Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The Original Hawaiian Royale at Rutt's Hawaiian Cafe



We have for our random meal of the day an order of The Original Hawaiian Royale. The Hawaiian Royale is an open scrambled omelette over white rice. The original version comes mixed in with Portuguese sausage and char sui (a Chinese BBQ Pork). The magic with this random meal is when you add the side of the magical teriyaki sauce. This savory sweet blend, binds to the Royale and gives it a marvelous POP!

Found at Rutt's Hawaiian Cafe in Culver City, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/160, iso 100, +0.7ev

Friday, November 21, 2014

Hello Kitty Hungry Hunt Donuts at Cafe Dulce



We have for our random meal of the day, the Hello Kitty Hungry Hunt Donuts. Yes, there was actually a scavenger food hunt all around Los Angeles for food and the Hello Kitty Pins. Today is actually the official last day of the Hungry Hunt. I have to admit that I have been to more than one event and it was pure MADNESS but fun all the same. These donuts are actually the longest wait of them all.

Found at Cafe Dulce in Los Angeles, California.

Nikon D700, 85mm, f2.8, 1/60, iso 200, +1.7ev, 2 speedlight flashes

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Hapa Burger at The Standing Room



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the Hapa Burger. This restaurant is quite unique as the original location started unassumingly in shared space within a liquor store. It had considerable following on yelp. The funny thing about this is that even though the food that they served was fantastic, I just wonder how photogenic the random meal will be. It was one of the places that if I was out to photograph the random meal specifically, I would bring my own plate. Fast forward a couple of years later, they actually opened a full sit down restaurant. Finally I had the opportunity to dine at the restaurant.

The Hapa burger starts with a half pound burger patties. We then top it with onions, scallion, sesame leaf and a spring mix. We then top the burger with a fried egg and finish it with Gouchu-Q & Korean Aioli. The funny thing is that I actually still did not get a plate for this random meal.

Found at The Standing Room in Hermosa Beach, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/125, iso 100, +0.7ev

Friday, September 5, 2014

Smoked Fried Chicken at Britt's BBQ



Our random meal of the day brings us an order of the Smoked Fried Chicken. This is a unique take on chicken. The chicken starts off BBQ style by slow smoking the chicken to infuse the typical BBQ flavor. Then it is battered and then fried! This is one of those truly unique random meal flavor. We finish off this random meal with a side of tots and cornbread. This item was originally only served on Fridays but is it has actually become popular and is now a random meal that you can get everyday.

Found at Britt's BBQ in El Segundo, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 1400

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Build Your Own Pizza at BYO Pizza



We have for our random meal of the day my random meal creation of a Build Your Own Pizza. We start with a 10 inch Italian white crust. Then we layer on some spicy marinara. We then load on the mozzarella cheese. Now the fun begins with a the random meal toppings. I started with classic pepperoni then added Canadian bacon. We then layered on some salami and sprinkle on some American bacon! Finally we layer on some fantastic thick cut Spicy Cappicola to end the meaty selection of toppings. We finished with some fresh chopped basil for our random meal of the day build your own pizza. Yum!

Found at BYO Pizza in Redondo Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f4.0, 1/50, iso 110

Friday, August 1, 2014

Singapore Chili Soft Shelled Crab Banh Mi at Little Sister



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the Singapore Chili Soft Shelled Crab Banh Mi. That was quite a mouthful for the name. This is on their lunch menu and it popped full of flavor. We start will a petite sized baguette and load a small soft shelled crab in the middle. We then layer the crab with a spiced tomato relish and then add a layer of leafy greens. A side of pickled garlic accompanies this random meal.

Found at Little Sister in Manhattan Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/50, iso 2000

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The Fonz at Dog Haus Biergarten



Our random meal of the day brings us an order of The Fonz. The Fonz starts with 3 Hawaiian sweet rolls grilled as a bun. We then place a hot Italian sausage and layer it with pastrami! We then melt mozzarella to complete this wonderfully fantastic random meal. YUM!

