Saturday, December 24, 2011

Mocha Cupcake at Cupcakes Couture



Happy Holidays everyone! We have for our random meal of the day treat a Mocha Cupcake. This cupcake was part of a holiday cupcake bundle that was given to our department. Thank you again Heidi. Everyone, have a safe and wonderful holiday and Random Mealers, I will see you again next year!

Found at Cupcakes Couture in Manhattan Beach, California.

Nikon D7000, 40mm, f4.0, 1/160, iso 3200, +0.33ev

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Wild White Prawns & Fresh Linguini at Paul Martin's American Bistro



Our random meal of the day brings us an order of Wild White Prawns & Fresh Linguini. This random meal was actually our department's holiday lunch celebration. Thank you Heidi for buying us a fantastic lunch! The year is winding down and of course I was reflecting on all the wonderful random meals that I had this year. So, I repeated again because I really enjoy this dish and to change it up, I shot it with a Canon DSLR. The funny thing about large group outings is that you really do not get your choice of seat as our West Coast Boss sat it the perfectly shaded seat, while I got the ever changing moving sunlight and red awning shade.

Found at Paul Martin's American Bistro in El Segundo, California.

Canon 5D Mark II, 50mm, f4.0, 1/160, iso 100, +0.33ev

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Ham and Cheese Croissant at Aux Delices Cafe



Our random meal of the day brings us a Ham and Cheese Croissant Sandwich. I miss the fact that they no longer offer black forest ham. Yum...

Found at Aux Delices Cafe in Pasadena, California.

Canon 5D Mark II, 50mm, f4.0, 1/1250, iso 800

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Cheese Burger at The Burger Shack



Our random meal of the day brings us a Cheese Burger and as promised to a Random Mealer, it is shot with a Canon DSLR. The first time I ever had a cheeseburger here and I was looking at the burger and thinking something looks off. It tasted great but looked different. It finally hit me that they have the burger patty on top of the lettuce, tomatoes and onions. This burger perfectly fits the opposites between a Canon and a Nikon DSLR. They are both just backwards to each other in terms of function. For example, when you switch your camera lens, with the Canon you turn counterclockwise to the left and with the Nikon you turn clockwise to the right. The focus lock indicator is on the right for the Canon and on the left for the Nikon. In the end, both brands take fantastic photographs, but it is a usability difference. I also added some holiday cheer to today's random meal.

Found at The Burger Shack in Pasadena, California.

Canon 5D Mark II, 85mm, f2.0, 1/100, iso 800

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Spam Musubi at L & L Hawaiian Barbecue



Our random meal of the day brings us a Spam Musubi. This just hits the spot.
Yes, my new year's resolution will be no new cameras for 2012! Yikes!

Found at L & L Hawaiian Barbecue in Pasadena, CA.

Panasonic GF3, 25mm, f1.4, 1/125, iso 160, LED Video Lights

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Chicken Vindaloo at Radhika Restaurant



We have Chicken Vindaloo for our random meal of the day. The chicken vindaloo starts with boneless chicken pieces that are "cooked in a fiery red hot curry sauce." This modern Indian take has a spicy kick but does not burn. Some garlic Naan is the perfect complement to soak up the wonderful curry.

Found at Radhika Restaurant in South Pasadena, California.

Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.0, 1/80, iso 6400

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Japanese Fried Chicken the Double Jane at FuRaiBo



This is one of my most favorite random meals. I guess it is not so random if I eat it every few months. We have a fantastic order of the Double Jane which is two pieces of a Japanese style fried chicken breasts. I really like how the skin and the chicken become one. It is quite a crispy treat. The chicken has a sweet and savory kick to it. Delicious!

Found at FuRaiBo in Gardena, California.

Nikon D700, 85mm, f2.0, 1/125, iso 3600

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Little Bacon Cheeseburger at Five Guys Burgers and Fries



Our random meal of the day brings us the Little Bacon Cheeseburger. It is awesome that a Five Guys opened up near my office. It may not be the prettiest looking burger after getting the foil wrap treatment but that does not detract from how awesome this burger tastes. The "Little" size is just right!

