[El Monte] [Fast Food] Kentucky Fried Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken
3814 N Peck Road
El Monte, CA 91732
(626)443-1367
http://www.kfc.com

收到肯德基網路抽獎寄來的$6禮卷(為什麼是$6我也很不懂)，就去買了個兩塊雞套餐，還沒加飲料，這樣就要$6耶！貴啊！是不難吃啦！但是美國的肯德基真的比不上台灣的肯德基好吃耶！

I got $6 KFC gift certificate from some online promotion.  Why $6?  I have no idea. 


2 Pieces Meal ($5.94) 

I was looking for something that's under $6.00 and got 2 pieces leg and thigh meal without drink for $5.94.  I didn't know KFC is that expensive!  The chicken wasn't bad, but I still think the best KFC is in Taiwan.  I really miss the Kala Chicken Burger in Taiwan's KFC.

Dad's Beef Noodle Soup

我爸煮的牛肉麵，挺好吃的，拍張照來記錄一下吧！

When I was younger, I never saw my dad in the kitchen.  Cooking was always my mom's territory.  Since my dad retire, all of a sudden he took an interest in cooking.  He watches a lot of Chinese cooking show.  He also reads lots of recipes online.  Then he cooks.  Sometimes the result doesn't turn out too good.  But sometimes he'll make something really delicious.


Beef Noodle Soup

My dad's beef noodle soup was really good.  He said he cooked the broth with beef bone for 8 hours.  I don't really know how he cooked it, but it was just delicious.

He also made green onion pancake, sweet and sour pork, and dumplings the past 2 days.  Since my whole family likes to cook, now we have to fight to use the kitchen.  haha....

Boston Legal

這天晚上同事Iris在看DVD，忽然他大叫了一聲：「Eileen！我在電視上看到你耶！」，結果還真的是我，哈哈哈哈！這是好久以前拍的Boston Legal演陪審團，整集中我好像有將近10來個鏡頭，連打瞌睡都被拍到，唉！還蠻想念當小臨演時的多采多姿生活啊！

Last night my friend Iris was watching DVD. All of a sudden she yelled out, "Eileen! I saw you on TV!!" She paused the scene to show me. And it was me! haha....



It was Boston Legal, Season 2, Episode 4. I played one of the jurors in court. I think I worked on this episode maybe 3 years ago? I appeared on camera maybe 10 times throughout the episode. They even caught me falling asleep. haha....

[Los Angeles] [Fast Food] McDonald's

McDonald's
1625 W Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90017
http://www.mcdonalds.com

其實麥當勞的各種漢堡吃來吃去，最好吃的好像還真的是數十年如一日的Big Mac啊！

I've been eating fast food a lot at work.  It's cheap and fast.  And I always have a coupon in hand.  But I'm not sure if that's a good thing....


Big Mac ($2.99)

The coupon was for buy 1 Big Mac and get 1 fries and 1 drink free.

Dr. Park's Birthday Dinner

星期天是公園先生真正的生日天，星期五吃過壽司生日大餐，所以星期天公園先生決定和家人一起過生日，本來星期天晚上我們要去買菜隔天BBQ，後來公園媽媽說星期天早上他去買菜吧！公園媽媽買了超級豐盛的材料，然後全部交給我自己發揮，我做了白灼蝦、奶油扇貝、腓力牛排、龍蝦和烤蘆筍，還有公園媽媽做的藍莓沙拉，和去Crumbs買了杯子蛋糕，配上紅酒白酒，在家吃了一頓無敵美味的生日大餐！

Sunday was Dr. Park's birthday.  We already celebrated together on Friday at Sushi Sasabune.  So Sunday was a celebration with Dr. Park's family.  At first we were going to have a BBQ.  On Saturday night before we were about to go to the market, Mrs. Park said she would go shopping for food on Sunday morning.  So nice of her!  Mrs. Park bought a whole bunch of delicious seafood and filet mignon.  The best part, she let me have all the food to cook anyway I like!


Salad

We started our meal with a beautiful salad made by Mrs. Park.  Organic green, cherry tomato, blueberries and pine nuts.  I love the blueberries in the salad.

Los Angeles 5.8 Earthquake

今天中午洛杉磯發生了5.8級的大地震，還蠻可怕的，大家都沒事吧？

Today around 11:45am, I just turned on my computer and was getting ready to check my emails.  All of sudden the floor started shaking.  I was on the second floor of my house.  It felt like somebody was jumping up and down and the floor was also going up and down.  Soon after it started swaying from side to side.  Earthquake!  And it was a big one!

The news said it was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake.  The center of the quake was 30 miles east of Los Angeles.  The quake was felt all the way in San Diego and Las Vegas.  I've heard it on the news so many times that there was a big earthquake that is way overdue in Los Angeles.  I hope this was the one.  No more big earthquake, please!

Is everyone in LA ok?

