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comfort food

DeLuscious Cookies - Hollywood

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DeLuscious Cookies - Hollywood

If you are thinking about a street treat to give your friends, family, and colleagues, think no further. I am so happy to have gotten to try some baked goodies from DeLuscious cookies. Their cookies are baked to order, but they do carry their classic flavors for walk-ins. I enjoyed everything you see here. I made a festive center piece for my sweets for guests to enjoy as they brew their coffee. I simply found a fall wreath (or any holiday wreath you have) and simply placed a glass stand to hold my cookies. The goods were delivered warm and most importantly, on time. 

Everything you see were delicious. I especially love the red velvet brownie that I cut up so more fingers can snatch them up. The oatmeal raisin cookie was also a rave along with Cinnamon Brulee and chocolate decadence. It's hard for me to bake during the holidays and that is mainly because I am a savory person. Baking is not my forte, but DeLuscious Cookies made it easy to have a great party without me having to worry about buying eggs, sugar, butter, chocolate, etc. The cookies and baked sweets were all unique and fresh. 

It literally feels like it's Christmas already. Do yourself a favor and order some for your loved ones. You won't regret it.

Their shop is located: 829 North Highland in Los Angeles, CA 90038

Website to shop: http://www.delusciouscookies.com/

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Fork-In Aussie Pie Kitchen - Santa Monica

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Fork-In Aussie Pie Kitchen - Santa Monica

I've been to many tastings and restaurants in LA, but Fork-In Aussie Pie Kitchen really stood out. I grew up on Marie's Calendar chicken pot pie. Ate it religiously with loads of cracked black pepper and a dash of hot sauce or two. I love savory dishes more than sweet. Aussie Pie Kitchen carries a variety of savory pies with delicious sides to go with.

2510 Main St, Ste B, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Before committing to my toppings, I was able to sample their offerings.

I know it's early for Thanksgiving, but I don't mind it coming early.  There's MINTY MUSHY PEAS that is a combination of Peas, Shallots, Butter, Fresh Mint (AMAZING). Roasted garlic mashed potatoes - Yukon Gold Potatoes, roasted garlic, butter, salt + pepper (Like silk). HAND MASHED SWEET POTATO - made with Garnett Yams, Half & Half, Butter, White Pepper Nutmeg, Spices. Their amazing Stuffing with Croissant, Sausage, Kale, Pecans, White Wine,Garlic and Pecans (Never had anything like it, BOMB). EDAMAME & SWEETCORN SUCCOTASH. Creamy thyme Gravy and mushroom gravy. 3 Cheese MAC.

Flat white

If you've never had an aussie pie before, don't expect this to be your traditional hand pie. The aussie pie served here will be on a plate. They took the traditional pie and amplified it to bring more flavors in. Flavors that they know you will love. And it's a good thing, a really good thing.

At Aussie Pie Kitchen, you will find love in a pie that took them 3 days to create. That's right, 3. And when you get your hands on one of these hot buttery bad boys you will understand why this beast took that long to create. That first bite will be the moment you taste all the love and craft that was put into each individual pie.

Bourbon infused BBQ Pulled Pork with Mac n 3 cheeses and Truffle Oil

Topped with the mashed sweet potato and gravy. If it was raining, it would be perfect. But, this was very tasty. The BBQ pulled pork had so much flavor. Their mac n cheese contains some bleu cheese that added a nice tang and sharpness without overpowering the dish whatsoever.

 Steak & Shiraz (Syrah)

Steak Cubes marinated in Red Wine, Braised in Mirepoix, Herbs & Spices. This was considered their tiger stack. Meaning 2 sides with thyme gravy to make this the ultimate goodbye summer dish. Roasted garlic mash, mushy peas, can't go wrong with any of that. The pie crust was ridiculously flaky, buttery, and every F this diet you can put your mind to. The post work out meal dream and the time of the month satisfaction. This will do it all.

A classic Nanna Mac's TWICE ROLLED LAMINGTONS. Super spongy, soft, and not too sweet. This is a must have and goes great with their flat white.

Croissant bread pudding? Why on earth has no one thought of that? Baked with pistachios & chocolate chip, drizzled with bourbon, caramel sauce & a dollop of whipped cream. Man, that bourbon drizzle did it for me. Nothing wrong with this sinful dessert at all.

If you haven't been here yet, I highly recommend you come.

