Rise n shine people..uppy wake uppy wake!!! I had an epiphany to write this latest blog, truly inspired by one Delonte West formerly of the Cleveland Cavaliers, currently suiting up for the Boston Celtics. If you hadn't seen this YouTube clip of him schooling young JJ Hickson on the fine art of rookie hazing. Peep it out below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZukVN_djZds
Sure I love a wholesome breakfast of eggs, grits, pancakes, sausage or bacon..but sometimes when you're a man on the go like I am you need a quick fix. A quick fix of enriched flour and sugar. That sweet pastry behind the glass counter, the aroma percolating from the outside as you bask in the afterglow of heavenly bliss. That's right I'm talkin about donuts, doughnuts..not danishes, or bagels, nor English muffins...DONUTS Fool!!
See now this is where the donut aficionado comes out...I'm not talking about Krispy Kreme, Winchell's, Dunkin Donuts or Yum Yums...those are traditional donut powerhouses. I'm talking about the corner donut shops, you know there's one in every town, every community. In my 8 years of living in Riverside Co. I have yet to find one. Man I miss those days in high school walking...yes I had to walk to school. I'd meet up with my boys on the corner of 97th St & Normandie Ave..Eric, Chopper, Fat Tyrone we'd make that daily morning trek to the Washington H.S.(Prep Still Don't Like Nobody). We always stop at good ol Kindle's Donuts 10003 S. Normandie Ave Los Angeles, CA right on the corner of Century and Normandie...for my bus riders you know where the 117 and the 206 meet...anyway. Kindle's "the big donut in the sky" has been a hood landmark since 1953, so I was told. Serving up fresh donuts all day long...there's been times where I've snuck out after midnight and got me a proper cinnamon roll and its always fresh..Siempre!!!
Back in the day $1 dollar could get you plenty, you could get one of the following:
A Baker's dozen of Donut Holes, little small donut balls they came in either plain, glazed, cake or sprinkles.
2 buttermilk donut bars..Maple was the shiznit
2 Old Fashion glazed donuts, 2 glazed twists, etc
Bear Claw, Apple Fritter, Texas Donut, Cinnamon Roll, etc.
I know there's a ton of other donuts I'm missing eclairs, crullers and all that other crap..but I'm talking about DONUTS Fool. What made Kindle's stand out was the fact that the donuts were nice size, soft and fresh. Kindle understood that the key to making great donuts was in the presentation and preservation of the donuts. Some places the donuts look all dried out or over glazed to hide the staleness, no sir not at Kindle's what you saw was what you got...delicious all the time. I don't know all the ins and outs of the donut art, but Kindle had it down. I've yet to have a bad Kindle's donut. I believe you will say the some once you savor the flavor of one of these hood treats.
Sometimes there use to be this guy we all called "Fred" he'd always hit us up everyone morning for some change to buy a donut, "What's up young buck, help a trigga get his mo'nin fix"? What I couldn't understand was, you had money to smoke that J dangling from your mouth, but you didn't have $0.45 cent to buy a jelly donut? Also, Fred please dont blow your smoke in my direction, I'm 14, I don't need the smell of ganja on me before 1st period Algebra...thankfully the aroma of those tasty donuts baking overpowered even the stickiest of the mean green. Not to mention the trail of empty bottles of Hennessey that lined Normandie Ave, an early indication of gangbangin activities from the night before...classic memories :)
This is definitely my slice of heaven on Earth when it comes to Donuts. There are a few other spots listed below that are on that list and if you are ever in the L.A. area and you want a bomb donut experience stop by and holla at Kindle's there's only one location so its nearest you!!!
Honorable Mention
Randy's Donut's - Inglewood, CA
Granny's Donuts - Long Beach, CA (The on on PCH near LBCC)
24-Seven Donuts - Long Beach, CA
Fresh Donuts - Lynwood, CA
Donut Master - Gardena, CA
Of course I could go on for days, but you catch my drift...See you on the warpath to donut greatness :)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles...Good Eats
Okay this post isn't anything new, but really for those who are "new" to the concept of Fried Chicken with Waffles. I know I know "That doesn't even sound like a good combination". Nor did "Catfish & Grits" the first time I heard it, but once I tried it I loved it. It's a Southern thang and there is no explaining it. All I'm saying is please please please..Don't Knock It, Til You Try It. I've been venturing to Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles since I was in high school. Brian (Anderson), Carl (King) and myself use to hit Roscoe's up at least every other weekend. Just as a spot for us to come together and break bread. The best spot to have Roscoe's is of course on Pico Blvd and La Brea Ave (West L.A.) - 5006 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA. This was our first encounter with Mama, no not yo Mama, but Mama. This older Black woman calls everybody "baby" and she will treat you straight up like you are her kids. We walked in, she greeted us at our table and in a stern but motherly voice said, "Babywhatchalwannadrank" all in one breathe. We ordered three Cokes, she said, "Nah Suga, its' too early in da mornin' fa all that suga, Im gonn git yall three Sunrises". Ive never heard of a Sunrise - it's Orange Juice with Lemonade, was the magical drank...delicious. We down them bad boys and asked for another, until we were told its not free refills...DAYUM!!!
Mama, "Nobody told yall to suck them dranks down that fast, let me getcha some wata". Straight keepin it real. Now don't be disturbed, by the loose wires hanging overhead or a few missing tiles on the floor that's all apart of the ambiance, the decor, the mofit..we ain't come here fo all that, we came here for some Chicken & Waffles baby!!! On this particular day we just so happened to be sitting in the both next to comedian Pierre Edwards from "The Wash, How To Be A Player, etc." we chopped it up took pictures and the whole nine.
Time for the biznes at hand. Since this was my first time going, I wasn't quite sure what to get. I just decided to roll with the #4 Herb's Special - 1/2 chicken with gravy and two waffles. That's right a half chicken (4 pieces smothered in that rich and flavorful gravy with onions) go hard or go home and since I knew I was going home, I wanted to go home to a coma. What makes Roscoe's waffles so bomb is that this ain't no IHOP or Denny's enriched flour..this is straight up Roscoe's own mix homie and you know its filling because after you eat the waffles; that's a meal in itself. I could wax off those 4 pieces of chicken, down them waffles and drill two Sunrises and be out the door..Deuces flying high til the next time....Ahh yes the good ol days, that was in my golden age..now I'ma grown man with high blood pressure and all that good stuff. I have to settle for the Scoe's #1 1/4 chicken with two waffles
let my doctor tell it I probably don't even need this. He probably would have me settle for the #13 Carol C. Special - one succulent breast and waffle
just straight up beautiful...shake a lil Red Rooster on that yardbird and let yo fingas do the work. Forget that knife and folk, pick that chicken up and work that.
