mayanrocks.com » food and drink
Al Fresco.
Saturday, February 13, 2021

grande ole bbq beef rib

Hello, old friend (@ Grand Ole BBQ)

A year ago, I would have never thought that eating at a restaurant and spending time with friends would be such a rarity. This is the first time I’ve hung out with the bestie or been back at Grand Ole BBQ since my birthday weekend last year. It was nice to feel a sense of normalcy again, but when I saw that drunk girl dancing offbeat at the bar with no mask on, I took that as my cue to leave!

Hot Chocolate Bombs.
Friday, February 12, 2021

hot chocolate cocoa bomb

hot chocolate cocoa bomb

hot chocolate cocoa bomb

hot chocolate cocoa bomb

Sweets for my sweets ❤️

Gainz.
Sunday, February 7, 2021

super bowl squares

king crab legs

randy's donuts

Won $62.50 and gained 5 pounds this super bowl sunday hbu?

Bon Appétit.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021

jon and vinny's spicy fusilli

Back in the day when we were allowed to dine inside restaurants, I had an amazing meal at Jon and Vinny’s. I loved everything we ordered, from the marinara braised meatballs to the LA woman pizza, but the real star of the show was their spicy fusilli alla vodka (what’s not to love about carbs and alcohol?). I’ve been dreaming about it ever since, so when I came across Jon and Vinny’s recipe on Bon Appétit, I knew I had to make it for dinner.

This dish was surprisingly simple to make. I mean, did I have to ask the guy at Trader Joe’s what a shallot was? Yes. And did I see my life flash before my eyes for a split second when I flambéd that vodka? Also yes. But it turned out just as delicious as I remembered it being. And what was already an amazing dish was made even better by the fact that I didn’t have to schlep over to Fairfax in LA traffic or make a reservation a month in advance to eat it!

Birthday BBQ.
Sunday, January 24, 2021

franklin barbecue goldbelly

franklin barbecue goldbelly

franklin barbecue goldbelly

Best birthday gift EVER.

Pammie surprised me with BBQ from my favorite spot in Texas, and I didn’t even have to wait in line for hours to get it!

The first time I ate Franklin Barbecue was years ago on a trip to Austin City Limits. It was day-old brisket reheated in a hotel microwave, but it was (and still is) the best BBQ I’ve ever had.

Lady Donutton.
Friday, January 22, 2021

bridgerton name meme

Lady Marion Donutton of Quiksilver

(I knew I’d come to regret postmating Randy’s Donuts today.)

39.
Tuesday, January 12, 2021

birthday balloons

birthday flowers

birthday treats

birthday cards

busy bee pastrami sandwich san pedro

dyson animal v11 vacuum

schitt's creek wigs

39 is staying in, binging Schitt’s Creek for the fourth time, eating your favorite pastrami sandwich and cookies from NYC, and finding joy in vacuuming all of your crumbs with the dream dyson you just got for your birthday (I’m clearly going hard this last year in my thirties).

Garbage.
Sunday, January 3, 2021

burrito on floor

I literally just got back to LA, stepped out of my car and dropped my cali burrito from SD on the floor. This pretty much sums up 2020 for me.

Monster Bash.
Sunday, November 1, 2020

halloween punch-a-bunch

deadly diner halloween sign

fill bakeshop mochi donuts halloween

skull cakes

kamayan seafood boil

Double, double, seafood boil and trouble 🖤

Cupcake Girl.
Saturday, September 12, 2020

chocolate peanut butter cupcakes

I made these cupcakes once when I was dating my bestie’s brother, and their grandpa couldn’t get enough of them. I haven’t seen him in years, but his family would always tell me he still asks about the ‘cupcake girl’ even though my ex is married to someone else now. Sorry, Quinn LOL.

Sadly, their grandpa passed away this week, so I made his favorite cupcakes for my best friend and her family in memory of him.

Here’s the recipe for the greatest chocolate cupcakes and peanut butter frosting ever (according to Grandpa Oscar).

No Bueno.
Friday, September 4, 2020

nooo friends gif

…or me when I found out that Taco Bell is getting rid of my beloved shredded chicken burrito (and more!) *cries in spanish*

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars.
Sunday, August 2, 2020

strawberry rhubarb crumble bars

strawberry rhubarb crumble bars

strawberry rhubarb crumble bars

strawberry rhubarb crumble bars

Name a better duo than strawberries and rhubarb. I’ll wait.

Recipe here.

Send Noods.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020

fresh pasta dough ball

kitchenaid pasta attachment

fettuccine pasta drying rack

homemade fettuccine alfredo pasta

It looks like we’ll be quarantining well into summer, so I’ve officially stopped working on my bikini bod and started carbo-loading for winter.

This homemade pasta and alfredo sauce combo was *chef’s kiss* 😘

Level Up.
Saturday, July 4, 2020

(via @heatherland_iaintdoinit)

I need you to be on this level if you’re going to watch the annual hot dog eating contest with me (I’m talking to you, Pamela Jean. Look alive!).

DIY Cold Brew.
Monday, April 27, 2020

blue bottle

diy cold brew blue bottle

I had a lot of random jobs in my twenties, and for a brief window in 2004, I was a barista at Starbucks. It was a second job I picked up during the holidays for extra cash, and not one I stayed at very long. That was probably the last time I made my own coffee, and definitely the last time I woke up at four in the morning on purpose! Ha.

I mostly caffeinate with canned cold brew these days, but sometimes I’ll indulge in my most favorite iced coffee ever—Blue Bottle New Orleans. At $4 a pop, it’s not something I have on my everyday shopping list (a girl’s gotta pay her rent, after all). But they sell their cold brew kit online and are offering free shipping right now, so I thought why the hell not? What else do I have going on six weeks deep into this quarantine???

This homemade cold brew turned out way better than any coffee I ever made at Starbucks, and I didn’t even have to wake up before the sun to enjoy it. Win-win.

