Restaurant Review
22 Mar 2017

Here’s Looking at You – Los Angeles (Koreatown)

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Here's Looking at You - August 28, 2016

It’s no secret that I ❤ Here’s Looking at You. I was smitten during the restaurant’s pop-up preview in Chinatown and fell even harder during friends and family dinner. My latest visit was more of the same great stuff—delightful food from Chef Jonathan Whitener, solid service orchestrated by Lien Ta, and an inviting and energetic room.

Here's Looking at You - August 28, 2016

Drinks to start were a must. For The Astronomer, a can o’ Uinta Brewing Ready Set Gose ($7).

Here's Looking at You - August 28, 2016

The cocktail list looked superb, but I was in the mood for something simple and bubbly. A glass of cava ($16) fit the bill nicely.

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Restaurant Review
15 Mar 2017

True Food Kitchen – Pasadena

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True Food Kitchen - Pasadena

There’s no shortage of good-for-you food options in Pasadena. Souplantation will always be my ride or die, but True Food Kitchen is a worthy newcomer, a self-described “health-driven, seasonal restaurant merging nutrient-rich ingredients with a flavor-forward menu.”

True Food Kitchen - Pasadena

True Food Kitchen is so L.A., in the most stereotypical sense. The seating is almost exclusively outdoors, while the menu is based on an anti-inflammatory-diet food pyramid. I mean… While the promises of healthful eating were attractive, The Astronomer, June, and I came here to satisfy a more basic need: hunger.

True Food Kitchen - Pasadena

The Astronomer and I each ordered a drink to start. For me, the “Farmers Market Sangria” ($11) made with spiced brandy, lime, organic red wine, apple, and pear. And for him, a “Ginger Margarita” ($12) with honey, lemon, elderflower liqueur, and añejo tequila. Both were solid.

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Restaurant Review
09 Mar 2017

Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant – Arcadia

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Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant - Arcadia - Santa Anita Mall

The Astronomer and I went on a double date to the Santa Anita Mall. And no, our parents didn’t drop us off. ?

Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant - Arcadia - Santa Anita Mall

We met up with Will and Louise for dinner at Meizhou Dongpo, the second U.S. outlet of a Beijing-based Sichuan restaurant. Without our little gals in tow, we were able to fully take in the polite service, fancy atmosphere, and numbing peppercorns.

Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant - Arcadia - Santa Anita Mall

Even though the restaurant isn’t know for its dan dan mian ($3.60), I couldn’t resist ordering a bowl anyway because they are my favorite Sichuan specialty. The version here was perfectly slurp-able, but nothing extraordinary.

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