I probably won't update my blog this week because I am in the process of moving my blog to a new domain name:
http://eileenlikestoeat.com
And I need help!
I am moving from Godaddy to FatCow as my hosting company. I received an email from GoDaddy saying that my database file is too big. I need to reduce the size or they will delete the database on April 10. I have no clue what database is, not to mention how to reduce the file size. I did a quick research online, and figured that database pretty much means all the contents and comments on my blog. The first email I wrote to GoDaddy was to ask them if deleting the database means deleting my blog, and what can I do to reduce the file size. A customer service representative named Eric G. replied and said
"Please utilize your favorite search engine for assistance in reducing the file size."
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
[City of Industry] [Japanese] Benihana
Benihana
17877 Gale Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748
(626) 912-8784
http://www.benihana.com
Brother and I took our parents to Benihana for a family dinner. It turned out to be the worst meal I've had in recent years. We made reservation at 6:30pm. We arrived at the restaurant right on time. There were 5 people standing at the host stand. Yes, they were really busy, with maybe 30 people waiting in the lobby area. But do they really need 5 people there? I told one of the host my name, and he said, "ok." So the 5 of us stood in front of the host stand, thought we would be seated, and just waited. We waited, waited, and waited. Nobody said anything to us. Then the 5 hosts/hostesses started chatting/joking/laughing with each other. We just stood there looking at them. Still, nobody said anything to us. We stood there for 15 minutes. Finally I asked how long do we have to wait. A host said, "what's your name again? Oh, I believe they are cleaning your table right now." Then he went back to chatting with his fellow coworkers.
Japanese Onion Soup
We finally sat down after waiting for 30 minutes even though we had reservation. The first thing we saw was a group of waitress leaning against the wall and furniture talking. The restaurant was completely full. But there were maybe 7 or 8 waitresses just standing there talking and laughing. And they weren't just standing. They were leaning against things! Looked so bad!
17877 Gale Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748
(626) 912-8784
http://www.benihana.com
Brother and I took our parents to Benihana for a family dinner. It turned out to be the worst meal I've had in recent years. We made reservation at 6:30pm. We arrived at the restaurant right on time. There were 5 people standing at the host stand. Yes, they were really busy, with maybe 30 people waiting in the lobby area. But do they really need 5 people there? I told one of the host my name, and he said, "ok." So the 5 of us stood in front of the host stand, thought we would be seated, and just waited. We waited, waited, and waited. Nobody said anything to us. Then the 5 hosts/hostesses started chatting/joking/laughing with each other. We just stood there looking at them. Still, nobody said anything to us. We stood there for 15 minutes. Finally I asked how long do we have to wait. A host said, "what's your name again? Oh, I believe they are cleaning your table right now." Then he went back to chatting with his fellow coworkers.
Japanese Onion Soup
We finally sat down after waiting for 30 minutes even though we had reservation. The first thing we saw was a group of waitress leaning against the wall and furniture talking. The restaurant was completely full. But there were maybe 7 or 8 waitresses just standing there talking and laughing. And they weren't just standing. They were leaning against things! Looked so bad!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
[Arcadia] [Chinese] Tasty To Go
Tasty To Go
五星美食
142 E Duarte Rd
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 447-3788
My brother and sister-in-law took me to Tasty To Go to try their "really really good drinks" (according to them). It was sort of a take-out place with a few tables inside. The L shape counter pretty much had two sides. One side is for drinks like boba and slushy. The other side is for those 3 items combo.
茉香奶茶 Jasmine Milk Tea ($3.00) / 杏仁牛奶 Almond Fresh Milk Fusion ($3.25) / 蜂蜜波霸 Honey Boba ($0.50 Add-On)
Brother ordered Jasmine Milk Tea with Honey Boba. He said that was what he ALWAYS orders. Sister in law ordered Yogurt Slushy (多多冰沙), which took a little longer to make so I forgot to take a picture of it. It tasted just like Taiwanese yogurt drink 養樂多. I ordered Almond Fresh Milk Fusion with Honey Boba. The Milk Fusion had more milk than tea, and I loved this drink. Yup, Tasty To Go does have really really good drinks.
五星美食
142 E Duarte Rd
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 447-3788
My brother and sister-in-law took me to Tasty To Go to try their "really really good drinks" (according to them). It was sort of a take-out place with a few tables inside. The L shape counter pretty much had two sides. One side is for drinks like boba and slushy. The other side is for those 3 items combo.
