There are many things to enjoy about June: the longer days with the sun shining almost until 8 p.m. (at least here in San Diego), warmer weather (but not too hot that it makes me miserable) and a bounty of fresh produce everywhere. This includes one of my favorites, strawberries. While it’s perfectly fine (and... Continue Reading →
Home Renovation: What Was Left Behind
(Warning: The following images are graphic and may cause nightmares. And language may be a bit coarse.) The first call I got from Paul after doing the final walk through was about the carpet. "It looks like an abandoned meth den," he told me. "What the fuck did we get into?" Once we officially received... Continue Reading →
Carlsbad’s U-Pick Strawberries: Wear the Correct Shoes
Imagine fields of strawberries luring you in. Imagine rows and rows of juicy, red fruit ready for the picking. And imagine wearing the most inappropriate shoes ever. Well, sandals may not be the most inappropriate (hello high heels), but it is a most unpleasant way to get your feet dirty while picking fresh strawberries at... Continue Reading →
New Home and Renovation: The Work Ahead of Us
It's with great pleasure (and not to mention a lot of stress) that Paul and I have purchased our first home. We wavered on buying a place for a while, especially after the rent on our condo spiked. But just as interest rates hit an all-time low, we could no longer ignore the benefits of homeownership. When... Continue Reading →
San Diego County Fair: Aliens, Fried Foods, Bacon and Sugar Overload
Fair season is here. And starting off the season nationwide is the San Diego County Fair -- also known as the Del Mar Fair to us long-time natives. This year's theme is Out of This World. I was expecting to see astronauts. No such luck. Greeting us at the door for this year's media preview party was... Continue Reading →
Three on Broadway: Umamicatessen’s Beignets, Tres Leches and Foie Gras Donuts
Starting on July 1, foie gras will be banned from California. While some people are actively protesting it or supporting it, there’s no doubt that the ban has sparked a statewide interest in this delicacy. Foie gras parties are being discussed and restaurants are pulling out all the stops, hoping to attract some eager/curious taste... Continue Reading →
The Place Where The Ice Cream Trucks Go: Circus Man Ice Cream
There’s a place where the ice cream trucks go to stock up on snacks, chips, candy and — of course — ice cream. And it’s in the last location you would ever imagine: National City. During a trip back north from my old haunting grounds in the South Bay, I saw from the freeway a... Continue Reading →
Frozen Avocado Treats: Ice Cream and Popsicles
My mind has been on frozen treats lately. Ice cream, popsicles, shave ice, shakes -- you name it. And with temperatures on the rise, all I can think about are recipes for my ice cream maker and popsicle molds (a discount four-pack I found in the Target clearance aisle). While I’m a fan of the... Continue Reading →
Shawarma Bandwagon: The Kebab Shop
Here’s the thing: I hate staying until the end of the credits after a long movie. My butt often hurts and I’m just aching to get out and stretch my legs despite Paul's pleas to wait just a bit longer. I’m so glad I did after “The Avengers.” I was rewarded with a scene paying... Continue Reading →
Momisms and Mini Pecan Tarts
"Don't sleep with your hair wet or you'll go blind." "You have carpal tunnel syndrome because you wash your hands in cold water." "Don't eat uncooked rice or your stomach will explode." As ridiculous as these seem, these are just some of my mom's "sage words of advice." I try not to laugh or roll... Continue Reading →
My Burning Kitchen... on the road 