Not-yo Nachos!

I love Nachos!

Growing up when my Aunt visited us in Florida she would take me to the mall and my one request was to have nachos at the food court. I dream about the creamy yumminess of the cheese dip! When I saw a restaurant in downtown LA had creamy cheese Nachos I had to try it!

Bar Amá is located at 118 West 4th Street in Downtown Los Angeles. There was plenty of street parking and we ever scored a free spot 3 blocks away! What initially caught my eye about Bar Amá was their advertisement for their Super Nacho Hour, the restaurants take on happy hour.

Margaritas are $9 and beer, Pacifico or Modelo are $4. There is about 10 items on the Nacho Hour menu, Super Nachos being one of them at the cost of only $8!!! Even offer a vegan option of Super Nachos, so Cali of them!

Thick crispy tortilla chips topped with avocado, crema, salmorejo salsa and melted cheese! Cheese was on point! Enjoyed these nachos very much, next time I would ask for the salsa on the side. There was so much melted cheese that after we finished the dish we needed more chips to finish off the cheese!  

Bar Amá has (or had) a secret menu item of puffy shrimp taco. This was different, shrimp was good however, again the salsa was a little different yet good. I'd like all the melted cheese added next time. Cheese on everything next time! haha! 

All in all this experience was delicious and I'd go back for some margaritas and nachos during the Super Nacho Hour or even to try their Dinner! 

If you happen to be downtown in Los Angeles, stop by 5:30pm - 7pm or 10pm - close on weekdays for the specials. 

Enjoy! 

It's a simple Yellow Cake w/ Figs & Honey!

Need a simple yet delicious treat? You must try this Yellow cake with Figs and drizzled honey!

Was heading to a friends for a pumpkin carving gathering and knew the host had a preference for something gluten free, so I decided I was going to make a gluten free cake with fruit. Worked ended up being crazy that week so I wasn't sure I'd have time to make a cake from scratch... I ran to Target to see what I could find to my surprise I found Pillsbury makes a gluten free yellow cake mix - I must say I haven't been in the baking isle in quite some time so I am sure this isn't a new product. Either way, I felt in luck! Baked the cake and added the Fig and drizzled with my Farmer's Market honey and turned out delicious! Super simple, fresh and just enough sweetness!


I adjusted the instructions as I usually do not use veggie oil nor have any on hand... I suggest using applesauce!






Super simple instructions:

Pour the boxed cake mix into a bowl.
Add a 4 oz single serve of Applesauce, 3 eggs and 1 cup of water.
Mix.
Divide batter in half and pout into 2 9-inch cake pans.
Bake @ 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Place single layer baked cake on a plate.
Cut Figs in quarters and place on top of cake.
Drizzle with honey.

Enjoy!

It's raining in LA!

It's raining in LA! Ha, I wish! 

Rain Room exhibition has been in Los Angeles and I scored tickets, yay! The exhibit is an "immersive environment of perpetually falling water that pauses whenever a human body is detected." Only if the human body is detectable - when attending the exhibit it is requested that one wears bright colors.

 

Growing up on the East Coast I never appreciated the rain as much as I do now. California is not known for rain fall, especially now that we are in a drought - so much for el nino. 

Rain Room is located at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which is the largest art museum in the western United States. Considering we barely made it to most of the exhibits I believe it! After walking out of the Rain Room we saw this amazing 'hot wheel' exhibit, Metropolis II. There is approximately 100,000 cars that circulate thought this network of buildings and roads. 

LACMA has many fun and interesting exhibits and holds more than 150,000 works ranging from ancient times to the present. LACMA is also host to many events, such as nightly jazz nights. One day I hope to make it to another event.

LACMA is a must stop when in LA! Stop on by and grab a cocktail at Ray's & Stark Bar then peruse the exhibits. 

It's a Disney World umm I mean Land

Disneyland is the Original

Yes yes I know... Disneyland is the original park built by Walt Disney's imagination and dream. Amazing as that is Walt's second creation Walt Disney World stole my heart at first. As a young child growing up in Orlando, FL I had the privilege of going weekly to Disney World with my family. The continuous trip lead myself and brothers to still love to head to either park for some fun.

At every age you can experience a different aspect of what The Walt Disney Resorts have to offer. As a current resident of Los Angeles and a cast member (soon to be annual pass) holder I like to venture out for day trips or even just a few hours. While I am not going to compare World vs Land here I'll let you in on some amazing aspects of Disneyland and California Adventure.

Disneyland ~

Walking through those gates just puts a smile on my face and walking down main street to see Sleeping Beauty's Castle (unless it is blocked by balloons) is magical to say the least. My favorite rides are the classic Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. A little known fact is that in the New Orleans area is the apartment that was built for Walt and Lily Disney to live in. Also, the store you walk out from Pirates is where Walt let Lily fill with antiques she found. Makes this place feel even more like family.

California Adventure ~

This side of the park was built in 200-- and definitely has a little more of a kick than the Disneyland side. The rides, such as Tower of Terror and California Screamin' can give a rider a rush. Toy Story Mania is definitely a favorite of mine, lots of meaning from going to the one in Florida ride on opening day. A nice adult treat is that you could buy alcoholic drinks in CA, you've got to try the Red Trolly Ale - so refreshing! My recommendation is that you grab a drink then head to Toy Story Mania, the line for that ride is usually 45 minutes.