Found at Dog Haus Biergarten in Pasadena, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/160, iso 100, +0.7ev

Friday, July 25, 2014

Bento Lunch Box with Crunch Roll Sushi at Yanagi Japanese Bistro



Our random meal of the day brings us some sushi! I am taking baby steps. We start with a Bento Lunch Box that you can fill with three different choices. I started safely with an order of shrimp and veggie tempura. Then I kicked it up a notch and choose an order of California rolls. Then I boldly choose a Crunch Roll. The crunch roll is consider a fusion sushi roll. It starts like a California roll and is filled with crab, avocado and cucumber. We then kick it up a notch by adding shrimp tempura in the roll and then layering an eel sauce before sprinkling the top with crunch. The crunch is made of bits of fried tempura batter. I wonder what the next step is after a crunch roll?

Found at Yanagi Japanese Bistro in Redondo Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/50, iso 450

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Pastrami Sandwich at Mickey's Italian Delicatessen



Our random meal of the day brings us a sandwich that comes out of a deli and liquor store combo. It really feels more like a liquor store than a deli but the food sure tastes like it is a deli. It is really a strange sensation ordering from the counter here but my buddy ate here a few times already so I had to make the pilgrimage with him. We have for today an incredible Pastrami Sandwich. It is one of those just perfectly hits the spot random meal. From the patio area, you can gaze towards the Pacific Ocean.

Found at Mickey's Italian Delicatessen & Liquor Store in Hermosa Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/400, iso 100, +0.67ev

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Sesame Chicken Plate at Teriyaki Tokyo



Sometimes you just have a craving and today's random meal of the day satisfies that craving. We have a Sesame Chicken Plate. Yum!

Found at Teriyaki Tokyo in Burbank, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/500, iso 100, +1.3ev

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Ritter's Famous Pan Roast at Ritter's Steam Kettle Cooking



We have for our random meal of the day a treat that I have been waiting for, the Ritter's Famous Pan Roast. We have it House style. The house style adds shrimp, crab, clams and lobster to the tomato cream base creole dish. I had the rice served on the side as it is normally scooped and placed right in the middle. Sometimes the wait is epic but well worth it.

Found at Ritter's Steam Kettle Cooking in Santa Ana, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/50, iso 140

Friday, July 18, 2014

Sicilian Meatball & Cheese Sandwich at Giuliano’s Delicatessen



We have for our random meal of the day a fantastic Sicilian Meatball & Cheese Sandwich. This just hit the spot and I am looking forward to the next one!

Found at Giuliano’s Delicatessen in Redondo Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/250, iso 100

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Steak & Eggs at Bouchon



We have for our random meal of the day an order of "Steak & Eggs". This is a fantastically prepared French meal. We start with a pan-seared flat iron steak that is topped with caramelized shallots. We then top the steak with a perfect hen egg prepared sunny side up. We then complete this random meal with a side of French fires or Poomes Frites. Today also happens to been National French Fries Day and the fries completed this fantastic and delicious random meal of the day!

Found at Bouchon in Beverly Hills, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/50, iso 400, +0.3ev

Friday, June 13, 2014

Healthy Steak Salad at The Rockefeller



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the Healthy Steak Salad. This leafy meal is topped with a grilled prime flat iron steak. Yum!

Found at The Rockefeller in Manhattan Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/125, iso 100, +0.3ev

Monday, June 2, 2014

The USC Trojan Sandwich at The Original Rinaldi's



We have for our random meal of the day The USC Trojan Sandwich. This sandwich is a slight variation from a traditional Italian sandwich. The sandwich stars on a round soft roll and is layered with salami, pepperoni and proscuitto. Fight On!

Found at The Original Rinaldi's in El Segundo, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/2000, iso 100, -0.7ev

Sunday, June 1, 2014

King's Hawaiian French Toast at King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant



We have a fantastic order of the King's Hawaiian French Toast for our random meal of the day brunch. It does not disappoint. Yum!

Found at King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant in Torrance, California.

Nikon D700, 60mm, f3.0, 1/80, iso 1000, +0.33ev

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Marinated Skirt Steak with Balsamic Onion Rings at The Tripel



We have a fantastic random meal of the day that features a Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of Balsamic Onion Rings and a spicy salad. Every part of this random meal popped with enormous flavor. Even the dipping sauce for the onion rings wowed me!

Found at The Tripel in Playa Del Rey, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/400, iso 100

Monday, May 12, 2014

Coconut Fried Chicken at Cha Cha Chicken



We have a fantastic order of Coconut Fried Chicken for our random meal of the day. This is Caribbean Cuisine with Latin Fusion according to the restaurant. The fried chicken has this crispy coconut batter that pops with flavor. You can add a sweet mango sauce and some jerk dipping sauce for the extra random meal twist! We complete this random meal with a side of corn on the cob and some spicy Cuban fries.

