The Daily Chow

Music Time Machine

2012-01-26T00:55:00.000-08:00

We all have that playlist, the list of songs that never go out of style or that record/tape/cd that gets played whenever we're feeling nostalgic.

Like a good friendship, you know a beloved song in and out, beginning to end, and even when a beat is skipped or an abundance of noise is polluting the lyrics, you can always pick up where it left off.

Here are a few that were once downloaded via 56k, purchased on cassette single, and even ripped at poor quality from a Myspace player because I was so desperate to have it at that time.

I listen to this one quite a bit. It never fails to be put on repeat during times those nights when I have a lot on my mind.

An amazing oldie that will always be a cruising favorite.

Hands down my favorite song to hear and sing my heart out to, after a few drinks.

I can't think of one particular night that made this song a regular, but it's been one of my favorites to hear right after Santeria.

Like the first verse, I used to listen to this song while driving around for hours.

This one will get put on repeat for lazy Sundays or as I'm about to fall asleep at night.

what's on your playlist?
Chow

Crawl, Walk, Lift, Jump, Run

2012-01-24T23:39:00.001-08:00

It's almost been a year since I first started dabbling in crossfit and making the lifestyle change to get healthy.

This weekend and tonight had a few of those milestone moments that made me see how far I've physically and mentally come.

While I'm sure the numerical measurements probably only add up to a few more pounds, meters, minutes and reps, each unit of progression feels quite incredible.

Like many, when I started, it was easy to get hung up on the want of instant gratification and the physical aspects but slowly I'm learning to appreciate being able to run further, lift heavier, and other things I never thought I'd be able to do (like pullups, double unders or handstands).

So for those that made the new years resolution to eat better and live better, I'm taking a short intermission from my usual food posts to tip my hat to you.

Cheers and HOORAH,
Chow

Au Revoir, Long Time No See

2012-01-22T00:38:00.001-08:00

Since starting this venture of "Paleo" eating, I've been spending less time at my favorite restaurants and more time in the kitchen concocting great eats.

But like with good friends, you always have to come back and get re-acquainted.

To toast to new ventures, a buddy and I met for a mimosa, while I enjoyed an endive salad and garlic mussels. I almost, just almost didn't miss the lavender fries.

<3
Chow

Postcards from The Grand Del Mar - Amaya

2012-01-21T03:23:00.001-08:00

Words can't describe how beautiful this place is and not just aesthetically speaking either. There's something about this property that just induces a comfortable and leave life behind type feeling.

We came here last night for their restaurant week dinner menu and I have to say $65 for a three course meal and a wine pairing, was quite well worth it. Though one could say that the company and atmosphere was the charm that made the food just that much better.

The braised shortrib, incredibly sweet, tender and a sprinkle of crisps for texture.

Lentil Soup

Probably one of the best Beet salads I've ever had.

A citrus sorbet type dessert with berries nested in a gelée.

I barely had a lick of this just to try and I think it was my favorite of all the desserts that came out.

I'm incredibly sad that I didn't have my better camera on hand and that I didn't take pictures of the other dishes. The food at Amaya is very good and I adore how the most simple dishes taste extravagant.

I'll be planning a staycation at this hotel to eat and just enjoy all the amenities.

We were utterly amazed at the top crate with the wine labeled 1855. I think we each took turns stating historical events that this wine had lived through. The Russian Revolution, both world wars, prohibition and etc.

Till next time! This weekend will be all about work and family for Chinese New Year!

Wishing you all love, fortune, health and happiness in the coming year of the Dragon.

Making Rainbows

2012-01-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

(click images to enlarge)

Since coming back from Vegas for New Years, the past two weeks has been nothing but constant "go alpha go" mode. There's been about 3 personal projects (along with a few freelance ones) that I've been dying to finish and this post apocalyptic one had been a "work in progress" for far too long. Based off a photo I took from the Highline in NYC, I did a photo texture and paint over, to obliterate the beautiful scene and transform it.

Anyone that follows me on Facebook or Twitter absolutely knows that I have a complete obsession and love for bubble tea. So when my developer friend and I decided to take on a side project of building flash/mobile games as a team, it was natural that my first game would involve a gal name Chow catching bubble tea. Pixel Poo (our little studio name) is just starting, so like any new project, the website, more games and such are well under way.