茉香奶茶 Jasmine Milk Tea ($3.00) / 杏仁牛奶 Almond Fresh Milk Fusion ($3.25) / 蜂蜜波霸 Honey Boba ($0.50 Add-On)
Brother ordered Jasmine Milk Tea with Honey Boba. He said that was what he ALWAYS orders. Sister in law ordered Yogurt Slushy (多多冰沙), which took a little longer to make so I forgot to take a picture of it. It tasted just like Taiwanese yogurt drink 養樂多. I ordered Almond Fresh Milk Fusion with Honey Boba. The Milk Fusion had more milk than tea, and I loved this drink. Yup, Tasty To Go does have really really good drinks.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
[Slow Cooker] Chicken Braised with Ginger and Star Anise
This slow cooker recipe is really easy. An Asian household should have all the ingredients already. It looked like just nothing special chicken, but it was full of flavor. The sauce was delicious over rice. It only takes 2 hours in the slow cooker to make. Easy, fast, and tasty!
Chicken Braised with Ginger and Star Anise
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Serves 4
Chicken Braised with Ginger and Star Anise
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Serves 4
[Aliso Viejo] [Vegan] Native Foods
Native Foods
26705 Aliso Creek Rd # E
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4803
(949) 831-1926
http://www.nativefoods.com
I couldn't stop thinking about and talking about how good the food at Native Foods was since the visit with my sister. Dr. P was curious. Can vegan food really taste as good as I described? I took Dr. P there and proved I was right (as always... I am ALWAYS right. haha...)
Lavender Lemonade ($2.95)
French lavender steeped with fresh lemons. Sweeten with organic sugar.
Native Foods has 3 drinks, lavender lemonade, watermelon fresca, and Native iced tea. The drink is self served and refillable. My favorite is the lavender lemonade. It's yummy lemonade with just a hint of lavender. So good.
26705 Aliso Creek Rd # E
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4803
(949) 831-1926
http://www.nativefoods.com
I couldn't stop thinking about and talking about how good the food at Native Foods was since the visit with my sister. Dr. P was curious. Can vegan food really taste as good as I described? I took Dr. P there and proved I was right (as always... I am ALWAYS right. haha...)
Lavender Lemonade ($2.95)
French lavender steeped with fresh lemons. Sweeten with organic sugar.
Native Foods has 3 drinks, lavender lemonade, watermelon fresca, and Native iced tea. The drink is self served and refillable. My favorite is the lavender lemonade. It's yummy lemonade with just a hint of lavender. So good.
[Bread Machine] Dried Cranberry Tea Bread
Dried Cranberry Tea Bread recipe came from The Bread Lover’s Bread Machine Cookbook. This was more like a cake in my opinion. The tea bread was moist and so delicious. Perfect with a cup of tea (is that why it's called tea berad?)
Dried Cranberry Tea Bread
From the cookbook:
Raw cranberries have a definite astringent, yet refreshingly tart taste. Now that Ocean Spray offers dried, sweetened cranberries, commercially called Craisins, you can enjoy their delightfully tangy flavor as a great alternative to raisins. This is a recipe adapted from one of my favorite food writers, Jeanne Jones, known for her development of lowfat spa recipes. The combination of apple juice concentrate and almond extract permeates the entire loaf. It has a most intoxicating aroma while baking. Serve this fantastic bread thinly sliced, with sweet butter or whipped cream cheese.
Dried Cranberry Tea Bread
From the cookbook:
Raw cranberries have a definite astringent, yet refreshingly tart taste. Now that Ocean Spray offers dried, sweetened cranberries, commercially called Craisins, you can enjoy their delightfully tangy flavor as a great alternative to raisins. This is a recipe adapted from one of my favorite food writers, Jeanne Jones, known for her development of lowfat spa recipes. The combination of apple juice concentrate and almond extract permeates the entire loaf. It has a most intoxicating aroma while baking. Serve this fantastic bread thinly sliced, with sweet butter or whipped cream cheese.
[Teddy & Twinkle] Coral's Caribbean Treat
I made food for Teddy & Twinkle from The Healthy Dog Cookbook. Once again, they loved it.