Found at Cha Cha Chicken in Northridge, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 2500

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Tonkotsu Kotteri Ramen at Ramen Yamadaya



We have for our random meal of the day a fantastic bowl of Tonkotsu Kotteri Ramen. I choose to add the thick noodles to this random meal. You also have the option to press some fresh garlic into this warm bowl of ramen. Yum!

Found at Ramen Yamadaya in Torrance, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/50, iso 280

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Chicken Teriyaki at I Love Teriyaki



We have an order of Chicken Teriyaki for our random meal of the day. Sometimes a simple meal that is prepared well just hits the spot.

Found at I Love Teriyaki in El Segundo, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/200, iso 100, +1.3ev

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Happy National Eggs Benedict Day at Cici's Cafe



We have a fantastic order of Eggs Benedict for National Eggs Benedict Day! Ok randommealers, go out and enjoy your food holiday and eat your random meal of the day.

Found at Cici's Cafe in Tarzana, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/800, iso 100, +1.3ev

Friday, April 11, 2014

Tofu Nuggets with Tofu French Fries at Vinh Loi Tofu



We have for our random meal of the day an order of Tofu Nuggets with a side of Tofu French Fries. This random meal was actually recommended to me by my close friend. He told me I had to try some tofu chicken nuggets in The Valley and that it was awesome. I gave him a look and said tofu chicken nuggets and laughed. Well, I finally had this random meal. This was actually completely different that what I had expected. The tofu nuggets are actually battered like real chicken nuggets and the most surprising thing for me was the texture of the tofu inside. It was spot on for a chicken nugget in terms of taste and texture. If someone were to give me a nugget and did not say anything, I would have not noticed. The tofu french fries had more of the typical tofu flavor and was crispy. I picked it up and ate it like a french fry. I never would have thought you could do this with tofu. I was pleasantly surprised by this random meal of the day.

Found at Vinh Loi Tofu in Reseda, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 900

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Island Style Fried Chicken at The Loft



We have an order of the Island Style Fried Chicken for our random meal of the day. This is actually my favorite version of Hawaiian style fried chicken so far. The batter and the flavor of the chicken stands out without the need for sauce. It comes down to the sweet ginger sauce that the chicken was marinated in. We complete our random meal with two scoops of rice, a scoop of ramen cabbage salad and a scoop of macaroni salad. I look forward to another random meal here.

Found at The Loft in Cerritos, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 400

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Avocado Club Smashburger at Smashburger



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the Avocado Club Smashburger. We start with a burger patty on an egg bun instead of the multi-grain bun. We then add a layer of applewood-smoked bacon on the burger. A drizzle of ranch dressing completes the first half of the burger. The second half starts with a layer of mayo. We then a lettuce, tomatoes and fresh avocado slices. This completes our Smashburger random meal.

Found at Smashburger in Redondo Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 400

Friday, March 21, 2014

Golden Mango Mochi Shaved Snow at Class 302



We have for our random meal of the day treat a fantastic order of the Golden Mango Mochi Shaved Snow. It has been some time since I have been back to Class 302. I keep thinking about it but it is so far away from where I live. Well, I was in the area one cold night and I decided to just go for it! Cold night plus cold air conditioner plus frozen cold dessert for a dessert. It was so worth it. Every single bite was finished. The funny thing was there was still an actual wait list and we had to endure a fifteen minute wait. We seem to have a bit of luck at our table as the 302 sign outside the window reflected back into our table but this also caused multiple sources of different lighting temperatures. The Golden Mango Mochi starts with layers and layers of shaved mango snow. When then add mango, milk pudding, mocha and top it off with condensed milk. I am dreaming about my next random meal here. Yum...

Found at Class 302 in Rowland Heights, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/80, iso 500

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee and Brown Butter Ice Cream with a Hat at Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream



You can never have enough Ice Cream. We have for our random meal of the day a scoop of a Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee then we add another scoop of Brown Butter Ice Cream. We then top it with a Hat consisting of a sugar cone. This was so smooth and both flavors complimented each other just so well. I should have had a third scoop as they suggested pairing the Vietnamese Coffee ice cream with the Tahitian Vanilla!

