The Daily Chow

The Little Fuzzy Things

2012-02-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

There are times during travel where you want to fine dine, see every monument, shop till no end and paint the town red once the sun sets. Then there are those times, usually some of the best times, where you want to roll around laughing and playing like a kid and mostly just enjoying the little things.

Over a bottle of Malbec and sliced prosciutto, we blacked out all the windows and did what I haven't done in years, had a lan party and played games for hours on end. The past couple days have been all about the simple pleasures and odd things that make you laugh till your sides hurt.

And of course... sometimes the best noms are the home mades ones, the bad ones and the ones around the corner from home.

Tuna/Salmon/Hamachi Tatake and Beef Tatki

I made a quick breakfast: Poached egg over smoked salmon and tomatoes, Italian Sausage, lemon pepper asparagus and roasted garlic sauteed spinach.

I can't come to Canada and not have fries and gravy. Too bad I can't have cheese.

The best home made noodles/sauce I've had. <3

Cheers to ze Hot Dog >.<

My other nostalgic love, Second Cup's Iced Mocha.

Postcards from Canada

2012-02-20T16:07:00.001-08:00

It's been quite the eventful trip so far, with a good mixture of work, play and of course endless eating. After spending a couple days in Calgary, I headed up to Edmonton for a wedding and a quick weekend visit with friends and family.

The hours and days kind of blend when you're constantly laughing and having a good time.

So here are some postcards with love from the cold north.

Leaving rainy San Diego for snowy Canada.

While getting gas, I saw this iconic fried chicken place across the street. The front door has a giant chicken mascot wearing a flames hockey jersey. Note I didn't eat all or even most of this myself. In fact I had no idea that all their chicken comes with fries and corn fritters.

No trip up here would be complete without a visit to Corso 32. The squid ink pasta, chocolate torte and whitefish were nothing short of drool worthy foodie love.

As a side hobby/project to this trip, I picked up a blinging medium format camera to shoot with. There have been quite a few film mishaps and probably many more poorly exposed ones, but I'm excited to see what good ones come out. I havent shot or worked with film in ages.

Cheers till next time
Chow.

When in Doubt: HARNEY!!!

2012-02-12T00:38:00.001-08:00

What started out as a planned night of dancing, soon turned into a night of drinks, raw fish, live shrimp, and grrrreat music.

Everytime it comes to late night eating or just going out, and we can't decide where to go, Harney Sushi is always a fun and safe bet.

They have a dj with loud music, drinks and most importantly good food.

Our favorites: rolls Royce, Ama Ebi (not for the faint of heart, it's alive and the heads still move while you're eating the body nigiri style. We got the last live 3), hamachi collar, flaming lips and more.

Tonight we got a special dish that isn't on the menu, salmon sashimi with sautéed mushrooms on top. It has savory remnants of truffle and the taste was incredible.

It's off to bed for an early day of crossfit tomorrow. Happy nomming and here are a few of my favorite songs that we semi danced to tonight.

Enjoying the City: postcards from San Diego

2012-02-11T18:35:00.001-08:00

Chances are if you live in San Diego, you've either said, or have heard someone say "we don't enjoy this city enough."

For years during the hustle and bustle of college and working, I always believed I would re-locate to New York or San Francisco. I must say that San Diego is a paradise that's hard to leave.

I've spent the past 48 hours celebrating the city and new beginnings with friends, co workers, perfect strangers and my darling Louis (the pup).

Here are some postcards from our city, with love, of good eats and fun places to play.

After a morning of Yoga, we headed to zanzibar for a yummy breakfast, then down to the San Diego harbor for a 4mi walk/run.

Tomato zucchini soup. So good. I need to learn how to make this.

Just a quick weekend update. Temperatures are dropping and I'm actually looking forward to a little rain.

Cheerio,
Chow.

Play Time

2012-02-09T21:15:00.001-08:00

The most fun we've been having lately is just tumbling, hanging, and rolling around after crossfit.

It's been pretty awesomesauce, after getting owned by a workout, to just laugh with eachother, be silly and play.

Absolutely sore this whole week, contrast baths are helping, here's to another weekend of being like kids.

Kiki Sushi on a Sunday Afternoon

2012-02-02T17:26:00.001-08:00

There aren't many foods that I adore more than sushi and sashimi. This last Sunday, after a brutal workout and before a long nap, we stopped by this corner Japanese restaurant called Kiki.

Their prices are fair and the food is pretty decent, but there are a few dishes that are über noms.

My favorites, the rainbow salad, sashimi selection and soft shell crab.

I'm playing catch up once again on photos and posts. It's been an insane week of projects, deciding between new projects to start and of course crossfit and studying.

The next few months are a bit unknown, but I'm on edge (in a good way) to see how this year unfolds.

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.