[Los Angeles] [Japanese] Sushi Sasabune

Sushi Sasabune
12400 Wilshire Blvd #150
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 820-3596

星期天是公園先生的生日，今年的生日大餐請他吃了他自己指定的Sushi Sasabune，由於餐廳周末不營業，我們就星期五提早慶祝，Sasabune的壽司無敵新鮮，每一道都美味至極，吃完之後感覺我們吃壽司的級數又晉了一級，這家壽司店我們一定一定還要再回來！(星期天我再度下廚慶祝了一天生日，請期待明天的生日part 2喔！)

Last Sunday was Dr. Park's birthday.  Almost 2 months ago, I read a great review on Sushi Sasabune written by ExileKiss.  I forwarded the review to Dr. Park, and he requested to have his birthday dinner there.  After looking forward to this birthday celebration for 2 months, we were finally there last Friday.



Sushi Sasabune is located on the first floor of some business building on Wilshire.  I read that they used to be a small restaurant around Sawtelle area.  The new location is huge.  Dr. Park told me it used to be a Todai here.  We arrived right before our reservation time at 7pm and there were plenty of street parking out front.

July 2008 Giveaway

最近事情有夠多，七月都要過完了，六月抽獎現在才開獎，真是不好意思，那麼七月抽獎只有四天時間可以參加喔！很刺激吧！那這次要送什麼禮物呢？因為還沒決定所以就很俗氣的叫它「神秘禮物」吧！

I have been super busy this month.  I know it's almost at the end of July.  Sorry for the late announcement of June's lucky winners.  But here they are:

(1) Burt’s Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar + Peppermint Shower Soap: Joy (#9)

(2) Burt’s Bees Hand Salve, Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme & Beeswax Lip Balm: SF Mel (#16)

Congratulation to the two lucky winners.  I will send an email to you.  Please reply asap with your address.  Thank you.

Now for July's giveaway, there are only 4 days to enter.  How exciting!?  haha....  The prize for this month's giveaway is undecided yet.  (Seriously, I've been so busy!)  So let's call it the secret prize.  But trust me, it'll be good.  I will announce the prize when I annouce the winner on 8/1.  (I promise I will announce the winner on time this time!)

So the question for this month is: Out of all the restaurants you tried in July, which one is your favorite?  七月中吃過最好吃的餐廳是哪一家？ 

My favorite restaurant this month is SUSHI SASABUNE.  Why?  And how good is the food?  Please read my next post.  ^^  Now please share yours with me!

Kitty's New Toy

抽獎中了一個小小的獎品，那種很輕的帆布小飛盤，結果小貓咪很愛咧！一直巴著咬不停....

I won a small prize from a MGM sweepstake.



It's a Stargate Atlantis flinger.  It's like a light weight frisbee.  I was testing to see how to throw this thing, and Kitty got really interested in it.  She caught it like how a dog would catch a frisbee.  Then she started biting it like crazy.

[Baldwin Park] [Fast Food] Del Taco

Del Taco
12690 Ramona Blvd
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
(626) 338-6202
http://www.deltaco.com

手邊有Del Taco的折價卷，所以這幾天晚餐都是吃墨西哥快餐解決，發現他們家的漢堡居然還不錯吃呢！

I was tempted by coupons again.  Back to Del Taco with coupons and coupons.


Del Double Cheeseburger ($0.99)

I thought it would be a chili cheeseburger since Del Taco is a Mexican fast food joint.  But nope, it's just a regular double cheeseburger.

[Los Angeles] [Drink] Jamba Juice

Jamba Juice
3800 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 382-1497
http://www.jambajuice.com

最近Jamba Juice有買一送一的活動，這兩天都和同事一起去買，試了他們的柳橙香蕉口味，一整個怪，不喜歡，但是另一款Acai口味的就非常好喝，趕快到他們網頁上列印折價卷喔！

There's an ongoing buy 1 get 1 smoothie deal for Jamba Juice.  The coupon can be printed from their website.



This week Claire and I went twice.  We always get the small cup.  Large is too big and I can never finish that.

[Los Angeles] [Korean] Nam Dae Moon Jip

Nam Dae Moon Jip
3470 W 6th St #2
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(213) 985-4249

想要謝謝同事Claire給了我第一份外燴的工作，週日上班時我請他吃晚餐，Claire愛吃肉，所以我們到了公司附近這家韓國烤肉買外賣，他選了牛小排，我則是選了牛小排加涼麵的套餐，居然套餐還便宜$6，吃的時候覺得蠻好吃，但是越吃越覺得油膩，然後開始有點不舒服，接著這天晚上我們兩個人就一直跑廁所，這家店.... 以後不敢來了啦！

I wanted to thank Claire for giving me my first catering job by treating her to dinner on Sunday.  She likes meat.  So we settled for Korean BBQ.  I found Nam Dae Moon Jip near our office.  The small restaurant was full on a Sunday night so we figured the food must be good.


Panchan

We couldn't leave the office for too long so got our dinner to-go.  4 types of appetizers were included.  Kimchi, fish cake, bean sprout and cole slaw.  Nothing really stood out.  The panchans were just alright.

