tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34840883174919033162024-03-13T13:52:51.209-07:00udon & stilettosshoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-91535080681200528102009-05-23T22:26:00.000-07:002009-05-23T22:48:29.972-07:00i'm on schmap!<center><iframe id="schmapplet" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" allowtransparency="true" style="border-style:none; border-width:0px;" width="200" height="380" src="http://www.schmap.com/templates/t011py.html?uid=napavalley&sid=sights_alonghighway29&ultranarrow=true&multimaps=true#mapview=Map&isPolled=1&c=f6f6f6aaaaaaA62122A62122FFF88Ffffe63ffffffFFF88Fd8d8d8450040A62122000594ECEBBD000000dadada5C5A4E000000929292F0EFDA"></iframe></center><br />a couple weeks ago i got a flickrmail from <a href="http://www.schmap.com/">schmap</a> - free digital destination guides. i'd never heard of them but their maps are pretty cool - all interactive and social media optimized (read: widgets/embed codes, etc). anyway, they had chosen one of my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/sets/72157616156834819/">cakebread photos</a> for their selects for their napa guide. <br /><br />using my photography rights knowledge from a previous life in advertising, i figured it was okay to give them permission to potentially include me in their published digital guide. i wouldn't be getting paid, but the usage they wanted was non-exclusive, which means i was free to sell this photo to other buyers if i wanted to. i actually think it's pretty cool that they are utilizing networks like flickr to pool together images for their guides - it makes sense in this digital age. also cool that you are appropriately credited and you get your stuff out there. <br /><br />anyway, i just found out that they did indeed choose my photo for one of the cakebread images. so cool! i am listed as "shoe_monster" - my flickr (and "blogosphere") name. yay shoe monster! the widget version of the guide is above, and below is the image they chose:<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3405305117/" title="cakebread vineyards by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3405305117_36cb1dfd07_b.jpg" width="450" height="" alt="cakebread vineyards" /></a><br /></div><div>funny, because this was not one of the selects i chose for my <a href="http://udonandstilettos.blogspot.com/2009/04/napa-continued-cakebread.html">cakebread post</a>!<br /></div></div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-59087579868202282152009-04-26T20:19:00.000-07:002009-05-23T22:48:01.080-07:00napa continued: cakebread<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3401124616/" title="horse outside nickel & nickel by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3401124616_b1012c268e_b.jpg" alt="horse outside nickel & nickel" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">after lunch we stop by <a href="http://www.lunavineyards.com/luna/index.jsp">luna</a> (there's a good sangiovese there), and then we continue up the <a href="http://www.silveradotrail.com/">silverado trail</a> for our last stop before french laundry: <a href="http://www.cakebread.com/">cakebread</a>. the tasting here is by appointment only, and we had a few extra minutes to spare so we stopped at the winery next door (<a href="http://www.nickelandnickel.com/">nickel & nickel</a>). we didn't go in for a quick tasting; we got distracted by the horses playing outside so we all hopped out of the car for a photo op. they were obviously used to this kind of attention, because they thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures with us and being petted and fed (random grass nearby).</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400183123/" title="flowers and white picket fences by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400183123/" title="flowers and white picket fences by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3400183123_2cb9df4a17_b.jpg" alt="flowers and white picket fences" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">white picket fences outside nickel & nickel, sitting on gorgeous flowers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3405434373/" title="cakebread vineyards by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3405434373_b948262aee_b.jpg" alt="cakebread vineyards" width="450" height="" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3405434373/" title="cakebread vineyards by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><br /></a></div>finally at cakebread. the tasting is $10 i believe...there is also a reds only for $25 or something like that, which i wasn't aware of (but would have chosen if i knew). but on our way out we wanted to buy some pinot noir which wasn't part of the tasting but asked them nicely if we could taste it - we got a small pour =] (and yes! it was delicious and we bought some)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3405434357/" title="cakebread vineyards by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3405434357_9fc5987aa4_b.jpg" alt="cakebread vineyards" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>we also walked around the property for awhile, just relaxing in the sun before heading over to french laundry.<br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3405305125/" title="cakebread vineyards by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3405305125_3ee1d0d039_b.jpg" alt="cakebread vineyards" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3405305111/" title="flowers @ cakebread by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3405305111_743ae126b8_b.jpg" alt="flowers @ cakebread" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-12357114980145145932009-04-08T19:45:00.000-07:002009-04-08T19:45:00.637-07:00napa light lunch: ubuntu<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400080723/" title="ubuntu butter by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3400080723_0e603f5761_b.jpg" alt="ubuntu butter" width="450" height="" /></a></div>so after wine tasting we wanted to eat a super light lunch. i had received an email from open table a few weeks ago promoting various restaurants, and <a href="http://www.ubuntunapa.com/">ubuntu</a> was on the list. typically, i don't like to go by these types of emails, but the place looked really great and had good reviews. plus, it was vegetarian, and i wanted to ensure that none of us would somehow overeat before going to french laundry!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400930484/" title="chickpea fries by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3400930484_de99d15e4e_b.jpg" alt="chickpea fries" width="450" height="" /></a></div>let me just preface everything with: this restaurant is amazing!! i love it. we were all so pleasantly surprised. the food was fresh, creative, and soooo delicious. the waiter explained to us that they food is "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodynamic_agriculture">biodynamic</a>" - which we had not heard of. we stared at him blankly and then he explained it nicely to us. we started with chickpea fries (above). sad that there were so few - this was gone within minutes. i would say these are more chickpea-ish than fry-ish, which i like.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400080745/" title="corn grits close up by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3400080745_638ef4061b_b.jpg" alt="corn grits close up" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>what can i say about this dish?? only that it was so amazing and tasty, i just recently tried to re-create it. this is the "bowl of local yellow corn grits infused with goat’s milk whey (lots of parmesan, agretti, slow egg, trumpet chips with savory)" it was creamy but you couldn't really taste the goat milk. i think we all ate this one the second-fastest. this also comes in an awesome UFO shaped bowl (see it <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400080741/">here</a>).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400930496/" title="cauliflower in cast iron pot by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3400930496_12f8581833_b.jpg" alt="cauliflower in cast iron pot" width="450" height="" /></a></div>this is the cauliflower in a cast iron pot - roast-puree-raw, vadouvan, cilantro, brown butter toast. yes that is my good friend cilantro sitting at the top, but i managed to avoid it when i tasted this little creation. YUM. (and extremely cute)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400930492/" title="bean stew with egg by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3400930492_e390de5286_b.jpg" alt="bean stew with egg" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>bean stew: "rustic rancho gordo ‘yellow eye’ bean stew w/ torn bread, rosemary, chili & braised swiss chard." we added an egg because eggs are awesome. the menu states that you can add a "domaine de la chance" egg to any dish. (can someone please explain this "domaine de la chance" thing?)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400930524/" title="domaine de la chance egg by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3400930524_ca8b2a1fa8_b.jpg" alt="domaine de la chance egg" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>here is the delicious egg up close.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3400930532/" title="sauerkraut and emmental pizza by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3400930532_eff9204996_b.jpg" alt="sauerkraut and emmental pizza" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>sauerkraut and emmental pizza. absolutely delicious and destructor - who hates sauerkraut - stuffed his face with this. the way it's prepared takes the emphasis off that sauerkraut-y taste.<br /><br />the rest of the photos are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/sets/72157616152350020/">here</a>.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-59465004042629749382009-04-01T13:30:00.000-07:002009-04-01T13:38:19.924-07:00napa: journey to french laundry<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3388566617/" title="blue sky + clouds by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3388566617_0184b00b49_b.jpg" alt="blue sky + clouds" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>ok, i have to take a break from my beijing posts. it is obvious to me at this point that it will take me forever, so i need to move on with my life.<br /><br />in march, destructor and i went with some friends to napa to achieve our ultimate life goal: EAT AT THE <a href="http://www.frenchlaundry.com/">FRENCH LAUNDRY</a>. we lucked out with reservations (more on that later) and snagged a table for 4 on a sunday at 5:30pm, right when their dinner service opens.<br /><br />so, what to do with the rest of the day? go wine tasting in napa of course! (saturday was spent in san francisco at a <a href="http://www.larkspurhotelunionsquare.com//">hotel with horrible customer service</a> but we did eat a burma superstar which will be posted later)<br /><br />our first stop sunday morning was <a href="http://www.artesawinery.com/index1.html">artesa winery</a>. it was a beautiful sunny day, even though the weather forecast had said it was going to be cloudy and rainy. lies! we arrived right before 10am, when the winery opens. on the side of the road by the entrance, there was a flock of sheep just hanging out. i squealed and we stopped the car. they were so adorable. we all got out of the car for the photo op.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3389171512/" title="we are all grazing by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3389171512_8b88f773b3_b.jpg" alt="we are all grazing" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3389171502/" title="we are eating grass by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3389171502_ae36855c94_b.jpg" alt="we are eating grass" width="450" height="" /></a></div>my friend kept saying, "this is what i want to eat for dinner. mmm." how?? look at them!<br /><br />once we all finally left the sheep and made it inside the artesa property, we were stunned by the gorgeous landscape.