This recipe called for chicken, cantaloupe, sweet potato, pasta, and yogurt. I omitted the pasta because I thought they don't really need it.
This recipe called for chicken, cantaloupe, sweet potato, pasta, and yogurt. I omitted the pasta because I thought they don't really need it.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
[Cooking] Star Anise-Ginger "Braised" Whole Chicken
This recipe of Star Anise-Ginger "Braised" Whole Chicken is from Simply Ming One-Pot Meals: Quick, Healthy & Affordable Recipes. After reading the cookbook, that was the first dish I wanted to make. Plus I saw Ming Tsai making the dish on Today's Show, and it looked so good. This was the best chicken soup I've ever made. The soup was full of flavor, and the chicken was so moist and tender. I think EVERYONE should try making this soup!
4 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 large carrots, peeled and roll-cut into 1/2-inch pieces, or cut conventionally
2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 star anise
2 tablespoons minced ginger
4 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 large carrots, peeled and roll-cut into 1/2-inch pieces, or cut conventionally
2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 star anise
2 tablespoons minced ginger
Sunday, March 20, 2011
AngieHearts.net Closeout Sale
Unfortunately, my sister has decided to close her business, Angie Hearts Boutique. Everything is 50% off, and everything must go. Happy shopping!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
[Huntington Beach] [Burger] Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
18645 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(866) 345-4897
http://www.fiveguys.com
I went to Huntington Beach to see an eye doctor and get new glasses. As I was leaving the doctor's office, I saw Five Guys Burgers and Fries across the street. Five Guys Burgers? I heard about that place. Isn't that the famous hamburger place that Obama likes? Gotta stop by and try it then.
It was around 1pm, and they were super busy. The line was long, but it moved fairly fast.
18645 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(866) 345-4897
http://www.fiveguys.com
I went to Huntington Beach to see an eye doctor and get new glasses. As I was leaving the doctor's office, I saw Five Guys Burgers and Fries across the street. Five Guys Burgers? I heard about that place. Isn't that the famous hamburger place that Obama likes? Gotta stop by and try it then.
It was around 1pm, and they were super busy. The line was long, but it moved fairly fast.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
[Irvine] [Chinese] Chong Qing Mei Wei Szechwan Restaurant
Chong Qing Mei Wei Szechwan Restaurant
重慶美味川菜
5406 Walnut Ave #C
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 651-8886
Back to our favorite Chinese restaurant, Chong Qing Mei Wei, for our monthly visit.
風味冷菜 Cold Appetizer ($5.50)
As usual, we started with the three items Cold Appetizer. We picked spicy pork, spicy kidney, and green veggie with edamame. Portion was a bit smaller this time. We noticed that by asking different waiters, we usually get different portion. Gotta make sure we ask our favorite waiter next time to get the largest portion. haha....
重慶美味川菜
5406 Walnut Ave #C
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 651-8886
Back to our favorite Chinese restaurant, Chong Qing Mei Wei, for our monthly visit.
風味冷菜 Cold Appetizer ($5.50)
As usual, we started with the three items Cold Appetizer. We picked spicy pork, spicy kidney, and green veggie with edamame. Portion was a bit smaller this time. We noticed that by asking different waiters, we usually get different portion. Gotta make sure we ask our favorite waiter next time to get the largest portion. haha....
Monday, March 14, 2011
[San Gabriel] [Chinese] Newport Seafood
Newport Seafood
新港海鮮
518 W Las Tunas Dr
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 289-5998
http://www.newportseafood.com
Mother-in-law's favorite cuisines are Italian and Chinese. For her birthday this year, I suggested that we take her to San Gabriel Valley to have an authentic banquet dinner for celebration. Since she likes seafood a lot, we thought lobster and crab at Newport Seafood would be a good choice. We tried to make a reservation for a Sunday dinner, but they don't take reservation on the weekend. They told us if we want to be sure to get a table, be there before 5pm.
Boba Milk Tea / Jackfruit Smoothie with Boba
Dr. P and I got to the restaurant at 4:30pm, and got the 7 of us a table in one of the semi-private room. While waiting for the other people to arrive, we ordered a boba milk tea and a jackfruit smoothie with boba. I like the jackfruit smoothie, but their boba was not good at all.
