Oh, Those Summer Days

Months since my last post…I’m so lazy.  Actually, even if I did want to write, I really didn’t have much to write about.  Lucky for me, I have had a few opportune moments to explore my new Bay surroundings. The sites are better, the weather is better, the characters are better, and the food is MUCH better!

This past weekend, I did a little exploring with my longtime pals.  We journeyed to San Francisco for a little bit of culture and sweets.  SF MOMA and Bi-Rite.

First stop, the MOMA.  I love museums–all museums!  Before we even stepped into the museum, I knew we were in for a treat…not because of the exhibits but because we were going to experience some great architecture.  The MOMA’s front doors are intense…they look so dense, so heavy, and quite foreboding; the massive kind of doors that I can never seem to open.  So I didn’t even try.  I took the revolving door.  The museum lobby reminded me of a train station…people zigzagging, going every which way, looking dazed-confused, and trying to make it to their next destination.  In the center of the room there is a multi-layered, striped, granite, grandiose entrance to the rest of the museum.  The opening narrows in on the wood paneled wall and leads you to the stairs and the start of the exhibits. If you look up, way up, you can see another interesting architectual feature…a narrow walkway that cuts across the circular skylight. It reminded me of a space shuttle and a little bit of the Willy Wonka scene where Charlie and Grandpa Joe guzzle Fizzy Lifting Drink.  😀 kudos.

So the art.  A lot of photographs.  A lot of sculptures.  A lot of what you might expect to see at a Modern Art museum.  One of the more amusing exhibits was Mark Rottenberg’s video installation, Squeeze.  Usually, museum films bore me, and I end up watching a short, random portion of the installations before I move on, but this particular video was quite interesting.  We sat down in the middle and stayed until we finished the entire video.  The video “addresses gender and labor,”  but to be honest, for a majority of the time, and even now, I didn’t really know what was going on.  There were a lot of body parts, weird noises, and strange underground activities in motion.  I don’t know what it was about the video,  but we were captivated.  Really.  This small, box we were sitting in, soon was filled with curious museumnites–all eyes locked on the screen, everyone whispering, “eew” at the same time, everyone feeling that same sense of, “what…is…this…” Comaderie.

The video installation was probably the highlight of all the art…although the Jeff Koons’ Michael Jackson and Bubbles piece was pretty amazing.  It is this gaudy, gold sculpture of an over-the-top Michael and an equally creepy Bubbles…and despite my semi-horror, I found that I couldn’t tear my eyes away.  Of course, I took a picture, and I STILL can’t stop looking at it.  All I can say is, so peculiar, yet it captures the real MJ in every respect.

Probably the best part of the museum, or of the entire day, or even of my entire summer was the rooftop patio.  I sound dramatic or more likely pathetic, but it’s true.  After endless days cooped up behind library walls, I was desperate for sunlight, for a cool breeze, for the clean air…  We collapsed onto these two, super-smooth benches, which are pieces of art, but to us they were merely places to finally take a break.  The weather was absolutely perfect!  I leaned back and gazed up at the beautiful buildings and the clouds that flew by…literally.  I did not want to move at all.  It really was a perfect moment.

Alas, it was starting to get late, and we still had another stop to make.  BI-RITE! As you may know, I love the sweets–in theory.  My friend, Television, is always touting Bi-Rite Creamery as one of the best ice cream hangouts around…and I always see a line outside the door.  First off, I think our experience was a little more exciting because there was a Block Party going on outside the ice cream shop.  I think it was starting to wind down, but it looked cutesy.  I want a block party!  It gave us something to look at while we waited in line.  Bi-Rite sports some of those artsy flavors like Honey Lavender and Salted Caramel, but I had good old-fashioned Mint Chocolate Chip–in a cone!!  I’m not a huge fan of ice cream, but this stuff was pretty darn good.  It was melty, so I downed the thing, but I was able to enjoy the perfect blend of mint and chocolate…not too rich, not too sweet, but just right.  I had a Goldilocks moment.  The cone was delicious as well–fresh, crunchy, and a great support to my melty mint chip.  The whole experience was pretty great…if I had sprinkles, it would have been magical.  I should probably start carrying my container of sprinkles on me!  It would be the perfect way to Jazz up anything!  O-o  My mind is racing.