2510 Main St, Ste B, Santa Monica, CA 90405

 

 

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Mondo Taco - Santa Monica

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Mondo Taco - Santa Monica

I have to say, Tacos has come a long, long way here in Los Angeles. I lived in Glassell Park most of my life. If you don't know where Glassell Park is, it's basically where gunshots are fired around 11pm or 2-4 in the morning, Ice Cream trucks at noon - 3pm - 5pm, Elote man around the same time, and tacos covering every proximity you can put your hands on. Back to the days when tacos were $1 a pop, and they just had that flavor you can only find on the streets. If you know what I am talking about, just close your eyes for a minute to relive it.

I remember there was this one stall, serving up all kinds of cuts you can imagine on a comal bola grill. Every meat fat you can imagine, melted and cooked as one. You can't find that anymore nowadays. Or not as easy as it was just a few years ago.

But tacos has evolved into something more multicultural. That's the beauty of living in LA. We don't see each other differently because we are so exposed to the different cultures that we are surrounded with. It's really beautiful if you think about it. I remember when I went to visit some friends in Arizona, I literally stood out like a sore thumb being asian. Nothing wrong with that, but you just know when you are in a town where your existence is minimal. Tacos, right.

I was luckily invited to a taco tasting out in Santa Monica the past weekend. And boy, tacos are my thing. So are burgers. There's just some kind of pleasure I find eating food with my hands. Mondos Tacos provide a more contemporary take on tacos than what you would find at the corner of your local neighborhood in LA. Their tacos travel around the world meaning they do flavors like Italian to a further leap like Indian.

Mondo Taco - 2200 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404

6 Tacos to try with one Watermelon Agua Fresca (delicious!).

Chips and Salsa with a side of Guacamole. A must! Good portion of avocados in the guac. It wasn't super loaded with tomatoes either. A perfect starter. I even whipped some of the guac onto my tacos. You know you want to do it too.

Angry Chicken - $3.50 crispy chicken - hot sauce - blue cheese. Finger licking hot sauce that will make your eye wink. So be careful who you are sitting in front of. Don't want to be sending the wrong signal when you are just enjoying your taco. The blue cheese was tasty and added a nice musk to cut through the tartness of the sauce.

Southern Decadence - $3.75 fried chicken - bacon - BBQ sauce - ranch dressing - diced tomato. I loved this! Yummy BBQ sauce with fried chicken strips. I had the slighted memory of eating chicken nuggets from Wendy's. Not like there is anything wrong with that, because everything about that is utterly amazing.

Fancy Fish - $3.50 grilled fish - poblano - pico de gallo - cilantro crème. The name says it all. The fish was delicate and was complimented by the poblanos and creamy cilantro creme.

El Greco - $4.75 grilled lamb - tzatziki - diced tomato. If you love lamb, this will definitely deliver. The gaminess of the lamb really shoots through. The tzatsiki and tomatoes really help cutting through the strong flavors of the lamb. Great portions of lamb.

Taj Mahal - $4.75 coconut shrimp - curry sauce - diced red bell pepper. Surprisingly one of my favorites from the 6. The shrimp was very plump, cooked perfectly, and the creamy curry sauce pairs perfectly with the light flavors of the shrimp and the sweetness of the red peppers. I really want to order 2 of these next time I come, but there are just so much to try from.

Crazy Fish - $3.50 panko crusted fish - pico de gallo - 1000 Island. Another tasty taco. Loved everything about it. There's nothing I love more than a fried fish taco. This was also one of my favorites. Simple, and flavors were well executed. The fish was fried perfectly.

If you think the condiments are a bit loaded, you are WRONG *BUZZ* The portions of these tacos are larger than you think. The protein is packed, so the amount of sauce and toppings you see doesn't overwhelm the overall taco.

For dessert, we were able to try their Blueberry Panna Cotta. Don't think about it. Just order it. It's delicious and I've had many Panna Cottas. It's so decadent, I can't believe it's in a plastic container! For $3.50, it is definitely a steal. I would honestly drive the 23 miles to get this again. If you've never had Panna Cotta, just imagine a soft cheesecake. Mild, not as sharp. Creamy. Silky. Soft. Like a baby's butt. 

Plan your next visit, there are plenty of things to do out here. We visited MUJI afterwards around the corner-corner.

Until Next time.

D


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Pig Pen Delicacy - Santa Ana

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Pig Pen Delicacy - Santa Ana

Pig Pen Delicacy, located on 201 E 4th St - Santa Ana, CA 92701, inside 4th street market.