新港海鮮
518 W Las Tunas Dr
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 289-5998
http://www.newportseafood.com
Mother-in-law's favorite cuisines are Italian and Chinese. For her birthday this year, I suggested that we take her to San Gabriel Valley to have an authentic banquet dinner for celebration. Since she likes seafood a lot, we thought lobster and crab at Newport Seafood would be a good choice. We tried to make a reservation for a Sunday dinner, but they don't take reservation on the weekend. They told us if we want to be sure to get a table, be there before 5pm.
Boba Milk Tea / Jackfruit Smoothie with Boba
Dr. P and I got to the restaurant at 4:30pm, and got the 7 of us a table in one of the semi-private room. While waiting for the other people to arrive, we ordered a boba milk tea and a jackfruit smoothie with boba. I like the jackfruit smoothie, but their boba was not good at all.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
[Aliso Viejo] [Italian] Romano's Macaroni Grill
Romano's Macaroni Grill
26641 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 425-0180
http://www.macaronigrill.com
If you read Eat This, Not That when it first came out a few years ago, you would remember the book named romano's Macaroni Grill as the worst restaurant in the U.S. Most of their food were super fat and unhealthy. Since the book came out, the restaurant chain worked hard to make changes. Now they have a smaller menu with more healthy options. They even included the calories count right next to every dish's name on the menu.
We went there for dinner on a Saturday night, and had to wait for 40 minutes for seats. A lot of Macaroni Grill closed down. But the Aliso Viejo one sure has good business.
26641 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 425-0180
http://www.macaronigrill.com
If you read Eat This, Not That when it first came out a few years ago, you would remember the book named romano's Macaroni Grill as the worst restaurant in the U.S. Most of their food were super fat and unhealthy. Since the book came out, the restaurant chain worked hard to make changes. Now they have a smaller menu with more healthy options. They even included the calories count right next to every dish's name on the menu.
We went there for dinner on a Saturday night, and had to wait for 40 minutes for seats. A lot of Macaroni Grill closed down. But the Aliso Viejo one sure has good business.
Friday, March 11, 2011
[Aliso Viejo] [Deli] Aliso Creek Market & Deli
Aliso Creek Market & Deli
23411 Aliso Viejo Pkwy # I
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 362-7505
Dr. P and I went to Starbucks to get coffee. When I saw Aliso Creek Market & Deli in the same plaza, I remember I had a coupon from them for $4.99 sandwich combo. (I have a little coupon wallet that I carry with me all the time. You never know when a coupon might come handy. haha...) We decided to pick up a sandwich for afternoon snack.
Roast Beef Sandwich Combo ($4.99)
You get to pick your bread, meat, vegetable, and condiments at the deli counter. Cheese is extra $0.50. I picked roast beef with everything in sourdough bread. After placing the order, we browsed the liquor store for a bit while waiting for the lady making our sandwich. I was surprised to see they have so many wines there.
23411 Aliso Viejo Pkwy # I
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 362-7505
Dr. P and I went to Starbucks to get coffee. When I saw Aliso Creek Market & Deli in the same plaza, I remember I had a coupon from them for $4.99 sandwich combo. (I have a little coupon wallet that I carry with me all the time. You never know when a coupon might come handy. haha...) We decided to pick up a sandwich for afternoon snack.
Roast Beef Sandwich Combo ($4.99)
You get to pick your bread, meat, vegetable, and condiments at the deli counter. Cheese is extra $0.50. I picked roast beef with everything in sourdough bread. After placing the order, we browsed the liquor store for a bit while waiting for the lady making our sandwich. I was surprised to see they have so many wines there.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
[Mission Viejo] [American] Claim Jumper Restaurant
Claim Jumper Restaurant
27845 Santa Margarita Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 461-7170
http://www.claimjumper.com
I had a coupon for a free birthday meal in the month of February (my birthday month) from Claim Jumper because I signed up for their email list. The free meal was up to $30 value! So generous of them. Dr. P and I went there for lunch on a Friday. The restaurant was filled with parents with kids.
New England Clam Chowder ($4.49)
Thick and creamy with premium clams, potatoes, onions and celery
After we placed our order, the waitress asked if we would like to add a cup of soup or a side salad to our entree. Dr. P thought a cup of soup sounded good, and picked New England Clam Chowder to add. The clam chowder was really good. Lots of clam, and I like the crunchy celery and onion that they added to the chowder. But when we saw the price on the bill, we thought this was one expensive added on item. Normally restaurants let you add a side for like $2 or $3. But this added on soup was $4.49! Almost 50% of our entree!!
