hot summer evening in September. I, personally, am more a beer drinker, preferably dark Mexican beers or bitter beers but I was like "Excuse me Elena (our server), can we please have another pitcher?" haha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Next thing we know, Gus the owner, walks over to greet us and in hand, had a couple of dishes of guacamole he had just made for us. Little did he know, I am a guacamole snob and I measure most, if not all, guacamoles to my very own bomb guacamole. I must say...this one was good. Chill, flavorful, the avocados tasted fresh and topped with cheese. It also wasn't too tomatoey or oniony. Was it better than mine? well we'll just have to leave that for another blog. Granted, I will be bias and it is <b><i>my</i></b> blog. haha anyways - the guacamole was good. *thumbs up*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA1YGM2Eh63JP1nQYjpkGvhjI-QSNHhWAWcjVEkow6qaNDf__xPglPDQNCRq_V-C4PjlX2px34KQ3OSKjj0YCsouNM3H0TEHAjecHVLyX-_jCLg6ncdTpGXKIcLjCWQay1Z-l8zi1iBo/s400/Bet+Guaca.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="366" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Guacamole<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So after a couple of hours of chomping on chips and dipping them in salsa, making beans or guacamole tacos and drinking some margaritas, we decided to order. I decided to go traditional, since the fajitas were recommended and is one of their staple dishes. My counterpart one, ordered the wet burrito, and my counterpart two, ordered their famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zarape">Zarapes</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When my fajitas arrived, they arrived sizzling and cracka-lac-kin'. I dove straight into them since they looked delicious and was highly anticipating them. I ordered them with extra onions and extra onions they had. The meat was soft, tender and juicy. The meat juice; not greasy at all. The portions...very generous. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The wet burrito was huge, smothered in red salsa and melted cheese. So huge, I was full just looking at it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Zarapes, which are two flour tortillas stuffed with charbroiled steak, pico de gallo and topped with lots of special sauce and sour cream were of generous proportions and served with a bed of rice and beans. I was hoping we all would share but by the looks of everyone quietly eating, it uhhhh...didn't seem like that was gonna happen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXHAo6POmqYkc4GQBaVwVyu5G-bgHBlIbU0OnzmZU1diqP6MUvTdKXLDKS2gV3uHZ4eaHNc1MbWemsZD2XKQir5eJAa6mPQH7DLd1BYOyPBgraGRFg4PHf2bbOB1VkCOwbjgASrLNm-g/s400/Bet+Fajitas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak Fakitas<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUifiJ3aRz0C9uHqiADZPFX1_wlXDuTGGJaq9KbdVp9OWV7dXHeikGlrBlbcaxsmhXp8o-4ffAOLh-GemvwqFoKdF_5FkagbHMYD6jfYI5y4v4fGpp-QAx8UJqOHhlPebD92OGFt2fpl0/s1600/Bet+burrito+Mojado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUifiJ3aRz0C9uHqiADZPFX1_wlXDuTGGJaq9KbdVp9OWV7dXHeikGlrBlbcaxsmhXp8o-4ffAOLh-GemvwqFoKdF_5FkagbHMYD6jfYI5y4v4fGpp-QAx8UJqOHhlPebD92OGFt2fpl0/s400/Bet+burrito+Mojado.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet Burrito en Salsa Roja</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweUbLUI0V1iHMtQPc2oAY76mKFmM5-pvVcEmdsivMFXgbMIrGWwz0fgLRAMvejn-aGyJldYjJE_XoLOTiVV8XiG3SQgwQN4qPlVtEE5XCXBbc8oXt8CFaQdMm9NO4bft5RCD_BYqPY3I/s1600/Bet+Enchiladas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweUbLUI0V1iHMtQPc2oAY76mKFmM5-pvVcEmdsivMFXgbMIrGWwz0fgLRAMvejn-aGyJldYjJE_XoLOTiVV8XiG3SQgwQN4qPlVtEE5XCXBbc8oXt8CFaQdMm9NO4bft5RCD_BYqPY3I/s400/Bet+Enchiladas.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Betitos Zarapes</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As I was unbuttoning the top button of my pants, so I can breath, and were wrapping it up at the table, Gus walked over to chat it up a bit with us. I took advantage of the time and managed to ask him a couple questions about the joint. How it opened up and whatnot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The establishment has been opened for over 28 years now and was opened by none other than mom. The menu is mainly comprised of her own recipes stylized after traditional food from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazatl%C3%A1n">Mazatlán</a>. A city in the state of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinaloa">Sinaloa</a>, Mexico where the family is also from. He said the clientele they have is predominantly made up of loyal patrons who have been coming for years. The restaurant's name, <b>Betitos</b>, is named after his brother and family member who passed away years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was cool sitting down and chopping it up a bit with the owner. And chef. He says he tries to keep his mom's tradition going. And now I understand and can see why people still come and have remained faithful diners. Aside from the food being good and reasonably priced, you feel very welcomed and also feel at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We stayed until the restaurant was nearly shut down, and us being the last people in the joint, Gus kindly offered us a small tour of the kitchen and bar area. The kitchen was pretty impressive . Unexpectedly large and looked spotless after being used all day and night. The bar was cool, small and incognito like and I almost lost myself in it. ;-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1h_F5qLYstOZz0N4aAuSo9lNcsbjJIpv0MZSd8OofcuNAajlKIv-b_As35ZuOg_CPxnM9lfz8_MqYunRpOsEHe-ImKjO9pn30rnNc4wITV_-tq1gstIuqtsnzxYTOldfbnOWbVp4vyw/s1600/Bet+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1h_F5qLYstOZz0N4aAuSo9lNcsbjJIpv0MZSd8OofcuNAajlKIv-b_As35ZuOg_CPxnM9lfz8_MqYunRpOsEHe-ImKjO9pn30rnNc4wITV_-tq1gstIuqtsnzxYTOldfbnOWbVp4vyw/s400/Bet+kit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kitchen Area</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Dh718XwdwOG9wu8VCV91Qb1J_lDTyyvysBbM3w1tfW2MSH0aaoJ0xt0f4zotJPB4lbQLrUV9_AjrcQqIOpbpwY_TkxQpswq_O_9pANmJOfpak-1O4phMxgFBFhOIGQHSCyZ51ff0mro/s1600/Bet_bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Dh718XwdwOG9wu8VCV91Qb1J_lDTyyvysBbM3w1tfW2MSH0aaoJ0xt0f4zotJPB4lbQLrUV9_AjrcQqIOpbpwY_TkxQpswq_O_9pANmJOfpak-1O4phMxgFBFhOIGQHSCyZ51ff0mro/s400/Bet_bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Section of The Bar</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And during one of the laughing and joking around moments with Gus, I attempted being canny and threw in the question behind the secret of their margaritas and Gus padded me on the back and simply replied: "uhhhhh....Galo, that's a secret man. You liked them, right?" and we both just laughed. Except mine were a combo of hiccups and laughter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So if ever in the Santa Clarita area and want some good Mexican food, come to Betitos. You will not be disappointed. As mentioned, the prices are good and reasonable, the portions are extremely generous and the service is impeccable. Besides...the waitresses, such as Elena, are nice eye candy and may make your dining experience more enjoyable. Well perhaps for people, guys, like me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh yeah, one thing I also can not leave out and not mention are the chiles toreados or asados. Very good and definitely spiced up our dinner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEUBidovwMFRxGFIa-xwuwq9GicnKrENPNnGrl7KkU0Jtkhp-C6QfCsbfC0jzrmpze2FtkpCxf7qNUciZW9ZcZoJPfqlUloFeg2D3sPCgeJdzDn1-qjhFpBX9mX8SKqBis7B3mk-aJgo/s1600/Bet+chiles+asados+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEUBidovwMFRxGFIa-xwuwq9GicnKrENPNnGrl7KkU0Jtkhp-C6QfCsbfC0jzrmpze2FtkpCxf7qNUciZW9ZcZoJPfqlUloFeg2D3sPCgeJdzDn1-qjhFpBX9mX8SKqBis7B3mk-aJgo/s400/Bet+chiles+asados+full.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chiles Toreados (asados) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So head on over. Have yourself a margarita or two, order you up some food and if you mention my name --- <span style="font-size: large;"><b>LoveGalo</b></span> --- to Gus, and only to Gus, he may just hook up something. Hence, <b>just may</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Betito's Mexican Restaurant </span></div><span style="font-size: large;">18902 Soledad Canyon Road<br />
Canyon Country, CA 91351-3381<br />
(661) 251-0557</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>FUN FACT</b>: Mazatlán is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahuatl" title="Nahuatl">Nahuatl</a> word meaning "place of the deer." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-37085852703410300572010-07-15T07:29:00.000-07:002010-07-15T09:13:45.456-07:00Pal Cabron<div style="text-align: justify;">I have been <i>struggling</i> for a while now on how to piece this new piece of mine together. Desperate for a new update on my food venturing blog, I felt extremely compelled to write something or I will eventually be washed down with the turds as the great <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Chinaski"><b>Chinaski</b></a> once said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I will make this quick and short and also cheat a bit...(and so what if I cheat? it is my blog and I can do as I wish, right?)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyhow, so about a month ago, while grubbing down and watching the World Cup Opener Game at <a href="http://www.guelaguetzarestaurante.com/">La Guelaguetza</a>, I met the lovely <i><b>Bricia Lopez</b>, </i>who was walking around with a bottle of tequila in hand and handing out shots to everyone. (Be still my heart) So of course, I waved her down, a few times in fact, for the opportunity to meet her and also bring us over some of them shots.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well during one of those many times we waved her to come over, she told us about <a href="http://www.palcabron.com/"><b>Pal Carbon</b></a>, a new spot she had recently opened out in <b>Huntington Park</b> that specialized in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cemita"><i>Cemitas</i></a> and <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tlayuda">Clayudas</a></i>. I immediately thought to myself, "I have to try this spot!!"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So about two weeks later, I finally decided to head out there and invited a couple of friends. I called Bricia up to find out whether she would be there or not, gladly she was, and all she said was "make sure you guys come hungry". And trust me, we did.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before heading over there I visited their website to scope their menu out and I found a nice set of funny videos: here is one of them. </div><br />