[Los Angeles] [Bakery] Crumbs Bake Shop

Crumbs Bake Shop
216 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-8400
http://www.crumbsbakeshop.com

吃完了泰國午餐，我又想吃Crumbs的杯子蛋糕，這次選了焦糖蘋果口味，蛋糕裡面有一粒一粒的蘋果呢！上面那層奶油還是過甜，不過稍微抹掉一些就很不賴，公園先生很愛這款，結果這次被他吃掉半枚，下次再去試新口味！

After lunch, I wanted to have Crumbs cupcake.  Last time I had Red Velvet.  There were so many other kinds I want to try.


Caramel Apple Cupcake ($3.75)

Moist apple cinnamon cake frosted with vanilla buttercream and drizzled with rich caramel.  We loved this cupcake!  The apple cinamon cake was so good.  Moist, with bits of apple.  The frosting was overly sweet.  But we fixed it by scraping some off the cupcake.  I thought I could have most of the cupcake like last time.  But this time, Dr. Park liked this one a lot and he ate half of it.... ><

Which cupcake should I try next?  Cappuccino?  Blueberry Swirl?  Or S'mores?

[Los Angeles] [Thai] Ord Noodle

Ord Noodle
5401 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 468-9302

週日起床後和公園先生約了一起吃個早午餐，討論了一番後決定到Ord Noodle吃泰國麵，點了重口味的牛肉麵和輕口味的貢丸麵，再點了份香辣的九層塔鮮蝦飯，吃了頓飽飽又好吃的泰國午餐。

Dr. Park felt like having ethnic food for lunch on Sunday.  We came back to Ord Noodle for some Thai food.


Thai Iced Tea / Thai Iced Coffee ($1.50/each)

We were seated quickly.  Started our meal with Thai iced tea for me and Thai iced coffee for Dr. Park.  It seems like I have to have Thai iced tea whenever I have Thai food. 

[El Monte] [Fast Food] McDonald's

McDonald's
11612 Valley Blvd
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 579-1047
http://www.mcdonalds.com 

忙了一整個早上準備party的小點心，中午把做好的東西送過去以後，才覺得一整天都沒吃東西肚子好餓，剛好皮夾裡有麥當勞的折價卷，就去買了買一送一的蘑菇起司漢堡，漢堡配上多汁的蘑菇和融化的起司，還有美乃滋醬，很好吃的漢堡喲！

After delivering the catering food to the party, I realized I had been cooking all morning without eating.  I had McDonald's coupon in my wallet.  So I stopped by to get some food.


Mushroom & Swiss Cheese Angus Burger ($4.60)

The coupon was for buy 1 get 1 free Angus Burger.  I picked Mushroom & Swiss cheese.  I just love mushroom!  The sesame bun looked yummy.

Strawberry Kitty Catering

同事Claire知道我很喜歡煮菜，一直鼓勵我應該做個小小的外燴生意，其實以前我就想過，只是一直沒有付諸行動，上個周末Claire的表妹有個結婚前女生們聚會的派對，他們請我做了20人份的小點心，就成為我的第一筆外燴生意，昨天上班Claire告訴我大家都很喜歡這些小點心，還有不少人請問我有沒有名片，所以我幫這個小小外燴生意取了名字，Strawberry Kitty Catering，同事說聽起來很像會有比基尼女郎去煮菜那種怪怪的外燴公司，但是人家是用我們家兩隻貓咪的名字取的嘛！那麼我的小小外燴生意正式開張，目前我只接受周末的生意，如果大家有party需要，歡迎與我聯絡(strawberrykitty@ymail.com)喔！

I love cooking!  My coworker Claire knows how much I love cooking.  She keeps on telling my I should start a catering business on the side.  I thought about it before, but didn't think I could actually do it.  Claire was in charge of her cousin's bridal shower party's food, and she awarded the catering job to me!  The party was last Saturday for 20 people.  They requested simple appetizers, which I knew I could do.



I made 7 dishes.  I also came up with "dirty" names for the dishes to match the party theme. 

Jay Chou on Wikipedia

昨天上Wikipedia的時候，首頁文章居然是周杰倫耶！真是為國爭光啊！

I went on Wikipedia yesterday.  The featured article on the main page was Jay Chou!  I wonder how many people in the world read the article and now know the name Jay Chou?!

[Alhambra] [Vietnamese] Banh Mi Che Cali

Banh Mi Che Cali
647 W Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 293-8396

這天去Banh Mi Che Cali買了個烤豬肉鮮蝦飯，料蠻豐富的，烤肉好嫩，整個吃好飽，讚！

I think I wrote about Banh Mi Che Cali too many times.  But I just want to show a picture of a new dish I tried.


Rice with BBQ Pork, Shrimp and Fried Egg ($4.75)

Tender BBQ pork and BBQ shrimps with a fried egg over rice.  Served with cucumber, lettuce and fish sauce.  Delicious dinner!

[Los Angeles] [Drink] Starbucks

Starbucks
3680 Wilshire Blvd #102
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 383-5370
http://www.starbucks.com

有些網友留言說星巴克免費兌換卷無法使用，但是我們公司附近這家沒問題呀！上星期連續去換了兩天呢！他們的檸檬綠茶冰沙很讚喔！

A few readers left comments about not being able to use the free coupon from Starbucks.  But I had no trouble using it at the Starbucks near work.  Coworker and I went there two days straight to get our free drinks last week.


Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino

Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino was pretty good.  I love how they used chocolate whipped cream with the drink.

[Alhambra] [Asian Fusion] 百家利燒雞 Baccali Cafe & Rotisserie

Baccali Cafe & Rotisserie
百家利燒雞
245 W. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 293-3300

看完了拳擊比賽，也都將近10點了，這時該到哪裡吃晚餐呢？那就去開比較晚的港式西餐吧！百家利燒雞一直是我很喜歡的港式西餐，這次去卻發現他們的衛生檢查變成C，點了我一直很喜歡的馬來西亞燒雞，公園先生也很喜歡咖哩口味的這道菜，另外點了周末才有的prime rib牛排，很大一塊，但是印象中以前比較好吃，他們東西不錯，但是變成C以後我會比較不會想來耶！

After watching the boxing fight, it was already 10 pm.  We planned to eat dinner afterward, but didn't expect the fight to end that late.  So where to get dinner at 10 pm?  The definate choice seemed to be one of those Hong Kong cafes.  We picked my favorite HK cafe, Baccali.  We actually tried to come here for lunch on the same day, but left because the wait was too long.  Back to Baccali again at 10 pm and there was no wait.  We also noticed the big red C on their door.  What happened?


摩囉燴燒雞 Malaysian Roasted Chicken ($8.50)

We shared 2 entrees.  I always get the Malaysian Roasted Chicken when I come to Baccali.  Just love the slightly spicy curry sauce and the curry fried rice with raisin.  Baccali's roasted chicken is always good.  Flavorful and tender.  Dr. Park loves this dish as well.

California Kickboxing Fight

公園先生的好友是一家拳擊訓練健身房的老闆，上周六他們辦了一場拳擊比賽，本來覺得因為我對拳擊也沒興趣會很無聊，結果一點也不會無聊耶！公園先生看得很興奮，我是看得一整個緊張，看到那些人被打的覺得好痛，有興趣學拳擊健身的朋友可以到位在Pasadena的這家California Kickboxing看看喔！

Dr. Park's friend is the owner of California Kickboxing & Fitness. They had a kickboxing fight event last Saturday. I went with Dr. Park and thought I would be bored since I'm not into kickboxing at all. But the event turned out to be quite exciting.



There were 8 fights for the event. All fighters are students of the gym. They matched the fighters by weight class and their experience level. This clip was the second fight of the night.

[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

聽聞這家台灣小吃已久，聽說最有名的是他們的棺材板，星期六中午就和公園先生來吃午餐，生意真的好好，我們等了一陣子才有位子，吃了官財板、雞腿飯、牛肉麵和刨冰，樣樣都還不錯呢！不過價錢似乎是比我們最愛的QQ貴了一些，還是鍾愛QQ，不過偶爾換換口味也不錯啦！

I've heard about Pa Pa Walk's famous Taiwanese "coffin" bread for a long time.  Even though I grew up in Taiwan, I've never had it before.  Last Saturday Dr. Park wanted to go to QQ for some Taiwanese food.  I suggested to try a new Taiwanese restaurant so I finally had a chance to try Pa Pa Walk.


特調咖啡 Coffee ($2.75)

There were about 10 people waiting outside the restaurant when we got there.  We put our name on the waiting list and was called in about 15 minutes.  Dr. Park had to have his coffee every morning.  Well, it wasn't exactly morning, but it was our first meal of the day, so he still needed to order his coffee.  This was your standard instant iced coffee.  Nothing special but did the job for Dr. Park.

Four Courses for $40 at South Coast Plaza

I saw this article on Zagat.com....

Costa Mesa's famous South Coast Plaza doesn't just have an impressive lineup of stores, it also has an impressive lineup of top-notch restaurants (with more coming soon). To celebrate its dining options, the restaurants of South Coast Plaza are offering a Restaurant Week–style deal from July 25th–August 3rd. During that time, diners coming in for dinner at Antonello Ristorante, Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's, Hamamori, Marché Moderne, Pinot Provence, Royal Khyber, Savannah Steak and Chop House (formerly Chat Noir) or Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar are entitled to a four-course prix fixe for only $40. Make your reservations soon as these kinds of deals go quickly – especially when new restaurants from the likes of Charlie Palmer are involved.

Menu: http://www.southcoastplaza.com/features/restaurantsofscp2008/index.php

Free Starbucks Frappaccino

朋友轉寄了星巴克的免費折價卷給我，和大家分享這個好康喲！

Free Starbucks Frappaccino, iced coffee or iced tea!  Conpon is good till 8/31/2008.  Enjoy!



DOWNLOAD & PRINT

[Pasadena] [Italian] Il Fornaio

Il Fornaio
24 West Union Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 683-9797
http://www.ilfornaio.com

很久以前到過Il Fornaio吃過一次晚餐，但是好不好吃卻一點都想不起來，收到他們寄來的本月特別菜單，看起來好像還不錯，而且前去用餐就有小禮物還可以集印章抽獎，星期五晚上就和公園先生一起去吃晚餐，公園先生覺得他們沙拉不錯，我覺得甜點不錯，但是主菜我們兩個人都有點小失望，而且剛好被分派到一位不太聰明笨手笨腳忘東忘西的服務生，所以對這家餐廳的印象又扣了些分數，本來計畫每個月來換獎品集印章，但經過這次用餐經驗，還要想想到底下個月還要不要來....