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3389257560/" title="beautiful water at artesa by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3389257560_6496eef797_b.jpg" alt="beautiful water at artesa" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3389257562/" title="artesa view by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3389257562_33f54bcb8a_b.jpg" alt="artesa view" width="450" height="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3392552441/" title="sculpture by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3392552441_f712665c23_b.jpg" alt="sculpture" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">the artesa property is truly amazing. not only that, but the views were breathtaking. of course, drinking wine at 11 in the morning is always nice. the tasting was pretty good and the people were great, but my favorite part is definitely the landscape.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3389288102/" title="gorgeous views from artesa by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3389288102_ca35311285_b.jpg" alt="gorgeous views from artesa" width="450" height="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3388566595/" title="sky + bird by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3388566595_cdc6462340_b.jpg" alt="sky + bird" width="450" height="" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3388566597/" title="rosemary by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3388566597_2c27138f41.jpg" alt="rosemary" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">we found lots of fresh herb plants around the property too. mainly, a lot of rosemary which we wished we could have taken.<br /><br />see the rest of the artesa photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/sets/72157615999692724/">here</a>.</div></div></div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-19281570092816331902009-03-31T20:15:00.000-07:002009-04-01T10:02:17.146-07:00homecooked meals in beijing: part 2<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3193768198/" title="chopped chinese pancake by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3193768198_c463b1a52d_b.jpg" alt="chopped chinese pancake" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>we had this comfort food in beijing at my (maternal) grandmother's house. i had completely forgotten about this dish until i saw it. once it was brought to the table, my eyes widened and i immediately recognized my old friend. i experienced an overwhelming sense of nostalgia...images from childhood: dusty hot streets in beijing, meals shared with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins; food stands on the street.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192927089/" title="the kitchen by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3192927089_5c1047c6d6_b.jpg" alt="the kitchen" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>basically, this is chinese "bing" - pancakes. you take these flour pancakes, and you chop them up, then stir fry with any meat or veggies you'd like. typically, we use pork. the result is something like fried rice, except the chopped pancake is nice and chewy. i also like to add vinegar to this. this is how i'd always eat it growing up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192916087/" title="pickled radish by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3192916087_33d6e62bc7_b.jpg" alt="pickled radish" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>we also had some simple, yummy side dishes to go with this: pickled radishes & cabbage, salted fish, and fried lotus.<br /><br />see the rest of the food <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/sets/72157613586866709/">here</a>.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-65713798135557571272009-03-30T19:30:00.000-07:002009-03-30T21:24:07.092-07:00beijing's 798 art district: part II<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3214235235/" title="DSC_0315 by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3214235235_6cd0f15836_b.jpg" alt="DSC_0315" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>i recently wrote about <a href="http://udonandstilettos.blogspot.com/2009/02/beijings-798-art-district-part-i.html">beijing's 798 art district</a>. i loved it so much that i went back again the following week, before i left beijing. this time, we went to several different galleries/exhibits on another part of the "campus."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3215079656/" title="DSC_0297 by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3215079656_d22fe565d5_b.jpg" alt="DSC_0297" width="450" height="" /></a></div>old factories that are now galleries. everything was beautiful.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3214236355/" title="DSC_0316 by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3214236355_bf2d8f5c5d_b.jpg" alt="DSC_0316" width="450" height="" /></a></div>lots of old machinery and giant chinese characters on old brick walls.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3215088924/" title="DSC_0359 by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3215088924_6c6d02b967_b.jpg" alt="DSC_0359" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>pipes...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3214244807/" title="DSC_0377 by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3214244807_4396cdace4_b.jpg" alt="DSC_0377" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div>juxtaposed with shiny exhibits and chandeliers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3214246317/" title="DSC_0383 by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3214246317_2c50966f49_b.jpg" alt="DSC_0383" width="450" height="" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3214247499/" title="DSC_0386 by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3214247499_40053fcfa6_b.jpg" alt="DSC_0386" width="450" height="" /></a></div>see more photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/sets/72157612816289124/">here</a>.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-46637520857900233502009-03-25T19:15:00.000-07:002009-03-25T19:15:00.069-07:00homecooked meals in beijing: part 1<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192909495/" title="lunch at grandma's in beijing by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3192909495_820126c8e9.jpg" alt="lunch at grandma's in beijing" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><br />i was really spoiled during my beijing trip because i got to eat several homecooked meals (mom, two grandmothers). this is the type of food i always dream about before a trip to beijing. this is why i will always complain to destructor (and anyone else who will hear it) whenever i eat chinese food here in the US. we'll order a dish and everyone else will be like, "mm, this is great!" and i'll be the debbie downer and say, "yea, i guess it's okay. it's not authentic enough though. it should be more x, y, less z."<br /><br />i know, i'm THAT person!<br /><br />anyway, what i love about the meal is not just the food. it's going back to childhood days spent in china, sitting around a small table with a big family and enjoying a meal together. i miss that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192906193/" title="stir fried potatoes by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3192906193_96413ef87d.jpg" alt="stir fried potatoes" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><br />for starters, every single person in my family (immediate and extended) knows that i MUST EAT THIS dish whenever i visit. i grew up on this dish. this is a classic, very common dish you eat at home. it's just thinly sliced/julienned potatoes, stir fried (sometimes with green bell pepper, black peppercorns, and maybe a little bit of vinegar). i could eat this whole plate by myself.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192907211/" title="pan fried fish by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3192907211_2a2e1efe65_b.jpg" alt="pan fried fish" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><br />pan fried fish. soy sauce based, a little sweet, and delicious with rice.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192907953/" title="stir fried snow peas by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3192907953_b68af6f000_b.jpg" alt="stir fried snow peas" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><br />stir fried snow peas. crispy and refreshing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3193776028/" title="braised shrimp (?) by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/3193776028_5edfc5f23b_b.jpg" alt="braised shrimp (?)" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><br />braised shrimp - also in a slightly sweet sauce. i love drizzling the juices over my rice - i can't describe the taste - it's amazing and another distinct flavor/dish i grew up with.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192912743/" title="taro and cabbage soup by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3192912743_dd379ddb53_b.jpg" alt="taro and cabbage soup" width="450" height="" /></a><br /></div><br />this is somewhat of a more contemporary dish. the soup is very familiar, with pork broth and cabbage, but my grandma added taro. i loved this soup!<br /><br />see more dishes <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/sets/72157613586829195/">here</a>.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-46500969060295331012009-03-24T22:38:00.000-07:002009-03-24T23:23:53.529-07:00shoe intermission<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3383683957/" title="miu miu pumps by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3383683957_9d8900d19d.jpg" width="450" height="" alt="miu miu pumps" /></a><br /></div>i picked up these sweet <a href="http://www.miumiu.com/">miu mius</a> a few months ago at a...<br /><br />(drum roll please)<br /><br />marshalls! in harlem!<br /><br />not kidding.<br /><br />the best part is that <a href="http://ahhhhhbags.blogspot.com/">baglady</a> and i had gone crazy there, running around with a shopping cart full of shoes (literally, running through the aisles, pulling shoes, and throwing them in the basket to try on) she first found these in a size 6.5, which is NOT MY SIZE. but i did everything i could to make myself believe that they were actually my size. i said, "no, no! i can really get those heel thingies and just put them in, and they will fit fine!!" fortunately, baglady talked me out of the this craziness, saying "DO NOT BUY THEM, they are NOT YOUR SIZE. even though they are miu miu and only $110."<br /><br />i was heartbroken but finally became rational, especially after combing through the aisles again and not finding another pair.<br /><br />then!<br /><br />we were about to leave when...baglady gasped and pulled ANOTHER pair of these off a random shelf - and YES. they were size 6! how did this magic happen? we're not sure. even better, these shoes were marked $90!<br /><br />why!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3383683983/" title="miu miu pumps front by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3383683983_d9312ac3b7.jpg" width="450" height="" alt="miu miu pumps front" /></a><br /></div><br />it doesn't matter, but i was so overjoyed. needless to say i bought them...along with 3 other pairs of shoes! <br /><br />clockwise starting at the top: siren boots by <a href="http://marknason.com/">mark nason</a>, <a href="http://www.ninewest.com/">nine west</a> sling backs, tuxedo shoes by <a href="http://www.zappos.com/n/br/b/324/Circa%20Joan%20&%20David.html">circa joan and david</a>, and lastly of course, the miu mius.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3383712513/" title="DSC_0199 by shoe_monster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3383712513_8bf760492d.jpg" width="450" height="" alt="DSC_0199" /></a><br /></div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-36146973437139092172009-03-17T18:26:00.000-07:002009-03-24T15:22:31.026-07:00maison boulud @ the old legation quarter in beijing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7Sbs3zh6I/AAAAAAAABK4/NuUhZ0tMcBo/s1600-h/DSC04988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7Sbs3zh6I/AAAAAAAABK4/NuUhZ0tMcBo/s400/DSC04988.