January 31, 2013

Homeroom, Oakland

Homeroom Oakland

“Your macaroni and cheese is amazing, but I have to tell you, this is the best I’ve ever had” were the first words that came out of my father’s mouth the moment he took a bite of his bowl of cheesy goodness. Never had truer words been spoken. Homeroom had long been on my list of places to eat, ever since peeping it over on one of my favorite food blogs, Gastronomy. I was near the Bay area over the holidays and made it very clear to my family that we weren’t going home without a drive up to Oakland to eat at this cozy spot. Spoiler alert, I was high fived by every James family member at the end of this meal.

The holidays were taking a toll on my mental well-being (jk, not really) so the first thing I ordered was a mason jar of hard apple cider. Never could alcohol hit my tongue fast enough! As a family who have experienced countless culinary adventures together, no one had to be told that there could not be any repeat orders at our table; thankfully the four us all have very different tastes as well.

Homeroom

Homeroom Oakland Menu

Homeroom Oakland Soupd

My Dad is that man who always wants a bowl of soup, if he could have it with every meal, I’m sure he’d say “sign me up!” He ordered up a pipping hot bowl of butternut squash soup and we were all quick to say yes to his offering. I wouldn’t mind having some of that soup right now, it was that hearty and delicious. I rarely opt for starters or appetizers because I want to devote all of my focus on the entree but that soup had me briefly re-thinking my dining approach.

Here are the macs the James Gang ordered at Homeroom: 1. Top Photo (me) Spring Mac, aged asi­­­­­­ago, fresh herbs, peas and lemon zest. 2. Below (Dad) Mexican Mac, Niman Ranch chorizo, chipotle peppers, jack cheese, and cilantro, served with a wedge of lime. 3. (Mom) Vermont White Cheddar with sauteed mushrooms, velvety white cheddar from Grafton Village cheese in Vermont. 4. (sis) Ivy Leaguer: Truffle Mac, creamy black truffle gouda melted over sauteed mushrooms and fresh thyme.

I tried every single bowl of mac here, as did the rest of the gang, and we all decided that the one we had in front of us was the best. It was hilarious! What can I say? Hit up Homeroom with your friends and family, order a variety of plates off the menu and be confident in knowing that you’ll be eating some of the best macaroni and cheese in America.

Homeroom Oakland

Homeroom Oakland

Homeroom ChalkboardOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Homeroom Oakland Dessert

Last but certainly not least was this mason jar filled with a glorious Banana Crème Pie, made with layers of bananas, pudding, caramel and vanilla wafers. My dad, the ultimate sweet tooth, had to order one of homemade sweet treats and none of us were mad that he did. I limit my sugar intake because it makes me feel nuts so one spoonful of this did me just right. It was a perfect last bite to an already stellar meal.

Homeroom
400 40th Street
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 597-0400

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January 28, 2013

Slater’s 50/50, Pasadena

Slater's 50/50 Burger

Awhile back I was invited to the soft-opening of Slater’s 50/50 Pasadena, which is now in full effect in Old Town Pasadena. I brought along a date (omg, right?) who I knew would be pumped to get his grub on, and we went H.A.M. on the menu. I had done some previous research on this small chain beforehand so I already knew I’d be ordering their “50/50 burger” which is equal parts Angus ground beef and bacon. Need I say more? I was feeling the upbeat vibe – part sports bar, part family restaurant, zero pretension. Various basketball games were on the televisions, which made me think this is the optimal spot for happy hour. Sometimes I just want to eat a burger, drink a beer and watch the Clippers win.

I had prepped for this meal, and by that I mean I hadn’t eaten lunch that day. My burger bud, all 6’2 of him, was also eagerly awaiting the variety of plates we were about to order. Our server slipped us the menus and we both lit up when we saw the “build your own burger” portion. He went nutso on his patty options but I opted for what I usually do, a classic burger: tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, mayo, mustard and bacon. Added bonus? You get to name your own creation. What was mine you ask? “Natalie RULES.”

If your specialty is a burger, then you better make sure it’s good. Much to my enjoyment, Slater’s 50/50 got me right with their delicious offering. I managed to only eat half of my personal creation, but each bite of the hot meat brought moans to my meal.

Slater's 50/50 Menu

Slater's 50/50 PasadenaAppetizers were a must on this excursion and the two of us made a consensus on the following: fried pickles, onion rings, and jalapeno poppers. Cannot say that I’d order these items again, not simply because they’re not my style, but they didn’t make the biggest impression on me. If you’re interested in checking them out though, I’d push the fried pickles, because I’m about that pickle life and they were the best of the three.