I had dinner once at Il Fornaio a long long time ago.  Honestly, I don't remember anything about the food here.  I receive their regional special menu in the mail every month, but never gone back.  Just received a new "regional passport" from them.  If you go to the restaurant every month to try the special menu, you get a free gift and a stamp on your passport.  Once you collect 6 stamps, you get another gift and can be entered into a trip for 2 to Italy sweepstakes.  For these reasons, Dr. Park and I had a dinner date at Il Fornaio last Friday night.



We arrived at our 7:30pm reservation time.  The restaurant was full with people waiting for seats.  We requested for patio seating and was told there would be a 10 minutes wait.

[Rowland Heights] [Chinese] 龍炒手蜀國菜 Happiness Restaurant

Happiness Restaurant
龍炒手蜀國菜
18438 Colima Road #106
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
(626) 810-7818

星期五本來要和公園先生一起來龍炒手吃特價午餐，結果早上公園先生去衝浪，到我家時間已經有點晚了，加上路上堵車，到了餐廳剛好3pm，服務生說特價午餐已經沒有了，只好吃原價，水煮牛魚和魚香茄子不錯吃，但是大腸粉絲煲實在不怎麼樣，後來發現還被多算錢，感覺有點不太好耶！所以這家餐廳，以後我還要考慮一下到底還要不要再上門....

After having dinner at Happiness Restaurant last time, Dr. Park has been missing the spicy beef & fish.  Last Friday, we planned to come back here for their 11:00am to 3:00pm lunch special.  Dr. Park went surfing in the morning.  Because of traffic, we got to the restaurant at 2:58pm.  But the waitress insisted that it was pass 3:00pm and lunch special was over.  So we settled for a regular price late lunch.


小菜 Appetizer

The same free appetizer as last time, bean sprout with peanuts and carrot. 

[El Monte] [Mexican] Alberto's Mexican Food

Alberto's Mexican Food
3819 N Peck Rd
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 579-3972

上周三同事Tom說看了我的blog，好想吃Alberto's的墨西哥捲餅，所以星期四就幫同事們買了帶去，發現這家店的牛舌墨西哥捲餅無敵好吃啊！還有他們的飲料也是又便宜又超大杯又好喝，這星期我想我又會再度上門吧！

Tom from work told me that he read my post about Alberto's Mexican Food and their burrito looks so good.  So he asked me if I could bring food to the office.  Coworkers placed their orders on Wednesday night.  And I brought yummy burritos to work on Thursday.


Tripa Burrito ($4.50)

I wanted to try something different.  Being Taiwanese, I am not afraid of organ meats.  So I ordered a tripa (tripe) burrito.  It had rice, bean, salsa and tripe.

Need to Stop Shopping & Start Saving

在拉斯維加斯之旅時買了一堆Coach的東西回來後，不知道怎樣的忽然一陣購物熱，亂七八糟買了一堆東西，雖然都是打折時買的，但是加加還是花了不少銀子，偏偏前幾天開車不小心去撞到路邊的花盆(別再問我是怎麼撞到的，基本上就是我白癡就對了)，去估價發現要修$700！所以現在絕對不能再買，一定要省省省啊！寫這篇純粹只是想要自我安慰，至少買這麼多省了很多錢而已....

Ever since the little detour to the Coach outlet on our Vegas trip, I seem to be in a "spending" mode.  I've been doing lots of shopping online.  One rule though.... I only shop when things are on sale (unless I really really really really want it).  So even though I bought a lot, I think I saved a lot, too.


Cole Haan Air Chella Cherry Slingback Wedge ($165.00 $56.30)

When I was younger, I always wore high heels.  It didn't matter if it hurt me feet.  As long as I looked good, I could wear it for the whole day (and night haha).  But now as I get older, comfort is the most important thing when I shop for shoes.  It's not easy to find comfortable shoes that's also cute.  So when I saw Cole Haan's Slingback Wedge with Nike Air technology
on a big sale from Smartbargains.com, I have to get it.  Aren't they cute?  By the way, if you guys want to buy anything from Smartbargains.com, remember to sign up for their newsletter.  You will get an instant 10% off with your purchase.

Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar For Sale (SOLD)

前陣子很幸運的中了Sirius電台的抽獎活動頭獎，上周收到了獎品，Gibson SG電吉他一把，但是我不會彈吉他，所以想要出售，這台電吉他的定價是$2,419，我想賣$1,200 (可再議價)，除了全新的電吉他，也包括Gibson原廠的吉他箱，有興趣的朋友請寫email給我(eatien@yahoo.com)，也歡迎大家轉貼/轉寄喔！謝謝！

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/divisions/gibson%20usa/products/sg/sgstandard/

I won!!!!  I entered a Sirius Satellite Radio sweepstakes and won the grand prize.  It's a Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar (retail value: $2,419).  Lucky me!  But since I don't play guitar, this beautiful guitar with case is for sale for $1,200 (negotiable).  Please email me (eatien@yahoo.com) if you are interested.  Thank you.



