ChowDown2ChowDown

CHOWDOWN IS DOWN!!! WE HAVE MOVED

2011-03-29T11:47:00.001-07:00

CIAO

chowdown2chowdown.blogspot.com has reached it's end

it has rested in a coccoon for the last couple years and is now a new butterfly

you can find us at

http://theconsumption.tumblr.com

CIAO

Other room Inman Bday

2009-09-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Santouku & Vincente

2009-09-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Santouku

Vincente

Geoffery's & Playa de Jaime

2009-09-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

Geoffery's Playa de Jaime

ciao

Brickhouse & Trivia night

2009-09-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Brickhouse

Gjelina and torino

2009-09-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Gjelina

Torino ?

ciao

Shneeder

2009-09-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hangover Juice

2009-09-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

China Beach Bistro-You might think you want a really greasy spoon Breaky or a slice of Pizza when you wake from a drunken slumber, but what your shrunken sponge of a brain really needs is nutrients and FLUIDS!!! enter the Pho, the most perfectedest hangover juice in the universe. Clean Protiens, Clean Carbs, seperate but equal nutrient fluids broth, lime, a little spice some Basil and you're almost brand new...Almost.

ciao

A taste of the devil

2009-09-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Mr. Father- Lunch

Hey New York/Dean and DeLuca- Eat your heart out...oh wait this is your place, never mind.

Hokay so this place doesn't take reservations, but when you go to ask for a table they ask for your last name.

my Last Name is "Father" I say.

"oh Like Mr. Father? in Beverly Hills?"

"that's Me" I say.

I like this Way of working because They kind of Make you name drop, there's no awkward moment of do you know who I am, because they just come out and ask 'Who the fuck Are You?"

Poppsicle on the left, chowdown on the right. This is becoming a bit of a constant sight at the end of meals. should I be worried? is me manliness in peril?
Bottega Louie- and this where things start to go Dark
If your about 6' and using the mens urinal at BL this what you might end up staring into. let's not talk aboot it though.
Seven Grand
Bar 107

I have no Idea where this is

Ciao

Talking to lunatic

2009-09-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Gjelina
California Liquor Mart.

Vongole

2009-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Burger Off

2009-09-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

Donuts & Dan Tana's

2009-09-16T16:05:00.001-07:00

Honor Frazier

Dan Tana's

DTF

2009-09-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Din Thai Fung
James Beach

I did it Again

2009-09-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

Gjelina

James Beach

the Toilet

2009-09-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wolfgang's steakhouse

the best bathroom in Beverly Hills...which automatically puts it in the running for best bathroom worldwide

lemonade 2 sasabune

2009-09-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Lemonade

Sasabune

new day

2009-09-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Houstons- Never been to Houston's before, the very idea of the place makes me cringe a little, but in an attempt to eat somewhere besides Gjelina for lunch SeaHorse proclaimed Hooston's.

I know I'm at houston by two things

1. Everyone eating here is White...

2. SeaHorse does the ordering and we get the SAME thing to eat!

I must admit though, it was pretty tasty. this could be just cause it's decent enough food or it could be the fact that it was the first time in a week I wasn't eating oysters and fried fingerlings

Shima- Diamondez suggested Sushi. Shima is a super clean delicate Sushi place on Abbot Kinney. All the fish is fresh and the produece is organic. its a surprise I haven't been here sooner. They only serve the sushi with brown rice though, which might the reason I stayed at a distance. I must say that it's probably the best sushi I've had since Katsu closed. it's a different spot though. the ama ebi which usually comes with the severed head of the shrimp deep fried was grilled instead and it was bomb. the Uni shooter came with mountain yam chopped up underneath and although a little sweet was very well concieved. I'll be back.

Could it be? is it possible? has the cycle been broken. a full day without Playa de Jaime or Gjelina. hooray

Gjelina for dessert...

shit.

ciao

Hey kids, guess where I ate today & a little factoid

2009-09-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yes.

It is true. I have once again braved the fires that are Gjelina and Playa de Jaime. To the untrained eye it may even look as though I am just recycling pics but no not so.

The SeaHorse is moving to the Venicide and he is fragile delicate in the tummy...and so he will only eat in places he knows. I am hoping in the near future he can know more than two places.

Recent days have also placed me in an Oyster binge.

I will now attempt to demystiphizzle the magicism that is the Oyster.

Oh slippery briny precious thing, still living and waiting to be sucked into oblivion.

you...thing you.

Oysters amaze me.

Oysters have been in the human diet since prehistoric times. The fact that they can be consumed raw may have been one of the main reasons for this, but who was the genius who picked up an ocean "rock", cracked it open and drank the salty mucus first. How ridiculed was that person at first, how revered when they realized its perfection.

A friend of mine recently told me a story from his childhood, when his grandfather shoved a freshly shucked Oyster into his face and stated "eat this! it tastes like mermaid Pussy" A raucous laughter ensued after the telling, but the statement is absolute truth. An oyster is a sensual wet jewel tasting of pure ocean. Cold and most always inviting. sometime you can have one that makes you want never eat another because it was too perfect other time you can have one that smells funny and turn you off completely, which makes the statement even more true in my opinion.

Its a sea flavored soupy dumpling.

Factoid: Oysters are filter feeders, drawing water in over their gills through the beating of cilia. An oyster can filter up to 5 litres (1.3 US gal) of water per hour.

Oysters like most Ocean life have declined over the years, we simply consume to much without allowing them to replenish. 50 years ago Japan would routinely fish tuna weighing over 1000 Lbs and length in excess of 10 feet, but nowadays a mammoth blue fin tuna is rarely more than 200lbs.