<object height="295" style="background-image: url("http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/jL6CmdNRaDU/hqdefault.jpg");" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jL6CmdNRaDU&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jL6CmdNRaDU&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>A challenge to see who'd eat more cemitas</i></b></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Upon walking in, it was totally not what I expected. The walls were emblazoned with caricatures and <i>dichos </i>(sayings)<i> </i>which adds character to the place<i>. </i>(no pun intenended)<i></i></div><i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuNNT08-cek5_RRUvWuUq1mrFgoHYgajSB3eCG4aUoD7gTXrS6hPytH8IQMoObEyebNU9VgmuvBqac5Bmp59miRgiVY_lcUa1m5yPAMJEQSxRkXWrYh6BzNF-hOhvKpEmhqcf1Goeit-J/s1600/CIMG4518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuNNT08-cek5_RRUvWuUq1mrFgoHYgajSB3eCG4aUoD7gTXrS6hPytH8IQMoObEyebNU9VgmuvBqac5Bmp59miRgiVY_lcUa1m5yPAMJEQSxRkXWrYh6BzNF-hOhvKpEmhqcf1Goeit-J/s400/CIMG4518.JPG" width="346" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Their staple character inspired by her uncle...</i></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_j1NPPlYqGZ66jmMx78UaEXXbLXXqpbd7_4blfNx7dqs-QeZOXSeVRIxbshvaKzc1Pb383GPyns37H5rU_2Aet60VTmq0drHsitY-2Qio93W3A932Q3pR2E44dkMLCdJnM5gM5OpcOQz/s1600/CIMG4511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_j1NPPlYqGZ66jmMx78UaEXXbLXXqpbd7_4blfNx7dqs-QeZOXSeVRIxbshvaKzc1Pb383GPyns37H5rU_2Aet60VTmq0drHsitY-2Qio93W3A932Q3pR2E44dkMLCdJnM5gM5OpcOQz/s400/CIMG4511.JPG" width="400" /></a><i> </i><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Some of the dichos on the walls</i></span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR0aEn4eUejvItgTlc9WkmQsASccYoBeeb9qSnaFxHHc022Y91VDI8Lj-8hQVzPHM2ED6ALcUSnw7mH60f2nwwWp8OkZAfXtwE43MC29TbLZWug0MjsRKq4KpbACLZMupLa1ZeyFkFHYD/s1600/CIMG4512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR0aEn4eUejvItgTlc9WkmQsASccYoBeeb9qSnaFxHHc022Y91VDI8Lj-8hQVzPHM2ED6ALcUSnw7mH60f2nwwWp8OkZAfXtwE43MC29TbLZWug0MjsRKq4KpbACLZMupLa1ZeyFkFHYD/s400/CIMG4512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The Stars of Pal Cabron and whom the cemitas are named after</b></i></span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">So on to the food....We basically asked Bricia to bring us what she thought we should have<i> </i>and here are a few pics of what she brought us:<i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBm1g7hC1tO6AtfjQVFuv45hEjHCslyGGizHwUtxUvC7U5KI5-mf0HcLW9ihFI_Hszm0tzPqYEJ_qXpGqVfvimY5syFSYxpuZWLEXU0HWAuKw20KYwKemfrndVhIcPsSKd0hyUJO5PEGe/s1600/CIMG4523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBm1g7hC1tO6AtfjQVFuv45hEjHCslyGGizHwUtxUvC7U5KI5-mf0HcLW9ihFI_Hszm0tzPqYEJ_qXpGqVfvimY5syFSYxpuZWLEXU0HWAuKw20KYwKemfrndVhIcPsSKd0hyUJO5PEGe/s400/CIMG4523.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Horchata - very good</i></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0K4PdXWW0Vp4_Go8bnXK6Lo_M6nJyz5ggUdKzJXvJ50CQTDN5SZO6KtiG78E_v020_gEKQXfd87rSSB1ILog3hfvjMvKyLO4AxTzRa3XSSxo_spolp_E5nY3XH8ghbZAqSYBTG0Nb9PK/s1600/CIMG4531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0K4PdXWW0Vp4_Go8bnXK6Lo_M6nJyz5ggUdKzJXvJ50CQTDN5SZO6KtiG78E_v020_gEKQXfd87rSSB1ILog3hfvjMvKyLO4AxTzRa3XSSxo_spolp_E5nY3XH8ghbZAqSYBTG0Nb9PK/s400/CIMG4531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Their memelitas</i></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwc39u_YXQ3U-PITUKtfu0yPuUgmztEapc8QvRJ0h62hktDrsJFI8AMpC-IxLfrsMxi1q24MzzbpWclND_vyYt-IWOXlaZIKQhBfugTuU4wfSqyOo5025eVr5pYMEDysvJ6BD5vLtcZuh/s1600/CIMG4533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwc39u_YXQ3U-PITUKtfu0yPuUgmztEapc8QvRJ0h62hktDrsJFI8AMpC-IxLfrsMxi1q24MzzbpWclND_vyYt-IWOXlaZIKQhBfugTuU4wfSqyOo5025eVr5pYMEDysvJ6BD5vLtcZuh/s400/CIMG4533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Clayuda</i></b></span> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>- combinacion</i></span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCs4_Z70-VjoHk-v_pImIWBj8dhxkl2bOingSMe0uM4VQ1srgR4fMsDYG0FLNyrEb7OmiKmuOrpDfMD90vlX5opwWRYc8DSdWMlx2KyogxCSzDl5o6jolo1_EYI9HPV6Q9_7WtYIAd1jy8/s1600/CIMG4542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCs4_Z70-VjoHk-v_pImIWBj8dhxkl2bOingSMe0uM4VQ1srgR4fMsDYG0FLNyrEb7OmiKmuOrpDfMD90vlX5opwWRYc8DSdWMlx2KyogxCSzDl5o6jolo1_EYI9HPV6Q9_7WtYIAd1jy8/s400/CIMG4542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>My Cemita </i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So of course, before eating, I had to go to the restroom to wash up. I must say I was surprised to see the restroom also covered with characters and funny sayings...here is just one.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6q2L6DhYr9n4aXAP-q9JTIEmDK_DqLttzjK8HEldlkrS4aNprVOtYMHsvzlwwQ2xztFwIe-3OVtPyRL994s_4oAGdw3xpgYEbohq7Y9SbuvWbDlYPyBqARkaj6W7hYqOClPFZZT5ZN_0/s1600/CIMG4547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6q2L6DhYr9n4aXAP-q9JTIEmDK_DqLttzjK8HEldlkrS4aNprVOtYMHsvzlwwQ2xztFwIe-3OVtPyRL994s_4oAGdw3xpgYEbohq7Y9SbuvWbDlYPyBqARkaj6W7hYqOClPFZZT5ZN_0/s400/CIMG4547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">To see more you'd just have to visit and or -------</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And okay, so here is where I cheat...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though I can write more about the food we had, which was delicious by the way, Ima let my boy The Teenage Glutster tell ya about it, since he wrote a nice write up of the joint a while back. haha</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">hope you enjoy....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>by: Teenage Glutster</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Story of my life? I wish...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seriously, it's actually the newest naughtiest food child of the same family who brought the L.A standard Guelaquetza restaurants. This place is perhaps the only restaurant positive of making even the most pizza/flaming hot cheetoes-esque of my old East L.A Garfield High School homies become even the most diligent of austere foodies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's a concept that <i>Bricia Lopez</i> and her brother <i>Fernando Lopez</i> brought to life after a recent trek to Puebla and discovering the delicate beauty of their street staple, a <i>Cemita Poblana</i>, the omnipresent sandwich of Puebla. Freshly baked, dense, rustic roll dusted with <i>Ajonjoli</i> (Sesame Seeds) and made with the legit stuff, not Crisco...yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Seethed with Milanesa, Quesillo, Queso Panela, Avocado, Chipotle, and the ever acquired taste of <i>Papalo</i>, an herb that smells like if a really thirsty deer just walked on top of it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To continue reading.... </div><br />
<b><a href="http://teenageglutster.blogspot.com/2009/06/cemitas-clayudas-pal-cabrony-cabronas.html">TEENAGE GLUTSER PAL CABRON</a></b>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-7088037197715622542010-06-23T18:29:00.000-07:002010-06-24T00:33:29.454-07:00Kalbi Burger<div style="text-align: justify;">By now, some may have already heard of <a href="http://kalbiburger.com/"><b>Kalbi Burger</b></a>. And why not? since it's opening on June 14th <b>Kalbi Burger</b> has been creating a buzz around town specially in the area it's located in - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koreatown,_Los_Angeles"><b>Korea Town</b></a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As soon as I heard of the joint I had to head on over there and try their burgers. I met up with my boy, the none other <b>King of Bling</b> - <a href="http://ifandco.com/wordpress/?tag=kalbi-burger"><b>Ben Baller</b></a>. And both of us being K-Town natives and glad there was a burger joint in K-Town, had to scope it out.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWAEBqYeXeJ4acebPatWUK2i1XRYoRY8xmWMHwkvuDsA8RzIW3Wnw1u8aEBFlXUUQObqphxwIc9Wv8xVh-AyNH2NAKxQctlVRTtXbxSND1ucSHXd9QVWbygLHVIk1ksvS5G8mmwWglObl/s1600/CIMG4500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWAEBqYeXeJ4acebPatWUK2i1XRYoRY8xmWMHwkvuDsA8RzIW3Wnw1u8aEBFlXUUQObqphxwIc9Wv8xVh-AyNH2NAKxQctlVRTtXbxSND1ucSHXd9QVWbygLHVIk1ksvS5G8mmwWglObl/s400/CIMG4500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It is on Wilshire Blvd and Wilton Place...inside the little plaza. As I walked in, I was greeted immediately, I nodded my head and smiled in acknowledgment and looked around first to get a feel of the place. The walls are painted a nice rich red that I liked very much, there were some mirrors on a wall, a large built in wall clock and a few cool looking tables. I was glad to find no TV either to distract me from enjoying my meal.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pTSi6c-5av2s6CS5lnEzFgvwgnpuVvuCt-sjwST238JMMl73ACMaX59UDEhotY6t_Ivd4FkAbcTPjfKe-ByvbUmu8-m5YOXPLlN83FPRbaM2ADUsgv33-mOLBJYY0XjSVssjQm79kzaI/s1600/CIMG4503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pTSi6c-5av2s6CS5lnEzFgvwgnpuVvuCt-sjwST238JMMl73ACMaX59UDEhotY6t_Ivd4FkAbcTPjfKe-ByvbUmu8-m5YOXPLlN83FPRbaM2ADUsgv33-mOLBJYY0XjSVssjQm79kzaI/s400/CIMG4503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXxyIPxPc231neaUldcS-i5aSztzKupBgas90H2KYml1E4fjOu4oAi2eIWDmNd8Aph-ZkM668akdFDBcW9pGrXdvtO1JdckjkgPbdrs9PE6DwcoBcEL2hc5fxVcwYLAVzarpOwfADMUL2/s1600/CIMG4508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXxyIPxPc231neaUldcS-i5aSztzKupBgas90H2KYml1E4fjOu4oAi2eIWDmNd8Aph-ZkM668akdFDBcW9pGrXdvtO1JdckjkgPbdrs9PE6DwcoBcEL2hc5fxVcwYLAVzarpOwfADMUL2/s400/CIMG4508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, time to order, albeit I knew what I wanted, their signature Kalbi Burger, I kept wanting to change my mind because I was tempted to try their other burgers. But I stuck to my guns and ordered the Kalbi Burger Combo. I'll have to save the other for my next visits...<i>if</i> the burger was good that is.