SG Standard

Gibson's new solidbody guitar of the '60s, the SG, broke through traditional concepts of solidbody electrics and became an instant classic. The SG body style has remained in production since its first appearance in 1961.

July 2008 Wallpaper

七月過了一半才來了遲到的桌布，這次來個熱浪來幫大家消暑一下吧！

I saw this beautiful Crashing Wave wallpaper featured on Smashing Magazine from eWallpapers.  I used it for my July 2008 wallpaper hoping to cool down a little.  I wish I am at the beach RIGHT NOW!


Download

[Los Angeles] [Fast Food] Wienerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel
3619 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323)734-8714
http://www.wienerschnitzel.com

昨天原本準備了便當，結果卻忘了帶，在公司剛好有這家速食店的折價卷，就和同事一起買了一堆豆泥熱狗漢堡薯條，剛吃很好吃，越吃越覺得油膩，味道也好像越來越鹹，然後就一陣子肚子不舒服，同事頻頻去外面陽台上「排氣」，我則是直接20分鐘後廁所報到，這樣油滋滋的速食腸胃還是沒辦法消受啊！

I prepared a bento for Wednesday night's dinner, but somehow forgot to bring it to work.  We happened to have some coupons from Wienerschnitzel at work.  So coworkers and I decided to have some wieners for dinner.



This fast food chain specializes in hot dog.  Their current slogan is World's Most Wanted Wiener.  Somehow I just don't think this fast food restaurant is that popular as the other ones.  I tried their food a long time ago and didn't like it much.  But I'm willing to give it another try.

Fresh & Easy BBQ Grill Pack

收到Fresh & Easy寄來的$5折價卷，上周日去逛了一逛，發現他們的烤肉組合正在特價，四個牛肉漢堡、四條臘腸、四塊雞大腿和四塊雞腿只要$4.99，真是太便宜了，馬上抱了兩盒回家，第二天就烤了一盒來吃，我好愛他們醃好的雞腿，另外還買了牛肉沙拉當天晚上帶去公司吃，也是很讚呢！

I received a $5 coupon in the mail from Fresh & Easy.  They opened a new location in West Covina.  Now I can either go to Arcadia or the new West Covina store.  Last Sunday I went to the new store to spend my $5 coupon.



They had a special deal on the grill pack.  4 beef hamburger patties, 4 pork sausages, 4 cilantro & lime marinated chicken thighs and legs for only $4.99.  $4.99 for all that food?!?!  I couldn't believe the price when I saw it.  When I finally believed it, I grabbed 2 boxes.  I grilled it for family the next day.  Everything was good, especially the chicken.  It was so flavorful.  We had more than enough food for 4 people for only $4.99!  Fresh & Easy rocks!

4th of July BBQ

美國的國慶日基本上感覺和台灣中秋節一樣，無論如何就是家家戶戶都要烤肉就對了，今年一樣是到公園先生家烤肉看煙火，不過去年我只張嘴等吃，今年可是親手下廚準備了超多海鮮料，吃到公園媽媽開心到送我一件貴孜孜的義大利名牌外套，公園先生還要求今年他生日除了吃頓我們早就訂好的生日大餐，那個周末還要再烤一次肉，今年烤肉真是無敵大成功！忙了一下午都值得啦！

In Taiwan, people always have BBQ on Moon Festival holiday. In the US, BBQ seems to be the tradition for July 4th. Dr. Park's family always have a BBQ in his house for July 4th, then watch the fireworks from the country club right across the street from his house. Last year we had delicious Korean BBQ ribs from Korean supermarket. I didn't do much last year. Pretty much just sat around and waited to be fed. This year I actually did some cooking. The result turned out great. We had quite a feast.



To keep the Park family tradition, there must be kalbi (Korean BBQ beef ribs) in every BBQ.  Dr. Park's brother did a great job cooking these ribs on the grill.  (The foil packs were mushrooms which I will talk about later.)

[Alhambra] [Vietnamese] Banh Mi Che Cali

Banh Mi Che Cali
647 W Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 293-8396

一陣子沒去Banh Mi Che Cali買東西了，還蠻想念他們的味道呢！上星期就一連去買了兩天，吃了牛腩飯、越南豬肉木耳粉腸和越南火腿春捲，樣樣都好吃，這家餐廳果然很讚。

I haven't been to Banh Mi Che Cali since I came back from Vegas.  I miss it!  So last week I went back two days in a roll and tried some new dishes.


Vietnamese Beef Stew with Rice (Bo Kho) ($3.00)

Vietnamese beef stew is cooked with carrot and daikon radish.  The beef and tendon were super tender.  The sauce was very fragrant but a bit oily.  Just like curry chicken, you can order it with rice, noodle or French bread.  I picked rice.  Super delicious!  I even drank all the soup at the end.

