March 29, 2013
↑ Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa at The Standard High Line ↑
↑ Wall of Peace at D.C. Airport ↑
↑ Shake Shack! ↑
↑ Me, Drake, + Jasiri ↑
↑ Pizza Eating + View of the Empire State Building ↑
↑ Eating Icees in Queens, in the snow ↑
↑ Nasty Nigel from COTN, giving me a culinary tour of Queens ↑
↑ Room Key ↑
↑ Cereal Milk Soft Serve with Corn Flake Crust, Momofuku Milk Bar ↑
↑ Sporting Classic Nike Cortez + Nike Fancy Sweat Pants ↑
↑ His + Her’s Lighters ↑
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March 22, 2013
It was snowing, Jasiri and I were toasty, and we took to the streets, making our way to find the perfect meal for that moment in time. I had Baohaus on my list, so off we went skipping into the cold white night. We pulled up some chairs at the communal table and I took to ordering, with his encouragement of course. I almost wanted to say “one of everything” but realized that would be a bit too nuts – but these munchies were real! #thestruggle
First thing that jumped off the menu was the Coffin Bao, made with fried chicken, cilantro and chili condensed milk. The bao actually tasted a much like a donut and I swear it wasn’t my imagination. I will never forget Jasiri’s face as he took his first bite, it has to be one of the greatest moments of my life; there’s a noise he makes when something is new + delicious that I swear is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. The combination of salty and sweet hit the spot, surpassed it I dare say. After we finished those babies we moved onto the Chaiman Bao, compromising of braised Berkshire pork belly, crushed peanut, cilantro, Haus Relish, and Taiwanese red sugar. Hallelujah, these were a revelation! The pork belly was melt in our mouths delicious and I swear we moaned with each bite. Did I mention that Baohaus was also playing Chief Keef and other modern rap classics?
If you think I am going to continue to gush about this late night meal, you are absolutely correct, as there were no misses whatsoever. OK, maybe that they offered Pepsi instead of Coke – which we only ordered because they ran out of lemonade! The last bao up to bat was the Wagyu Haus Bao made with Snake River Farms Steak and served with Haus relish, crushed peanut, Taiwanese red sugar, and cilantro. As expected from wagyu beef, the meat was tender and soft to the chew. The flavor was vibrant and savory without feeling heavy. To round out our order, we shared a basket of hand cut taro fries with an accompanying special sauce. We left our late night destination with full hearts and full stomachs.
Baohaus
238 E 14th St
New York, NY 10003
(646) 669-8889
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March 19, 2013
On my agenda for NYC → “eat a bowl of ramen at Momofuku Noodle Bar.” Upon sharing these plans with the lovely shop people + fellow gourmands at MM6 Maison Martin Margiela in the West Village, I was advised to venture to Ippudo instead. I was really feeling the food vibe Song and Amy of MM6 brought, so I took their advice and set up a dinner date at this East Village ramen noodle brasserie. I never made it to the other noodle bar, but that’s what return visits are for.
The stars aligned which allowed my pal Ibra and I to meet up for a lovely stroll to Ippudo. We arrived 20 minutues before the restaurant opened and found ourselves ten deep in line – we were fortunate to arrive when we did because by the time the doors opened there were at least fifty more people behind us. What’s crucial when eating with NJ is that you must be open to trying anything off the menu. True success is found only in your desire to be adventurous and bonus points if you can hold a conversation. Ibra went above and beyond – he even ordered what turned out to be the best thing we ate, Kamo Sukiyaki (above photo) and for the first time, I found someone who could talk just as much as me.
So what did we order? We started off with drinks, Ibra kept it classic with some Sake and I went with a Samurai, made with sake, gin, lime, + apple juice. I was on vacation, so any chance I had, I ordered a cocktail. Much to my delight (I love the pressure), my dinner companion gave me the reigns for our meal and said he was down for anything, but made sure to suggest we order the aforementioned Kamo Suikiyaki first, made with thin slices of duck breast simmered in a shallow clay pot with yaki tofu, shiitake & enoki mushrooms, tokyo leeks, poached egg, and ramen noodles in traditional sukiyaki sauce. HOLY SHIT, right? It was an incredible dish, one that I have not stopped thinking about. A definite highlight for me.
