Wk8: Postcard

Nothing to report, nothing to send.

Wk8: Helen Keller International

Donate to Helen Keller International
While my cat is named after this famous blind person, I found their works around the world to be the real reason for donating.  This group works to eliminate blindness through local partnerships, HKI focuses on everything from cataract surgery to providing eye exams and everything in between.  This organizations also works to fight malnutrition that can also cause vision impairment.  I like how HKI takes a total-cause look at blindness world wide to help end it. 

Wk8: Momo's Sushi Japanese Restaurant

I went to Momo's Sushi Japanese Restaurant (1511 Rimpau Avenue, Corona, CA 92881-3212) after work and it wasn't too bad.  The sushi was fine, though nothing spectacular.  I've had fresher, but I've also had worse.  The chef gets creative with the rolls though.  We ordered an avocado roll that she formed in the shape of a green caterpillar with a wasabi frog friend. I thought it was creative and the roll tasted as expected.  The staff was super nice and more than accommodating.  We also shared a volcano plate which is seafood covered in a hot, cheese sauce.  I am not a fan of that kind of food, though  it tasted fine and my girlfriend liked it.  Saporo is the only beer on tap as it is a Japanese restaurant.  We also had salmon roe sushi that was good.  I'd go back again and the owner seems like they are trying to make the place more "hip."  I hear they are going to add a beer garden that host beer pong tournaments.  I don't think I need that with my sushi, but if there is a market, then good luck to them. 

Wk8: Flemish Style Sour Ale

After searching the internet for an origin, the only thing I've found is that it is made by Hermitage Brewery in California and that it may have been a one-time deal.  I was intrigued by the option of a sour beer that doesn't have citrus added to it.  I don't fruit my beer, but I like new flavors so I am open to new things.  The ale is well balanced and maintains its flavor throughout the pallet.  There is a hint of sourness that works well with the overall taste.  I found it refreshing for an ale.  I could definitely enjoy a few of these throughout a Saturday, but I wouldn't chug them.  It hit the unique-flavor mark and I'd buy it again.

Wk8: The Bell Jar - Failed

The Bell Jar turned out to be my first failed book.  I started it, but I couldn't finish it on time.  I tried, thought that just isn't good enough.  For shame. . .

Update: The book is finished as of the next week, 3/4/11.

Wk8: Zendejas Mexican Resaurant and Sports Bar

I went Zendejas Mexican Restaurant for the sports bar midweek with some friends after work.  There is a restaurant side, but we stuck to the bar side as it seemed more happening.  It seemed to be a ho-hum general sports bar.  Seeing as how we went on a Thursday, the margaritas and domestic schooners were only $3.  Nothing to brag about, but the 'ritas were stiff.  Thursday is also $1 taco night and I can see how they are only $1.  I'd say put a spoonful of dog food on a limp tortilla and cover with a salad is a better description.  We did share a nacho plate that was pretty big and fine for bar food; once again, nothing special.  Zendejas was fine for grabbing drinks after work or catching a game when the TV is broken, but I don't feel like I need to try the restaurant side now.

Wk8: Caposaldo: Pinot Grigio 2009

Crisp and uneventful in flavors.  I like my Pinot Grigio's to be bold and dry.  This one from Caposaldo was neither.  It played well with the Ginger Glazed Dorado, but it didn't bring anything to the table that wasn't already there.  This wine could have been forgotten and the dinner would not have missed a beat.  It was good to try, but now I know not to buy it again.

Wk8: Ginger Glazed Dorado

I found some packages of Dorado in the freezer and I new a Mahi Mahi dish would also work to prepare it.  The Ginger Glazed Mahi Mahi [Allrecipes] recipe stood out the most and I was not disappointing.  All the flavors mixed well and the ginger added just enough of a kick to make it interesting.  I would recommend marinating the steaks longer and using a big pan to give each steak enough room.  The glazed can also be used on a side as I did with the brocalli.  I liked how it tied the meal together.  A toasted slice of fresh French bread with butter and garlic powder brought a little crunch to the dish.  I paired the meal with a Pinot Grigio from Caposaldo.  I liked this dish and I could see the glaze going on other neutral flavored proteins like chicken as well.  I'll make Ginger Glazed Dorado again. 

Wk7: Posted

Man I need to really try harder. . .