If you have a day to go explore outside of LA, I suggest heading to the happiest place on earth!

P.S. As I get back on this blog writing train y'all will learn more about this magical place so stay tuned!

Beach n' Wine

It's beach time and why not add some wine!

A recent trip up the pacific coast highway for fish tacos turned into having a bottle of wine beach side with some live acoustic music! Oh don't worry, we had some fish tacos too - see post on Reel Inn! 

Rosenthal Malibu Estate Wine has a tasting room and patio right off the pacific coast highway. A great little find in Malibu, CA!

On the weekend, I believe on Friday as well, they have live music on the patio. The weekend I was there was a solo acoustic guy playing covers from the 90s to now. My friend and I decided to grab a bottle and enjoy the view of mountains and the ocean air. We decided on the Surfrider Hang Ten Red... people who know me know I love my reds a little chilled... well people I didn't even need an ice cube for this red, it was smooth and medium dry blend of reds.

You are allowed to bring in your own food to snack on while enjoying your glass or bottle of wine! If we had only known! A food truck is there and if you like fish next door is Reel Inn! There was a great mix of groups on a saturday afternoon. Couples, people celebrating brides-to-be and birthdays, and groups of people just there to enjoy some wine!

If you need an escape from the busy LA scene and enjoy local wine stop by the Rosenthal Malibu Estate Wine Bar & Patio - but don't forget to bring some food/snacks with you!!! Can find some pairing recipes here: http://rosenthalestatewines.com/wines/wine-pairing-recipes/category/surfrider-red-dessert-wine/2


Cheers!! xoxo

I've got Urth!

Urth Caffe

This post is wayyyyyy over due... Move over starbucks (okay not always) but this cafe is my favorite to grab a latte in Los Angeles! The espresso is beyond delicious and not that it has to be but it is also organic!

Santa Monica Location

I got hooked on this place about 5 years ago, back when I was studying for the CA bar exam. Urth Caffe does not have wifi so I would be forced to read my books and study instead of googling the internet. I've been to three of the locations: Santa Monica (most visited), Melrose (where they filmed Entourage), and Beverly Hills.

The barista always make fun designs - and as a food paparazzo I have many photos of designs i've gotten... here are two!

My go to order is the Honey Vanilla Latte with soy milk! You can choose between strong or mild espresso. If I want a kick I usually choose strong, however, when I prefer a sweeter latte I go for mild! Both are delicious! I've also tried their chai tea latte... I'm picky with my chai since I'm not a huge cinnamon fan... this one is spot on! The creamy froth on the latte is my favorite part and the espresso is not bitter! 

water w/ orchids & fruit slices

As for the food, I love the muffins (zucchini & blueberry), the ham & cheese croissant and the chocolate croissant. I have yet to eat their entrees but all look fresh!










This is a must stop if you are visiting Los Angeles... I bring every friend that comes to visit! Stop by the Beverly Hills location and people watch or stop by the Santa Monica location grab a to-go and take a walk on the beach!

Enjoy! xoxo

California Strawberry Festival!

Strawberry Time!

Back home in Florida I love to go pick my own strawberries! I have not done that here in LA, however, I found out about the California Strawberry Festival which is held in Oxnard, CA. Oxnard is about an hour north from West LA. California Strawberry Festival, held in May, was the perfect summer kick off! The festival not only had everything strawberries but live music, crafts and fair games.

I decided to use the free shuttle services and avoid the traffic and parking at the festival grounds. I parked at the Palms Shopping Center, once parked a shuttle pulled up and was ready to head out to the festival. The shuttle too about 15 minutes and dropped us off right at the gate! Arrived to the festival around 2pm, just in time to grab a drink (strawberry beer of course!) and go listen to some live music. I enjoyed the irish band - Young Dubliners!



After listening to some music I walked around to see what I wanted to try... strawberry pizza, chocolate strawberries, strawberry popcorn, strawberry shortcake, strawberry nachos, and more! I decided on the strawberry nachos since lately I've been a sucker for anything nacho related!

The strawberry nachos were AMAZING! The chips were flour based with cinnamon and sugar. One top of the chips were mashed strawberries, then cool whip and on top of that were whole strawberries!! Yumms!

After I ate the whole plate of nachos I walked around to see what else the festival had... the craft area reminded me of all the craft shows my mother and I have attended since I was young. There was a section of fair rides and even a section just for the kiddies... all who had strawberries all over their faces, so cute! As the festival was wrapping up I decided to check out the strawberry farm stands. It was probably 30 minutes to closing and I got a flat for about $11!! I will be eating strawberries everyday for 2 weeks but who cares so good!

Within the week I started making random strawberry dishes, here are a few... Strawberries Mashed on Cinnamon Toast, Wild Rice with Strawberries and Balsamic Glaze (pictured below), Strawberry Salsa (pictured below).

more photos of festival: 

Young Dubliners

 


Check more out here: http://strawberry-fest.org/

Enjoy! xoxo

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! 

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