These numbers induce conflicting feelings in Chowdown. On one hand you think preserve what you have and allow the species to flourish once again. On the other you think "fuck it, get'm while its hot!"

from wiki;

"In the early 1800s oysters were cheap and mainly eaten by the working class. Throughout the 19th century, oyster beds in New York harbor became the largest source of oysters worldwide. On any day in the late 19th century, six million oysters could be found on barges tied up along the city’s water front. Oysters were naturally quite popular in New York City and helped initiate the city’s restaurant trade.^[7] New York’s oystermen became skilled cultivators of their beds, which provided employment for hundreds of workers and nutritious food for thousands. Eventually rising demand exhausted many of the beds. To increase production, they introduced foreign species, which brought disease and combined with effluent and increasing sedimentation from erosion, destroyed most of the beds by the early 20th century. Oysters’ popularity has put by ever-increasing demands on wild oyster stocks.^[8] This scarcity increased prices converting them from their original role as working class food to their current status as an expensive delicacy."

Gjelina
James Beach

ciao

Continue the affair

2009-09-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

Gjelina Lunch
James Beach Dinner

Primitivo

2009-09-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

James Beach-again

With SeaHorse and Moose the nautical darkness

Primitivo- Abbot Kinney First Fridays

new affairs with casual friends

2009-09-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

Mr. Father staff Meal

James Beach- Ok you may or may not notice that over the next few days that I will eat primarily at two Places "Playa de Jaime" and "Gjelina". I give you fair warning. Both are close to my domicile and very friendly to my visitations. Jaime is a don't stray to far from the standards and Gjelina is "the best restaurant in LA" if you can get a table. Gjelina has become a lunch fair retreat and Jaime has become a lovely stumble home for me.

I will now abuse this privilege until I grow tired of both, please watch with great disdain and amusement.

Ciao

lemonade

2009-08-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Lemonade

Vincenti

home dinner

2009-08-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

ted bagley jr.

2009-08-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

Wha Happen again

2009-08-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Gjelina Lunch

Vincenti

James Beach

ciao

in lue of words

2009-08-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

I feel bad about my absence from this journal in recent weeks. I have been lazy and away from the intraweb. Please accept this little video from the early summer to hold you over.

ciao

Apologeez forthcoming

2009-08-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

La Scala and the best bad drunk in the world

2009-08-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

James Beach
La Scala

Suckered again

2009-08-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

James Beach

home

ciao

where am You?

2009-08-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Mr. Father
la isla bonita

Hash

small world

2009-08-28T01:14:00.000-07:00

dinner at bobshaysehouse

lemonade
?

ciao

hello old friend

2009-08-28T01:02:00.000-07:00

Santoku ramen Golden State

Back Home

2009-08-20T18:26:00.001-07:00

Hinano's-Turkey cheddar Burger

Got home yesterday.

Poppesicle had a party.

I Hungover.

Still I had to drive to Ojai to get the Wolves. Came home and needed two things.

Food.

Sleep.

I thought perhaps food first was the correct order. I think I was right.

Home to Venice & where should I eat but MY Spots. It's either James beach or Hinanos at this point because its within walking distance and can I let pouches do the poops. What's the saying "Two birds in the bush makes a duck's ass catholic?"

Hinano's is easier so I head over there. Recently there has been a renaissance of the burger. It's the new ciabatta, which was the new chipotle, which was the new flank steak, which was the new blood Orange, yogurt, coffee, frozen Yogurt... that said there must be props given to the places that haven't changed in a millennia. In&Out, Apple Pan, Hinano's. I know it's semi sacrilegious for me to put Hinano's in that company but whateva. Hinano's has no frier therefor no fries, instead they give you pickles and a mini bags of frito's or dorito's or whateva. The Burger is extremely standard and very simply done on a flat top. Premade patties, processed cheese, lettuce, red onions, slice of tomato, all on a toasted generic bun slathered with mustard. It is however the quintessential American summer hamburger. If you were to go to a friend's house for a mid summer party this is the burger you would envision having.

OK... so you may ask me..Why a turkey burger? Are you not a manbro? If the standard for being man is measured by choice of burger meat then I am not a man when it comes to Hinano's. It is the only place in the Universe where I order the turkey Burger over the beef patty simply for taste reasons. It really doesn't make much sense. Its a frozen turkey Patty or something very close to it. They probably get them from somewhere like the costco for Bars, but its F-ing magnificent. They season it, smack it around, add water and cover it on the flat top. Assemble, place in mouth.

Beer me Carlos.

I know I am home.

Sleep...

Ciao

the Cookies and Farts Express

2009-08-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

I once had a friend who worked for American Airlines. He was part of the ground crew and would be the guy who helped open the Airplane door from the outside once it landed. He told me that any transcontinental flight was always deemed "the Cookies and Farts Express." American Always Bakes fresh cookies at towards the end of the flight to offer to the patrons in first class. When the plane lands and that door opens a rush of air wafts out of the vessel, one scented with freshly baked cookies and stale farts, hence "the Cookies and Farts Express."

To this day I can never come to eat one of the complimentary cookies.

ciao

last taste of MIami-

2009-08-17T01:57:00.000-07:00

Wet- the bar at the Pool in the Dub Hotle. There are two things I have to do before I leave Miami Tomorrow. One is Swim in the Atlantic. I know I know, I been here a week and still haven't gone for a dip.

WTF mate?

I had actually romantically envisioned myself jumping in the Pacific right before I left for the airport in Los Angeles and then immediately getting into the Atlantic once I'd arrived.

That plan ended when I booked a 6am flight out of LAX.

The Weather and work kept me out for most time I'd been here, but today was the final chance so it had to be taken. It's amazingly warm, if not too warm. considering how hot it is here the ocean won't really cool you off all that much. After about an hour in the Ocean I went to the pool bar and had lunch. the combination of foie & goat cheese empanadas and rum put me into a quiet coma. I awoke sweating under the blaring Sun with a fantastic racoon burn around the silouette of my sunglasses.