You know, I’ve been to SF a zillion times, but this short day-trip was one of the best.  Museum. MJ. Rooftop sunbathing. Block Party voyeurs. Yum Ice cream. And to top it all off, great public radio to entertain us on our way home!  As we sailed down the highway, with the soothing music playing, and with the city behind us, I realized that this was the perfect ending to my summer, and the start of many great adventures in the Bay.

No Ifs, Ands, or Bundts

KISS MY BUNDT!!

Huh what did you say!?  You heard me.  Kiss My Bundt!

LA is such a trendsetting snickerdoodle…it always has the best of the best…the newest of the new…”what would Miley do” kind of attitude…so it doesn’t surprise me that in the post-cupcake era, LA brings us the bundt cake.

Kiss My Bundt Bakery set up shop on 3rd between La Cienga and La Brea awhile back, churning out the ever-so-popular bundt cakes with a twist.  They have tiny bundts, big bundts, sweet bundts, bundts any way you want it, but definitely not your mom’s bundt.

When I finally had a chance to visit LA, I wanted to visit the bakery, but wasn’t sure if I could fit it in the schedule.  On a trip to Doughboys, I decided to map out the bakery, and I realized that I was 360 ft. away from it!  I obviously had to go.

I have to admit, that the bakery was a bit lackluster.  It wasn’t as cutesy as the trendy cupcake stores or even that clean looking…unfortunately.  They had a few bundt cakes in a display case…just for looks…but they looked dry and unappetizing.  I’m pretty sure I saw a fly circling the room.  Despite my devastation, I still picked out two bundts…carrot cake and oreo cookie.  They were pretty tasty, although I thought that the frosting was a bit too sugary.  It reminded me of Crumbs’ cupcake frosting.  I also thought that they were not very cute.  The presentation was just…blah. 😦

(picture from LAtimes…mine didn’t really look this good)

Overall, I thought they were just so-so.  I am glad I tried them, but I won’t be racing back for more.  I was a little surprised that they were voted Best Cupcake 2008…but perhaps they earned extra points for their creative name and the originality of the bundt idea.

I have to admit that even now, as I type, “Kiss my bundt,” I giggle a bit.  It never get’s old.  And their slogan, “Whatever you need, we’ve got your BUNDT covered,” makes me giggle like a lunatic.  They captured my heart with their creativeness, but my stomach still longs for some delicious treats.

I don’t recommend braving LA traffic for this bakery, but if you find yourself 360 ft. away, get yourself a bundt.

Specs:

Kiss My Bundt Bakery

8104 West 3rd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323)655-0559

Gyenari: Koreaneats

For the past few months I’ve been cooped up in the library living off of Starbucks sandwiches.  I guess you could I say I’ve been desperate for a good meal.  I have truly missed my Asian food, so I decided to try a Korean fusion restaurant in Culver City.  Gyenari (jin-ar-ree) I had heard about this restaurant from Opentable…of course…one of my main sources for great eats.

I’m going to get right into the food.  You can order different types of meats or a vegetarian option or a combination.  We ordered the “G1”, which is fit for two, but three could have easily polished off this huge-portioned meal.  It included bulgolgi (marinated beef), chicken, short ribs, and pork something-or-another.  Instead of the pork, we substituted veggies.  G1 also came with japchae (cellophane noodles w/veggies…no meat for us), the traditional side dishes, such as kimchi, potato salad, and sprouts, and rice (brown for us).

Each table has its own grill, but if you fear mad cow’s or can’t handle the heat you can ask  for your food to be cooked in the kitchen.  lazy! I am a bit of a control freak, so cooking my own food was fun!  One thing I didn’t like was that I had to share the grill with my meat eating partner…I KNOW that meat juice dripped all over my veggies.  😦  Despite that little setback, the meal was delicious!  My veggie plate came with zucchini, eggplant, kabocha (japanese pumpkin), onions, and oyster mushrooms.  I enjoyed flipping the veggies and chowing down on some super hot food…literally right off the grill!

Although I didn’t have any of the meat, it looked…um…good…although I did find the gigantic portion of raw meat rather unsettling…but that’s just me; a carnivore would probably describe the meal in a more favorable light.  The “old” me would be drooling at the site of marinated beef and the lean cuts of animal sizzling on the grill.