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While ordering, Hawk (the owner), walked over really quick, welcomed us and immediately went back to hustling on the grill. I was impressed to see the owner behind the kitchen. Now-a-days, you hardly ever witness that any more. I also liked the kitchen being in plain view and open. One can watch their burger being prepared fresh. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWElXhLKL2OJLDnBX1ASW3byMMMQzsMV7IMNJDRIE_GwnrGv2nmTTYi0Sdaw2spWYEzXc01g_pNQFmgrquWM-9w6F8L5OV1f9sIQEq-Nyls-ScmtSvY2t3ewBr6ftCIeEC56bMrfvcIA_d/s1600/CIMG4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWElXhLKL2OJLDnBX1ASW3byMMMQzsMV7IMNJDRIE_GwnrGv2nmTTYi0Sdaw2spWYEzXc01g_pNQFmgrquWM-9w6F8L5OV1f9sIQEq-Nyls-ScmtSvY2t3ewBr6ftCIeEC56bMrfvcIA_d/s400/CIMG4506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshjzCXTGCgt6VWKyTpM2y3Y6xL9BRXHRx42uhvLgeLY7dB34WgI2BQ6VHFGZnR7m9WqObXeSW7XvlK5ujkmXENcwMEG0XDtT5QPugf25fRjywrOrju7PUKDBM3k_Bl9bQjMhTBwrTkvWI/s1600/CIMG4507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshjzCXTGCgt6VWKyTpM2y3Y6xL9BRXHRx42uhvLgeLY7dB34WgI2BQ6VHFGZnR7m9WqObXeSW7XvlK5ujkmXENcwMEG0XDtT5QPugf25fRjywrOrju7PUKDBM3k_Bl9bQjMhTBwrTkvWI/s400/CIMG4507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hawk hustling in the kitchen</i></span> </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-_-fT5oHltIjI4TJQiEC0uFBZd7AbFF_X7THyJB9ffd0n5LutRWY-UD5eqPZz2P6ygq-A8XPcQp2ifA742DoDaX7mO4tipMu0CQEVeR0tH7k_UnWr9LwcqJyPGR_0UAQ9LBedSypVa2c/s1600/CIMG4504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-_-fT5oHltIjI4TJQiEC0uFBZd7AbFF_X7THyJB9ffd0n5LutRWY-UD5eqPZz2P6ygq-A8XPcQp2ifA742DoDaX7mO4tipMu0CQEVeR0tH7k_UnWr9LwcqJyPGR_0UAQ9LBedSypVa2c/s400/CIMG4504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some customers tearing it up.</b> </span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9vCVGDEvkPLJOERuGhBz-GK0yVufYwhD4zNSBDTQEW2qam7wYDsZv48Eom5FDZiLA2_KWLbNLGrR57IpD1cxgdqpB19d3jtF1L9W7_7aSF9Ge1Jh0xkETkA7CQgmkr4dMcDQy95zbcYN/s1600/CIMG4505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9vCVGDEvkPLJOERuGhBz-GK0yVufYwhD4zNSBDTQEW2qam7wYDsZv48Eom5FDZiLA2_KWLbNLGrR57IpD1cxgdqpB19d3jtF1L9W7_7aSF9Ge1Jh0xkETkA7CQgmkr4dMcDQy95zbcYN/s400/CIMG4505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Their Seoul Burger...soooo good looking I couldn't wait for my order</i></span></b> <br />
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Okay - my order arrives. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv32n__4gGIaPb3Y8x7c7ONS8CfFdgo-A9hsZHbi97gajt7yy3IG-CzFwMf_E-3025dTaFvDAB2ND0_vz_0nkpxpS94vZ6oD8dUACbbwJ3F2kTwXaLqARtH0Of5gEqc4IfS2VTdhN_Ddhz/s1600/CIMG4509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv32n__4gGIaPb3Y8x7c7ONS8CfFdgo-A9hsZHbi97gajt7yy3IG-CzFwMf_E-3025dTaFvDAB2ND0_vz_0nkpxpS94vZ6oD8dUACbbwJ3F2kTwXaLqARtH0Of5gEqc4IfS2VTdhN_Ddhz/s400/CIMG4509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Kalbi Burger</i></span></b> <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was immediately impressed with the appearance of the burger. Looked hella fresh. Rushing and my hands shaking while trying to take a good photo and nearly drooling on my camera, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. My first bite?...I could immediately taste the freshness. The meat was juicy and almost melted in my mouth. <i>The Kalbi Aoili Sauce</i>, a secret sauce, was lightly sweet, adding to the a nice balance to the great mixture of romaine lettuce, <b>Korean</b> vinaigrette, American cheese, red onions and the <b>Angus Beef</b> making the burger burst with flavors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The french fries sold me also. They were nice crispy, golden brown and not overly salty, although I always eat all my fries very salty but found no need to add salt to them. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l8EQ6MspRF8EatpyueHUkq03QvhPCVrGXexMla3pnMJC3PJ-bbKeCSW32USghB1p-6zFc6_4rVaGPjFKHIOJUg17bq-AfMdKc4CX8k4kIr7BDwLGYOzvkHxUwoE-jW3Ccm0xMdfOwyJ1/s1600/basket-of-fries-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l8EQ6MspRF8EatpyueHUkq03QvhPCVrGXexMla3pnMJC3PJ-bbKeCSW32USghB1p-6zFc6_4rVaGPjFKHIOJUg17bq-AfMdKc4CX8k4kIr7BDwLGYOzvkHxUwoE-jW3Ccm0xMdfOwyJ1/s400/basket-of-fries-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Fries - Photo off Kalbi Burger site. Photo by: <a href="http://www.loveandlemonade.com/">Love and Lemonade</a></i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let me mention they have garlic fries too. Which I had with my <b>Seoul Burger</b> on my next visit. Let me tell you about the <b>Seoul Burger</b> - same thing...large, fresh, soft bread but this burger had sauteed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchi"><b><i>kimchi</i></b></a> - whaaaaaa...kimchi on a burger? oh man, being a kimchi fan, I couldn't wait for this one too. The kimchi totally added a distinct and unique flavor to the burger. I enjoyed the burger very much and nearly inhaled it in minutes. The garlic fries had the right amount of garlic on it and still were crispy and golden brown.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhwH6H_XcB_uH2gCql1mDepbGfga7-ipSfUzV5anI0OZQ9njsfWW1HkRCfom4WwkEJRkmVD4Ypj7ogDe_Rkr6AEQyylXE9WouQBm7ElEmzTi3GL_qU8zsEsOMTWRUc63m8T8G1AdNhUGL/s1600/CIMG0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhwH6H_XcB_uH2gCql1mDepbGfga7-ipSfUzV5anI0OZQ9njsfWW1HkRCfom4WwkEJRkmVD4Ypj7ogDe_Rkr6AEQyylXE9WouQBm7ElEmzTi3GL_qU8zsEsOMTWRUc63m8T8G1AdNhUGL/s400/CIMG0039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lrutL2YIvr-pBI3Wsm2gQkhcr0kC6xGkfMgFWaUSVZke90pYG4UKH5-hA83dY4TE22oDeuTB-cCUlXW0ZCpYM4VUspQZGWWQMRRyynldz0quNdBHhYwHkxWsQmzclX91FAWW1son08C6/s1600/CIMG0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lrutL2YIvr-pBI3Wsm2gQkhcr0kC6xGkfMgFWaUSVZke90pYG4UKH5-hA83dY4TE22oDeuTB-cCUlXW0ZCpYM4VUspQZGWWQMRRyynldz0quNdBHhYwHkxWsQmzclX91FAWW1son08C6/s400/CIMG0038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>About to take a bite of my Seoul Burger - melting cheese, fresh meat, kimchi...nom nom nom</i></b></span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">About the joint:<b> Hawk</b> was inspired to open up a "good burger joint" in <b>Korea Town</b> after getting tired of having to drive far either west, south, north or east for a decent burger. His vision? To open a place that served fusion style burgers and represented his Korean/Asian background and culture in his hometown of <b>Korea Town</b>. Let me mention, Hawk refuses to call the place a "Korean Burger Joint" but prefers it be considered an <b>"Asian and American Fusion Burger Joint"</b>. That is why he was also inspired to naming his burgers differently and not solely Korean. Hence, <b>The Seoul Burger</b>, <b>Tokyo Burger</b>, <b>The</b> <b>Saigon Burger</b> and so on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Hawk</b> says all his meat come from naturally grass fed cows...no hormones and are antibiotic free. As noted on his website: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Our meat is 100% Natural Angus Beef, hormonal and antibiotic free, and humanely raised and handled. That means happy cows, happy meat, and happy food!"</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He says his ultimate goal is to raise the bar on quality and flavor to the all <b>American Burger</b>. He also said that him and his sister-in-law, who you'll also find behind the grill, or working the register, are the only two who know the secret sauce's recipe. I asked him if that secret ever leaked out, would we somehow end up finding her missing. </div><br />
Here are a couple of photos from their website. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8sebheGOVtfv8v14dFAP1IUCn8611Ba6wzW766e5F3af_uf6JMko0D2MSdS1nwEtw0SmhSJEOqXmZj3WhGKqEb9KziCwhkXs041YuqEy6fEup-PSBrm1Rd7LykkNoajQC1nLO1-r1c72/s1600/lulu-burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8sebheGOVtfv8v14dFAP1IUCn8611Ba6wzW766e5F3af_uf6JMko0D2MSdS1nwEtw0SmhSJEOqXmZj3WhGKqEb9KziCwhkXs041YuqEy6fEup-PSBrm1Rd7LykkNoajQC1nLO1-r1c72/s400/lulu-burger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The Lulu Burger... Photo by: <a href="http://www.loveandlemonade.com/">Love and Lemonade</a></b></i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdoF2a2YXeT77q-3WYMImeVSwnoUIZ_fxjqdeBZ4Rk87xriP1jyva2lTY_z8H2u4bQfaRrsOamdFHKsUW6bOtSZuvC4R8Zer9zT9uTi__hgaoV7OAtme3LxjABzuYVARTei4cRJIj8yxt/s1600/saigon-burger2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdoF2a2YXeT77q-3WYMImeVSwnoUIZ_fxjqdeBZ4Rk87xriP1jyva2lTY_z8H2u4bQfaRrsOamdFHKsUW6bOtSZuvC4R8Zer9zT9uTi__hgaoV7OAtme3LxjABzuYVARTei4cRJIj8yxt/s400/saigon-burger2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The Saigon Burger... Photo by: <a href="http://www.loveandlemonade.com/">Love and Lemonade</a></b></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The always smiling <b>Hawk</b> wishes everyone come by and visit his joint. At least try it once. He promises to make your visit a pleasant one and hopes to make you one of the tastiest and most flavorful burger you'll ever have.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5b9v_-tmPq57VZHis3GTDssG90Tb7qS-osHbmkKMBqEXXmHFwHhYS_3XDgR6YjvvvS0ga2Xs-zbsj69W2YxpK8EfGY0piNdfD7qgExfqRECY_SRNB-mf1_YoRiTkh-Zy7lr8kwuzLB9z/s1600/CIMG0042-1+%28dragged%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5b9v_-tmPq57VZHis3GTDssG90Tb7qS-osHbmkKMBqEXXmHFwHhYS_3XDgR6YjvvvS0ga2Xs-zbsj69W2YxpK8EfGY0piNdfD7qgExfqRECY_SRNB-mf1_YoRiTkh-Zy7lr8kwuzLB9z/s320/CIMG0042-1+%28dragged%29.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Hawk (the owner)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i> </i></b> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once I make my way through the menu and almost try all the burgers, I can't wait to build my own burger. I found that to be pretty cool. I'm pretty anxious to do that. And Hmmmm...maybe if the burger I build on my own is good enough - he will be inspired to name it after me. *hint hint* </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I must add also - you can't beat the prices either. The combos are all under $10.00. Nice deal for a quality burger. They also serve hot dogs, salads, chili, sweet potato fries and salt and vinegar fries. You can view their menu by visiting their site. Hopefully, when you go, you may just find me there...maybe even behind the kitchen. Oh and <b>MAKE SURE</b> you mention you read about it here on <b>Galo Eating</b>. