Category Archives: My travels

Din Tai Fung

Posted on by under food, Just me, My travels, Photos, Uncategorized

OMG, got to go grub on some bomb ass dumplings tonight. The first time I had soup dumplings I was in New York, at Shanghai Joe’s. I had never had them before, and didn’t know if I could find them here on the west coast. Thankfully my friend Laurie (a major foodie) knew exactly where I could find them. Din Tai Fung. So tonight I met some friends at the Americana in Glendale and ate until I could eat no more. The soup dumplings have a different name, here they’re called “Juicy Pork Dumplings” but they are so delicious! I highly recommend them!

Unfortunately I was too absorbed with eating them that I didn’t take a photo of the soup dumplings, so you’ll have to settle for photos of the pork and shrimp dumplings and the rice and pork dumplings.

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And then there was this little dude at the door, greeting all who enter.

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I’m meeting some friends for lunch tomorrow at El Torito, so expect a Mexican food post mañana!

Stay classy!
Getting2KnowL

J. Paul Getty Center

Posted on by under Just me, My travels, Photos

So, while I was in LA, I made sure to visit one of my favorite places in the city. The J. Paul Getty Center in Brentwood, near UCLA. Seriously, the architecture, gardens, and art that’s housed there make is such a fascinating place to visit. I discover something new every time I go. It’s just such a peaceful escape from the world. That and admission is free which is always a major plus (although I feel the need to point out that parking has gone from $5 to $15) but it’s a small price to pay for the tranquil setting and mass collection of some pretty awesome art. Such as Vincent van Gogh’s Irises.

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I had to take some up close photos of the brush strokes, they’re exquisite! I sat on the cushioned seat simply staring at this masterpiece for what seemed like hours, just lost in the majesty of it all. Made me want to return to Florence, Italy, where I got to stand in the presence of Michaelangelo’s David, which is truly something to behold.

They also have some full room recreations of victorian era France, with gorgeous antiques chandeliers and writing tables.

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Talk about stunning, they just don’t make houses/decorate rooms like they used to. Those doors and the details of the walls are beautiful. The moulding, breathtaking. Really something that must be seen in person to fully appreciate.

The Getty has more than just paintings, and antique rooms, they have a collection of stunning statues, my favorite of which is the Goddess Athena. Carved in marble and absolutely gorgeous.

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Athena’s always been my favorite Goddess, and to see her rendered so beautifully was a treat.

One of my other favorite things in the museum is the antique microscope from the 1770’s I believe, absolutely fascinating, and green! My second favorite color, (purple is my favorite in case you were wondering). Can you imagine the things that microscope has witnessed? What breakthroughs it might have discovered? Amazing.

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Those are just a few of the amazing collections the Getty has on display. And if the art wasn’t enough to draw you in, take a look at the building and the gardens.

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Gorgeous right?

So do yourself a favor and the next time you’re in LA, make sure you take the time to visit the J. Paul Getty Center. I should also mention that there is a Getty Villa out in Malibu, which I’ve heard is also lovely however I have yet to visit. It’s on my list for the next time I’m in LA. The Malibu location requires reservations, so if you want to go to the Getty Villa, make sure you go online and book reservations first! (Like the Getty Center, the Villa is also free, however there is a parking charge and I believe it’s the same as the Getty $15).

Until my next entry, health and happiness to you all!

Korean BBQ and Slap Bets

Posted on by under food, Just me, My travels, Photos

Made it to Korean BBQ! I would have cried if I hadn’t gotten to stuff my face with all the delicious beef that comes with the all you can eat smorgasbord! I’m pretty plain as far as what I like, the brisket pictured below is my favorite, I like it seared just a touch, still a little bloody. I know, I’m weird.

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The best part of the meal was the company. I got to see nearly everyone, Scottie, Stevie, Yohan, Hiep, Trin… even got to meet Steve and Scottie’s girlfriends, Elyssa and Eloisa.

The food was outstanding, the company even better, we ate drank and were undeniably merry. One of the best nights I’ve had in a while. The night ended with me remembering that I had a slap bet with Yohan and Steve, one that I had never collected. So later on that night, I got to slap the hell out of the two of them. My hand still bothered me the next day, perhaps slapping them while I was tipsy didn’t work to their advantage. I think there’s a video of the slaps somewhere, I’ll post it if I can find it.

I hope to make it out to Korean BBQ again before I leave on Friday, but that’s not looking too likely.

Anywho, I’ll post some more photos from my adventures to Palmdale and my day at the Getty Center later. I’m rather pooped and The Lone Ranger is on. High-o Silver! Away!

Health and happiness to you all!