Wk7: Picture of Naked People

Naked Pictures of Famous People is an easy and fun read, but it is more of a bathroom reader than anything else.  I liked how the stories are not related so I could skip around the chapters at will.  I always liked reading from the last few parts of a book and then meeting in the middle when I start from the beginning.  That method seems to changes the reading scenery if-you-will.  The stories are silly and embracing to think about, but not plausible or serious.  I only needed to read it once, though if I had this book on a flight and nothing else to do, I'd reread parts. 

Wk7: Dubu Kinchi

I found tofu at the local grocery store and a cheap cut of pork is always cheap, so Dubu Kimchi (tofu and fermented cabbage) seemed rational.  I combines two recipes [MyKoreanDiet and Chowhound] and then altered the measurements to the amount of kimchi I had and taste.  The dish is easy as you just mix everything together and plate with warm tofu.  I will say that the most important ingredient is good kimchi.  The kimchi I used  was an Americanized version and it tasted more like pickles than spicy cabbage.  This "pickled" flavor was very apparent and kind of ruined the whole dish.  I'll definitely try to make Dubu Kimchi again, but I'll have to find good kimchi first. 

Wk7: Physicians for Peace

Donate to Physicians for Peace
This organizations sends medical professionals to under-served global locations to trains local providers.  They work with medical and dental personnel to help ensure that everyone has the ability to receive the best possible care.  They offer everything from general medicine, maternity/child care, to providing glasses and dental services. They have worked in Haiti and have an ongoing presence in the Philippines among other places. 

Wk7: Unruly Red: California Red 2008

This was a pretty good mixed red.  The Unruly Red [BevMo] was pretty mellow and worked well as a relaxing wine.  It doesn't pair too well as it was fairly sweet without being a dessert wine.  I think I'd have this before or after a meal or just to chill after work.  Not bad, but not an overall winner.

Wk7: Noche Buena

I didn't know it at the time, but Noche Buena is brought to market by the same people that make Do Equis and Sol.  So it isn't a Mexican micro brew like I had hoped.  Think Negro Modelo or Bohemia, but milder.  If you ant a strong bock or dark ale, this is not for you.  I liked it, but it was not better than the competition.  Give it a try if it comes in a variety pack, but don't go looking for it. 

Wk7: Curlup to the Kitchen Counter

Making Martinis and Margaritas is fuel the family. 

Wk7: Eating-in

We have a ton of food in the fridge.

Wk6: Kyoson Sushi

Kyoson Sushi [Yelp] was supposed to be the weekly bar, but instead it turnout to be the weekly restaurant.  Even though the signage is for Japanese sushi, like most Japanese places it is run by Koreans and the Korean food turned out to be pretty good.  We order Haemul Pajan (seafood pancake) and some Cass beers and it tasted like Korea.  The server was especially nice and she offered to make some Korean food that is not on the menu.  We got Jab Jae (fried rice noodles) and it was also great.  The restaurant is divided into Korean and Japanese food, but it seemed only the Japanese side was open for business at the time.  I think they should just pick a cuisine, but I guess they know what sells in the area.  I'd go back again when I'm in the mood for good Korean food. 

Wk6: Kyoson Sushi Bar

We saw the signage for sang mekju (draft beer) and anju (beer food), so we thought they would be a good bar to visit after working all Saturday.  Instead it was setup more restaurant-y and we didn't see any actual bar.  Oh well, the food was good. 

Wk6: Gnarly Head: Chard 2009

Bevmo was having their 5cent sale and I needed a wine to pair with my Puff Pastry Salmon.  I found this Gnarly Head Chard and I was not disappointed.  It had a crisp taste that was mellow throughout the pallet.  It paired well with salmon and I'd buy it again. 

Wk6: Puff Pastry Salmon

This was a great meal.  We had some frozen salmon stakes just sitting around I was feeling adventurous in using some new-to-me ingredients.  I figured I couldn't go wrong with puff pastry, but I'd never used or seen it before.  Luckily, the Puff Pastry Salmon [Allrecipes] was perfectly flaky inside and out and the spinach layer had a texture similar to melted cheese, yet there is no cheese in the recipe.  The pesto [Allrecipes] was fresh made with fresh basil, though I did add a dash of dried basil to kick up the flavor.  I used the left over pesto on top of toasted artisan bread to bring a crunch to the table.   Renee created the Lemon Lovers' Asparagus [Shine-Yahoo] and it played perfectly well with the dish.  Finally Allrecipes suggested a Chardonnay with the dish and Bevmo had their 5cent sale going on, so the Gnarly Head Chard paired perfectly.  All around a great meal that was easy to make and tasted marvelous.  I believe someone commented that this could be a plate they'd pay for at a restaurant.