I spy Ibra
To rev up our palettes we began with the Tori-Dango with Sweet Chili Sauce, which was lightly fried chicken tsukune with glazed Ippudo sweet chili sauce. Those chicken balls were gone in the blink of an eye but we weren’t worried because a plate of Ika Tatsuta-Age, delicately coated and fried Mongo squid was on its way out. We noshed on these small plates, talked Kewpie mayonaise and enjoyed the company of our hilarious server who I kept riffing with.
Ippudo NY is known for their ramen and considering that it is one of my favorite dishes, I was super psyched to indulge in a large bowl of fragrant broth with noodles. We both had the Shiromaru Hakata Classic, noodles topped with pork loin chashu, sesame kikurage mushrooms, memma, red pickled ginger, + scallion. I added a poached egg to my bowl while Ibra threw some pork belly to his mix. The piping hot bowl of soup was quite the treat after coming in from the NY cold and really hit the spot. Having a poached egg unlike the typical hard-boiled egg was a nice change of pace and though I enjoyed every bite of my ramen, I couldn’t help but to compare it to better bowls I’ve had here in L.A. That’s what happens when you become a rameniac.
A great meal was had. Come for the ramen but stay for their specials and appetizers. If you don’t want to wait in a line that seems to be endless, show up before they open!
Ippudo New York City
65 4th Ave
New York, 10003
(212) 388-0088
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March 18, 2013
Russ and Daughters, located in the Lower East Side, was at the top of my must eat list while in NYC. My love for smoked fish has grown exponentially over the years and I was ready to experience the spot which is considered one of the best in the city. Maybe it was my Jewish ancestry talking to me?
Upon some research I discovered why “appetizers” is in the name of the shop. “Appetizing,” as a noun, is a Jewish food tradition that is most typical among American Jews, and it is particularly local to New York and New Yorkers. Stores selling cured and pickled meats became known as delicatessens, while shops that sold fish and dairy products became appetizing stores. I love the history of food! Russ and Daughters opened in 1914 and it still going strong with a regular clientele of locals and tourists alike. While inside waiting to order, some out-of-towners turned to me and said “you seem like an expert, what should we get?” This happens every time I’m in NYC, I ain’t mad at it.
So what did I get? I showed up for breakfast and knew a bagel sandwich was in order. I chose a toasted sesame bagel with caviar creme cheese, organic smoked Irish salmon, capers and tomato. There aren’t seats inside so I took my tasty treat to the corner cafe and ate it with a cup of tea. It was everything I hoped for, the salmon being some of the tastiest to have graced my mouth. My meal was worth the wait and left me feeling bittersweet because now I had wanted to throw a party with all the incredible offerings of this delish institution. Peep the photos to know exactly what I mean. Barrels of pickles? ENOUGH SAID!
Russ and Daughters
179 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002
(212) 475-4880
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March 14, 2013
When Vice UK reached out to introduce Tullamore Dew’s new campaign, Death to Dishonesty, I couldn’t think of a better phrase that encapsulated my attitude these days. It has always been my mission to be honest with myself and others, despite the fact that I have been accused of being brash at times, and as I get older (+ wiser) I have been shown that living without lies has allowed me to obtain the things I want in life.
Tullamore Dew, which is an Irish whiskey if you didn’t already know, embodies the authentic Irish spirit, making way for the genuine things in life. Finding positives to cancel out society’s fakery is a key element in this brand’s identity. I have been asked to share what I think is fake and how it could be resolved to get to the truth. You too can participate for a chance to win a unique trip to Ireland! Here are my qualms, social media edition!
