Monday, August 31, 2009

Spicy Jerk Chicken



For today's random meal of the day, we have Caribbean spicy jerk chicken. The spicy sauce was on the side. We also have rice and beans, with a side of fried plantains and steamed cabbage. If you visit here, expect a tropical island pace.
Found at Wi Jammin Caribbean Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f3.0, 1/125, iso 200)

For the brave random mealers, we also have Oxtails which my friend enjoyed.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Sprinkles Key Lime Cupcake



We are nearing the end of summertime fun. With it we have the last day of the Sprinkles Key Lime cupcake. It is a yummy cupcake consisting of a tangy light and fluffy key lime cake and covered with a key lime-vanilla frosting and topped with a sprinkle.
Found at Sprinkles in Newport Beach, CA.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f11, 1/80, iso 1600)

We also have a bonus key lime coconut cupcake. I'm sorry random mealers, but this was yesterday's bonus flavor.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Daikoku Ramen



On a warm sunny day, the outside temperature is 79 degrees. It is really too warm for ramen but the Diakoku Ramen is calling my name. We arrive at Daikokuya at precisely 11:01 AM. We finally scored a booth. The restaurant opens at 11 AM and it is already a quarter full when we sat down. Five minutes later the all the booths were taken. By 11:15 there was a waiting list of six people. This place always has a line. Daikokuya only has one ramen on its menu. Oh what wonderful ramen it is. I will say that this is the best ramen that I have ever eaten. There are typically 3 types of ramen broth, and they are soy sauce, miso, and butter. The Daikoku broth transcends this and becomes the 4th. Their broth process starts the day before by "boiling pork bones and joints in a large cauldron all throughout the night". This wonderful process is what creates the perfect base for your meal. By the time we left, the people on the waiting list were overflowing out the door with 12 people waiting outside for a chance at a taste of this delicious ninja certified meal.
Today we have the special of the house, Daikoku Ramen.
Found at Daikokuya in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f3.0, 1/80, iso 3200)

Friday, August 28, 2009

bool Korean BBQ Beef Burrito



Yummy! Today we have another edition of the roaming "designer lunch trucks" in Los Angeles. We have from bool, a spicy Korean bbq beef burrito. There's a burst of flavor after biting into the burrito.

(Leica D-LUX4, 24mm, f2.8, 1/25, iso 200)

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Non Fat Yogurt with Mixed Fruits



According to my Wii Fit exercise tool, I have gained 4.91 pounds since I started this food blog. So for today we have 16 ounces of non fat yogurt with mixed fruits. The mixed fruits consists of strawberry, cantaloupe, bananas, blueberry and apples.
Found at Farm Boys (in the Original Farmers Market) in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f8.0, 1/80, iso 220)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Chicken Jambalaya



When you are out and about on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, there are plenty of places to catch a random meal. You can also meet some very fascinating random street performers. We had a group of hip hop dancer break out in a classical ballet for their third performance.
Today we choose chicken jambalaya. The restaurant elects to serve their jambalaya only for dinner. We have a bed of linguini topped with chicken and spicy Portuguese sausage in a surprisingly spicy jambalaya sauce.
Found at George's Bistro in Santa Monica, CA.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f3.0, 1/50, iso 6400)

We also have Chicken Marsala for your dining pleasure.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Sarita's Pupuseria Papusa



I was watching an episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate on the food network and they ran an interesting spot about Papusa. This is Salvadorean food and is today's random meal of the day assignment. What we have here is the "De Pollo Con Queso" e.g. Chicken and Cheese. The Papusa is freshly made right in front of you. Sarita's actually has a secret blend of cheeses that they keep guarded. The way the cheese melts and blends into the Papusa is amazing. It is definitely worth the experience.
Found at Sarita's Pupuseria (inside the Grand Central Market) in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f3.2, 1/100, iso 200)

We also have a picture the whole Papusa. The burnt cheese on the edge was so flavorful.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Fish & Chips II



When you think about English pub food, the first thing in your mind is fish & chips. Today we have a light and crispy beer battered Alaskan cod flawlessly fried in peanut oil and served on a bed of chips or as us Americans would call it French fries. On the side we have three wonderful assortments of dipping sauces consisting of malt vinegar, tartar sauce, and ketchup.
Found at The Village Idiot in Los Angeles, CA.