Wk6: Post-poned

Nothing new done, so nothing new to send. 

Wk6: Fisher House Foundation

Donate to the Fisher House Foundation
I liked the premise of this organizations.  They build facilities to temporarily provide free housing to the family members of military veterans that need post-service care.  They build housing options near military and VA medical centers so that the family members can be near their service person while they receive treatment.  I think this is a great, fair service so that everyone can be taken care of after military service.  The accommodations look nice even though they are free; a great way to reunite families. 

Wk6: Heart of Darkness

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Oh, I was not in the mood to read this week.  I really liked Water for Elephants and I think I have post-good-book-burnout (PGBB).  I tried to knockout Heart of Darkness, but I had trouble finishing it on time.  I even thumbed through Brave New World, but I couldn't find my groove.  Once either of these are done, I'll count them as a book read this year, but not this week.  I tried, but I really just wanted to veg out and watch TV instead.

Wk6: Hanger 24 Pale Ale

Hanger 24 Craft Brewery makes a pretty good pale ale.  I liked how it had the strong hops flavor, but it was mellow throughout the entire glass.  It tasted good without overpowering my pallet.  I'd like to try their other brews now. 

Wk5: Bar

Too busy to grab a drink seemed impossible until I discovered 36-packs and Amy Wagner finally made sense. 

Wk5: Postcard

Sorry Mom, nothing new this week. 

Wk5: Recipe

Too many easy to heat up pre-made meals makes cooking from scratch unnecessary.  Maybe next week I'll find a good dish to try. 

Wk5: Rest

Not this week either.  We had an overabundance of Super Supper meals already to go, so there was no need to go out to eat. 

Wk5: Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants is a great book.  I meet an Australian school teacher that recommended this book while we were in Vietnam and I'm glad he did because this became an instant classic for me and I will keep it to be reread.  The chapters flew-by as the story was so engrossing and left me wanting more.  Because the story goes back and forth between an old man recanting his youth and his present day, I was afraid that this book was going to go Nicholas Sparks The Notebook on me and end with a sappy, touchy-feely, love story.  While there is a romance in the main characters history, it ends well and the book stays upbeat and triumphant.  I've never been to a circus, that I remember, and I may have to see what all the hub-bub is about now.  The story was great, the characters kept me enthralled, and the experience left me wanting more rather than hoping it would end.  A great read. 

Wk5: Powderkeg: Petite Syrah 2008

I wanted a dry, spicy wine and I figured BevMo could help me find one.  I asked the worker for a "peppery" Syrah and he recommended the Powderkeg Petite Sirah.  We both noted how most Syrahs are trying to tame their flavors and make them smoother at the cost of taste.  When I get a Syrah, I want one that will wake up my taste buds and set my lips on fire.  Unfortunately, this one couldn't do that.  It had a hint of pepper and the overall flavors were pronounced and Syrah-y,  it just wasn't what I was looking for.  I'd recommend it for pairing with a meal, but it wasn't the sipping wine that could stand on its own that I expected.  I probably won't get it again as I'm sure I'll find what I really wanted. 

Wk5: NPR and PBS

Support Arizona Public Media
I've been listening to a bit more NPR lately and I figured that keeping Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me! on the air is a noble pursuit.  I found it was more odd than annoying, but NPR has you donate to your local affiliate rather than a national pot.  I guess it keeps the community stations active and the focus, but it doesn't really matter to me as long as someone uses my donation. 
Now for the interesting part, the local NPR stations also hosts the local PBS channel; so two birds with one stone.  I don't know if every broadcaster is like this, but it meant that I'm also supporting Nova with my donation.  All around, I wanted you keep public media alive, even if their government funding is in jeopardy. 

Wk5: Out of Bounds Stout

Avery Brewing Co. is a microbrewery from  Boulder, Colorado and when I was in the mood for a dark beer, their Out of Bounds Stout met the challenge.  At 6.3% ABV, this black beast packs a punch while staying refreshing and true to its stout name.  I liked the bold flavor that was not overpowering and I think it would  be great after a day on the slopes.  I'd hide one of these in the snow by my car for putting my board away.