Quarantine Cooking.
Sunday, April 26, 2020

filipino food chat

You guys, this quarantine is really domesticating us.

Also, never have I ever texted / facetimed / zoomed so much in my goddamn life. I can’t promise that this blog won’t devolve into just screenshots of me talking to people. Fair warning.

Barter System.
Sunday, April 19, 2020

tp

tacos tu madre

Legit traded two rolls of toilet paper for a breakfast burrito from Tacos Tu Madre.

If anyone wants to pick me up some short ribs from APL BBQ in Hollywood, I have some TP and other provisions I’m willing to barter!

Rise & Grind.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020

blood of my enemies coffee cup

Seattle.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020

lax to sea

On my flight to Seattle, the flight attendant was walking down the aisle greeting everyone happy valentine’s day when he stopped in front of me and asked, “Are you traveling alone?” I said that I was, and he was like, “Can you switch seats so that this couple can sit together?” I meannn.

Morning view (@ Hyatt House)

Blown away (@ Chihuly Garden and Glass)

This museum was across the street from our hotel and so worth the visit! I’ve always admired Chihuli’s sculptures in Vegas, but his featured work here is incredible. The way he transforms glass is pure poetry.

Seattle is so fetch (@ Cobb’s Popcorn)

The stickiest of the icky (@ The Gum Wall)

We stood in a long ass line that wrapped around the building for this chowder… or shall I say Pammie stood in a long ass line while I was off buying crab claw pens at a souvenir shop (@ Pike Place Chowder)

I actually forgot that I had eaten here during my first trip to Seattle… We only tried the New England style chowder, and I didn’t think it was anything to write home about. If you’ve had the chowder from Boudin’s or Blue Bayou or even the cafe downstairs at my work on Fridays, you aren’t missing much.

Skip the chowder line and head across the street instead (@ Beecher’s Handmade Cheese)

Between the mac and cheese, grilled cheese, poutin and cheese samples, I was in heaven! Although no one should ever consume all that dairy in one sitting. Don’t ask me how I know.

Ooh baby, I like it rawww 🎶 (@ Elliot’s Oyster House)

One last stop under the bridge! Till next time, Seattle (@ Fremont Troll)

Breakfast.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020

takis and fruit punch

My coworker Luis came up to me this morning with his cup of grapes and was all like, “Is that your breakfast???”

In unrelated news, I had a salad for lunch today.

Late Night.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019

chat lobster tail

BRB postmates is outside with my seafood risotto.

Sunday Brunch.
Sunday, November 24, 2019

republique brunch brioche french toast

Let’s get some fuckin’ french toast (@ République)

Spirit Animal.
Saturday, November 23, 2019

find someone who looks at you like roger looks at bbq

Roger is my spirit animal.

Popeyes.
Sunday, November 10, 2019

popeyes chicken sandwich

I got to try the elusive Popeyes chicken sandwich, and I didn’t even have to wait in line or get stabbed to death! It only cost me 15,000 Southwest points (@ McCarran Airport)

Night + Market.
Thursday, September 26, 2019

night + market weho - sake

Sake on Sunset with Deane and Sarah (@ Night + Market Weho)

’90s Nostalgia.
Saturday, September 14, 2019

button mash - saved by the bell - check

button mash - ninja turtles - arcade

button mash - tofu balls

Can I get a Clearly Canadian to wash down these tofu balls? (@ Button Mash)

Friar Faithful.
Sunday, July 14, 2019

I’m here for the garlic fries, beer and Eric Hosmer (in that order) (@ Petco Park)

‘Murica.
Thursday, July 4, 2019

Unsolicited fact about me: This is how I start every 4th of July.

Work Daddy.
Friday, May 10, 2019

Earlier this week, my coworker Ben walked in on me eating a pb&j uncrustable in my office (yes, I bought the multipack in the ‘kids meals’ aisle at Target, and yes, I have no kids). He told me that he makes pb & honey ones for his daughter who hates jelly, and I said I’ve never had that combo before. This morning, he made an extra sandwich for me when he packed his kid’s lunch! He even cut the crust off lol!

(I’ve also never had wagyu beef, white albino caviar, or fourchu lobster if anyone reading this wants to bring me something, too.)

Birthday BBQ.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019

grand ole bbq flinn springs

grand ole bbq flinn springs

Jessie’s birthday BBQ (@ Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs)

I missed pre-BBQ beers at Alpine because of stupid LA traffic, but I made it before they sold out of ribs this time! Can all my friends celebrate their birthdays here??? I would get on the 405 during rush hour for BBQ you.

Only in LA.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
slab bbq los angeles beef ribs gif

Fuck, can I get pregnant from this??? (@ Slab BBQ)

Slab has been on my BBQ bucket list, but they usually sell out by the time I get off work. I’ve been sick at home for the past couple of days, so I finally went for lunch today. They usually don’t serve beef ribs on weekdays, but today was my lucky day! I’ve been following them on instagram since they sold BBQ out of their backyard, and their ribs and brisket were some of the best I’ve ever had! Def my new LA fave.

Just when I thought I couldn’t get any luckier, we were sitting outside Milk having dessert afterwards when WEEZER and Fred Armisen roll past us down Beverly Blvd on a flatbed performing Say It Ain’t So (my favoritest Weezer song EVER) like it’s no bigs! Only in LA…

Thanks to whoever gave me this nasty cough at work! If it weren’t for you, I would’ve never been in Fairfax in the middle of a Tuesday living my best life.

Weekend Vibes.
Sunday, January 6, 2019

Today was a good day (@ George’s at the Cove)

Chargers playoff win. Bohemian Rhapsody takes the Globes. Parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. Amazing dinner and this view ♥

PSA.
Saturday, January 5, 2019
it's not going to lick itself - cauldron ice cream

(@ Cauldron Ice Cream)

Happy Birthday, Pammie!
Monday, December 10, 2018

monello cheese wheel pasta

Happy early birthday to my favorite sister! (@ Monello)

FYI I can only eat pasta when it’s prepared tableside in a cheese wheel now.

