For the first time in what feels like eternity, we have good news! Mom’s first MRI after her treatment came out very clean. We can’t say if she’s in the clear yet but it’s still a victory and this is what we’ve been waiting for! We can breathe!
She’ll continue treatment but not radiation so she can stay in LA instead of Houston. She’ll get MRIs every two months to monitor progress.
We haven’t won the war, yet, but she dominated in this battle.
Go Mom!!!Cold Noodle Mash Up…
I wanted shrimp, avocado and mango salad. I also had kale, carrots, mushrooms and pork left over from the curry. And I wanted cold noodles so I mixed them all together.
I was going for a bún cha style dish. Instead of vermicelli noodles, we had dangmyeon (Korean sweet potato noodles). Instead of fresh cut vegetables, I sautéed the kale, mushrooms carrots and onion. I broiled the pork. I sautéed the shrimp and mixed it with cut mango and avocado. JT helped with the chopping and also mixed together the nuoc cham sauce. Man did not know what an avocado seed looked like! He’s been slowly helping me in the kitchen. Slowly mostly because I’m terrible at giving directions especially when I don’t follow a recipe (pretty much all the time).
It came out fine. JT liked it more than I did. I think I prefer to separate the shrimp, mango, avocado salad from the rest. We also definitely need a different nuoc cham recipe or a better brand of fish sauce. Well, this is how we learn and it made for a fun night of cooking dinner.
P.S. I don’t think we can wait for a wedding registry to get dinnerware. We need bowls! Amongst everything else.カレー
It’s summer so time for some Japanese curry!
We went to H Mart last night to get the ingredients. When we got to the bottled drinks section and saw the お~い お茶 I felt the pangs of nostalgia. Ooi ocha isnt particularly great but it’s one of those my grandmother always keeps in the fridge and that I go through in a day or two during the summer. JT suggested getting it but drinking it here just wouldn’t be the same and that will bring me more pain.
But eating curry makes me happy so that’s what we did. Curry isn’t particularly healthy so to healthy it up, I added chopped kale and enjoyed it with a mostly brown rice mix. I also added oyster mushrooms for a chewy texture.
I enjoyed my bowl with a raw egg. I boiled water and dipped the egg in the hot water to kill any bacteria, which is generally found on the surface of the shell, before consuming.
Another thing I love about curry is that you make a ton to enjoy over the next few days. It tastes better when it’s a day old too!
Hearty savory egg muffins.
With quinoa, chia seeds, baby kale, corn, and some shredded mild cheddar.
My office is located next to a Whole Foods and while I am very happy with the accessibility, it’s also painful on my wallet (“Whole Paycheck”). So I’m having to come up with crafty ideas for breakfast and lunch to keep me satisfied enough from venturing in there.
I’ve been meaning to try these and there are many variations to the recipe. You could put pretty much whatever you like into it. I adapted the recipe from Kim’s Healthy Eats. I also used the recipe from TheKitchn.com on how to prepare quinoa. I added turmeric and cumin for extra flavor.
The first batch I followed the recipe pretty closely and cooked them for 30 mins. They came out tasty but maybe a little rubbery indicating the egg was over cooked. I was careful to not beat the egg but rather, gently fold everything together. The following batch I cooked for 20 mins and I think they came out better. Next time I think I’ll try 15 minutes and see how that turns out.
While nothing beats eating them fresh out of the oven, I happily eat them cold and I snack on them at my desk.
I don’t eat “breakfast” or “lunch” anymore. I just snack throughout the day. I find it keeps me energized and alert. I rarely get a food coma or feel sluggish (aside from the ever present exhaustion of working and going to school). Don’t get me wrong, I love sitting down for a hearty meal. It’s just not feasible right now.
Healthy cookies?
No eggs, butter, flour, or granulated sugar.
These oats are held together by peanut butter (natural), pure honey (organic), and a banana (organic). I also mixed in chopped dark chocolate (72%), raisins (organic), red chili flakes and chia seeds.
I adapted a recipe from AverieCooks.com. I craved real chocolate chip cookies but knew it was just because I was stressed from studying. I decide to make these as a compromise. I guess they’re ok. I mean, banana and peanut butter are no butter. But when I have a craving, I’m happy to be reaching for these. My body is thankful and so is my concentration.