Found at Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream in San Francisco, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 100, +0.67ev

Friday, March 14, 2014

Happy National Potato Chip Day with a side of a Shrimp Po Boy at Fishing With Dynamite



Happy National Potato Chip Day Random Mealers! We have some freshly made Weiser Potato Chips with a side of a Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich. Enjoy your random meal of the day food holiday!

Found at Fishing With Dynamite in Manhattan Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.0, 1/250, iso 100

Friday, March 7, 2014

Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes at BLD



We have for our random meal of the day a fantastic order of the Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes. These pancakes just melt in your mouth. I was excited to brings some friends to this fantastic restaurant.

Found at BLD in Los Angeles, California.

Nikon Df, 35mm, f2.8, 1/40, iso 100

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Spaghetti Bacon Omelette at Spoon House



We have an order of the Spaghetti Bacon Omelette. The omelette is layered over the spaghetti completely covering it in the initial presentation of the random meal. The spaghetti is full of flavor as it is actually pan fried to infuse the flavor of the sauce into the actual spaghetti noodles. A side of wonderfully fantastic freshly baked bread completes this random meal.

Found at Spoon House in Gardena, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/200, iso 100, +1.3ev

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Thai Chickin' Entree Salad at Veggie Grill



When I started my #leafyresolution, this place was the first thing on my mind. I laugh because there was this funny commercial where the wife or girlfriend packed some veggie burgers for a tailgating event and it was made of Quinoa. Quinoa may be the next big thing after chipotle. Everything here is made of veggies including the chicken or Chickin'. The Chickin' is made from soybeans, wheat and peas. Well, I finally went for a very leafy random meal of the day. We have the Thai Chickin' Entrée Salad. This salad starts with the soy based grilled Chickin' and then we toss in the quinoa. We then add romaine lettuce, cabbage, corn salsa and mandarin oranges. We finish by sprinkling on green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro and crispy wonton strips. A side of spicy Thai dressing completes this random meal.

Found at Veggie Grill in El Segundo, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/125, iso 100, +0.67ev

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Pastrami Sandwich Combo at Steve's CharBurger



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the number five combo, the Pastrami Sandwich Combo. The funny thing about this random meal was that my coworker made us hungry talking about food at 9:30 in the morning. Any plans of my #leafyresolution when out the window by 10. The combo comes with a fantastic portion of a pastrami sandwich, fries and a soda. Yum...

Found at Steve's CharBurger in Torrance, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.0, 1/00, iso 125

Monday, February 10, 2014

Happy National Cream Cheese Brownie Day!



Happy National Cream Cheese Brownie Day! Ok Randommealers, you know what your random meal of the day treat is.

Found at Corner Bakery Cafe in Manhattan Beach, California.

Nikon D700, 85mm, f5.6, 1/125, iso 400, +2.00ev, external flashes

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Capastrami at Capriotti's Sandwich Shop



We have the Capastrami sandwich for our random meal of the day. This sandwich is about the balance between the different ingredients and how they all blend together to become a fantastic combination. The Capastrami starts with hot pastrami and topped with a layer of melted Swiss cheese for the savory portion. We then add Russian dressing and cole slaw to the sandwich. The combination together just makes perfect sense when you take the first bite. You will be hooked.

Found at Capriotti's Sandwich Shop in Torrance, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/160, iso 100, +0.67ev

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Beef Roll at 101 Noodle Express



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the Beef Roll. The beef roll was on Jonathan Gold's 99 Essential Restaurants list but that was in the past. The list is now renamed LA Weekly's 99 Essential Restaurants and is more of a collaborative effort. With change the list moves forward but that did not stop me from trying this item that I had my eye on for years now. The beef roll starts with a flaky Chinese pancake stuffed with cilantro, long-braised beef and a special sweet been sauce. The balance of the ingredients was off for my taste buds but not for the packed hungry crowd around me. It seemed like every other table had an order of the beef roll. I believe that I am now at this random point in time, under 1000 yelp bookmarks of restaurants to go...

Found at 101 Noodle Express in Alhambra, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 560

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Crab Cake & Tempura at Katsu



The funny thing about this random meal of the day was that I actually had all the intentions to eat a bit healthy but looked up the wrong menu from another restaurant. I had to improvise with my choice so that leads us to today's random meal of Crab Cake & Tempura. I think sometimes it just works out for you.