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kalbi Burger</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4001 Wilshire Blvd Unit E</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Los Angeles, CA 90005</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>phone: 213.738.7898</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Website: <a href="http://kalbiburger.com/">Kalbi Burger</a> </b></span><br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=4001+wilshire+blvd.,+los+angeles,+ca+90010&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=4001+Wilshire+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90005&gl=us&ei=MikfTMrFLIG0lQePwYHjDA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBMQ8gEwAA"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Click here for driving directions </b></span></a>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-1997426899688714012010-06-18T11:24:00.000-07:002010-06-18T19:50:52.709-07:00Pure Luck Restaurant<div style="text-align: justify;">I have been wanting to become vegetarian for a while now. Not necessarily for political beliefs but mainly for the sake of discipline. I have although, due to belief is some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monasticism">monastic</a> philosophies, have considered it more often that one may think. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My first attempt of vegetarianism was about a year ago. I decided to <i>try</i> becoming vegetarian for about 6 months, with the ultimate goal of becoming vegan for at least a month. Again, the sole reason was for personal discipline and perhaps a desire to cleanse the body from toxins and built up waste. Of course that venture was short lived albeit, I had the opportunity to try many vegetarian dishes. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Anyhow - I have a neighbor friend who works at <a href="http://www.pureluckrestaurant.com/"><b>Pure Luck Restaurant</b></a> and has been inviting me to come by and eat at the joint. She claims they have pretty good food and also a good selection of beers on tap. One day, she kindly brought me some of their tomato bean soup and I was impressed. The soup was pretty thick, consistency was much like pea soup. Its flavors were pretty intense. The beans were definitely not overcooked and they had that perfect tenderness. The veggies can be tasted even though the soup was very spicy. I eat spicy food and I must say, this soup was spicy. Not overly numbing spicy but had the right amount of spice to add some pzazz and make me sweat a little. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So a few days later, I was craving some soup, and <b>Pure Luck</b> being only 5 blocks away from me, I shot on over. <b>Pure Luck</b> is located near <b><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">LACC</span></b>, just North of <b><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Melrose</span> Ave</b> and on <b>Heliotrope</b>. I have fond memories of this street dating back to my early years as a teen but specially more so for one of my favorite movie scenes ever being filmed there. The broom scene with <b>Turbo</b> in <b>Breakin' </b>- I just can't believe how much this little area has changed.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BVrWDPi12zE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BVrWDPi12zE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>(The liquor store is no longer there. it is now a Tattoo shop and has some coffee shops next to it. The diamond brick-layered sidewalk is still there. Pure Luck is across the street from here) </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Pure Luck</b> is in what appears to be a house that was converted to a restaurant. Upon walking in, I was immediately greeted by my friend and she sat me by the window. The place is small but quaint with green walls and bamboo forest wallpaper that give a relaxed, chill, very home-like feeling. There are a few bar tables with a cute corner section that is mainly all wood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfPq7kbflzTcJ0yjSYtbYjnG0-Ct9mCAgQOfxI1CNWAqC_ZzE7jRIU0b8fEAZHexaSqFJ9dPxkHG_Lk8Y3TVbyWgD44RnfDc2LDZ9ZrkVZSvhG23og_04UI4WUQUrYBQBY0buhqI_DVJz/s1600/pureluck-aimeebrodeur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfPq7kbflzTcJ0yjSYtbYjnG0-Ct9mCAgQOfxI1CNWAqC_ZzE7jRIU0b8fEAZHexaSqFJ9dPxkHG_Lk8Y3TVbyWgD44RnfDc2LDZ9ZrkVZSvhG23og_04UI4WUQUrYBQBY0buhqI_DVJz/s400/pureluck-aimeebrodeur.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwWj7vRvSDTH_PoOlSY2EwqI4yIbsvTw5i4EETrJyp7EE7p6gX-tWcZl7AkkfaPr5Qob42OVhgIRLDrssDMq-niIoNQhqtHdjOy9UtdmguqBMlSFNXYn-9BxOs7HyIjau8p2alilMzyn4/s1600/CIMG4415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwWj7vRvSDTH_PoOlSY2EwqI4yIbsvTw5i4EETrJyp7EE7p6gX-tWcZl7AkkfaPr5Qob42OVhgIRLDrssDMq-niIoNQhqtHdjOy9UtdmguqBMlSFNXYn-9BxOs7HyIjau8p2alilMzyn4/s400/CIMG4415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>After indecisively looking through the menu for a while, I ordered myself an order of half <b>Pickle Chips</b> and half <b>Rosemary Fries</b> to start off with. I also ordered me a pint of <b>Point Five IPA</b> - a half IPA beer that's pretty light, refreshing and not as bitter as your normal IPA's.<br />
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The pickle chips were good and were served with a side of their garlic aioli sauce that tasted more like sweet BBQ sauce. I personally would have preferred ranch dressing but they did not have any. Big minus there for me. The Rosemary Fries were actually good. Crunchy, since I always order my fries very well done, and they had a light hint of garlic and rosemary which made them even better. The portions were pretty generous too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3x8oLtTAStlZPqhN8KObYuaNNhSdDN7AMKGpoaI5RijhHCOSDOdpV0Ss9N6ITj1k9SS-SoMgHKaF4nk7pUhYJyjHOuvhWoz9AxPuu7eN8slFgPWb8TXKuIr7CwUO7pnPL_0myTBnYJuA/s1600/CIMG4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3x8oLtTAStlZPqhN8KObYuaNNhSdDN7AMKGpoaI5RijhHCOSDOdpV0Ss9N6ITj1k9SS-SoMgHKaF4nk7pUhYJyjHOuvhWoz9AxPuu7eN8slFgPWb8TXKuIr7CwUO7pnPL_0myTBnYJuA/s400/CIMG4418.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Pickle Chips and Rosemary Fries.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJuYrwzC3vI337D7hHME7TbGNycrUDAmirEdsqOrBEK3W7L7Hm-JKDnknEWq6LUVagM8y3nnu48sBXCJ1pKlV8lgwffVmrCwPW-eUpGeTi4jxNk416Mc_qxHkggNWrMOY8cvHdSORSyea/s1600/CIMG4413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJuYrwzC3vI337D7hHME7TbGNycrUDAmirEdsqOrBEK3W7L7Hm-JKDnknEWq6LUVagM8y3nnu48sBXCJ1pKlV8lgwffVmrCwPW-eUpGeTi4jxNk416Mc_qxHkggNWrMOY8cvHdSORSyea/s400/CIMG4413.JPG" width="400" /></a><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cold pint of brew. Very refreshing as the day was hella hot...</span></i> <br />
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So on to what else I ordered. Somewhat a little full from a great serving of fries and pickle chips, I wanted something relatively small, light but good. They had some taco combos that came with sides but I was done with "sides" and just ordered myself a <b>Baja Taco</b> and a <b>Jackfruit</b> <i>"carnitas"</i> taco.<br />
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The <b>Baja Taco</b> is a veggie fish flavored tofu taco. It was actually pretty good although a little bit bland and slightly chewy. But it was still good. It had sour cream, onions, tomatoes and cabbage and served on two corn tortillas. Very much like your typical fish tacos.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbDp7zag9crfjkJll9TmEbIgSHrsWYoJw00mKucbzSPOAuoiIH_LB6anqWJ0KPxLpLNSPOHJdJtlgl12c2PGSHbk4HtJ8ekjNJn45d1zbXTS8FKkTTGEnaiUhWP76KGv1vn8Z5vaRFjrk/s1600/CIMG4419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbDp7zag9crfjkJll9TmEbIgSHrsWYoJw00mKucbzSPOAuoiIH_LB6anqWJ0KPxLpLNSPOHJdJtlgl12c2PGSHbk4HtJ8ekjNJn45d1zbXTS8FKkTTGEnaiUhWP76KGv1vn8Z5vaRFjrk/s400/CIMG4419.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-_guS1VtSDBj2MSzvW5QbfTTk30CS6rfJfUEYMNHTv8f3MTCqyUDqliYY-ugUWuiO6iYtCmBOYh-MyLWFCdydd4b7asftMSMER_Nui2i_jO8s5caLlSy64rlQQZgwSLl5TClkPe8SU7J/s1600/CIMG4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-_guS1VtSDBj2MSzvW5QbfTTk30CS6rfJfUEYMNHTv8f3MTCqyUDqliYY-ugUWuiO6iYtCmBOYh-MyLWFCdydd4b7asftMSMER_Nui2i_jO8s5caLlSy64rlQQZgwSLl5TClkPe8SU7J/s400/CIMG4420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Plate of Fish Tacos and "carnitas"taco...</span></i><br />
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The <i>carnitas</i> taco was absolutely better. It surprisingly tasted very much like <i>carnitas</i>. Had the pork flavor and composed of the same stringy texture as <i>carnitas</i> but the significant difference was that the flavor was lighter and not as greasy as normal typical <i>carnitas</i>.<br />
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The taco was served with chopped onions, fresh cilantro and a green <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomatillo">tomatillo</a> that was obviously freshly made. It was so good I asked for some extra sauce. It isn't spicy at all although, it may be spicy for some.<br />
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My friend finally took a small break and walked over to sit with m for bit me with a glass of their <b>Anvil ESB </b>- a more darker, full bodied IPA that was evidently more bitter. It was very good and suited well as an after meal drink. She also had with her a plate of <b>Tacos de Platanos</b> (plaintains). I personally do not have a sweet tooth so was a little reluctant to try them, specially with the taste of IPA still lingering and bathing my taste buds. Well I must say they were delicious. The tacos are made with sweet plaintains, sweet cream and caramelized grilled onions. then served on two corn tortillas. The result is a well balanced subtly sweet treat that I would definitely order next time I come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEQY1XAStEjWgRpdMjaZolnbUn26YCOJGEF5SSbYjWaZHdyJfhPTEQQ7ruOmeGLGBXl1YhfjBGLNWOtomZtgk7WoSrsshOn_YwBzbcez2DpmyivhIw0UGl7o22XAllb2A5TIwh5JT9iZX/s1600/bananas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEQY1XAStEjWgRpdMjaZolnbUn26YCOJGEF5SSbYjWaZHdyJfhPTEQQ7ruOmeGLGBXl1YhfjBGLNWOtomZtgk7WoSrsshOn_YwBzbcez2DpmyivhIw0UGl7o22XAllb2A5TIwh5JT9iZX/s400/bananas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Plaintain Tacos</i></span> <br />
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So if vegetarian or simply in the mood for some healthy food, make sure you visit Pure Luck. I am certainly returning for the beers and also to try the their <i>carnitas</i> burrito. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pure Luck</b></span><br />
707 N Heliotrope Drive<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90029<br />
