Sep 2016

Banff Sweets: Beavertails, Nanaimo Bars and more!

Sweets in Banff

Earlier this summer, June and I tagged along with The Astronomer to Banff for a physics conference. While most of our travels in the era before baby were more or less focused on stuffing our faces, we prioritized fresh air and breathtaking scenery on this trip—#welliguessthisisgrowingup.

Even though foodie pursuits took a backseat, we still managed to eat very well in Banff, especially in the desserts department. Here are a handful of sweets that were as enchanting as the surroundings:

Lake Agnes Tea House - Banff

After hiking 3.5 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet (and a toddler in tow!), Lake Agnes Teahouse was a sight for sore eyes. Due to its remote location, ingredients and supplies are carried in by staff several times a week, and diners are charged with bringing their trash down the mountain.

Lake Agnes Tea House - Banff

Truth be told, just about anything would’ve tasted good after such a laborious climb, but the flaky, buttery tea biscuits with strawberry jam were especially memorable.

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Sep 2016

Jonathan Gold’s Scouting Report #6: Eastern Spice

Jonathan Gold's Scouting Report #6: Eastern Spice

What’s better than eating duck tongues in an abandoned Wienerschnitzel? Filing my sixth Scouting Report, “New Eastern Spice in San Gabriel has traditional jian bing savory Chinese crepes” on the Los Angeles Times‘ Daily Dish.

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Aug 2016

Yang Chow Restaurant – Pasadena

Yang Chow - Pasadena

When the family’s in the mood for Chinese food, we head south to San Gabriel, Alhambra, or Monterey Park to feast. But when the family’s in the mood for American Chinese food, we stay close to home and dine at Yang Chow Restaurant (or Panda Express, of course). There’s enough gastro real estate for the best of both woks.

Yang Chow - Pasadena

The Yang Family opened the first Yang Chow upon arriving in Los Angeles from Hong Kong in 1976. Today there are three locations in Pasadena, Chinatown, and Canoga Park.

Yang Chow - Pasadena

Even though there are well over 100 items on the menu, every customer that comes through the doors orders the same thing: Slippery Shrimp ($17.50). An ocean-dwelling cousin of General Tso, Slippery Shrimp is lightly coated in cornstarch and wok’d to perfection before being doused in a sticky sauce made of ginger, garlic, chilies, and plenty of the refined white stuff. It’s sweet as all hell, but also addictively crunchy.

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