Feb 27th, 2010

Los Angeles * Farmers Market * La Brea Tar Pits * Father’s Office

After breakfast at Campanile, Taro and I headed off to Farmers Market in Los Angeles to explore and potentially take photos.  We ended up browsing through stores instead and looking at all the food stands.  It was actually pretty relaxing not having to rush to stand in line and hunt for that lone table to snatch up.  Before we left, though, we happened to stop by the large grass area where booths were set up.  Some Hawaiian travel group was promoting trips so people were able to view native Hawaiian flowers, make their own leis and fish (out of palm fronds), and sample coffee and what looked like tiny donuts.  When Taro saw the fish-making demonstration, he immediately jumped towards it.  Why?  When we were in Hawaii, we brought one home and it was Peanut’s favorite toy…until he chewed it all up.

After our afternoon at Farmers Market, we were close to going home until Taro mentioned the La Brea Tar Pits.  He had never been there before and I said he just had to go to see it at least once.  It was a lot of fun – viewing the tar spewing out from the water, checking out the fossils, comparing ourselves to the height of a bear, and just walking around the Tar Pits/LACMA area.

I saw this man playing a Japanese instrument while we were walking to check out one of the tar pits.  He looked so serene that I had to take a photo of him.  Also, the music was soothing and perfect for the day.

To end the day, we went to Father’s Office to finally try their hamburgers.  Overall, I think we were disappointed with it.  Taro and I didn’t care for the lack of service; the whole “ordering at the bar” (You are essentially fighting for the attention of the bartender, who not only takes orders but is also trying to make a million drinks.) and no waiters/waitresses was really strange.  It felt like they were trying to be too cool and standoffish.  Plus there isn’t any order to getting a table; you just have to scout and hover around a table and grab it the minute it opens up.  Again, very strange for a “restaurant” (in quotes because I don’t know if I can call it a restaurant) to not seat people in an orderly fashion.  Last, the burgers were just not that fantastic.  I really feel that Taro’s steak sandwich topped Father’s Office and Taro had the same concept – arugula, cheese, and generous portions of steak on a hoagie.

I wish I had photos to show, but the “host” (Why do you need a host if he doesn’t seat you?) intervened when I tried to take a picture of the sign (The sign?!?).  It’s okay, though, because if we are going to get a burger, Taro and I would, in a heartbeat, choose Umami over Father’s Office.

Feb 27th, 2010

Los Angeles * Campanile

We randomly discovered Campanile on the way to Farmers Market in Los Angeles.  As Taro was driving down La Brea, I happened to see a person walking with a La Brea Bakery bag and I wanted to stop and check it out.  Since I love buying the bread from Trader Joe’s, I figured I might get a loaf or check out what they had.  Taro made a quick u-turn and soon we not only were checking out the bakery, but also heading over to the restaurant next door for breakfast instead.  Since that day, we only went back to Campanile once for Mother’s Day; although I enjoyed my dish, Taro and his mom didn’t care for theirs as much.  That was last year and after that experience, we didn’t go again in 2009.

So when Taro brought up the idea of going to Campanile for breakfast, I was excited to give it another try.  As I said, I remember both times my food was good and the only downside was the service was not very good (only the first time though).  The only problem was I couldn’t remember what I tried the two previous times – although I was pretty sure I had their waffle – so I stuck with what I usually get – a Belgian waffle (with syrup and fruit compote) and a side of bacon.  The waffle was light and fluffy, but if you are on the hungry side, it is definitely not sufficient.  With the side of bacon and a couple bites of Taro’s breakfast sandwich (smoked mozzarella, fried egg, and carmelized onion) I was pretty satisfied.

Overall, the experience was nice and the service this time was much better.  Taro and I really want to go to Campanile for dinner (Kris has said positive things about their dinner.) so we cannot wait to have a date night here!

Feb 23rd, 2010

Welcome Isabella

A miracle.  That’s the only way I can describe it.  The first time I felt Isabella kick and move, it was amazing.  To think there was this tiny individual growing in the safety of Melissa’s cocoon was simply unbelievable.  What made it even more special was the look on Melissa’s face as she would gently place her hands on her belly and talk to Isabella.  Isabella always loved the touch of her mother’s hands and whenever anyone else would try to feel a hand or foot, Isabella would quickly shy away and Melissa would fondly call her a stinker.

And then there was Jason’s Facebook post: This is it.  And all of a sudden, after much anticipation, Isabella arrived.  Friends frantically posted up comments and well wishes during the delivery.  Jason had pictures posted of Isabella within ten minutes of an adorable, yawning baby girl.  From everyone, there was instantaneous love for little Isabella.  Personally, I just adored her from the pictures – and could not wait to meet her.

A day before her one-week birthday, Taro and I had the chance to visit the new parents and Isabella.  I have never seen a newborn baby before and the minute I laid eyes on Isabella, I fell in love.  In between sleep and being awake, Isabella yawned, smiled, made a “kissy” face (as Melissa calls it), and even made cute, funny sounds (that sound you make when you pout her lips and blow air out).  What I loved even more was how Melissa looked at Isabella with unconditional love – cradling her closely in her arms, talking to Isabella, and just showing how powerful a mother-daughter bond is.  Jason, too, has that glow – the proud father, the one who is going to protect his daughter, but obviously shower her with hugs and kisses.

Taro and I cannot wait to shower Isabella with love and are proud to be her auntie and uncle.  Congratulations, again, Jason and Melissa!  Isabella is a beautiful girl and we cannot wait to watch her grow!

Isabella in Grandma’s arms:

Isabella with Mommy:

The happy family:

The little angel: