Food

I started off this post thinking I would compare all the new E-Reader devices out there….Sony Daily Edition, Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad (as an E-Reader), and then I realized that I’ve never really used any of these readers.  ( So if any of the above would like to send me a FREE one, I’m available!)  My second realization was that when it comes down to it, I’m really not going to spend the $500 on a device that hasn’t quite been perfected yet.  I learned that lesson with my first generation iPod.  But I will spend a few dollars to add a reader app to my iPhone.  So here are the top apps to consider:

B&N eReader by Barnes and Noble for iPhone (FREE)

While this app gives you the opportunity to purchase books within the Barnes and Noble library and share these books with friends, the reviews come in that book prices are a bit high.

Kindle by Amazon.com for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch (FREE)

This is one of the most popular apps because of the ability to play with font size and color, access to the Amazon bookstore, turn pages, and add notes/highlights. Reviews come in saying there are problems in syncing to other reader devices and you only have book options, no magazines or newspapers.  Also it does not allow you to share books with friends.

eBooks by Kobo HD for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, or Palm Pre (FREE)

It seems like our non-iPhone friends have been neglected in the eReader app world and that’s where Kobo steps in.   Not only is the app available for multiple platforms, after you download your book you are able to read it in other platforms as well, not just the device you downloaded it on.

There are parts of me that are very techie and can find myself browsing through the book selection on my iPhone while standing in line for a latte.  But the other side of me is championing for the survival of the good ole book.  Turning the pages, dog-earing memorable selections, and writing notes in a favorite book will never be forgotten on me.  Here is what I’m currently thumbing through:

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

I can’t precisely say that I’m reading through this book.  The truth is I keep this book in constant contact, often looking up pages, quotes, stories that I find truth in.  How many times have I read this book? About 592?  I always find the answer in Elizabeth Gilbert’s approach of having none of the answers.  I’ve found that this book is extremely dividing amongst people.  They either love it, or hate it.  If you don’t love it, you’re not ready for it.  When you’re ready, you will love it.

My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands by Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler.  One night stands. Midgets. Vodka. Distasteful humor.  All I can say is that you will laugh your ass off and I warned you.

Food Matters by Mark Bittman

Mark Bittman is and has been the acclaimed writer of “The Minimalist” in The New York Times for the past 11 years.  In this book he focuses on how food plays a major role in our body’s health as well as the earth’s health.  As Mark states on his website,” Food Matters presents a series of easily adaptable strategies—along with meal plans and recipes—for eating sanely, judiciously, and consciously.”

xoxo, Vanesa

Image from Wikipedia.com

Do I dare file this post under Culture, Food??  I can’t help myself.  Sure this isn’t the classiest post I’m ever going to put out there but we live in a world where a girl named “Snooky” is making way more money than the average working girl.  Plus I went to UCSB where Cinco de Mayo could qualify for official school holiday status, right up there with Halloween.  On top of it I’m a Southern Californian and the public must give props to our neighbors down south through some fiesta fun time.  So here it is, Cinco de Mayo jello shots found on the aptly titled website, www.jello-shots-and-shooters.com, (and here you thought icanhascheezburger.com was the most trivial thing the web had to offer).  Before I continue with the recipes remember DRINK RESPONSIBLY!!!! No one needs to get hurt and no one needs to do the walk of shame in the morning  in 5 inch platforms and a sombrero.

MARGARITA JELLO JIGGLER SHOTS:

Start by pouring 1 1/2 cups of boiling water into a large glass measuring cup. Dissolve 4 packages (3 oz size) of Lime Jello for about 2 minutes. Add 2 oz of Tequila and 1 oz of Triple Sec and 5 oz of cold water and stir well. Pour the liquid directly into a 9 x 13 inch pan and chill until firm (about 3 hours).

The number of servings entirely depends on the size that you cut your jigglers – adjust as needed for your party.

TEQUILA SUNRISE JELLO SHOTS:

Start with a large glass measuring cup and measure 3/4 cup of boiling water. Add 1 package of Orange Jello (3 oz) and stir at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Grenadine and 1/2 cup of Tequila. Stir until completely combined and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

This recipe makes about 10 shots – adjust as needed for your party.