Next time I want to use more banana and less peanut butter. Actually almond butter would be better. Then also make them thinner. Oats are pretty chewy to begin with so I think I want crispy instead of soft cookies.
Daikaya’s Izakaya.
As promised, I went back to try the izakaya and had some much needed girl time with Stephanie. What a fun night!
We got there at the tail end of happy hour and Stephanie had miraculous been able to grab two seats at the bar- apparently it was an hour and half wait for a table!
They had Sapporo and it’s not usually my first choice but it was on tap. It went down smooth. I know there’s no physical taste added but it just tastes better to drink from the official designated Sapporo glass with the word 生 on it. It might as well translate to, “Welcome home, babe.”
Being the gracious host he is, Chef Katsuya started us off with an amuse bouche: a buttery cracker topped with a goat cheese (and cream cheese blend?) and shiokara (salt-fermented squid). There are just a couple occasions I willingly volunteered to eat shiokara…this makes number three. It was also very amusing that not two seconds before, Stephanie confined to me that she was not feeling too adventurous tonight. (The last few times Stephanie joined me at a Japanese place I had her try uni, ikura, and other favorites. She’s a trooper for trying and I don’t blame her for wanting a break! I apologize if I’ve been a food tyrant; I get so excited!) We looked at each other, shrugged and popped them into our mouths. Thank goodness for the goat cheese blend to counter the shiokara! It was actually pretty good and hey, got my taste buds going. It also made me appreciate my beer even more ;)
Stephanie and I ordered a few of their dishes. She had their kushiyaki (on a stick) shishitou peppers and chicken thigh. I tried the shishitou and thought it was clever to serve with gouda cheese to compliment the slight bitterness of the fruit.
I had the cod roe spaghetti. I enjoyed it and found it to be mild. It was difficult picking up those distinct cod roe flavors and I missed the seaweed, which, in my opinion, ties the dish together. (Katsuya, according to my photo there was no seaweed, as I suspected!!) The caviar was a nice touch but only for the eyes since I couldn’t taste it at all and my tongue don’t like being toyed with like that.
Chef Katsuya sent us his karaage (Japanese style fried chicken), the grilled avocado, and the eggplant. The karaage was juicy and I loved the fresh wasabi with the avocado. I wasn’t a fan of the eggplant and felt it was out of place on the menu. Maybe a nasu dengaku (miso) would be a better fit?
Lastly, we ordered the onigiri (rice balls). I had the kombu and Stephanie had the pork. It looked good, it felt good, and the bartender even told me how to wrap the seaweed around it (I got it, hunny). Unfortunately, I cannot deny that I was sorely. Deeply. Disappointed. That there was no salt on the onigiri. Chef Katsuya explained it was another compromise he made to fit the palate of his American patrons. Stephanie didn’t understand the big deal noting it tasted just fine to her. Here is where I struggle despite my post about authenticity when I first met Chef Katsuya. Where do you draw the line? See, it’s supposed to be salty. It’s supposed to replenish our electrolytes after working up a sweat all morning in the fields (back in the day). The onigiri is the Japanese equivalent to a sandwich. Without salt, it’s like a plain ham sandwich- just the bread and the meat. Sure, some prefer it that way so then give us the option! Please Chef Katsuya, I beg you, at least put salt on the side like you did with the avocado. Oo, you know what would be cool? To have a block of pink Himalayan salt that you shave onto the onigiri much like cracked pepper or parmesan on pasta. Ok, maybe that’s too much but really, some salt onegai!
All in all, Stephanie and I had a great time and we were really pleased with the experience. Daikaya’s izakaya has a fun décor, exciting menu, and friendly staff. I can’t wait to go again :)
More chicken!
This time JT marinated the drumsticks in an elderberry red wine vinaigrette. I sprinkled salt and pepper and popped them in the oven again at 400 for 30 minutes. We served them with pan fried asparagus and simple spaghetti and tomato sauce (my could-be-healthier-but-just-can’t-replace-this-with-whole-wheat weakness).
Did you know that asparagus can smell like fish? I freaked out last night because we just bought a bag of asparagus over the weekend and when I opened it, they smelled strongly of fish. I thought my sense of smell was out of whack but JT confirmed. I was about to get all up in arms by calling/emailing/ tweeting/pestering the brand until I did a quick Google search. Turns out it is completely normal. The same reason asparagus makes your pee smell causes asparagus, particularly young ones, to smell fishy. Not to worry, after cooking them (pan fried with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder) the fish smell was gone and all that was left was deliciousness.
