[Irvine] [Japanese] Fukada Restaurant

Fukada Restaurant
8683 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 341-0111

Dr. P had to go to Irvine Spectrum to return something.  We thought of Fukada Restaurant, which is really close to Irvine Spectrum.  We haven't been there for such a long time.  We actually try to go back a few time.  But for some reason, every time we went, it happened to be a Monday, which is the only day they are closed.  Then the next time we forgot about it and went again on Monday.  Finally we went on a day they are actually open this time.



We went for their noodle dinner combination.  A bowl of hot noodle soup + small rice bowl for $10.95.

Shepherd's Bread

My second loaf of bread from bread machine was Shepherd's Bread.



From my bread machine cookbook:  The way of constructing a dough for this Shepherd's Bread is known as the sponge dough method.  It is an old-fashioned technique used to create a bread with a more rustic texture and crumb, more irregular holes, a lightly more acidic flavor from developed fermentation, and a slightly thicker crust than bread made by the plain dough method.

[Laguna Hills] [BBQ] Ribs on the Run

Ribs on the Run
24881 Alicia Parkway, #C
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 380-7427
http://www.nybestribs.com

I was feeling lazy and didn't want to cook.  We were also too lazy to go out to eat.  Flipping through those coupon flyers we got in the mail, I found Ribs on the Run.  I LOVE ribs!  We called to place an order, and Dr. P went to pick it up.


BBQ 1/2 Rack Rib Dinner (7 ribs) ($11.95)
with BBQ Baked Beans and Cole Slaw

BBQ dinner all comes with two sides and cornbread.  1/2 rack rib was very very good.  The meat was tender.  Flavor was just right.  At this point, we were quite happy with the food.  BBQ baked bean was so-so.  Cole Slaw was watery and not so good.  Oh well, at least the rib was good.

[Huntington Beach] [Taiwanese] 棒棒牛肉麵 Bong Bong Noodles

Bong Bong Noodles
棒棒牛肉麵
7572 Edinger Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 848-3838
http://www.bongbongnoodles.com

I'm on a quest to find more Taiwanese restaurants in Orange County.  And I found Bong Bong Noodles!  I never expect there to be a Taiwanese restaurant in Huntington Beach.  I don't think there are too many Asians living around that area.



There's no mention of Taiwanese food at all from outside of the restaurant.  There's not even any Chinese writing.  If I pass by this place, I probably would think it's one of those Americanized Chinese fast food place.  But guess what?  It's actually an authentic Taiwanese restaurant owned by a Taiwanese chef.  Who would've guessed from the look of it?

[Monterey Park] [Drink] Half & Half Tea House

Half & Half Tea House
伴伴堂
141 N Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(626) 872-0200

Last stop of the night, my sister wanted to go to Half & Half Tea House to get a drink. She read good reviews about this Taiwanese style tea house.


薑母奶茶 Ginger Fresh Milk Tea / 波霸奶茶 Boba Milk Tea

This tea house is very small, and very crowded.  There are only a few tables inside, and they are all very close together.  My sister ordered Ginger Fresh Milk Tea, and I got a Boba Milk Tea.  There were a few people waiting for their drinks also.  And we waited 30 minutes for these 2 drinks!  30 minutes of just standing around for 2 drinks!!  I don't understand why it took so long for them to make a few drinks.  It was good, but definitely wasn't worth 30-minutes-wait good.

[West Hollywood] [French] RH Restaurant & Bar

RH Restaurant & Bar
8401 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 785-6090
http://www.hyatt.com/gallery/rhlaxss2009

We had my sisster's birthday dinner at RH Restaurant & Bar in West Hollywood.  I bought a $45 - 6 course dinner for 2 deal from BloomSpot.  The menu looked good and fancy.  So off we went.  Man, West Hollywood is far, especially during traffic.  Thursday night traffic was horrible on the 101 and driving down Sunset Blvd.  It took so long, and my sister started to feel carsick.



We finally got there after driving for 1+ hour.  RH is located inside the Andez Hotel.  Valet parking only.  It's a beautiful and very modern hotel.  They had an art exhibit showing photos, posters, drawings, and everything Ozzy Osburne on the second floor when we went, which was in September.  I wonder if it's always there, or they change the artworks periodically?  RH Restaurant is on the first floor.  Their open kitchen is beautiful.  Even their "refrigerator" was made with glass.  We could see all the fresh produce in there.

[San Gabriel] [Taiwanese] 趴趴走 Pa Pa Walk

Pa Pa Walk
趴趴走
227 W Valley Blvd
San Gabriel, CA, 91776
(626) 281-3889

Next birthday request from my sister, Snow Ice from Pa Pa Walk.  I've been to Pa Pa Walk twice before.  I thought their food was just ok, but very expensive.  My sister heard that their snow ice is really good.  She actually tried to go 3 times before on weekends, and it was sold out all 3 times.



Snow ice is expensive there.  Actually EVERYTHING is expensive there.  At first we only wanted the small snow ice for $6.  But the waiter told us small is only one tiny bowl of it, and wouldn't be enough for two people to share.