Neek's Kitchen

Friday night dinner at home is always a joy and the best treat for this “Hungry Teatcher” as the whole family relish a home cooked meal prepared by my aspiring chef son, Nikko.  This is a rare occasion since he has been very busy with work and school. 

Nikko prepared a home cooked family style dinner starting with a roasted carrot soup.  Wow! It was delicious! I never thought carrots could be so good. We then savored a delectable array of sides from zucchini squash and roasted asparagus risotto complementing the  roast chicken  as our main dish. All were delicious! We couldn’t get enough! 

Nikko just amazes me with his talent. For now, he’s currently working at one of the well-known restaurants in LA where he hopes to gradually move up and make his mark in the culinary world. Who knows where he will be one day, Food Network – here’s Neek’s Kitchen!

Nikko preparing our home cooked meal

carrots roasting in the oven

Roasted Carrot Soup 

zucchini squash

roasted asparagus risotto 

roast chicken

Cheers!  Another wonderful dinner with the family! 

Harina, Madrid

Visiting new places is always exciting.  I never know what’s in store.  My last visit to Madrid, I discovered Harina Cafe at the Plaza Independencia,   This was my third visit to Madrid and had passed by this plaza numerous times and never noticed this place existed until my last visit in Spring 2012.   

My son, Chad who was living in Madrid at that time was the one who introduced me to this place.  He had been here with his friend for some Cafe' con leche (coffee with milk).  He knew Harina would appeal to me so he took me here.  I immediately fell in love with the place as I spotted a bike parked inside leaning gently against the counter; the bike’s basket cleverly disguised as a magazine rack.  What a great idea!  I love bikes so I was immediately drawn to it.  

Harina's interior just appealed to me.  The white post gave it character, especially the white color palate -- it gave it a modern/rustic feel.  It was very inviting.  The tables and chairs were also different -- no two were alike. 

For those of you who have visited Madrid, you know it’s quite expensive.  The Euros doesn’t go very far.  But, it’s always good to at least try something.  I wanted to save my appetite for lunch so I didn’t order anything too heavy, but rather something healthy.  Ensalada de frutas temporada is what appealed to me.  It’s basically apples and strawberries with caramel over it.  Just a simple dish. Loved it!  

I will definitely return to Harina when I visit again.  It’s a great place to hang out for awhile especially if you are waiting for the bus or metro.  Better yet, grab a sandwich and some pastries and head over to Parque del Retiro (Madrid's Central Park) for a picnic.  

         Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 10 28014 Madrid

bike disguised as a magazine rack

Ensalada de frutas temporada (green apples and strawberries with sweet caramel)

breakfast just before our bike ride around Madrid

view of Plaza de Independencia

Zumo de naranja de natural (orange juice)

Cafe' con leche (coffee with milk) 

tostada con mantequilla y mermelada (toast with butter and marmalade)

Parque del Retiro (My favorite park in Madrid) 

King's Fish House

Downtown Long Beach has had major transformation in recent years; with lots of restaurants on Pine Street and Shoreline Village, one can only walk the strip in search of a new culinary experience.

King's Fish House on Pine Avenue is one of the many restaurants in downtown Long Beach.  The Kumamoto oysters definitely left an impression as I couldn't stop talking about it afterwards I had to return.

The King's Fish House is in a great location.  It's at the corner of Broadway and Pine.  You won't miss it.  On a beautiful day, you have the option to sit outdoors.  The host and servers were very friendly and helpful.  We were seated right away.

The Pike and Shoreline Village is also a skip and a hop from the restaurant.  Why leave after dining when you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon outdoors?

                    Location: 100 W Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802

Outdoor Dining Area

Shucked to order.....Kumamoto Oysters  - Delish!    

Enjoying my mimosa and Kumamoto oysters! 

Sunday Brunch 

Walked to the Pike after brunch and rode the ferris wheel.
View of Long Beach from the top of the ferris wheel. 

Bugatta Melrose

Bugatta Restaurant & Bar is among the row of restaurants on Melrose Avenue in LA.  It has a vibrant atmosphere and quite lively!  I love that every room is different!  For a more romantic and quiet atmosphere, Bugatta has the outside patio dining area with different sections to your specific liking, or big groups of up to 15 can be seated in one of their lounge areas for cocktails and appetizers.   Each area in the Outside Patio has a theme: The Patio Dining Area, Miami Seating,  The Bungalows, and The Bar.  I like The Bungalows best -- a white curtain drapes down to give it a more romantic feel.   The white furnitures also gives it a cozy feeling, especially the one next to the fire and ice fireplace.

I can see this place to be great hang out.  Even with its casual atmosphere, one can still dress up and enjoy an evening with friends without feeling stuffy.

Our group was seated in the Dining Lounge.  It was very casual.  We shared appetizers and enjoyed champagne and wine to cleanse our palates.  It was great!  Our server, Gillian and host, Annette were  amazing!  The birthday celebrant, Xerez sure picked a great place to celebrate her special day with friends.

Valet parking is available right outside.  Unfortunately, it's LA so parking is scarce and a permit is required to park in the streets.

                         Location: 7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

The Bungalow

One of the seating areas in the Patio Dining

Crab Cakes  - Truffle Oil Corn Puree, Citrus Apple Slaw, Pea Sprouts

Tuna Tar Tar - Jalapenos, Scallions, Avocado Mousse

Calamari - Spicy Marinara 

SPICY BBQ CHICKEN - Smoked gouda, mozzarella, onions, chilies, cilantro

Xerez, the birthday celebrant! 

Cheers to another fun birthday celebration! 

http://www.bugatta.com/bugatta/http://www.bugatta.com/bugatta/

Classics Flowers and Confections

Flowers, tea and pastries anyone?  Classics Flowers and Confections is your one stop shop.  It's a hidden gem in Cypress, California.  There's no other like it in the area.  It is absolutely a charm!  

I've watched this little neighborhood charm grow from its original location in La Palma and later expanded its flower and gift shop to our local shopping center nearby.  However, just a few months ago, Classics moved to an even better location with more traffic.  Only this time, a bakery/tea shop was born.  So while you wait for your beautiful arrangements (by the way, Classics uses only the best and freshest flowers), you can certainly relax and have hot or cold tea and maybe a bite or two of some delicious pastries.  This place is truly unique with its personable staff who will take care of your needs.  

Planning an event or looking for a quaint and charming venue to host your party?  This is the place.  Classics offers their place on Sundays and after close of business to hold your event.  I did.  I celebrated my birthday with friends at this lovely place.  Everyone loved it!  

               Location:  10069 Valley View St, Cypress, CA  

The Menu

Chocolate Macarons & Strawberry Pie Cupcake

So refreshing on a hot day....Raspberry and Pomegranate Tea!  

An assortment of tea -- many so fragrant and flavorful!  Only the best! 

I loved that there was a set menu for my event! 

For starters, we had Butternut Squash Soup and Croque Monsieur (grilled ham on toasted brioche with gruyere cheese, topped with béchamel sauce).

  Very unique!  Every table had its own charm from the table cloth to the dishes! 

All so deliciou! 

Each table had its on plating of delicious treats! 

Apple Galletes, Chicken Pot Pie, and Smoked Salmon Crostini

And to end my birthday celebration, we had an assortment of pastries for our dessert!

My birthday celebration with friends!