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286894385923065762" /></a>yes. i am STILL on my beijing posts. not even halfway done. over the holiday season, <a href="http://www.toomuchfoodinla.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">toomuchfood</span></a> and i trekked over to the old legation quarter to eat <a href="http://www.danielnyc.com/maisonboulud.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">maison</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">boulud</span></a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">daniel</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">boulud's</span> latest restaurant (opened in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">july</span> 2008). <div><br /></div><div>having literally <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">just </span>eaten at <a href="http://udonandstilettos.blogspot.com/2008/12/li-jia-cai-restaurant-appropriating.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">li</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">jia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">cai</span></a> for lunch, i am not quite sure how i managed to eat this for dinner. luckily, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">pricy</span> food means small portions. still, it was pretty rich. </div><div><br /></div><div>my photos are horrible. i am still adjusting to the concept of pulling out a big, awkward camera and shooting wildly at food, ruining the ambiance of a restaurant. in particular, i really didn't want to ruin the experience for myself here since i had been waiting so long for this moment. so i brought my dying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sony</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">cybershot</span>. this was the best i could do in poor lighting (without using flash, obviously). </div><div><br /></div><div>but please take a moment to soak in the gorgeous space that is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">maison</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">boulud</span> <a href="http://www.danielnyc.com/maisonboulud.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>when we arrived at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_Legation_Quarter">legation quarter</a>, i immediately noticed a large <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">chloe</span> sign posted outside. inside the compound, a beautiful building to our right had an enormous, glowing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">chloe</span> logo projected on its walls. we peeked inside the tall, open window. there was some sort of fancy dinner party going on. i vowed to crash this party if it looked more open later.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7TMKCIhhI/AAAAAAAABLA/GD4aKHkrQS0/s1600-h/DSC04985.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7TMKCIhhI/AAAAAAAABLA/GD4aKHkrQS0/s400/DSC04985.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286895218384733714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7W9fevv_I/AAAAAAAABLI/lxVOdtgDW-E/s1600-h/DSC04982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7W9fevv_I/AAAAAAAABLI/lxVOdtgDW-E/s400/DSC04982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286899364490362866" /></a>the compound was beautiful at night, especially since it was decorated for the holidays. <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7YciBnzMI/AAAAAAAABLQ/eokmNoo6Xl0/s1600-h/DSC04989.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7YciBnzMI/AAAAAAAABLQ/eokmNoo6Xl0/s400/DSC04989.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286900997261085890" /></a>this is the magnificent entrance to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">maison</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">boulud</span>.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7ZKlEENxI/AAAAAAAABLY/KlQAte3nOcE/s1600-h/DSC04992.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7ZKlEENxI/AAAAAAAABLY/KlQAte3nOcE/s400/DSC04992.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286901788350625554" /></a>the amuse <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">bouche</span>. skewers of smoked salmon with cream cheese and puffy bread.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7ahgXlsgI/AAAAAAAABLg/zdL1DhiBJls/s1600-h/DSC04994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SV7ahgXlsgI/AAAAAAAABLg/zdL1DhiBJls/s400/DSC04994.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286903281738953218" /></a></div>this is my soup: crayfish bisque with cognac cream and chervil. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">mmmm</span>. overall tasty but a little on the salty side.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBDxcvU3PI/AAAAAAAABME/MG0KdyvonM8/s1600-h/DSC04995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBDxcvU3PI/AAAAAAAABME/MG0KdyvonM8/s400/DSC04995.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314322077104528626" /></a>this is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">toomuchfood's</span> soup. i think it is something something partridge broth. you'll have to consult his <a href="http://www.toomuchfoodinbeijing.com/">blog</a> for details. overall, the presentation was lovely, with the servers coming out together and pouring the broth over the food in our bowls.<br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBG28C-X2I/AAAAAAAABMM/3GpxSYhySBU/s1600-h/DSC04997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBG28C-X2I/AAAAAAAABMM/3GpxSYhySBU/s400/DSC04997.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314325469942669154" /></a>this photo is a little blah, but i really liked my entree. it was called the "duo of partridge" with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">foie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">gras</span> (of course!). the stuff on the left side of the plate is the thigh meat and on the right side, is the breast meat sitting on top of red cabbage, which was delicious. also on the left are delicate pieces of gingerbread and apple. overall the dish was really nicely balanced and everything just tasted great.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBHxVdBIcI/AAAAAAAABMU/aZqfLfcmUsY/s1600-h/DSC04998.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBHxVdBIcI/AAAAAAAABMU/aZqfLfcmUsY/s400/DSC04998.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314326473195200962" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">toomuchfood's</span> succulent suckling pig dish! i tried a piece and really i wish i could have eaten both entrees. the skin was crispy, and paired with the nice layer of fat beneath, it just melted in my mouth. i am a sucker for crispy pork/duck skin. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBJiQgSriI/AAAAAAAABMc/6snrvp5hsAg/s1600-h/DSC05000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBJiQgSriI/AAAAAAAABMc/6snrvp5hsAg/s400/DSC05000.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314328413191974434" /></a><br /></div><div>and then they were like, "a basket of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">madeleines</span>, please enjoy." really? now? they were warm, soft, spongy, and tasty.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBJyYF8vMI/AAAAAAAABMk/fx4aTqpVlEA/s1600-h/DSC05002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBJyYF8vMI/AAAAAAAABMk/fx4aTqpVlEA/s400/DSC05002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314328690106875074" /></a></div><div>and here are the rest of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mignardises"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">mignardises</span></a> - there was one that was a hazelnut cookie that was amazing.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBMOju0ewI/AAAAAAAABM0/wnk5MvCbltg/s1600-h/DSC05004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBMOju0ewI/AAAAAAAABM0/wnk5MvCbltg/s400/DSC05004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314331373290683138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBLyZd6PnI/AAAAAAAABMs/ak6H5zJQcF8/s1600-h/DSC05003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/ScBLyZd6PnI/AAAAAAAABMs/ak6H5zJQcF8/s400/DSC05003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314330889499065970" /></a>overall the experience was phenomenal. maybe it's just a little bit of that nostalgia for old beijing + being shocked by the new beijing in me - but i felt a little hesitant about loving the experience. i think by the end of it though i had fully embraced it. dining at a place like this would have been inconceivable to me 10 years ago. things were so different then. but now that i'm older, i appreciate the new culture of fine dining in beijing. at the time they were doing this weekly happy hour where you'd get a glass of nice champagne and hor d'oeuvres. i didn't get to try that but next time i'm in town, i would love to stop by.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-58253116359451364622009-02-23T22:07:00.000-08:002009-03-30T13:28:20.156-07:00beijing's 798 art district: part I<p align="center"><a title="DSC_0689 by shoe fiend, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3193820432/"><img alt="DSC_0689" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3193820432_725d0f0cc7.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a></p>for awhile now i'd been hearing about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/798_Art_Zone">798 art district</a> from my sister. a warehouse? with art? and parties? sounds like the type of thing i seek in LA.<br /><br />apparently, it's more than that. i expected a handful of galleries. no one explained that this was a gigantic community that just sprung up in the last few years in beijing. how i wish this had existed when i lived there 10 years ago.<br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC_0660 by shoe fiend, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192971247/"><img alt="DSC_0660" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3192971247_a73d8e2840.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a></p><br />these are warehouses originally built by russia/east germany in the 50s. i have some great shots of the interior with neatly stacked arcs by height and huge windows. really amazing - something i had never seen and definitely a part of beijing i never knew. these will be posted in part 2 - i just have way too many photos.<br /><br />at the same time, i felt a little confused in this huge, campus-like space. i mean, the wiki even has a section on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/798_Art_Zone#Gentrification">gentrification</a>! where am i? los angeles? to me, it's almost inconceivable that i would confront this in beijing. i think part of it is the nostalgia i have for my version of old beijing, when my friends and i would buy ghetto abercrombie knock off pants on the street for $4. it was still a big, international city back then, but lately, it's beginning to lose something i can't really articulate.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC_0652 by shoe fiend, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192970445/"><img alt="DSC_0652" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3192970445_ca1968545e.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a></p><br />the inside of one of many art galleries. (a lot of them forbid photography but oops. it happened anyway.) overall i am really glad to see such a huge contemporary art scene in china. people are finally expressing themselves.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC_0727 by shoe fiend, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192977517/"><img alt="DSC_0727" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3192977517_ff7644618f.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a></p><br />and look - graffiti.