The most regularly ordered menu item ordered in my family, or should I say by my homeboy Bigg Quincy is the good ol Jennie Jones Omelette. It's actually the #5 Jeanne Jones Omelette combination of cheese and chicken in a delicious omelette, served with french fries or a waffle.
The waffle is always the best way to go. Don't mess around with french fries, it just kills the meal. That is of course unless you tryna get down with them hot buttery grits. Have mercy somebody please dial 9-1-1. Man law, you cant have eggs on a plate and not have no grits to accompany it. Myself personally I like to mix my grits n eggs together, its an eternal aroma, like the smell of chitterlings. Cmon somebody if you know how to eat some grits..you know you gotta drop a few pats of butter in it, sprinkle in some salt (remember gotta watch the high BP and Cholesterol, but then again if you at Roscoe's all that just went out the door..if I'ma die, its gonna be with a chicken leg in one hand and some grits in the other), not that sugar madness, gone and top it off with some eggs and do the damn thing.
Now I can dig it if Chicken and Waffles aren't your thing. Roscoe's has an assortment of other delicacies you can try. Can never go wrong with a House Combo. You can get the House Combo #22 Greens, Cornbread and Mac & Cheese and your choice of either 2 legs, a thigh, 2 wings or a breast piece
Other House Combos include the same chicken selection, but modified sides; Red Beans & Rice, Smothered Potatoes and Candy Yams. Not to mention the extensive Ala Carte menus as well.
Roscoe's offers 5 dining locations through out the Greater Los Angeles area. I'm always going to be partial to Pico & La Brea because it is where I have my first Roscoe's experience and because I love Mama. I will recommend if you ever decide to go to the Sunset Blvd & Gower St (Hollywood) location, look for parking and be prepared to wait, its always a line there and its mad small inside..don't go hungry. Manchester Ave and Main St (South L.A.) there's always some drama poppin off over there. Again, limited parking and they close a lil early. Broadway & Los Alamitos (Long Beach) Yay! Yay! 2nd Best Service of them all, nice and spacious. Lake Ave & Boylston St (Pasadena), always can find a spot to park, less crowded and quickest service, freeway accessible off the 210 fwy. No matter which location you choose your Roscoe's experience will always be one of a kind.
Don't forget to tell'em Theo-licious sent ya!!
Mama, "Nobody told yall to suck them dranks down that fast, let me getcha some wata". Straight keepin it real. Now don't be disturbed, by the loose wires hanging overhead or a few missing tiles on the floor that's all apart of the ambiance, the decor, the mofit..we ain't come here fo all that, we came here for some Chicken & Waffles baby!!! On this particular day we just so happened to be sitting in the both next to comedian Pierre Edwards from "The Wash, How To Be A Player, etc." we chopped it up took pictures and the whole nine.
Time for the biznes at hand. Since this was my first time going, I wasn't quite sure what to get. I just decided to roll with the #4 Herb's Special - 1/2 chicken with gravy and two waffles. That's right a half chicken (4 pieces smothered in that rich and flavorful gravy with onions) go hard or go home and since I knew I was going home, I wanted to go home to a coma. What makes Roscoe's waffles so bomb is that this ain't no IHOP or Denny's enriched flour..this is straight up Roscoe's own mix homie and you know its filling because after you eat the waffles; that's a meal in itself. I could wax off those 4 pieces of chicken, down them waffles and drill two Sunrises and be out the door..Deuces flying high til the next time....Ahh yes the good ol days, that was in my golden age..now I'ma grown man with high blood pressure and all that good stuff. I have to settle for the Scoe's #1 1/4 chicken with two waffles
let my doctor tell it I probably don't even need this. He probably would have me settle for the #13 Carol C. Special - one succulent breast and waffle
just straight up beautiful...shake a lil Red Rooster on that yardbird and let yo fingas do the work. Forget that knife and folk, pick that chicken up and work that.The most regularly ordered menu item ordered in my family, or should I say by my homeboy Bigg Quincy is the good ol Jennie Jones Omelette. It's actually the #5 Jeanne Jones Omelette combination of cheese and chicken in a delicious omelette, served with french fries or a waffle.
The waffle is always the best way to go. Don't mess around with french fries, it just kills the meal. That is of course unless you tryna get down with them hot buttery grits. Have mercy somebody please dial 9-1-1. Man law, you cant have eggs on a plate and not have no grits to accompany it. Myself personally I like to mix my grits n eggs together, its an eternal aroma, like the smell of chitterlings. Cmon somebody if you know how to eat some grits..you know you gotta drop a few pats of butter in it, sprinkle in some salt (remember gotta watch the high BP and Cholesterol, but then again if you at Roscoe's all that just went out the door..if I'ma die, its gonna be with a chicken leg in one hand and some grits in the other), not that sugar madness, gone and top it off with some eggs and do the damn thing.Now I can dig it if Chicken and Waffles aren't your thing. Roscoe's has an assortment of other delicacies you can try. Can never go wrong with a House Combo. You can get the House Combo #22 Greens, Cornbread and Mac & Cheese and your choice of either 2 legs, a thigh, 2 wings or a breast piece
Other House Combos include the same chicken selection, but modified sides; Red Beans & Rice, Smothered Potatoes and Candy Yams. Not to mention the extensive Ala Carte menus as well.Roscoe's offers 5 dining locations through out the Greater Los Angeles area. I'm always going to be partial to Pico & La Brea because it is where I have my first Roscoe's experience and because I love Mama. I will recommend if you ever decide to go to the Sunset Blvd & Gower St (Hollywood) location, look for parking and be prepared to wait, its always a line there and its mad small inside..don't go hungry. Manchester Ave and Main St (South L.A.) there's always some drama poppin off over there. Again, limited parking and they close a lil early. Broadway & Los Alamitos (Long Beach) Yay! Yay! 2nd Best Service of them all, nice and spacious. Lake Ave & Boylston St (Pasadena), always can find a spot to park, less crowded and quickest service, freeway accessible off the 210 fwy. No matter which location you choose your Roscoe's experience will always be one of a kind.
