It's a Farmers Market Love!

It is no surprise that I ENJOY cooking and eating. When it comes to getting ingredients there is no better place than the local farmers market, okay maybe the farm itself. When I was younger my mother and I would visit the Winter Park, FL Farmers Market. It was always a fun outing with her, my mother taught kindergarten and would always pick up caterpillars for her class from this market.

In New York City I would stop at Union Square for its farmers market. I thought I was so cool, stopping there and grabbing 'local' produce for the week. However, I would have to say the new york farmers market was not my favorite place to pick up fresh produce. If you have ever been or lived in the city you have seen the street carts full of produce. I can remember I would walk 15 blocks for grapes and watermelon at this one particular cart, always fresh! 

It was not until I moved to Los Angeles area that I felt my week would not be complete without a stop a the farmers market. You can find a market almost everyday of the week sporadically throughout the city. You can find listings here: http://www.cafarmersmarkets.com/index.cfm I have been to a good handful of them, Mar Vista, Santa Monica (Downtown and Main St.), Hollywood, Brentwood, and Malibu. 

I frequent the Brentwood Market because it is close and because of the booths and amount of organic or conventional produce available. My must have produce to pick up is: 

Kale & Red Beets

1. One type of Fruit (if pluots are in season I stock up, love!)

2. Celery

3. Leafy Greens (Kale, Chard, or Dandelion)

4. Cucumbers (because the grocery stores are ridiculously priced and waxed)

5. Squash (usually one type is in season in CA, lucky us!)

6. Garlic, Ginger, Onions, and Herbs

7. New Produce - something I've never tried

Of course, I find more than what I need always. Just this last week I radishes, which are delicious with just salt by the way. The farmers markets are also great places to have some prepared food, tamales, gyros, coffee, baked fresh bread, and various locally packaged food. Go a little hungry because most booths offer samples and mostly everything is a must try!

Every Farmers Market offers something special, whether you are in LA or somewhere else stop by support your local farmers and eat fresh vibrant produce! Do not fret even the LA farmers markets are reasonably priced compared to grocery stores. 

Prepared Market Food

1 of the many produce booths at Brentwood Market

Enjoy! 

Reel Inn... time for great seafood!!

Reel Inn is located off PCH in Malibu, California and opened its doors in 1986.

Inside Dining Area

I seldom make my way to Malibu, I've only go that way to either hike or explore what Malibu has to offer its community such as the Malibu Farmers Market. The market in Malibu did not stand out, so I have not made it back there. However, whether I was venturing out or on my way to a hike I always wanted to stop at this little place on my way back to the Marina. After a year of longing to go I finally convinced a friend, thinking it would be a bar full of guys and rugged feel. Well nope, it was more rugged and cozy with a variety of patrons.

Chowder & Longboard Beer

Once you walk in there is a glass deli container that shows their fish catches of the day such as mahi mahi, lobster, scallops, shrimp, salmon and more! The menu is written above on chalk boards, you can order entrees, salads, tacos, fried baskets, soups, appetizers and even desserts. For those of you who like to indulge a bit more they also offer alcoholic beverages, wine and beer. If you do indulge just be sure to be a safe driver or non driver! Reel Inn has my favorite 'lite' beer, Kona Longboard, so instantly i like this place. Check out the menu here: http://www.reelinnmalibu.com/menu.php

 The first time I ate at Reel Inn (picture above left), back in May, I ordered the chowder and a fish taco along with a pitcher of Longboard, duh! I couldn't wait to try their eats... The chowder was just the right amount of cream. I prefer a chowder that isn't so thick, Reel Inn's was not thick at all. The chowder comes with two packs of oyster crackers. I usually tend to crunch a bag up and add it right away, but this chowder didn't need the crackers. It was delicious by itself.

Fish Tacos

Shrimp Taco

My friend ordered the same but also a shrimp taco.  Both tacos were made with two corn tortillas and a orange creamy sauce (so yumms!). The Shrimp Taco was topped with romain lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. The Fish Taco was grilled fish had tomatoes and cabbage. Reel Inn also has a small condiment bar with fresh sliced lemons tarter and cocktail sauce. I added a squeeze of lemon and some tarter to the fish taco, yes I put even more sauce on, and it was amazing!

 Reel Inn's decorations were such fun too! The pictures below was the women's bathroom door, made me laugh a bit "Reel Women" ha!

The photo to the right is a picture of the outside patio. Easily probably had 12 plus picnic tables. 