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DSC_0710 by shoe fiend, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192975259/"><img alt="DSC_0710" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3192975259_b1166ebe8a.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="DSC_0738 by shoe fiend, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3192980175/"><img alt="DSC_0738" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3192980175_30fb7245e7.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a></p>see the rest of the set <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/sets/72157613586697569/">here</a>.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-17299038836712119402008-12-28T01:08:00.000-08:002009-03-24T15:22:31.030-07:00li jia cai restaurant - appropriating hutongs!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143019053/" title="DSC_0497 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/3143019053_bab4260fb3.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0497" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>i have had my eye on this restaurant ever since i heard about it from <a href="http://www.toomuchfoodinla.blogspot.com/">toomuchfood</a>.<div><br /></div><div>in planning my trip to beijing, i called my mom months ahead of time to ask her to make a reservation and get all the details about this place. though we didn't end up making a reservation until the last minute, we still got in easily for lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div>li jia cai serves "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_aristocrat_cuisine">chinese aristocrat cuisine</a>." i've seen negative reviews about this place charging too much and targeting foreign tourists, but i didn't care. i marched in there fully aware of my cultural appropriation of old beijing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hutong">hutongs</a> (indeed, this was confirmed by the fact that the minute we drove into the alleys, the rickshaw drivers literally started chasing us because they were dying for business. they charge a certain price to give "hutong tours," where they take you through all the alleys and talk about all the old hutongs).<br /><div><br /></div></div>here's a pic of all the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickshaw">rickshaws</a> lined up, freezing outside in hopes of getting some tourists.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SVdNoa5kuWI/AAAAAAAABKg/T8BxKhYWr8Y/s1600-h/DSC_0508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SVdNoa5kuWI/AAAAAAAABKg/T8BxKhYWr8Y/s400/DSC_0508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284778044553476450" /></a><br /></div>after some confusion, we finally made our way to the narrow alley where the entrance was. we stepped through a brightly painted round, green doorway into a tiny courtyard. not exactly a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siheyuan">siheyuan</a>, which i have yet to visit, but very quaint.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143019033/" title="DSC_0407 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3143019033_3d25f5df31.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0407" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143019051/" title="DSC_0485 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3143019051_a0ccf4a058.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0485" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143019037/" title="DSC_0411 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/3143019037_c22e56b188.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0411" /></a><br /></div><br />once in the courtyard our server led us to a very modest room on the left. it was small and plain, with bare walls and white tablecloths. a large electronic heater hung above the table, blasting hot air in my face. throughout the course of the meal, i would see servers bustling outside this window, bringing in food continuously.<br /><br />the menu here is prix fixe, with prices ranging from about 200 yuan to 2000 yuan (~30 USD to 300 USD). i thought everything kind of just got weird after about the 500 yuan set (example: shark fin something or abalone other or sea cucumbers!), so i chose the 330 yuan set. each set comes with 7 or 8 cold dishes and quite a few hot dishes (5? i lost count). everything is portioned per person (so for example, for spare ribs, we got 4 so there was 1 for each person). i like this a lot because i love being able to taste a little bit of everything without getting overwhelmingly full. still, towards the end i thought i would die if one more dish came.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143019041/" title="DSC_0417_2 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/3143019041_98275b65d2.jpg" width="500" height="302" alt="DSC_0417_2" /></a><br /></div><br />cold appetizers - serving size for 4 people. starting with the green blob thing at the top and going clockwise, these are: 1) tofu - looks like avocado but it's not! this was kind of like a mushy preserved tofu, salty and seasoned nicely. called "jade tofu." yum. 2) lettuce root. i don't remember eating this because i was too busy with everything else 3) i know, this doesn't look very pleasant, but it was so delicious...another one of those tofu dishes - made from the course bits that are leftover in tofu production 4) this cute little dish is actually delicate slices of cabbage root coiled together with horseradish dressing 5) i love cold chicken dishes and this one was great - the sauce on top was kind of sweet/sour but not overwhelming 6) disgusting. i took a bite of this and had to spit it out because there was cilantro hidden inside. there's nothing special about this one anyway! just some shredded carrots. 7) in the middle we have sliced pork - what can i say? i love pork.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143019047/" title="DSC_0418 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143019047/" title="DSC_0418 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/3143019047_5b1dfb48bf.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0418" /></a><br /></div><br />here's a close up of this delicious chicken.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143951438/" title="DSC_0419 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3143951438_5c381483b1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0419" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>beef fried in a light batter. really tasty and reminded me of beef jerky, except wrapped in fried yumminess.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143951444/" title="DSC_0420 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/3143951444_5cdc94bb69.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0420" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>fried dough cut into cubes. crispy when you bite into it but nice and chewy later.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143951446/" title="DSC_0421 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3143951446_961c66b41f.jpg" width="500" height="303" alt="DSC_0421" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>i love this dish. meat and veggies are sandwiched between two pieces of lotus root and then battered and fried. you dip this in soy sauce.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143951458/" title="DSC_0424 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3143951458_534ed6a974.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0424" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>this dish was beautifully presented but unfortunately cilantro struck again. it's a tiny cup of egg custard, kept warm by the large cup/device propping it up (hot water inside).<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143140719/" title="DSC_0429 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3143140719_478657de50.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0429" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>these braised pork ribs were sooo juicy and tender - i wish i had more!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143140721/" title="DSC_0431 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/3143140721_599e09fcbb.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0431" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>lightly fried scallops. surprisingly good! the green stuff around it is salty, fried seaweed. oily and crispy - delicious. we also had chicken fried in the same batter. kind of boring so i'm not posting that one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SVdfGAp9uXI/AAAAAAAABKo/xEK7myqCzi0/s1600-h/DSC_0426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SVdfGAp9uXI/AAAAAAAABKo/xEK7myqCzi0/s400/DSC_0426.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284797244602431858" /></a>sea cucumber. ew. after all these years, i finally succumbed to trying one. i only took a small bite. it was crunchy, chewy, and slimy at the same time. kind of tasteless, but really not worth going through the texture for this.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3143991722/" title="DSC_0434 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3143991722_7027174cb4.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0434" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155391687/" title="DSC_0438 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/3155391687_d388ab0002.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0438" /></a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>this dish was one of my favorites of the meal. it's so simple but the flavors were so powerful that this is now one of the most memorable dishes of the set. first you are given a juicy piece of fatty pork sitting in light broth with cabbage. then you mix some rice into the dish, along with soy sauce to taste. i slurped this down and ate the pork practically in one bite.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3156235608/" title="DSC_0444 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/3156235608_12fa0edd22.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0444" /></a><br /></div><br />another savory dish: stir fried eggplant with ground pork. this is a classic chinese dish, and it was really great here without being overwhelmingly oily.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155395633/" title="DSC_0439 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3155395633_13386ae4b9_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0439" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>lobster!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155513939/" title="DSC_0433 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/3155513939_c46e5c6c1f_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0433" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>shrimp! (the little cubes on top are like tiny french fries, except crispier and better - i love little details like this.)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155513945/" title="DSC_0455 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/3155513945_1a5f1bc8e6_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0455" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>delicious lightly fried fish.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155548339/" title="DSC_0474 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3155548339_949a2675f7_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0474" /></a><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155548343/" title="DSC_0475 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/3155548343_09d194d233_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0475" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>...so i didn't know we'd be getting beijing duck too. AUGH! i couldn't imagine eating this at this point. but i did. their duck is cooked differently. instead of the usual beijing duck roasting method, they first roast it and then finish it off by lightly frying the duck. this made the duck extra crispy outside but still tender inside. it was delicious!