Don't forget to tell'em Theo-licious sent ya!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
***Dessert Wars***
Request firecracker salvo. Will adjust. How copy? Over. Roger. Solid copy. Firecracker shot out. Incoming! Down! Down! Down! Noooo this isn't Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, this is Dessert Wars. Ground Zero Riverside, CA. Skirmish line Altura Credit Union East parking lot @ 1400hrs 20 Aug 2010.
The Fun Team WANTS YOU!!! "Ask not what you can do in your kitchen, but what you can produce from your kitchen". Many were challenged...only a few accepted. These brave souls went into their foxholes and came out ready for battle.
Word had leaked a few days prior about a "CLASSIFIED" Snicker Salad
to be on display. I for one have never heard of such a dessert. The thought alone of how you can turn a satisfying treat into a salad was definitely creative. Snicker bars with chopped apples and Cool Whip sounds like a great way to get kids to eat their fruits...Brilliant work to our BlackOps asset Dana Moore
"Fire in the hole"...KABOOM!!! Cake Balls
this small but delicate hand grenade might look harmless but its taste was explosive. It performed the task it was created for...to satisfy the close quarter needs of a fire team...Outstanding job Maya Salem :)
"Calling in Close Air Support" in this category we have Cream Cheese Brownie.
Brownies mixed with anything is the perfect bomb mix, like "Snake & Nape". The bomb itself is the brownie, but the cream cheese is the explosive incendiary spreads in your mouth like wildfire. It consumes every taste bud there's no escaping it...its over...MEEDDICCC...COOORPMAAAN (Milk)..thanks Chauntelle Moses
"Mine Field Ahead"...throughout this battle there were several strategically placed landmines and booby traps. Not just any mines, I'm talking about "Bouncy Bettie's and Booby traps" Going in order Bouncing Betty (Million Dollar Pie) this pie was a 360 degree explosion that hits you in the gut. Pineapples, coconuts and finely chopped nuts mixed into a smooth creamy base. Its light much like its military counterpart once you step on it (insert it in your mouth) it bounces (drops) waist high before it explodes..it happens so smoothly you don't even know what hits you...Complete out of body experience..its so good I don't even have a picture of it :)
Booby Traps Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake
Now from a distance this looks like a traditional brownie tray with chocolate chips, nuts and coconut. Once you cut into it, its much too moist to be a brownie...ohhh snap its cake..ooohhh that tricky Ione Flanagan, and she says she doesn't bake...yeah and water isn't wet.
Next up was Chocolate Eclair
Again, another trap. Looks like a plain tray of some kind of baked goodie with chocolate on top. I've never had a chocolate eclair before, so I really didn't know what to expect. I can say this though, I'm hooked. Graham cracker and pudding, layered with a chocolate cover, its almost like a Sm'ore minus the marshmellow...definitely tripped me up big time...Superb Lisabeth Hanna
Rounding out the competition are two Creme Brulees.
The key to a good Creme Brulee is all in caramelizing the sugary top. Too much heat and the sugar will get hard as concrete, not enough heat will collapse the top. I can honestly say both women achieve this goal Charlotte Springer and Stephanie Redmond What separated these two "Kitchen Warriors" was that one was a traditional Creme Brulee and the overall 1st Place winner - Berry Creme Brulee with whipped cream
Grandma use to always say "Just because you put syrup on it, don't make it pancakes" I've used Grandmas quote as a way to telling people, just because you dress it up don't make it pretty...well Grandma RIP, I might have to recant that statement this one time...Berries and whipped cream not only dressed it up, but it raised the bar a little higher.
The Top 3 winners are as followed:
1st Place - Berry Creme Brulee "Charlotte Springer"
2nd Place - Chocolate Eclair "Lisabeth Hanna"
3rd Place - Cream Cheese Brownies "Chauntelle Moses"
Thank you again to all who participated. Thank you for allowing me to have a little fun doing this Dessert Wars blog. Enjoy and stay tune for my next feature blog..coming this weekend!!!
Have a Theo-licious Day!!!
Well guess pie picture showed up??? Million Dollar Pie
The Fun Team WANTS YOU!!! "Ask not what you can do in your kitchen, but what you can produce from your kitchen". Many were challenged...only a few accepted. These brave souls went into their foxholes and came out ready for battle.
Word had leaked a few days prior about a "CLASSIFIED" Snicker Salad
to be on display. I for one have never heard of such a dessert. The thought alone of how you can turn a satisfying treat into a salad was definitely creative. Snicker bars with chopped apples and Cool Whip sounds like a great way to get kids to eat their fruits...Brilliant work to our BlackOps asset Dana Moore"Fire in the hole"...KABOOM!!! Cake Balls
this small but delicate hand grenade might look harmless but its taste was explosive. It performed the task it was created for...to satisfy the close quarter needs of a fire team...Outstanding job Maya Salem :)"Calling in Close Air Support" in this category we have Cream Cheese Brownie.
Brownies mixed with anything is the perfect bomb mix, like "Snake & Nape". The bomb itself is the brownie, but the cream cheese is the explosive incendiary spreads in your mouth like wildfire. It consumes every taste bud there's no escaping it...its over...MEEDDICCC...COOORPMAAAN (Milk)..thanks Chauntelle Moses"Mine Field Ahead"...throughout this battle there were several strategically placed landmines and booby traps. Not just any mines, I'm talking about "Bouncy Bettie's and Booby traps" Going in order Bouncing Betty (Million Dollar Pie) this pie was a 360 degree explosion that hits you in the gut. Pineapples, coconuts and finely chopped nuts mixed into a smooth creamy base. Its light much like its military counterpart once you step on it (insert it in your mouth) it bounces (drops) waist high before it explodes..it happens so smoothly you don't even know what hits you...Complete out of body experience..its so good I don't even have a picture of it :)
Booby Traps Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake
Now from a distance this looks like a traditional brownie tray with chocolate chips, nuts and coconut. Once you cut into it, its much too moist to be a brownie...ohhh snap its cake..ooohhh that tricky Ione Flanagan, and she says she doesn't bake...yeah and water isn't wet.Next up was Chocolate Eclair
Again, another trap. Looks like a plain tray of some kind of baked goodie with chocolate on top. I've never had a chocolate eclair before, so I really didn't know what to expect. I can say this though, I'm hooked. Graham cracker and pudding, layered with a chocolate cover, its almost like a Sm'ore minus the marshmellow...definitely tripped me up big time...Superb Lisabeth HannaRounding out the competition are two Creme Brulees.