Versailles- I couldn't possibly have visited Miami and not eaten Cuban food, Right? I almost made it through without gettin some. What a shame it would have been if that turned out to be the case. Presto takes me to Versailles which is the consensus Cuban eatery in Miami complete with outdoor coffee stand for the ex-pat men to smoke and sweat and discuss what have yous. The most endearing thing to see was thier wifes, sitting patiently behind in the car, fanning themselves for hours while their men spoke animatedly to one another. Presto pointed something rather interesting out. These "free men" did not wish to be at home with the so called luxuries America afforded them, instead they wanted the freedom to hang out for as long as they wished on some random street and speak their minds for hours on end.

Another thing we parlayed over was the food of Cuba itself. Presto claiming that it wasn't really veery exciting. I love Cuban food, but then again I don't really dislike any country's cuisine. Cuban food is extremely rustic. Most of what amazes about any countries food is what the poor develope. Ways of preserving food, from pickling to curing to adding spice to prevent illness. how to prepare he cheapest cuts of meat while getting the most out of it.

What I realize is that most likely culinary advances haven't happened in a communist countries. Save recently for China, which is growning exponentially. North Korean, USSR, Eastern Europe, in all these places food seems to have regressed. what crazy Gastronomical feat could be accomplished with a plantain?

ciao

little miss sister's birthday

2009-08-16T09:50:00.002-07:00

Quattro-eyes larger than stomach. Its Little Miss Sister's 15th today and the remaining family in town took her to lunch at Quattro on Lincoln blvd. This place is considered one of the best if not the best Italian in Miami. Upon sitting down Mr. Father Wifey begins the fat man ordering by stating we should get some Apps "for the Table". And I'm so down. add to the fact that I'm sporting a genius 5 day hangover I've also been eating Spanish food for the past 2 days straight.

After we agree on the food "for the Table" Mr. Father proceeds to order another app for himself and then...Carbonara(AAAAAHHHHH) to split with little miss sister.

Wifey protests, "that's too much Food"

He orders anyway, which gives me free reign to get a crab salad and then a Veal Milanese.

Wifey Protests again on the amount being ordered but loves Milanese and ends up loving the crab salad as well. She orders the Linguine Vongole. So far almost everything that has been ordered is on my "last meal ever hit list" an expansive but still limited amount of nostalgia and potentially life-ending-in-their-own-way dishes.

The food here is excellent, a bit rich with the cream for my taste but its in the style of the place and works.

Halfway into the entrees Mr. Father Wifey Proclaims that her Vongole is too small of a serving. Stating that she too might have to order something else in addition the rest of the table says that her serving looks fine and by the time its finished she'll be full. But she is in the Chow clan and orders another TWO dishes anyway. I love this family.

Lasagna and a second order of eggplant. Before it arrives however, Mr. Father Wifey claims what we all knew was coming. "

I shouldn't have Ordered that,"

"too Much Food"

"I'm Already Full"

A Serious Laugh ensues.

The food comes anyway.

Happy Birthday Little Miss Sister

Mr. Father- The day prior to her Birthday the Parental Units inquired where Little Miss Sister wanted her Dinner Festivities.

"Mr. Father.'

"but...Wouldn't you rather..."

"Mr. Father Please"

"OK...But ...."

"I like Mr. Father"

and so on.

So Mr. Father it is. The Problem eating with someone in their own restaurant is they can never fully concentrate on the meal. there was always some small thing to be dealt with by one of us. Still I think Little Miss Sister enjoyed herself.

It's the first time I ever had the Beijing duck first. The Kitchen had made an extra by accident so it was offered to the clan. Eating it at the beginning was a strange and fascinating change. Perhaps the tastiest I ever consumed considering it was the first thing to touch me stomach.

The evening ended on the Loudest Chucky Cheese like Happy Birthday sing song I've ever Witnessed. Full Embarrassment on the part of little miss Sister.

fantastic.

ciao

miami saturday rain

2009-08-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Solea-for Lunch today I continued on my barrage singular cuisines. Was it going to be Chinese or Spanish? Paella!!!I think that's Spanish.

Am I getting Tired of Tapas, Jamon, Seafood?

Not really even a question. Spanish and Chinese food might be the only cuisines in the world that I don't mind eating less than mediocre versions of. Even crappy white trash Chinese floats my boat at times. Not that I've had anything close to that on this trip.

Solea again. Guess What? more Spanish food!!!

Set-pleases notice, if there is a surface to stand on, girls be dancing on it.The Wall- getting sideways

Presto Pizza- Holy crap. Pizza!!! that's not Spanish!!! WTF mate?

ciao

Tapas tapas tapas

2009-08-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Wet- the pool bar at the Dubhotle. Flat bread with Chorizo and mushroom and a fried egg.

What I don't know at this point is this will begin the first of a string of Spanish tapas style meals for me. not that I mind in anyway but I haven't eaten much besides Chinese food since I've been here.

Tapas y Tintos- a place perfect for you to die in bloody motorcycle drive by. they weren't aiming for you but, hey wrong place place wring time. Little did you know that you were sitting next to a man who ratted out the cartel eleven years ago.

Presto brings me here and amid the intermittent rain and Eurobods a great conversation slips out. Something akin to a road trip convo but laced with wine and missing the long comfortable silences.

The Wall-This is the Club in the dub hotle. apperently one of the hootest spot in town. I like this place most because of the lack of Napkin tossing and over abundant supply of gigantic jet fueled portable airconditioners.

On top of this who can resist a Tron themed entrance way.

ciao

outclassed but not out partied

2009-08-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ago-At the shore club. One of Mr. Father's poker friends comes to swoop us up for lunch. He's a World class professional poker player, teaches at Harvard, and is writing a fairly cynical viewed book on the end of American dominance in world economics.

He's also 2 years younger than I am.

An interesting and engaging fellow with outlooks and perspective that I usually don't get to bounce off of. We discuss world economics, online poker, and the craft of writing. I come away with a great sense that I need to get off my ass and get to work.

Inspired I head back to the hotel, go straight to the pool and drink Sangria till the sun sets.