<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155548331/" title="DSC_0471 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/3155548331_6ea469f08f_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0471" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155513949/" title="DSC_0467 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155513949/" title="DSC_0467 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3155513949_31725c594e_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0467" /></a><br /></div></div><br />a few "dessert" items. candied walnuts and berries.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155548351/" title="DSC_0481 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3155548351_5fda0150fa_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0481" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155548359/" title="DSC_0483 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3155548359/" title="DSC_0483 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/3155548359_b4ffbf6f77_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0483" /></a><br /></div></div><br />...and then we finally rolled ourselves out of the restaurant.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-46133584234622999182008-12-27T18:43:00.000-08:002009-03-24T15:24:02.125-07:00digital overload<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SVhB43cPqPI/AAAAAAAABKw/8AVTSnSJdvo/s1600-h/DSC03147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_azJT5-Z_xww/SVhB43cPqPI/AAAAAAAABKw/8AVTSnSJdvo/s400/DSC03147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285046607930173682" /></a>when i was packing for beijing i realized that i would seem a little crazy - i was bringing 3 cameras (nikon d80, sony cybershot, and a holga), 2 phones (iphone, and global gsm motorola phone to use in beijing), along with all respective chargers and usb connection devices. of course, then there is my laptop. i had to do a photoshoot of all my electronic equipment.<div><br /></div><div>can't there be 1 universal wire that does EVERYTHING???</div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-9527028205044648742008-12-24T18:33:00.000-08:002009-03-24T15:23:36.100-07:00crazy cctv building<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134529256/" title="DSC_0336 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3134529256_40fb770533.jpg" alt="DSC_0336" width="500" height="" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>apparently, they were trying to finish this in time for the olympics but that didn't happen. cctv is china's main television network - this building is amazing!shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-21833547494442187912008-12-24T16:12:00.001-08:002009-03-24T15:22:31.035-07:00beijing kao ya / peking duck!every time i'm in beijing, my parents take me to the beijing da dong roast duck restaurant - one of the best peking duck places here. i don't ever remember eating peking duck anywhere else.<div><br /></div><div>i couldn't wait that morning to get out of bed so we could come here for lunch. to my pleasant surprise, the restaurant has evolved in the past 3 years to include a wide range of food. the menu was literally a thick hard cover book, with artistic photos for each item taking up an entire page.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134482634/" title="DSC_0262 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3134482634_1f64f9820a.jpg" width="500" height="354" alt="DSC_0262" /></a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>it was overwhelming to think that i would have to make room for the duck AND all this great, creative food. but i did it! </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134482638/" title="DSC_0266 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/3134482638_b1d758bf6e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0266" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>salad - i don't think i even touched this<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134482642/" title="DSC_0267 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3134482642_cef1ab872d.jpg" width="500" height="311" alt="DSC_0267" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134482646/" title="DSC_0271 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/3134482646_3b4e36ae24.jpg" width="500" height="362" alt="DSC_0271" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134482646/" title="DSC_0271 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><div><br /></div>one of my favorite dishes here. i think it's called something like "duck treasure" - tender pieces of duck in a savory hoisin sauce with pine nuts and beans, cupped by a delicate crispy "nest" on lettuce!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134482652/" title="DSC_0269 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3134482652_d3a04a209c.jpg" width="500" height="337" alt="DSC_0269" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>some kind of sprout (looks like pea sprouts but apparently it's from some kind of tree?)<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498134/" title="DSC_0272 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/3134498134_459aa144dc.jpg" width="500" height="248" alt="DSC_0272" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498134/" title="DSC_0272 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498144/" title="DSC_0276 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3134498144_b63b94d047.jpg" width="500" height="297" alt="DSC_0276" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498144/" title="DSC_0276 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498148/" title="DSC_0277 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3134498148_d7d949097b.jpg" width="500" height="292" alt="DSC_0277" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498148/" title="DSC_0277 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><br />this was one of those amazing "new" dishes. on the left side is smoked salmon and some kind of crumbs rolled into a layer of avocados. on the left side are tiny fried dough-like objects. it was beautifully presented. when it came to the table the avocado roll had a round glass over it. inside, it was cloudy - when the server lifted the glass the smoke rose into the air and it smelled like our house when we bbq with wood chips. i wish i got a picture of it before they did that!<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498154/" title="DSC_0280 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/3134498154_2a3ba76fe3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0280" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>another one of those new inventions. it came in a huge black bowl, and when i peered over the edge, two plump birds constructed with bak choy lay next to an "egg". it actually wasn't an egg, but steamed fish shaped like an egg. inside the egg, the "yolk" was made of crab roe. this was so creative and absolutely delicious!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498160/" title="DSC_0283 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3134498160_35764fd734.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0283" /></a><br /></div><br />another staple. cabbage with chestnuts.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134498162/" title="DSC_0286 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3134498162_c74242985f.jpg" width="500" height="306" alt="DSC_0286" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>stir fried bean sprouts and green bell pepper.</div><br />*PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL THIS FOOD WAS BEFORE THE DUCK!!<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134523226/" title="DSC_0290 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3134523226_b4f1d6a58f.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0290" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>FINALLY. here comes our whole duck. the servers stand next to your table and carve it for you.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134523224/" title="DSC_0289 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3134523224_a710dd354e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0289" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>all the duck condiments. on the top left corner, you have sliced cucumbers and turnips. to the right of that, hoisin sauce and scallions; bottom right - garlic and sugar, and the last one is 2 types of pickles.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134523232/" title="DSC_0296 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3134523232_edca97bafc.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0296" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>these are the thin pancakes you use to make your little duck "burrito"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134523234/" title="DSC_0298 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3134523234_4bf7df3ecc.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0298" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>mmm duck. 1 whole duck makes about 2 plates like this, plus the head (which i stay away from)<div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134529238/" title="DSC_0299 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3134529238_174f003163.jpg" width="500" height="303" alt="DSC_0299" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134523238/" title="DSC_0300 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/3134523238_b0347c1f65.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="DSC_0300" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>you can dip the crispy skin in sugar and eat it that way too. really indulgent.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134529242/" title="DSC_0301 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3134529242_a9a12f21e5.jpg" width="500" height="314" alt="DSC_0301" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>duck soup - just a basic broth. SOOO good and flavorful, and not at all oily/greasy. i had two bowls.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134523244/" title="DSC_0303 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/3134523244_68840e4f29.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0303" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>finally we get to "dessert" - this is an almond jelly/soupy like concoction.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3134529246/" title="DSC_0317 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3134529246_428d118268.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0317" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>and fruit! i looove the little clementine looking things - they have a really weird english name which i'll research later but basically they are teeny tiny oranges and you eat the skin too.<br /><br />i don't think we ate dinner that night. at least, we just had some light snacks. this was worth it - i am going to try to go back again before i leave!!<br /><br /></div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-90989038127054481962008-12-21T15:42:00.000-08:002009-03-24T15:22:31.037-07:00dinner - (how is it possible to eat again after bellagio?)<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124599337/" title="DSC_0241 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3124599337_c2fc996b4f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0241" /></a><br /></div><br />after walking around at this crazy new luxury mall (where i felt like i was either at bloomingdales or rodeo drive - which i never go to - because everything was gucci, prada, chanel, juicy couture, etc etc) we actually went to dinner.<br /><br />since i was still in a food coma from lunch, i just asked for some simple, casual food...it really didn't matter to me where we went because i was so grateful to just be here. i asked for some "jia chang cai", which means basically home cooking - like the casual chinese dishes you eat everyday at home. mainly, i wanted my favorite potato dish - "tu dou si" - julienned potatoes stir fried with green pepper. see description from chungking post <a href="http://udonandstilettos.blogspot.com/2008/08/chung-king-restaurant-monterey-park.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124599349/" title="DSC_0244 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3124599349_856c7e3e0e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0244" /></a><br /></div><br />edamame - according to my dad, this was soaked in cooking wine?<div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124599369/" title="DSC_0246 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3124599369_ccaf6511c3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0246" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>veggies! however, this was kind of salty and covered in msg. tasty, but my palate is adjusting to the strength in flavors. <div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124599389/" title="DSC_0249 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3124599389_7dc318d61f.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0249" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>a chicken soup - the broth was wonderfully thick and heavy and there were tiny shreds of coconut mixed in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124599399/" title="DSC_0250 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3124599399_efba250d15.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0250" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>yet another delicious fatty dish i always eat in beijing: "mei cai kou rou," meaning preserved vegetable with meat. but the pork is soooo fatty (and delicious and great for my arteries!). i poked it with my chopstick and could see gooey fat coming out. the preserved vegetable stuff at the bottom is what i really love.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124599417/" title="DSC_0253 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3124599417_87be679036.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0253" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124599417/" title="DSC_0253 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><br />the best way to eat the pork dish is to stick a piece in these buns. mm! the golden colored ones you see are baked, while the white ones are steamed. you can dip the baked ones in this creamy condensed milk sauce - sounds weird but really satisfying.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124604809/" title="DSC_0255 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3124604809_eea7d662a7_b.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0255" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>finally, our potato dish arrived. sadly, my parents were extremely unhappy with the way the restaurant butchered this dish. i, however, had less discerning taste since i was just grateful to be eating practically ANYTHING here. but they cooked this in soy sauce (no!) and in oil that had chinese peppers in it (which numbs your mouth). i ate a few bites and thought it was edible, but my parents were vehemently against this dish, telling the server to tell the chef to taste it himself. hilarious! <div><br /></div><div>also, upon further inspection from our takeout bag, i noticed that this restaurant is translated as "golden tripod attic." huh??<div><br /></div><div>i'm off to eat "beijing kao ya" (aka peking duck) in a few hours. but first, i must eat the leftovers from these previous meals for breakfast!</div></div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-20731488164934204732008-12-21T07:48:00.000-08:002009-03-24T15:22:31.038-07:00the eating begins - very first lunch<div style="text-align: left;">after i woke up from a 2 hour nap, i immediately started eating. just for fun i weighed myself so i can see just how much weight i will gain from this trip.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>the first place i want to eat whenever i come back to beijing is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">always</span> bellagio, a taiwanese restaurant. we ordered a feast - the waitress questioned our judgment. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125401710/" title="DSC_0167 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/3125401710_8c71bcee38.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0167" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124541117/" title="DSC_0169 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/3124541117_7806b2abab.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0169" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>my absolute must have. stewed pork with egg, over rice. fatty pork, actually.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124542541/" title="DSC_0170 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3124542541_fb6589fdf1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0170" /></a><br /></div></div><br />this is called "pi dan tofu" - it's a soft, cold piece of tofu mixed with chinese pork shreds (dried - never knew what they really are), and preserved duck egg. one of my favorite appetizers.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124545037/" title="DSC_0171 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3124545037_5d4b8340d1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0171" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>on the menu, this is called dragon something. it's a type of vegetable i've never seen anywhere else. again, another staple of bellagio that i get every single time.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124546401/" title="DSC_0173 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3124546401_95e6c21bf0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0173" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>this is a tofu dish in a clay pot, cooked with pork. really rich, seasoned and flavorful.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125375556/" title="DSC_0176 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3125375556_289e8a793c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0176" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>i don't even know what this is! i just asked my mom for some kind of fish and this thing appeared. YUMMY. i think it was some sort of white fish; it's sitting over one of those heating trays.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125381632/" title="DSC_0181 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3125381632_7755bf1911.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0181" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>this one is a new one for me. spare ribs dusted with cumin - i think maybe a little untraditional but i had to try it. it had a nice kick to it - i was the only one eating this! i think there may be leftovers in the fridge right now...hmmm given my jet lag it might not be such a bad snack as i write this at 7:30am!<div><br /></div><div>also - did i mention i got a nikon d80 for my birthday from destructor?? (he is the best!) thanks to the new snazzy camera, i am able to shoot all this wonderful stuff on my trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>i also ghetto-rigged it with these great close-up lenses recommended by the guy at bel-air camera when he saw my face after telling me that the macro lens was $500 (on sale!). who needs that when i can shoot close ups like this with those things?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125379378/" title="DSC_0179 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3125379378_e27fb11e58.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0179" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>this was the least interesting. a seafood noodle soup dish twice the size of my head, the flavors were confusing to me. the noodles were like chow mein noodles but the broth reminded me of some thai/other southeast asian dishes.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125401716/" title="DSC_0182_2 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3125401716_ccb8783714.jpg" width="500" height="229" alt="DSC_0182_2" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125401716/" title="DSC_0182_2 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125401716/" title="DSC_0182_2 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"></a><div><br /></div>last but not least, another staple: "san bei ji" or "three cup chicken" - chopped chicken cooked with three types of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanbeiji">sauces</a>.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-33426316800600311382008-12-21T05:31:00.000-08:002009-03-24T15:23:15.451-07:00beijing<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124421293/" title="air china by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3124421293_a009dde804.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="air china" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124421299/" title="air china food by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/3124421299_ef781b362f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="air china food" /></a><br /></div><br />today i am in beijing. it's been nearly 3 years since i was last here, and this trip is definitely going to be an interesting one. it's sunday, and i just got here this morning. i lost my saturday, and it feels like i've had one day that lasted more than 48 hours, packed with 6 meals. my brain is foggy but i did manage to eat a ton of food already!<br /><br />anyway, this is the new international terminal. never seen it before but it has the same feel as the old one. when you go through customs there is a button that asks you to rate the service, marked with smiley faces (or frowning ones).<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124421301/" title="beijing airport by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3124421301_4a5152c6f2.jpg" width="500" height="242" alt="beijing airport" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124421315/" title="beijing airport by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3124421315_a60ce0e797.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="beijing airport" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124421315/" title="beijing airport by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><br />my sister and i come home to a nice, simple warm breakfast (it's 7am). our parents got us chinese donuts from kfc. yea, they have everything at kfc here. all types of chinese food.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125311556/" title="DSC_0154 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3125311556_cd0583bf49.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0154" /></a><br /></div><br />after breakfast, i took a nap. my parents moved into a new apartment so i've never been here before, but all my old furniture from high school is here...truly disorienting.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3124485737/" title="DSC_0159 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/3124485737_13918b7576.jpg" width="500" height="" alt="DSC_0159" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125401704/" title="DSC_0160_2 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3125401704_3d0959580c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0160_2" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3125401704/" title="DSC_0160_2 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><br />this is the view from my window. unfamiliar, yet still comforting...<br /><br /><br /></div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-91958493261765047822008-11-09T21:26:00.000-08:002008-11-09T21:37:57.792-08:00peruvian chicken noodle soup for a sick boy<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3018546694/" title="peruvian chicken noodle soup by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/3018546694_ab418a9224.jpg" alt="peruvian chicken noodle soup" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />poor destructor was suffering from a cold, so i decided to bite the bullet and try this recipe i had been eyeing in my saveur magazine.