Christmas Cheers.
Saturday, December 1, 2018

christmas cheers

I’ll have one… one of everything! (@ BJ’s Brewhouse)

Alicia and I drank our way through their holiday cocktail list. The blood orange pom fireball sangria tastes like Christmas in your mouth! It’s def going on the menu for any and all future holiday spreads.

BBQ Bucket List.
Friday, November 2, 2018

grand ole bbq - flinn springs - natural smoked meats

grand ole bbq - pulled pork sandwich - strawberry mule

ILYSM (@ Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs)

My most favorite BBQ spot in San Diego (and all of California) just opened a second location near the bestie’s house in east county. It’s bigger and less busy than its North Park flagship, and more importantly, it has a full bar (the original location doesn’t serve alcohol, but you can BYOB). It should def be on your BBQ bucket list! Also, if you don’t have a BBQ bucket list, how are we even friends???

National Cheeseburger Day.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018

shake shack el segundo

If you thought I was gonna celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, you weren’t wrong (@ Shake Shack)

Breakfast Club.
Sunday, September 9, 2018

flower child del mar

flower child breakfast

Breakfast Club (@ Flower Child)

My favorite girls met at an ungodly hour for breakfast so that the mamas could have extra girl time away from their six kids (four of which are twin babies!). I only had to worry about getting myself up in the morning, and I was still one of the last ones there! Ha. I haven’t laughed this hard in such a long time. No one will ever be as entertained by us than us ♥

Baja.
Monday, August 13, 2018

baron balche winery - valle de guadalupe

baron balche winery - valle de guadalupe

(@ Baron Balche, Valle de Guadalupe)

baron balche winery - valle de guadalupe

(@ La Escondida Puerto Nuevo)

baron balche winery - valle de guadalupe

Much needed daycation! Def need more of these in my life…

Aloha.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018

mai tai

luau roasted pig

luau fire dancer

luau pecs

Hardly working (@ SKX)

Hoppy Birthday.
Saturday, July 21, 2018

craft beer - the blendery - alpine brewing - pliny the elder - ballast point sculpin

Birthday beers for Cal and Francis! I’ll let you guess which ones are for Francis LOL. Not gonna lie, some of his might not make it to the party 🍓🍑💦

Pride.
Saturday, July 14, 2018

Came for a sandwich, but stayed for the pride parade (@ Ike’s Place, Hillcrest)

Heat Wave.
Friday, July 6, 2018

the pioneer barbecue san carlos san diego

A few of my favorite things…

the pioneer barbecue san carlos san diego frose

109° weather calls for frosé all day (@ The Pioneer)

Independence Day.
Wednesday, July 4, 2018

viejas fireworks

viejas buffet beer

viejas buffet lobster

The 4th of July fell on bottomless beer and lobster night this year (@ Viejas)

What a time to be alive.

Reminder.
Saturday, June 9, 2018

alarm - buy kettle corn

Day at the Fair.
Saturday, June 9, 2018

san diego county fair - entrance

san diego county fair - sky flyer

san diego county fair - del mar - mini donuts

san diego county fair - bacon wrapped turkey legs

san diego county fair - giant pickles

5 hours and 2 footsie wootsie massages later (@ San Diego County Fair)

Lobster Poll.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018

cousins maine lobster - i voted

I vote for lobster trucks outside every polling place! (@ Aviation Park)

Backyard BBQ.
Sunday, June 3, 2018

flat top grill steaks

glass fire pit

kd

Christine’s twin babies came early, so their big sister’s 2nd birthday party moved from Chuck E. Cheese to Denise’s backyard. No complaints here!

Can we just go on record and say that I’ve added a flat top grill, fire pit and pool to my list of must-haves for my future home???

Respect.
Saturday, May 26, 2018

breakfast republic michelada

Brunch with my fave girls (@ Breakfast Republic)

Quote of the day:

If Beyoncé can get cheated on, none of us are safe!

Shi will not rest, y’all! 😅

Smorgasburg Sunday.
Sunday, May 20, 2018

smorgasburg sunday

smorgasburg shrimp daddy

shirley starbursts

Sunday funday with Shi! (@ Smorgasburg LA)

I love when she comes up to visit (even if she eats all of my candy).

Buonissimo.
Monday, May 14, 2018

pasta sisters burrata tagliatelle

When asked if I want my tagliatelle topped with a big ass ball of burrata, the answer is always yes (@ Pasta Sisters)

Eat Me.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018

gus's world famous fried chicken

Please and thank you (@ Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken)

Innings Fest.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018

innings festival

Lord Huron – The Night We Met

Sylvan Esso – Coffee

Young the Giant – Cough Syrup

Local Natives – Coins

Head and the Heart – All We Ever Knew

culinary dropout

culinary dropout - moscow mule

(@ Culinary Dropout)

cornish pasty co - cottage pie - tempe arizona

(@ Cornish Pasty Co)

pizzeria bianco

(@ Pizzeria Bianco)

arrogant butcher

arrogant butcher

arrogant butcher

(@ The Arrogant Butcher)

tempe beach park bridge cinemagraph gif

(@ Tempe Beach Park)

We escaped the LA rain and road-tripped it to Arizona! The first of hopefully many Innings Fests did not disappoint. Good weather, great bands, amazing food…

Venissimo.
Saturday, March 10, 2018

venissimo cheese raclette - liberty public market - san diego

My morning raclette (@ Venissimo – Liberty Station)

The Impossible.
Friday, March 2, 2018

impossible burger - hopdoddy burger bar

…or what you eat when your lunch buddy is observing lent (@ Hopdoddy Burger Bar)

If I didn’t know the Impossible Burger was plant-based, I would have never guessed it was meatless! And this is coming from a girl who loves her meat. I’m not about to give up ribs or anything, but it’s nice to know there’s a worthy (albeit pricey) alternative out there. We usually go to the farmers market for lunch on Fridays, and I could get four mexican hot dogs (and a stomachache) for the price of one burger. Def worth it, though.