The key to a good Creme Brulee is all in caramelizing the sugary top. Too much heat and the sugar will get hard as concrete, not enough heat will collapse the top. I can honestly say both women achieve this goal Charlotte Springer and Stephanie Redmond What separated these two "Kitchen Warriors" was that one was a traditional Creme Brulee and the overall 1st Place winner - Berry Creme Brulee with whipped cream
Grandma use to always say "Just because you put syrup on it, don't make it pancakes" I've used Grandmas quote as a way to telling people, just because you dress it up don't make it pretty...well Grandma RIP, I might have to recant that statement this one time...Berries and whipped cream not only dressed it up, but it raised the bar a little higher.The Top 3 winners are as followed:
1st Place - Berry Creme Brulee "Charlotte Springer"
2nd Place - Chocolate Eclair "Lisabeth Hanna"
3rd Place - Cream Cheese Brownies "Chauntelle Moses"
Thank you again to all who participated. Thank you for allowing me to have a little fun doing this Dessert Wars blog. Enjoy and stay tune for my next feature blog..coming this weekend!!!
Have a Theo-licious Day!!!
Well guess pie picture showed up??? Million Dollar Pie
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thai For The Road!!!
I have to open with an apology to my followers for slcking on the blog updates. Man its been rough lately, I've been just hitting commerical spots lately and kinda got off base on visiting those local hidden eateries. I promise from here on out to keep the train on track. Two weeks ago I was introduced to a Thai food spot here in Riverside, up the street from the 76 Station I frequent to get the whips oiled and lubed. I have driven past this place a few times and never even looked on that side of the street. So for a Pre-Father's Day treat my family took me there for dinner two Saturday evenings ago.
Bann Thai (Thai House), is a local Thai resturant on Brockton Ave a block and a half off the Central/Magnolia intersection.
From the street it looks like someones house, but when you walk in you're greeted by the staff and it has a real Asian appeal, bamboo curtains, hard wood floors. I almost took my shoes off, but I forgot I was wearing flip flops so no need to go there. We were seated and drinks were brought to us. Looking over the menu it pretty much had the same dishes to offer as River Kwai - Moreno Valley, CA & The Thai House - Redlands, CA, prices were comparable as well. To true appreciate Thai food you have to understand the uniqueness of the 5 flavors intriduced to your palette: salty, sweet, sour (tangy), bitter and hot (spicy). In many dishes all 5 flavors can be combined. If you cant handle foods with "flavor" then Thai food isnt for you.
Some people like to dive right into the Thai experience, but for me I like to warm up the palette first, dont shock it. Like some people like to throw cold meat to a hot grill...thats a no no..but I will do a blog on that later. We started off our dining experience with the Appetizers Combo,
(3) Egg rolls, (3) Shrimp rolls (4) Fried tofu and (4) Fried Wontons served with sweet & sour sauce. I was cool with everything but the Fried Tofu..WTF, Even when I drowned those things in S & S Sauce adn Soy Sauce it still tasted like fried paper. Now I can added Fried Tofu to my list of "things I dont have to ever try again" we enjoyed the rest of the Appetizers Combo. The Egg rolls and shrimp rolls were hot & fresh, Fried Wontons are what they are...crispy and crunchy...no love lost there.
Since I've been dubbed "Black-inese" by my family and friends, no Asian (Thai) experience can commence until you have a Hot Pot Soup. My soup of choice this evening was the Tom Yum Noodle,
this spicy rice noodle soup with lime, ground chicken, fish ball, bean sprouts, green onions, ground peanuts and a Fried Wonton.
Another Hot Soup dish thats outta this world is the Tom Yum Goong Soup aka Hot & Sour Thai Soup Aside from being one of the most popular soup in Thailand, Tom Yum Soup has many health benefits, due its potent combination of herbs and spices. In fact, this Thai soup is currently under scientific study, as it appears to have immune-boosting power as a natural remedy for cold and flu viruses. Bann Thai makes it with coconut milk which adds another level of flavor.
(My camera batteries died so this is a borrowed image..but I just wanted you to have a visual of what it will look like.)
Moving on to the Main Events...drumroll please...Chicken Garlic & Pepper.
This dish comes served as a stir fried pepper, garlic, cilantro and onions on a bed of cabbage. You can actually choose shrimp ($2 more), chicken, beef or pork. Next dish Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken
An Aromatci chicken cooked in chu chi chili paste in coconut milk. It was as spicy as it smelled and looked, however it wasnt overbearing.
Just a few other treats we dined on included the Chicken Sweet Basil Eggplants, Pad Thai & Orange Chicken...
yes what can I say we feasted!!! And hopefully you too will enjoy Bann Thai..until we meet on the Thai Road to Spicy Town...Holla
Bann Thai (Thai House), is a local Thai resturant on Brockton Ave a block and a half off the Central/Magnolia intersection.