Mr. Father-I take Presto and his Lady to Mr. Father for dinner. Since I can't comment on Mr. Father I will say this about Presto... I am for the second time in a day Dinning with someone who is young, more accomplished and generally more Motivated and interesting than myself. no what I originally anticipated finding in Miami. Presto is a Lawyer and a film maker and has traveled the world extensively. He has an ongoing film project in Cuba that will, once finished, span more than 15 years. He is also working on educational films for Law school students.

WTF MATE?

I struggle with posting on this blog once day. I suddenly get the urge to head back to the pool.

The Living Room

Mokai- OK let's establish a few things about Miami club culture that I have noticed in the past couple of nights and mornings.

Number one is, pretty much like anywhere, you gotta be someone to get in anywhere of note. Despite being totally outclassed at all my meals today I apperantly can get in anywhere in Miami. maybe it's my poolside heroics, or maybe its the fact that I am continually introduced as Mr. Father son.

Numero dos, and this one bothers me quite a bit. For some reason they have a ritual of tossing bar napkins everywhere. through the laser beams and pounding base you will constantly see a flurry of white napkins raining down on the packed house of little people. party confetti.

# tree. ANY surface that can be stood on WILL be danced on by a hot girl.

ciao

Wha Happen

2009-08-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Last night Kat took me out on the town for a taste of south beach. OUCH.

I wake up early evening and walk with little miss sister down to a bookstore on Lincoln called Book & Books. Lincoln is like an outdoor mall. something akin to third street promenade in Santa Monica with restaurant hustlers like the Indian guys on 6th street in New York's east village. Everyone is pushing their Happy hour.

after departing from books and books Little Miss Sister asks gingerly

"Can we go to the guitar store?"

"sure, where is it?"

"I don't know"

"ok. what's it called?"

"I don't know, I think it starts with a P"

"Ok. I'm getting a beer while we google search"

Off to the hoff brau Munchen. I saw one of those giant beer filled das boots and went total tourist. Even though I had dinner with Kat planned later that night at Hakasan I was pretty hungry cause I hadn't eaten anything all day.

sooo...

hoff brau munchen- Nurenburg wurst and a liter of hefeweizen.

Way too full. Can't find the Guitar store on google search. back to Mr. Father

soo...

Hakasan-Hakasan is high end Chinese restaurant. They have another location in London and while the idea of another high end place in Miami might seem like competition to Mr. Father they are so different from us it seems like a totally foreign food. the Lay out feels like and old Opium den. I had a tasty cocktail called a chinese mule. Comething similar to a moscow mule but with cilantro.

Liv-uhm...no comment

ciao

Heading east..into the ocean

2009-08-11T16:23:00.001-07:00

Pretty much the only time I feel validated enough to eat fast food is when I travel. Particularly flying alone. I tend to pick flights really early in the morning or late at night. I feel like I don't lose that much of a day if I can catch up on sleep. It's a silly notion, but we all have our little logic quirks. This morning I got a Croisandwich and some hash browns from Burger Monarch. The idea of a Croisandwich is so appealing that the actual whateveryouwannacallit that ends up in your mouth might taste that little smidgen' better just because of the name. It was still kinda gross. Landed in Miami and its not quite as hot as I had anticipated. This might be because everyone told me it was gonna be hotter than the sun. It's really hot here...and humid. Looking east to the Ocean is freaking me out a little, watching the sunset on the wrong side is also something that will take a little time to get used to. What a horrible problem to have.

Mr. Father work has its perks. Apparently every room in the new W hotel here has an Ocean view.

Mr. Father food. I'm really looking forward to eating some food that is Miami specific, but this first night I have to do some work. I will say this about Mr. Father Miami...the food here right now is better than other Mr. Fathers.

I head out and do a spin around the town after dinner with Kat and hit some local hot spots.

I'm still wearing a suit from Mr. Father...everyone else is in shirts and slacks.

I am now officially a sweaty overdressed moron.

ciao

Sunday Regret

2009-08-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Gjelina. Brunch. Never fails to hit the spot.

Ended up back at the Salty Elf's layer where I then gorged on all the leftover food stuffs I was too tired to eat the night before. After a little movie fest I wandered home....through the townhouse where I had a gigantor bud light with HK. Don't know why, but today made me anxious to change something. Pending trip to Miami might be a good thing...

ciao

weakend

2009-08-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

Maggy's- Carne Asada Burrito 4way

Had to drive up to Ojai to drop los Lobos off at the Gutball's new house. Open ended Burrito from Maggy's was great, but I think it set me up for disaster. Such a heavy lunch put me in a food coma on the way home. I had planned on going to meet the sea horse on one of his shoots Downtown but I could barely keep my eyes open on the drive back to Venicide. Tried all the usual tricks, singing, slapping, driving reeeeeeeally fast but nothing worked. Got home and crashed out hard for some well needed Zs.

Met Morgita and fahkUmees for a drink at the other room. Discussed the proper usage of fonts and the creepiness of a wink from a lover.

You're at a party together and you send a quick silent signal to acknowledge each other from across the room.

Is that ok? seems alright to me.

Sitting in bed together with nothing to say, communicate instead with a wink.

Is that ok? creepy factor 9.

Ado-

Dinner plans with Poppesicle. She was intent on exacting friend revenge on me for helping with Cabby. Vengeance...

Then home to pack for I am off to Miami in the early morning to see the new Mr. Father

ciao

Just Another Saturday

2009-08-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ok. Let's Try This Again...

So here's the back up plan. Poppesicle and Chowdown catch a ride with Mangela to San Diego. Somehow get to "Cabby", eat a taco, jump in the Ocean and Drive back home. Simple right?

Actually yes, quite simple. We get Cabby (wow)and head back to Mangela's store to return her Prey-us. Mange ain't there no mo though so we wander O.B. in search of peripherals for Cabby and the aforementioned taco.

Thrift shop...

In search of the perfect tape to start the dream machine collection.

Poppesicle states "No ipod in the Cabby!"

"noted", but "Can we please get the dirty dancing soundtrack?"