Fish Tank

Not only does Reel Inn have great food and service the restaurant is located right on Pacific Coast Highway and while sitting outside or inside along the windows one can enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean. Makes for a great sunset view restaurant. I recommend hitting up Reel Inn a few before sunset and once you're done eating bop over to the beach and watch the sunset while sitting on one of the many pebbles. 

Satisfy your seafood craving and and mind with a fantastic ocean view! 

Enjoy!

Irori - It's Sushi Time!

Irori Japanese Restaurant is located in Marina del Rey, CA




"Please take your shoes off and leave in the cubby." said the hostess.

What? Now this sounds like it will be interesting! I've have never gone to a sushi restaurant where the customers sat inside the floor! Once you enter Irori you are asked to take your shoes off and place inside a cubby, then brought to a table where the seats are floor level.

A friendly server comes to the table with a warm wash cloths to clean your hands and brings hot tea to the table. Irori's green tea is really good! I'm not into the strong green teas, this one is made at the right strength. Tasty yet not over bearing. There is a regular dinner menu that consist of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. Along with the dinner menu there is a sushi and daily special menu. Can view here: http://losangeles.menupages.com/restaurants/irori/menu

Ginger House Salad

Mushroom and Asparagus App - Order this everytime!

Belly Cut Salmon

When my parents come visit my brother and I we always stop at this restaurant. We end up ordering about eight salmon sashimi, belly cut of course. After trying the belly cut, my father only orders the belly cut as it is the best part of the salmon. If you like salmon sashimi next time ask your chef for the belly cut, trust me you will thank me :)

Along with the salmon sashimi there are a few other items I must order: sauteed oyster mushrooms and asparagus (yumms!), seaweed salad, and at least one special roll. The following picture is the last special roll we ordered, oh my gosh the topping is baked lobster. Real lobster!! The added baked topping was delicious, however, even though it a good amount for the price too much of the topping  over powered the roll itself.

The rolls are decent in size and wrapped well, no rice falling out here!  With the delicious sushi and food and with the overall atmosphere makes this japanese restaurant worth the trip in. If you intend on ordering only sushi, I recommend the sushi bar but if you are intending ordering anything from the other menus grab a seat at a table. Make sure you call for reservations as the wait can get pretty long on some nights!

What are you waiting for, go ahead and make a reservation for tonight!

Enjoy!

It's no FIGnewton here!

FIGS... are my new favorite fruit. Especially when pluots are out of season. Pluots and figs are not comparable but I just love a good pluot.

I visited the Farmers Market with a foodie friend, check out her blog here: www.haroldshungry.blogspot.com.  She picked up these interesting looking fruits at my favorite fruit stand. The stand was selling them three for $5, I believe, and we decided to share the 3 pints of figs. What a deal, right? Now I've never taste a fig but I have had fig newtons and honestly it is not my favorite fruit bar. I figured I would not really care for these and then I made this...

ingredients

FIG-delicious Proscuitto Salad with a balsamic glaze

What you'll need:
1. 6 figs, I used black mission figs
2. 3 slices proscuitto
3. 4 bocconcini fresh mozzarella
4. 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
5. big bunch of sweet basil

After washing the figs, slice off the top of the fig and quarter each fig. Place sliced figs in a mixing bowl. Slice the bocconcini in desired size. Place in mixing bow. Chop up basil and proscuitto and place in mixing bowl. Mix ingredients in bowl and then plate.

Heat up a sauce pan with balsamic and cook until balsamic reduces and thickens. Spoon balsamic reduction onto each plated salad and serve.

Stick a fork in and enjoy!

Nut Bars

Its a raw thing... yes trying it once again.


After not making an amazing raw nut bar/brownie bar, I thought I would give it another try.  Oh boy, do I think I've got it!

Nuts and Dates (my opinion) are what make the bars tastier.  If you have not tried a date, oh my gosh you have been missing out!  I never tasted a date until I moved to southern Cali. Medjool Dates are naturally sweet and (yes!!) healthy. 

From my first date ;) to now I've tried them in raw bars/muffins to bacon wrapped.  All have been delicious!

Back to the nut bar, I had almonds and walnuts on hand.  Decided to use both because walnuts have great nutritional benefits, contain high-quality protein (great for those veggie eaters), vitamins and minerals, and dietary fiber.  Also, a study found that a nut rich in alpha-linolenic acid, such as walnuts, have a heart-protective benefit during times of acute stress.  So relax and eat some walnuts!

