tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93787202024-02-03T10:37:04.540-08:005 stars - grrreat 4 stars - very good 3 stars - eeh...it's ok 2 stars - slightly redeemable 1 star - baaaaadAlice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-29696595703037842052008-05-18T19:13:00.000-07:002008-05-18T19:18:46.958-07:00

I like to go to Grand Central Market on a weekly basis because I can buy produce for dirt cheap, and it reminds me of my beloved Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver, BC. Although GCM is a ghetto version of Granville Island, it's an endearing ghetto version. While Granville Island has charm and a semi-posh feel, GCM has character and grit. And I love both equally but for different reasons.

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-28109697948511432322008-04-02T14:50:00.000-07:002008-04-03T08:46:19.335-07:00

After hearing many positive references to La Estrella, particularly in regards to the fish tacos, I finally had to check out this renown taco stand for myself. I ordered two fish tacos, and when I got my plate I gasped at the size of them: two giant mounds of fried battered fish doused with a gooey mess of sour cream, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and cilantro resting on corn tortillas that

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1106658057330524442008-03-02T08:37:00.000-08:002008-12-10T03:58:07.975-08:00

What a glorious building! Union Station is probably my favorite building in Los Angeles. And I feel extremely fortunate to be able to traverse through this architectural gem on a frequent basis, given that I take the Metro Gold Line at least once a week and pass through the station in order to connect to the Red Line.My breath is taken away every time I walk through the waiting room. The lofty

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-16504829341380817922008-03-01T16:30:00.000-08:002008-03-01T18:32:07.933-08:00

More reasons to love Scoops! Last night my friends and I went to indulge in some exotic gelato goodness but we arrived just as it was closing. Tai Kim, proprietor and gelato master, just hands me a pint of free gelato. That's right, FREE strawberry kiwi gelato. He's saint. I believe people who are in the gelato business are people who have been called to bring a bit of joy to humanity. Ice cream

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-11186994547700534752008-02-23T16:17:00.000-08:002008-02-23T16:19:41.545-08:00

I’m not entirely certain if “divine” sufficiently describes the awesomeness that is the lemon bar that Europane makes. Europane has, hands down, perfected the lemon bar in all its lemony goodness and the buttery shortbread crust on which it rests. It has the right amount of sweetness offset by the right amount of tartness. Taking small bites of it with sips of green tea in between is the ultimate

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-36610420886521523182008-01-29T16:38:00.000-08:002008-01-29T16:45:13.580-08:00

Mmmmmmmmmmmm, the huevos rancheros served up at Tonny's was amazing. Huevos rancheros is my favorite Mexican dish, and if it's on the menu, I almost always order it. It's been a long time since I enjoyed huevos rancheros this yummy. The eggs were smothered with a red sauce that did not disappoint, but tasted just right. Usually the red sauce is where most HR dishes fail. The mexican rice was

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-65394842925348767092008-01-16T19:04:00.000-08:002008-01-16T19:09:17.247-08:00

Going to Pure Luck was my first venture into vegan cuisine, and even as a semi-vegetarian I couldn’t help but be a bit apprehensive about how the food would taste. However, my fears were quelled at first bite. I was quite impressed by how flavorful the food was, and I ended up being very satisfied with my meal. I ordered the torta, a big mess of an open-faced sandwich that comes with jackfruit “

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-16853449632221043552007-12-05T17:35:00.000-08:002007-12-05T17:40:26.964-08:00

I was rather surprised and disappointed by how rudimentary the light displays were because I think I was expecting something Vegas-esque. I've seen better in the neighborhood of Hancock Park where some homes go all out and do some outlandish things with lights that I never imagined possible. This was definitely not worth the two hour wait. The whole time I kept worrying about toxic car emission

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-12914230048983020442007-11-26T21:18:00.000-08:002007-11-26T21:23:36.318-08:00

This small Japanese cafe on Robson Street specializes in delectable, pretty-to-look-at parfaits. I've enjoyed the green tea and the tiramisu parfaits, both of which were divine. The green tea consists of layers of green tea ice cream, vanilla ice cream, green tea jello, rice balls, red bean, and whipped cream. The tiramisu parfait is layered with cornflakes, strawberries, vanilla ice cream dusted

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-36264927361409155612007-10-31T21:10:00.000-07:002007-10-31T22:02:15.475-07:00

I hopped on the bike this afternoon and rode east along Sierra Madre Boulevard, a rather picturesque and surprisingly serene major artery running along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, until I arrived at Beantown Coffee Bar in the heart of Sierra Madre. The coffee shop is in a very charming and quaint part of town that is very reminiscent of Montrose Village, north of Glendale.After

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-43965661991114953772007-10-10T19:59:00.000-07:002007-10-10T22:08:50.911-07:00

I'm more of a pancakes kind of girl, but I think Patisserie Lebeau has made a good case for waffles, the Belgian variety that is. I ordered the combo, which comes with a big, tender piece of soft, warm waffle dusted with powdered sugar accompanied by fresh fruit, whipped cream, and custard. I was a bit disappointed with the texture of the custard though. It was not as airy and light as I would

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-35987446943535462012007-10-06T11:23:00.000-07:002007-10-10T22:09:21.942-07:00

This old-school diner frequented by downtown hipsters may be in the more "seedy" part of Granville Street (it's just a couple doors down from a sex shop) but it boasts of the best french fries on the planet. They are perfection incarnate: crispy on the outside and soft with potatoey goodness in the inside. Yes, it actually tastes like potato! How novel is that? They are truly the best I have ever

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1150958379219964442006-06-21T23:39:00.000-07:002006-06-21T23:39:39.233-07:00

I tried a new Mexican joint in downtown today for lunch. I went to Tacos Mexico Rico not only to see if their food is any good, but also to watch the soccer game between Argentina vs. Netherlands. I ordered the day's special which was enchiladas. I had the vegetarian version, which came stuffed with green peppers, mushrooms, and onions, topped with red sauce (green sauce is also another option).

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1150407008319147232006-06-15T14:28:00.000-07:002006-06-15T14:30:08.340-07:00

I'm really digging the following songs. Of course, I first heard them on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic"--the ultimate source for all the cool music in the world. Most of these songs can be heard currently on the show. "You're All I Have" by Snow Patrol: Reminds me of the kind of songs I heard in the 90's. It's a rock-pop song with lyrics that are even kinda romantic, but in an adolescent kind

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1148602963511906672006-05-25T17:22:00.000-07:002006-05-25T17:22:43.523-07:00

Finally fulfilled my dream of swing dancing at The Derby. It was crowded and many people came outfitted in vintage wear from head to toe. Lots of the women had 40s-style hair updos and looked really cute. The only thing that annoyed me were the two separate dance floors. The one in front of the band was tiny and all the good dancers were hogging it up, so I had to dance in the back room where the

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1146085937327169812006-04-26T14:07:00.000-07:002006-04-26T14:12:17.343-07:00

Salmon Burger (with aioli): GoodFries: GoodKetchup: GoodDining in the patio on a sunny spring day with good people: Priceless2095 W. 4th Ave.Vancouver, BC604-732-6810::4.5 stars::

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1146023370106735112006-04-25T20:42:00.000-07:002006-04-25T21:04:43.396-07:00

Finally managed to eat at Topanga Cafe, a Mexican restaurant. I was mighty impressed with their chile relleno. It tasted like the ones I've had in L.A. I also tried their burrito which can be filled with your choice of beef, chicken, beans or eggplant. I asked for a mixture of beans and eggplant. The entree platter comes with rice and black beans.The burrito came topped with crema and a black

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1143699177246606362006-03-29T20:53:00.000-08:002006-03-29T22:14:20.213-08:00

I lunched at Lonsdale Quay this weekend and ordered the tamales at Jalisco. I try to eat something different each time I go. I had one tamale stuffed with beans and one stuffed with green chiles (chicken and beef options are also available). They were a bit dry (which is hard to avoid in tamales) but tasty nevertheless. The platter came with mexican rice, shredded iceberg lettuce topped with

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1143508559970476752006-03-27T17:15:00.000-08:002006-03-27T17:17:20.186-08:00

One of the best falafels I've tasted in Vancouver was surprisingly in the food court at the Oakridge shopping mall. Who would have thunk? They actually fry it fresh (I saw it with my own two eyes), so none of the microwave reheat business that most Middle Eastern joints annoyingly and appallingly do here. The falafels are very flavorful and slightly spicy. The falafel pita sandwich I ordered

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1141781800004200612006-03-07T17:34:00.000-08:002006-03-07T17:36:40.020-08:00

Looking for the best cup of authentic chai? Then get yourself to Granville Island Tea Co. in the Granville Island Public Market. It's the best. You can also buy their chai mix and make it at home. The owners are super nice and friendly. After grabbing your cup of chai, head over to Terra Breads and try one of their scones or a slice of delectable grape bread. #117, 1689 Johnston St.Vancouver, BC.

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1140500822664771222006-02-20T21:46:00.000-08:002006-02-20T21:47:02.676-08:00

You must try the croissant at Patisserie Bordeaux. I think they're the best I've ever had. Crispy and flaky on the outside, and soft, buttery on the inside. It's perfection incarnate. I've also tried their brioche and fruit danishes. Whenever I walk into this bakery, I'm at a loss as to what to choose because everything looks so pretty and yummylicious. Open 7 days a week.3675 W. 10th Ave. @ Alma

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1135917593632760512005-12-29T20:39:00.000-08:002005-12-29T20:40:32.513-08:00

There's finally an Argentine restaurant in Vancouver! It's about time. It's the only one I know of and I had lunch there today. I was quite impressed with their menu because I recognized almost all the dishes. It resembled any menu you would see at a restaurant in Buenos Aires. I ordered gnocchi and you get to choose either tomato, alfredo, or creamy tomato sauce, so I chose the last one.

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1134444347053912752005-12-12T19:22:00.000-08:002005-12-12T19:25:47.066-08:00

I went to this really cool restaurant in downtown that I instantly fell in love with as soon as I walked in and sat at the table. I love the decor, which is mostly dark wood and gives it a sexy, smoky, and sophisticated ambience. The food is just as excellent as the interior design. The flavours are subtle but powerful. Hapa is all about Japanese "tapas." But there's also pan-Asian fusion going

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1122684653782230982005-07-29T17:49:00.000-07:002005-07-29T17:50:53.786-07:00

The BEST can be found at Lonsdale Quay (pronounced "key" as I was embarrassingly corrected all so long ago). It boasts of the best Mexican food, the best falafel, and the best pavlova in Greater Vancouver. As a chick from SoCal I'm always craving good Mexican food. I've tried a few places in Vancouver (most of them disappointing), and I must say that Jalisco comes closest to the kind of Mexican

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9378720.post-1122338847340483492005-07-25T17:44:00.000-07:002005-07-25T17:49:36.213-07:00

I love Woody Allen films. I appreciate their simplicity. I enjoy the great dialogue. The characters are usually interesting. I like how his films are human-centered--no shoot-em-up-let's-blow-up-the-whole-world crap here. And Allen's latest flick reminds me once again why I enjoy his work so much.Melinda and Melinda is about the life of woman that is told in two ways: as tragedy and comedy. Two

Alice @ LAX TO YVRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13993241240684350862noreply@blogger.com0