(-) LAGGING ON TEXT MESSAGES
I know you just read my text message, so why did it take you 20 mins to respond? Surely you’re not that busy. If someone who is on a national rap tour can message me back in 30 seconds, surely someone with a part time job can get back to me in a reasonable amout of time.
(+) GETTING TO THE TRUTH
This one is on me. It is obvious when someone wants you in their life vs. wanting you right that second. Ladies, listen up. Put those phones away and live your life without wondering if he is going to text, it really isn’t worth it. You could be out there building an empire with all that time you sit sulking over your iphone. Get focused!
(-) NOT LIKING MY INSTAGRAM PHOTOS
Traveling to NYC, eating delish food and hanging out with beautiful men. Quality Instagram photos if you ask me, yet you didn’t like a single one. That’s what you call a stage 5 hater. I see hilarious graphics on the daily that talk about people who follow you on Instagram but rarely “like” – they’re called lurkers. But your friends shouldn’t be one of them.
(+) GETTING TO THE TRUTH
If your friend has been taking mad gulps of the haterade, it is better you found out now than later, right? The resolve is simple and is going to work to your benefit in the long run. Scale back. Not with your Insta, but with that “friend.” Don’t let their passive aggression get you down. If they cannot roll with your new positive successful life, then you don’t want that kind of shade in your atmosphere anyways.
(-) BEING SAD ON TWITTER
We’re all entitled to a weepy social media moment here and there, with Twitter being the best outlet to unravel at a second to second basis. But if most your tweets are hashtagged with #FML or a claim about being bi-polar, then there is a much more serious problem at hand.
(+) GETTING TO THE TRUTH
Don’t get sucked into sad Twitter accounts, I promise they’re only going to pull your energy down. The people sending out these messages need to get it together and as soon as possible. To the tweeters: If you hate your life so much, why not take at least one step in a positive direction to try and change it? Or at least don’t complain about it on Twitter.
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March 11, 2013
Last week I returned from what was one of the best vacays I ever did take and boy did I need it! I decided to hit NYC solo dolo with an itinerary packed with delicious food, beautiful men, an interview with a rapper for an upcoming project and my pockets lined to spend however I wanted. I knew even before I booked my ticket that I wanted to stay at The Standard High Line in the Meatpacking District because duh, it’s one of the coolest hotels in NYC and I’m about that.
I must admit the customer service leading up to my stay was incredibly poor. Like, sure you’re gonna spend this money but we’re going to treat you like dirt because everyone wants to stay here. Much to my surprise, the attitudes on my arrival and during my entire stay (aside from the Boom Boom Room) were warm, friendly and positive. When I arrived after a red-eye flight it was such a relief to be welcomed with a smile and an easy early check-in. My room was just a few floors from the top and I had a stunning view of not only The Empire State Building but the water as well. I felt at home during my stay – getting cozy under the covers, taking bubble baths and streaming my music via bluetooth through the room’s stereo. Kid Cudi got a lot of play if you’re curious.
The hotel is crucial to my travel vibes and The Standard High Line did not disappoint. From the killer lobby, to unique light fixtures, and modern design, this sleek space elevated my experience to whole new heights. I’d definitely stay again and would recommend you do the same.
The Standard High Line
848 Washington St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 645-4646
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February 27, 2013
Tonight I will be on a plane to NYC for a much needed vacation. As with most everything I do, lots of thought went into packing, the itinerary and everything having to do with this romp. I live to plan. You knew this, yes? Though I will be seeing a couple friends while on the East Coast, in addition to interviewing a rapper for a new series of mine, this is officially the first (and not the last) solo vacation I have planned for myself. It is an amazing feeling having worked hard on numerous projects over the past six months that have allowed me the luxury of a beautiful hotel, culinary adventures with friends and the ability to do whatever I want with my money.