Chia Seed gel

First, I added 1 TBL of chia seeds to 1/4 cup of water. This makes a nice binding substance.  Then, I piled in the almonds and walnuts into a small food processor all the way to the top.  Processed the nuts (see right pic) finely.  Added about 7 de-pitted, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1/2 of the chia seed gel, and a big handful of coconut shreds.  Processed until well blended. Mixer is good when it becomes sticky, you may need to add some water Then place into container lined with parchment paper.  To easily smash the nut bar into shape use another piece of parchment paper and push down with hand.  Then place in fridge to harden and enjoy!!!

PS... a little something extra

If you like chocolate but trying to stay raw, make these nut balls. Take nut mixer and blend a few more minutes.  Put into a bowl and fold in 1 TBL of coconut oil and half handful of dried unsweetened cranberries.  Roll nut mixer into balls, the first roll into cocoa powder lightly then into coconut shreds. Yumms!!

Happy Summer!

It's July and that means it's beach time!

I happen to be a lucky girl and live within a mile (or so) of Venice Beach, CA. Venice is a vibrant area of southern california which includes the beach, the ocean front walk (or as I call it the boardwalk), muscle beach, various sport courts, skate park, bike trail and many beach volleyball courts.

When I get motivation to go for a run I usually hit the bike path.  I am not sure how far it stretches, but definitely from the Marina to Santa Monica (Will Rogers Beach). On energetic days I've jogged from the venice pier to the santa monica pier. Its funny in a car that could take forever, yet its only about 3 miles!

Other days, I enjoy walking the beach, relaxing by the water or seeing the sun set. All gorgeous views!!

Just like Daytona Beach, Venice and Santa Monica Beach get quiet busy.  After living in this area for over a year I have noticed that once the temperature is of true summer weather temperature, anything above 70, tons of LA people flock to the water.

It's Officially Summer Time!

Oh my goodness, has it literally been since February?  Where did spring go in LA?

With only six more months left (and a week) of this year, it is time to get the ball back rolling with my posts!  It is the third day of 2013's summer and I am ready to make the most of what Los Angeles has to offer.  Last year I participated in many activities, apparently not many were documented here, ha!  Not only do I plan on partaking in the same amazing activities, but I plan on exploring many more.

2012's summer days were filled with hikes, beach runs, beach volleyball (watching of course), sunday fundays (not just a summer thing), trying new food, outside concerts, and more!  The weather in LA makes it feel like summer all year long, however, the atmosphere and people start to glow and all things happy.

A few things that I have or will get into this summer:
1. Outdoor Concerts
2. Movie Screenings
3. Sunday Fundays (duh!)
4. Hikes
5. Beach runs (no joke this year, literally will run on the beach!)
6. Adventurous Tastings
7. Outdoor/Drive-in Movies
8. Movie screenings at the Hollywood Cemetery.
9.  Farmers Markets
10. TV show tapings

Sounds so exciting right?!?! I cannot wait... not going to wait... headed out on my way, once again, through LA! Yay!

So many Roses & Flowers, oh pretty!

So many Roses and Flowers, oh so pretty!

The Rose Bowl Parade, many people watch it in the warmth of their homes while some brave the California "cold" and attend. Let the activity planning start January 1st!!! Yes, I attended the fresh and beautiful parade in Pasadena, CA. My friends and I decided to take the California Metro, how it reminded me of the fun subway rides in NYC. I was happy that the crowded predictions of the Metro did not happen.

We ended up walking from the end of the Parade route to the middle, where we found some amazing spots to watch. While walking down the Parade route, you could tell some people were there since early the night before. Apparently Pasadena does not allow anyone to start camping out until 11pm on the 31st... I do not think I would ever like to spend my New Years reserving a spot for the Rose Bowl Parade, but I will not judge. If you are in the LA on January 1st I do recommend going early on the 1st, perhaps leave home around 7am the latest to find decent spots. The first float passed by and I was amazed at the intricacy and detail on each float, wow!! words will not do justice...

 

Each float representing a country/town or organization. A few of my favorites: Disney's Adventure Land showing off Cars, City of Burbank's, Beverly Hills Animal Adoption, and Downey's. 

Along with the floats are Bands from around the World and of course each participating college had their band accompany the college floats. 

Okay, sorry for the picture overload!! Even all of these pictures do not do the parade justice, I highly recommend attending the Rose Bowl Parade and make a day out of it in Pasadena! Hope y'all enjoyed the photos! xoxo