What I’d like to put on your radar is the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese, made with a three-cheese Alfredo sauce, buffalo chicken bites and chopped celery topped with blue cheese crumbles and a toasted Cheez-Its® crust. My love for Buffalo-flavored anything is real and I appreciate how it was translated into this dish. You might think this is a novelty but in actuality, it was really quite tasty. Slater’s could afford to make it a bit more cheesier but they held it down in the flavor category.

Next time I’m looking for a juicy burger and a bit of delicious junk food in Pasadena, I’ll most definitely think of Slater’s 50/50.

Slater'Slater's 50/50 Macaroni and Cheese

Slater’s 50/50
61 N Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 765-9700

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January 17, 2013

Maui Street Food

Maui Street Food

Maui Street Food, Huli Huli Chicken

Maui Street FoodHuli Huli Chicken
Located: Hana/Upcountry

Chicken being sold on the side of the road, need I say more? Huli Huli chicken came highly recommended by my sister and after one amazing morning of surfing, I had built up quite the appetite. On our way back to the hotel we spotted this beautiful set up off the highway and quickly turned off road. It was only 10:30 a.m. but the chicken was ready to be eaten! We paid a woman $8 and she kindly handed us our plates of chicken, corn and white rice. The chicken was incredibly juicy and the skin tasted like absolute perfection.

I’ve been told the chicken usually sells out by the early afternoon, so keep that in mind on your visit to Upcountry. Maui street food at it’s finest.

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Maui Street Food, Olowalu Juice TruckOlowalu Juice Stand
Location: Lahaina

My first morning on the island began with a trip to the Olowalu Juice Stand, so brightly painted and covered by incredibly shady trees off the highway. Though I was thinking I could simply get a cold pressed juice (how L.A. of me), this was actually a smoothie spot, but I wasn’t complaining. I ordered up a guava mango smoothie, sweetened with freshly squeezed sugar cane and despite my allergies to tropical fruit, I couldn’t get my straw inside quick enough. The freshness was real and the chunks of fruit made it hearty. I wish I had one right now.

Maui Street Food Taco Truck

Big Beach BBQ Taco Truck

Pulled Pork TacosBig Beah BBQ
Location: Makena

On our way to Big Beach we couldn’t help but stop at the Big Beach BBQ food truck which was serving up pulled-pork tacos and sandwiches. I ordered up the tacos ($9, hey it’s Maui) and drenched them in the various salsas. They could have had a bit more salt for my taste, but they hit the spot on that Saturday afternoon.

Now try some off roading and go get some delicious food!

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January 13, 2013

Alii Kula Lavender Farm, Maui

No trip of mine would go without some adeventures to a botanical garden or lush forest. You about that life? I was psyched when my sister announced we’d be taking a journey up the glorious Haleakala mountain to visit the stunning Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm in Kula. It was my first official day on the island and it was great to start of my journey overlooking so much of the beautiful land. I took in some deep breathes, had the mist of the rain on my face and embarked on a stroll around the lavender farm.

The farm was created by agricultural artist and horticultural master, Ali’i Chang. The land stretches across 13.5-acres at an elevation of roughly 4000 ft. You’re surrounded my plants at every turn as there are approximately 55,000 lavender plants and 45 different varieties of lavender found on the farm, each one of them lending to the beauty of the landscape. “Built on a value-centered philosophy of Aloha which means love, friendship and responsibility, AKL’s founding principle speaks to the quality of our relationships with the land, the community and each other.”

If you’re looking for total relaxation or a great place to meditate in Maui, I highly recommend that you take a journey up to this beautiful lavender farm. When you’re done tapping into your inner peace, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for freshly made lavender scones and tea.

Alii Kula Lavender Farm
1100 Waipoli Road Kula, HI 96790
(808) 878-3004

Posted in: Maui, OTHER DESTINATIONS, Travel | Tagged: , , , ,

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December 17, 2012

Back from Maui

Last night I returned home from a much needed vacation, destination: Maui. I was thrilled to take this last minute adventure to meet my sister on the beautiful island and like with any trip NJ style, I made sure to pack in as much fun into every day. Here are just a few photos of the paradise I was so grateful to experience last week. I feel completely re-energized and as if someone pressed the reset button.

Major highlights includ snorkeling with giant sea turtles, surfing, hiking in lush forests and of course indulging in the culinary delights of the island. Stay tuned all week for the best of Maui!