Taco Hell.
Thursday, March 1, 2018

taco bell

The guac is extra, and so is my boss (@ SKX Advertising Dept)

Mandatory Mixer.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018

rockefeller manhattan beach

rockefeller manhattan beach

rockefeller manhattan beach

rockefeller manhattan beach

rockefeller manhattan beach

Catching up with my coworkers (@ The Rockefeller Manhattan Beach)

City Tacos.
Sunday, February 25, 2018

city tacos la mesa

city tacos michelada

Were the tacos the best I ever had? No. But were the micheladas good at least? Still no. (@ City Tacos)

I should’ve known that this place was no bueno when I saw people drinking wine with their tacos, and the only mexicans eating there were the friends I came with.

National Margarita Day.
Thursday, February 22, 2018

margarita

Or as I like to call it… Thursday (@ Manhattan House)

Deane and her BF broke up today, so I drank her sorrows away with her since I’m such a supportive friend and all.

Viva Las Vegas.
Monday, February 19, 2018

I thought most of the people flying on Valentine’s Day would be on their way to see loved ones, but the majority of the passengers on my flight were headed to see Bruno Mars. Or at least that’s what their hooligans jerseys led me to believe…

las vegas - chinese lunar new year - linq promenade

I managed to snap this without getting elbowed in the face by all the asians with selfie sticks. My mom was one of them. Just kidding (she forgot hers at home).
(@ The LINQ Promenade)

I’ll have to make my way back here, if only for Virgil’s Real BBQ. And maybe that cute guy covering Stone Temple Pilots inside.

las vegas - chinese lunar new year - bellagio conservatory and botanical gardens

If money grew on trees… (@ Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens)

o by cirque du soleil

O…MG (@ Bellagio Theater)

Infinitely better than the Luzia show I just saw in LA, but The Beatles Love is still my #1.

las vegas bellagio fountains gif

The guy standing next to me was belting out God Bless the USA during the entire water show. You’re lucky this is a gif (@ Fountains of Bellagio)

Pops zip lining into the weekend like (@ SlotZilla Zip Line)

We lost my dad for 24 hours somewhere between the zip lining and the poker room at the Orleans.

fremont street tips sign

Put the $5 I won off of Britney slots towards his tip (@ Fremont Street)

rollin smoke barbeque las vegas

CAUTION: They rub their meat (@ Rollin Smoke Barbeque)

Checked this gem off of my BBQ bucket list! Standouts were the beef rib (my go-to), brisket burnt ends and the “dam” hot arkansauce.

las vegas - wish you were here - palms casino resort

Till next time! (@ Palms Casino Resort)

Pick Your Poison.
Monday, February 12, 2018

bar cart girl scout cookies

Birthday Brunch.
Sunday, February 11, 2018

belgian waffle maker

Happiest birthday, Shi! I love you more than I love homemade waffles. And that’s saying a lot.

Friyay.
Saturday, February 10, 2018

arts district brewing dtla

arts district brewing dtla

arts district brewing dtla

Friyay  (@ Arts District Brewing)

Tacoholics Anonymous.
Thursday, February 8, 2018

tacoholics anonymous - tacos tu madre

Weekly meeting (@ Tacos Tu Madre)

Sweet Chick.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018

sweet chick - today was a good day

I didn’t even have to use my AK (@ Sweet Chick)

Crackheads and Bellies.
Saturday, January 13, 2018

grand ole bbq y asado - san diego

liberty public market - love potion drink

christine pamintuan francis lansang kd baby belly

Celebrating this baby’s mama (@ Liberty Public Market)

Strike 2.
Monday, January 1, 2018

burnt pan de sal bread rolls

…or this week’s edition of Mayan burns the bread rolls. Just kidding (this was the second time I burned them this week). As soon as my mom smelled the smoke, she was like, “STRIKE 2!”

I’m sure my parents can’t wait for me to go back to LA tomorrow! Ha.

Last Supper.
Sunday, December 31, 2017

pop pie co pot pie san diego

pop pie co pot pie san diego

pop pie co pot pie san diego

Last Supper (Pop Pie Co)

Little Damage.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Staking my claim 👅 (@ Little Damage)

Smorgasburg Sunday.
Sunday, December 10, 2017

Sunday funday (@ Smorgasburg, ROW DTLA)

Museum of Ice Cream.
Sunday, September 24, 2017

museum of ice cream los angeles

museum of ice cream los angeles

museum of ice cream los angeles

museum of ice cream los angeles

Ice cream Sunday (@ Museum of Ice Cream)

Shake Shack x Modern Times.
Saturday, September 16, 2017

shake shack x modern times - san diego

shake shack x modern times cornhole - san diego

Burgers and beer for breakfast (@ Modern Times Fortress of Raditude)

Pammie, Dennis, Paul and I arrived at the Shake Shack pop-up 30 minutes before they opened, and the line wasn’t too bad. The longest I’ve ever waited in line for food was over 2 hours at Howlin’ Rays in Chinatown, so this 45-minute wait was no bigs. There was absolutely no shade though, so our burgers came with a side of UV! It was worth the tan lines…

Coin Haus.
Sunday, September 10, 2017

coinhaus la mesa

coinhaus la mesa

Level up (@ Coin Haus)

Leo took Alicia, Ray and me to this beercade in La Mesa last night. It’s in a nice area with an industrial bar and gorgeous resto next door. Things have def changed since I lived there years ago!

