Since the wedding, my girlfriends and I decided to try to get together once a week. It worked…for about two weeks. And then we just informally decided that getting together a couple times a month would be better. Besides talking on the phone, that would allow us to catch up on each others’ lives, gossip, enjoy the company of just the girls, and gossip some more. We especially love getting together during dinner – there is a foodie in each of us – and there is no better time to eat and bond then during Dine LA!
The last time we experienced Dine LA together, we went to Mr. Chow. Kris really wanted to try Spago, but we just could not get a reservation. However, we decided much earlier this time around and booked a reservation before Dine LA began. So on a Wednesday night, after each of us got off of work, we headed to Beverly Hills to try out Spago. What can I say? It was delicious! The Dine LA menu had a lot to offer, allowing us to order and share a variety of dishes; the regular menu was really reasonable as well, so I definitely want to take Taro there to experience one of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants.
It is always nice to hang out with the girls, but even nicer when we get to share a nice meal out together. Next on our list? Brunch at Bouchon since they opened up here in Los Angeles!
To start there is a variety of bread: sourdough, french, olive oil, walnut, and flatbread. I tried the walnut bread and it was nice and nutty! As the first course, Vivian ordered the Heirloom Apple and Endive Salad. From my bite, I thought it was pretty refreshing and had a lot of flavor to it. I would definitely order this – a nice, solid salad.
I actually started with the Celery Root and Apple Soup. There were chunks of bacon in it, but for once, I did not think bacon was necessary in this dish. However, the pieces of apple in the soup were delicious! I love drinking soup so I would definitely order this again – or try any other seasonal soup offered. Kirs and Tricia both ordered the Maryland Crab Raviolini. For a seafood raviolini, it was not too bad, but I think the salad and soup were both stronger appetizers.
Steak Tartare with Quail Egg:
For my main dish, I decided to go with Grilled Prime Rib Eye Steak. The aroma of it when the dish came out was amazing and Vivian even commented that she could only smell my food. The portion was generous so I was able to share pieces with all the girls at the table and even take a few home! It was just as tasty the next day.
To finish off, dessert – Lemon, Lemon, Lemon and Black Forest Chocolate Cake. The Medjool Date Cake is not pictured, but that was by far the best dessert on the menu. Luckily, since there were four of us, we were able to order all three and sample them.
I can’t wait to dine out again with the girls; it is always a treat and so much fun!
In our house, it is always an adventure trying to find Peanut, especially when he is taking a nap. Is he in the big room resting on one of the big, cushion chairs? under the tablecloth sprawled out? in the lounge chair in the second bedroom? on top of the dryer or the dresser? tucked away in the laundry basket? I searched everywhere today for him and finally checked the third bedroom where Peanut was sheltered behind three pillows. The rain must be softly soothing him into a sleep on the bed, but when I discovered where he was, he just stared at me with his big eyes.
I love this big guy.
I checked up on Peanut a little bit later and he moved…and was sitting on top of the mound of pillows!
Daniel is one of Taro’s childhood friends and I was fortunate to witness his marriage to Darbi. I remember their wedding ceremony like it was yesterday – the giant smile on Darbi’s face, her offering Daniel a tissue when it looked like he might shed a tear during the ceremony, the funny, sentimental speech made by Daniel’s brother, the gorgeous attire during the lion dance performance and the anticipation and silence as the performers jumped on each others’ shoulders, and just the overall excitement that two individuals found in each other. Darbi is Daniel’s perfect match, his “little elf” as his brother described her.
So it was very exciting news when Taro and I found out that Darbi was pregnant. We learned this news at Paul’s wedding in June 2009. Before Daniel said anything, I happened to notice that Darbi was fondly resting her hands on her belly, occasionally rubbing it ever so gently. I did not want to say anything just because it could have been a multitude of things. What if she just was not feeling good? But there was this look – that look of contained excitement (in order not to draw attention to herself), protection, and unconditional love. And then they announced it to us and I said, “I had a feeling, but didn’t want to say!” When I explained what I noticed, I could see the giddiness come out in the couple.
What was even more exciting than hearing the news was the birth and arrival of Daphni. Pictures were posted online and friends commented on the little bundle of joy. So before I even met this baby girl in person, I watched her grow within the first month through photos. I could not wait to meet her and when I finally did, she looked just as adorable as in the pictures.
At the one month party, Daphni was fascinated by the lights and people, observing everything around her and even falling asleep in the arms and shoulders of family and friends. She is definitely something special. Congratulations, Daniel and Darbi! Taro and I are excited for the two of you and we cannot wait to watch Daphni grow into a beautiful, young woman.
You can see the love in Darbi’s face when she looks at her baby girl. It is just too precious!
Pictures of Daphni with her daddy:
I was able to reconnect with Tina, a friend from the days when we were lifeguards at Barnes Park in Monterey Park, at Daniel and Darbi’s wedding. At the wedding, her daughter was still in a stroller and now, she, aka “Frog,” is a little girl. She is adorable!
One last shot of the birthday girl, happily falling asleep:
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