For now you can play Chow Bubble here: http://pixelpoo.net/games/chowbubble/

It's only 2 weeks into the new year and so much awesomeness has been going on. Lots of late nights, working, sketching, reading, gaming (hey it's r&d right?), and editing (so many photos to catch up on).

Till next time, happy gaming and happy nomming
<3 Chow.

a Look at December

2012-01-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have hundreds of photos from last year that I'm still going through, but like sorting and unpacking my luggage from December's travels, I did the same with pictures. Sweet December was the one month of the year that actually didn't fly by. I lived out of my suitcase and spent quite a few days within an airport, but it was one of my most memorable and miraculous of all holiday seasons.

From getting to see the snowfall in Canada, to sharing old stories with friends, to spending evenings on the roof watching the sunset, to cooking with my mom and so much more, December December will be the month to remember. <3

Chow.
Happy 2012.

Botero Home Sweet Noms

2012-01-02T12:13:00.001-08:00

With every city I travel to, I fall into quite personal love affairs with a few favorite food places, that I always have to visit when I'm back in that town.

In Vegas, one of the many loves includes Botero. We know the menu by heart, some years we may even even change up what we order, but there are a few must haves.

Any steak with their chimichurri sauce, the bay scallops, Hamachi tartare over crispy rice, sautéed mushrooms and my ever so beloved bone marrow.

This time we added crab stuffed garlic knots, ricotta gnocchi, jalapeno And shrimp stuffed calamari. It's love.

It's our last day in Vegas and we're making our rounds to our favorite eateries.

Happy New Year and it'll be back to SD soon.

Postcards from Vegas: Day 2

2012-01-01T11:38:00.001-08:00

It was a happy, crazy, beautiful, memorable and an absolutely epic New Year celebration.

We started the night with dinner at the Paris' hotel gala, then made our way to the strip to count down with hundreds of thousands of other people and then to the rooftop of club chateau.

2011 holiday season has been utterly magical and so much of it was unexpected.

Happy New Year again everyone.

<3

Postcards from Vegas Day 1

2011-12-31T03:05:00.001-08:00

Despite coming here for almost 6 years in a row for New Years, as always, it's been pretty darned epic.

From the moment the car picked us up from the airport, to dinner, and dancing the night away, it's kinda crazy that it's not even new years eve yet.

We've been really lucky that we havent had to deal with loads of traffic, lines or other holiday chaos. Though trying to catch tonight's UFC fight was almost a bust. Man I was bummed to see Brock go down like that.

Tomorrow's another day and I'm determined to get some workout/lifting time in, despite being on vacay. We have a gala for nye, then it's catching fireworks and we'll see where the night takes us.

Also planned for the weekend is noms at botero, shopping, spa qua, hustler and whatever Vegas decides to bring.

Happy new years weekend again and hip hip huzzah to another great year gone by.

2011 Closing Thoughts

2011-12-28T23:43:00.001-08:00

I was having a late night talk with my long time good friend, reminiscing on the crazy things I've done and how much has happened in the past decade, year, month and week. Like clockwork, in my typical fashion, whenever one year is about to end, I start an obsessive account on things I've learned, how this year was better than the last and if I've accomplished enough.

My friend let me psycho babble long enough for the ice in our glass of Jack to begin melting and then he just reminded me that even when the months were bad, they were still good. He then linked me to the image of text above and I just thought it encompassed this year and life in a general nutshell, so well.

I'm usually not a fan of posting quoted text, but this one's a good one.

This year has taken me to far places, taught me a great deal about myself, LOTS of incredible noms and included many serendipitous encounters.

So in a few days I'll bid 2011 a bittersweet adieu.

My two favorite lines above.
Fall in love. Fall out of love. Fall in Love. Fall out of love. Do this all over until you know what it really is to love someone.

Make something beautiful and then destroy it.

On the Last Day of Christmas

2011-12-25T11:54:00.001-08:00

Crossfit gave to me:

Tabata rowing (8 rounds 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest)
12 pullups
6-30" box jumps
12 wallups (start at pushup position and walk backwards up the wall till you're in handstand position)
24 (each leg) bench pistols (kinda like a one legged squat)

Best yet, a great set of people to share the pain with and even better....

Practicing box jumps!!!!!!! Hip hip huzzah for clearing 38" after the workout.

To our favorite swedish trainer, Par, we'll miss you dearly.

Thanks for today's last hurrah.

Huzzah to you and MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone! Make it epic.

