Joe’s Steam Rice Roll - New York, NY

Today’s theme is Joe; Joe and his signature rice rolls. 

This one is a sampling of all the things, and mix of ground meat, slices of salty sausage, dried shrimp, egg, and my choice of corn, bean sprouts, and scallion. I wasn’t sold on the sausage, but I liked the rest just fine. The wrappers are so chewy and impossibly thin, a texture only achievable when the rice is stone mill-ground and the wrappers made in-house.

Totaling a mere $12.86 including tip, the price doesn’t reflect the complexity, making it one of the best cheap eats the city has to offer. 

NYC - Day 2 - Joe Coffee Company

It’s a perfect transition from the cosy but boisterous 3-kid home to an Airbnb where I can sleep in solitude. 

I’ve never spend much time in the UES, and it’s a fabulous walk across town, through the Central Park I never stopped to see when I lived here, when I was too busy just surviving. 

It’s a beautiful walk made better by the company of a friend willing to come out from Bay Ridge to help me drag my suitcase. 

My Costa Rica roomie and me, more than ten years later, looking better than ever before. 

Some friendships fade, but others span three continents and only get better with time. 

Joe Coffee Company - New York, NY

Dragging suitcases is sweaty work, and a coffee shop is the best cooldown there is. 

I usually hate lavender drinks, but I took a chance on an iced Earl Grey lavender latte, and I now love lavender drinks, but only at Joe’s. The flavor is more herby than floral, which just works better with a bolder tea, and the drink is perfectly balanced so the tea is enhanced, not hidden.

NYC - Day 1

It’s already been the most dramatic of trips, starting with the high cost of rebooking a nonrefundable ticket to fly out ahead of a hurricane. The anxiety of being bumped off an oversold flight and the fear of cancellation due to rain was unbearable until we were in the sky. 

A smooth landing and a can ride through Queens gets me a view of the World’s Fair spaceships, and it’s a reminder that I never did adequately appreciate this city when I lived in it, and the elevator ride to the 26th floor reminds me that it’s been over a decade since I’ve been inside a high-rise. 

But there’s a best friend, a charcuterie platter, and a glass of Prosecco waiting on the other end. 

And there isn’t a view like this anywhere in LA.

Kazunori - Marina Del Rey

I had every intention of writing a positive review. With a simple menu of quality ingredients, a streamlined production of made-to-order hand rolls, and a no-fuss service fee to remove the stress of tipping, I always thought Kazunori was onto something. 

And they still are in some ways. Their basics are solid; the toro is good, the yellowtail is creamy, the scallops are fresh, and what’s not to like about lobster and crab? 

Just stick to the simple things. They try to make sexy-sounding specials, and I was dumb enough to order Ankimo. Is there ankimo in here? Looks like it, but that thin little stripe drowns in an even thicker stripe of “miso” sauce that I can only describe as slightly citrus snot. The creamy, bilious flavor of actual ankimo is entirely missing, as if the goal is to trick people who hate liver into eating liver, the way you try to bury kale in a kids cookie. You get a cookie, but it tastes like crap. 

I had the ankimo last, and it literally ruined my lunch. I only ate half the roll because I actually gagged after a couple of bites. I’d come to Kazunori again if someone else did, but honestly, the ankimo was so off-putting I don’t think I would choose to come back because of that alone. 

Dave's Hot Chicken - Torrance

Finally, a proper Nashville hot chicken vendor without the wait for Howlin' Ray's. Dave's serves up some real spice in arguably one of the South Bay's best sandwiches.

Skip the sandwich and get the Tender with Fries if you so desire. Slather on the special sauce, enjoy the fresh fries, and don't touch your eyes. 

But I would never skip the sandwich. these "Sliders" are full size sandwiches, and the fried chicken inside is crunchin' cracklin' comfort. Medium won't burn you much, but hot will start to sear. Still, there's something about this combo of pickles, sauce, and slaw that makes you keep eating in ecstasy. 

This seemingly simple sandwich has seared its way into my memory, and all I want is more. Their spice paste is full of heat but also full of flavor, and they maintain a golden ratio of seasoning to spice. It's so hard to find good yet affordable food these days, and I'm beyond thrilled a branch of Dave's finally opened near me!

Le Pain du Jour - Hawthorne

A few counter-cases holding a few croissants. Grab them before they're gone!

A regular croissant is a fluffy, chewy perfection, but wow, that guava cream cheese does pop! Blueberry cream cheese is a close runner-up, and there's churro cream cheese too if you're not feeling the fruit. 

There's also a savory selection, and other sweets as well, but if my 9:30 AM visit is any indication, they sell out of everything fast. So snag a few pastries to go with your coffee. You won't find better quality on this side of the 405. 

Sweet Red Peach - Inglewood

The photos are ugly, and the taste is anything but. Step into Sweet Red Peach if you want your cake or cobbler without the side of nonsense. The prices are reasonable, the flavors are fun, and it's never a bad time to grab a slice. 

The 7-Up Pound Cake is their signature. Love that lemon-lime lilt to the icing on this soft and sweet slice of pound cake. 

I don't know if I prefer the Peach Cobbler or the Cake - the cinnamon cake does add more substance. 

as the cobbler is like a cinnamon soup, full of peaches waiting to be scooped. 

The Butter Pecan Pound Cake is another good one, but there's a mildly alcoholic aftertaste, which I attributed to the vodka in vanilla. The Sock it to Me is a smooth, sweet, simple slice of cinnamon, sugar, and pecan. Both are covered in a thick layer of icing. Great icing, but not necessary - the cakes are perfect the way they are. 

I don't know if I loved it, but I sure did like it. Lots of fun to be had with their impressive selection of slices, and I imagine their cookies and cupcakes are also great. Would definitely consider them for my next birthday cake, though I'd probably rather try something new.