1 ½ days and 8 eateries in LA: Part I

Hungry me eating fork
Dinner at Thai Sticks - pre roadtrip

Our day and a half trip to LA was none other than memorable. It’s been 10 months since we last saw Livie so we were psyched. It didn’t hurt that the bf scored an ‘07 Mercedes C280 at the car rental place making our ride smooth and comfy all the way. Snicker*

We arrived at 3 in the morning having driven for 6 hours right after work. Mind you, I was ready to eat then but resisted the urge knowing that dawn was near. Once morning did come, we were woken up by Bo’s furious licking. Our first stop: Simbala café, a Taiwanese chain famous for its shaved ice. As usual, we over-indulged ordering pumpkin rice noodle, pork chop over rice, minced meat over vermicelli, spicy Taiwanese sausages and popcorn chicken. One word: YUM! Of course we couldn’t do without the shaved ice. Choice of toppings? Peaches, grass jelly, coconut jelly, and condensed milk. I could hardly walk to the car when we decided to proceed to the Hills for some good ol’ afternoon shopping. Needless to say, we bought nothing and headed to our next food stop: Sprinkles Cupcakes.

There was a queue when we arrived, which was great because it gave us time to decide on flavors. A nice lady in front of us overheard our cupcake banter and recommended the “Red Velvet.” And that’s just what I ordered. Liv had a strawberry one and the bf, a chocolate vanilla one. They were ok. Mine was the best. Thanks lady!

Overall, the cupcakes were slightly dry in texture and probably couldn't have been eaten alone without the too-sweet frosting which all started to taste the same after awhile. In the end, we didn’t see what all the hype was about but loved how everything was decorated anyways. Note to self: sprinkles and little sugared buttons add a fancy touch to little delicacies. I probably won’t go back for more, but am glad I got Sprinkles off my chest (not so much on my thighs. Ugh).

After Sprinkles, we went to Santa Monica and hung out on the Promenade. Earth day (4/22) made the stretch super busy with booths selling organic clothing and promoting hybrid cars. The bf bumped into a golf professional and I stumbled upon L’occitane. It was the perfect afternoon.

By the time we were done, it was 5:30. And that was when I met true love (and our friend Lana). Pinkberry is my next long distance BFF. Yes Liv! It’s just as good for me as you are, and I enjoy it immensely (as I do your company). Too bad they don’t have it in NorCal. Such a pity cause it’s sooo good. Liv ordered green tea yoghurt with 3 toppings: mochi, yoghurt chips, and fresh raspberries. The first spoonful melted slowly on my tongue leaving a hint of perfume-like green tea flavor following the milky tartness of fresh yoghurt. It was pure bliss. As I dug my spoon deeper into the cup, I discovered bits of chewy mochi, sweet raspberries, and vanilla yoghurt chips. Just when I thought that was it, Liv made me try the shaved ice over mixed fruit. Pinkberry please come to my fair city. I promise I will eat you for breakfast, lunch and dinner 5 days a week if you do.

Next stop: dinner. Considering how much we ate in half a day, dinner/dessert/supper/breakfast-the-day-after merits another entry.

Ninja prepping for the long drive


Roadtrip stash in the glove compartment
There's more in the back seat (too embarassing to reveal)


We passed 6 Flags on the way
The last time I was here I ate 2 candy apples and
scared the crap out of my cousin Fay



Care package from Livie upon arrival: Homemade lemon meringue cupcakes
with lemon curd filling (they are sooo gourmet!)
And a Red Sox cap! Plus chocolate from Dylan's Candy Bar.
Ahh you do spoil me Liv



Bo gave up trying to wake the bf


Liv and I getting ready to go out


Hello from Bo


Morning sunshine!


The bf (who usually scorns at the camera) got
excited cause Livie was around


A very Asian breakfast at Simbala café


I couldn't help the cheesy road sign bit


Finally we're here


"We don't allow pictures m'aam"
Take this girl-in-brown-apron!


From left (clockwise): Chocolate vanilla cupcake, strawberry
cupcake, and the ever-so-popular Red Velvet.
The dotted sheet is a weekly cupcake calendar!


Taking my first bite


Liv picking on the Red Velvet
Stop! You're allergic


Naughty and nice just got naughtier


Ladies on the Promenade


Lone bike on the Promenade


The new love of my life
Green tea yoghurt with yoghurt chips,
raspberries and mini mochis


Best pre-dinner snack ever
Even better than the shaved ice we had for breakfast