From the street it looks like someones house, but when you walk in you're greeted by the staff and it has a real Asian appeal, bamboo curtains, hard wood floors. I almost took my shoes off, but I forgot I was wearing flip flops so no need to go there. We were seated and drinks were brought to us. Looking over the menu it pretty much had the same dishes to offer as River Kwai - Moreno Valley, CA & The Thai House - Redlands, CA, prices were comparable as well. To true appreciate Thai food you have to understand the uniqueness of the 5 flavors intriduced to your palette: salty, sweet, sour (tangy), bitter and hot (spicy). In many dishes all 5 flavors can be combined. If you cant handle foods with "flavor" then Thai food isnt for you.Some people like to dive right into the Thai experience, but for me I like to warm up the palette first, dont shock it. Like some people like to throw cold meat to a hot grill...thats a no no..but I will do a blog on that later. We started off our dining experience with the Appetizers Combo,
(3) Egg rolls, (3) Shrimp rolls (4) Fried tofu and (4) Fried Wontons served with sweet & sour sauce. I was cool with everything but the Fried Tofu..WTF, Even when I drowned those things in S & S Sauce adn Soy Sauce it still tasted like fried paper. Now I can added Fried Tofu to my list of "things I dont have to ever try again" we enjoyed the rest of the Appetizers Combo. The Egg rolls and shrimp rolls were hot & fresh, Fried Wontons are what they are...crispy and crunchy...no love lost there.Since I've been dubbed "Black-inese" by my family and friends, no Asian (Thai) experience can commence until you have a Hot Pot Soup. My soup of choice this evening was the Tom Yum Noodle,
this spicy rice noodle soup with lime, ground chicken, fish ball, bean sprouts, green onions, ground peanuts and a Fried Wonton.
Another Hot Soup dish thats outta this world is the Tom Yum Goong Soup aka Hot & Sour Thai Soup Aside from being one of the most popular soup in Thailand, Tom Yum Soup has many health benefits, due its potent combination of herbs and spices. In fact, this Thai soup is currently under scientific study, as it appears to have immune-boosting power as a natural remedy for cold and flu viruses. Bann Thai makes it with coconut milk which adds another level of flavor.
(My camera batteries died so this is a borrowed image..but I just wanted you to have a visual of what it will look like.)Moving on to the Main Events...drumroll please...Chicken Garlic & Pepper.
This dish comes served as a stir fried pepper, garlic, cilantro and onions on a bed of cabbage. You can actually choose shrimp ($2 more), chicken, beef or pork. Next dish Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken
An Aromatci chicken cooked in chu chi chili paste in coconut milk. It was as spicy as it smelled and looked, however it wasnt overbearing.Just a few other treats we dined on included the Chicken Sweet Basil Eggplants, Pad Thai & Orange Chicken...
yes what can I say we feasted!!! And hopefully you too will enjoy Bann Thai..until we meet on the Thai Road to Spicy Town...Holla
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Not your average Joe!!!
So its Wednesday night, Dodgers played a noon game (squeaked out that 1-0 victory), Lakers don't start Game 1 of the NBA Finals til Thursday. No American Idol, no Dancing with the Stars, No Hells Kitchen to watch...perfect night to have dinner out. In the past few weeks, I've had Mexican/Salvadorian, Seafood, Hamburgers, etc. Leaving work I was tryna figure out what to eat tonight...then it hit me, an old back in the day classic restaurant popped into my head...freakin A Joe's Italian Restaurant Moreno Valley, CA. Man, the thought of Minestrone soup, Fired Mozzarella, Garlic bread, Eggplant Parm and my favorite Shrimp & Scallop Scampi was dancing in my head.
Italian food is always hearty eating and Joe's Italian, definitely knows how to pack it in. The food portions are always so big you can never eat it all in one sitting, prepare for leftovers...and that's in a good way. I was introduced to Joe's Italian by my college sweetheart, turned best friend and lifelong partner...driving up from San Diego to the IE on the weekends was always special when it included Joe's.
Last night was no different, we arrived was promptly seated. Waitress took our drink orders and boom...let the fun begin. After glancing over the menu just for fun. We promptly started out with our favorite, the Fried Mozzarella,
this hunk a hunk of cheesy sensation comes out on a platter covered in Marinara sauce. Take your fork and cut off a corner, swirl that cheese around and insert into mouth..."Ahhhh and now its on from here on out, put yo hands in the atmosphere if ya know what I'm talkin' bout" - Outkast...also don't sleep on the Fried Ravioli, Calamari and of course the Sauteed Mushrooms, the sauce is to die for!!!
Since I ordered the Shrimp & Scallop Scampi my meal came with either a soup or salad...I always take the soup, that way you don't have to fool around with asking for extra dressing, dealing with stale croutons, welted lettuce, etc...not that it happens at Joe's, but Ive had that experience at other restaurants. Get the Minestrone soup.
This soup comes in a flavorful broth combined with carrots, celery, broccoli, oregano & cheese filled pasta...shoot you see the picture above, you can see this slick ain't no joke. Sprinkle a like Parmesan cheese on top and let it do it's magic. Now on to the heavy hitters, for my little Garbage Pail Kid son, who eats everything, we got him an order of Mac N cheese,
this was the first time I'd ever order Mac N Cheese from any Italian restaurant so I didn't know what to expect. Let's just say I wasn't disappointed, here comes this nice cheesy, gooey plate of cheese and pasta...Cheese was so creamy and gooey it was running over the sides. I was like "DAYUM...let Daddy help you eat this so I can bring my food into work tomorrow". Son wasn't even tryna hear that, before I knew it he had already grabbed the spoon, but it was too hot so we had to let it chill for a minute. Man, if you are a cheese fan, you will love this Mac N Cheese attack...afterwards you better be prepared to be BlOCK'd BlOCK'd up for the night!!!
Next up was the Eggplant Parmesean,
this classic Italian baked dish is always a winner in my book. Who doesn't like eggplant slices, layered with Mozzarella, Parmesan , Basil and tomato sauce, man oh man...not only is my mouthwatering recapping that eventful evening, my eyes are watering too because I deprived myself of Joe's for far too long. I know some Italian restaurants where they fry the eggplant first, then bake it to try to get that crunchy thing going on...ughhhh no...bad choice Joyce. the key to making the perfect Eggplant Parm is to drain the eggplant slices of any excessive moisture before cooking. Order a side sausage if you want to add some meat to the mix!!!
Finally, my dish, the Showstopper my beautifully prepared Shrimp & Scallop Scampi
prepared in a wonderful lemon butter sauce with crushed red peppers buddied up with a proper amount of shrimps and scallops on a man size bed of spaghetti. Shrimps and scallops are hard to prepare together without overcooking each other. Take that extra lemon slice, squeeze that juice over it, hit ti with a few dashes of Parmesan cheese...GAME OVER!!! The shrimp with each bite just came right out of the tail, scallops went down like hot knife through warm butter...Simple Majestic. A dish fit for a king and on this night I was the King, El Capitan. The best thing about this dish is having it the next day. Once all those spices have marinated overnight...pop that puppy in the microwave, set it on 3.5 minutes...get you a bottle of that Lipton Brisk Sweet Tea...in the words of Public Enemy...Shut Shut Shut It Down!!!