On the Third to Last Day of Christmas

2011-12-23T22:41:00.000-08:00

I think I mentioned a few days ago, how horrible I am at waiting till Christmas to open gifts. Today one of my close friends came over to have a few drinks and exchange gifts. I bought him a Hibachi grill, with the proper coals to grill Yakitori and I got the most epic set of gifts. Black shoes from Shoemint, a Jewelmint Necklace and the best yet, a Wustof santokou knife. I can't even begin to describe how in dire need I was for a new chef's knife.

I've been opening presents all month and I'm kind of bummed because traditionally, I used to not be allowed to open any until boxing day (day after Christmas). I'm just amazed at how lucky I am to have such awesome people around (wow I sound like a facebook status >_<).

I'll be updating periodically, and posting tonnes of food pix to the twitter. Truly wishing everyone the most amazing, awesomesauce, uber kickass Christmas ever. Mine's been quite magical and it isn't even over yet. Cheers! (pardon the crappy pix, they were taken in a rush of excitement)

<3
Chow

Friends and Faces in the City

2011-12-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again where I live out of my suitcase and scramble to get everything going for the holidays. Surprisingly, I've been on top of gifts, letters and even photos (especially when friends grab my memory card and say "give me now!") I still have pictures from Asia that I haven't completely gone through.

It's been uber awesome though catching up with friends, eating and just having nights of endless laughs.

It's been a while but I finally got together with one of my closest friends for the recent UFC fight and I was quite smitten with the view from his loft. I always joke with him about how he has to be the gayest straight male I know, because of his attention to the types of fabrics and accessories I wear. We've shared a decade of eating antics and I always joke that if ever there was a time of crisis, I'd raid his closet because he's one of the few males that appreciate proper trouser socks and mixing textures.

I just got back from Canada and next week it's Vegas for New Years, in fact I'll probably keep a lot of the same items in the suitcase :P

Chow

Family Noms

2011-12-19T16:10:00.001-08:00

It's my last night in Canada and though I've fallen off the blogging grid for a few days, I wanted to post some noms we had last night with my family.

Although I adore food from all over the world, particularly French and Italian cuisines, Asian food will always be my true love.

I hate how the pictures turned out so yellow because of the lighting. It's hard to see but the fried rice has sprinkles of caviar throughout.

Along with the rice, the Japanese mushrooms and the snow pea leaves were my favorites.

Scallops and broccoli and I really need to learn how they prepared the chicken feet. It was done in an almost Thai way with diced veggies and fish sauce.

I could eat jellyfish daily.

Well it's off to packing and a nap, definitely been lacking in the sleep department. Will check back in soon with more updates and pix from this amazing trip.

Here's some tea for one, my favorite song to lay back and stare at the ceiling too.

The 11th Day of a Beautiful Christmas

2011-12-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

It's true what they say, that the holidays are quite magical and it's amazing the types of surprises and serendipitous events that await just around the corner.

Last year during the holidays, I jet set off to New York, hoping that the city's festivities, decorations, and beautiful sites would help me find that Christmas spirit. This year without delay, the tingly holiday feeling, knocked me off my feet before December even began.

This year especially, I can't begin to describe how fortunate I feel and how blessed I am. When I least expect it, friends and family pow me over the head with their awesomeness!

I came home yesterday to a big package on my door step and it turned out to be a surprise gift from a faraway friend. I read the note 8 times over, smiled with glee and even wondered how she knew I was obsessed with glitter nail polish ♥♥♥

Earlier in the week I received flowers and with it came the most perfect note "the best gifts are the ones you least expect."

Thank you Jane for putting a smile on my face and making the holidays that much brighter <3

P.S Louis LOVES his new toy.

Versace for H&M Morning Mayhem

2011-12-11T00:06:00.001-08:00

I'll never be able to explain why in the name of fashion would any of us ever forgo sleep to wait in line, but in the end, the laughs and spectacles alone made it worth it.

Unlike last year when we came for the Lanvin collection, we were well prepared this time around.

I think all of us wanted to murder the damned ebayers up in front, but despite the immense hoarding everyone was doing, we were all able to get a good selection of items from the collection. I got a few jewelry pieces, the pleated silk skirt and a men's button up shirt.

By 8am we were all a little delirious, hungry and tired but man was it ever great fun.

Next up Marni!!!!!

Finally catching up on a lot of posts, more noms and antics to come. Till then I'm wrapping presents, heading to Canada soon and so enjoying the holiday season.

