Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
I have not felt the enthusiasm to step up, the motivation to make my voice heard in an extremely long time. The charisma that President Obama has is uncanny. I am excited to see what the next few years will bring to this country. I feel that President Obama will lead us to become a great nation and I feel he is the stepping stone that will bring forth a peaceful tomorrow.
His speech was incredible and quite honestly brought a few tears to my eyes. The site of the millions of people waiting to hear what he had to say was incredible.
I am looking forward to the United States of America of tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Last summer's Farmers market trip
I went to South Pasadena's Farmer's Market a few summers ago. Every Thursday evening, on El Centro Street the Market appears.
I arrived at the market and immediately felt as if I was in a foreign country. Well no so much foreign country, definitely not Los Angeles though. People were talking to each other as they walked by, everyone was smiling and it was very big and people were moving at a slow pace. Definitly not LA. Small vendors was not something I expected to see.
I noticed many unique vendors. There was a person selling fruit, a person selling mushrooms, a person was even selling hemp jewelry. The vendors sold all sorts of things.
I even noticed a Philly cheesesteak stand.
So because I was super hungry I decided to buy me a cheesesteak. I've never been too impressed with hot sauces, so the one standing on the ledge didn't look too much different from the typical hot sauce. So I decided to pour it on, all over the sandwhich. There was definilty a good amount on there.
Well in case you weren't aware, Dave's insane sauce is the spiciest thing on this planet. The second I bit into my sandwhich I was crying. My digestive track was excruciatingly painful. I could feel my stomach burning. I couldn't stop sweating and casper had more color than I did. It wasn't till hours later, after eating some bread and milk that I began to feel better.
This was one of the most torturous experiences in my life. So even tho the market was a nice place my visit was not the greatest. Perhaps next time I visit I'll enjoy it more.
I arrived at the market and immediately felt as if I was in a foreign country. Well no so much foreign country, definitely not Los Angeles though. People were talking to each other as they walked by, everyone was smiling and it was very big and people were moving at a slow pace. Definitly not LA. Small vendors was not something I expected to see.
I noticed many unique vendors. There was a person selling fruit, a person selling mushrooms, a person was even selling hemp jewelry. The vendors sold all sorts of things.
I even noticed a Philly cheesesteak stand.
So because I was super hungry I decided to buy me a cheesesteak. I've never been too impressed with hot sauces, so the one standing on the ledge didn't look too much different from the typical hot sauce. So I decided to pour it on, all over the sandwhich. There was definilty a good amount on there.
Well in case you weren't aware, Dave's insane sauce is the spiciest thing on this planet. The second I bit into my sandwhich I was crying. My digestive track was excruciatingly painful. I could feel my stomach burning. I couldn't stop sweating and casper had more color than I did. It wasn't till hours later, after eating some bread and milk that I began to feel better.
This was one of the most torturous experiences in my life. So even tho the market was a nice place my visit was not the greatest. Perhaps next time I visit I'll enjoy it more.
My hamburger recipe!
This is a delicious simple recipe that will give your hamburgers just a little more pop!
Ingredients-
1 lb(500g) Ground beef
1/2 Onion (small dice) approximately 1/8' squares.
1 Tbsp Cilantro (finely chopped)
to taste Fresh ground black peppercorns
to taste Kosher salt
1 tsp Minced Garlic
2 Fresh Egg
Method-
-In a Large bowl mix in your ground beef, make sure it is cold! Add onion cliantro and garlic. Beat the eggs slightly and add to mixture. I personally prefer to season as I go, but season later if you're not too comfortable. Remember, you can always put more, so if you are going to season early only use a little bit.
-Using a ring mold, or using a tin foil ring (fold tin foil in half to make rectangle continue to fold until you have 1 inch strip. wrap around to make a ring and tuck end into other side. For a nice circle you can wrap foil around a jar of mayonnaise) insert hamburger mixture into the ring and pat down so that you have a firm patty. Store in Refrigerator until ready for use.
-Preheat your grill, brush away any gunkiness that might be on there, that sprinkle some salt and pepper on grill (called seasoning grill) this decreases the chance of your meat sticking to grill.
Cook each side until done (sorry different grills different heat different times)
And enjoy! Buns are always nice to grill too.
So how do you know when it's done?
Rare 140F/60C : Medium 160F/70C : Well Done 175F/80C
If you don't have a thermometer, you'll notice the meat changes colour, juices become clear, the meat shrinks and the patty becomes firm. Firmness is the next best way to check for doneness.
Don't press down hard on the patty or you'll lose the juices. The juices are important to give it that tenderness. Lightly lift the side of the patty just to check it's firmness. It will become more firm as the patty cooks more. If you're unsure cut a little slit and peek inside. Cook until you get the hang of it, when it's cooked to your desire feel the patty one more time so you know exactly how it feels.
