Traveling Burrito

Hellz yeah we ordered take-out burritos for dinner back home in Manila!

Mexican @ Maya

MAYA: Taqueria & Tequila Lounge

[Manila needs to get, if not Maya, something very similar]

GUACAMOLE - hand mashed avocado w/ onions, organic cilantro, and lime

QUESO FUNDIDO - melted Mexican cheeses w/ jalepenos

TACOS

CARNE ASADA - marinated & grilled angus flank steak

CARNITAS - 6 hour roasted organic pork shoulder

Taqueria La Pinata

This is another work lunch spot: Taqueria La Pinata. Sorry, no link for this taco stand, but hey - they deliver and the number is big enough to see in the pics!

Blake took me here a few weeks back and when Tim came into town, this was the place I wanted to go for his first lunch out. (I work with Tim and Blake if you're wondering...) #1, he loves tacos, and more importantly #2, he loves corn tortillas. And whaddayaknow, Monday around 1ish there we were.

The tacos are super cheap ($1.25), but they make you pay extra for cheese and guac. Either way, the tacos still end up being muy barato. The menu is quite ambitious for such a small street spot, so I don't know how spot-on everything is. I can tell you, though, that the tacos are yummy! In fact, I kinda want some right now...

Intersection of Highland x Santa Monica Ave.

Delivery number!

Yeah... We get our tacos "to-go"

Carne Asada - Pollo - Carnitas

Pollo

Camarones

Farmers Market: Directory

The stalls we ate from...

LOTERIA

"The fare here is Mexican but it is decidedly not typical: Chef Jimmy Shaw's fare is genuine Mexican, built on family recipes which generations have tested and perfected. Lighter than typical Mexican fare and infinitely more flavorful, the entire menu is absolutely unique - and utterly delicious."

++I got the probaditas, which is a sampler of all 12 tacos served on mini hand-made corn tortillas. I highly recommend this dish if you want a taste of it all!

PAMPAS GRILL

"No cafeteria anywhere can compete with this churrascaria - move down the line to select from an amazing assortment of side dishes (salads, corn, pastas, and much more) and finish at the main course station: slowly turning beef steak, lamb, and chicken. You pick exactly what you desire and the serving size you want. Among the newer market choices, Pampas is also one of the most popular."

++For side dishes, Jon got: mixed rice, beet & eggplant salad, fresh tomatoes and steamed broccolini. For the meat, he got: garlic chicken (so good!) and beef steak.

COUNTRY BAKERY

"Bill Thee offers delightful baked goods at his Country Bakery. Desserts of all kinds: funnel cakes, rich tortes and delicious cookies. Whether you're shopping for the perfect dessert for a meal or just looking for a heavenly snack, this is the perfect spot."

++If you're at the Country Bakery, you better order the funnel cake. You must. You have to. Get it? Got it? GOOD.

*For more narratives on what's offered at the Farmers Market, click here

The Original Farmers Market

Not even the rain can stop us! The rain that err... "graced" the Los Angeles area for 2 days didn't stop Jon and me from visiting our favorite farmer's market: The Original Farmers Market. (Note that there is no apostrophe in the name - I just learnt that on this past trip... Hehe)

We had a fun outing that consisted of first: lunch and dessert, and afterwards: strolling and picture taking. While one of us was feeling for Mexican - it's not who you're thinking of, it was me - and the other for churrasco, we went our own separate ways and met again at our white round table. For dessert, we took the same path and came together for *drum roll please* FUNNEL CAKE!!

It was such a pleasant afternoon and there was no else I'd rather wander around with than J. Xo.

In Less Than 2 Weeks...

I've already started counting down the days until my loverbun and I can make a Trader Joe's trip and get all our fav things!

Time, can ya hear me?? SPEED UP YO!!

Javier's

I came by these pictures I took a few weeks ago at Javier's Cantina. My friend Stephanie and I stopped for a quick bite before heading over to a Kind Campaign fundraiser, which was held down in OC (Orange County for the non-Cali readers). The scene was actually a bit overwhelming - lots and lots of people of all ages. From hot cougar mamas to blonde high school grads ;) Javier's is located in Newport Coast's Crystal Cove development. I guess it fills the need for upscale Mexican food overlooking the horizon. Such a fantastic view from this chic, OC restaurant. I feel like people come here to mingle, socialize, sip on margs, nibble on comida Mexicana... And who knows where the night takes them!

Vamos a la Fiesta!!

Deciding to break out of the usual dinner routine at home, Jon and I came up with the idea to host "Mexican Night" for my family. The table was transformed into simple Mexican favorites that proved to be crowd pleasers table-round. Check out our fiesta!

Strait from Texas! Soon to me Mrs. sent them over from Texas herself

[Chili Salsa + Chipotle con Queso]

Chili Lime + Blue Corn

Chips 'n Dip

Jalepeno Cilantro Tortillas filled with ooey gooey Mexican Blend cheese

FRESH guac... You heard that right, *fresh*

Jon's chicken fajitas

Patti's layered dip

[Refried beans + Chicken + Chili Salsa + Cheese cheese and more cheese]

Delicioso :)