<br /><br />i had been really lazy about trying this mainly because the recipe called for simmering the chicken broth for over 3 hours. who has that kind of time? but since we were staying in all saturday, it was the perfect opportunity to make this.<br /><br />the soup was amaaaaaaazing. i omitted cilantro (my arch-nemesis), and added tons of lime juice (i really like tangy flavors). the chopped green stuff you see is mint i decided to add (again, die cilantro, die die die!), which worked out really well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/3018548614/" title="peruvian chicken noodle soup by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3018548614_e136871027.jpg" alt="peruvian chicken noodle soup" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><br />you can find the recipe <a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/Food/Peruvian-Chicken-Soup">here</a>.shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-91284333459257579782008-10-15T19:51:00.000-07:002008-10-15T19:59:10.966-07:00images from an analog world<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2906854526/" title="hollywoodlights by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2906854526_d1bdb26013.jpg" alt="hollywoodlights" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">headlights on hollywood blvd.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2906850610/" title="redblinds by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2906850610_d3a8fdef8f.jpg" alt="redblinds" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">red blinds.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2906859158/" title="chungking and shoes by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2906859158_388b40c805.jpg" alt="chungking and shoes" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">nikes and sichuan food.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2906868184/" title="bar by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2906868184_bc82037577.jpg" alt="bar" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">a stroll down hollywood blvd.<br /><br />shot with a holga 120cfn.</div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-21801319224785976772008-10-13T22:00:00.000-07:002008-11-09T21:38:16.579-08:00sunday breakfast: savory potato hash with smoked troutwhen issues of <span style="font-style: italic;">Saveur</span> mysteriously started to show up in my mailbox addressed to my sister, i didn't complain. there is some great stuff in the mag and it's the only one i read cover to cover (sad - i'd like to claim the same for my <span style="font-style: italic;">Economist</span> but this is simply not true)<br /><br />there are so many recipes i've seen in all the issues i've gotten, but for some reason the one i spotted earlier last week needed immediate attention. it sounded simple enough and the description sounded delicious.<br /><br />so i made a classic potato hash for breakfast on sunday morning. but it contains smoked trout, which was a cool twist. it was easy even though the actual cooking time was a little long, and there were pieces of potato, chives, and onions all over my kitchen after i was done. i looooove the creme fraiche that goes on top. mmmm.<br /><br />i also made a nice little fried egg to go with it. we ate this while lounging around and watching <span style="font-style: italic;">real time with bill maher</span>, where stephen moore of the <span style="font-style: italic;">wsj</span> said some really crazy, crazy things.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2939779137/" title="hash with smoked trout by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2939779137_91f4f0e008.jpg" alt="hash with smoked trout" height="" width="600" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">smoked trout hash<br /></span>4 tbsp butter<br />1 lb boiled and cooled russet potatoes, cut into 1/2" cubes<br />1 small yellow onion, finely chopped<br />1/4 lb boneless smoked trout flaked into 1/2" chunks<br />1/4 cup heavy cream<br />1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill (i didn't use this)<br />1/4 tsp cayenne pepper<br />1 clove finely chopped garlic<br />salt and pepper<br />creme fraiche<br />2 tsp prepared horseradish (didn't use this)<br />fresh chives (substituted for dill in the potatoes, and used for garnish as well)<br />1 lemon<br /><br />heat 3 tbsp. unsalted butter in a 10" skillet over med-high heat<br />add the potatoes, cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 8-10 minutes<br />add 1 tbsp butter and the chopped yellow onion<br />cook until onions are soft - about 10 minutes<br />add the trout, heavy cream, dill, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt/pepper to taste<br />stir to combine<br />turn hash in parts every 2 minutes, until potatoes are golden brown, about 12 minutes<br />divide hash between plates<br />combine 3 tbsp creme fraiche with the horseradish<br />garnish hash with sauce, finely chopped chives, and squeeze of lemon<br />servings: 2<br /><br />recipe from Saveur Magazine, October 2008<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-40922236999496708702008-08-03T21:41:00.000-07:002008-08-04T15:18:59.145-07:00chung king restaurant, monterey park<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2730239559/" title="chung king restaurant front by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2730239559_e177d7cf0c.jpg" alt="chung king restaurant front" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />i've been wanting to try this restaurant forever. i first found it online in some reviews on a whim when i was craving spicy sichuan ("szechuan") food. i think i was always waiting for the right time to come, but today i was feeling very decisive. we wanted to get brunch and when neither jone's nor little next door sounded appetizing, i said, "let's go to chung king!!"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2730239405/" title="chung king restaurant by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2730239405_86ebff69ec_b.jpg" alt="chung king restaurant" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />this is the extreme opposite of going to little next door, sitting on the sidewalk, and watching pretty people order tiny portions while sipping on a $12 mimosa like drink.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2730239363/" title="sichuan appetizer by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2730239363_be2ac676f9_b.jpg" alt="sichuan appetizer" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />cold appetizers. i didn't realize at first but you can go right up to the counter and order this (they are all out and displayed, under heat lamps) before you order/while you're waiting for your food. we chose the beancurd skin (i don't know what it's called in english but that's what it is in chinese), pickled green beans, and roasted peanuts. the peanuts have the most amazing flavor: a little oily but very well seasoned and with a hint of sweetness. the pickled veggies are a favorite of mine. when i put this in my mouth i was whisked back in time to the days when i was a kid and my grandma would make this for us. she would pickle all the vegetables herself in her kitchen, sichuan style (both sides of my families are originally from sichuan).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2730239439/" title="fried chicken with peppers by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2730239439_bed74f02c1_b.jpg" alt="fried chicken with peppers" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />this is one of my favorite sichuan dishes. whenever i was in china at a restaurant that had this, i would make my parents order it even though NO ONE ate it but me. it's basically little pieces of battered, fried chopped chicken stir-fried with a ton of red peppers. you don't eat the peppers. but my favorite thing about this dish is digging through the peppers which make a dry rustling noise in order to find the little pieces of chicken.<br /><br />there's also sichuan peppercorns in here, which give the dish a unique kind of "numbing spicy" flavor (called "ma la" in chinese). eventually there wasn't much chicken left - just bits of fried batter, which i have to admit are good nonetheless.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2730239479/" title="fried chicken with peppers and plate by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2730239479_7a38a61502_b.jpg" alt="fried chicken with peppers and plate" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />here's a close up of the peppers. i love the homely plate that this dish was served on. at this point in the meal i started feeling really nostalgic about past years/months/weeks/days spent in china. i really wanted to be in my grandma's kitchen at that moment.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2730249957/" title="stir fried potatoes by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2730249957_86e26d7554_b.jpg" alt="stir fried potatoes" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />this was the dish that sent me over the edge with nostalgia. it's thinly sliced potato strips, stir fried with peppers and vinegar. this is called "tou do si" and growing up, my parents would make it for me all the time. they usually skip the chili peppers and use green bell peppers instead. this version was very tasty and it made me crave the version i used to have all the time at home.<br /><br />i loved everything here and really want to come back again soon. but my stomach was complaining a little after this because i ate sooo much spicy food all at once. as far as authenticity goes, this place is one of the best i've encountered here in l.a.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">chung king restaurant</span><br /><address style="font-style: italic;"> 206 S Garfield Ave<br /> Monterey Park, CA 91754 </address> <span style="font-style: italic;" id="bizPhone">(626) 280-7430<br />cash only!!<br /></span>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-18209142391541092602008-07-22T22:09:00.000-07:002008-07-22T22:13:16.548-07:00my first roll from my holga - success!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2693129937/" title="gloria's in culver city by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2693129937_46b81d359f.jpg" alt="gloria's in culver city" height="500" width="493" /></a><br /></div><br />out of 12 exposures, i got about six that i really really liked. at least now i know my holga doesn't really have light streaks. yet.<br /><br />this is gloria's cafe on venice blvd. i double exposed this shot. we had yummy pupusas and pork adobado here. and the mexican chocolate. mmm. i think i have pictures; i'll post them separately.<br /><br />now, on to downtown los angeles.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2693129943/" title="hot dog cart downtown los angeles by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2693129943_1721e7e5fc.jpg" alt="hot dog cart downtown los angeles" height="500" width="493" /></a><br /></div><br />broadway and 4th.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2693129981/" title="dress shop broadway and 4th by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2693129981_b42e9905cc.jpg" alt="dress shop broadway and 4th" height="500" width="493" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2693129955/" title="dress shop downtown los angeles by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2693129955_4e737c2c5d.jpg" alt="dress shop downtown los angeles" height="500" width="493" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2693230383/" title="shoes_building by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2693230383_dc425e0217.jpg" alt="shoes_building" height="500" width="493" /></a><br /></div>shoes from blends double exposed with the building across the street. 4th and main.