27845 Santa Margarita Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 461-7170
http://www.claimjumper.com
I had a coupon for a free birthday meal in the month of February (my birthday month) from Claim Jumper because I signed up for their email list. The free meal was up to $30 value! So generous of them. Dr. P and I went there for lunch on a Friday. The restaurant was filled with parents with kids.
New England Clam Chowder ($4.49)
Thick and creamy with premium clams, potatoes, onions and celery
After we placed our order, the waitress asked if we would like to add a cup of soup or a side salad to our entree. Dr. P thought a cup of soup sounded good, and picked New England Clam Chowder to add. The clam chowder was really good. Lots of clam, and I like the crunchy celery and onion that they added to the chowder. But when we saw the price on the bill, we thought this was one expensive added on item. Normally restaurants let you add a side for like $2 or $3. But this added on soup was $4.49! Almost 50% of our entree!!
[Shopping] KitchenAid 13 Piece White Prep Set
I found a great website for discounted housewares called Housewares Deals. For someone who love to cook (me, yeah!), you can save a lot of money by checking out the deal that is offered everyday.
KitchenAid 13 Piece White Prep Set ($80.00 $19.00)
My first purchase from Housewares Deals was a KitchenAid 13 Piece White Prep Set. Retail price was $80, and I got it for only $19 + $4.95 shipping. The chopper alone is selling for $20.87 on Amazon!
KitchenAid 13 Piece White Prep Set (
My first purchase from Housewares Deals was a KitchenAid 13 Piece White Prep Set. Retail price was $80, and I got it for only $19 + $4.95 shipping. The chopper alone is selling for $20.87 on Amazon!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
[Aliso Viejo] [Vegan] Native Foods
Native Foods
26705 Aliso Creek Rd # E
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4803
(949) 831-1926
http://www.nativefoods.com
I have heard good things about Native Foods for a long time, but never had a chance to try this vegan restaurant even though it's only 5 minutes away from our house. I told my sister about this place. She told me she was drooling just by reading their menu online. So we went to Native Foods for a healthy vegan dinner.
Portobello and Sausage Burger ($9.95)
Juicy grilled portobellos, our http://www.eileenlikestoeat.commade Seitan sausage, pomodoro, caramelized onions, sweet roasted garlic, creamy pumpkin seed pesto and mayo.
Sister ordered Portobello and Sausage Burger. The grilled portobello mushroom was so juicy, and not oily like the one from Veggie Grill at all. We loved the creamy pumpkin seed pesto sauce. This burger tasted very gourmet. Super yummy.
26705 Aliso Creek Rd # E
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4803
(949) 831-1926
http://www.nativefoods.com
I have heard good things about Native Foods for a long time, but never had a chance to try this vegan restaurant even though it's only 5 minutes away from our house. I told my sister about this place. She told me she was drooling just by reading their menu online. So we went to Native Foods for a healthy vegan dinner.
Portobello and Sausage Burger ($9.95)
Juicy grilled portobellos, our http://www.eileenlikestoeat.commade Seitan sausage, pomodoro, caramelized onions, sweet roasted garlic, creamy pumpkin seed pesto and mayo.
Sister ordered Portobello and Sausage Burger. The grilled portobello mushroom was so juicy, and not oily like the one from Veggie Grill at all. We loved the creamy pumpkin seed pesto sauce. This burger tasted very gourmet. Super yummy.
Free Photo Book from Picaboo
From March 8th through March 22nd, you can get a FREE Large Classic Custom book from Picaboo using code FREECC.
**The cost of one 20-page Large Classic Custom photo book (up to $39.99) will be deducted from the order total. If the book contains more than 20 pages, the customer will be charged for the additional pages at a cost of $0.99 per page
GO HERE to get started !!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
[Shopping] Three Dog Bakery
Three Dog Bakery
118 S El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 218-3364
http://www.threedogsc.com
I bought a Groupon deal for Teddy and Twinkle: $15 for $30 Worth of All-Natural, Fresh-Baked Eats and Treats for Pooches at Three Dog Bakery in San Clemente. They have lots of yummy looking cakes for dogs. But.... are they good for dogs? What did they use to make the cakes? Butter? Cream? Food coloring? I don't know. I just didn't feel comfortable to buy the cakes for Teddy and Twinkle.