Joe's Italian has been serving up great pasta dishes and of course pizzas in the Mo Valley area since 1980...So if you're in the Mo Val near Alessandro Blvd between Day & Elsworth St. stop in on Wednesday or Thursday night have some dinner and be serenaded with some of Sinatra's greatest hits. Tell'em Theolicious sent ya!!! Aight I'm bout make like a tree and get outta here...LOL Enjoy
Italian food is always hearty eating and Joe's Italian, definitely knows how to pack it in. The food portions are always so big you can never eat it all in one sitting, prepare for leftovers...and that's in a good way. I was introduced to Joe's Italian by my college sweetheart, turned best friend and lifelong partner...driving up from San Diego to the IE on the weekends was always special when it included Joe's.
Last night was no different, we arrived was promptly seated. Waitress took our drink orders and boom...let the fun begin. After glancing over the menu just for fun. We promptly started out with our favorite, the Fried Mozzarella,
this hunk a hunk of cheesy sensation comes out on a platter covered in Marinara sauce. Take your fork and cut off a corner, swirl that cheese around and insert into mouth..."Ahhhh and now its on from here on out, put yo hands in the atmosphere if ya know what I'm talkin' bout" - Outkast...also don't sleep on the Fried Ravioli, Calamari and of course the Sauteed Mushrooms, the sauce is to die for!!!Since I ordered the Shrimp & Scallop Scampi my meal came with either a soup or salad...I always take the soup, that way you don't have to fool around with asking for extra dressing, dealing with stale croutons, welted lettuce, etc...not that it happens at Joe's, but Ive had that experience at other restaurants. Get the Minestrone soup.
This soup comes in a flavorful broth combined with carrots, celery, broccoli, oregano & cheese filled pasta...shoot you see the picture above, you can see this slick ain't no joke. Sprinkle a like Parmesan cheese on top and let it do it's magic. Now on to the heavy hitters, for my little Garbage Pail Kid son, who eats everything, we got him an order of Mac N cheese,
this was the first time I'd ever order Mac N Cheese from any Italian restaurant so I didn't know what to expect. Let's just say I wasn't disappointed, here comes this nice cheesy, gooey plate of cheese and pasta...Cheese was so creamy and gooey it was running over the sides. I was like "DAYUM...let Daddy help you eat this so I can bring my food into work tomorrow". Son wasn't even tryna hear that, before I knew it he had already grabbed the spoon, but it was too hot so we had to let it chill for a minute. Man, if you are a cheese fan, you will love this Mac N Cheese attack...afterwards you better be prepared to be BlOCK'd BlOCK'd up for the night!!!Next up was the Eggplant Parmesean,
this classic Italian baked dish is always a winner in my book. Who doesn't like eggplant slices, layered with Mozzarella, Parmesan , Basil and tomato sauce, man oh man...not only is my mouthwatering recapping that eventful evening, my eyes are watering too because I deprived myself of Joe's for far too long. I know some Italian restaurants where they fry the eggplant first, then bake it to try to get that crunchy thing going on...ughhhh no...bad choice Joyce. the key to making the perfect Eggplant Parm is to drain the eggplant slices of any excessive moisture before cooking. Order a side sausage if you want to add some meat to the mix!!!Finally, my dish, the Showstopper my beautifully prepared Shrimp & Scallop Scampi
prepared in a wonderful lemon butter sauce with crushed red peppers buddied up with a proper amount of shrimps and scallops on a man size bed of spaghetti. Shrimps and scallops are hard to prepare together without overcooking each other. Take that extra lemon slice, squeeze that juice over it, hit ti with a few dashes of Parmesan cheese...GAME OVER!!! The shrimp with each bite just came right out of the tail, scallops went down like hot knife through warm butter...Simple Majestic. A dish fit for a king and on this night I was the King, El Capitan. The best thing about this dish is having it the next day. Once all those spices have marinated overnight...pop that puppy in the microwave, set it on 3.5 minutes...get you a bottle of that Lipton Brisk Sweet Tea...in the words of Public Enemy...Shut Shut Shut It Down!!!Joe's Italian has been serving up great pasta dishes and of course pizzas in the Mo Valley area since 1980...So if you're in the Mo Val near Alessandro Blvd between Day & Elsworth St. stop in on Wednesday or Thursday night have some dinner and be serenaded with some of Sinatra's greatest hits. Tell'em Theolicious sent ya!!! Aight I'm bout make like a tree and get outta here...LOL Enjoy
Monday, May 24, 2010
I Know You Got Soul...Mexican/Salvadorian that is!!!
Whazzupp fans...yea its Me Theo-licious back in the mix...
in the words of Eric B & Rakim:
"It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you
Without a strong blog to step to
Think of how many weak blogs you slept through
Time's up, I'm sorry I kept you"
"I Know You Got Soul" is the name of this blog, I had to dig deep down into my Latin/Mexican soul bank. I'm not talking about burritos and tacos, not even tamales or taquitos. I'm taking it deeper than that. We were watching another Triple D (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) episode on the Food Network last week and Guy was in L.A. at a little spot called Gloria's Cafe - Mexican & El Salvadorian. I love food and eating of course, but when it comes to non-traditional American foods I love Asian cuisines first and foremost, then Italian and Mexican, but I can have them all in any order. However, when we saw this episode, we both were like..."Road trip Saturday to Gloria's". Gloria's is located on Venice Blvd between Vinton and Jasmine Ave in Los Angeles err...Culver City. For those who know where Versailles Cuban Restaurant is its right down the street...Another one of my favorite eateries but thats for another blog.