[El Monte] [Mexican] Alberto's Mexican Food

Alberto's Mexican Food
3819 N Peck Rd
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 579-3972

這天一整個想吃墨西哥食物，上班前就在我家附近的某家小小墨西哥餐廳買了個燉豬肉捲餅，味道還不錯，捲餅無比碩大，吃的無敵飽，也滿足了想吃墨西哥食物的慾望啊！

Didn't know why but I was craving for Mexican food one day.  There are quite a few Mexican joints near my house, yet I haven't tried most of them.  On my way to work, I went through Alberto's drive thru to get some Mexican dinner.


Carnitas Burrito ($3.90)

I ordered a carnitas burrito.  That was one big burrito and it was only $3.90!

[Los Angeles] [Dessert] Beard Papa's

Beard Papa's
2130 Sawtelle Blvd., #110
Los Angels, CA 90025
(310) 479-6665
http://www.muginohousa.com

吃完了鐵板燒，我們到Beard Papa's買了泡芙當甜點，我選了草莓口味的，有著草莓香氣的粉紅色奶油餡看起來就很迷人，吃起來也好香，而且中間還有草莓果粒呢！真是好吃。

After teppanyaki, we went to Beard Papa's on Sawtelle to get some yummy Japanese cream puffs for dessert.


Original & Strawberry Cream Puffs ($1.75/each)

Dr. Park got an original cream puff and I got a strawberry one. 

[Beverly Hills] [Japanese] Benihana

Benihana
38 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 659-1511
http://www.benihana.com

公園先生有天跟我提到他從來沒吃過鐵板燒，剛好信用卡集滿點數可以換Benihana的$50禮卷，那就帶公園先生來試試看，本以為在比佛利山莊的分店會比較高級，結果也沒有，而且從經理廚師服務生到收盤子的，清一色都是老墨，而且幾乎都是不太會說英文的老墨，最後買單還發生很白癡的雞同鴨講事件，這家餐廳餐點很貴，味道普通，表演也普通，公園先生說嚐過就好，以後應該不會再來了啦！還是台灣的鐵板燒精緻又好吃。對了，這次用餐還發現外國人好像都沒有分食的習慣，都是自己吃自己的，感覺還蠻「自私」的說....

A long time ago, Dr. Park and I watched a teppanyaki competition show on Food Channel.  While watching the show, Dr. Park mentioned he has never had teppanyaki before.  I had teppanyaki quite often when I grew up in Taiwan.  In Taiwan, there are a lot teppanyaki restaurants.  They can be high end expansive ones, or the street vendor cheap ones.  I like teppanyaki, but honestly, haven't had really good ones in the States yet.  But one has to experience teppanyaki at least once, right?  So when I had enough points on my American Express card, I redeemed them for a $50 Benihana gift card to take Dr. Park to his first teppanyaki dinner.


Shochikubai Gingo Sake ($12.00)

We arrived at our reservation time, 7:30pm, and was quickly seated with 6 other people on a table.  The seats were a bit too crowded.  It would be much more comfortable if there were 7 people on a table.

We ordered a bottle of cold Chochikubai Gingo Sake to share.  This sake has a fruity flavor and very smooth.

[Los Angeles] [Korean] Seoul Soondae House

Seoul Soondae House
3470 W 6th St #7
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 383-0606

這天很想吃韓國食物，自己在公司附近的商場晃了晃，隨意的走進這家小小的韓國餐廳，看著牆上的圖片和不會說英文的大嬸比手畫腳的點了這碗麵，真正拿到的麵和牆上圖片中的麵很不一樣，料少的可憐，味道也不是太好吃，麵也煮太軟，只有附送的韓國泡菜還蠻好吃的，對了等麵的時候還看到廚房中另一位煮菜的大嬸可是一面抽菸一面幫我煮麵啊！所以，這家餐廳可能不會再上門了吧！

I was craving for some spicy Korean food for dinner.  Walked around Korea Town near work and found this little restaurant.  It was empty, but the pictures on the wall looked good so I was lured in.


Noodle with Beef and Other Stuffs ($8.95)

The Korean lady who took my order doesn't speak English.  I had to point to the picture on the wall to order.  The dish is called Noodle with Beef and "other stuffs".  From the picture, I assumed the other stuffs are hot dog, spam, mushroom, green veggies, and glass noodle.  But one should never trust restaurant pictures.  And in this case, don't even trust the name of the dish.

[El Monte] [Fast Food] Jack In The Box

Jack In The Box
11780 Ramona Blvd
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 279-7549
http://www.jackinthebox.com

這天臨時發現Jack In The Box有個活動，拿任何加油的收據到店裡就可以換兩個免費的taco，上班前就去換了兩個，他們的taco油滋滋的，裡面的料又超少，肉吃起來都不像肉，還好是免費的，那也就沒什麼好抱怨了啦！不過要我自己花錢去買是不太可能的。 

A while back I found a promotion from Jack In the Box on the web.  A website named it "Gas For Gas", which is quite funny (and true).  You can take any gas receipt to Jack In the Box on that day and get 2 free tacos.  So I went for my freebies before work.


Taco

The regular price for 2 tacos are $0.99.  Quite a cheap eat, but they are small.  The taco shell was drenched in oil and not crispy at all.