I like their system so much better than other barcades I’ve been to. You exchange a credit card for a tapcard and use it to serve yourself beer and play video games. It beats having to wait in line at the bar for $15 drinks or having to use quarters for the games (ain’t nobody got change for that!). When I turned my tapcard in at the end of the night, it ended up being less than $20 to drink some beers and play a few rounds of Contra, Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros and more. The cashier said I was a cheap date! Boys, don’t all come running at once.

I ❤ NY.
Sunday, August 20, 2017

nyc plane sunrise

Ohhh, so this is what 6am looks like…

nyc subway

Our trip to NYC wouldn’t be complete without me getting us lost on the subway. Again.

top of the rock nyc

Morning view (@ Top of the Rock, Midtown)

bar moga omurice nyc

I felt a little dirty recording this food porn (@ Bar Moga, Greenwich Village)

grand central station nyc

Trainspotting (@ Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East)

shack shack madison square park

shack shack hot chick'n

The OG Shake Shack (@ Madison Square Park, Flatiron)

There are five Shake Shacks in LA, but we still ate here three times during our trip! We even schlepped across town with our luggage on our last day to get one last Shackburger and their limited edition Hot Chick’n when we found out we were flying out of the JFK terminal that doesn’t have a Shake Shack. We’re kind of obsessed.

gallow green nyc

gallow green nyc

Rooftop vibes (@ Gallow Green, Chelsea)

I was worried it was going to be humid all weekend, but the weather was perfect for a rooftop cocktail or two (these are both mine).

raclette nyc

Melt my heart (@ Raclette, East Village)

This was our favorite meal of the trip (don’t let the fact that we ate at Shake Shack three times fool you). Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the waitress came back midway through our meal to give us a second scrape!

mighty quinn nyc brontosaurus rib

Checked the brontosaurus beef rib off my BBQ bucket list ✓ (@ Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, East Village)

Tame Impala (@ Panorama NYC, Randall’s Island Park)

This was def one of the smaller music festivals I’ve been to, but Tame Impala brought the big show with their lasers. Our lyft driver thought we were at EDC!

magic jewelry aura photo

Best $20 I ever spent (@ Magic Jewelry, Chinatown)

Pammie and I got our auras photographed inside a tiny Chinese jewelry shop, and that pink ass cloud = my mind being blown.

oculus nyc

The Westfield mall I used to work at wasn’t quite as nice as this one, but they both have Wetzel’s Pretzels (@ Westfield World Trade Center, Oculus, Financial District)

wtc memorial nyc

Ground Zero (@ One World Observatory, Financial District)

The last time I was here was a couple years after 9/11. There used to be a steel beam cross where this memorial now exists. They did a beautiful job!

Sunday cycle (@ Central Park)

Pammie wanted to ride bikes through Central Park, and it was one of the highlights of our trip! We rode from the Guggenheim to Strawberry Fields and stopped along the way to enjoy the scenery.

guggenheim nyc

Gaining perspective (@ Guggenheim Museum, Upper East Side)

imagine strawberry fields nyc

Strawberry Fields forever (@ Central Park)

plane tv

Before we knew it, it was time to fly home. Anyone who knows me and my sister knows that we’re complete opposites. She’s a Potterhead, while I’m more Homicide for the Holidays! But we always have fun when we’re together. I can’t wait for our next trip!

KBBQ and a Moscow Mule.
Friday, June 30, 2017

kettle brand potato chips - korean barbecue - moscow mule

Cancel my dinner plans (@ Jon’s Liquor)

Overnight Guests.
Sunday, March 19, 2017

Museum day with Pammie and this clown (@ The Broad)

I went shopping for pillows, because I literally only have two in my apartment. My mom was like, what do your overnight guests use? I’m not sure who what she thinks I’m doing in LA, but my life isn’t as exciting as she thinks it is! Pammie and Shi slept over last weekend, and I didn’t have enough pillows for all of us, so my sister had to improvise with the teddy bear I got on Valentine’s Day! 😂 I made it up to her by taking them to Shake Shack twice that weekend. You’re welcome!

Worst. Week. Ever.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017

pok pok la closing

Just when I thought my week couldn’t get any worse 😩

My favorite wings EVER are from this Portland transplant. I thought that I had seen all I needed to see during my last two trips to Portland, but I have half a dozen reasons to go back now…

Portlandia.
Monday, January 9, 2017

ace hotel portland

(@ Ace Hotel Portland)

pine state biscuits the reggie portland

(@ Pine State Biscuits)

punchbowl falls - portland punchbowl falls - portland

(@ Punchbowl Falls)

multnomah falls

(@ Multnomah Falls)

the commons brewery - portland the commons brewery - portland

(@ The Commons Brewery)

cheryl's portland bloody mary toast

(@ Cheryl’s on 12th)

portland japanese garden portland japanese garden

(@ Portland Japanese Garden)

voodoo donuts

(@ Voodoo Doughnut)

portland district tryst portland district tryst

(@ Tryst)

pdx socks ace hotel portland

Lonely Pie.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016

the pie hole - lonely pie

Are there tears baked into this oreo crust, be honest (@ The Pie Hole)

Baked.
Sunday, October 23, 2016

mr. holmes bakehouse los angeles

Puff puff pastry (@ Mr. Holmes Bakehouse)

Lit.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016

sparklers in donut

Birthday Blue Star Donuts for Mary (@ Venice Canals)

This peanut butter powdered donut with habanero blackberry jam will change your life.

Because Mondays.
Monday, August 22, 2016

randy's donuts LA

Because Mondays. And car accidents. (@ Randy’s Donuts)

DTF.
Saturday, August 13, 2016

din tai fung dumplings

All that and dim sum (@ Din Tai Fung)

Pizza Party.
Monday, August 1, 2016

pizza party

pizza party

pizza oven

Jessie and Abe bought a pizza oven for their backyard and hosted their first bumble workshop pizza party of the summer this past weekend.