Gloria's Cafe has been serving up Mexican and Salvadorian food since 1999 and by the looks of things they intend on serving it up anther 10 years. It's a true HIW, one way in one way out. When you go there, please make sure you aren't starving or you will die. It was an hour wait before we were seated. It was mad crowded, according to local patrons the restaurant was always relatively busy, but since Triple D stopped by a few weeks ago, business has been booming and I can see why. Although the wait was long, the service was fast and prompt. We came for two of the restaurants signature dishes the Carne Adobaba and the Sopa de 7 Mares (Soup of the Seven Seas), of course no trip to a Mexican Restaurant is complete without some good ol Tortilla Soup and of course I had to try some Pupusas (Bean & Cheese).
Let's start with the Pupusas,
is a thick, hand-made corn tortilla that is stuffed with one or more of the following: cheese, pork, beans and in most cases chicken (So I've been told). The one I had was filled with Beans and cheese, it reminded me of a quesadilla, only the tortilla was thicker and fluffier. I down one of those puppies and decided to bring the other one home, but I left it in the restaurant..so if someone enjoyed a Pupusa on the house this weekend, you owe me $2!!! Next up was the Tortilla Soup 
this had to be the best Tortilla Soup I've ever had, thing came out in a huge bowl. I'm a just call it a meal in itself, loaded with chunks of chicken, carrots, avocados, cilantro, Jack cheese, crispy Tortilla strips and it had a nice little hint of lime and spice...this soup was Money in the Bank!!
Now on to the main dishes, first up, the Carne Adobada,
this tender marinated pork in red sauce served with beans and rice was everything nice. My only complaint was that I needed some more but for $12 you'11 get your monies worth. If I ever had a Molotov Cocktail explode in my mouth the Carne Adobada would be it. Once you get that first bite on your tongue, it spreads like a wildfire through your mouth. The second dish, the Sopa de 7 Mares a seafood lovers dream. 
A big ol bowl loaded with fish, shrimps, crab legs, scallops, octopus and calamari all served up in a beautiful vegetable broth. I took a scoop cup of rice and poured it into the bowl just to see if it would give me that Gumbo style flavor...bang bang!!!
The prices on the menu are very very reasonable. The Pupusas, Tortilla Soup, Carne Adobaba, Sopa de 7 Mares and oh I almost forgot my nephews Quesadilla plate, with drinks came up to about $55. Definitely not to bad, portions are just right. Just make sure to get there early while this Triple D craze is going on or you might find a few people standing over your table as you eat!!!!
in the words of Eric B & Rakim:
"It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you
Without a strong blog to step to
Think of how many weak blogs you slept through
Time's up, I'm sorry I kept you"
"I Know You Got Soul" is the name of this blog, I had to dig deep down into my Latin/Mexican soul bank. I'm not talking about burritos and tacos, not even tamales or taquitos. I'm taking it deeper than that. We were watching another Triple D (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) episode on the Food Network last week and Guy was in L.A. at a little spot called Gloria's Cafe - Mexican & El Salvadorian. I love food and eating of course, but when it comes to non-traditional American foods I love Asian cuisines first and foremost, then Italian and Mexican, but I can have them all in any order. However, when we saw this episode, we both were like..."Road trip Saturday to Gloria's". Gloria's is located on Venice Blvd between Vinton and Jasmine Ave in Los Angeles err...Culver City. For those who know where Versailles Cuban Restaurant is its right down the street...Another one of my favorite eateries but thats for another blog.
Gloria's Cafe has been serving up Mexican and Salvadorian food since 1999 and by the looks of things they intend on serving it up anther 10 years. It's a true HIW, one way in one way out. When you go there, please make sure you aren't starving or you will die. It was an hour wait before we were seated. It was mad crowded, according to local patrons the restaurant was always relatively busy, but since Triple D stopped by a few weeks ago, business has been booming and I can see why. Although the wait was long, the service was fast and prompt. We came for two of the restaurants signature dishes the Carne Adobaba and the Sopa de 7 Mares (Soup of the Seven Seas), of course no trip to a Mexican Restaurant is complete without some good ol Tortilla Soup and of course I had to try some Pupusas (Bean & Cheese).
Let's start with the Pupusas,
is a thick, hand-made corn tortilla that is stuffed with one or more of the following: cheese, pork, beans and in most cases chicken (So I've been told). The one I had was filled with Beans and cheese, it reminded me of a quesadilla, only the tortilla was thicker and fluffier. I down one of those puppies and decided to bring the other one home, but I left it in the restaurant..so if someone enjoyed a Pupusa on the house this weekend, you owe me $2!!! Next up was the Tortilla Soup 
this had to be the best Tortilla Soup I've ever had, thing came out in a huge bowl. I'm a just call it a meal in itself, loaded with chunks of chicken, carrots, avocados, cilantro, Jack cheese, crispy Tortilla strips and it had a nice little hint of lime and spice...this soup was Money in the Bank!!Now on to the main dishes, first up, the Carne Adobada,
this tender marinated pork in red sauce served with beans and rice was everything nice. My only complaint was that I needed some more but for $12 you'11 get your monies worth. If I ever had a Molotov Cocktail explode in my mouth the Carne Adobada would be it. Once you get that first bite on your tongue, it spreads like a wildfire through your mouth. The second dish, the Sopa de 7 Mares a seafood lovers dream. 
A big ol bowl loaded with fish, shrimps, crab legs, scallops, octopus and calamari all served up in a beautiful vegetable broth. I took a scoop cup of rice and poured it into the bowl just to see if it would give me that Gumbo style flavor...bang bang!!!The prices on the menu are very very reasonable. The Pupusas, Tortilla Soup, Carne Adobaba, Sopa de 7 Mares and oh I almost forgot my nephews Quesadilla plate, with drinks came up to about $55. Definitely not to bad, portions are just right. Just make sure to get there early while this Triple D craze is going on or you might find a few people standing over your table as you eat!!!!