Drumsticks for dinner.
I love dark meat. It’s just so juicy and flavorful! Consequently, I can’t stand chicken breast because no matter how you cook it, it comes out dry. I guess I haven’t found a good recipe or technique. Dark meat like chicken drumsticks are pretty much fool-proof. I think no matter what you do, it’ll come out well.
Here, I rubbed the meat with olive oil, garlic slices, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chopped fresh rosemary and oregano, and red pepper flakes.
I put them in the oven at 400 for 30 minutes. Actually, the first batch I put in at 350 for 20 minutes. I checked and they weren’t done so I added another 10 minutes. Still not done so I cranked it to 400 for another 10, then 5 and so on … It all added to about 70 minutes… I didn’t account for the bone.
So, now I’ll just do 400 for 30 minutes.
I served it with a side of mixed greens and quinoa. The quinoa I boiled with chopped tomatoes, fresh mint (kept on the stem so it can be easily removed), turmeric, cumin, red chili flakes, salt and pepper.
I like the quinoa and found it flavorful but JT isn’t a fan of it so I need to find a better recipe. He knows its good for him so will eat it but he’s not enthusiastic. He loves salt and I’m sure if I used more and doused it with salt he would happily eat it but I refuse to enable him to high blood pressure. Any suggestions are appreciated!
—Arpi, self-professed fried egg lover.
Caricature from Times Square.
JT really likes caricatures. I’ve never had one done until New Years (the artist relied on too many stereotypes so I didn’t post it). Walking past all the artists in Times Square, JT couldn’t resist. He is a walking tourist trap.
Just 5 minutes and $5 for one person, $15 for two but for us it’s $10 the artist said. Sure. Being a more seasoned traveler, I don’t give in to these things but it was a classic tourist in NYC thing to do so I gave in.
The weirdest experience was having people pass by, double take between me and the art, and either nod or shake their head.
I don’t think this one looks much like us but it was fun. And this is one way JT is willing, even excited to have his face in a “photo”.
Empire State Building Observation Deck.
I’ve been to Paris about 3 times and I still haven’t been up the Eiffel Tower. I’ve been to NYC many times now and can finally say I’ve been up to the top of the Empire State Building. Woot!
We went late which was good because there wasn’t a line until we got to the point where they take your souvenir photo. They recommend coming right when it opens or after 11 pm. Sound advise. I had no idea what kind of a maze it was to get to the observation deck. I thought you stood in line on the ground floor and took an elevator straight up to the 86th floor. Boy was I wrong. It’s still complicated with the express pass, not that we got one. It was fun going through everything quickly but it must be such a drag when it’s busy. It still took us a good 30 minutes. Exiting took time too but it was really cool and worth it! I’m not a fan of urban sprawl but it does look pretty at night. The best sides are east and north because there are more buildings and lights.
There was an option to also see the view from the 102nd floor but I asked around and everyone recommended the main deck on the 86th floor so we stuck to that and we weren’t disappointed :)
Tokyo in NYC.
If I’m in the vicinity, a trip to Uniqlo is a must! I spent a good bit of time there to stock my closet. I was going to do this on the trip I planned to Tokyo in March so this was a good alternative. Uniqlo is my go-to for work and casual wear. Crisp button down shirts with UV protection for $19.95? Hell yeah! And cardigans! JT says I look like a grandma but I don’t care, they’re comfortable and useful!
After a shopping spree at Uniqlo, we came across a Muji and I almost lost it. A Muji in NYC?! Sweet! I’m not a fan of their clothes but I love their simple, minimalistic and functional home goods and stationary! It was so peaceful when I walked in. Very “Zen” as the Americans would say. The decor reminded me of many of my friends’ apartments in Tokyo. I picked up a few pens, notebooks, some skin care goods and had to restrain myself from getting anything for our kitchen.
Then just a couple blocks away I found Go! Go! Curry! It’s a poplar cheap curry chain from Japan. I forgot they opened stores in NY too. I’ll be honest, I never went to one in Tokyo since there are tons of cheap curry places to choose from. Still, I got excited and promptly ordered a tonkatsu curry. It was super noms! JT liked it too. It’d be a great food truck in DC if that’s still a profitable business there.. I don’t know if DC is big enough for good hole-in-the-walls… I think I need to go back to serving because the urge to open a shop has surfaced again. It’s a tough business and I don’t know if I could do it. Serving will make you lose faith in humanity and drain your soul.