I’m not sure if it’s because most of my friends are in relationships, or because Jessie’s husband calls me “baby boo” sometimes LOL, but my friends are intent on finding me a baby boo of my own! They set up my bumble profile while I scarfed down breakfast pizza, chamango paletas and hell or high watermelon. I obliged them and swiped right on a few “entrepreneurs” (srsly, what do you do for a living?), but only the girl can initiate the convo within 24 hours after you’ve been matched before the connection disappears forever. Seeing that I never approach guys first and wait till the eleventh hour to do anything, this may not be the best dating app for me haha. I may need a few more bumble workshops thinly disguised as pizza parties to convince me otherwise!

BBQ Week.
Friday, June 17, 2016

maple block meat co

Tacolandia.
Sunday, June 12, 2016

tacolandia 2016

tacolandia 2016

What kind of meat do they serve at this booth? (@ Tacolandia 2016)

Remember It.
Saturday, April 2, 2016

arts district brewing co

Write it down, take a picture, IDGAF (@ Arts District Brewing Company)

Food Baby.
Friday, April 1, 2016

that's so raven - say no more gif

It took me 4 hours to drive down to San Diego for Christine’s baby shower, and I arrived with less than an hour left to partake in the taco cart. After stuffing myself with 5 tacos (the 5th one was a mistake!), I was told that the taco guy was staying an extra hour, and I didn’t need to eat all those tacos in record time.

At least the taco vendor didn’t mistake me and my food baby for the pregnant celebrant (sorry, Jessie! LOL).

Memory Jar.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016

common theory public house

Gingerbread ale and memory jars (@ Common Theory Public House)

I spent my holiday vacation back home in San Diego making memories with family and old friends.

Just after Christmas, my cousin and her family were involved in a devastating house fire that took the life of her daughter and everything they owned. It has been a difficult year for my family in general, and this tragedy solidified 2015 as the worst year ever! Hopefully 2016 is kinder to us all. A friend of the family set up a GoFundMe account if you would like to make a donation to help.

My dear friend, Jay, also lost his mom over the holidays, and I met up with him and friends I haven’t seen in forever at her memorial. I love seeing these guys, because no matter how much time has passed, we can all still pick up right where we left off. The highlight of my day was when Pammie and I walked into the chapel and Jay’s brother greeted us with arms wide open and a simple, “Bitches.” Classic Rome. Jay trying to give me dating advice was a very close second. The lowlight of my day had to be when my ex-boyfriend brought his fiancé and his parents to the memorial, and all I brought was my extra holiday weight. LOL. Just kidding. (I brought my sister, too.)

My resolution this year is to be better about staying in touch with family and friends. I have a tendency to close myself off, and I’m trying to work on that. You really never know when you’re going to lose your loved ones…

Meant to Be.
Friday, December 25, 2015

thinking bout dat summer bod but also bout dem tacos sweater - tacopedia book

When you give your friend LA’s finest taco sweater, and she gives you Mexico’s best-selling taco book…

Cranberry Bliss Cookies.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015

cranberry bliss cookies

CRANBERRY BLISS COOKIES
Adapted from Gimme Some Oven

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE COOKIES:
3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries

FOR THE FROSTING:
1 (8 oz.) bar cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted in the microwave or double-boiler
2 tsp. orange extract
3 cups powdered sugar

FOR THE TOPPING:
1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted in the microwave or double-boiler

DIRECTIONS:

TO MAKE THE COOKIES:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt until well-blended. Set aside.

Using an an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and the eggs one at a time, beating in between to incorporate. Then reduce the speed to low, and slowly add in the dry ingredients. Increase the speed to medium, and continue beating until well-combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and cranberries, and mix until just-combined. (Do not overmix.)

Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour. Then place dough by rounded tablespoon-fulls onto a baking sheet that has been prepared with parchment paper, at least 2.5-inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Remove pan, and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack until cool. Repeat with remaining dough until all cookies are baked. Wait until cookies reach room temperature before adding frosting and toppings.

TO MAKE THE FROSTING:

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the cream cheese and melted white chocolate until combined. (**Be sure that your cream cheese REALLY is at room temperature before adding the white chocolate. Otherwise the chocolate could seize up.) Add in the orange extract and mix until combined. Then reduce speed to low and add the powdered sugar. Mix until incorporated. Then use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, and beat once more for 1 minute on medium speed until the frosting is smooth. You can add more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting.

Spread the frosting on the cooled cookies. Then immediately sprinkle the frosted cookies with the chopped dried cranberries. And use a fork to drizzle on the frosting, swishing it back and forth over the cookies.

Friendsgiving.
Sunday, November 29, 2015

friendsgiving 2015

For Friendsgiving this year, I made an oxtail ragu that would bring you to your knees. It took me five hours to cook, and I didn’t finish until three in the morning! It was worth it, but I’ll probably never make it again (just like the chocolate babka I made in 2012). I hope you enjoyed my tender meat, because that’s the last time you’re ever gonna eat it! Ha.

Wake & Bake.
Thursday, November 26, 2015

ciabatta bread pudding

Bread pudding bound. Happy Thanksgiving, loves ♥

Halal Guys.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015

halal guys costa mesa

The best part about driving from LA to SD Thanksgiving weekend was making a pit stop at NYC’s Halal Guys in OC! The worst part? Everything else.

Ways to My Heart.
Friday, November 20, 2015

whole foods market dtla - ways to my heart

You should be writing this down (@ Whole Foods Market DTLA)

¡Salud!
Sunday, November 1, 2015

salud barrio logan san diego

Brunch in the barrio with these babes (@ ¡Salud!)

Tacos always taste better in the hood. You know it’s gonna be good if you hear gun shots exiting the freeway (shout out to Tacos Arabes in Boyle Heights!).