TIJUANA TAXI JELLO SHOTS:

Start with a large glass measuring cup (at least 4 cups in size or bigger if you have it) and measure 2 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 2 packages of Lemon Jello (3 oz size) and stir at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Next, add 1 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Tequila, 1/4 cup of Blue CaracaoTropical Fruit Schnapps. Stir until completely combined and give it a chance to cool before pouring into jello shot cups. and 1/4 cup of

This recipe makes about 18 shots – adjust as needed for your party.

A few weeks ago the LA post of Babycakes NYC opened up in the Historic Core District of Downtown Los Angeles. New Yorkers, including Gwyneth Paltrow in her GOOP newsletter, have raved about the bakery’s delicious treats that are kosher, vegan, and free of refined sugar, wheat, gluten, soy, casein and eggs. Now the old me would have said, “Well they just took out all the good stuff!” Well I guess that’s where the Babycakes magic kicks in.  According to their online menu,

“BabyCakes NYC is a specialized bakery dedicated to creating high quality, vegan, mostly organic and gluten free confections. Customers can take comfort in the fact that we will never use refined sugar in our baking. Most of our desserts are even sweetened with agave nectar, a low-glycemic syrup. We also proudly use cold-pressed coconut oil. This oil, when taken regularly, is easily digested and high in lauric acid. Studies indicate it can help kill bacteria and yeast, promote healthy heart function, regulate cholesterol levels, fight viral infections and boost metabolism. Please be advised that we do bake with coconut and therefore cannot claim to be nut free. Also, some of our purveyors are not 100% nut free.”

Stepping into the bakery felt like a direct flight to Manhattan. Vintage decor inside the brick building created a sweet, relaxing vibe while employees dressed in pink candy striped outfits happily took orders to the background music of Juvenile’s “Back That Thang Up.” Had I just landed in my own personal Mecca?!?! My red velvet cupcake and English tea cake were moist and delicious. If you hadn’t told me that all the “good stuff” were missing I wouldn’t have noticed or missed them at all. Paired with a warm mint tea and mismatched antique silverware I found myself dancing in delight. A few of the other items on their menu I look forward to trying are:

• A loaf of Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
• Frozen Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (Yes, there will definitely be a pattern of chocolate)
• Cinnamon Buns
• Macaroons
• Biscuits
• Corn Bread

I really tried not to put their ENTIRE menu because it all looks so wonderful!  Take a stop at their website to find more on their menu, location, blog and a link to follow them on Twitter! And while you’re on Twitter be sure to follow me @VaVaVanesa and @CampusConfidant!

xoxo, Vanesa

I heard of this event and instantly loved it!  Two of my favorite things mixed together into a cocktail of fun, food and film, or as ArtPower at UCSD has appropriately named their event, FOOVIES: Lust+Passion+Desire. Wow, this just got a whole lot spicier   The event being held at The Loft tonight will serve up music and food from 7:30-8pm then a showing of the film Dinner Rush at 8 pm.  Now I haven’t seen Dinner Rush so I can’t give you a sales pitch on why you should go out and see it.  But I do know it stars John Corbett and I’m sure there’s some type of “Carrie Bradshaw broke Aiden’s heart twice” obligation that makes me always want to support him.  Also, he charms me over and over again in My Big Fat Greek Wedding every….single….time.  Here’s a breakdown of the film from ArtPower’s site:

When the “star chef” son of proprietor and bookmaker Louis Cropa decides to make changes in the menu of Louis’ hugely popular Italian restaurant, a frenetic evening of comedy is served up to a local police detective, rival gangsters from Queens, and a renowned food nymph. Some things don’t go down so well; other things come up that shouldn’t as the evening boils over with mayhem.
[2001, UK, 98 min.]

My tummy gets all sorts of happy when I read the menu they have planned:

MENU Entrée:Penne with Shrimp and Spicy Tomato Sauce; Antipasto Salad; and Trio of Dips with Assorted Breads. Desserts: Meyer Lemon Pine Nut Tart with Citrus Mascarpone and Ricciarelli Cookies. Wine Choice: An assortment of Italian and Californian wines. Menu subject to change.

