Flourless Chocolate Stout Cake with Orange Mascarpone Frosting

Having two of my best friends birthdays coming up in a few and just getting notified that another one is getting into a portfolio development class for Cal Arts. I couldn't help but bake something to bring for a planned celebratory luncheon! Always having plenty of Stout around the house, gravitating towards this recipe came naturally.

The fantastic thing about this cake is that it's a simple and quick job that results in something so sinfully tasty. Not to mention the fact that it's fun to describe it to other friends. C'mon your serving cake with beer it, how awesome is that? So let the oohs and ahhs commence.

One thing to note is that the powdered sugar portions can be decreased maybe down to two cups because the cake is rich enough as it is and just look at that, it's almost a fifty-fifty size ratio of cake to frosting (it's beautiful thing, in the eyes of this beholder). 

Habuya Okinawan Dining

This was another hole in the wall that I passed several times, and I never thought twice until I saw it Yelp and of course being something as unique as Okinawan I couldn’t resist. The lady upfront, which I assumed is the owner, is very polite and formal. The vibe here is very casual & relaxed (especially with the old-school Japanese pop playing in the background).

- Goya-Kimchi: It has the classic kimchi spice upfront and then the melon bitterness at the end. If you never had bitter melon before be prepared for a strong kick in your mouth, you’ll love it or you’ll hate. My fave.  

-Cod Rod with Cream Cheese: All that encased in a little fried wonton-eque shell, and after one bite you get a gush warm salty creamy bliss (oh my). Served with a baby spinach salad that covered in a sweet vinaigrette sauce that was sprinkled with something that reminded me of ramen powder. 

- Chicken Gizzard: Little fried pieces of chicken guts that have a snap to the bite and a bit of density as you chew for it. Flavor-wise it’s slightly gamey, but mild. Along side are diced scallops covered in a lemon vinegar sauce. 

- Soki-Soba: The broth has a sweet ginger flavored beef stock to it that warmed me up on the first sip. Noodles where thick and chewy, not in a bad way, trust me. The Pork Rib was sooo tender and flavorful from stewing for so long, that it slips off the bone (which you could chew straight through). I must note that they gave me this pepper-infused sake sauce on the side that packs a punch (use sparingly).

- Pork Belly Ramen: I had a couple tastes from my friends bowl, and my initial thoughts where that they did the broth and noodles justice. The star of the dish, pork belly, was literally melt in your mouth good! They say fat is flavor, but it can also, momentarily, make time slow down too.

- Photos courtesy of J Kao 

14215 Red Hill Ave
Tustin, CA 92780

Felix Continental Café

I've been to this place a couple times already and ever single time I'm blown away, the food here is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the Felix Continental combination to anyone that comes here for their first time because it brings together all of their best dishes in an absolute harmony. But for those who know Cuban / Spanish cuisine should definitely get the Paella (although they have been skimping on the seafood recently) or the Arroz a la Cubana. If you still can manage some room, try the Tres Leches cake {its so rich, creamy and fatty}

The service here is great; the waiters are polite and quick on the order {although this is a small place so it can get a little crowded during the lunch rush}.

Probably the best thing about this place is that you get what you pay for plus more! The portions are generous,well worth it, and take advantage of the Lunch Special menu if your a little low on cash. 

To anybody around this area this place is a must! For breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food is to die for.

- Photos courtesy of J Kao 

36 Plaza Sq
Orange, CA 92866

Earl of Sandwich (Planet Hollywood)

In a city of sin this place is a god-send! Perfect price, perfect portion, perfect taste. If you're on a budget, looking for some post-club munchies or a hangover remedy this is the spot, open 24/7. Never mind the lines you'll occasionally run into, the service here is lighting fast and efficient. If you haven't unwrapped your first golden seal I would highly recommend the Full Montague and feel free to explore on from there, you just can't go wrong.

3667 Las Vegas Blvd S

Ste 760

Las Vegas, NV 89109

LA Top Picks

My collaboration with Jamie Kao, my travel buddy and fellow food enthusiast. Here's our favorite spots we've come to love over our many trips to LA. 

Forage

There's a wonderful ambiance that makes it feel so familiar and communal. It took me a while and a friend to point out that it almost takes you back to the cafeteria days in school, what with all the trays you carry  to a table that has an open spot (no "savsies" on the tables, someone is bound to remind you). 

 Aside from the cafeteria feel, their food is way beyond that point. Everything is fresh, flavorful and, I must say, beautiful to look at (straight out of Kinfolk Magazine). My first try was the Pork Belly, when you utter those words you expect something, so be ready! Plus what I find the most delightful about their menu is the variety of sides that you cannot go wrong in choosing, (baked carrots or the chickpeas,kale, & quinoa).

After my first and only try, it's now among my top places to go eat. A must try!

- Photos courtesy of J Kao 

3823 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Handsome Coffee Roasters

Sadly I’m rather disappointed with the large amount of detractors who harshly complain about the lack of sugar. This place is grounded on the idea that coffee should be respected and there for shouldn’t be tampered with, so that you can actually taste what it’s all about. Yes, it is bit pretentious, but these people have really gone out to source quality beans and brew them in such a way that you can get the full experience (take a look at the profiles of the roasters on the website, you’re actually in pretty good hands). Besides would you drown good scotch in coke?

As much as one would deny, if any, this is in fact a hipster joint. Located in the middle of a bunch of warehouses in the artists district, where you almost have to be “in the know” to find this place, just screams it. But once found, you come to appreciate the chic minimalism while noticing the undoubtedly handsome roasters that gives it the name. 

Their variety is simple and to the point, much like their drinks. You have an option 3oz, 5oz, or 10oz cups. Yes, there is no sugar here, but that’s what I love, I’m able to get the full heavy profile in every sip. I can’t say I’m an experienced coffee drinker just yet, but I’ve had my fair share of some quality blends (Intelligentsia, Blue Bottle, Philz), and this place serves some of the best I’ve had (I plan my days around here whenever I’m in town). 

If you’re hungry,  Egg Slut is typically parked just outside and they have an awesome agreement with HR to let you eat in. Craving those sweets? Bread Lounge down the street has got you covered. What few things can compare to the combination of a cup of coffee & a pastry?  

So yes, this place is not what you are used to but I honestly hope that you can sit down and give this a chance, it’ll charm the pants right off you (figuratively speaking). 

And just to reiterate that’s stated above, suck it up or go to Starbucks, they have all the sugar and non-dairy milk you want.

-Photos courtesy of J Kao

582 Mateo St

Los Angeles, CA 90013