Then we also found a great store in Koreatown that was like an Asian convenience store cafe. It’s called Woorijip. Being in K-Town it was mostly Korean treats but it reminded me of Japan nonetheless. They have a cold and hot food buffet with items that looked fresh and tantalizing. They prepared a variety of boxed meals to-go or to enjoy there. It’s very casual and incredibly economical, like a mini cafeteria. It’s such a great concept. We got a couple of beers and snacked on Korean style Bugles and I had their warm spicy tofu soup. We also got some things for the ride back (beef fried rice, vegetable kimchi rice and beef kimbap). I wish there was one in DC somewhere close to me (story of my life!).
Well, it’s nice to know that I don’t have to go all the way to Japan to experience a pretty authentic shopping day in Tokyo.
We went on the Circle-Line Sightseeing Cruise’s Semi Circle Cruise. I wanted to do the full circle but it was sold out. We were the last to get on the semi circle one right before it departed. It was a gorgeous day and felt good to be out on the water. We sat in the front on the top deck and watched the views from the open windows. It was a nice break from walking too. The guide over the loud speaker was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I highly recommend the tour and would love to do it again, this time the full circle.
For dinner we met up with Sabrina and Garret (from UCSB) at Rana in Chelsea Market. It was great to see them and catch up! I’m jealous they’re moving to SF but it just means another couple that we will know in the area for when we visit :)
About Rana:
A couple weeks ago when I was sick and stayed home, the tv was on to one of those morning shows and they had a segment on Chelsea Market. I was intrigued when they featured squid ink pasta with uni from Rana. I had a craving since and wanted to go. I thought it was squid ink pasta sauce but turns out the squid ink was in the pasta. I get more excited for the sauce because then you can really taste the ink but the pasta was pretty good too and the uni on top was spectacular. It tasted sweet and fresh.
Would I go back to Rana? Not without good company to distract from the spotty service. Our server was friendly but distracted. I’m surprised and disappointed she didn’t bring out a wine list because I was considering getting a glass. But it was better for our wallet so I have to thank her.
They didn’t provide any spoons for our pasta so I had to ask for some. We were a table of four with three noodle dishes and she brought two…
Also, the bread was bland as well as the butter (and no salt on the table) and it took a long time to order. But it worked out because I wanted to catch up on Sabrina and JT and I were still a little full from the gyro.
It was loud, crowded and those seated around us were also having a good time so it’s safe to say it’s a popular place with a lively vibe. Still, there are many other Italian joints in the area that make their own pasta so I’d like to check them out on future trips. Maybe one that has squid ink sauce.
JT and I took a last minute trip to NYC for the holiday weekend. It was a wonderful change of scenery and for the first time, we did really touristy activities which was actually, pretty fun! This was my first time staying in Manhattan and it was super convenient. We stayed at the Hyatt Place in Midtown right where the bus dropped us off. Yeay for the Hyatt points we got during New Years!
We started our adventures by eating from one of those ubiquitous gyro carts in the French Market.
Next we hung out at Greenwich Village to check out The Market NYC and I found one of my favorite jewelry makers: Junko Jo. I got her dangly earrings last time and had been hoping to find her again (she’s still working on her website and can only be found at The Market). I got another pair, this time studs.
Next we headed over to the Lower East Side to checked out Doyle and Doyle, a vintage jewelry store. I’ve been drooling over their items on their website pretty much every day. Getting to see the pieces in person was a real treat. It’s like an art gallery since all the jewelry pieces are displayed in cases on the wall. I fell in love with this Victorian turquoise, pearl and diamond ring.
I love walking around the city and though I could walk all day, we didn’t have very long this trip so we had to be economical with our time. We came across Citi Bikes, NYC’s bike share program. It would have been a perfect solution if they let us rent it every half hour but I don’t think they do. We read the instructions but are still confused.. They have rates for 24 hrs or 7 days and then for additional 30 mins to 90 minutes… It’s a great idea and smart marketing on Citi’s part but we didn’t get it :( oh well, maybe next time.