323.660.5993 </div>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-77042909790361068062010-06-14T13:45:00.000-07:002010-06-15T10:53:35.876-07:00Watch Mexico vs France at La Guelaguetza....Okay everyone - Mexico's <span style="font-weight: bold;">World Cup</span> Game 2 is up.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">And most of you <span style="font-style: italic;">futbol</span> (soccer) fans, and those willing to rise up early to watch the <span style="font-weight: bold;">World Cup</span> games, already have your spot sought out to watch the upcoming match of <span style="font-weight: bold;">France</span> vs <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mexico</span> this <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday</span> the <span style="font-weight: bold;">17th</span>. Gladly, this game is not one of the earlier games so some may have the chance to sleep in a little before the game while others rise up early regardless.<br />
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The game is at <b>11:30 AM</b>, which is a great time for brunch, and anyone wanting to go somewhere to watch the game should head on over to <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.guelaguetzarestaurante.com/">La Guelaguetza</a></span></span> Whether you wish to have breakfast or lunch while watching the game <span style="font-weight: bold;">La Guelaguetza</span> is the place to be at this Thursday. <span style="font-weight: bold;">La Guelaguetza</span> is an authentic <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oaxaca">Oaxacan</a></span> Restaurant located in the heart of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Korea Town</span>. They will be hosting a game viewing party with lots of specials going on. With $5 game specials such as: chilaquiles, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menudo_%28soup%29">menudo</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozole">pozole</a> and $5 drinks such as: Oaxacan style <b>Micheladas</b>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Garra de Tigre</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Margaritas</span>.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAT1mmhAEjnGoNWkUXIFuWu_L7H-PwA0kEn2YP2DLgQqwoOrK-E4mHfjTeE8uin5zEix6KFuKKvYGFm70s2xUkvbY3vjP7zGnrKBxztwvH6botZCw62aEvgrIRdLMbV5w-v7vPRG8wZBu/s1600/IMG_3094.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482738338006421762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAT1mmhAEjnGoNWkUXIFuWu_L7H-PwA0kEn2YP2DLgQqwoOrK-E4mHfjTeE8uin5zEix6KFuKKvYGFm70s2xUkvbY3vjP7zGnrKBxztwvH6botZCw62aEvgrIRdLMbV5w-v7vPRG8wZBu/s400/IMG_3094.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lL41CfcYFVODIVzOWWZP8b6twtIkvvD9032N0ygcxXcE39IeHZfBLhGzcwuUJMJS5JobX1V7xGAAwyy9H_CCeoe5Ag1WlQ5JPaPg5xtZ1qiTw09qU8QAVNIC1oDipU24IsV8hRLJ_IPE/s1600/CIMG4395.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482739244858183858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lL41CfcYFVODIVzOWWZP8b6twtIkvvD9032N0ygcxXcE39IeHZfBLhGzcwuUJMJS5JobX1V7xGAAwyy9H_CCeoe5Ag1WlQ5JPaPg5xtZ1qiTw09qU8QAVNIC1oDipU24IsV8hRLJ_IPE/s400/CIMG4395.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Chips with their homemade Mole and salsa</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1RfIJHjOvvzf_Tlz47drHbNNJUGSr8nS8AAOe1QCE1As-rCPehahFDm2xUylP7idEsfKNisd3bu6CzoEVnl2r67ctNnql1PBn65g4Yds8rrUgotx5AaA4ABk1U0sLH-CNHR-ymd0X3Af/s1600/IMG_3891.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482738766146572114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1RfIJHjOvvzf_Tlz47drHbNNJUGSr8nS8AAOe1QCE1As-rCPehahFDm2xUylP7idEsfKNisd3bu6CzoEVnl2r67ctNnql1PBn65g4Yds8rrUgotx5AaA4ABk1U0sLH-CNHR-ymd0X3Af/s400/IMG_3891.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Oaxacan style Micheleda</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-7wnDZOdHWtf6cwKJL7HoOALr6Wkxf3NSJXeKJmnWI0HkE9MGagakWBFJXIZRKYgplqmI3A6Pg8t9QtwS_H2rnCO0rM2oGwEUy3zJq0SJHl6ywpCmk_FTacnoD1b-CKcldRlY-YrmBGb/s1600/CIMG4397.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482740136812267778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-7wnDZOdHWtf6cwKJL7HoOALr6Wkxf3NSJXeKJmnWI0HkE9MGagakWBFJXIZRKYgplqmI3A6Pg8t9QtwS_H2rnCO0rM2oGwEUy3zJq0SJHl6ywpCmk_FTacnoD1b-CKcldRlY-YrmBGb/s400/CIMG4397.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Chapulines a la Mexicana</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (Grasshoppers)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLk5b4RHzUqQXTHymZE-86AG1aIRGsHQdzHxHs6DKgJCneqSZWYzcDVCZZNS15pFpeCZzs3NBdLqvuNwRD-5MkpHFtga02zPZESGY1jwjCFTcfN2ohIViEz6Bo_HqSeyfcTTQVOqVZ4Hn/s1600/IMG_3883.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482741242391959490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLk5b4RHzUqQXTHymZE-86AG1aIRGsHQdzHxHs6DKgJCneqSZWYzcDVCZZNS15pFpeCZzs3NBdLqvuNwRD-5MkpHFtga02zPZESGY1jwjCFTcfN2ohIViEz6Bo_HqSeyfcTTQVOqVZ4Hn/s400/IMG_3883.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Hooked up</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tlayuda" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Clayuda</span></a></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Tricolor</b></i></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I, along with some friends, went last Friday for the opening game of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mexico</span> vs <span style="font-weight: bold;">South Africa</span> and the place was packed. There were people everywhere...standing, siting, drinking, eating and cheering as they watched the game on the restaurant's 150" screen. Shots of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Real Mexicano</span> were passed around freely by Bricia, horns were blowing, Mexican flags were being waved around or worn as capes by fans dressed in luchador masks, sombreros, team jerseys and Mexican gear.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pmoYRBos30L8SDu7NEHoHP1R75Y1bkxDjtw6__vSztS-vhOh1c97BkHGPYDSeXHIBB1yXUeoDRLnt1rSCT4uWpUlRM6hWJ_iQntGd8EZJw8ivutY1L10dClbLzWDZtHcE2ItLJZlZkVN/s1600/IMG_5487.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482742399013113122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pmoYRBos30L8SDu7NEHoHP1R75Y1bkxDjtw6__vSztS-vhOh1c97BkHGPYDSeXHIBB1yXUeoDRLnt1rSCT4uWpUlRM6hWJ_iQntGd8EZJw8ivutY1L10dClbLzWDZtHcE2ItLJZlZkVN/s400/IMG_5487.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42EVncGuvuG36NIvUbJX-u30j9UU-AtkWid-s5OBQxcvP26Qr8JuAHIxKM5JEMMZwDjWnVmXCc58LYpv7jSLtKnHRB6HRMi4ivDXhkGYspstezluQOobScLVKFKpXsWZg_zPZBGU91l-u/s1600/IMG_5479.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482742289781910066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42EVncGuvuG36NIvUbJX-u30j9UU-AtkWid-s5OBQxcvP26Qr8JuAHIxKM5JEMMZwDjWnVmXCc58LYpv7jSLtKnHRB6HRMi4ivDXhkGYspstezluQOobScLVKFKpXsWZg_zPZBGU91l-u/s400/IMG_5479.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 306px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOYbXnGrFNKDZT4XgaK4a_3um398anI2el2WpwYRDQXEkIxinH_3ccaUxKJXlRgC3egVz4KCtlaoPKbTrQQOzU8OS17TC2SKjVAArgaJroYSye-Bghwd8RdL4cjDmHRf7DsBdjhlyodSm/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482742589818907602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOYbXnGrFNKDZT4XgaK4a_3um398anI2el2WpwYRDQXEkIxinH_3ccaUxKJXlRgC3egVz4KCtlaoPKbTrQQOzU8OS17TC2SKjVAArgaJroYSye-Bghwd8RdL4cjDmHRf7DsBdjhlyodSm/s400/IMG_5843.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Akwid in the house</span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3biaKiL-toUNzHmYM8AyzccPpz3bhxWWZ73h_8wXqZqPxrwfe18YGpr_1ZYhGniB_erO256jN-Wx-UFydqzibiR_L-8HPcnxZtVg8PudD5H2LCBEgDwyUj-0NlIRULuGUgsaAGAXevfN/s1600/CIMG4402.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482743149263790946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3biaKiL-toUNzHmYM8AyzccPpz3bhxWWZ73h_8wXqZqPxrwfe18YGpr_1ZYhGniB_erO256jN-Wx-UFydqzibiR_L-8HPcnxZtVg8PudD5H2LCBEgDwyUj-0NlIRULuGUgsaAGAXevfN/s400/CIMG4402.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Our table of devoured plates of appetizers, clayudas, menudo, pozole and drinks...</span><br />
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More of the crowd on deck...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzxAYUqdysuDaxb4DVQeDa3VkU2lSQs7nVbVKEHdc0c7zrMkxCP-GcrwqKOrMMNVpwSmfznYrP7aYDplZfT_D-YRQB_tjRjL2dj0V2vwntUa-WrPCLN_TeF4xaoSp5CksEuoTKlufBfBw/s1600/IMG_5619.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482771201842058962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzxAYUqdysuDaxb4DVQeDa3VkU2lSQs7nVbVKEHdc0c7zrMkxCP-GcrwqKOrMMNVpwSmfznYrP7aYDplZfT_D-YRQB_tjRjL2dj0V2vwntUa-WrPCLN_TeF4xaoSp5CksEuoTKlufBfBw/s400/IMG_5619.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCnmte9CfxKH8sq3ouTGpeh0_Txw_ojNkQh8lPEsAKASuoT2uVCYnjC7mUzhJCr49gQ72N1vSh-mgq83yzkkaMp0so3nRMomGoBaCA-eJ7aU7lo7monXJa-EEk14RS2nhUxhdoGYEVw80/s1600/IMG_5752.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482771674893936994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCnmte9CfxKH8sq3ouTGpeh0_Txw_ojNkQh8lPEsAKASuoT2uVCYnjC7mUzhJCr49gQ72N1vSh-mgq83yzkkaMp0so3nRMomGoBaCA-eJ7aU7lo7monXJa-EEk14RS2nhUxhdoGYEVw80/s400/IMG_5752.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOocNYTTanlGE7JNaNKo75CNNgMoAufkIgU87GAg8YSgRzFEaVFhA9m4YEZ6BRDl5REbiyNUAXk0egrOiXcEKzseRhxaMxluqQDwRf3Bo7OThyphenhyphenzGOI8VhqHhMKut2rQKfoGtcTfXDonTCf/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482772140555880130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOocNYTTanlGE7JNaNKo75CNNgMoAufkIgU87GAg8YSgRzFEaVFhA9m4YEZ6BRDl5REbiyNUAXk0egrOiXcEKzseRhxaMxluqQDwRf3Bo7OThyphenhyphenzGOI8VhqHhMKut2rQKfoGtcTfXDonTCf/s400/IMG_5694.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://teenageglutster.blogspot.com/" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Teenage Glutser</a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> repping...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQOJyaR8zWJGmWLTAOkVoIql5XnZuzuwBYxweDbf1Imwybb5qPucb_3jJljncQXE9hsiY2C3O-8mlgmrUSGqTjJ8EvObhh9g4UL9E93O_qBeT6AhtmpwtqMQjn5B-G6V1EPdnQ2zmn7XH/s1600/IMG_5847.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482744836707221954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQOJyaR8zWJGmWLTAOkVoIql5XnZuzuwBYxweDbf1Imwybb5qPucb_3jJljncQXE9hsiY2C3O-8mlgmrUSGqTjJ8EvObhh9g4UL9E93O_qBeT6AhtmpwtqMQjn5B-G6V1EPdnQ2zmn7XH/s400/IMG_5847.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://twitter.com/oobriciaoo">Bricia</a>, the girl with the shots and some musician dude...forgot who he was...but that's Bricia with the cute smile...</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VBk1GlAt9NQurrCGkld8U2DJpXwLyJ6slquZTXHS33sOEOAUQpulN5CSFlU1yhf37NihDctxWTQEk6MTr7sGgeoCLJzovEXuJQbrE96JyKOkPMTOwgUZMmDa93V171_1lrSN0CLjDxTc/s1600/CIMG4405.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482745565876694402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VBk1GlAt9NQurrCGkld8U2DJpXwLyJ6slquZTXHS33sOEOAUQpulN5CSFlU1yhf37NihDctxWTQEk6MTr7sGgeoCLJzovEXuJQbrE96JyKOkPMTOwgUZMmDa93V171_1lrSN0CLjDxTc/s400/CIMG4405.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">MEXICO SCORES!!!!</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">So whether you are a Mexican fan or France fan or simply want to go to a place to watch the game and enjoy some great food and drinks. Head on over to <span style="font-weight: bold;">La Guelaguetza</span>. early arrival is highly recommended because it will be packed.</div><br />