Found at Five Guys Burgers and Fries in El Segundo, California.

Sony NEX-C3, 30mm, f4.0, 1/60, iso 250, +0.7ev

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Trust The Cook Sandwich at Pasadena Sandwich Company



We have for our random meal of the day an order of Trust The Cook Sandwich. This sandwich is piled a mile high with and I could not even bite into it even after squishing it hard. PSC describes the sandwich as "How He Feels Is What You Get..... And What You Get Is Big!!!" This monster of a delicious sandwich starts with wheat bread. You then start with a pile of roast beef that will make a normal sandwich whimper. Two slices of Swiss cheese is top on the huge pile of roast beef before the second slice of wheat bread is placed. We then add some lettuce and a slice of red onion. A few salami slices and cheddar cheese is the base before another the final pile of sliced turkey breast is placed on the sandwich and crowned with the final piece of toasted wheat bread. Fantastic!

Found at Pasadena Sandwich Company in Pasadena, California.

Sony NEX-C3, 30mm, f4.0, 1/500, iso 200

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Pho Tai at Viet Huong Restaurant



It is getting a bit chilly so to warm us up, we have a wonderful bowl of Pho Tai for our random meal of the day. This bowl of soup is fantastic because of the rich broth. The most interesting thing about Pho is how the meal is now presented compared to how the meal was presented in the past. Back in the days before restaurants in Los Angeles County were graded with a letter, the meat from the Pho Tai was actually presented to you on a side plate completely raw. You were then supposed to place the meat into the piping hot broth yourself so that you will get best experience possible. Now, that type of presentation is frowned upon because of some health codes and you will never get an "A" rating if you serve your food like how it was traditionally meant to be served. But alas, this bowl of Pho is now still delicious, it is just now different from my childhood memories.

Found at Viet Huong Restaurant in El Monte, California.

Nikon D700, 50mm, f4.0, 1/125, iso 720

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Roasted Turkey Artichoke Panini at Panera Bread



We have for our random meal of the day a Roasted Turkey Artichoke Panini. Our random meal today also brings yet another camera. The panini starts with an Asiago cheese focaccia and we layer on an artichoke-parmesan spread. We then add healthy serving of roasted turkey and finish it up with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions and a fresh vibrant baby spinach.

Found at Panera Bread in Los Angeles, California.

Sony NEX-C3, 30mm, f4.0, 1/200, iso 200, +0.3ev

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Turkey Sausage & Cheddar Egg Mit Sandwich at Noah's Bagels



This is my go to breakfast when I am in a rush and have limited time. We have for our random meal of the day a Turkey Sausage & Cheddar Egg Mit Sandwich on a toasted poppy seed bagel.

Found at Noah's Bagels in El Segundo, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f4.0, 1/500, iso 200)

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Shrimp Tempura Taco at Hot's Kitchen



We have for our random meal of the day a Shrimp Tempura Taco. This gourmet taco is jammed packed full of flavor. I cannot believe how much of a favor burst that came from this single taco. The taco contains the following toppings, "avocado, enoki mushrooms, green onions, unagi sauce, chili-aioli, sesame seeds" in addition to the tempura shrimp. The taco is actually perfectly created and worth the premium price.

Found at Hot's Kitchen in Hermosa Beach, California.

(Nikon D700, 85mm, f2.0, 1/500, iso 200, +0.67ev)

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Shio Tonkotsu Ramen at Ramen JINYA



On a cool Autumn day, our random meal of the day is an order of Shio Tonkotsu Ramen. This bowl of decadent ramen is unique as they describe it as HAKATA Pork Premium rich broth and the restaurants actually limits the serving to only 20 per day. It has a rich flavor and hits the spot perfectly on a cold day. Ramen JINYA is also featured on Jonathan Gold's 99 Essential Restaurants list.

Found at Ramen JINYA in Studio City, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 2000)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Chicken Tawook at Open Sesame Mediterranean Grill



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the Chicken Tawook Entrée. We start with two skewers of a charbroiled chicken breast that is cubed and marinated. The chicken has a light and airy citrus lemon flavor. We place the Chicken Tawook on an optional bed of rice. A side of garlic sauce, hummus, and a Mediterranean side salad completes this random meal.