[Los Angeles] [Supermarket] Hannam Chain Supermarket

Hannam Chain Supermarket
2740 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 382-2922
http://www.hannamchain.com

同事們和我都很喜歡八點左右到公司附近這家韓國超市買半價的熟食，這天Iris幫大家買了幾道小菜，搭配一下也是頓好吃的晚餐，而且半價之後真的好便宜喔！有興趣的朋友可以每天八點以後來這裡買半價韓國熟食喔！不過來太晚可能就沒有啦！

Coworkers and I like to go to Hannam supermarket to buy 50% off cooked dishes at 8pm.  All cooked dishes is half off starting at 8pm.  But I suggest to go a little earlier because that's what most Korean housewives do.  They would grab the food and just wait at the counter for the supermarket worker to come mark the label for 1/2 off.  Iris went to the market around 7:45pm on a Sunday.  These were what she brought back for us....


Seasoned Tofu ($1.97)

Firm tofu was seasoned with Korean spicy sauce, green onion and garlic.  This dish is very flavorful.  Very good with rice.

Zhajiang Mian at Work

來自北京的同事Iris看我們喜歡吃韓國炸醬麵，直說中國的炸醬麵比較好吃，這天他特地做了炸醬麵請大家吃，果然無敵好吃啊！中國炸醬麵和韓國炸醬麵口味是完全不一樣的，各有特色，兩種我都喜歡呢！

I've been talking about how much I love Korean Jajangmyeon (noodle in borwn sauce) at work.  Co-worker Iris came from Beijing.  Zhajian Mian (fried sauce noodle) is a classic Beijing dish.  Iris kept on telling us for weeks how Beijing Zhajian Mian is better than Korean Jajangmyeon. 



On a Sunday, Iris brought http://www.eileenlikestoeat.commade Zhajiang Mian to work.  Yes, unfortunately we have to work on Sunday.  But if I can eat this every Sunday at work, I would volunteer to work on Sunday.

[Los Angeles] [Peruvian] Mario's Peruvian & Seafood

Mario's Peruvian & Seafood
5786 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 466-4181

公園媽媽家離這家餐廳很近，所以常常來這裡買外賣，而且買來買去好像都是一樣的菜色，秘魯菜味道真的很像西班牙+中國料理的混合體，不錯吃。

Mario's Peruvian restaurant is really close to Dr. Park's mom's house.  Whenever they can't figure out what to eat for dinner, his brother would go to Mario's for take out.  When they go to Mario's, they always order the same dishes.  I asked Dr. Park why don't they try some new dishes.  He said "if you already know what's good, why not stick with it?"


Ceviche De Pescado ($12.00)

Raw fish cooked in lemon juice, with onions and spices and served with boiled potatoes.  The fish is fresh and the limey sauce is tasty.  Great appetizer.

[Los Angeles] [Bakery] Crumbs Bake Shop

Crumbs Bake Shop
216 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-8400
http://www.crumbsbakeshop.com

在P.F. Chang's吃完午餐後，公園先生帶我到Larchmont街買甜點，這家剛開張不久的Crumbs Bake Shop是家有名的cupcake專賣店，我選了個Red Velvet巧克力口味的，配上隔壁Peet's Coffee的冰摩卡，超讚的下午茶！

After our lunch at P.F. Chang's, Dr. Park took me to Larchmont for dessert.  The new Crumbs Bake Shop is famous for its cupcakes and I've been wanting to try it. 



The bakery came from New York, and now have two locations in Los Angeles (the other location is at Berverly Hills).  I like the cute exterior of the store.

[Los Angeles] [Chinese] P.F. Chang's China Bistro

P.F. Chang's China Bistro
121 N. La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 854-6467
http://www.pfchangs.com

P.F. Chang's是一家連鎖美式「中國」餐廳，如果不喜歡這種口味，可能會形容為「不中不西」，但是喜歡的話那就是「中西合併」的精華吧？我收到一張P.F. Chang's寄來的折價卷，可以免費兌換新推出的小火菜單上的菜色一份，我們上個周末的中午就來了這家Beverly Center一樓的分店，免費點了最貴的$20牛排，這牛排居然出乎意料的香嫩可口，然後兩人再點了兩份特價午餐，吃的飽飽飽還帶了一大袋回家，感想就是賺到了啦！

P.F. Chang's China Bistro is a chain restaurant that offer Chinese cuisine.  Well, I wouldn't really consider it as a Chinese restaurant.  It's more like an American restaurant with Chinese influence.  I had dinner once at P.F. Chang's at Sherman Oaks location a long time ago.  I remember the decor and service was nice, but food was just alright.  It's not a restaurant I would normally put on my list to visit, but a gift card lure me in.

I saw an ad for a free grill entree on Chowhound one day and filled out a simple form on their website.  Then I also saw posts on Chowhound that people claim they never received the free entree offer.  So it was a pleasant surprise when I received the free entree gift card in the mail. 



Dr. Park and I went to the Beverly Center location on Saturday for lunch.  The restaurant was quite busy.  Most of the patrons were shoppers from the mall.  They were also doing training on new employees.  We had a trainee host who kept on dropping the menu, and a wonderful trainee waitress who seemed to be on top of everything.