August

Finally feels like summer in Southern CA!

Salton Sea

On the drive home from Sedona,

we took a detour to the Salton Sea.

Didn't even know of its existance until then.

It was an interesting stop.

1/4 into 2009

LONG time no blog... and already March.
Quick update on 2009.

Zion turned 1. Yay!

Successfully baked cookies for Valentines.
First time ever in 25 years.

Went to Sin City.
A whopping three times in 2 months... Viva.

Finally welcomed back my bestest.
Celebrated with a burger in Laguna Beach.

Enjoyed beautiful sunsets on my drive home.

I should update more often...

Dry Sunset

Cheese

I love cheese. I love specialty shops.

So I loved The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.

They also have a variety of cured meats,

oils, salts and wines.

Laguna Beach Sunday

Beautiful

LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy vs DC United.

Won 5-2!

Its crazy how FULL the stadium gets post-Beckham...

and how parking can increase from $5 to $15.

Angels

Angels vs Mariners.

Won 5-2.

Growing up in Orange County,

they will always be the ANAHEIM Angels.

Sat right behind the always streching Ichiro.

Musha

Musha in Torrance

serves Japanese-style Tapas (Izakaya).

Since its always packed,

its best to make reservations.

Cheese Risotto.

(Served in a huge Parmigiano-Reggiano)

French bread Seafood Gratin.

Cheese Tofu & Honey.

(My favorite!)

Ebi-Mayo.

Negi Toro (tuna) Cutlet.

Ei-hire (Stingray Fins).

Sushi Shibucho

Sushi Shibucho in Costa Mesa

is a traditional Sushi Bar that is family operated.

Out of the fresh selection of fish,

the Uni (Sea Urchin) was especially delicious.

Outisde.

mmm...

Aji (Spanish Mackeral) & Uni (Sea Urchin)
are probably my top two favorites.

Tamago (Egg Omelet).

Summer Sky

Southern California has been blessed with

perfect weather this summer.

Sky

Old Vine Cafe

Finally got to try Old Vine Cafe for dinner.

Its a nice restaurant with a cozy atmosphere,

friendly waiters and great food & wine!

Caprese of Mozarella Buratta.

BEST Mozarella I've had. Ever.

Worth the trip just for this!

Crispy Blue Salad.
Good, but a bit too "fried" for a salad.

Sauteed Sea Scallops.

Perfect.

Handmade Fettuccini Pomodoro.

Pasta was good (handmade daily)
but the sauce was a bit plain...

Spanish-style Creme Brulee.

Santa Monica

Cafe Blanc

Teatime at Cafe Blanc.

I ordered a Double Chocolate Mousse.

Tried their Macaron... didn't meet my expectations.

Sunset

Old Vine Cafe

Went to the Old Vine Cafe for brunch.

Its a nice, small open cafe with a great patio.

Their brunch dishes were excellent.

Perfect portion and not overly sweet.

Caramel Apple French Toast.

Banana Pecan Crepe.

Sapphire Laguna

For my Mom's birthday we went to brunch at

Sapphire Laguna.

Beautiful weather & a view of Laguna Beach...

perfect.

Former "Pottery Shack"

"The Brunch Box"
Wasn't impressed with this one.
The presentation wasn't too great either.

"Sauteed Jumbo Shrimp"
With their handmade Spinach Ricotta pasta,
delicious.

"Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Ginger Compote"
The pancakes were too salty...

"3 types of Creme Brulee"
Yum!