Pok Pok LA.
Friday, October 30, 2015

pok pok la

pok pok la

PDX ♥ LA (@ Pok Pok LA)

My favorite wings EVAR are from Pok Pok in Portland, and now they’re in LA! If you didn’t have a reason to visit me before, I can give you half a dozen now…

Ice Cold.
Sunday, October 25, 2015

our beer is as cold as your ex's heart - wood handcrafted pizza

WARNING: This beer is cold af, you guys (@ Wood Handcrafted Pizza)

ACL.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015

austin city limits 2015

austin city limits 2015

austin city limits 2015

austin city limits 2015

My Austin City Limits trip was cut short due to my grandma’s passing, and Anthony had the time of his life those first few days without me. He hit up the Dirty Sixth with Austin locals he made friends with and ended up giving one of them my Friday wristband. They saw all the bands I wanted to see. I’m bummed I missed Tame Impala and Leon Bridges among others, but luckily I didn’t have to wake up at an ungodly hour on Saturday and wait with him in that 4-hour line for Franklin. Day-old brisket reheated in a hotel microwave and eaten in my chonies still tasted better than any BBQ I’ve ever had in California!

I flew in Saturday night and met up with Anthony at an Irish pub downtown. Fado is the official US soccer bar in Austin, and it’s surrounded by gay bars on 4th Street. My uber driver was convinced he was taking me to see my gay friend once I told him where I was headed LOL. I mean, it would explain so much… After US lost to Mexico, we hit up Firehouse (a cool little speakeasy inside a hostel) and Rainey Street. I loved, loved, loved it there. Rainey Street is a block of old houses converted into themed bars. We stayed till last call, and all I remember from that night is a lot of Ludacris and stanky legs. You don’t realize how drunk you are until you’re walking the hotel halls in nothing but your dress slip looking for a beverage machine so you could wash down some tylenol at three in the morning.

We didn’t wake up early enough to stand in line for BBQ before the festival on Sunday, but we stopped by Torchy’s Tacos before we made our trek to Zilker Park. There was a lot of walking. Like. A LOT. Before, during and after the festival. In nearly 100 degree heat. And in sandals that had 0% arch support (but were 100% cute, obvs). This was definitely not Portland where we had a local friend with a car, ample public transportation, and weather that was 50 degrees cooler. The highlight of my day happened just before BØRNS’ set when the sun disappeared behind the only cloud in the sky for half a minute and everyone cheered. BØRNS, Sylvan Esso and Hozier’s sets were very close seconds. So were those two snow cones we each had.

Before I knew it, it was Monday and time to check out. Anthony hit up the gym in the morning while I stayed my ass in bed. We ate lunch at Valentina’s Tex Mex where Anthony had brisket tacos and I had a beast of a beef rib with the most beautiful smoke ring. We strolled down South Congress afterwards and drank micheladas for three hours at a bar inside Hotel San Jose. We got to the airport early to watch the Chargers lose, and I asked the TSA guy if the Starbucks was before or after the security gate. He ruined my mom’s life and told me that there’s no Starbucks at all, because Austin is all about supporting local businesses. I get a Starbucks mug for my mom whenever I travel, and she’s just gonna have to be happy with the mug I got her during my layover in Phoenix!

All things considered, I’m glad I was able to take a break from life and escape for a couple of days. I’ll def be back to explore this little town again.

Block Party.
Sunday, September 27, 2015

block party highland park

Micheladas under the blood moon with Deane and Isadora (@ Block Party)

Asian Invasion.
Sunday, August 23, 2015

kang kang food court xiao long bao

You dim sum, you lose some (@ Kang Kang Food Court)

My mom and my sister visited me in LA this weekend, and we had Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And since that wasn’t Asian enough, we took pictures of our food and posted it on instagram.

Pickle Chips.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015

I don’t even know why I ate that much food…
Poutine… pickle chips…

My future child, ladies and gentlemen.

Shake Shack.
Sunday, July 26, 2015

shake shack

New York in Vegas (@ Shake Shack)

Droppin’ Science.
Monday, July 20, 2015

zymology 21 mimosa flight

Keeping the party going (@ Zymology 21)

Honey.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015

cpk

At lunch today, our waiter told me he really liked my glasses when we first sat down, and later brought me some hot water, lemon and honey because he said he heard me sniffling. Deane said he wanted my dick, but I’m pretty sure he just wanted the tip 😉

S/O to Ryan @ CPK Manhattan Beach! You are one supreme slice.

Alfred Coffee.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015

alfred coffee brentwood succulents

Brought to you by the letter A (@ Alfred Coffee)

Broken Spanish.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015

broken spanish dtla

¡Salud! (@ Broken Spanish)

Sprinkles.
Monday, June 29, 2015

california donuts letters birthday

Happy birthday with sprinkles on top! (@ California Donuts)

These donuts were almost as cute as my favorite 4-year-old ♥

Key to My Heart.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015

google bbq platter

I don’t know what’s sadder—is it that part of my job as a web designer at Skechers involves creating e-blasts for the cafe inside our office building (how else would you know that tomorrow’s special is chicken tikka masala?!), or that while googling BBQ photos to use for their 4th of July special, I immediately recognized this spread from Smoke City Market???

If you’re looking for the key to my heart, a platter of smoked BBQ beef ribs will unlock all the mysteries.

High & Low.
Thursday, June 11, 2015

Highlight of my day: After lunch with my coworkers @ Pitfire, the cute cashier slipped me a free jumbo chocolate chip cookie on my way out.

dancing cookie gif

I met up with my coworkers outside afterwards, thrust my cookie in the air and was all like, “FREE COOKIE, BITCHES!” Our excitement was short-lived, though. When we got back to my car, I had two parking tickets—one for an expired meter (my friend paid the wrong one) and another for not having a front license plate (I mean, if my car was meant to have one, it would have come with holes drilled in it).