Admission price ($26) includes the music, food, and the movie.  Now go on and purchase your ticket here, there will be plenty of nights for you to eat Dominoe’s Delivery.  And while you’re in the Italian spirit go on and play this:

Second, if you’re not old enough to enjoy a glass of vino you can drink some of this:

Vignette Wine Country Soda – Rose’ ($28.50-12pack)

xoxo, Vanesa

Ever since I watched Food Inc and with the beginning of the new year I’ve been on a culinary kick.  And part of that kick is the concept of “do not eat crap”.  And it is more than just avoiding junk food.  It’s about preparing my own food, and it’s about eating clean and nutritious food that will nourish my body and keep me healthy.  For a long time I’ve really really really wanted to be skinny.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m still trying to get skinny!  But my new mentality is get healthy, get in shape, and that will lead me to skinny bliss.  I came across the UC Davis Good Life Garden Blog and I must say that I’m obsessed!!!

The Good Life Garden is located at the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at UC Davis.  If you’re a UC David Campus Confidant…go!!!! (And take pictures to send me.)  Their blog reads that the garden’s mission, “…is to expose and educate a wide audience to the relationship between good food and good health. “  I love love love that there is a group in education that is out there spreading the prophecy of “You are What You Eat”.  You can check out the website for the garden here or read up on their posts at their blog here.

On the blog I read up on seasonal vegetable profiles (it is recommended that we eat vegetables that are in season), a scientific taste test of organic vs conventional food and an abundance of information on growing and maintaining your own garden.  Plus I love Arlene, the gardener’s, videos… who knew dividing and transplanting chives could come off so endearing???

Planting an entire vegetable garden is probably a bit ambitious for me and my apartment living.  So here are some herb and vegetable garden options for all of us apartment or small space dwellers:

Inspiration from Joost Bakker’s Vertical Garden as seen on Treehugger.com:

Make a vertical garden out of a cloth shoe rack.  Instructions can be found here on Instructables.com:

Square Wooden Planter Box from BackyardCity.com:

Indoor Culinary Herb Garden Kit from Herbkits.com:

An industrial terraced herb garden as seen on ApartmentTherapy.com:

A high rise herb garden from Tiny Bite’s Flickr page. (GORGEOUS city living!):

Vertical Red Metal Planters as seen on Terramia blog:

xoxo, Vanesa

I know I’m a little late to join the Food Inc. bandwagon since I’ve heard rave reviews about this documentary for the past year.  Driving around LA I’ve seen food trucks with stickers of the film in their windows and even restaurants with full blown posters.  It seemed like this film was the new Obama campaign and all the hype made me want to see what it was all about.  I got around to watching it over my break and wow…just wow.  I’ve spent the past few years being mindful of what I put into my body trying to buy Organic as much as possible and limiting the amount of red meat I eat, partly from reading Skinny Bitch as well as the information I got from my partner who read The Omnivore’s Dilemma.  But Food Inc sealed the deal.  Like the film’s website reads, I will never look at dinner the same way again.  And I’ll also never look at food at the supermarket the same way either.  The key things I am going to try and change after seeing Food Inc. are to buy local, seasonal and organic from local farmer’s markets; eat grass-fed meat; and read the labels of what I’m eating!!!  I can preach this from the high mountains all day long but seeing this film will truly open your eyes.  I will warn you that there are scenes that are not for the faint of heart.  I shuddered like a small child under a blanket unable to bear the brutality of some of the images.  But the overall film is extremely well done and packs a plethora of information into a great presentation.  On my new year and Food Inc. kick I am now on Day One of life without Diet Coke…so don’t blame me if my posts come off crankier in the next few weeks

xoxo, Vanesa

As I teetered on the idea of flying to San Francisco to celebrate New Years Eve I was taken to a lunch escape, which turned out to be just what I needed.  Royal-T Cafe in Culver City (as described on their own website), “is a playful collision of spaces—café/shop/art space—presented in stunning fusion. An eclectic mix of retail and contemporary art reimagined in the surrounds of LA’s first Japanese-style cosplay café.”  I will say that the food was simple yet delicious and the environment reminded me that “FUN IS NECESSARY!” It was simply delightful from the Murakami prints on the wall to the waitresses decked out in Anime French Maid outfits and of course the yummy food.  I dined on an appetizer of spicy tuna on crispy rice, an entree of kobe beef sliders served three ways with sweet potato fries and finished with a chocolate peanut butter cupcake for dessert! (Let’s see just how many times I post pictures of cupcakes on this site).  That was my first but definitely not my last time to Royal-T.  Hopefully one day I can host a fabulous event in their amazing space!

xoxo, Vanesa

The front of Royal-T courtesy of their website.