Found at Katsu in Manhattan Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 640

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

French Toast Kabobs at The Potholder Cafe Too



There are times when a menu item just seems to call your name. This time our random meal of the day brings us an order of French Toast Kabobs. The kabobs were served on a bed of scrambled eggs. It was a fun and fantastic random meal.

Found at The Potholder Cafe Too in Long Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 35mm, f2.8, 1/40, iso 1800

Monday, January 27, 2014

Chimichurri Chicken Salad at OMG Grill



Our random meal of the day is part of my leafy resolution for the year. We have an order of the Chimichurri Chicken Salad. The Chimichurri flavor chicken gives this salad a random twist.

Found at OMG Grill in Van Nuys, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 10000

Saturday, January 25, 2014

The Traditional Breakfast at Larchmont Bungalow



There are times when a Traditional Breakfast just seems to hit the spot. That is what we have for our random meal of the day. We start with some glorious bacon and then add scrambled eggs. We continue with side of toasted sourdough toast and personal jar of strawberry jam. Finally a healthy assorted fruit serving completes this fantastic random meal.

Found at Larchmont Bungalow in Los Angeles, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.0, 1/250, iso 100, +0.67ev

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice at Bamboo Thai Bistro



There are days when I want to eat one item and end up driving to someplace completely different. This was one of those days. We have for our random meal of the day an order of the spicy shrimp fried rice. The spicy kick was just right.

Found at Bamboo Thai Bistro in Redondo Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f4.0, 1/50, iso 200, +0.33ev

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Barbecue Bacon Burger at Brickworks Roasthouse & Grill



There are times when you are just craving a burger. We have the Barbecue Bacon Burger for our random meal of the day.

Found at Brickworks Roasthouse & Grill in Manhattan Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 500, +0.33ev

Monday, January 20, 2014

Corn Dog and Fries at Santa Ana Zoo



Sometime the most simple random meals are the best. We have a Corn Dog and Fries. This is a classic and simple random meal of the day.

Found at Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 100

Friday, January 17, 2014

Shabu Shabu with Vintage Natural Beef Rib-Eye at Mizu 212



We have Shabu Shabu for our random meal of the day. This order of Shabu Shabu is actually served with Vintage Natural Beef Prime Grade Rib-Eye steak. The beef literally melts in your mouth after a quick dip in the pipping hot boiling broth. The Shabu Shabu experience is for you to cook your own random meal with fresh ingredients so that the flavors will pop in your mouth the very moment the food is finish cooking.

Found at Mizu 212 in Los Angeles, California.

Sony RX1, 35mm, f2.0, 1/80, iso 640, +0.3ev

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Marinated Flat Iron Steak with Garlic & Truffle Cheese Fries at Hudson House



We have for our random meal of the day an order of the Marinated Flat Iron Steak with Garlic & Truffle Cheese Fries. The flat iron steak just popped and melted in your mouth while you savor the marinate. Every single bite was full of flavor. I smile while reflecting on this fantastic random meal.

The hardest part of this random meal was the extremely dim lighting at this gastropub. I actually needed about another stop of light as I was already shooting at an extremely high iso of 12800. I did not have a high enough shutter speed to prevent a bit of camera shake blur. Overall I feel this is a successful shot for the difficult ambient lighting conditions.

Found at Hudson House in Redondo Beach, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.0, 1/30, iso 12800

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Double-Double with Grilled Onions at In-N-Out Burger



This was actually my random meal of the day on New Years day. We have the Double-Double with Grilled Onions. With the start of the new year, you set up some new years resolutions to follow. I have two, and they are take more photos and get healthier. Of course I had to see a photo of In-N-Out on Instagram and thus my craving. You can follow me on Instagram @randommeal . So I did start the year with a photo and will walk off part of the calories. A catch 22 for a food blogger with my resolutions...

Found at In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles, California.

Nikon Df, 50mm, f2.8, 1/80, iso 2500

Monday, January 13, 2014

Red and Blue Velvet Pancakes at Larchmont Bungalow



We have for our random meal of the day what amounts to dessert for breakfast. We have a full order of the Red and Blue Velvet Pancakes. It tasted like a hybrid of a cupcake formed around a thick and spongy pancake shell. This is a rich and decadent random meal of the day treat.

Found at Larchmont Bungalow in Los Angeles, California.

Nikon Df, 85mm, f2.8, 1/100, iso 180, +0.67ev