2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test and breakfast at Farmer Boys

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and today is probably the most non-food seeking day of the year after a huge Thanksgiving Day of snacking, feasting and now, having a refrigerator full of leftovers.  Kirk (and his Missus) are enjoying some time off and Cathy is writing.

Prior 2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test posts: July, August, September, October

Want to get more updates about the entire Tournament of Roses? Look at this website!

Last weekend was the final day of announced road testing for the Phoenix Decorating Company and their 17 entries of floats for the 2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. As you will see, some of the floats are not complete yet (but the artist renditions at the link give you a good idea). There are three other float building companies and six of the floats entered in the Parade are 'self built'.  The Mister and I have volunteered with the Petal Pushers for many years, decorating various floats over the years (you can, too!).  The Opening Unit float, with the Parade Theme (Making A Difference) banner, will lead off the Parade (following the Opening Show, presented by Honda).
 The Closing Unit float will be the final float in the parade. 
 Farmers Insurance is sponsoring a large float, "Honoring Hometown Heroes" which has both an old fashioned Fire Ladder Truck and Police Car and is still in the beginning construction phase.  In this photo, you can see where the 'Spotter' will sit, guiding the 'Driver' (who only looks down at the Rose Colored line permanently drawn on Colorado Boulevard, following it throughout the parade route) via headset about possible upcoming driving hazards.
  The Forum, A Los Angeles world class music venue, is celebrating it's 50th year with "The Story Lives On" as the float title.  
 The Trader Joe float, "Hat's Off~" is still under construction and I can't wait to see it, based on the artist renditions! 
 The floats ready for 'dry decoration' (scissors and glue are used)(the days before fresh flowers are delivered; before Christmas Day) and stored inside the Phoenix Decorating barn.  

Phoenix Decorating Company  Website

After we watched some of the floats driving down Ornelas Street, tested for maneuverability and safety, we drove North,  crossed over the 210,
and, after a block or so, turned into the Farmer Boys parking lot (which is shared with a McDonalds). ( At the bottom of that post is a link to another Farmer Boys meal). HERE is a link to a Hungry Ones blog post. 
 Breakfast is served all day, the menu is simple, fresh and prepared after you order and brought to your table. 
 The Mister ordered a Ham and Cheese omelet (made with three eggs and chopped ham) which came with (his choice) hash browns and (again, his choice) rye toast ($7.79).  Excellent, as always. I  I also wanted ham and cheese, but chose the 'Daybreak' ($4.59)
 It's made with two eggs
 and has two whole (grilled) slices of ham.  Another great meal, especially on the toasted (and buttered) roll. 

Farmer Boys Website

I hope everyone is having a nice post-Thanksgiving Day (and weekend)! 

 

Comments

[Caninecologne]

Nice to see that you and the Mister haven been exploring the "new" road float test city. The floats look really cool so far, especially the mostly completed ones in the float barn (the rabbit and the ladies' head).

[Soo]

Thanks for the float update! They are coming along nicely. I like visiting Farmer Boys when I'm in Escondido.

[Laura Monteros]

I always enjoy your articles about the floats! Sharing to "All Things Rose Parade."

[Cathy]

We look forward to our monthly mini-vacations "up North", cc- the places to eat are so very interesting. The floats this year are (again) so detailed and cute. The Mister and I are curious about the materials that will be used on the rabbit (Rotary International-"Sowing the Seeds of Service") and Mother Armenia (American-ArmenianRose Float Association-"Armenian Roots").
I try to make things interesting, Soo. The Parade (and other Tournament activities) are part of waking up on the first day of the year; a tradition. Farmer Boys is a great place...not really fast food and not really fancy.
Thanks so much, Laura. You commented once so long ago and I appreciate that you have 'stayed in touch'. Decorating starts this weekend-you're going to be busy!