(Leica D-LUX4, 60mm, f2.8, 1/50, iso 200)

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Krispy Kreme Original Glazed



The allure of the "HOT NOW" neon lights, when you get a fresh right out of the line hot doughnut. You are mesmerized while watching the doughnuts get flipped and fried right before your eyes. It's like watching a live food factory. But wait, it is a live food factory when the "HOT NOW" sign lights up. You can recite for generations about the bite of the fresh hot doughnut that literally melts in your month. It's a heavenly experience that mandates a random meal of the day assignment.
This is the Original Glazed doughnut from a secret recipe that's been guarded since 1937.
Found at Krispy Kreme in Burbank, CA.

(Nikon D700, 70mm, f4.0, 1/320, iso 200)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Mini Ice Cream Sammies



Sometimes you are in the mood for a snack between meals. Gourmet ice cream? Nah, today we have an artificially flavored vanilla mini ice cream sandwich. At 110 calories, why stop at just one. Photography plus Food equals Fun.
Found at your local Ralph's supermarket.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 450, +0.67ev)

Friday, August 21, 2009

The Chicken Lady Cafe Chicken Tenders



The Chicken Lady is what the owner of the restaurant is known by. It is also what she named her own restaurant. That's also how she introduced herself to us when we had lunch there. If she is famous by her chicken, then we must order chicken off the menu. This is the same chicken that she caters to the stars.
Today we have 3 pieces of chicken tenders that just melts in your mouth. This is by far the most excellent chicken tenders that I have ever eaten. We also have a wonderfully delicious side of macaroni and cheese made from "The Lady's secret recipe", along with a slice of cornbread and side salad.
Found at The Chicken Lady Cafe in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/200, iso 200)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Umami Burger



When you have a burger that is the same name as your restaurant, it must be your signature dish. We have four defined tastes buds; sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Umami Burger redefines this and creates "The Fifth Taste". I don't really know how to describe this, but while I was taking a picture of my Umami burger, all I can hear were moans of "ohh, this is so good" from my friends eating with me. This unique burger stands proudly on its own.
Found at Umami Burger in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f4.0, 1/160, iso 200)

We also have some malt liquor tempura onion rings with Umami ketchup.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Pann's Restaurant Waffle, Wings, and Eggs



We passed by this classic old school diner and my friend said that this place is better than Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. That's a challenge, so we decided to turn around and try it. The moment we sat down, my other friend said that this looks like a scene from Pulp Fiction. As it turns out, Pulp Fiction was filmed here. How random is that? We came for the food and found someplace famous.
For today's random meal, we have the "Rena's Favorite" which consists of 1/2 of an enormous waffle, 2 perfectly fried golden chicken wings, and 2 eggs served over easy. The hot melted butter almost gave the victory but Roscoe's still has the edge in a close battle.
Found at Pann's Restaurant and Coffee Shop in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 500)

We also have some of Pann's award winning biscuits.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Vietnamese Charbroiled Beef



For today's meal, we have thinly sliced Vietnamese charbroiled beef on a bed of rice and a side spicy dipping sauce.
Found at Pho 87 in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 1600)

Monday, August 17, 2009

Brazilian BBQ



The choice is yours as to what you want to load up on your plate. My choice today is chalked full of garlic. We have garlic steak, garlic chicken, and a sausage link with a side of garlic pasta and garlic toast. Vampires beware!
Found at Pampas Grill in Culver City, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f4.0, 1/160, iso 200)

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Red Velvet Cupcake



Today we have a sinfully delicious red velvet cupcake consisting of a moist southern style light chocolate cake with a delightful cream cheese frosting and topped with a sprinkle.
Found at Sprinkles in Newport Beach, CA.