10 tapes=$3

Having the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack to start off your initial collection=priceless

El Rodeo in Ocean Beach- Fish Taco, Carnitas Taco,

Poppesicle orders the "California" Burrito. I pretend not to be jealous. It doesn't work so Poppesicle takes pitty and offers Chowdown a plethora of nibbles. I will tell you this without hesitation..........the California burrito at El Rodeo in O.B is the best Burrito I have EVER had. Amazingly spiced Carne Asada with a good helping of fantastic herbed potatoes. Poppesicle will state at sometime in the near future that we should have ordered 10 more California burritos and passed them out to people who we deemed worthy of such a gastronomical prize.

We return to Cabby. Poppesicle notices a bobble headed white tiger on her new Dash board. A protector for her journeys, I have absolutely no idea where such a thing could have come from.

Just then a fantastic thing happens. Something only Cabby and her relatives could facilitate.

A bearded bro-man drives by in a beaten old dodge truck,

"sweet Westy" he states.

"thanks" Poppesicle smiles.

"She brand new," Chowdown takes pride. "got her today." Although I have not purchased her myself I feel somehow I have earned the right to pridefully state such a thing.

And love fest ensues. John is his name and he has had 4 Westies in his time, but Cabby is the genuine article. He confirms as much and offers helpful tips. She is a woman among men. Poppesicle is beaming by time we head out. Proud and brilliant. Whatever bad taste may have lingered from Monday's debacle has been replaced by the magnificent coincidence of meeting a fellow Westy driver on her "final official secondary maiden voyage".

Poppesicle is Officially in the Club.

We get back on the road...for the first time. Poppesicle behind the wheel of her new Dream drive.

ROADTRIP COVERSATIONS. Oh how I love these. Sure to be filled with warm little secrets you don't find elsewhere.

Here is the criteria.

Only one other person in the car. The addition of passengers changes the dynamic immensely.

You must be on the open road. Driving around a neighborhood or city streets distract to much and don't allow the mind to wander, which is key.

Try not to be in traffic, it doesn't help.

Music should be on but nothing too involved. Something so faint you can just make out the words to the song that you long since memorized.

Then stare out the window and start moving your lips. If you do it right your heart will come out of your mouth.

oh and one ore thing.

make sure this all happens organically. If you plan on having a good road trip convo it ain't gonna work.

Catharsis

1 : purgation

2 a : purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art

b : a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension

3 : elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharsis

the contents of such a conversation are not for bloggy little eyes like your's, dear reader, but I will say this...

Catharsis became the word of the day.

Getting the Westy to LA finally=CAtharsis.

Jumping in the ocean after a long drive=Catharsis.

At one point I mention that I find cooking can be very cathartic.

dolt.

So you know the deal right?

Hang out at the beach all day at my place(without me). When you're all tired and hungry and can't get a table for 15 people at 8pm at one of the hottest restaurants in LA, just sent me to the sWhole foods.

I fall for it every time.

Sleep=Catharsis

ciao

Mr. Father and some taxes

2009-08-09T11:33:00.001-07:00

Handled some back taxes today. Had to drive to Burbank to do it. I blame the drive and Koki Noguchi's Burrito request for my odd breakfast Burrito. Hinano's turkey Burger. The only place I'll have a turkey Burger over a regular Cheeseburger. And the Cheeseburger is Bomb.

I got invited to Mr. Father for Riry Ballela's Birthday dinner. I love it when that happens.

ciao

Carbonara again

2009-08-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

I went somewhere today and did some stuff. Wish I could remember what it was.

Ended up at Natashalia & K8eegjeelotee's. I brought the left overs I had been nibbling on, but somehow I ended up making Carbonara(AAAAAAAAAAHHHH) again anyway. After the manga we attempted to find a film on cable to watch but after an hour and half of search we decide there wasn't enough time. home.

ciao

Apple Pan Home Cookin'

2009-08-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Had a little business with HK near the Westside pavilion. After the business was concluded H stated something very surprising to me.

"I have never been to the Apple Pan."

Ow, that actually hurts to hear.

You can have your opinion on how good the burger is or is not, but if you're from Los Angeles and you like to eat, how can you have never been to the Apple pan? It's a frickin' insitution. H got a hickory Burger, ChowDown manged on a steakburger. I remember  as a youth continually being disappointed that the Steakburger wasn't really a steak at all, but (just) a burger.  I got over it eventually. In high school we used to go to the Pan right before they closed so we might be blessed with all the left over pies from the day, FOR FREE. Apple Pie, Pecan Pie, Banana Cream Pie. hmmmmm. Never really one for sweets I can't say no to the Banana cream pie form the apple pan. It's just gross.

Return from a lengthy trip away from California usually results in a heroin fix from either an In & Out double Double or an Apple Pan Steakburger.  Not because it's the best, but because it tastes like home. It's nostalgia grub.

Hey everyone, come my place and hang out at the beach all day. When you're all tired and hungry and can't get a table for 9 people at 8pm at one of the hottest restaurants in LA, just sent me to the sWhole foods.

I fall for it all the time.

You'll see.

ciao

Missed the Dodger game. don't want to talk aboot it

2009-08-07T00:56:00.000-07:00

Tender greens then yogurt stop in Hollywood

James beach-fernet, stella, pea soup, BBQ ribs Tuesday special.

ciao

You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you just might find...

2009-08-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

Poppesicle bought a Vanagon. A Cabernet colored rubber tramp road trip machine built for adventure, codename: Cab. It was down in San Diego so a road trip was needed to pick up the road trip machine. Valiant and daring I, as usual, offer my assistance. dolt.

Here's the plan, Poppesicle, her little sister Bob, and Chowdown rent a car and drive it to San Diego, pick up Cab, drop off the rental, get some tacos and return to Los Angeles in fine fashion. Go Team! Simple right?

Riva's Fish Tacos

Set back #1. The owner of the lot where Cabby resides isn't there when we arrive. No big deal simply skip to the Taco part of the plan. Some quick Internet research provides us with a place 15 minutes away called Las Cuatro Milpas. supposedly bomb. Simple Right?