Dog Biscuits ($1.50/each)
So I bought some traditional dog biscuits. Teddy and Twinkle seemed to like the smell and taste of the biscuits, but it was too hard for them to chew. My sister helped breaking them into smaller pieces for them to eat.
118 S El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 218-3364
http://www.threedogsc.com
I bought a Groupon deal for Teddy and Twinkle: $15 for $30 Worth of All-Natural, Fresh-Baked Eats and Treats for Pooches at Three Dog Bakery in San Clemente. They have lots of yummy looking cakes for dogs. But.... are they good for dogs? What did they use to make the cakes? Butter? Cream? Food coloring? I don't know. I just didn't feel comfortable to buy the cakes for Teddy and Twinkle.
Dog Biscuits ($1.50/each)
So I bought some traditional dog biscuits. Teddy and Twinkle seemed to like the smell and taste of the biscuits, but it was too hard for them to chew. My sister helped breaking them into smaller pieces for them to eat.
Monday, March 7, 2011
[Irvine] [Bakery] Le Napoleon Patisserie
Le Napoleon Patisserie
83 Fortune Dr #219
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 788-0904
Another great Groupon deal I bought: $10 for $20 Worth of Coffee, Pastries, and More at Le Napoléon Cafe. I read their reviews online. People raved about their yummy macaroons. Unfortunately, I found out in the shop that I could not use Groupon to buy any macaroons. They should've specified that in the fine print though.
Strawberry Croissant from Cream Pan
The first thing that caught my eyes was this yummy looking strawberry croissant. It tasted even better than it looked. The flaky croissant + creamy cream + fresh sweet strawberry!! Later I found out the Croissant was from the famous Cream Pan in Tustin. I really want to pay Cream Pan a visit now.
83 Fortune Dr #219
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 788-0904
Another great Groupon deal I bought: $10 for $20 Worth of Coffee, Pastries, and More at Le Napoléon Cafe. I read their reviews online. People raved about their yummy macaroons. Unfortunately, I found out in the shop that I could not use Groupon to buy any macaroons. They should've specified that in the fine print though.
Strawberry Croissant from Cream Pan
The first thing that caught my eyes was this yummy looking strawberry croissant. It tasted even better than it looked. The flaky croissant + creamy cream + fresh sweet strawberry!! Later I found out the Croissant was from the famous Cream Pan in Tustin. I really want to pay Cream Pan a visit now.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
[Shopping] The Body Shop
I had a $20 for $40 Groupon for The Body Shop that was about to expire. After our lunch at Veggie Grill, sister and I went to The Body Shop to get some lotions.
Deep Sleep Peaceful Body Moisturizer ($22.00) / Divine Calm Body Butter ($16.00) / Midnight Bakula Body Butter ($16.00)
I tried the Deep Sleep Peaceful Body Moisturizer at my sister's place, and really liked the smell. I think the lotion really helps me to have deeper and better sleep. Divine Clam Body Butter has the same effect. I usually read for a bit before I go to bed. On the nights that I used either Deep Sleep or Divine Calm lotion, I always felt sleepy a lot sooner. I got the Divine Calm lotion in the store for $16, but it's $20 on their website. Since the Groupon was for $40, I thought I would just get another lotion. I like Midnight Bakula Body Butter's smell a lot. The lotion also felt rich and creamy.
Deep Sleep Peaceful Body Moisturizer ($22.00) / Divine Calm Body Butter ($16.00) / Midnight Bakula Body Butter ($16.00)
I tried the Deep Sleep Peaceful Body Moisturizer at my sister's place, and really liked the smell. I think the lotion really helps me to have deeper and better sleep. Divine Clam Body Butter has the same effect. I usually read for a bit before I go to bed. On the nights that I used either Deep Sleep or Divine Calm lotion, I always felt sleepy a lot sooner. I got the Divine Calm lotion in the store for $16, but it's $20 on their website. Since the Groupon was for $40, I thought I would just get another lotion. I like Midnight Bakula Body Butter's smell a lot. The lotion also felt rich and creamy.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
[Irvine] [Vegetarian] The Veggie Grill
The Veggie Grill
81 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 727-9900
http://www.veggiegrill.com
My sister is not a vegetarian, but she likes to eat healthy. In general, vegetarian food seems healthier. So on the day she came to visit me in OC, I planned to take her to try two vegetarian restaurants. For lunch, we went to Veggie Grill. I've been to Veggie Grill near UC Irvine a few times, and thought the food was really good. This time we tried the Irvine Spectrum location so we could walk around the Spectrum after lunch.