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2693129931/" title="siamese cat! by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2693129931_66291b7c53.jpg" alt="siamese cat!" height="500" width="493" /></a><br /></div><br />zorro the cat. double exposed. he was laying down and when he noticed i was snapping pics of him with a blue flash, he jumped at at me (which is the predominant shot you see here).<br /><br />overall, i was happy with my first roll but i felt the colors were a little washed out. i adjusted the color a little - mostly just increased the contrast. can't wait to see what my next roll is like!shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-87147489605279787292008-07-21T22:33:00.000-07:002008-07-21T22:40:37.840-07:00holga = my new hobby<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2652339880/" title="holga box by jenjen77tx, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2652339880_5000b0557b_b.jpg" alt="holga box" height="" width="550" /></a><br /></div><br />so a couple of weeks ago, destructor and i were out for a stroll when we met holga. ok so it wasn't a stroll, but an intentional afternoon of shopping/consumerism. we found holga at turntable lab on fairfax, and it looked so curious and fascinating that we had to have it. he got it for me as a gift, and i am grateful because it now gives me a new hobby and perspective on the world.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2652339902/" title="holga by jenjen77tx, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2652339902_f152750f17_b.jpg" alt="holga" height="" width="550" /></a><br /></div><br />what is a holga? i'm not sure how to explain this. it's a little plastic camera - not particularly well made - that has a long history. it has a plastic lens, and captures the essence of snapshot photography. (plus, your photos come out square. isn't that enough to love it?) to me, having this camera is like being forced to travel back in time. it is the opposite of the high tech digital canon that i have. you have to get your hands dirty.<br /><br />let me back up. apparently, in 1982, the russians were inspired by a little japanese camera. they based their <a href="http://shop.lomography.com/microsites/lca/">lomo lc-a</a> camera (the "lomo kompakt automat"!) on it and thus a whole <a href="http://www.lomography.com/">sub-culture</a> was ultimately born.<br /><br />then (or, simultaneously?), a plastic low-tech camera was developed in hong kong. originally, this was meant for people who wanted to partake in casual photography: this was a cheap medium-format camera with all the basic mechanisms needed. this was called "ho gwong" in chinese which meant "very bright" - of course they then put a european spin on it and thus the "<a href="http://www.lomography.com/holga/about">holga</a>" was born! eventually the holga ended up in the hands of artsy people and institutions, its reputation gaining momentum until it officially became a part of the <a href="http://www.lomography.com/">lomographic society</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2652339918/" title="holga starter kit by jenjen77tx, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2652339918_68fa2da76e.jpg" alt="holga starter kit" height="385" width="550" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">in the older/original models, there were some manufacturing defects that ironically became the reason why people loved this camera so much. the body was not constructed well, and would cause several light leaks. this gave shots taken with a holga a very distinct personality. the idea that you never knew what mood your holga was in was perplexing, challening, and fun. people always say, you could get only 1 good shot out of a whole roll while all the others are crap, or if you're lucky you might get lots of beautiful shots.<br /><br />a common characteristic of these shots is the vignetting around the edges. i still haven't figured out what makes it stronger in some shots vs others. on my first roll, only 1 shot had this effect. why?? another fun thing you can do (and this works against you, too), is multiple exposures on one frame. like i mentioned, everything is super-manual. it took me 30 minutes to load my first roll into my camera. i felt like i had traveled back in time. i was afraid every little thing i was doing was going to ruin the film. i also had to cut a tiny piece of cardboard out of a random box to wedge underneath the film because it wasn't staying straight (the holga is notorious for this, which will give you shots that are crooked. not cool) anyway, you have to manually advance the film in order to go to the next shot. if you forget to do this, you will take your next shot on the same frame, causing either 1) a really creative/interesting/fun image or 2) ruining both your shots.<br /><br />but the double exposure is why i love this camera. i can play with it and see what comes out later. the first time i took a photo, i felt really weird. living in a world of digital technology makes you take everything for granted. we are so spoiled - we go through life with digital confirmations. did that email go out? who called you on your cell? how did that last photo turn out? just look at the display on your digital camera.<br /><br />with the holga, i clicked and got nothing. there i was standing on the street, holding what could have easily been a plastic toy, not knowing if my picture actually "registered" or how it would turn out. it gave me anxiety.<br /><br />however, i got over this very quickly. it forced a perspective shift upon me. and that's what life is all about. you have to bring change onto yourself, so you can see things differently.<br /><br />next up: photos from the holga AND how to pimp your holga.<br /></div></div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-24544296325242136692008-07-14T21:53:00.000-07:002008-07-14T22:17:12.678-07:00fairfax @ oakwood ave<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2670534402/" title="DSC04342 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2670534402_1725807218.jpg" alt="DSC04342" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />why did it take me so long to come here? after getting <a href="http://udonandstilettos.blogspot.com/2008/07/merkato.html">ethiopian food</a> destructor and i drove up the street to check out the shops on this block. strange, i'd been here to the dime and canter's many times, but i guess that was all at night and i completely missed the surrounding shops. this block is lined with several hot boutiques for sneakers/streetwear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2670534446/" title="DSC04343 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2670534446_58ccb2025e.jpg" alt="DSC04343" height="261" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />can you see turntable lab? in the middle there. inside, we found something that would change my life forever! destructor picked up a <a href="http://www.lomography.com/holga/packages">holga starter kit</a> and we couldn't take our eyes off of it. he ended up buying it for me. it took me awhile to decide what color i wanted. there was a bright red one, and another that was yellow, blue, and hot pink - which looked totally crazy altogether but i loved it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2670534498/" title="DSC04346 by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2670534498_32cfa80e93.jpg" alt="DSC04346" height="" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>but wait, there's more! i walked into this thrift store and was mostly uninterested until i literally had one foot out the door and something in my peripheral vision caught my eye. the glittering bags and shoes behind the counter. i found a stash of (real, i am pretty sure!) vintage chanel bags! there was a gorgeous large boxy white one, but on sale it was still $100. however, i peeked behind it and discovered a tiny light gold baby one that had the cutest shape i'd ever seen. it was marked down from $200 to $40. sold!</div>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484088317491903316.post-30693578330658704032008-07-10T23:01:00.000-07:002008-07-14T16:14:37.454-07:00merkato<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2657248621/" title="merkato by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2657248621_b874c67b6f_b.jpg" alt="merkato" height="" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />i love love love ethiopian food. last week destructor and i went to <a href="http://ethiopianmerkato.com/">merkato</a>, a favorite of ours. whenever i come in here, i instantly feel relaxed, ready to chill over a nice slow meal. maybe it's the cozy decor or the bright umbrellas.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2657248675/" title="merkato- fish by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2657248675_38e44728ac_b.jpg" alt="merkato- fish" height="" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />this fish dish is amazing. the fish is lightly fried and somehow not oily at all. all the succulent flavors are sealed inside with their method of cooking. the outside is crispy and has amazing flavor. plus, you get all their vegetarian sides too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2657248795/" title="merkato fish close up by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2657248795_1e911f81a1_b.jpg" alt="merkato fish close up" height="" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />close up of one of my favorite fish dishes in LA. it' currently #13 on the <a href="http://ethiopianmerkato.com/merkato/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26">menu</a>. get it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2657248753/" title="merkato spongy bread by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2657248753_59007f2f9c_b.jpg" alt="merkato spongy bread" height="" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />spongey bread! well, this is what i call the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Injera">injera</a>, which is a staple of ethiopian cuisine. i love merkato's because it tastes just right here. (sometimes it can be a little too sour) you use this soft pancake like substance to scoop up your food - wrap it around, eat it by itself, dip it, whatever.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33075521@N00/2657248715/" title="merkato vegetarian combo by shoe fiend, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/2657248715_9486ae3230_b.jpg" alt="merkato vegetarian combo" height="" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />this is a close up of my vegetarian platter. no matter how hard i try i can't bring myself to order anything else on the menu. it comes with the following: <br /><br />1. special shiro: ground peas cooked in red sauce with special spices and tomatoes<br />2. lentils: split lentils in red pepper sauce seasoned with assorted spices<br />3. collard greens: steamed and seasoned with garlic and pepper<br />4. yatklt alicha: steamed cabbage and potato seasoned with assorted spices<br />5. yekeke alicha: peas in mild sauce seasoned with spices<br /><br />you'll notice the mysterious/vague reference to these secret "assorted spices". i'm not sure what they are exactly, but rest assured that it is a delicious blend of powerful, intoxicating flavors. some of the pea/lentil dishes remind me of curry. you also get a small tomato salad with this, which is basically fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapenos. really refreshing and yummy.<br /><br />if you are with a group and love coffee, definitely order the ethiopian coffee. i've had it here and it's wonderful. order it in the beginning of your meal because sometimes it can take awhile (they make it fresh).<br /><br />afterwards you can go up the street to the canter's area and shop at all the cool stores (next post!).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">merkato ethiopian restaurant & market</span><br /><address> 1036 1/2 S Fairfax Avenue<br /> Los Angeles, CA 90019 </address> <span id="bizPhone">(323) 935-1775</span>shoe monsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02115567032368083337noreply@blogger.com0