Here are the extra pictures from my birthday festivities at The Bazaar.   I can’t reiterate how truly memorable this dining experience was, not just because of the food but also the amazing company.

My BFF Chelsea and Me.

The box that puts a smile on everyone's face.

Sprinkles cupcakes = love. My trainer does NOT need to know about these.

Cake decor at The Dessert Bar of The Bazaar.

Modern Olives

Soy Marinated Salmon Roe Cone

Last night I celebrated my birthday and had the fabulous treat of enjoying dinner at The Bazaar of the SLS Hotel here in Los Angeles to celebrate. The Bazaar is definitely not on the price point of an average Campus Confidant evening but it was a special treat for the occasion. I was joined by 3 of my favorite people, my love and two of my besties.

I have been trying to make the time and get a decent reservation at The Bazaar for the past year. I had built up so much excitement to experience the art of Chef Jose Andres and all that surrounded his restaurant that garnered a rare four star review from the LA Times as well as Restaurant of the Year by Esquire magazine. Finally last night I was blessed with the honor. There are not enough words to fully describe the magic that is this restaurant. The flavors, imagination and pure artistry that went into every single tapas dish was delightful. It was truly THE MOST MEMORABLE meal of my entire life. Next week I will try to post pictures of the dishes we ate with descriptions. For now, here is a short video of the magic cocktails being made.

Wow, what a whirlwind few days I’ve had.  I moved into a new place which was A LOT of work and please believe I’ll be living out of a tornado of boxes for the next few weeks.  But on top of it all I’ve been feeling awful.  Somehow I’ve managed to come out alive.  I have a lot going on within the next few days leading into Christmas and New Years.  When everything is crazy it’s nice to take a step back and see a space that is beautiful and inspiring.  The other week I took some photos at a great Boba cafe in Little Tokyo called I <3 Boba.  Oh yes, this is really happening.  I’m shouting out a Boba spot.  Anyone that knows me knows that I looooooove boba.  But when I stopped into this spot full of electric colors and bold design I found it surprisingly calming.  It’s definitely a bit much to make up your living room 100% like this but they incorporated some very fun, modern and inexpensive elements that my budget friendly soul appreciated.

Looking at all this funky, modern and clean design is making me dream of Tokyo.  Since I can’t exactly jump on a plane and start Harujuku Lovers-ing it, here’s a nice video for us to escape with:

Goodbye Hello Tokyo from Bryant on Vimeo.

xoxo, Vanesa

My culinary masterpiece....and yes, I did cut a slice for myself but it was an act of duty to show you the double layers.

There’s something about the holidays that makes me want to bake.  Maybe its the inner fear of being the strange city girl coming to the Thanksgiving harvest table and only having Trader Joe’s steamed gyozas as an offering.  Years ago I ripped out an easy pumpkin pie recipe out of a magazine and attempted my version of “baking” (aka fake baking) with my dad.  Baking seemed so simple!  We didn’t even have to turn on the oven with this one.  So I’ve learned that instant vanilla pudding is the key to fake baking along with 4 hours in a fridge but it doesn’t exactly qualify you as a bonafide baker.  The recipe is below but in my due diligence to make this post “official” I wanted to find a link to the actual recipe.  In my research I found that all these years I have been carrying around a veeeeeeeeery exclusive recipe.  Is it from Le Cordon Bleu, you may ask?  Thought up by famed pastry chef Jacques Torres?  Or could it be an exclusive straight out of the back rooms of famous NY bakeries such as Magnolia or Billy’s Bakery?  Well, my friends, the recipe comes from the good people that make your 3,098,564,898,759 calorie bagel even more delightful: Philadelphia Cream Cheese.  Gotta love it.  Here ya go, have fun fake baking and even more fun eating!