 

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September 11, 2012

Shields Date Garden, Indio

NJ in LA Desert

My desert journey continues with Shields Date Garden, located in Indio, just 25 miles East of Palm Springs. I hadn’t been to this desert gem in years so I thought it would be fun to introduce my girlfriends to this spot which serves up some of the best date shakes in the desert. Though I am now lactose intolerant (WTF?) it didn’t stop me from ordering a frothy shake. Unfortunately, I could only have a couple sips of that cold treat because let’s be straight, no one wants diarrhea on a road trip!

We all swooned over our delicious ice cream treat, a much-needed reprieve from our long day of exploring the high desert. My girl Joanne was really bold and ordered some coffee ice cream which she reported to be tasty. When you are looking to venture away from Palm Springs, make sure a visit to Shields Date Garden is on your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

P.S. It has been a long-time James family tradition to take photos by signs.

Shields Date Gardens

Shields Date Gardens

Shields Date Shakes

Shields Date Gardens

Shields Date Garden
80225 Hwy 111
Indio, CA 92201
(760) 347-0996

Posted in: Food, PALM SPRINGS + JOSHUA TREE, PALM SPRINGS + JOSHUA TREE, Travel | Tagged: , , , ,

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September 6, 2012

The Saguaro Hotel, Palm Springs

NJ in L.A. with friends in Palm Springs

In case you missed it, I recently celebrated my birthday, and like I often do, I escaped to the desert to celebrate. This time around, I scooped up two of my best friends for fun in the sun and was beyond excited to show them my regular haunts in Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. Being that I’ve stayed at The Parker, The Viceroy, and The Ace countless times, I thought it was time to check out something new so I chose The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs. I was initially drawn to this vibrant hotel, carved out of the former Holiday Inn, for its bold display of bright colors. This year has been all about color for me so I thought this would be the most appropriate choice.

Though the rooms are not as luxurious as other hotels I’ve frequented, I would recommend this joyful spot for their incredibly  friendly staff, decent room rates and delicious restaurant Tinto (which I’ll also be blogging about). The warm greeting I received when I checked into the hotel left me feeling like I was a VIP – I mean aren’t I?  Positive vibes combined with attentive team members made for an enjoyable stay, in addition to the immediate happiness we experience while being overwhelmed with pinks, yellows and greens. Throw in some freshly pressed strawberry margaritas, striped comforters and a pool, and us girls had our very own desert paradise.

Once you peep these photos of the hotel’s lobby, rooms, and pool, I think you’ll feel the warmth I experienced while staying at this new spot in Palm Springs.

The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs

The Saguaro Palm Springs Front Desk

the saguaro

The Saguaro Hotel Palms Springs Lobby

The Saguaro Palm Springs Room

The Saguaro Palm Springs Pool

The Saguaro Hotel
1800 E Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 323-1711

Posted in: Hotels, PALM SPRINGS + JOSHUA TREE, Travel | Tagged: , , , ,

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August 29, 2012

Short Cake, Los Angeles

Short Cake Los Angeles

I think I just found my new favorite bakery and it is Short Cake Los Angeles. When I received an invitation for a girl’s lunch from the lovely Nastassia from Let Me Eat Cake, I didn’t even have to think twice about my RSVP, I was totally down! Upon arrival at this cozy stand located in the Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax, the counter was filled with some of the cutest food bloggers I ever did see; I was in good company. Little did I know the next couple of hours would consist of a steady stream of tasty treats, each one impressing our crowd of tough critics.

Being that summer had finally decided to heat up this one afternoon, I needed a cold drink pronto. I went with an off the menu suggestion, the secret Crimson Berry Tea, and once the cold liquid hit my lips I was under its spell. Lightly sweetened with agave and given a little shake, this libation poured over ice is the perfect thirst quencher. In order to build up to the sweets everyone would soon be happily overwhelmed with, we dug into some savory Open Faced Toasts, the first being topped with zucchini, eggplant, tomato, caramelized onion, red pepper, olive and the second smothered with Walter’s Shaved North Country ham, kale, tomato, béchamel, comté, thyme. I’m sure you can imagine how delish those were just by simply reading the ingredients alone. The bread had incredible texture, being topped with savory foods made it even that much better.

The big surprise during my lunch was having tasted what I would consider the best Tuna Salad Sandwich I have eaten in L.A. House-made albacore tuna, topped with red onion, pickle and lettuce, served on a fresh croissant, makes for a light but filling lunch. I seriously stopped mid bite, swallowed, and announced this sandwich as a revelation! A close runner-up in greatness was Short Cake’s Egg Salad Sandwich, topped with watercress, chive, and radish. If you stop by for lunch, either one of these sandwiches will leave you feeling happy!

