Masters Of Taste

 

I recently went to Masters Of Taste which was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Local culinary masters came together to share their creations for the food fans.

Normally, I try not to write/talk about what I actually think about a business or event and keep my posts completely unbiased because I like for my readers to decide for themselves to visit an event or business. What may be good to me, may not be good to someone else and vice versa. Originally, I had wanted to come as "media press", but I decided to pay as a regular guest as the admission went to support the Union Station Homeless Services to help those who were put in an unfortunate situation that was out of their control. Also, because to be respectful and courteous to other guests in line eagerly waiting to taste what was offered by various culinary masters, I tried not to keep them waiting while I took photos and many of my photos didn't come out as good as I wanted. For the VIP guests, they got an extra hour of tastings plus many other perks while the regular guests had three hours. All guests had unlimited tastings. This event was for ages 21 and over as there were alcohol offered. There were many culinary masters at the event that I was a little bit disappointed for not paying extra to be a VIP guest and getting an extra hour to visit all the masters. Some masters had very long lines. I'm glad that I didn't come as a VIP guest as I didn't need the extra hour (I wasn't interested in the other perks). I didn't get to try all the tastings because my stomach had enough after two hours. I originally didn't plan to try any alcohol until I heard another guest talk to another guest how delicious some of the drinks were. I really enjoyed this event and will go again next year.

For more photos, please visit this photo link.

Holi Festival Of Colors 2019

I recently went to the Holi Festival Of Colors. Holi is a Hindu Spring festival in India and Nepal, also known as the festival of colors or the festival of sharing love. This is the seventh annual event. While I hadn't gone to this festival every year (due to work obligations), I've been going since the first year.

For more photos that I took from this event, visit my photo album. I also took some videos that you can view here.

Patina Restaurant

A little late...not really, more like a year later as my last visit to the Patina restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles was last December (in 2017) for my birthday. Patina is located near or at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and has valet parking where the restaurant can validate for you or you can park at one of the nearby pay parking lots. You can enjoy a show or an orchestra at the Walt Disney Concert Hall after your meal at Patina or enjoy a walk at the Broadway Museum across the street before your meal.

Patina is/was one of those restaurants where you could sign up for their birthday meals (you get a $50 off coupon emailed to you). I came here for my birthday in 2016 and really enjoyed my meal/dining experience. Normally, I am not a "Fine Dining Restaurant" type of a person and I am always afraid to think that "expensive" meals will be disappointing with petite meals, but I returned last year for my birthday and had a much greater time dining there. Diners can choose from the three-course meal, six-course meal, or from the chef's tasting menu. There are other special menus for different occasions such as Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's Day. They also participate in the Winter DineLA (11 to 25 January 2019) and the Summer DineLA (TBD). Sometimes I will make reservations for DineLA and then cancel from getting cold feet. I don't know why I get cold feet for DineLA.

Anyway, I ordered from the three course meal from both visits. I usually like to park at one of the nearby pay lots because I like to wander around for photos before my meal. I purposely (and not on purpose at the same time because I have to fight rush hour traffic) arrive early because I like to wander around for photos before my meal. I was warned from my first visit that each course would be "petite" which was true, however, three courses was plenty for me and the food was delightful and exquisite. The wait staff had been extremely friendly and the manager (named Martin? I think he was at both of my visits?) was so sweet. I did not go to Patina this month (December), however, I made reservations mid-January. I thought about not going this year, but when they made my dining experience spectacular, I found it hard not to return. My birthday coupon expires in February.

 

There was a server with a "bread platter". The brioche was so good that I couldn't stop eating it when he came to my table everytime

 

Please forgive as I don't remember the names to each dish/course because my last visit was one year ago (last December). While I ordered from the three course meal, I received a few more dishes to my meal.

December Birthday Meals 2018

December was my birthday month and I enjoyed many birthday meals and drinks throughout the month. You can google search "Eat Free For Your Birthday" and you will find many options. However, many restaurants have rewards cards, so sometimes you may have to ask them about these rewards cards upon your arrival (some restaurants will have something on their tables to remind guests).

Shrimp Mac 'N Cheese

1/2 lb. All-American BBQ Cheeseburger

Strawberry-something smoothie

This was the first time that I've been to Bubba Gump. I went to the one at the Anaheim Garden Walk near Disneyland. I enjoyed the shrimp Mac 'N Cheese. The burger was okay, nothing spectacular and the smoothie, I don't actually remember the name of it, but know that it had strawberries in it (drinks and smoothies aren't listed on the menu online). It was good except if you didn't drink it fast enough, the "juice" and other ingredients would separate. Bubba Gump is one of the participating restaurants for "Laudry's Select Club". There is a one time $25 fee to be a "member", however, you get a $25 welcome reward for signing up and $25 birthday reward every year for your birthday. I don't know about the expiration date for the welcome reward, but you can use the birthday reward anytime during your birthday month. There is a list of participating restaurants, so you will have to check the Laudry's Select Club website to decide where you want to go.