Found at Open Sesame Mediterranean Grill in Manhattan Beach, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f5.6, 1/160, iso 200)

Monday, October 31, 2011

Pumpkin Cream Puffs at Beard Papa's



Happy Halloween! For our semi Halloween themed random meal of the day treat, we have a single Pumpkin Cream Puff. This light and delicious treat takes the original custard cream and blends it with a pumpkin puree to make a light flavorful treat. It is extra creamy with a light pumpkin flavor. Random Mealers have a fun and safe Happy Halloween!

Found at Beard Papa's in Pasadena, California.

(Nikon D700, 105mm, f4.0, 1/125, iso 2200, +1.33ev, LED Backlit)

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Golden McRib at McDonald's



The McRib is back! Ahh, this year's theme is the Golden McRib and this is what we have for our random meal of the day. Yes, I am a bit of a McRib fanatic. Why not, it is the McRib! Awesome!

Found at McDonald's in Pasadena, California.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 1400, +1.0ev)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Count Montrose Cristo at Black Cow Cafe



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the Count Montrose Cristo Sandwich. The sandwich name is a fun twist on the Monte Cristo sandwich with name of the city inserted instead. This decadent sandwich is starts with smoked turkey and then layered with a sweet honey-ham. We then double up the cheese with a slice of cheddar and a slice of Swiss. Finally we layer the meats and the cheese together between a Hawaiian style egg bread and dipped in an egg batter and then it is promptly fried until crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. You end up with harmony between the semi-sweet and savory treat that just seems to work. For the extra kick, we have side of cran-strawberry jam. It is almost like a sweet and savory french toast.

Found at Black Cow Cafe in Montrose, California.

(Nikon D700, 85mm, f4.0, 1/125, iso 1600, +0.33ev)

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Blueberry Jelly Doughnut at Dough Boy Doughnuts



Yummy! We have for our random meal of the day breakfast treat, a melts in your mouth Blueberry Jelly Doughnut. This has to be one of the softest jelly doughnuts that I have ever ate. I took such willpower to not order a second and a third and a fourth....

Found at Dough Boy Doughnuts in El Segundo, California.

(Nikon D7000, 35mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 125, +0.67ev)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Spinach Sweet Crisp Salad at Corner Bakery Cafe



We have a Spinach Sweet Crisp Salad for our random meal of the day. This light and refreshing salad weighs in at only 470 calories. We start with a bed of baby spinach. We then mix the salad together with strawberry slices, red grapes, oranges, and dried cranberries. We then add some green onions and a good sprinkling of creamy goat cheese. Finally a crumble of raisin pecan sweet crisps is added and an awesome pomegranate vinaigrette dressing is drizzled over the salad to bind it together.

Found at Corner Bakery Cafe in Manhattan Beach, California.

(Nikon D7000, 85mm, f4.0, 1/200, iso 180, +0.67ev)

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Chocolate Chocolate Buttercream Cupcake for National Chocolate Cupcake Day at Frosted Cupcakery



Happy National Chocolate Cupcake Day! For this food holiday we have the Chocolate Chocolate Buttercream Cupcake. This awesome super chocolate cupcake just hits the spot for this food holiday! Random Mealers, don't forget to go out and celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day!

Found at Frosted Cupcakery in Long Beach, California.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 2000)

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Peking Duck with Buns at Top Island Seafood



Congratulations Wayne and Sandy on your wedding yesterday! It was gorgeous event and we thank you for allowing us to join you on your special day. Today we showcase a fantastic order of Peking Duck with Buns. The reception was a Chinese banquet and we had all they typical fare such as a gigantic lobster and shark fin soup. For me, I really enjoy the Peking Duck with Buns. I believe that the moist delectable bun is why I really enjoy this dish. We start with the fantastic bun and you top it with a piece of a crispy peking duck skin along with a small amount of duck. A slice of green onions and a dab of hoisin sauce. Also since the table was food of food, I decided to isolate the dish by shooting wide open at f1.4 which gave the dish a unique look.