When the center starts to become firm you are good to go! I like mine a little pink in the middle..
Ingredients-
1 lb(500g) Ground beef
1/2 Onion (small dice) approximately 1/8' squares.
1 Tbsp Cilantro (finely chopped)
to taste Fresh ground black peppercorns
to taste Kosher salt
1 tsp Minced Garlic
2 Fresh Egg
Method-
-In a Large bowl mix in your ground beef, make sure it is cold! Add onion cliantro and garlic. Beat the eggs slightly and add to mixture. I personally prefer to season as I go, but season later if you're not too comfortable. Remember, you can always put more, so if you are going to season early only use a little bit.
-Using a ring mold, or using a tin foil ring (fold tin foil in half to make rectangle continue to fold until you have 1 inch strip. wrap around to make a ring and tuck end into other side. For a nice circle you can wrap foil around a jar of mayonnaise) insert hamburger mixture into the ring and pat down so that you have a firm patty. Store in Refrigerator until ready for use.
-Preheat your grill, brush away any gunkiness that might be on there, that sprinkle some salt and pepper on grill (called seasoning grill) this decreases the chance of your meat sticking to grill.
Cook each side until done (sorry different grills different heat different times)
And enjoy! Buns are always nice to grill too.
So how do you know when it's done?
Rare 140F/60C : Medium 160F/70C : Well Done 175F/80C
If you don't have a thermometer, you'll notice the meat changes colour, juices become clear, the meat shrinks and the patty becomes firm. Firmness is the next best way to check for doneness.
Don't press down hard on the patty or you'll lose the juices. The juices are important to give it that tenderness. Lightly lift the side of the patty just to check it's firmness. It will become more firm as the patty cooks more. If you're unsure cut a little slit and peek inside. Cook until you get the hang of it, when it's cooked to your desire feel the patty one more time so you know exactly how it feels.
When the center starts to become firm you are good to go! I like mine a little pink in the middle..
returned....
I'm very sorry I have been away so long, I promise no more laziness. Well within the next two weeks I will be departing Southern California and returning to the beautiful Islands of Hawaii. Since I've been home, I haven't had too many opportunities to go out to any nice restaurants, but I have had some great food.
One thing that sticks out in my mind is some great egg rolls. Unfortunately for all of you, not for me, these incredible egg rolls were prepared by my friend Jack's mother and my friend Arthur. Jacks mother seems to have been making the same egg rolls for a very long time. I was impressed when after she made a bunch how they all looked EXACTLY the same. They are all cooked to the same temperature and have a great balance of vegetables. Truly an amazing eggroll.
Arthur's came out a little more rustic but just as delicious. Arthur(it was actually his sister) cooked a variety of food and I have to admit I was very impressed. One of Arthur's friends brought a noodle/bacon type dish that was seasoned perfectly. Great flavor and well balanced.
My mother also had some great food waiting for me so at the end of the day I have to say nothing beats a great home cooked meal!
One thing that sticks out in my mind is some great egg rolls. Unfortunately for all of you, not for me, these incredible egg rolls were prepared by my friend Jack's mother and my friend Arthur. Jacks mother seems to have been making the same egg rolls for a very long time. I was impressed when after she made a bunch how they all looked EXACTLY the same. They are all cooked to the same temperature and have a great balance of vegetables. Truly an amazing eggroll.
Arthur's came out a little more rustic but just as delicious. Arthur(it was actually his sister) cooked a variety of food and I have to admit I was very impressed. One of Arthur's friends brought a noodle/bacon type dish that was seasoned perfectly. Great flavor and well balanced.
My mother also had some great food waiting for me so at the end of the day I have to say nothing beats a great home cooked meal!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
the hole in the wall Hawaiian diner
Byrons drive-in. It is located off of Nimitz Highway nestled right behind a best western inn. Upon first glance it looks like well a drive-in hence the name. The building looks a little shabby, it has the hexagonal shape with a bunch of picnic tables out font. I have spent the last year or so in Pasadena, so I'm expecting a nice little burger joint, with a breakfast menu, some grilled items, maybe a quesadilla defnilty some great hamburgers.
No quesadillas, tacos or burritos, we're not in a region dominated by hispanic people. Here at Byron's local seafood dishes, some classic Hawaiin style meats, and an amazing breakfast selection has just rated this place pretty damn high in my book.
So well let me break it down for ya crazy kids....
I ordered the Ona dish. This my friends is the beauty of Hawaii. Local ingredients being utilized in a brilliant manner. The fish was served with white rice and macaroni salad. I also had a pretty yummy lemon lime drink.
The Ona reminded me a lot of a miso butter fish, it wasn't too salty, but it was still seasoned very nicely so I know it wasn't prepared in miso, but there was a butterry flavor offset by a mild spice that just made the flavor pot. The fish wasn't stringy and remained very juicy. I simply can't argue with a filet of fish seasoned well, cooked to the perfect temperature.
