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Thursday, October 20, 2011

A Reunion, a Wedding, a Birthday, and a Michael Jackson Impersonator

September 365 - A Reunion, a Wedding, a Birthday, and a Michael Jackson Impersonator

Roses salvaged from a wilted centerpiece from cousin D's wedding.

September was a busy month. I reconnected with my college roommate, celebrated my cousin's wedding with the family, celebrated Pablo's 2nd birthday with the family, and had jury duty at the same courthouse as the trial for Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray.

Luckily work slowed down a bit this month to make room for all that activity.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Che Bap Tim (Vietnamese Purple Corn Pudding)

Che Bap Tim (Vietnamese Purple Corn Pudding) 1

Considering how much I love purple foods, it's not surprising that I got excited when I saw these ears of purple corn at the 99 Ranch Market - Monterey Park. And at three for $1.17, I promptly bought sets for my aunts and uncles and my friend DP, who loves corn too. Plus, she dropped off some jackfruit and her GPS for me to borrow for a road trip, so purple corn was a small thank you.

Despite the label at the market, the corn was more reddish-violet than purple, and when cooked, it just became gray. Well, shades of gray. Not quite the same color as making Vietnamese corn pudding with yellow corn.

I've already blogged Che Bap (Vietnamese Corn Pudding) years ago, but used powdered coconut milk for that recipe. So for the purple corn, I decided to cook it all in canned coconut milk. The result was a much thicker pudding so use powder or canned coconut milk according to your preference. But does it really matter? Corn, coconut, tapioca, all my favorite ingredients in one dessert.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Hot Pot, Hot Pot! - Monterey Park

Hot Pot, Hot Pot! - Monterey Park 1

Shortly after I dined at Little Fat Sheep - Monterey Park, the owner divested the franchise, turning several of his locations into Happy Sheep Cafe Shabu & Grill - San Gabriel and Happy Sheep Cafe - Rowland Heights. He sold this location to one of the employees, who changed its name to Hot Pot, Hot Pot!

So different owner, but same employees. My friend DP and I decided to check it out one night to see if the food quality was the same too.

Sunday, October 02, 2011

Sarita's Pupuseria Salvadorean Food (Grand Central Market) - Los Angeles (Downtown)

On my fourth turn at jury duty, I had to report to Los Angeles County Superior Court, which coincided with Day 2 of the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's doctor who was accused of prescribing the medication that caused his death. Apparently, getting assigned to the downtown courthouse gets some people excited because of the nearby eats. Personally, I prefer Alhambra Superior Court -- closer to home, easier parking, and better eats.

Nonetheless, I was excited for the opportunity to check out Grand Central Market during the lunch break, and in particular, Sarita's Pupuseria Salvadorean Food.

Sarita's Pupuseria Salvadorean Food (Grand Central Market) - Los Angeles (Downtown) 1

But before we get to lunch, let's backtrack a bit to that morning.

Jury duty parking was underneath the Walt Disney Concert Hall; amazing building, a pain to find the specific entrance needed for the assigned parking. Then I had to rush down Bunker Hill to make it inside the courthouse in time.

As I approached the courthouse, I saw a media circus with video cameras and protesters gathered in front. You'll have to excuse the blurry photo. My point and shoot camera had a smear on the lens and my attempts to wipe only made it even more blurry. The hazy effect seemed only too apropos for the surreal atmosphere.