Found at Top Island Seafood Restaurant in Alhambra, California.

(Nikon D700, 85mm, f1.4, 1/125, iso 320)

Friday, October 14, 2011

Blueberry Funnel Cake for National Dessert Day



Today is October 14 and it is National Dessert Day! We finish up the week with another random food holiday. We have randomly for national dessert day an order of a Blueberry Funnel Cake. Yes, random meal of the day is on quite a food holiday kick this week. Be sure to embrace and enjoy National Dessert Day with your random dessert of choice!

Found randomly in Los Angeles, California.

(Nikon D700, 35mm, f5.6, 1/200, iso 200, +0.67ev)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

House Gumbo for National Gumbo Day at Oyster Bar



Happy National Gumbo Day! I know, four food holiday celebrations in a row. We have the House Gumbo for our random meal of the day. This stick to your rib gumbo is spectacular. It is more than an hour of standing in line to wait until they freshly create this bowl of gumbo right in front of you. It is so worth the wait. Now go out and celebrate National Gumbo Day!

Found at Oyster Bar in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 2800)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Firehouse Pizza for National Sausage Pizza Day at Shakey's Pizza



Happy National Sausage Pizza Day! For the third food holiday in a row, random meal of the day presents a slice of Firehouse Pizza. This fantastic pizza slice has two types of sausage. We have hot sliced sausage links along with spicy Italian sausage. This is great way to celebrate National Sausage Pizza Day.

Found at Shakey's Pizza in Culver City, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 1000)

Monday, October 10, 2011

Angel Food Cake for National Angel Food Cake Day



Happy National Angel Food Cake Day! For this food holiday, random meal of the day presents an Angel Food Cake. This is one of those awesome cakes that you try to resist buying when you are at the supermarket but then you just cannot resist.

Found randomly in Los Angeles, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f5.6, 1/60, iso 6400)

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Lee's Special Hoagie for Submarine-Hoagie-Hero-Grinder Day at Lee's Hoagie House



Happy Submarine-Hoagie-Hero-Grinder Day! For this special food holiday, random meal of the day presents the Lee's Special Hoagie. This is an awesome food holiday that encompasses the different regions of the United States. Depending on where you are located, your special mouth watering sandwich is named just a tad bit differently. So Random Mealers, go out and enjoy the sandwich of your choice today for this wonderful food holiday and depending on where you are, that Submarine, Hoagie, Hero, or Grinder will make it a special and happy Submarine-Hoagie-Hero-Grinder Day!

Found at Lee's Hoagie House in Pasadena, California.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f8.0, 1/80, iso 6400)

Friday, October 7, 2011

Curried Chicken Sandwich at Tin Roof Bistro



Our random meal of the day brings us the Curried Chicken Sandwich. I actually had this sandwich twice and it both times the sandwich was spectacular. The sandwich is actually called the "Curried Chicken, Grape, Apple & Pecan Sandwich". This combination just works.

Found at Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach, California.

(Nikon D700, 85mm, f2.8, 1/125, iso 500)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

The Soup Tasting Flight at The Soup Bar



Our random meal of the day brings us a trio of soup! This is perfect for a cold and rainy Southern California Day. We have the Soup Tasting Flight which allows you to sample more than one random flavor. We start with a delicious classic Chicken Noodle soup. We then kick it up a notch with a Sweet Potato Rosemary soup that is drizzled with a splash of balsamic vinegar. We end the soup flight with a hearty Turkey Chili that has a healthy sprinkling of cheddar cheese. A slice of artisan Rosemary-Sage bread is served on the side and is perfect for soaking up the wonderful soups.

Found at The Soup Bar in El Segundo, California.

(Nikon D7000, 40mm, f3.0, 1/80, iso 280, +0.67ev)

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Puerto Lobster Tacos for National Taco Day at Sharkeez



Happy National Taco Day! We have an order of the Puerto Lobster Tacos for our random meal of the day food holiday! These taco starts with some slipper lobster that is lightly battered and flash fried. We top the tacos with a jalapeño tarter sauce and sprinkled with cheese. These awesome tacos are a perfect way to celebrate not only National Taco Day but also Taco Tuesday!