I wanted to get an appetizer, but we already had way too much food.  Gyenari has Korean nachos (jalapeno cheese over deep fried rice chips)!!  We had a lot of leftovers and we were pretty stuffed, but I HAD to get the green tea doughnuts!  Come on…how could I not?!

Ok…so I was so excited about these doughnuts, that is, until I tried them.  I was so so so disappointed.  The presentation was great, and they looked absolutely delicious.  They didn’t taste baaad, but I wouldn’t be chatting them up.  For one, they were a little too hard…the inside was too doughy…and it really didn’t taste like anything.  I guess I had expected them to be more light and airy.  It came with two dipping sauces…berry-ish and mint chocolate.  Green tea doughnuts is a great idea, but hopefully they come up with a different recipe.

Overall, I thought the dinner was great!  It cannot compare to the more traditional bbqs in Koreantown, but this place was definitely in a league of its own. I hope to go back soon and try some more items off its extensive and creative menu.

If you go, bring an appetite, be open to new dishes, and maybe leave the vegetarian at home!

Specs:

Gyenari  www.Gyenari.com

9540 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232-2631
(310) 838-3131

Book Reports: Jules Feiffer’s Backing Into Forward

Before I write my review, I have some disclaimers and other information to share:

1) I won this book through a Goodreads.com giveaway.  If you know me at all, then you know that I was overly excited about winning something…anything…it’s another one of my diseases.  Before I started the book I was torn–I have to give this book a great review…payback for the gift, right?–but I have to be honest in my analysis, right?  Well…by the end of the book, it didn’t matter anymore–as you will soon discover.

2) I didn’t know who Jules Feiffer was.  GASP.  I know.  In the novel, Feiffer writes, “Al Hirschfeld, you know about–or if you don’t, I don’t know why you’d be interested in my career…” and “…but I shouldn’t have to tell you that, because if you’re bothering to read this book you may already know something about my family.” Every time I read lines such as these, I felt like a fraud.  Who am I to read and review a memoir about a person I have never heard of?  To soothe my guilty conscience, I kept telling myself that there are an infinite number of people and subjects I have never heard of, and if I don’t read, I will never know.

3) My comic experience is limited to  Archie and the Gang and Calvin and Hobbes.  Superwho?  Batwhat? So shoot me.

4) Before I started Backing into Forward, I read two Pulitzer Prize winning novels.  Jules Feiffer had to impress me.  (not sure if that is hard to do…but let’s pretend it is)

5)  I, in no way, consider myself a great critic of books or films or anything else for that manner.  But I like to share my simple opinion on what I enjoy or absolutely despise.

Okay.  Now that I have my preface in place, let’s begin.  {cracks knuckles}

Backing into Forward Jules Feiffer

I mentioned earlier that I have a disease, not the nerdy office supply illness, but the disease where I get in a crazed frenzy at the opportunity to win something…anything.  And if I win…whooeeee…watch out.  From page one, of this novel, I had review on the brain.  I started thinking that I must give this book a good review…after all, wouldn’t it be a slap in the face to give it one star?  At the same time, how could I give high praise to a novel I could barely stand to finish?  I was in quite the dilemma.  I was in quite the dilemma.

I must admit, that at first, I wasn’t sure I could make it through the novel.  Perhaps it was a lack of cartoon knowledge that left me feeling like an outsider looking in.  Each chapter explodes with names of people I have never heard of: Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, George Smith, Milton Caniff?  Who? Excuse me for my ignorance.  With all this incessant name-dropping I felt confused and quite bored.  I kept on reading, with the hope that something exciting was yet to come.  For the time being I kept myself entertained with pictures of Little Jules and his amazing comics, drawn at age 7.

Throughout the book, the name-dropping never stopped, if anything it became more of a presence.  But really, it didn’t matter anymore.  I became engaged…in his stories, in his hitch-hiking adventures, his witty army training (or lack thereof), his politics and personal policies,  and his brutally honest encounters with friends and acquaintances.  As I devoured each chapter, I kept revising my review: “oh, this is a great line” or “this cartoon is ridiculously funny; I can’t believe they printed this in the fifties!”  The comics and pictures became a treat among the words…they helped to illustrate Feiffer’s family, friends, and added a kick of giggles to the already funny writing.

