FOOD FASHIONISTA

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Apologies for being a bit MIA here on the Food Fashionista site lately, but with SO many exciting (n)online things going on, haven't had that much-needed extra time to catch up on writing, editing, and all that sweet stuff, but do promise to be back in full force very soon.

There are several new and note-worthy restaurants, dishes, and events that I'm thrilled to share with you!

In the meantime, if you have an iPhone, visit Food Fashionista on Instagram aka my new favorite obsession. If you don't have an iPhone (or Instagram), we'll be sure to share some of our fave Instagram shots with you here on the Food Fashionista blog. 

Check out a few from this past week:

"Don't Worry Be Happy" at Trader Joes w/ Project Happiness Wine

                 Feeling the LOVE at Sunset Blvd, Starbucks

 
           Casabalanca at Good Neighbor Restaurant, Studio City

        The VOGUE Stage - Favorite part of Superbowl 2012!

        Japanese Beer & Shishito Peppers - Malt  & Spice  

Oh, and in case you are wondering, the very top photo is a Chiffon Cake with orange curd and meringue from Short Order LA at the Original Farmers' Market. Feast your eyes on that beauty!

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies , but the silence of our friends" - Martin Luther King Jr.

Angry Birds Cookies - Adorably Sweet!

The other day I spotted these unibrowed red Angry Birds cookies at the checkout counter of Barnes & Noble's Starbucks at the Grove. These individually wrapped treats unfortunately didn't make those hilariously-addicting sounds like on the wildly popular (understatement) video game, but they are ridiculously cute and I'm sure quite satisfying to take a bite into.

Food Fashionista even got a shout out from Angry Birds on twitter. Sweet!

Dessert at Playa Rivera - Los Angeles

Edible flowers, coconut and skull dishware made quite the divine combo at Playa Rivera on a recent visit. This gorgeous dessert consisted of a pineapple-coconut bread pudding accompanied with shredded coconut and coconut sorbet. Almost too beautiful to eat...almost.

Common Grains Cultural Events - Los Angeles

Celebrate the New Year with a series of cultural events in Los Angeles, helmed by the Common Grains program.  Common Grains is an innovative culture initiative dedicated to raising awareness about Japanese grains in the U.S. The program kicks off the cultural and cuisine-related event series with an onigiri creation contest at the Japanese American National Museum’s annual Oshogatsu festival. 

See list of upcoming events for the month of January below and Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimusu (Happy New Year in Japanese)!

Food Fashionista wishes you a Happy New Year 2012

Wishing you all a New Year filled with love, joy, good health and prosperity! Never stop believing in your dreams, and remember that the day to make them a reality is today!

Macarons de Paris at La Boulange - San Francisco

In the last couple years, La Boulange in San Francisco has become a cherished neighborhood stop. For your morning caffeine, fresh baked pastries, salads, sandwiches, or a box of macarons, this restaurant with 10 (and counting) locations in the city is always a fresh, affordable alternative. The Hayes Valley La Boulange is a particular favorite.

La Boulange Bakery & Cafe

Izumi-ya in San Francisco's Japantown gets Festive for the Holidays

I couldn't help notice the Christmas decor at Izumi-ya as I was strolling through Japantown.  For years, I would frequent neighboring shops Kinokuniya bookstore for my latest Japanese fashion mags & Tan Tan for tea and anmitsu.

Corner restaurant Izumi-ya is known for their Okonomiyaki and other Osaka-type casual cuisine. Will definitely post some pics of the food next time I visit.

Hope you are all enjoying the holidays! 

 

Happy Holidays from Food Fashionista

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Joyous Kwanzaa to you all!

     Surprisingly got my gift wrapping done a bit early this year!

Hello Kitty & Stiletto Christmas Tree spotted at Manouschka's abode

             Holiday Cakes galore at Whole Foods today

                  Sipping hot cider under the sparkly lights

  Chef Walter Manzke's Uni & Avocado Sliders at BBE Holiday Party

 

        Hope Santa brings you everything you wished for...

In-N-Out Burger Secret Special Menu Items

On a recent visit, I asked for extra cheese at In-N-Out and got EXTRA cheese (as shown above), but did you know that this insanely popular burger chain has its own secret menu? I'm not talking "animal style" or "grilled cheese", which most regulars already know about. I'm talking about the "Flying Dutchman", "Chopped Chilis", or did you know you could order a Neopolitan shake? Well, now you do. For a full list, visit HERE.