VG-Cheeseburger ($9.95) / Mac-n-Cheese ($2.25)
The V-burger topped with VG-Cheese. El Dorado style upon request with jalapenos, caramelized onions, ketchup.
My sister ordered VG-Cheeseburger with a side of Mac-n-Cheese. I tried a bite of the Cheeseburger, and it was good. But the Mac-n-Cheese was HORRIBLE. It was probably the worst Mac-n-Cheese ever. It tasted like artificial butter. I know it wasn't real cheese. But they could at least try to make it taste like cheese instead of tasting like fake butter. We both had one bite, and left the rest uneaten.
81 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 727-9900
http://www.veggiegrill.com
My sister is not a vegetarian, but she likes to eat healthy. In general, vegetarian food seems healthier. So on the day she came to visit me in OC, I planned to take her to try two vegetarian restaurants. For lunch, we went to Veggie Grill. I've been to Veggie Grill near UC Irvine a few times, and thought the food was really good. This time we tried the Irvine Spectrum location so we could walk around the Spectrum after lunch.
VG-Cheeseburger ($9.95) / Mac-n-Cheese ($2.25)
The V-burger topped with VG-Cheese. El Dorado style upon request with jalapenos, caramelized onions, ketchup.
My sister ordered VG-Cheeseburger with a side of Mac-n-Cheese. I tried a bite of the Cheeseburger, and it was good. But the Mac-n-Cheese was HORRIBLE. It was probably the worst Mac-n-Cheese ever. It tasted like artificial butter. I know it wasn't real cheese. But they could at least try to make it taste like cheese instead of tasting like fake butter. We both had one bite, and left the rest uneaten.
Birthday Treats from Sister
My sister came to visit me the day before my birthday, and she brought me a lot of goodies.
八寶飯 Eight Treasures Rice
Homemade eight treasures rice with all organic ingredients. It looked so good, and tasted even better! I was like "wow you made this?!?!" when I saw it. My sister's pretty talented at making dessert.
八寶飯 Eight Treasures Rice
Homemade eight treasures rice with all organic ingredients. It looked so good, and tasted even better! I was like "wow you made this?!?!" when I saw it. My sister's pretty talented at making dessert.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
[Mission Viejo] [Japanese] Zenko Sushi
Zenko Sushi
28892 Marguerite Pkwy # 190
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 347-0844
http://www.zenkosushi.com
We didn't plan anything for Valentine's Day. We had to take Teddy & Twinkle to their puppy kindergarten (they graduated that day! woohoo~~~~). I thought I would just cook something at http://www.eileenlikestoeat.com after puppy school. But Dr. P said he would take me out to eat, anything I want. I was so hungry and wanted all you can eat. There's all you can eat salad & soup at Souplantation. There's all you can eat Korean BBQ. There's all you can eat sushi. Dr. P immediately picked all you can eat sushi among the choices.
I found Zenko Sushi on Yelp with 4 star reviews. We tried to call to make a reservation, but they don't take reservation. It's first come first serve. The guy on the phone told us it would be about one hour wait when we called at 7pm.
28892 Marguerite Pkwy # 190
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 347-0844
http://www.zenkosushi.com
We didn't plan anything for Valentine's Day. We had to take Teddy & Twinkle to their puppy kindergarten (they graduated that day! woohoo~~~~). I thought I would just cook something at http://www.eileenlikestoeat.com after puppy school. But Dr. P said he would take me out to eat, anything I want. I was so hungry and wanted all you can eat. There's all you can eat salad & soup at Souplantation. There's all you can eat Korean BBQ. There's all you can eat sushi. Dr. P immediately picked all you can eat sushi among the choices.
I found Zenko Sushi on Yelp with 4 star reviews. We tried to call to make a reservation, but they don't take reservation. It's first come first serve. The guy on the phone told us it would be about one hour wait when we called at 7pm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)