Las Cuatro Milpas is closed, but a neighbor claims there is a place of decency down the block. Riva's Fish Tacos it is. The Taco's are passable, but everyone burns the roof of their mouth on refried beans to start off so flavor becomes an unimportant factor. Fresh Squeezed juice is also available and partaken. Bob spills Strawberry Banana Smoothie on herself. I laugh, its funny. I spill OJ on myself. Everyone laughs, its not funny.

Back to the Lot. Let's get Cab and get back to LA asap. . . . . . .

uhhhhhhh. so there's a a delay here and a delay there. no Biggie, I mean you're buying a car...no, not even a car...it's a Vanagon, a dream machine. How many of us have had that romantic idea of taking that all American drive around the land? Stash the map and choose some long stretch of highway. Drive into the vanishing point and let it take you to wherever it is you are going and to whoever it is you're going to become. It's harder and harder with all the little fake connections we have. Cells phones, facespaces....Blogs. Don't misunderstand, I'm not talking about a simple road trip. I have taken, do take and will take many a road trip in my time, but to go out alone with every intention of becoming lost is something altogether different. Lose yourself and all the unimportant attachments, so that you can find something truly new.

What strange epic feasts would be discovered and never forgotten?

Now many of us never do such a thing, we might have every intention of doing it, but time passes swiftly by and the tangible plans of our youth become the impractical dreams of our adulthood. And there is fear there as well and I dare say loathing. (Yes I went there)

What if I don't like what I find?

What if I don't wish to return?

Back to the purchase. So you're buying the dream machine. It can take time. Sunset is approaching when we finally get on the road towards the Airport. I behind the wheel of Cab. Poppesicle and Bob tailing me in the rental Rogue. It feels good. I can sense the building of imagination and future nights under nothing but wine soaked stars as I raise my fist triumphantly out the window. In my Mind's eye I imagine its an iconic sight to behold, the dream machine silhouetted by a setting California sun, the maiden mile of hundreds of thousands. What I don't see in mind's eye is the black smoke emitting from the rear of the Van. I do however begin to feel the PUTPUTputpuhuhhhh...and the dwindling power of the motor.

Pull over. Engine conks. crap.

The lot is not picking up the phone. double poop.

Drive back to the lot in the rental. Everyone is gone. triple shit.

Do not distress. remain calm. look at your options....fuckfuckFUCK!

We find a nearby mechanic, one who will accompany us back to the stall and help us revive her. Too much fuel this, not enough air that, and we're all driving back to the shop where the real problem can get a good "how's your father". On the way back however Cab looks good and the mechanic claims the problem has been fixed, enough so at least so that we can take her back up to Los Angeles tonight.

Heavens be praised!!!! Poppesicle asks God to hug her.

All sorts of grateful blasphemy ensues.

Sorrow to elation in an instant.

And we're back on the road and Cab feels better than the first time. stronger and more motivated until...it happens again.

All sorts of angry blasphemy ensues.

Still no answers from the phone number at the Lot. We ditch Cab and drop the key off with a tow-truck driver the mechanic introduced us to who happened to work for the guys who owned the lot(don't ask). Sorrow ride into the darkness. A phone call finally comes from the Lot owner, he left his phone at home to charge. He at least is willing to do his part and fix the problem. Stand up guy considering.

Tired, Dirty, Hungry. But we must get out of Dodge. We cannot stop for food or gas lest we wish become a fixture in the San Diego urban countryside. But Bob is starving and wants white rice and teriyaki Chicken, Poppesicle will stop for sushi. This sounds about right and we intraweb a spot about an hour into our journey homeward.

Taka-O Sushi-San Clemente

taka-OOOOOh. I have stated my issues with Sushi since Katsu is gone, but I felt that with present company now was not the time to bring it up. And all said an done it's was some of the more satisfying sushi I have had in recent days. Not Close to Katsu, but perfect for what was needed. A gem in a day of weary travels.

So long as the company is good and there is a willingness move through the dangers and setbacks together with if not a smile then at least steadfast resilience then all is well. These are the kinds of meals to be had with a companion like Cab in your life. I realize on the road, in her journeys, Poppesicle will have days of happiness and days frustration(perhaps even days where both combine). Where you're so hungry you can't think, but so tired you can't lift a fork to your mouth. These are the days that make for great story. These are the days where the mundane will taste better than grandmother's apple pie.

These are the strange epic feasts you will discover and never forget.

ciao

Chowdown2Chowdown@MrFather

2009-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Cook's Tortas- Make their own bread fresh daily. so bomb.

Been spending allot of time in San Francisco in the last year. Cortadd, who lives up there asked me recently if I enjoyed the food at Mr. Father. I told him he should judge for himself.

I can't comment on Mr. Father. Don't think it's appropriate.

Magnanimous Man Meal

2009-08-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

I received a phone call from HK this yesterday morning.

Man Cave Dinner on Saturday night. Pot Luck style.

"make something chow."

"Sure. what are you making H?"

"Wild Boar and Pork Ribs Chow."

"ok I'll make something light then H, like fish or poultry."

"yeah chow...I was thinking about...A ROAST BEEF!"

oh, it's a Man Cave dinner....

Natashalia & I ride our bikes to Swhole Foods. I'd done most of the shopping and allot of prep the day before but I forgot some crucial elements for a man dinner, such as little thing called Bacon, durh. Natashalia however has decided she needs to stock up for the impending winter. It soon becomes clear that not only is carrying her shopping basket around a bad idea with her bad back, but there is no way any of this is going to fit into her little woven bike basket. I carry the shopping basket. I am Man. I put all her things into my awesomely huge basket and ride to her place with my head poking around the mound of food stuffs so I could see where I was going. I am Man.

Before departing however Natashalia says Pee-Wee's playhouse secret word of the day...

"Carbonara"

I scream real loud and flap my arm chair arms arounds.

"I want to make Carbonara(AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH)"

I cannot resist such a statement. let's establish somethings about me.