The second half of the memoir was perhaps the most interesting.  Then again, the second half of everyone’s life is more interesting.  Right?  I don’t know.  But yes, it was as if the second half took on a whole new persona.  I’m not sure if this was methodical, but the style and personality of the writing seemed to parallel Feiffer’s own growth and development.  The first part of the memoir felt weak and timid like young Jules: “And they know when they see me walking out my front door…that I am of absolutely no consequence.  I can’t hit, I can’t throw, I can’t catch.”  But as the story continues, the writing becomes more assertive, like the Jules who captured his mother’s neurotic behavior (or ALL our mother’s neurotic behavior) in his Village Voice cartoon or the Jules who told James Monroe High students what they really needed to know about life.  (by the way…perhaps one of my favorite chapters).  I felt a steady build-up of adrenaline, the pages were crammed with surprising encounters,  playwrights, cartoons, accolades, careers after careers, the ever-expanding family…whew…Bascially, I couldn’t stop reading.  I was constantly wowed and had plently of “really?!” moments.

You might think that a 400+ page book on one person would be boastful, self-indulgent, but if there is one thing I learned about Feiffer it is his humility, expressed through his stinging one-liner jabs and his self-deprecating, humorous take on his every interaction.

As I neared the end of Feiffer’s memoir, I didn’t necessarily feel sad to be finished.  In this case, it is a good thing.  I was satisfied.   From this one book, I was able to learn about the entire life of a man…from the Jules on Stratford to the Jules on a galloping pony.  I had a complete picture, the entire reel, all of the panels to illustrate the life of Jules Feiffer.

In the end it didn’t matter that I had just read two Pulitzers, that I didn’t know Jules Feiffer, that I had won this book.  I truly enjoyed reading about Feiffer, the writing is artistic and sarcastic, and I found his memoir fascinating.

Disease of the Nerds

For those of you who know me, I love anything office supplyish.  Highlighters, wite-out, pencils, pens, protractors, post-it notes….drool.  It’s some kind of disease; I’m pretty sure. I’ve had it for as long as I can remember.  I doubt there’s a cure.

*In elementary school, my desk never closed all the way.  How could it?  I had the 100-ct crayon box (glitter colors included), the erasers that looked like crayons, even a huge calculator that looked like a crayon box (too bad I still didn’t have this…it would be perfect for class). I’m pretty sure I stashed away my own box (the big box) of Kleenex and had an entire Caboodle dedicated solely to strange looking pencil sharpeners.

In Jr. High my locker was stuffed with fatty binders (papers neatly tucked away in folders…representing every color of the rainbow…each page with double reinforcers), 5-subject notebooks (pockets filled with extra loose-leaf paper), the giant pack of markers, and my second giant pack of “backup” markers.

In high school, my car was filled with mechanical pencils (extra lead, extra erasers), empty cartridges of wite-out–tossed carelessly on the floor, skinny hole-punch hanging inside one of my fatty binders, and packs and packs of lined paper…you can never have too much.

In college, for a while, I tried to pretend that I was too cool for binders, too cool for notebooks, too cool for wite-out.  I mean, who needs these supplies when you don’t go to class?  😉  Alas, I couldn’t stay away from the stuff.  I’m a junkie.  It’s part of the disease.  If anything, college made me worse.  The bookstore on campus–filled with office supplies.  I made trips in between classes–during lunch–after lunch–I literally spent hours determining which post-it notes I HAD to have…did the color match my notebook?  I lived right near an Office Max!  (A junkie has to live near her dealer)  I stalked that store…lurking around the corner…spending an absurd amount of time “making rounds.”  You might think I worked there; I knew the store inside and out.  Retractable Sharpees? Aisle 3.   I’m in love.  And really, my addiction wasn’t helped by the fact that I basically lived across the street from the Staples center.  That gigantic neon sign shouting at me, shoving Staples in my face.  Ack, I need a mini-stapler now!!        I’m sick.

So.  Yes.  With this little background on my life, you may understand why I zealously dedicate this post to my newest love…the Taiwanese wite-out.  My friend recently went to Taiwan and so kindly returned with one of the greatest gifts ever: “correction tape” in the guise of a delicious cookie.  Really, when it comes to office supplies, the Asian countries have us beat.  Who creates these intricately designed tools for school? I’m amazed…and quite jealous that I cannot find these fun items here.