(D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 450)

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Raspberry Tart



Sometimes you just skip straight to dessert. Today we have a delicate raspberry tart with a cream filling and snowed on with powdered sugar.
Found at Aux Delices a bakery cafe in Pasadena, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 800)

Raspberry on Foodista

Friday, August 14, 2009

Kogi Spicy Pork Taco



The hunt for the mystical Kogi truck has finally ended. There is always a sustained long line. Was it worth the prolonged wait in line? Well, we went back for a second helping...
This is the spicy marinated pork taco on a fresh tortilla.
Found at Kogi BBQ in random places in Los Angeles, CA.

(Leica D-LUX4, 24mm, f4.0, 1/400, iso 80)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Pepperoni & Cheese Stromboli



Today we have a stuffed Stromboli with generous amounts of zesty pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, baked in a wrapped pizza dough and topped with toasted sesame seeds.
Found at Sbarro in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 1250)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich



Today's meal will be breakfast. We have a toasted croissant with grilled ham, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese.
Found at Sandbags in Los Angeles, CA.

(Leica D-LUX4, 24mm, f2.0, 1/15, iso 200)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Thai BBQ Chicken



A half chicken charbroiled and marinated in Thai spices and herbs, served with a side of sweet & sour sauce.
Found at Thai Specialty 2 in Hacienda Heights, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 1100)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Chicken McNuggets



10 piece chicken McNuggets with french fries. This reminds me of the Happy Meal days. :)
Found at McDonalds in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 220)

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Chocolate Iced Donut



Occasionally a donut or two can be a meal. We have the Old Fashioned chocolate iced and sprinkled with peanuts.
Found at Yum Yum Donuts in Los Angeles, CA.

(Leica D-LUX4, 24mm, f2.0, 1/30, iso 125)

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Dodger Dog



Today we have a Los Angeles Dodger hot dog which is also known as a Dodger Dog and it is grilled and topped with fresh onions. The grilled Dodger Dogs are in the back wall of the stadium.
Found at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

(Leica D-LUX4, 24mm, f2.0, 1/20, iso 80)

Friday, August 7, 2009

Charbroiled Burger



Today we have the All American Charbroiled burger. It comes with two beef paties, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and fries. The sauce will be your choice on the side.
Found at Trimana in Los Angeles, CA.

(Leica D-LUX4, 26mm, f2.1, 1/50, iso 200)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Italian Cold Cut Sandwich



For today's random meal of the day assignment, we have an Italian Cold Cut sandwich. The sandwich consists of mortadella, provolone, salami, capicola, field greens, with a splash of olive oil on a fresh Italian roll.
Found at Los Angeles Pizza Company in Los Angeles, CA.

(Leica D-LUX4, 24mm, f2.0, 1/30, iso 200)

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Pastrami Sandwich



Hot Pastrami served on a French Roll and dipped in their specialty prepared sauce. The picture is only half of the sandwich. Our waitress estimated that each sandwich comes with 12 to 13 ounces of mouth watering pastrami.
Found at Johnnie's Pastrami in Culver City, CA.

(Leica D-LUX4, 24mm, f2.0, 1/30, iso 80)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Korean BBQ Chicken



For today's random meal of the day assignment, we have hot off the grill spicy Korean BBQ chicken on a bed of cabbage with a side of rice.
Found at Korean Kitchen Hibachi B.B.Q. in Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/60, iso 3200)

Monday, August 3, 2009

Chicken Kebab



Today we have Chicken Kebab on a bed of basmati rice with onions, a grilled whole tomato, and a side of hommus with 2 pieces of pita breads.
Found at Zankou Chicken in West Los Angeles, CA.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/800, iso 200)

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Philly Cheesesteak



Today we have Philly Cheesesteak east coast style. This is a Philly Cheeesesteak WIT Cheez Whiz and grill onions.
Found at Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia, PA.

(Canon 40D, 21mm, f4.5, 1/400, iso 400)

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Mesa Grill Steak and Eggs



Steak and Eggs Bobby Flay style. Today we have aged sirloin and eggs with tortilla and on the side, grilled red onions, roasted peppers, and avocado relish. We also have an extra side order of spicy mango-glazed bacon with some fresh pineapple juice. Yummy!
Found at Mesa Grill in New York, NY.

(Canon 40D, 24mm, f4.5, 1/60, iso 1600)