I like to eat.

I like to cook.

I like to share in both those things.

Even though I had been prepping the whole day yesterday and was going to be cooking all day today. I cannot NOT teach someone to make Carbonara(AAAAHHHHHHHA), one of the most perfectist of culinary creations in all the land. It's like a Bacon and eggs breaky but in a pasta. blam, none bettah.

I tell Natashalia it's simple to make, but not easy. There's only a handful of ingredients, but the timing and heat distribution is so crucial it could easily go from being something sublime to something dry&greasy. After about 3 minutes of watching Natashalia in the kitchen I realized I HAD to step in and help her.

how very Manly of me...

MAGNANIMOUS

1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit magnanimous sufferings of their followers — Joseph Addison>

2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind magnanimous for resentment — Ellen Glasgow>

— mag·nan·i·mous·ly adverb

— mag·nan·i·mous·ness noun

This Whole experience was much better than I had anticipated. The Food, The Company was perfect. No weird vibes or sidelong glares, just dudes, doing dude things. At one point someone stated. "I never wanted to be in a fraternity until this moment" I could not agree more.

Consumption & fat man ordering

2009-08-01T01:27:00.000-07:00

from Merriam Webster

con·sump·tion

1 a: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis b: tuberculosis
2 a: the act or process of consuming <consumption of food> <consumption of resources> b: use by or exposure to a particular group or audience consumption>
3: the utilization of economic goods in the satisfaction of wants or in the process of production resulting chiefly in their destruction, deterioration, or transformation

I suffer from consumption.

Tuberculosis, Ingestion, Imbibition, Exposure, Consumerism.

I have always had problems with my lungs. I have always had problems controlling my intake. I blog, I facebook, I have purchased the same pocket T-shirt in 75 different colors and repurchased the same camera 4 times. So I've never had tuberculosis, but every winter as a boy I would get Bronchitis without fail. And my recent bout with Valley Fever(coccidioidomycosis) might qualify as surpassing tuberculosis in terms of "progressive wasting away". Actually by those definitions I think it's not just me who's sick/guilty.

We all suffer from consumption.

Progressively wasting away...What a sad way to look at existence, but hey it's a gloomy morning in paradise.

The multiple meanings of this word have long fascinated me. To eat and drink seem so merry, to waste away so very dreary. Yet they are so clearly connected, the definition need not even be separated into 3. Life giving and life taking. The things we cannot do without are the things which will destroy us. morbid much?

Whole Foods Buffet Blarf. not feeling hungry this morning. hummus, falafel, tabuleh, mixed greens. I didn't even Finish the whole meal & that rarely happens. I mean, told you already, I suffer from consumption.

Taverna Tony's- Grilled Sea Bass, rice, carrots, potato wedges, 2 bud light.

I headed to 'bu.

I needed a healthy dose of abuse from my drankard malibunnies. Trannie, Mangela, and surprisingly un-Stacy Chelsea where awaiting me at their usual table, with their usual meal. No food, just drinks. I saddled up, asked for a menu. Here is the thing when you're at a table filled with people and you're the only one ordering. you can't fat man order.

Ok fat man ordering is something like this. Everyone orders their own food and then you go last and in addition to the things you are getting for yourself you order food "for the table". it must be stated as such though.... "and some chicken wings for the table." "and maybe some Nachos for the Table." "Y'all wanna split a steak?...for the table". The most classic of which is the order of Calamari "for the table." Is doesn't matter if the other people at the table share these peripherals or not, it's the psycological plan of the fat man that counts. Too guilt ridden to claim title of these thing for himself he diffuses the glutony onto others.

So, when with drank Malibunnies fat man ordering becomes ineffective because they have no interest in food. Any statement which ends in "for the table" must be preceeded by some kind of alchohol or it will be lambasted. And as I have stated before, I am watching my girlish figure anyway so I must choose a single dish. oh the agony, the pressure.

No Flaming cheese, No baby Octopus, no little fried smelt. BTW to the Smelt at the other table. The answer is YES I saw you!!! flirting at me as you groped another. no doubt you were fat man ordered by the little old woman knee deep in pinot grigio.

I ordered the Grilled Sea Bass and consumed it with great haste and surprised delight. I have ordered it before, but it was the best I've had. No doubt because the delicate flavors of the fish were not being masked by lingering aftertastes of fatman orders.

ciao

Managing to move on with a broken heart

2009-07-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Elvis of Sushi has left the building...at least for the time being.

Grandma Mona called to inform me.

Katsu is closed.

I have already told one friend that I was going to have take some time away from Sushi now. I have been eating his Sushi nearly my whole life. I remember visiting my Grandparents in California as a child..hot car rides with quarters, avocado trees, iced teas, the 1984 Olympics, Bamboo, the Griffith Park Observatory and eating at Michael's and of course eating at Katsu.

I would have a small glass of fresh squeezed OJ and french onion soup at Michael's, kindly refusing any alteration to the meal. Mr. father once comically remarked me a connoisseur of both, I then considered it a point of pride that I hone my palate at every opportunity. At Katsu however there was no fresh squeezed OJ and certainly no french onion soup. No, on those hot summer nights I would instead sample the mysterious creatures of the sea and odd vegetation of Grandma Mona's homeland. A curious mixture of salts and textures.

As years passed Katsu moved from one location to another. From Los Feliz, to third street, to the Valley, then just in this last year to Beverly Hills. Taken for granted by me for far too long I only recently realized how spoiled I was. I can write this next sentence with great pride and no amount of uncertainty. Katsu-san makes the best Sushi in America. Period. Of course everything is subjective, but I challenge anyone to say otherwise. teach me as he did. He never really got that mantle bestowed upon him. Katsu has always been too unassuming to claim such a title. Humble, gentle, kind, and like any Chef these characteristics always came out in his food.

My heart breaks with fond memories. So much of my life's turning points have been with Katsu's food in the background(or even the foreground). Birthdays, Funerals, and everthing in between.