Tell me they’re not cute.  Tell me, and I’ll know you’re lying.  Office-supply lover or not…this wite-out is amazing.  Okay, time to go make a mistake on purpose, so I can use my cookie wite-out!

Tower Dog

Five years ago…possibly the last time I had a hot dog.  I’ve never really been big on the dogs–not sure why–it could be because of the random slurry of meat or perhaps the strange tough skin that pops, unnaturally, in your mouth.

Two weeks ago…my first “hot dog” in five years.  I’m still not big on the dogs–now I am sure it is because of the random slurry of meat and most definitely because of the strange tough skin that pops, unnaturally, in your mouth.  Despite my hot dog shyness syndrome, I found Tower Dogs to be surprisingly yummy.  I was drawn to this establishment due to its prime location and its promise of a hot dog I can actually eat.  This was my first experience eating a vegan hot dog.  To be honest, I had no idea what to expect…vegan hot dog…I mean what kind of expectations would anyone have?

This hot dog was quite interesting.  It had a Thai/Vietnamese sandwich thing going on–red peppers, cilantro, and peanut sauce.  It was fresh, colors popping, hot, and there was plenty of room for sriracha! Although it looked quite tasty, I was still wary.  I’ve had way too many bad experiences with “meat that tastes just like chicken.”  With much apprehension I took my first bite of the vegan hot dog.  My first thought was, “Hey!!  OUTRAGE!  They made a mistake and gave me a real meat hot dog!!”  To this day, I don’t know if I really did accidentally get a real hot dog, because, seriously, this hot dog tasted like the real deal.  The skin had a slightly, just slightly, compact weird consistency…but I wouldn’t say it was a bad thing…although, the fact that I call it “skin” is pretty disgusting.  It had a light smoky taste, not overpowering, not as though it was trying to cover up its fake meat taste; it was a good flavor.  I would skip on the peanut sauce next time, but overall I enjoyed my themed vegan dog and its creative take on the original dog.

As I mentioned earlier, I am not a huge fan of hot dogs, but I was quite impressed with this tasty treat.  I raved about it until the last bite.  Hooray for F-town!  You did something good.  But I guess I expect this of Tower…bringing us a little bit of creativity and culture one shop at a time.

Another perk: Tower Dogs is open until 3am on Saturdays…another hooray for F-town…possibly the only thing [good] open until 3am.  I definitely plan on returning…but perhaps this time I will go on a Saturday, at 3am, for the vegan chili dog! Perfect end to a perfect night in Tower.

Tower Dog. 809 E. Olive. Fresno, CA 93728. (559) 445-1585

CHOCOLATE! Chocolatier Blue

It has been a bit hasn’t it?  I have been rather busy with this and that; therefore, I have not been able to experience anything new or fun to report…until now.

Over the holidays I visited Berkeley, California.  I haven’t been there for a while, and I realized that 4th street has some new additions and sadly, some losses.  Hear Music, a great music store I used to frequent is now nothing.  Cody’s Bookstore hasn’t been around for a while.  And now Sketch Ice cream is gone.  I’m not a big ice cream fan, but they had some great little homemade pastries lining the counters.  Perhaps I would be still in mourning if there had not been such a great replacement.  Chocolatier Blue!  Let me set up the scene for you.

Whenever I go to 4th street, Berkeley, I enjoy visiting The Pasta Shop…not because I like pasta, but because they usually have some pretty neat chocolate.  So this winter, my mission was the same: chocolate.  The result: disheartened.  There were no new chocolates, nothing that looked good, interesting, or fun whatsoever.  “ARGH,” I said.  So as I moped and sauntered down this boring Berkeley block, I perked up, Scooby Doo style, “WHHAHH…Chocolatier Blue?..chocolate!”  I immediately ran inside and creepishly took in the aroma of the delicious delicacies presented before me.  I should have taken pictures, but I was too…hm…perhaps the right word is crazypants in love with the chocolate.  I picked out a few of the interesting flavors: eggnog (chosen not for the flavor, but for it’s jawbreaker appearance), pb&j heart, chili (shaped like a futuristic Lego), pumpkin, and a dark chocolate prism donning the traditional Christmas colors.  After my little purchase, I must say I was a whole new person.  Hm.  Pathetic? Perhaps.