BEAT cream cheese, 1 Tbsp. milk and sugar in large bowl with whisk until blended. Stir in 1/2 of whipped topping. Spread into crust.

WHISK remaining milk, pumpkin, pudding mixes and spices 2 min. (Mixture will be thick.) Spread over cream cheese layer.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until set. Top with remaining whipped topping just before serving.

Here is the link to their posting of this recipe as well as their fancy schmancy picture of what it can look like if you have more patience than me.  But don’t you dare click on the link to the Nutritional Information.  Save that for after Thanksgiving when you’re making Turkey leftover salad.

xoxo, Vanesa

After I read Skinny Bitch cover to cover I became obsessed with decaf green tea.  After trying several different brands I stumbled upon Yogi Tea’s Pure Green Decaf Tea as well as their Green Tea Kombucha Decaf.  Both are wonderful teas that give me a soothing and healthier replacement to my love affair with Skinny Vanilla Lattes. Besides the wonderful taste I look forward to the cute little sayings that come on the labels of the teabag.  I love them so much that I started posting them as my daily Facebook status update and have become somewhat famous for them   Okay I can’t say I’m faaaamous for them but I can say when I don’t post my daily Yogi Tea saying, people inquire about the absence.  These small sayings can turn around my whole day with words of inspiration, strength and serenity.  I have taped to my computer the Yogi Tea reading, “I am beautiful, I am bountiful, I am blissful.”  And I swear to everyone my life turned around from the Yogi Tea reading, “Life is a flow of love.  Your participation is requested.”  You can read more about the Yogi brand here and get your daily tasting of inspiration from their sayings here.

I remember a time in LA where the taco truck was a shameful crime.  Despite being ever-so-tasty, did you really know what kind of meat was in your super speedy burrito?  Please believe this girl has had her fair share of hot dogs from a cart vendor in Santee Alley in Downtown LA.  Those discount prom dresses always came with a $1.50 hot dog!!! 

This is a re-post of a great great great article from Daily Candy showcasing the revival and gentrification of the LA Taco Truck.   But I have to add to their post because they forgot the best taco truck of them all, KOGI KOREAN BBQ!  This Taco truck serves up Korean tacos.  Yes, I know what you’re thinking.  But one bite of a Korean Short Rib Taco and you will claim yourself converted.  And if you don’t believe me than you can ask every studio executive in LA who this truck serves up weekly.  If it’s good enough for the people who green-light George Clooney’s projects its good enough for your 12 am “fourth meal”.  To top off all their glorious food, the guy behind their Twitter tweets is really funny and a little bit gangsta.  Come on, you gotta be creative when you’re serving up Korean tacos on a truck.

Follow Kogi Korean BBQ-To-Go here on Twitter.  And read about their amazingly sweet story here in the LA Times. 

Below is Daily Candy’s list and to read the full details of their favorite LA trucks check out their article here.

Frysmith
Follow at twitter.com/southphillyexp.
Nom Nom Truck
Follow at twitter.com/nomnomtruck.
Marked5
follow at twitter.com/marked5.
Fishlips Sushi
Follow at twitter.com/fishlips_sushi.
Baby’s Badass Burgers
Follow at twitter.com/babysbbs.

5 at Hotel Shattuck Plaza

Food is classified into five basic tastes: Sweet, Salty, Bitter, Sour and Umami. I say YUM, YUM, YUM, YUM and YUM! Go out and explore all five of these tastes at 5, the new restaurant inside the Hotel Shattuck Plaza in downtown Berkeley. While all you Berkeley girls were away for the summer, the hotel got a multi-million dollar facelift which will give your life a touch of glamour amidst a social schedule of keg parties and well, more keg parties. I find a full sit-down dinner to be too pricey for our CampusConfidant budget so get your girlfriends together for a school-year kick-off cocktail hour at The Lounge at 5! Your party will sit underneath chandeliers while toasting with mixed cocktails made from freshly squeezed juices and appetizers made with organic, locally farmed ingredients. Crispy squash blossoms, Orzo Mac and Cheese with a glass of organic wine? YUM, YUM, YUM, YUM and YUM!