Oreo Shake and Royal Red Robin Burger

I went to the Red Robin in Brea and I went by bicycle because I wanted to "work" for my food. The commute was 22 miles round trip. The shake was not free, but the burger and fries were. Red Robin also has a rewards card, however, I'm not sure if they are still giving out cards. I think they still do if you ask for one. I do know that you can sign up and register cardless through their website. Let them know upon your arrival that you registered for their rewards, but don't have a card and they can help you redeem any rewards. Free burger during your birthday month and a free tenth burger (pay for nine burgers and get the tenth for free). I have two Red Robin cards - both are "old" as I've had them for awhile now - because a Red Robin restaurant gave me a card, not knowing that I already had one. Of course, I used the second card.

Peppermint Mocha Frappacino and pumpkin bread loaf

The pumpkin bread loaf was not free, but the drink was. Starbucks has a rewards card that looks like gift cards. You can also download their app on your phone to receive free drinks during your birthday month and if you order there often, you get free items throughout the year.

Original pancakes - tall stack - and chocolate milk

Birthday meal at IHOP. The chocolate milk was not free, but the pancakes were. Normally, I'd like to have bacon, eggs, hasbrowns, and sausage with my pancakes, but a tall stack of pancakes was plenty for me. IHOP doesn't have a rewards card, so you will have to google "Eat Free For Your Birthday" and sign up for free pancakes from IHOP.

Peppermint Swirl Shake

Sauteed 'Shroom Burger

I went to Red Robin in Chino by bicycle. The commute was ten miles, but I took a different route going home to make my total commute 22 miles. I enjoyed the burger, however, I didn't really enjoy the shake. They took my go-to shake (brownie mint) off the menu and I wanted to try the peppermint swirl shake which was a new item on their menu. I think this was a holiday/seasonal shake, so it will probably not be on the menu if I decide to go to Red Robin during non-holiday/Christmas season, although I don't think I will try it again for my birthday next year.

Dia De Los Muertos (Day Of The Dead) - Olvera Street

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of The Dead) is a day, traditionally celebrated on 01 November every year by people of Mexican heritage, where they honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed on. It is, in fact, a celebration of life - not to mourn our loved ones, rather it is a time to remember the lives that they led and the many things that they enjoyed in that life. 

Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles is a very cultural location and had a nine day festival for Dia de Los Muertos. Many people have built shrines and alters in remembrance of their loved ones.

Many guests arrived in masks and many others had face paintings.

For more photos from the event, please visit this link!

Writers Conference 2018 - San Diego

During the weekend of 26 - 28 October 2018, I attended a Writer's Conference at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla (San Diego), CA. This year marked the tenth annual for this event. I wished I was able to attend all three days, however, I was not able to attend on Saturday, 27 October. I hemmed and hawed a great deal whether it was worth my time, commute (one and a half hours with no traffic), and money to be there. I looked over the schedule for the classes/workshops and read the description for each several times. While the conference was geared more towards novelists and book authors, I decided that some of the classes were very useful and helpful for travel writers like me. I learned a lot of great information from the classes that I was interested. I also had every intention to network with the other attendees who were there. Being an introvert that I was, I did talk with a few attendees, but I didn't make any connections like exchanging contact information. How do I make myself become more sociable and extroverted??

I'm not 100% sure yet, but I may consider going to this conference again next year. It really depends on the classes/workshops being offered (will be announced in the Spring 2019). Although Los Angeles is much closer to me than La Jolla/San Diego, I may consider going to one here (it is in June 2019). I have to see the full class schedule (not yet ready for viewing) first.

Tlayuda LA

Did you know that Oaxaca is a southern region of Mexico? Oaxacan food is based on the Mexican staples such as corn, beans, and chile peppers. Tlayuda (tlah-yoo-dah) is a large toasted tortilla, covered with spread of black bean puree, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, Oaxacan cheese and topped with meats or vegetarian.  The tlayuda can be served open face like a pizza or folded in half. Traditionally, they are smeared with asiento, unrefined pork lard, though they usually just stick with beans at Tlayuda LA! Tyaluda LA, located near Downtown Los Angeles, serves rich flavors with a contemporary twist from Oaxacan, Mexico. You are greeted by the pleasing aroma and affable, personable staff when you enter this small, yet very charming restaurant. While it has been here for three years, it is really making a name for itself and is becoming very popular with the locals in the area.

 

The space is small, but everyone still gets to enjoy their meals without feeling overcrowded. The kitchen is semi-open, so guests can somewhat see their meals being prepared.

Different sauces from very mild (left) to very spicy (left). For those who absolutely love very spicy flavors, the far left (yellow) one is for you!

Chips made in house with mole sauce

Enchiladas de Mole

Chorizo and Egg Burrito

For more information about the restaurant, please visit its website here and enjoy your meal!