A bit about Chocolatier Blue:

*Organic

*Made with Amedei chocolate and 5-star organic butter

*Other ingredients are from local markets

*Every chocolate has fleur de sel salt

**And…it appears that each piece is sparkly with glitter!  Well…just appears that way.

1964 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94704    (510) 705-8800

Out of the few chocolates I was able to try, my favorite was the palet d’or…I like the plain more traditional types (although each piece was quite good).  The best part about these chocolates is that they had a thin outer shell.  It was not dry and thick like many chocolates can be.  It crisply broke apart upon teeth-contact.  It really was quite the experience.  All the chocolates were creatively wonderful, which made the chocolate taste that much better.  I will definitely head back to 4th street, knowing that a new delightful store awaits me with new chocolates.

Come One, Come All, To The Big Fresno Fair!

This post is a bit late, but I hope I can still capture the magic of The Big Fresno Fair!

I should also add a disclaimer:  I love fairs.  All fairs. If you are a fair, you really can do no wrong.

I guess everyone loves fairs?  Not sure.  Please correct me if I’m wrong, but who doesn’t like fatty foods, random bands, ferris wheels, and bright lights all around?  So every October, the fair comes to F-land and is there for a couple of weeks.  I hadn’t made it down to the fairgrounds in quite a few years…so everything seemed new and exciting.  I think the best part of the fair is the food…because to be honest, I never get on the rides…I never crowd around the bands…I never wait in line for ABC30 anchors’ autographs (next time).

The food.  The wonderful wonderful array of sweet, fried, wild concoctions is so appealing to me…even if I don’t eat it…

1) The Sugar Shack–The Sugar Shack.  I think that name says it all.  Cotton candy.  Sweet candy apples.  I don’t even like either of those items, but still, I was pretty excited…and this was just the beginning.

2) Chicken Charlie’s Broasted Chicken:  That’s right…Broasted…not roasted.  Maybe my brain is bit pea-ish, but I didn’t know what “broasted” meant, until I looked it up.  It is basically a way of pressure frying chicken, or anything else, and keeping the outside crispy and the inside moist.  moist.  (GirlJ:)  Charlie’s was thee absolute best foodie heaven at the fair.  It had the whole package: giant sign with pictures of food!, super bright lights, the words “totally fried” everywhere.  I think we rounded the fair over and over only to end up at Charlie’s again and again.  We were in love.  We were gushing.  It was rather embarrassing.  Maybe it wasn’t “we”, but just me.  It took me a good 10 seconds to decide on the fried Oreos.  Fried Oreos.  Oreos, fried.  I didn’t really know what to expect, but I certainly wasn’t expecting the best cookies ever, wrapped doughnut style, warm chocolate drizzled on top, SPRINKLES sprinkled on the chocolate.  Seriously.  It was as good as it sounds.  I think my heart skipped a beat…you may say it was the grease, but I say it is love.

3) Healthy Snack Break:  I know I said that fairs were riddled with fat-filled food, but we did try to have a balanced meal…between the four of us.  GirlJ was pretty much forced into getting a frozen chocolate banana.  She is such a good sport and made my night for getting it…why was I so stuck on the banana?  It was no ordinary Bluth Frozen Banana.  It was…covered…completely…with SPRINKLES!!  I was giddy.  Beyond giddy.  SPRINKLES!

Besides the good food, I am also crazy about the sights and sounds.  One booth resembled a Chinese take-out box.  I thought that was pretty nifty…although I am not so sure about “chicken on a stick”.  I’m also not so sure about Chinese food from the fair…from a booth resembling a Chinese take-out box.  Then there was the ice cream-shaped ice cream stand.  Cute.  It would be better with SPRINKLES on top.  But still, cute.

The Big Fresno Fair.  It really was pretty big.  And it was pretty great.  It was no Coney Island, but then again what can compare to Coney’s Freak Show?

Even though I rambled on and on about the food and sights, the best part of the fair will not be the giant Renaissance turkey legs, the block of curley fries, or even the plaid shirt gang, rather I will remember my kooky pals, our squished-giggle-infested photo shoot, and the wallet-sized picture displayed in my car.

Good stuff.

Enjoy…I’ll Be Back Soon!

Need Now.

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