<3 chow

Le Pain Quotidien - The Daily Bread

2011-12-09T18:35:00.001-08:00

While I have a habit of staying up till the sun rises, I would never consider myself a morning person. But there is something quite beautiful about the way the air smells, how the sky looks and how foods taste during that time of day.

For example having eggs, toast and a black coffee in the early morning is entirely different than in the evening.

Last week I was visiting LA and a few of us stopped by this adorable cafe in Beverly Hills, called Le Pain Quotidien, in English is "The Daily Bread."

The entire cafe has this cozy and rustic feel. You can stop in and just order among a delicious assortment of pastries, or sit at a table to marvel in a selection of various spreads to accompany your bread choices.

The dark chocolate hazelnut spread was divine and definitely not your usual Nutella.

We ordered an array of omelettes that included mushrooms, smoked salmon and more. Though, the star dish was the mango/cucumber gazpacho. The flavors were so well blended that it was hard to distinguish one dominant flavor. It was fresh, incredibly savory and a great way to start the day.

While I won't be making a habit out of sleeping and waking up earlier, from time to time it's nice to enjoy The morning sun, have great noms and even better company and hilarious conversation.

Our server loved us!

Happy Friday all! Oh and this holiday song has been my guilty pleasure as of late.

A Moving Movie Experience

2011-12-07T01:19:00.001-08:00

Ever have one of those moments amidst doing something quite ordinary, and think....man a drink would be good right now?

I've had that thought quite a few times while watching movies at the theater.

The other night I went with my girlfriends to watch a movie at Cinepolis and I don't think I can watch a movie the normal way anymore.

When you first walk in, there's a bar and lounge areas where you can order food and drinks. I'm so glad we chose to order food and drinks from our movie seats (comfy recliners).

Before and during the movie, they have a server that can ninja your order in and out, while you kick your feet up and relax.

I think what excites me most is the abundance of options when it comes to noms. That and this theater actually serves good food. I swear aside from popcorn, usual theater food is awful.

Ticket prices are a bit more, at $20, but the comfort and experience totally make it worth it.

30 Days of Christmas

2011-12-05T14:16:00.001-08:00

After getting the beautiful Christmas tree started this weekend and listening to a horde of cheesy holiday music, the tingly season spirit is definitely in the air.

Came into the office today to find an array of goofy gifts/notes and am making time to put together the kickass Gundam. The Spanish wrestler with the chainsaw is the best.

Huzzah for the holidays, quick lunchtime post from the ever so nomtastc burger lounge.

Late Night Sweets

2011-12-02T01:14:00.001-08:00

Like a lot of November, much of this last week has been like vibrant splashes of paint, captured in a motion blur. Colorfully highlighted moments, but no defining timeline. A lot has happened and I'm in a mad dash to accomplish as much as I can with work, before the end of year.

I'm finally coming to terms with the fact that I'll always have something that needs to be done and not enough hours in the day, but at least I'll always be on top of the seeing and eating.

Taking a couple days off to visit LA, and like the makings to any great night, tonight's included desserts and great conversation around a kitchen counter.

We had a caramel like brittle pastry from Japan and a wonderful Persimmon, coconut milk and dark chocolate medly of a dessert. I can't wait for the next occasion to make this for some friends.

Absolutely ready for december and the holidays, but I'll be posting some pictures and highlights from a Sweet November.

Cheers and happy nomming
<3
Chow

Black Friday Adventures

2011-11-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

I think any night that begins with a bottle of Prosseco, a handful of raspberries and a tummy full of noms, is destined to be a good one.

After dinner with the fam, my bud and I decided to take on the city and coast around just witnessing all the Black Friday mayhem. All of the shopping shenanigans are so much more fun, when you're just there to people watch and experience it all, without battling anyone over 30% off merchandise.

What was crazy was that there were some stores open at midnight, but not enough to warrant the amount of people that actually showed up. I'm gonna just say that they all ended up at Macys.

Here's our night in a snapshot.

I was bummed to see that Burberry closed up here to move, I always liked it next to the LV store.

According to the Rite Aid guy and the massive line outside, the Disney store was the place to be. We didn't go in.

I think Gap was one of the few stores that had real Black Friday type deals.

The Microsoft store had this insane line, and the main deal was the Kinect for $99 and 1/2 off XBox Live. Nothing too spectacular.