Short Cake Secret Menu

Short Cake Open Face Toast

Short Cake Egg Salad Sandwich

Short Cake Shakerato

Let’s talk desserts and coffee because they mean business at Short Cake. I was pleased to sample Aunt Nancy’s Shakerato, which comes with 4 shots of espresso & milk that have been given a light shake. A bit of coffee paired with the Breakfast Cereal Cookie and I was about to call it a day but then I was introduced to this Rustic Apple Pie. Our group was given about 7 desserts to try and I am not going to lie, I think I was beginning to slip into a sugar coma. Because I don’t have a sweet tooth, I have to give my vote to the Breakfast Cookie because it wasn’t too sweet, heavy or overwhelming – plus, I think I was getting my daily dose of fiber!

Last but certainly not least, I want to give a shout out to the beautiful and smart Hourie Sahakian who is the incredible young woman who runs the show at Short Cake. Her positive vibes and incredible work ethic absolutely inspired me. Did I mention that she was born and raised in Glendale? Swoon x 1000. This was the first time we met but I hope to find myself in her company again.

Short Cake Breakfast Cereal Cookie

Short Cake Apple Pie

Short Cake
6333 West 3rd St
Stall 316
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 761-7976

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July 20, 2012

KTCHN DTLA at The Gorbals

KTCHN DTLA at The Gorbals

Brunch plans this weekend? I’ve got you covered if you are in L.A. homie. I recently hit up KTCHN DTLA at The Gorbals, which you also might know as KTCHN 105, and this is a must try brunch spot. I am thankful my boo Joanne has her ear to the ground on all things Downtown L.A. We rolled up on a Sunday around noon without reservations and told we’d probably have to wait over an hour because there was no room. Neither of us are high maintenance (when it comes to dining that is) and asked the hostess about a cozy corner we peeped. She said “people don’t usually want to sit there because it is so small” and our response was “we’ll take it.”

The menu changes often and on our visit there were so many delectable plates to choose from: White Sea Bass Crudo, Apple Fritters, Habanero Scramble, and Braised Short Ribs N Eggs. Since I had a heavy dinner the night before I was in the mood for something light and fresh so the Big Ass Salad looked perfect. With that kind of name I knew I was in for salad extravaganza and it proved to be note worthy, packed with avocado, beets, hearts of palm, orange, grapefruit, pistachios, garbanzos, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion, tossed in a pumpkin seed vinaigrette. I especially loved that on the menu it read underneath “no you can’t have it any different then that, yours truly chef Felix…”

Thankfully Joanne was in the mood for something savory and ordered the Huge Salted Pork Belly N Eggs which I had also been eyeing on the menu. True friends let each other have a bite of their dish so I was tickled pink knowing I’d have a taste. Served with two organic fried eggs, home fries and brioche, this dish sounded like the winner of the menu. When I took a bite of the pork belly I literally hunched over in my seat and moaned.

KTCHN DTLA at The GorbalsRogue: apple, beet, carrot, celery, pinapple and oj

KTCHN 105 Pork Belly

KTCHNDTLA at TheGorbals Grits

This white bowl of wonderment totally caught my eye but I couldn’t eat another bite. Thankfully my new pal Tittsworth indulged in this beauty on a separate occassion and gave me permission to use his photo. Dude, do you know how bad I want those Brie Grits right now? That looks like magic in a bowl, packed with berry compote, topped with apple julienne and bourbon cherry granola. I hope they still have this on the menu the next time I swing by!

KTHCN DTLA at The Gorbals
501 S Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 908-2646

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July 19, 2012

Jamberry Nails

Jamberry Nails

I love having nails that make a statement and because of this I always have my peepers open for what new thing I can try out. When nail shield company Jamberry Nails contacted me about their product – after seeing my various blog posts & Instagram photos of nail love – I was super psyched. Previous to trying Jamberry Nail Shields, I had only sampled some sticker decals that ended looking like a hot mess. This time around I was crossing my fingers that this experiment would be a success.

Enlisting the help of a nail loving friend Denise was a must as I didn’t think I could do this alone. Her extra hands definitely aided in the beauty of the final look, but her and I both feel confident that we could do it on our own after this. So what’s the deal? Let me break it down. These decals are a type of plastic that you heat up with a blow dryer, press on the nail, smooth out and trim. Absolutely no nail polish necessary!

Choosing from over 150 styles was tough and in the end Paint Splatter won out. Everyone has digging my new look and with over a week on my fingers they still look pretty bomb. You know my recommendations are legit and I give these the NJ thumb’s up!

Jamberry Nails Paint Splatter Design

Jamberry Nail Art

 

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