Downtown Los Angeles

Yesterday was Sunset Junction, and I really wanted to go, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.Something about all those people and the heat and the fact that it's getting more and more complicated.Not to mention the fact that the only reason I wanted to go was to see Isaac Hayes, and we all know how that turned out.... So, instead of getting off the Metrolink at Sunset/Vermont we rode the subway to Union Station and had ourselves a little day trip. And it was fun, really fun. Usually when going downtown we head straight for Little Tokyo, so we went to Chinatown instead. Of course there was the requisite stop at Wing Hop Fung, who have really expanded their tea section! I got a few basics like their Jasmine Green tea that comes in the prettiest tin, and some embroidered maryjanes. I really wanted some Kung Fu shoes, but they didn't have my size so Rob got a pair instead. This tea is the best loose leaf Jasmine Green that I've ever had, so I recommend it. Though I have to warn you it is highly caffeinated, so take it easy.

Wing Hop Fung

727 N BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-7200

Stuck in my head again and again....

I know I already mentioned Scarlett Johansson's album, but it is still in my head. And then I found this song, not on the album, which bums me out because I love it the best. The crazy Nico meets circus sound on it really makes me happy. I've been humming this song for two weeks now, so I am releasing it into my blog and hoping I can get some rest from the constant redundancy in my head. So now I give it to you...you are sooo welcome.

*On a side note, anyone else LOVE her outfit? I WANT THAT BLOUSE!!! And those great slacks...

Cookies for all....

One thing I love is a good chocolate chip cookie. And as simple as it may be, it's hard to buy one. Uncle Eddie's Vegan Cookies are like heaven in a bag. Since 1997 they have been making these cookies out of Glendale without any animal products, winning fans vegan and not.These cookies are the type of sweets that non vegans can enjoy just as much as vegans. Sweet, with a little taste of salt and a nice crunch they really are as homemade as they can be.Rumor has it that they are also the cookie that Trader Joe's carries, (they have similar packaging if you need a little hint).

Polaroid Pogo

I've gotta admit, I was devastated-downright depressed when Polaroid announced it was no longer going to make it's instant film. There was no substitute, nothing could even compare with the joy that a Polaroid instant camera could bring. I have been hoarding the stuff, getting extra stingy as my supply dwindles and the cost of the film rises. So imagine my surprise and glee when I found this new addition to the Polaroid family. The Polaroid POGO is a digital instant camera printer that is compatible with both cameras and most cell phones. Through a USB cable it connects to your camera and produces an Instamatic 2x3 picture, just like the Polaroids of today. The pictures are also sticky, making it a nice way to document on a trip on the go. Even better is the price, a pack of thirty exposures runs around $10, much nicer than the $15 pack of ten. The Printer is currently running around $150, but I expect it to drop by Christmas time. Though it may not be the same as the instamatic that won my heart, it will be enough to get me through the grieving period.

Wandering through Westwood

I'm always up for a nice vegan meal so once I read the menu for Native Foods in Westwood it was only a matter of time before I gave it a try. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I did. The magic of this restaurant is that they take old unhealthy favorites and make them good for you without sacrificing any of the flavor. I had the french dip Au jus and my boyfriend Robert had the Bali tempeh burger, we also split the chili cheese fries (we were starving).It ws amazing, flavorful and nothing fake tasting about it, sometimes vegan food can taste not so good, often I find it's the texture. But the people at Native Foods nailed it, the tempeh was terrific grilled and sauteed with caramelized onions and vegan mayo. The french dip was made with a flavorful seitan , avocado and caramelized onions. The chili cheese fries were my favorite thing of all however, I don't know quite how they did it, but the cheese they used tasted so good that you'd never know it was dairy free, and the chili was a simplistic bean chili that had a lot of flavor (baked?) in it. We didn't have room for dessert, but their selection is good and they even have vegan soft serve-I guess we'll have to go back! Not far from Native food was a store called Thank You Mart. It was love at first sight. Everything in the store is $3.99, and I mean everything. They had a lot of vintage clothes as well as kitsch galore. The best deal had to be the sunglasses, how could you not go nuts in shop that had Lolita glasses as well as the knockoff Wayfarers that EVERYONE seems to be wearing this summer. This is definitely the type of store to go to before Christmas, there is something for everyone(who doesn't need a chicken wastebasket..I mean really). And at $3.99, you can afford to get a lot of goodies for yourself as well!

http://www.nativefoods.com/

http://www.thankyoumart.com/

(Image courtesy of flickr)