TBA
Fooding
Fooding roundup for the week leading up to Independence Day this year.
Lunch at the rebranded Ami Japanese Sushi in Westwood, now part of the Kopan group and branded as Kopan Izakaya. Menu feels exactly the same, portions seem a bit more skimpy/less frills, but glad they're still kicking-- and getting some upkeep/maintenance in the deal.
Lunch the next day at Torisoba Sumiya with Carolanne; aka making sure the DCP group at UCLA is still staying above water. The grilled chicken smells good, the chicken char siu is nice but not sure why they call it char siu; overall was a pretty decent but decidedly not-going-to-be-exceptional meal on Sawtelle. Maybe that just speaks highly to the level of competition in the area.
One more day later, finally got to Westfield Century City Mall early enough to beat the line at Chagee. Their style is a bit more elegant/office formal as opposed to Molly Tea, which aims for a bit more trendy/youthful vibe; the milk tea itself is pretty similar, high quality, foamy, very light (just don't look at the nutrition facts, which Chagee is unique and pretty awesome at actually printing the exact ones straight on your cup/order). Definitely get there before noon, ideally closer to 11am, or else the line gets heinous.
Independence Day itself was a long-awaited pickup from Broetli, a Swedish bakery that only does periodic online orders and always sells out within minutes. Their rye loaf is very dense and tasty if that's your thing (for several friends it is their thing!), the butterzopf is excellent. Would skip the filled donut and the brownie; finally Rebecca said the cardamom bun was delicious. Topped that off in the evening with a bit of grilling, Snake River Farms always does a superb piece of American waygu, especially in their Gold Grade 1.5" thick ribeye.