This was not two rate work.
So I thought my delight would end there but the rice was sweet, almost as if mirin was used but it wasn't overly sweet. Once again this rice was lightly seasoned, not to sticky not too stiff, perfectly prepared as if someone was truly trying to make this dish come out correctly.
The macaroni salad, well I love macaroni salad and this was good, so just know, very very yummy.
I am now extremely excited to fully explore all that hawaii cuisine has to offer. My journey here in Hawaii shall be delightful!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Hawaii and Norwegian Cruiselines
Yay I have arrived in Hawaii. I couldn't be more excited. Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits and I know it comes out great here. I'm about to embark on an amazing journey. Working 7 days a week, 10 hour days for five months. I think I'm gonna to stay here after that, I want to really make a connection with some of the people here. I want to show them what I'm about and learn about who they are.
This trip is going to be fun and exciting so hit me up if you'll be running around the islands. This will be fun times for sure!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Last couple years of the 20's
My heart breaks with every day I get older. My early twenties, every adventure and relationship I had makes me smile everytime I think abou them. I value every friend I ever had I will never forget some of those moments we shared. Wouldn't it be nice if we could stay in those moments live in those places and spend all our time with those people we loved.
There are a few friends that have stayed with me for a long time, I believe they'll always be there and I think that it comes from understanding. Our time is precious, we can't always spend every moment with eachother, espcially because we live across the globe. Our love is always there.
Unfortunately, not all of us share the same goals, even more unfortunate some of us those move on from those times. I do my best to leave a positive impression and hopefully a wonderful impact with everyone I've ever spent time with. I have to grow up though. If my friends refuse to grow with me, it's sad but necessary that I must move on.
The lesson that my age is teaching me, is that time goes by so quickly. I have learned that every person on this planet has a passion, most of them for the friends and family,sometimes for their work, some even for their hobbies. I learned that each and everyone of them is more than happy to share their passion, share their love, but each and everyone of them has precious little time to accomplish everything they'd like to.
I definitely am a dreamer. There are so many things that I was inspired by and aspired to do and failed to accomplish most of them. I used to feel conflicted believing that it was because I wasn't trying hard enough, I didn't put enough effort forward. The real reason is because their simply isnt enough time to accomplish everything. I find solace knowing that the dreams that are important I am fulfilling, the dreams that matter the most are the dreams I will accomplish.
I'd like to have everyone I ever had love for be there with me, to help them accomplish their aspirations in anyways I can, and enjoy their company while they enjoy mine.
Fulfilling obligations, taking responsibility for my actions, and being prepared for the consequences of my decisions are not fun. It's not easy. Sadly sometimes it even means letting go of some people you love.
I'm 28. I have many years ahead of me. Those years go by so quickly so making the most of the time I have is crucial. If I had advice to the people strugging with their quarter life crisis', the people scared of the upcoming 30's it would simply be precious the time of the one you love. Time is the most important gift someone can give you.
There are a few friends that have stayed with me for a long time, I believe they'll always be there and I think that it comes from understanding. Our time is precious, we can't always spend every moment with eachother, espcially because we live across the globe. Our love is always there.
Unfortunately, not all of us share the same goals, even more unfortunate some of us those move on from those times. I do my best to leave a positive impression and hopefully a wonderful impact with everyone I've ever spent time with. I have to grow up though. If my friends refuse to grow with me, it's sad but necessary that I must move on.
The lesson that my age is teaching me, is that time goes by so quickly. I have learned that every person on this planet has a passion, most of them for the friends and family,sometimes for their work, some even for their hobbies. I learned that each and everyone of them is more than happy to share their passion, share their love, but each and everyone of them has precious little time to accomplish everything they'd like to.
I definitely am a dreamer. There are so many things that I was inspired by and aspired to do and failed to accomplish most of them. I used to feel conflicted believing that it was because I wasn't trying hard enough, I didn't put enough effort forward. The real reason is because their simply isnt enough time to accomplish everything. I find solace knowing that the dreams that are important I am fulfilling, the dreams that matter the most are the dreams I will accomplish.
I'd like to have everyone I ever had love for be there with me, to help them accomplish their aspirations in anyways I can, and enjoy their company while they enjoy mine.
Fulfilling obligations, taking responsibility for my actions, and being prepared for the consequences of my decisions are not fun. It's not easy. Sadly sometimes it even means letting go of some people you love.
I'm 28. I have many years ahead of me. Those years go by so quickly so making the most of the time I have is crucial. If I had advice to the people strugging with their quarter life crisis', the people scared of the upcoming 30's it would simply be precious the time of the one you love. Time is the most important gift someone can give you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