This is the World Cup menu ya'll - click on it twice to enlarge -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm55uRi04XDSl856_pSIsiNnDMfoehUBWwVZ0hLReXJLzq9U5Yj2Fl87SVIgMTuMuTCN48WD5in8nQF9HRsqIQXK-c-ZAePeSzkzqfxJDXW1P1fxbTEAjgn1t34QI4VVTkQOVsAH3fEZz/s1600/Mundial+Menu.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482746059825806450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm55uRi04XDSl856_pSIsiNnDMfoehUBWwVZ0hLReXJLzq9U5Yj2Fl87SVIgMTuMuTCN48WD5in8nQF9HRsqIQXK-c-ZAePeSzkzqfxJDXW1P1fxbTEAjgn1t34QI4VVTkQOVsAH3fEZz/s400/Mundial+Menu.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 676px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 269px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">*And MAKE sure you find Bricia and mention - <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;">LOVEGALO</span> - to receive some memelitas on the house or whatever she decides to give you*<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
See ya there and</span> </span><span style="font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold;">"Arriba Mexico!!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">La Guelaguetza</span></span><br />
<div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4c17bdb1d3ce01eef74a1">3014 West Olympic Boulevard </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4c17bdb1d3ce01eef74a1">Los Angeles, CA </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4c17bdb1d3ce01eef74a1">Phone - 213.427.0608<span style="font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4c17bdb1d3ce01eef74a1"><span style="font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4c17bdb1d3ce01eef74a1"><span style="font-weight: bold;">For a more thorough review write up on the restaurant visit </span><a href="http://laeastside.com/2010/04/guelaguetza-oaxacan-resturant/" style="font-weight: bold;">LA Eastside</a></div>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-36408703459703084222010-06-11T22:54:00.000-07:002010-06-12T23:48:19.043-07:00Coffee made from poop?While watching the the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/">World Cup</a> opening game of <a href="http://www.terra.com.mx/futbol/seleccion/">Mexico</a> vs <a href="http://www.safa.net/">South Africa</a> at <a href="http://www.guelaguetzarestaurante.com/">La Guelaguetza</a>, one of my friend's mentioned something about some most expensive coffee in the world. The coffee was so expensive because it had something to do with it being pooped out by some kind of monkeys...I was like whaaaaa...<br /><br />Extremely intrigued, I immediately looked it up upon getting home, in disbelief of course, and lo and behold, found it was true. <br /><br />Apparently, this coffee, named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_Luwak">Kopi Luwak</a>, is coffee that is made up from defecated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea">coffee berries</a> that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Palm_Civet">Asian Palm Civet</a> could not digest.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Civets</span>, which are actually not monkeys but mammals of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viverridae">viverridae</a> family are very much like Racoons. Or better said, more like long-nose felines that are often called or even referred to as <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Toddy Cats"</span>. They are often found in the Southern part of Asia and Indonesia, where the name actually stems from, and in some parts of Southern China. They are exclusively nocturnal and are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnivore">omnivores</a> although their diet mainly consists of fruits. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39aH1BGtskER6PwANl_MH9-ad62EqcIBY5g_VCGAT9eFoeUXpIRYPx7H8oashouBrLlHIJ3qoqE2X8U-K70CLUrl9K4OV6GeN0__-jX5pIShbW-Y-kK8U8lB-_PeCTm8cuLjGNCMSWYFU/s1600/Asian_Palm_Civet_Over_A_Tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39aH1BGtskER6PwANl_MH9-ad62EqcIBY5g_VCGAT9eFoeUXpIRYPx7H8oashouBrLlHIJ3qoqE2X8U-K70CLUrl9K4OV6GeN0__-jX5pIShbW-Y-kK8U8lB-_PeCTm8cuLjGNCMSWYFU/s400/Asian_Palm_Civet_Over_A_Tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482028245349337906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC0SIEerYS7kd2nOjT9LCwqmljlJEDcVILyWjlLbv5yd-mYMTtcwB4Q_EKo9_SHfMQxoJTieyDw7lejX0S2BLUKhdSINChvUMSMwrv0fuEmee2YQLqiogaWmU75-R9HhK2fXCduSPd-ey/s1600/civet+that+came+to+thecamp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC0SIEerYS7kd2nOjT9LCwqmljlJEDcVILyWjlLbv5yd-mYMTtcwB4Q_EKo9_SHfMQxoJTieyDw7lejX0S2BLUKhdSINChvUMSMwrv0fuEmee2YQLqiogaWmU75-R9HhK2fXCduSPd-ey/s400/civet+that+came+to+thecamp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482028437494999426" /></a><br />Civets also like to eat red coffee berries and beans. In most of the jungles they live in, they are able to find the sweetest and ripest of the berries or beans. The only problem is, they can not digest them. So when these Civets defecate these beans, they come out in their entirety and are clumped up together as seen below. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5v1ceEd_6_IfZgr1Cl2bsQXlMnOKkL90zrI8B1CiLYZrEnn1_R7b7_-KGxRsSBwL384HQbYSW571J1uLD4rSnHVfqv9MP8nvnaw_78StleQAnuNSTrhvgx-ON0ifSz6I90UAWD53cDZk/s1600/luwak_poop-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5v1ceEd_6_IfZgr1Cl2bsQXlMnOKkL90zrI8B1CiLYZrEnn1_R7b7_-KGxRsSBwL384HQbYSW571J1uLD4rSnHVfqv9MP8nvnaw_78StleQAnuNSTrhvgx-ON0ifSz6I90UAWD53cDZk/s400/luwak_poop-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482020340334602674" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yyGeTmqnKG_HcsqxCNggb-7EZ5do9Bso-Kb0qWS-56-pM3EzRPG2BaU3tOLXW1pqEgs1HstAT_M2DbhmTleRhes7DK83-yWWnYYMfglRQyycjknZS6Zn1GqUaxAm9WP53bRErBq6uCsp/s1600/civet-poop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yyGeTmqnKG_HcsqxCNggb-7EZ5do9Bso-Kb0qWS-56-pM3EzRPG2BaU3tOLXW1pqEgs1HstAT_M2DbhmTleRhes7DK83-yWWnYYMfglRQyycjknZS6Zn1GqUaxAm9WP53bRErBq6uCsp/s400/civet-poop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482020634139805074" /></a><br />So I am assuming some person, maybe on shrooms or bored, was one day walking through the jungles and witnessed a Civet pooping or something. Noticed that they were undigested coffee beans and for some strange reason decided to grab the poop, wash the beans of course, roast them, grind them and make themselves a cup of coffee. And wallah, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kopi Luwak</span> was born. <br /><br />What was actually discovered was that the enzymes in the civet's tummy break down the coffee's bitterness which then leave behind an extremely delicious and unique bean of coffee. How this or any one person thought they can market this?...I don't know. <br /><br />But today, the Kopi Luwa, goes through a more rigorous process. After it is collected, the beans are processed hygienically then given a medium roast so it would not destroy the complex flavors that develop naturally through the process and then served in a small cup much so like an espresso. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF6gWmAZobkhLYcBuQvmu_CaKYaPJWTHOvA3ekdSu2JNGz-CkG0Hy1-nRQqkwKiz_A69I-wSISLL4_craJDVBlJSvHqeI71yF4SfXJ0ha_Ymnvgc6fpUEV4D2K2f9EOKlVBzL_29AlFzp/s1600/kopi_luwak_coffee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF6gWmAZobkhLYcBuQvmu_CaKYaPJWTHOvA3ekdSu2JNGz-CkG0Hy1-nRQqkwKiz_A69I-wSISLL4_craJDVBlJSvHqeI71yF4SfXJ0ha_Ymnvgc6fpUEV4D2K2f9EOKlVBzL_29AlFzp/s400/kopi_luwak_coffee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482024017668615778" /></a><br />The result? A coffee that is said to be non-bitter and of a naturally rich caramelish-chocolate-like flavor. Many have attempted to breed their own Civets and hand feed them but due to the naturalness of their living conditions and habitat of the jungle, the breeders have not had success. <br /><br />The coffee is said to be the most expensive coffee in the world, $30 - $50 dollars a cup! That is far from your daily visit at Starbucks or Coffee Bean or even 7/11 for your daily dose of caffeine. When packaged, it can cost you anywhere between $250 - $400 a pound. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZN0-ZvWIAVQl3fajpcS0zLUL2xn1MnVCCxuUjy2MiEXSkyO8OyYeTPQO-s0nKME6zCHbPGaJoOR-j7ODIhvY2Dzmt5WyAiV5Ph6VH6tsRWmiqL_i29nL6rqxd-RlhkfoI85UmMkPQGoT/s1600/luwakpot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZN0-ZvWIAVQl3fajpcS0zLUL2xn1MnVCCxuUjy2MiEXSkyO8OyYeTPQO-s0nKME6zCHbPGaJoOR-j7ODIhvY2Dzmt5WyAiV5Ph6VH6tsRWmiqL_i29nL6rqxd-RlhkfoI85UmMkPQGoT/s400/luwakpot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482037223588256930" /></a><br />Now, I personally love coffee...I drink it every day. I have had some really good java but never as such as <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kopi Luwak</span>. I am dying to try this coffee but I do not have the $400.00 disposably to drop on a pound of coffee. The other bad thing is, I do not plan to visit Indonesia any time soon, but I know it is sold and found in Japan, which I may be heading out to this year or early next. This would definitely be on my list to try. $30 a cup? I can do that and would just to taste and experience it. If sooooo good as they say...I may just very well dish out the 3 bills for a pound. I can't, although, help to think what kind of breath it leaves afterwards. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Kopi - Indonesian for cofee</span> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Luwak - Indonesian for Civet</span>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-73339713651805634512010-06-10T11:36:00.000-07:002010-06-10T13:01:56.164-07:00Where to Eat Around the World and Watch the World Cup in L.A.As we all know, or at least most of us in the entire world knows, <a href="http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">The World Cup</span></a> begins tomorrow. The opening game will be <a href="http://www.terra.com.mx/futbol/seleccion/">Mexico</a> vs the host, South Africa.<br /><br />Many have questioned where to best watch the games. Some, due to how early the games are being aired, have pretty much settled for watching them at home and/or setting the DVR on record to watch them later. Yet, many, specially <span style="font-style:italic;">futbol</span> (soccer) fans, have the desire to get up early, maybe even call in sick and possibly head out to a cool joint or spot to watch the game in a different setting other than that of their home. <br /><br />Well, my boy, Hadley Tomicki, who has been blogging and writing for years now, and who is the editor of the famous <a href="http://www.lataco.com/">LA Taco</a> site, has compiled a nice little set for <a href="http://losangeles.grubstreet.com/">Los Angeles Grub Street</a> of places to eat, drink and/or watch the <span style="font-weight:bold;">World Cup</span>. He has even arranged them by country and origin of food so that you may enjoy watching the game amongst your <span style="font-style:italic;">paisanos</span>.<br /><br />To view this list and scope out cool spots to watch the game, visit <a href="http://losangeles.grubstreet.com/2010/06/where_to_eat_around_the_world.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Los Angeles Grub Street</span> </a> and also don't forget to visit his site <a href="http://www.lataco.com/">LA Taco</a> for great updates and posts.<br /><br />Enjoy the games ya'll and Arriba Mexico Ca***es!!!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcC31hyphenhyphenYUFne99WVyDlerCnIgpLsFSHhK8sPvStXTZfO9jVUgGIB9du4T13rS1Tld-QQ7DpHg5_1IuSMZpNPTChoKrmrWQw704GOhX81NJiqyV4Czrv-NHIE33SicL76uprkpZuv0BMSlf/s1600/mexico_flag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcC31hyphenhyphenYUFne99WVyDlerCnIgpLsFSHhK8sPvStXTZfO9jVUgGIB9du4T13rS1Tld-QQ7DpHg5_1IuSMZpNPTChoKrmrWQw704GOhX81NJiqyV4Czrv-NHIE33SicL76uprkpZuv0BMSlf/s400/mexico_flag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481228819082141458" /></a>MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-44787789922406683582010-05-28T17:06:00.000-07:002010-05-28T21:15:19.647-07:00Escargot at TaixThat's right!! - SNAILS!! Snails have been consumed for centuries now and are considered a delicacy in many countries. Many may immediately cringe or frown at the idea of eating a slimy insect but snails aren't insects. They are, in fact, considered <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mollusc">mollusks</a>. Mollusks are an animal group that include: slugs, oysters, clams, octopus, sea slugs, squid and of course the nautilus to name a few.<br /><br />The most eaten form of snails are land snails of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helix_%28genus%29">helix</a> category, or more commonly known by its French word <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escargot"><span style="font-style:italic;">escargot</span></a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEtP5LTuhco3-pvUeFw9g4pvYeXO3X_F4fHNN5VV0z0SlIGB6HH0EM491UX4nse46fDKqW79O3UjNtDb3oFlMBPSiXOCx97FWGBy35A4MvfBS6KhK0lTMs3TRN-mctb2eBdTzN1xpQvAc/s1600/escargot007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEtP5LTuhco3-pvUeFw9g4pvYeXO3X_F4fHNN5VV0z0SlIGB6HH0EM491UX4nse46fDKqW79O3UjNtDb3oFlMBPSiXOCx97FWGBy35A4MvfBS6KhK0lTMs3TRN-mctb2eBdTzN1xpQvAc/s400/escargot007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476534657266785986" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Escargot</span> is not necessarily what many assume it is. A dish filled with slimy slugs that one found in their backyard or garden or in some ditch somewhere and were somehow cooked. The preparation process of <span style="font-style:italic;">escargot</span> is about two to three weeks before being served. The snails are made to fast for about three days or more with only water available. The snails are then fed flour and only drink water for at least another week. These first two steps are to cleanse the snails. The snails are then removed from their shells (gutted) and cooked, traditionally, with garlic and butter. They are then poured back into the shells along with its own butter. There are, of course, other ways to prepare the snails such as boiled in chicken broth and/or one can add more garlic as well as thyme, parsley and pine nuts. <br /><br />Once they are done, they are then served on a special escargot plate/dish along with special snail tongs (for holding the shell) and snail forks (for extracting the meat).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRKozidQlw9Q6ht1nI1_nOVSsbJhPNRJhFhBJLntPH00RvIzYJYa2bW_Fc2LU8RYtXY3YlOEsMuJ-LPAxh9EKOah1Yty3wQAgcKW6GtVuxucX3Tr_YLktJhS39BJ6ymaXQBMJEtGlQKd1/s1600/6804escargot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRKozidQlw9Q6ht1nI1_nOVSsbJhPNRJhFhBJLntPH00RvIzYJYa2bW_Fc2LU8RYtXY3YlOEsMuJ-LPAxh9EKOah1Yty3wQAgcKW6GtVuxucX3Tr_YLktJhS39BJ6ymaXQBMJEtGlQKd1/s400/6804escargot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476497158455679250" /></a><br />The Escargot Plate. Although there are different kinds, this one in particular is the stainless steel kind. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvWN4sbu51x9pBzcKpRlhwmrdfd3ALj2XVGqjxQtPs-psjvZYkzu9Xmyfuq5m6P_MwRXW5ehqRHb_aaHjOPeFEBnMF2jEVw1CDAgHO3ZuJgFgSbFH6RcYvPUcJI1DQgTFKVIp9aWlCLH6/s1600/ricci_argentieri_art_deco_silverplate_escargot_tongs_solid_piece_P0000079741S0041T2-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvWN4sbu51x9pBzcKpRlhwmrdfd3ALj2XVGqjxQtPs-psjvZYkzu9Xmyfuq5m6P_MwRXW5ehqRHb_aaHjOPeFEBnMF2jEVw1CDAgHO3ZuJgFgSbFH6RcYvPUcJI1DQgTFKVIp9aWlCLH6/s400/ricci_argentieri_art_deco_silverplate_escargot_tongs_solid_piece_P0000079741S0041T2-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476497783898117138" /></a><br />The special tongs and fork...<br /><br />Anywho - so I received a call from my friend Nick about a week ago from <a href="http://www.taixfrench.com/">Taix French Restaurant</a> in Echo Park. Since that call, I have been thinking about and craving <span style="font-style:italic;">escargot</span> so I decided to make a trip out to Taix. I have been there a few times before and I personally have never been disappointed. Their portions are relatively larger than your usual French food portions and the food is simply delicious. <br /><br />They have a lounge area called <a href="http://www.taixfrench.com/321lounge.html">321</a> that offers a happy hour between 5pm and 7PM, Monday thru Friday. At the bar you will find a bartender, Fernando, who is 77 years old and has been there for many years. He will welcome you with a smile, provide you excellent service and fill you with amazing stories. If you choose to sit at a table, then you may meet Tony who is an absolute sweetheart. She will definitely bring a warm smile to your face. <br /><br />The diners are a mix of those who have been coming for nearly 20 years, you have your elderly couples, young couples, of course your singles and locals and some, whose parents have brought them to the establishment since their early childhood years. Keep in mind, Taix is located in Echo Park so you may find a couple of hipsters here and there. <br /><br />So upon arriving, I was like, "Fernando, traime una orden de caracoles y sirveme una cerveza fria porfavor". While my order of <span style="font-style:italic;">escargot</span> was being prepared, I chatted it up with fernando and some locals while I sipped on a Taix draft beer, which is a Stone Ale like beer. When my <span style="font-style:italic;">escargot</span> arrived, I pretty much devoured them. There is no need to mention, the <span style="font-style:italic;">escargot</span> were delicious and I was completely satisfied. I usually order my <span style="font-style:italic;">escargot</span> with extra garlic and parsley. I used the French bread they serve to dip in the garlicy butter. Mmmmmm....sooooo GOOD. I was going to order the special of the day, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Cuisses de Grenouille<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> (frog legs) but the gentleman sitting next to me had ordered the last one. *sighs*. Maybe next time. I ended up ordering the Short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmxXPdCc5tU9RP6Ezef5ITa1QuNmnwfGTXN8s5usjcfHXOwVEiI3gQXynDDE60wvZvcHbRYyqpBccQEvrYVp9OClX1vsUjljLl0wCkR7rZsazxmX9b9QRlYSkC6zRHg_Nt7yNBbDrbUUM/s1600/3685195570_139203b51d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmxXPdCc5tU9RP6Ezef5ITa1QuNmnwfGTXN8s5usjcfHXOwVEiI3gQXynDDE60wvZvcHbRYyqpBccQEvrYVp9OClX1vsUjljLl0wCkR7rZsazxmX9b9QRlYSkC6zRHg_Nt7yNBbDrbUUM/s400/3685195570_139203b51d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476499526934951554" /></a><br />My dish of Escargot<br /><br />So if ever daring enough to try <span style="font-style:italic;">escargot</span> and/or in the mood for some, make sure you swing by to Taix. Try to hit their happy hour which is good. They also have a happy hour menu that includes fries and mayo, marinated olives, pate, sweet potato fries and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosette_de_Lyon">Rosette de Lyon</a> and so on. But If wanting to dine, I highly recommend it too. Not only will you enjoy the food in a nice quite setting, but you will definitely be thrown back to nostalgia. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Taix French Restaurant<br /></span>1911 W. Sunset Boulevard<br />Los Angeles, CA 90026<br />(213) 484-1265MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864333645551996639.post-6674245957493104232010-05-15T14:24:00.000-07:002010-05-28T21:15:55.365-07:00La HaciendaOkay peeps, there are many seafood spots in the LA County that serve pretty good traditional type seafood. You know? The standard: coctel de mariscos (seafood cocktails), <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camarones_al_mojo_de_ajo"> camarones al mojo de ajo </a> (garlic shrimp), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tostada">tostadas de ceviche</a>, oysters etc.