Nov 2013

The Prince – Los Angeles (Koreatown)

The Prince - Koreatown - Los Angeles

Tis the season for turkey, but I can’t get my mind off of Korean fried chicken.

A few years back, I’d frequent “KFC” joints several times a month, power ranking each spot as I went along. I lost my momentum and enthusiasm somewhere along the way, but quickly picked up where I left off at The Prince. Fingers sticky and lips burning, it was easy to remember how these deep-fried birds found their way into my heart.

The Prince - Koreatown - Los Angeles

According to the restaurant’s website, The Prince was originally known as The Windsor. The interior, forever frozen in the roaring ’20s, boasts a genuinely stately feel with ruby red accents at every turn—from the carpet to the wallpaper, lamp shades, and table cloths.

The Prince - Koreatown - Los Angeles

As luck would have it, our party of five was seated right next to the pianist. He warmed our hearts and spirits with his rousing renditions of “Let it Be” and “Hotel California.” The best seat in the house!

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Nov 2013

Eat My Blog: A Full House at Coolhaus to Raise Sweet Relief for the Philippines

Eat My Blo 5.0

This past Saturday, local food bloggers and the top culinary talents in Los Angeles descended upon Coolhaus in Pasadena for the ultimate bake sale: Eat My Blog.

Eat My Blog 5.0 - November 23, 2013

While we were setting up the display with a seemingly endless bounty of sweet and savory treats, a line was already forming outside on East Colorado Boulevard.

Eat My Blo 5.0

The line continued to stretch down the block for the duration of the bake sale, with most of the stock running out within two hours.

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Nov 2013

Conquering Fears: Last Call for Rabbit Heads at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

"Cheng Du Famous Snacks" at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

I’m not at all squeamish when it comes to consuming unloved odds and ends, but it took some hardcore mental preparation to indulge in Chengdu’s beloved ma la rabbit head.

I chickened out at every opportunity to try this local delicacy up until the last possible moment, while waiting for our departing flight at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Last call…

"Cheng Du Famous Snacks" at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

The Astronomer and I arrived at the airport with time to spare before catching our early flight to Hangzhou. After exploring the airport’s various breakfast options, we settled on Cheng Du Ming Xiao Chi, a spot specializing in “Cheng Du Famous Snacks.”

I ordered a bowl of dan dan mian, of course. It was a solid rendition, but unavoidably bittersweet.

"Cheng Du Famous Snacks" at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

While slurping my last serving of dan dan mian on Sichuan soil, I perused a picture menu set on the table and saw that rabbit heads were offered here.

After much self-coaxing and reassurances by The Astronomer that he would “help” me eat the thing, I walked up to the cash register to place a second order.

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