Found at Sharkeez in Manhattan Beach, California.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 360, +0.33ev)

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sweet Crepe with Strawberry & Strawberry Gelato at Four Leaf Tea and Crepes



We have a Sweet Crepe with Strawberry and Strawberry Gelato. This is a freshly prepared crepe that starts with a scoop of a fantastic scoop of strawberry gelato. We then add a layer of whipped cream and then layer fresh slices of strawberries. We then wrap up the crepe into a cone shape for easy consumption. Fantastic!

Found at Four Leaf Tea and Crepes in Los Angeles, California.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f5.6, 1/80, iso 320, 0.33ev)

Friday, September 30, 2011

Garlic Shrimp Pizza at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza



We have a Garlic Shrimp Pizza for our random meal of the day. This is a personal sized pizza with a wonderful wood fired baked pizza crust. We top the pizza with garlic shrimp, mushrooms, red onions, bell peppers and a roasted garlic sauce.

Found at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza in El Segundo, California.

(Nikon D700, 85mm, f2.8, 1/500, iso 200, +0.33ev)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ham & Cheese Empanada at Nonna's Empanadas



We have a Ham & Cheese Empanada for our random meal of the day. I really like how they stamp their name into the empanada. They also stamp the actual filling so there is no mistake even though each of the different empanadas are folded uniquely.

Found at Nonna's Empanadas in Los Angeles, California.

(Nikon D700, 35mm, f2.8, 1/500, iso 200, +0.33ev)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Hot Link Sandwich at Johnny Memphis Smokehouse Barbeque



We have for our random meal of the day a glorious Hot Link Sandwich. This bad boy is just so awesome that no more words are necessary!

Found at Johnny Memphis Smokehouse Barbeque in Manhattan Beach, California.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f8.0, 1/80, iso 360, +0.67ev)

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Prime Steak Salad at LA Food Show



We have the Prime Steak Salad for our random meal of the day. If a salad contain wonderful steak, is it still considered healthy? The salad starts with grilled sliced steak on a bed of spring lettuce mix. Sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese are sprinkled over the lettuce. The final touch is the salad is topped with a nice helping of buttermilk-battered onion rings and gives the salad the extra kick!

Found at LA Food Show in Manhattan Beach, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 2800)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

M & H Special Shaved Ice at Milk + Honey



We have for our random meal of the day treat an order of the M & H Special Shaved Ice. This fantastically awesome shaved ice starts with the special strawberry ice. The center of this wonderful treat contains a tart frozen yogurt. We top the strawberry ice with a wonderful assortment of strawberry, kiwi, mochi, banana and azuki sweet beans. This random meal treat is just over the top!

Found at Milk + Honey in Costa Mesa, California.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f8.0, 1/80, iso 1600)

Friday, September 23, 2011

Classic Cobb Salad at Quiznos



Funny thing when one of my coworkers asked me what I was going to do for lunch after finding out about my food blog, random meal of the day, I told him a salad. He said that is just too normal. Well, when you salad contains a heaping serving of bacon, maybe it just hits the spot. We have the Classic Cobb Salad for our random meal.

Found at Quiznos in El Segundo, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f5.6, 1/80, iso 640)

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Pastrami Dip at Gene's Grinders



Our random meal of the day brings us back home to Sunny Southern California. We have a thinly sliced Pastrami Dip Sandwich. This is actually so fantastically good. The razor thin pastrami literally just melts into your mouth. It is just a smooth sandwich and this is the best way I can think to describe it. Fantastic!

Found at Gene's Grinders in Monrovia, California.

(Nikon D700, 85mm, f2.8, 1/250, iso 200)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Roast Pork Banh Mi at Saigon Sandwich



Our random meal of the day brings us a Roast Pork Banh Mi Sandwich. San Francisco has such fantastic bread and I am a big fan of bread so of course another sandwich makes sense of me. This sandwich is actually listed on "San Francisco 7x7, The 2011 Big Eat SF: 100 Things to Try Before You D**" list. The list gives you such a diverse sampling of the city. You get some fancy meals and some not so fancy meals but it seems to just work. As long as the food is good, then it makes the list. I actually had this sandwich before on my last trip to the city and it made perfect sense to grab it to go on the long road trip home this time around. This is a fantastic Banh Mi Sandwich.