So what to pack? I have learned with enough trips over twenty something years that comfortable shoes are crucial. Had to cop a new pair of Nike Cortez before I hit the mean streets – so that I look extra fresh – but my Nike Flyknits were not to be forgotten. Lots of leather as usual and my drop crotch pants as always. Finally found the perfect pair of luxurious sweats which I look forward to wearing with some nice gold pieces. Collar necklaces, 2 pairs of Karen Walkers and my Jil Sander leather shopping bag. I’m set. OK, there were a few more items I packed, but I figured they weren’t blog appropriate.
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February 25, 2013
I had the pleasure of being invited to an intimate evening with Beck at Sonos Studio last week in celebration of his latest project, Song Reader, which is his an album in sheet music form. Though the forever cute Mr. Hansen did not perform (much to the crowd’s sadness) it was a delight to be in his presence while he spoke about his imaginative work and the music he’s created over the past 20+ years.
Song Reader’s songs were released exclusively as sheet music by McSweeney’s and are encased in a beautifully designed folder. As Beck discussed in his Q+A, he’s fallen in love with the many renditions his work has inspired, many of which he’s watched via Youtube. Sonos has created a space that is “specifically tailored to allow visitors to both engage with these audience interpretations and to create them.” Stop by the Sonos until March 24 to experience this beautifully curated show and even record your own jam from Song Reader!
Sonos Studio
145 N. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA. 90036
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February 19, 2013
The Prince, located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in L.A., Koreatown, is a strange beauty that I quickly embraced. One night after facing a closed Corner Place (my fave KBBQ joint), my friend Joanne and I hightailed it to The Prince, knowing it closed at 2 a.m. We had been going on about how badly we wanted to try this place as we’re both lovers of fried chicken and rumor had it this spot was on point.
Upon entering this old-timey gem, I said to myself “I think they filmed an episode of Mad Men here” which turned out to be correct upon my research. Amazing red baroque decor aside, The Prince smelled like exactly the place where we needed to be. We took a seat in a cozy red vinyl booth and I attempted to eye what our unfriendly wannabe hipster table neighbors we’re eating. I liked the look of what they had and deduced that their order consisted of the Half & Half: fried chicken and spicy chicken.
I had heard about a Kimchi Fried Rice so that was obviously going to be our starter. Duh, right? Little did I know that it was going to be served with a spectacular sunny side up egg which I couldn’t poke quick enough, thus drizzling runny yolk all over our vibrant rice. That is a MUST order for those of you already gearing up for romp at The Prince.
What is up with these chips and salsa, and why did we actually like them? When I had returned from the ladies room two bowls were awaiting my arrival, one of them filled with what was literally 8 chips. WEIRD! The chips weren’t particularly warm but upon first bite I was like “wtf?” being surprised that I liked them. Tortilla chips that tasted Korean. You tell me! One refill of chips is offered and yes, I harassed them for at least 10 more chips.
Now we’re onto this much talked about chicken. $15.99 for the Half & Half? Alright, I’ll take it. The pricing was really strange to me but I was there for the experience and I was psyched about this chicken. When I say strange, I mean an order of fries was $8.99 and they looked like they were from Costco. No, we didn’t order them!
The chicken was bomb and there was a lot of it. It’s as if they took half a rotisserie chicken and deep fried it. Skin is what I live for … heard it’s good for the heart, yah? It was so crispy and delightful, I caught myself moaning and eating yet again. The actual meat was incredibly moist and oh so tasty. It’s plate companion was the Spicy Chicken which was tossed with tubes of rice cakes, which I couldn’t get enough of. I was also a sucker for the “salad” which was merely shredded cabbage with a plop or Korean Thousand Island dressing on top.
Last but not least, an entire bowl of pickled daikon was bestowed upon me. I live for Korean pickles so I at this point I felt like I was eating like a king. Not only did I eat every bite of my daikon but I took home Jo’s neglected order with me.
One pitcher of Hite, a table full of fried chicken, and listening to 2 Chainz over the restaurant speakers – this is my idea of paradise, my friends. The decor obviously kills it! Piano? Check! This is a great spot to get drunk with friends or take a date who is actually interesting. I hope you go and have as much fun & confusion as I did.