Day 4 Lunch at Sauce. Greek Salad w/ grilled Chicken. Mint Ice tea.

Dinner @ Yabu. Omakase 7 courses(which somehow ended up as 8). It was a little bit saddening, nothing wrong with it. Very good clean dishes, but it's not Katsu. Not in concept, not in execution. Not with same amount of automatic care or graceful nonchalance that I came to marvel at and respect more with each passing meal. To be honest I felt like I was cheating on him in someway. No longer going out together but still on my mind on that first date with someone new. It will take some time for me to find another who will woo me, educate me, guide me again. Perhaps its time to change positions. I am no longer an eager student, waiting to learn.

I am jaded. I am sad...

cocoon

2009-07-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Day 3-Mitsuwa Market. soba, pickles, sashimi, and whatnot. Poppe declares giddiness

"Mineral Wine"- half bottle of sancerre, some oysters and off to the next spot. JayDD claims not to like Oysters, but soon recants

Vincente- Michola is in Italia, something is missing
Perhaps my Carbonara, which I definetly don't need.
Butter lettuce caesar
Quail

Gnochi w/truffe.

Two glasses of Rosso di Montalchino...

Roger Room- No Photos allowed, 1 Tiajuana Brass. uhm-yum

Savanna bites through my jacket and into my bicep. uhm-not so pleasant.

Townhouse- 2 Gigantic Tecates. lime tastes sour...

no sleep for the weary... must rise early and hung over to fetch the Badmama Wagon.

Moosetical beings & the mysterious double yolked egg

2009-07-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Day 2 - 10:30

Start your day off right with a bowl of Siggis' grapefruit yogurt, granola, sliced ripe banana, and top it off with some agave syrup.
The splendid rarity of yesterday's two yolk in one egg phenomenon have been replaced with concern of radioactive genetically enhanced "organic" New Zealand eggs from Frenz. Might I fall ill from farm fresh eggs? I cracked another one this afternoon and uhm... another freakish mutation stared back at me with its oggely cleavage eyes.

Futher investigation proved even more corncerning as the next egg was also a double.

Must.Learn.Truth.

Intraweb research has turned up this;

the average frequency of a double yolk huevo is about 1 in a 1000. That being said certain Hens have a propensity for laying double eggs, particularly young hens who have yet to develop a laying pattern.

this from the Hindu-India's National Newspaper

"Each egg yolk starts as a follicle cell in the hen's ovary. When a follicle is released from the ovary, it reaches the funnel-shaped infundibulum.

Here is where the rooster's sperm cells get collected and fertilization occurs. Then the yolk reaches the magnum where albumin layers (part of the egg white) are added. The next part of the oviduct is the isthmus where water and more albumin are added and the `egg' gets covered by two fibrous protein membranes.

The egg then reaches the `shell gland' where it gets the hard calcium shell. Finally, the egg is laid.

Young hens sometimes secrete two follicles in quick succession from the ovary. When both of them are together in the oviduct, they get `entrapped' in the same shell leading to a double-yolked egg.

Rarely, one of the follicles remains in the infundibulum too long to be joined by the next secreted follicle leading to double-yolked eggs.

Breakage of non-follicle tissue from the ovary is sometimes mistaken as a yolk and gets covered in the oviduct with albumin and shell. This leads to an egg with no yolk inside.

Double-yolked eggs do not hatch two chicks; usually both the chicks die. There is not enough space for two chicks in the eggshell and neither of the chicks can reach the air-cell (seen in between the two membranes at one end of the egg)."

and now ya know...but does this explain an entire 1/2 carton filled with these things. Does Frenz' Free Fange Eggs Co. recognize the "double layerz" at an early age and house them all together to boost moral? Why not sell and market the Double yolked Carton? "this chick wouldn't have lived anyway so eat it, Karma free" cage free, karma free.

James Beach 9:30- rotiserrie chicken with snap peas and house chop salad. A strange man sat near me at the bar, clearly looking for eye contact so he might begin a convo. Must.Avert.Eyes. I finished the meal hastily, but as I was gathering my things he remarked something about the chicken without provocation.

"must be a good Chicken" he states

"It'll do the job" I say without emotional connection.

"thought you was gonna eat the bones." he snays

I fain giggle.

"no some people do that. like the Japanese." this comes out of his mouth with great authority.

I give him my eyes for the first time. They are Japanese.

"ahghhh. just kidding." he states in an uncomfortable pose.

I am now putting my camera in its case. Failing valiantly at a quick exit.

"Don't see many people with camera cases anymore. they just shove it in where ever." yes he said that.

"well mine's to big to just shove where ever." yes I said that. It came out naturally..and I'm not sorry for it.

I woddled home as fast I could.

then two shots of fernet

then the Moosetical being told me he was town sooooo....four Imperial Beers at the Otherroom

crap....

Journey Journal

2009-07-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

The plan is simple.

Shave Your Dome. Shave your Face.

Don't cut it, don't shave it until you've reached your goal.

Document all the food. take a self portrait everyday.

Day one is a Monday and I have begun with limp. This past Saturday I threw my back out playing soccer, so the exercise I was planning on jumping into to get this thing going will have to wait. I must concentrate on the diet with great vigilance if these first few weeks are to be a success. Today @1pm I consumed toasted pastrami Panini which was made in Sea Horse's new home grilling machine...a premium George Foreman if you will. I schmieeered the white roll with Olive tapenade and artichoke spread, casually tossed some well chosen meat slices around before covering the whole thing with shredded mozzarella and compressing the beast with faux grill marks. Sea Horse proclaimed every household could do with one of these. I am not one to argue.

@10:30pm I ate again. Sauteed some left over collards, fried up some rice.

Topped it with a fried egg twin. Two yolks in a single egg, some odd mutation. What would have happened had it hatched? Would there be 2 chicklettes or just 1 with two heads. The preciousness of it, the freakishness and the beautiful rareness it presented almost kept me from eating it. But then I put the salt and hot sauce on. It gone now...

Day one...not such a good start.