Found at Saigon Sandwich in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 60mm, f5.6, 1/80, iso 720, +0.33ev)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Miso Nabeyaki Udon at Suzu Noodle House



Our random meal of the day brings us Miso Nabeyaki Udon. This order of udon starts with a rich savory miso broth in a hot pot. We then add a healthy portion fantastic udon. We then add tofu, an assortment of veggies and half a boiled egg. The final touch is a shrimp tempura and some veggie tempura. This random meal was great during a cold San Francisco night.

Found at Suzu Noodle House in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 1800)

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Palmier at Anderson Bakery



Our random meal of the day treat brings us a Palmier. This crispy crunchy sugary sweet treat just meets so many sensations. This is actually one of my favorite childhood treats and still brings a smile to my face. Yummy!

Found at Anderson Bakery in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f2.8, 1/125, iso 200)

Friday, September 16, 2011

Stuffed Artichoke with Bay Shrimp at Woodhouse Fish Co



I had previously featured this random meal the last time I had visited San Francisco but it was so good, I decided to eat the same not so random meal again for this foodcation. We have for our random meal of the day an order of Stuffed Artichoke with Bay Shrimp. We start with a fresh large artichoke and then split it in half. It is then grilled to a smoky perfection. The grilling brings out a rustic smoky richness to the artichoke and each layer is just as awesome as the last. One half of the artichoke is filled with large bay shrimp while the other half is filled with large Dungeness crab. The grilled stuffed artichoke is placed on fresh salad and served with a side of crispy cheesy garlic bread. The funniest part of this photo opp was that it was pouring rain right outside that seemed to catch a bunch of San Francisco folks and we were actually lucky to make it inside the restaurant before it really started to pour. Good thing my camera bag is waterproof-ish I think...

Found at Woodhouse Fish Co in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 85mm, f4.0, 1/125, iso 560, +0.33ev)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Dim Sum takeout mix at Good Mong Kok Bakery



Our random meal today brings us a random mix of Dim Sum as a takeout. The best thing about this takeout mix was that we were able to order exactly what we wanted one piece at a time. It also was a light breakfast which enabled us to eat more food later in the day during our foodcation. The funniest part of this meal is that we actually went to buy a plate so that we can place the takeout order on during our vacation to enhance the picture ;)

Food at Good Mong Kok Bakery in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f5.6, 1/500, iso 200, +0.33ev)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Bavarian Cream Donut for National Cream Filled Donut Day at The Donut Man



Today is September 14th and it is National Cream Filled Donut Day! For this food holiday, random meal of the day brings us the most decadent Bavarian Cream Donut strobist style. This is one premium cream filled donut and is just fantastic. Once again Random Mealers, go out today and enjoy the food holiday!

Found at the Donut Man in Glendora, California.

(Nikon D700, 105mm, f5.6, 1/125, iso 400, multiple flashes used)

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Shrimp & Grits at Brenda's French Soul Food



This is actually the first time that I have ever tried having some grits. Funny thing is these are not just some ordinary grits but a very wonderful cheesy concoction. We have for our random meal of the day an order of Shrimp & Grits. This breakfast plate that starts with some good old grits that are just waiting to be soaked up in flavor. The start of the grits flavoring is a generous serving of cheddar cheese. The cheese melts into the grits to create this delicious sticky and gooey blend that stretches halfway from the plate to your mouth watering mouth. We then add spicy tomato-bacon gravy on to the top layer of cheese to intensify the grits. We finally top the grits with large juicy sautéed shrimp to complete our random meal.

Found at Brenda's French Soul Food in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f5.6, 1/80, iso 1250)

Monday, September 12, 2011

Salame Sandwich at Acme Bread Company



Our random meal of the day brings us a Salame Sandwich. I remember the last time I was at the Acme Bread Company this sandwich actually sold out so I ate a whole 3 foot baguette instead. This time around, I was able to score the elusive sandwich. Oh it was so worth the wait. This is an absolutely delicious sandwich.