I owe the City of Manhattan Beach $96 for that free cookie!

adventure time princess cookie

Brunch & Chisme.
Sunday, June 7, 2015

the tasting kitchen chicken and waffles

Chicken and waffles with my woes (@ The Tasting Kitchen)

Love when the girls visit me in LA, if only for brunch and chisme!

Tacolandia.
Saturday, June 6, 2015

tacolandia 2015 papel picado

Stuffed with tacos and wrapped in a mexican blanket (@ Tacolandia)

Today was a good day.

Fight or Flight.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015

verve coffee roasters dtla juice flight

Juice flight-ing this cold (@ Verve Coffee Roasters)

Ramen Champ.
Saturday, May 30, 2015

ramen champ tonkotsu chashu ramen

Spicy Pork Belly Ramen (@ Ramen Champ)

I only eat ramen when I’m sick or when Shi is in town. Today it was both!

Love when she visits ♥

Namast’ay in Bed.
Friday, May 29, 2015

namast'ay in bed - california donuts - breakfast in bed

Much needed sick day after working overtime every day this week with a cold! Somebody please bring me more donuts and be the big spoon.

Sunday Morning.
Sunday, May 17, 2015

santa monica farmer's market berries - acai bowl

Farmer’s Market Finds.
Saturday, May 16, 2015

santa monica farmer's market berries

(@ Santa Monica Farmer’s Market)

Halfway.
Thursday, May 7, 2015

donut chat

You bring a donut to one marathon and no one ever lets you forget it.

(But still bring those donuts though.)

Smoke City Market.
Sunday, May 3, 2015

smoke city market - no pastrami

Day ruined (@ Smoke City Market)

I still had my beloved beef rib and brisket. Best BBQ I’ve had so far in LA (and in life!).

Sold Out.
Monday, April 27, 2015

churro borough los feliz sold out

Day ruined, part 2 (@ Churro Borough)

The last time Deane and I tried to eat Churro Borough, they sold out at the pop-up they were having at our beloved Ramekin (RIP!). Now that they’ve set up a brick and mortar at Ramekin’s old spot, they’re even more popular! Hopefully we’ll get to have churro ice cream sandwiches again before we’re on social security.

Support.
Sunday, April 26, 2015

la jolla half marathon donut

I’ll be the asshole eating donuts at the 12-mile mark (@ La Jolla Half Marathon)

So proud of my little marathon runner, Shi! Just one more till that triple crown…

Day Ruined.
Friday, April 17, 2015

stuck vending machine

El Jefe.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015

el jefe pop-up chef movie animal fairfax los angeles

Cubanos on the curb (@ Animal)

Jon Favreau and Roy Choi hosted an El Jefe pop-up from one of my favorite movies tonight! Chef was everything, and so was this sandwich (and so was this soundtrack!).

Mmmpanadas.
Friday, April 3, 2015

strawberry rhubarb empanadas

Strawberry rhubarb empanadas in the making (or shall I say, mmmpanadas!).

Because when one of your friends has surgery after a career-ending fútbol injury, you bake them a little post-op pick-me-up!

These tasted like heaven… I still have to drive them down to San Diego this weekend, and I don’t know if they’re gonna make it, tbh.

Get the recipe HERE.

Homemade Beer Bones.
Sunday, March 22, 2015

Make a donation of $10 or more to sponsor my participation in San Diego Humane Society’s Walk for Animals and receive a bag of homemade beer bones made with repurposed spent grain locally sourced and generously donated by LA craft brewery, Progress Brewing!

You can donate HERE. Please put your address in the “Personal Note to Walk Participant” field if you want dog treats. If you’re in LA or SD, I can probably just meet up with you 🙂

brew bones

I battle my obvious love of dogs on a daily basis.

I can’t watch a cute puppy video on youtube without clicking on all the related videos. Next thing I know, I’ve lost three hours of my life watching 103 videos in a puppy surprise playlist and have been crying for at least two of those hours. Just kidding. (I cried for all three.)

When Pammie asked if I wanted to do a walk for animals, I immediately said yes without knowing any details other than dogs were somehow involved. Her office organizes this huge fundraiser that includes a bake sale where homemade dog treats are sold for donations, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to combine my love for dogs with my love for baking and get involved.

I reached out to some local LA craft breweries, and Progress Brewing in El Monte was generous enough to donate some spent brewing grain towards my cause. I drove out to what the dude described as “east of east los” with nothing but a 5-gallon bucket and a friend to witness my death in case the dude chopped me up into little pieces and dumped my body in the mash tun (I did meet him on the internet, after all).

progress brewing mash tun

Kevin, the co-owner of Progress Brewing, was actually a really nice guy. He asked if I preferred “Black IPA” or “American Red” doggy biscuits! Ha. I went with American Red, obvi, since I’m not a fan of IPAs. Dogs are also allergic to hops, so if you’re going to repurpose spent grain, make sure the brewery didn’t mash hop the batch you’re getting.

It’s best to use the spent grains within the first few days after brewing, otherwise they’ll go bad. I used a FoodSaver and froze them in portion-sized bags for storing and later use, since they gave me around 40 pounds of grain.

Here’s a simple, all-natural recipe if you want to try making these at home:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups spent grain
  • 2 cups organic barley flour
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 2 organic eggs

homemade dog treats using spent brewing grain

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all of the ingredients and mix with your hands until a thick dough forms. Roll out the dough on a generously floured surface and cut out shapes with cookie cutters like this cute dog bone.

homemade beer bones

Line the biscuits on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 225 degrees and continue baking for 2 hours. Cooking them the additional time at the lower temperature will help ensure they dry completely, extending their shelf life.

homemade beer bones

The dried biscuits will keep for 2 weeks in an airtight container and even longer if you freeze them in zipper bags. You can give them to your dogs straight from the freezer as a cool summer treat, or, if you’re in LA, in the dead of winter when it’s 90 degrees out!

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