The Prince
3198 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 389-1586
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February 14, 2013
“…it’s L.A.’s most romantic restaurant … and you may become engaged, even married here and celebrate your 50th.” These were the words my friend Robert so elegantly read, found on the back of the menu, and I knew Inn of the Seventh Ray was about to bring it. How could they not with a promise like that? We were about to jump into plate after plate of total deliciousness with no cares in the world, sitting on the edge of a patio over looking a creek, nestled away in the mountains of Topanga Canyon.
We started our culinary adventure with two champagne flutes of JUN elixirs, which were majorly channeling kombacha, and we weren’t complaining. Brunch was on our mind and after talking with our friendly waiter, it was obvious which direction we were going in. It was time to order and I was honestly tickled with the selection.
Despite the fact that I’m always tweeting about red meat, I have an affinity for all things healthy, so we went ahead and ordered the Warm Brown Rice, made with avocado, dried sea vegetables, dried garlic chips, sesame seeds, and Braggs amino acid. There was a lot of flavor packed onto this plate of beautiful colors; it had Robert reminiscing about a dish he’d eaten at Cafe Gratitude, but I’m pretty sure Inn’s version predates their’s. This is the kind of thing I could eat every day for lunch. Good for the body, tasty and leaving you feeling light.
For those not of the sea vegetable persuasion, no worries, this creek-side hideaway has you covered with Belgian Waffles, paired with fresh yogurt berry sauce and maple syrup. That’s not enough for you? A scoop of fresh fruit and a bowl of homemade lavender ice cream will elevate your entire experience. The ice cream was so magical, I was almost certain a forest nymph had worked on it all day and dropped it off as a special delivery just for us.
I am about to make a huge claim so listen closely! The above Pan Seared Salmon with truffle atop asparagus was one of the most incredibly fresh pieces of fish I have ever eaten. At the end of our meal, we were both in agreement that this was the dish that blew us away. I’m sure we could’ve had two more servings it was that delish. I am really still thinking about it. Now if only other spots could get their salmon to this level. A must.
At times it is difficult to follow a dish that is practically perfection, but the Lamb Sliders with Chipotle Mayo were up for the task. I am about that lamb life and these tiny juicy burgers truly hit my savory spot. The feta and roasted peppers in between the buns were complimentary and I’m pretty sure I was caught closing my eyes and moaning while eating the sliders, I was in heaven.
The meal wasn’t finished but goodness knows if it had been, we’d be sitting pretty. Our taste buds had been re-energized, our vibes were at an all time high in the forest, and time seemed to stand still. DESSERT! We’ll take one of each … just kidding. The lead photo which truly looked like a work of art is known in the woods as Almond Milk Crème Brûlée. This was the only dish I wasn’t truly feeling and it was probably because the whole time I was eating it I kept wish it was the o.g. brulee. Ya feel me? Some things just shouldn’t be vegan, at least not in my reality. I’m sure it is loved by many but this here girl was just ok on it.
In super positive dessert news, the Blueberry Financier Cake made with ginger ice cream, caramel and cinnamon blueberry creme fraiche deserved a blue ribbon in taste. Robert tried it first and created what he thought was the perfect bite, which consisted of the cake dipped in the syrup found in the jar, with a sprinkle of ginger, one blueberry and a glimmer of ice cream. I attempted this recipe and it turns out he was correct, but I’m a ginger fanatic so I upped the ante. We were both shocked with how tasty this sweet treat was, as it didn’t necessarily bring the beauty of the Crème brûlée, but then again, looks can be deceiving. Do your table a favor and order this flavor packed creation.
Whether you’re trying to seduce a lover, impress a date or just get your grub on, Inn of the Seventh Ray has got you covered. Our time there was truly one of the most tranquil Saturdays I have had in a long time, so much, I didn’t want to leave. Added bonus was that the food was farm fresh, made with love and served with a smile.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-1311
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