Found at Acme Bread Company in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 35mm, f5.6, 1/160, iso 200)

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Roast Pork Sandwich at Bun Mee



We have a Roast Pork Sandwich for our random meal of the day as we continue our foodcation. This is no ordinary bahn mi or “Bun Mee” sandwich. The sandwich is more upscale based on the quality of the sandwich and the price. The Roast Pork Sandwich starts with a super special moist and tender wonderfully seasoned sliced roast pork that is placed on a fresh crispy toasted baguette. We now add a spread of garlic aioli to give the sandwich a robust flavor. The sandwich is complete when topped with pickled carrot & daikon, slice cucumber, jalapenos, cilantro and for the extra kick, some finely shaved onions. The sandwich is so good that you may be craving a second serving.

Found at Bun Mee in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 50mm, f5.6, 1/80, iso 1100, +0.33ev)

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Katanaya Ramen at Katana-Ya



Our foodcation continues with the Katanaya Ramen for our random meal of the day. This order of ramen is so good! It is always intriguing when a dish is the same name as the restaurant. Good thing this bowl of ramen lives up to the hype of the namesake. It was actually way past the lunch hour rush when we went to Katana-Ya at 2PM. I was hoping that we would not have to embrace the long lines. Well, no such luck as a table of two was still a 45 minute wait. Oh, it was so worth the wait. This bowl of ramen would actually make my personal final round of the best ramen that I have ever eaten. I would say my 2nd favorite. The ramen starts with some perfectly cooked ramen noodles. You then add fried chicken, BBQ pork, fried pot stickers, half a boiled egg, seaweed, corn, bamboo shoots and finally garnished with scallion. This whole wonderful concoction is placed in a rich miso broth that just enhances the entire order of Katanaya Ramen. I cannot believe that I've been to San Francisco so many times and all those times that I missed out on this perfect ramen spot kind of makes me sad...

Found at Katana-Ya in San Francisco, California.

(Nikon D700, 35mm, f4.0, 1/80, iso 1250)

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Dala Horse Swedish Lunch Special at The Dala Horse



Road trip time! This is the final week before the Labor Day holiday and your last chance to enjoy the summer break. This was actually a previous road trip up to the San Francisco Bay area. You actually have three choices on the route up north from Los Angeles, California. I had already tried previously going up the Pacific Coast Highway or the US Route 1 and the quicker Interstate 5. For this random road trip we mix it up and take Highway 99 up north. Route 99 brings us to our first pit stop in this quaint Swedish town of Kingsburg and our first random meal.

We have for today, The Dala Horse Swedish Lunch Special. This is their specialty of the house and is just awesome. This unique treat starts with a Swedish potato sausage and then you add some Swedish Meatballs. A side of lingonberry sauce is ready to coat the sausage and meatballs. We then have some toasted orange rye bread and a change up of fries instead of potato salad. Finally we have a fantastic rice pudding to complete our random meal.

Random Mealers please enjoy the final days of summer. I will be back next week as I am going on another foodcation this week!

Found at The Dala Horse in Kingsburg, CA.

(Nikon D700, 85mm, f2.8, 1/200, iso 200)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Lomo Saltado at Mario's Peruvian Restaurant



We have the Lomo Saltado for our random meal of the day. This has to be the best place for the Lomo Saltado in my opinion. Stuck in the middle of an indiscreet mini mall we have Mario's Peruvian Restaurant. I have had the Lomo Saltado at other restaurants before and it has always been good but Mario's takes it to the next level. This meal just seems so simple but the way it all blends together is where the magic is. We start with strips of seasoned beef, and with mix it together with french fries, red onions, tomatoes, and parsley. I believe that everything is sautéed together with some extra secret spices and it just makes your mouth happy. Mario's version of the Lomo Saltado is a bit more saucy and this is a good thing. The extra moisture is extra awesome flavoring. This is truly a fantastic random meal!

Found at Mario's Peruvian & Seafood Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA.

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