<br /><br />And albeit I have been on a mean <span style="font-style:italic;">4 Vientos</span> Seafood tip lately I still have to give it up to my favorite seafood joint <span style="font-style:italic;">La Hacienda</span> in Lynwood, CA. (For a review on <span style="font-style:italic;">4 Vientos</span> visit <a href="http://laeastside.com/2010/05/mariscos-4-vientos/">LA Eastside</a>) <br /><br />So you ask yourself..."What's so great or different about <span style="font-style:italic;">La Hacienda</span>?" Well for starters, it is one of the only few spots I know of in LA that focuses on authentic Mariscos Estilo <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayarit">Nayarit</a>.<br /><br />"So what? What's so great about Nayarit?"...well homie, Nayarit is a state in Mexico off the coast of the Pacific Ocean that is notoriously known in Mexico for their unique seafood and shrimp specialties! With recipes stemming from their islands such as Las Islas Tres Marietas, Las Islas Marias and La Isla Isabela and with a killer recipe for a killer green spicy salsa they have made a name for themselves in Mexico. <br /><br />Let me start by declaring, their cocteles ain't your usual ketchup drenched style of cocteles that everyone is used to having and they can be an acquired taste. But that's not why people take a detour when traveling by Nayarit. They detour to Punta Mita or Sayulita for the shrimp. Yes, if you are into shrimp and think of any possible way to have them, think <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubba_Gump_Shrimp_Company">Bubba Gump Shrimp</a> here...then Nayarit is your spot. <br /><br />Their traditional way of serving shrimp is in plastics bags with a bag of lemons, salt and a cup of green chile. You can get shrimp en salsa verde, crudos (raw), al mojo de ajo, secos (dry), en aguachile sauce, rancheros, in limon and so on. A Bag filled with nearly 30 - 40 shrimps that you can eat On The Road back home or simply take back to the beach and enjoy with some cold beers. <br /><br />Well, La Hacienda holds loyally to that tradition. Not necessarily to shrimp served in bags but shrimp and their estilo. <br /><br />Upon walking in to the joint you may be like "What the heck?" and unless you have been there a few times don't expect to be greeted. Simply walk in and sit. Within minutes, your server comes with their "servicio", a basket of homemade on the spot tostadas (chips), a dish with half cut limes/lemons and their famous green salsa. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazkkGt5CxxR70bhRJcY-I6aAmL_Ab0WL0AVgMC3lAVr-3LQAN8sVGVoxGXVr8UnI1XNiR2OCkqDvM6D2DywP9XPcK5YuTuLa07VdB5m6nC4lquBYKghtg1Uo0DiwJ0TEpjdRYdeHl3zMs/s1600/CIMG3642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazkkGt5CxxR70bhRJcY-I6aAmL_Ab0WL0AVgMC3lAVr-3LQAN8sVGVoxGXVr8UnI1XNiR2OCkqDvM6D2DywP9XPcK5YuTuLa07VdB5m6nC4lquBYKghtg1Uo0DiwJ0TEpjdRYdeHl3zMs/s400/CIMG3642.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473426774267344690" /></a><br /><br />Make sure you are ready to order your drink. Whether it is a Mexican Coke or drink or a Mexican Cold Beer (I order me a Modelo Especial en botella or a Pacifico). I tell ya, this ain't the place for all you spoiled fufi diners who expect exceptional service. Don't expect a smile, a how are you? don't expect any of the other diners to look or smile at you, albeit the locals may eyeball you from head to toe but don't sweat it. That's just your typical local like at any joint. Don't expect menus brought to you, nada I tell ya. Just expect to experience perhaps some of the best and most traditional coastal seafood ever. <br /><br />I personally start off with a plate of refried beans that are very reminiscent to the traditional and delicious refried beans my lovely moms used to make. They come served topped with lots of queso fresco. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFoXXI9RXNEmSEnEDB-fXsucEXxVQ97VnRv0urKWTV2p_470o8ycuXtOPZxRq71b4_Sl2DfYQaQvDsB8IaC-T4_-FbNgi05j77JSn9-G1YXd3vSKGCohP4VlOfLWypv_bTXAba0KSOatn/s1600/CIMG3645.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFoXXI9RXNEmSEnEDB-fXsucEXxVQ97VnRv0urKWTV2p_470o8ycuXtOPZxRq71b4_Sl2DfYQaQvDsB8IaC-T4_-FbNgi05j77JSn9-G1YXd3vSKGCohP4VlOfLWypv_bTXAba0KSOatn/s400/CIMG3645.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473435868546019618" /></a><br /><br />On to the menu, unless you know what you want, you can view the dishes that are plastered on the wall. It's all broken down by shrimp, octopus, fish, tostadas, tacos (please don't order tacos unless they are seafood tacos) and so on. You may also find some handmade signs with the special of the day, if they even have it that day. LOL. oh - be ready to have your mind up by the time they bring you your drinks too. <br /><br />Anyhow - I usually always order the specialty of the house, what I first ordered when I was first brought to this place. The Shrimp! I order them Crudos or what they refer to as ceviche and I order them peeled and con cabeza (you can order them without the head if you want). The plate comes with no sides, no tortillas, no nothing...although you can order them with rice and beans. Though you may get a little roll of the eyes from the server. haha <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8MwaQ8L-BihDjniQmFjQnVaBjRn8D1PCvaydB4YdgexJOWKLI1F0YCyGN0Kif-G6cIzfKLm0UkRVd6iPr28z2JyZ4c9k1ZNgst15qPpMeHmjAUoYNoWALG-QCPk7hyUDLpBfl4tpQNCj/s1600/CIMG3643.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8MwaQ8L-BihDjniQmFjQnVaBjRn8D1PCvaydB4YdgexJOWKLI1F0YCyGN0Kif-G6cIzfKLm0UkRVd6iPr28z2JyZ4c9k1ZNgst15qPpMeHmjAUoYNoWALG-QCPk7hyUDLpBfl4tpQNCj/s400/CIMG3643.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473430470226570722" /></a><br /><br />So you get about three dozen medium sized shrimps topped with pepinos (cucumbers) and red onions swimming in their green salsa. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimF6ztmIB-mPBg3f0_EjTsKYnna0Me3LrUYZ5qjlhj4s7tMQ4n8iw6XsrhftPtLTj4Rh1frmp1fMlyi5-4QjorDKg48Drck8U-0qGB6Ac01nUAwIHxr9kAGLUJlg0vXC-jxLGwNjU6g_CE/s1600/CIMG3644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimF6ztmIB-mPBg3f0_EjTsKYnna0Me3LrUYZ5qjlhj4s7tMQ4n8iw6XsrhftPtLTj4Rh1frmp1fMlyi5-4QjorDKg48Drck8U-0qGB6Ac01nUAwIHxr9kAGLUJlg0vXC-jxLGwNjU6g_CE/s400/CIMG3644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473431593439136754" /></a><br /><br />Keep in mind, and let me remind you, you can order them as you wish - buttered (what they call cucarachas - one of my other favorites). Scampi, ala Diabla, Steamed (another favorite of mine), al mojo de ajo, deep fried and so on and they all come topped with slices of red onions and cucumbers. <br /><br />Their pulpo (octopus) al mojo de ajo is superb and their oysters are hella fresh and you can taste it too.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoI-t_vdvZXWTV4NXcX3mi2V8XJJ4BV0oCBFjJm4yZduonfMLkHhh0MEPqOigPXM7iHEN2DBmBzVXFU-U7_MoCChXHcLvinCx8uJ5Kt0L4FKfoVwbCA4ikCW7mVh-nWOXHx7BhzTNEZQ6/s1600/CIMG3646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoI-t_vdvZXWTV4NXcX3mi2V8XJJ4BV0oCBFjJm4yZduonfMLkHhh0MEPqOigPXM7iHEN2DBmBzVXFU-U7_MoCChXHcLvinCx8uJ5Kt0L4FKfoVwbCA4ikCW7mVh-nWOXHx7BhzTNEZQ6/s400/CIMG3646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473434514515703010" /></a><br /><br />Another dish I order is their fried fish. An entire large fish chopped in large pieces, maybe about 8 pieces and it is topped with tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. This is also one of the best fried fish I have had. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5soTpajGEqC5ZKc1xC7NYX5gkdcNgFo7vh2YFWcHqj5nmJ-meSf_0FkQH0l9WDAg-1L39OKOw7vpM1KvamwgTfQ1VheaqyueBT_R9j7D0TTv3x8A4yLP2o7sktn6c8RQjihY1X7b7V_x2/s1600/CIMG3647.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5soTpajGEqC5ZKc1xC7NYX5gkdcNgFo7vh2YFWcHqj5nmJ-meSf_0FkQH0l9WDAg-1L39OKOw7vpM1KvamwgTfQ1VheaqyueBT_R9j7D0TTv3x8A4yLP2o7sktn6c8RQjihY1X7b7V_x2/s400/CIMG3647.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473437856380227698" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B2scydR9XvBO5yknMGFDmQ3Nxo_PTyS8Cm_rYM5mmUnZUI9I-vMzYP_2lLy3QALDbMrc3rWkGCahwCk6xbssz6osqL7VdZ3wxDgBrLbfy010uuCTIpSHaEz-7nGkghXk6x0Furo3sSag/s1600/CIMG3648.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B2scydR9XvBO5yknMGFDmQ3Nxo_PTyS8Cm_rYM5mmUnZUI9I-vMzYP_2lLy3QALDbMrc3rWkGCahwCk6xbssz6osqL7VdZ3wxDgBrLbfy010uuCTIpSHaEz-7nGkghXk6x0Furo3sSag/s400/CIMG3648.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473438453430363970" /></a><br /><br />I must mention they also have callos de hacha which are also very delicious and rarely served elsewhere. The day I went they did not have any so no foto. [Maybe later] <br /><br />I usually order some green sauce to go so I can bring home. The green salsa is spicy. Trust. I have had people swear up and down they love spicy and they can not hang with this sauce. If you are daring enough, ask for the "salsa especial". It is like a secret treasure that is probably twice as hot. If you do ask for some, make sure you ask for a small amount because you won't finish it. You may also gotta have been there a few times in order for them to bring it otherwise they will say they don't have any. Doesn't hurt trying though if there for the first time. <br /><br />So what does this all cost? Well the dishes overall average roughly 16 bucks. You may be like 16 dollars??!!! yeah 16 dollars for about <span style="font-weight:bold;">3 dozen shrimps</span>. Let me see you get at least 10 shrimps for 16 dollars at Acapulco or any other restaurant for that matter. SMH - I assure you it will be well worth it. Like I said, their fish is huge, their oysters fresh, the tacos de pescado or camaron exquisite...(drooling)<br /><br />If in a group you can even order different things and share. It will be well worth it. You will probably average maybe $30.00 to $40.00 depending on the number of beers or drinks you have. If just a plate and a drink...then just slightly around $20.00 plus maybe a good $5.00 tip...so $25 bucks. Still a deal for the taste and amount of food you get. I assure you you will walk out full and satisfied.<br /><br />So where is this gem located? <br /><br />La Hacienda is located off the 710 freeway. If heading south, you take the Lynwood exit which will throw you out onto Abbott Road. As soon as you cross Atlantic Blvd, it will be on the ride hand side. It's a small hole in the wall place so keep your eyes open for it. The outside is light blue with a black gated door and next to a salon. Parking is on the street. The place is only cash so don't expect to be swiping your card anywhere. <br /><br />The address is:<br /><br />5009 Abbott Road<br />Lynwood, CA 90262<br /><br />Hope ya'll enjoy...MakeOne, The Love Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03568259402194733851noreply@blogger.com3