Not gonna lie, Hollister & Abercrombie both had these incredibly cut guys and even I had stare in awe for quite some time. I think they even motivated me to eat less and go to crossfit more :p

3D Shenanigans at Old Navy. Fun place. <3 Thought the glasses made me feel like I was having an epilepsy episode or something.

Lastly, the line at Best Buy at 2am. I wonder how many $200 46" TVs they actually had. We turned into the parking log, found a spot and drove right out. Some sales are not worth the grueling experience, and camping out in front of Best Buy is one of those things.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I'll be posting noms next. Momma makes the most amazing prime rib!

Chow

Tofu House Getting Reacquainted

2011-11-22T23:34:00.001-08:00

I think my re-kindled love for Korean food was sparked by last week's Late night BBQ fest.

I'm not even sure how it's possible to forget how much you love something, but it's honestly been over a year since I've enjoyed the lovely vegetable pairings that accompany Korean entrees and the goodness that comes out of a clay pot.

After crossfit last Sunday we opted to skip the usual sushi and go to Tofu House to warm up, by enjoying boiled tofu in a piping hot clay pot. Hot enough that they leave a basket of eggs on your table, at your disposal to crack into your pot.

My pot had tofu, gyoza, Korean BBQ steak and baby octopus. The others got a seafood medley.

The side dishes shown are bean curd, kimchi, pickled radish and pickled cucumber (kinda like the pickle we're used to but not as sour and much more spicy).

I haven't been to this place in years so it was a nice yummy visit. I do remember they used to have potato pancakes but with me trying to get rid of this newly developed slug of a belly, the lack of potato definitely worked in my favor.

Happy early thanksgiving and the noms continues.

<3 chow

Rain or Shine

2011-11-18T02:03:00.001-08:00

I'm slowly catching up on photos and despite having thousands to go through, I'm determined to at least get a good portion of my travel ones updated.

It's been another awesome week, that was incredibly eventful. It's amazing the things that can happen on random Tuesday or Thursday nights after crossfit.

Before kicking off this weekend, I wanted to post a few thoughts on the relaxing one I had last. Despite spending a good portion of last weekend basking in sports galore (hockey, football, boxing & mma) a lot of it was also spent relaxing and enjoying whatever the day brought on. Rain or shine. In fact I do love a good week of rain every so often.

Got crossfit in, enjoyed noms and even a walk in the park.

This weekend I'm going to attempt to be productive. I mean after mobbing the Versace for H&M collection of course. >_<

Yakiyudori Yakitori Deliciousness

2011-11-11T16:02:00.001-08:00

Like many, I used to stumble into Tajima for late night Ramen and good eats. While I still love Tajima for many of their dishes (Geso Karaage, Tuna Tataki, sizzling steak), my latest place I'm obsessed with for Japanese noms is Yakiyudori.

It's a small less than 10 tables type restaurant where you smell the food right when you walk in and chances are you'll smell like it when you leave. They offer ramen all day but yakitori is only offered at dinner. I can confidently say that this place had some of the best ramen in San Diego.

This time we decided to sit front and center of the yakitori grill, to watch the chef work his magic. Occasionally we would zone out on the graceful way he would skewer, season, rotate and inspect each Yakitori.

What we ordered: shoyu ramen, seasoned wings (quite incredible and the skin texturally unique), shitake mushroom, chicken liver (good but not my favorite), octopus (so tender, smoky and flavorful) and bacon wrapped asparagus yakitori.

Their food and drink prices are also quite reasonable.

I'm sad that they were sold out of the sea snails, soft shell crab and the baby mackerel, but they'll definitely be on the list to order next time.

Happy nomming
<3
Chow

A Little Hockey a Little Bit of Home

2011-11-09T00:39:00.001-08:00

As much as I'm in love with how beautiful San Diego is, everytime November and a hint of the holidays hit, I start missing home and Canada's snow.

Although I don't get to catch too many hockey games down here, because sportscenter and espn refuse to cover hockey, I try to catch a few Oilers games each season.

It's been a long time since I've gotten to see the Oilers win live and it was a glorious evening because they played beautifully against the Kings.

There were very few of us Oiler fans among the sea of grey and black jersey Kings fans, but we still managed to high five one another from a distance and marvel in the fact that there were so many Canadians gathered in one building.

So... As usual I'm back blogged and catching up on posts. For the very near future, I'm quite ecstatic for the Immortals movie and of course playing Rage.

<3
Chow