Memorable meals from my trip to L.A. included a "New York breakfast sandwich" from Joan's on Third (still one of my all-time favorite L.A. eateries), a baked Meyer lemon custard pancake from Canelé (many thanks to Kathy for the recommendation), and tacos from Loteria at the Grove.
I also paid a visit to the much talked-about Sprinkles Cupcake ATM, which didn't disappoint. Did you know it sings?
But of course, home-cooked meals were the highlight. One night during my stay, I asked my mom to teach me how to make a Japanese chicken and egg dish called oyako-don, which is one of my favorites. As I've mentioned before, she's an amazing cook who makes everything look effortless. I did my best, but I'm not sure I'll be able to recreate it quite as well on my own!
Anyhow, it was fun to help. The dogs enjoyed my lesson, too.
Thank you again to those of you who so kindly offered recommendations for my trip! I didn't have time to do everything, but I'm keeping a list for next time. On my future agenda: Huckleberry Cafe, Tavern, Chego, Proof Bakery, Sweet Rose Creamery, and Bottega Louie. Can't wait to visit again soon!
AHHH! I have been to two of the three places you mentioned. Remember when we went to Joan's on Third with Hank and saw Lauren Conrad there with her BF? I will have to accompany you for your next visit to all those delicious sounding places. The real question is, what type of cupcake did you get? Annnd, no HUGOS?!??!?!? Are you waiting for me :)
ReplyDeleteToo cute! You make me miss LA. Those Sprinkles ATMs were after my time, but I will definitely visit when I am back for the Christmas holiday.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a recipe for that chicken don?
CUPCAKE ATM!
ReplyDeleteYes, that's all I had to say.
Oyako don is my favorite food in the world! I make it all the time! Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteIt SINGS?! Well, now I have to go. Same with Canele. You've inspired me =]
ReplyDeletelooks like an amazing trip!! i love going home to san diego because it means i get to eat my mom's amazing chinese food, so i feel you on that. no restaurant compares! also you are SO ADORABLE.
ReplyDeleteThe lemon custard pancake looks to die for! I will have to try it!
ReplyDeleteWow .. all that food looks so good!! and your dogs are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI love Loteria! One of fave places to grab tacos.
ReplyDeleteoops, that last comment about Loteria was me, btw. Accidentally used an old blogger account. ;)
ReplyDeleteA cupcake ATM is brilliant! Everything looks so yummy and those pups are the cutest!
ReplyDeleteHauna, yes, I remember that! So funny. And the cupcake from the ATM was chocolate marshmallow - yum. You MUST come with me next time - and we'll of course go to Hugo's, too :)
ReplyDeleteJocy, I didn't write it down - can you believe that? My mom sent me this YouTube video, though, in which a poodle describes how to make it (can't believe I just wrote that). Anyway, she said that despite the silliness, the recipe is actually a really good one. Here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMJY29QMewQ
Karen, it's so good, isn't it? For me, it's the ultimate comfort food!
Natasha, thank you! And I totally agree - no restaurant even comes close to my mom's cooking!
Aw, thanks for the shoutout :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you got to experience the awesomeness that is Canele and that you had such a delicious time at home. Even though I just had lunch, all these photos are making me hungry all over again. And I totally agree with you on no restaurant comparing to homecooking. I rarely ever eat at Chinese restaurants, because no matter where I go, my mom's cooking will always be better!
Speaking of all things delicious, I am going to the Great Googa-Mooga this weekend and as a fellow food lover, I hope you are too!
Looks like such a fun trip! And love going home to puppies/pets - it's so nice!
ReplyDeleteIs that really a cupcake ATM! What a genius idea! and why isn't there baked goods atm's everywhere? If there was an almond croissant ATM I would be its best customer.
ReplyDeleteShoko, I LOVE these photos! You look like you're having the best of times and your mom sounds like such a wonderful cook! The Cupcake ATM! I saw a little video clip of it a few months ago and thought it was the coolest!
ReplyDeleteKathy, I didn't get tickets to Googa Mooga on time! I was totally bummed. Let me know how it is!
ReplyDeleteA & B, haha! An almond croissant ATM would be amazing. I'd love an apple pie ATM! Or a doughnut ATM! The possibilities are endless :)
You are the cutest!! Glad your trip was full of good eats. I still need to get to that ATM! Love the photos of you there. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks so yum! I love "oyako-don" too :) I should try to make it by myself soon too. You look so lovely, by the way! xo akiko
ReplyDeleteStyle Imported
Looks like such a wonderful trip. Must've been so lovely to spend some time with your mum at home.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these gorgeous pictures!
Ronnie xo
Thanks, everyone!
ReplyDeleteAkiko, you should most definitely give it a try - it's easy!
I would kill for one of those tacos right about now
ReplyDeletewww.cinnamonstreet.co