Friday, April 30, 2010
***Burger Challenge***
Greetings again my peeps!!! I hope all are well and ready for a stress free weekend. Remember from my previous blog I mentioned throwing down a food challenge. Well here it is. This one should be a fun and inexpensive one should you choose to accept it. I've had many discussions about great eats with coworkers, family and friends. Well this time I want to do a Burger Challenge. I'm not talking about McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Carl's...nah nah nah bump that. I'm talking about burger joints...established burger joints. For me, when I want a burger, I mean a real burger, I'm looking for the bright lights of either a Fatburger, Sonic- America's Drive In or Tommy's Burgers. As a kid growing up in the Dirty Dirty going to McDonald's was good, get a cheeseburger Happy Meal with a toy and be good to go. However, a true burger treat was when my aunt or uncle would say "PooPoo let's go to Sonic"..ahh man in the words of Ice Cube "Once again it's on". Pulling into that drive up stall, hitting that little red button and that friendly voice coming in over the squawk box welcoming you there was golden. May I have a Bacon Cheeseburger Toaster Sandwich with Tater Tots and a Cherry Limeade please. Sonic was special for me because my aunt and uncle didn't make me order a Kids meal, again it was a treat. I felt grown up at 8 years old...While they chowed down on the Coney Dogs with fries and Sweet Teas. Sitting in the backseat of the old school Nissan Sentra hatchback on a Friday evening watching the car hops go by...that's TRILL (Real)!!!
When I moved out West, I was introduced to many local burger spots...Tam's, Lucy's, Three Bears, Steven's, Quik N Split etc all great places to eat, exceptional foods. With that being said, when I had my first taste of Fatburger thanks to my homie Blizzard aka Gerald Williams who introduced me to my first King Burger with egg and cheese, Fat Fries and a Strawberry shake...OMGFG I felt a bolt of lightning shooting down my back, I heard the thunder roll, I feel down on my knees and cried out "My God, My God why have thou kept this greasy sensation away from me for so long". After Fatburger, you cant go back to work, go to school or even go on a date, that's one of those throw up the deuces and try again after a two hour nap. God Bless the high school days!!!
After spending 4 years in San Diego bettering myself for the future, I returned back to L.A.. Being in San Diego did enlighten my palette to newer dining experience, but my taste buds were popping again and I wanted to go back to the basics. Back to a good ol burger. I'm working in downtown L.A. making deliveries for Kionko's (RIP - thanks FedEx for ruining a perfectly good company, but I digress), one of my softball buddies Dave, came to me one day and said "Dude have you ever had a Tommy's burger?" Can't say that I have even heard of this spot. So one day we jumped int he G ride and headed to the OG spot on Beverly and Rampart for lunch and that's when my Tommy's experience began and about 20 lbs later. I should have followed Dave's lead and just had the Double Cheeseburger with Fries and a drink...but cmon now y'all know me..I love living on the edge, I stepped to the window and ordered The Mega Meal, that's a triple cheeseburger with chili cheese fries and a large drink. Imagine 3 100% all beef patties, with two slices of double thick cut cheese in between the patties, topped with chili, chopped onions, pickles, a thick hand sliced tomato between two fresh buns. The fries served up in a boat covered with sliced cheese and chili..washing that bad boy down with a strong throat burning Coke...somebody just throw some dirt on top of me and tell my family that I love them...its so freaking good its deadly.
At age 22 I wasn't counting calories, but I guarantee you that the Mega Meal wasn't for the faint of heart, nor those looking to maintain a firm waistline. Why would someone even want to make a combo that freaking greasy, I don't know, but God why is everything bad for you so freaking good. I was raised in the South on things that were cooking with fat back, lard, salt and anything else my 4 foot tall Vietnamese Doctor would disapprove, but damn it..you only live once, so live it live, live it large!!! If you haven't have the opportunity of dining at these three spots, you are truly missing out...don't sleep...and don't come with that weak a$$ In-N- Out burgers...they aren't even in the same category as either one of these spots, but hey I did ask your opinion so please feel free to voice it!!!
Holla, off to my greasy grave!!! Tommy's here I come baby!!!
When I moved out West, I was introduced to many local burger spots...Tam's, Lucy's, Three Bears, Steven's, Quik N Split etc all great places to eat, exceptional foods. With that being said, when I had my first taste of Fatburger thanks to my homie Blizzard aka Gerald Williams who introduced me to my first King Burger with egg and cheese, Fat Fries and a Strawberry shake...OMGFG I felt a bolt of lightning shooting down my back, I heard the thunder roll, I feel down on my knees and cried out "My God, My God why have thou kept this greasy sensation away from me for so long". After Fatburger, you cant go back to work, go to school or even go on a date, that's one of those throw up the deuces and try again after a two hour nap. God Bless the high school days!!!
After spending 4 years in San Diego bettering myself for the future, I returned back to L.A.. Being in San Diego did enlighten my palette to newer dining experience, but my taste buds were popping again and I wanted to go back to the basics. Back to a good ol burger. I'm working in downtown L.A. making deliveries for Kionko's (RIP - thanks FedEx for ruining a perfectly good company, but I digress), one of my softball buddies Dave, came to me one day and said "Dude have you ever had a Tommy's burger?" Can't say that I have even heard of this spot. So one day we jumped int he G ride and headed to the OG spot on Beverly and Rampart for lunch and that's when my Tommy's experience began and about 20 lbs later. I should have followed Dave's lead and just had the Double Cheeseburger with Fries and a drink...but cmon now y'all know me..I love living on the edge, I stepped to the window and ordered The Mega Meal, that's a triple cheeseburger with chili cheese fries and a large drink. Imagine 3 100% all beef patties, with two slices of double thick cut cheese in between the patties, topped with chili, chopped onions, pickles, a thick hand sliced tomato between two fresh buns. The fries served up in a boat covered with sliced cheese and chili..washing that bad boy down with a strong throat burning Coke...somebody just throw some dirt on top of me and tell my family that I love them...its so freaking good its deadly.
At age 22 I wasn't counting calories, but I guarantee you that the Mega Meal wasn't for the faint of heart, nor those looking to maintain a firm waistline. Why would someone even want to make a combo that freaking greasy, I don't know, but God why is everything bad for you so freaking good. I was raised in the South on things that were cooking with fat back, lard, salt and anything else my 4 foot tall Vietnamese Doctor would disapprove, but damn it..you only live once, so live it live, live it large!!! If you haven't have the opportunity of dining at these three spots, you are truly missing out...don't sleep...and don't come with that weak a$$ In-N- Out burgers...they aren't even in the same category as either one of these spots, but hey I did ask your opinion so please feel free to voice it!!!
Holla, off to my greasy grave!!! Tommy's here I come baby!!!
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