I got the chance to taste Pig Pen Delicacy yesterday, another one of Andy and his partners Kevin, Mark and Jason's creation. This place serves a few dishes that are focused in a world of pork and bacon flavors. Just the sound of that gives me heartburns. But, that's why I have Tums.

I've never been to Downtown Santa Ana, so making the trip from Pasadena was already worth it to be able to explore a city I am not familiar with. We arrived around 7. Just in time before the crowd started swarming in. Pig Pen Delicacy as said before, is located inside the 4th street market, but you would need to make your way inside as it is wrapped passed the corner. You will figure it out. Andy recommended a few dishes which we tried. So let's get it on.

BBQ Pulled pork sandwich

I had a feeling they might've been running low on pulled pork for this tasting because the portions were really minimal. I am not complaining since I understand that they were pretty busy from the heavy crowds. But based on the pork that I was able to taste in this, it was something that I enjoyed.

The pork was cooked till tender with some pickled carrots and daikon to cut through the richness of the meat and egg. The brioche bun held the sandwich together nicely as well as soaking up the yolk lava from the eggs. Like really, what kind of world are we living in if eggs can't be cooked perfectly?

 

 

Maple Bacon Jam Burger

I loved this burger. I've never had a sweet and savory burger like this before. I am not a fan of western bbq sauced burgers or hawaiin burgers with pineapple. But sausage with syrup or bacon dipped in syrup is my kind of thing. I think when you really want to imagine how a sweet and savory burger would taste like, this is it. It brings a nostalgic moment from childhood. Eating pancakes and oozing your maple syrup all over everything on your plate imaginable. This is comfort food right here y'all.

Candied Bacon

I don't really need to say much about it. It's bacon with brown sugar and spices. Baked until it's finger licking good. What more do you want? Good Daisy... eat that bacon...

Pork Belly Fries

Again, I think they were running low on pork belly because there were only a few nibbles floating around. The flavors though were really great. I can only imagine how delicious and composed this dish would be if made with their proportions (I saw photos during the day, and this order was HUGE compared to this). Loved the fries that they use. Loved the creamy cilantro sauce with the fresh pico de gallo. Would love to try this again next time I come.

Enjoy. And always love the Dew.




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The Fat Dog - Pau & Johnny - Part 2

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The Fat Dog - Pau & Johnny - Part 2

To continue from Part 1 where Pau, Johnny and I were hanging out at the Idle Hour, we decided to make our way to The Fat Dog.

11050 Magnolia Blvd - North Hollywood, CA 91601

After having a liquid brunch, we were literally turning into Zombies with no sense of direction. I mean, Pau literally lunged to the streets without looking and stopped traffic with her super powers as we trickled behind her. She was on a mission. A mission for Swedish meatballs.

I love it. I went to tinkle and came out with food already on the way. Since we were just snacking, they do have some fun nibbles that are worth to try. Let's start with the sliders shall we.

The Flight

Any beer loving fiend would love cheeseburgers of all sizes. These little decadent-pinky-worth buns with bacon, meat, cheese and guacamole can keep you fixated with your eyes crossed for a good minute.

Comes with fries. But, I would order more for other reasons I will share with you in a bit. But deng, I just love finger foods so much. I don't count calories, but I do think about the amount of food I consume at the end of the day. So little bites like these (x's 54674861231) makes me extremely happy because that means I can try more food. And who, who, does not want to try more food? For goodness sake. Look how delightful Johnny looks in the back enjoying a bite of a mysterious item. I swear it wasn't candid at all.

Hot Wings

I really... really.. enjoyed these wings a lot. I'm not sure if it was from all the beer I drank, but these were zippy. It felt almost as if the wings were marinated in buffalo sauce or rub, and then deep fried. I really don't know how they did it, but it reminds me of dry rubbed ribs. Served with celery and carrots, with their house bleu cheese dipping sauce. Thumbs up. I am ready to come back for this one.

Swedish Meatballs

If you love IKEA Swedish Meatballs, you will love the ones at the Fat Dog. Served in a heapfull, there are plenty of reasons to share. There's nothing fancy with this dish as there is nothing fancy at the ones you would find at IKEA. But, these are comforting as F#$k as they should be. This is where the extra fries would play along. Or, just order the fries with this gravy and lingonberry sauce to top off. Money.

I will be back really soon because there were still a lot of items I would like to try. Love you Pau & Johnny dearly.

Until next time. Eat & Drink responsibility.



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