mmm-yoso!!!

San Francisco - China Live Revisited and the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair

The Missus and I decided to take a short trip during the long weekend. The Missus had really enjoyed our last trip to San Francisco; so we decided to head back for two nights.

Our flight over was quite pleasant; except for the arrogant and condescending young man who marched back and forth at the TSA security check-point telling people, "you can get it right...any idiot can do it.....it's not hard!" I understand that perhaps working for the TSA is not a pleasant job; but there's no need to be insulting....it's always the one that brings down the other ninety-nine. As my experience with the TSA has been that folks are at least somewhat professional. Or perhaps by "any idiot can do it" he meant himself? I heard the guy behind me mumble to his companion, "he's definitely a candidate for a colonoscopy without anesthesia".

We arrived fairly early; our room at the Marriott wasn't ready yet which wasn't a problem. We needed a place for a rather "early-ish" lunch....the Missus had really enjoyed the duck from China Live....yes, it was pricey, but we were on vacation, right?

Since Chinatown was basically right up the street, and China Live opens at 1030 we headed up Stockton. We quickly found that there were booths lining the usually busy sidewalks making things even more crowded with folks shopping and browsing.

We eventually got up to Broadway and China Live had just opened.

And in spite of the crowds and lines outside (the line at Good Mongkok went down and around the block!!!!), the place was empty.

We were tempted, and should have just had tea and the duck and called it a nice snack and head off....but we felt kinda guilty for just ordering the duck (albiet it being $27 - it had gone up a buck since September). We also didn't really enjoy anything else on our last visit. We just went ahead and ordered the Suckling Pig.

The Suckling Pig looked pretty nice.....

And it was decent; not the best I've had, but the meat was moist, the skin was a bit too thick and hard instead of crisp. It also lacked a good porkiness. So, not too bad, until you factor in the price....$34! That's over four bucks a wafer thin slice! I wouldn't complain if this was excellent; but it was not.

We did enjoy the duck ($27)

Which, like the last time didn't look particularly inspiring, but had a nice, thin, crisp skin....the subcutaneous fat perfectly rendered. Nice mild gaminess...moist meat. Like the last time; the "sesame buns" were dry and were just used for scallion-cucumber-hoisin sandwiches for us.

Looking at dishes on other tables....well, the rice and noodle dishes looked pretty mediocre. The total damage with tea was over seventy bucks......as we left the Missus told me, "I think we're done here...." I concurred....we'll try to find the best roast duck next time and just eat it in Portsmouth Square or something.

China Live
644 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133

We headed down Broadway and took a turn at Grant and oh my......the horde....the mass....the huge crowd.

But the Missus, who is usually not fond of crowds (neither am I), just smiled and headed off.

Grant was closed off....there were booths lining the street. I came to find out this was the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair, which happens on the weekend before the Lunar New Year and everyone and their brother seemed to be checking it out.

To be perfectly honest; even I enjoyed myself.

The Missus found herself checking out many of the booths. "You know there's a problem with this, right?" She said. Not quite following Her logic I asked "Why?" She cracked up and said "No samples!"

Regardless, the Missus really had a fun time, She told me a few times, "this really reminds me of growing up in China!"

People watching was fun....checking out the folks in costume. I sent the photo to the right to my coworker "YZ" who is from Shanghai and she quickly pointed out to me that the fella' wasn't totally in character; "if he was really dedicated....he wouldn't be wearing Nike's!" You gotta love it!

Did I mention the crowds?

It was fun watching the kids having a good time with all the various characters. Call me out of touch but I wonder what the character "Fragrance" represents? And fragrance of what? Remember, this is Chinatown! The fragrance of roast duck...pork....fish, herbs, steamed buns, and other more "earthy" smells permeate the air. And that character looks like an egg?

I'd go crazy facing crowds like this everyday. But for one fine sunny morning in San Francisco, it was just perfect!

Happy Lunar New Year!

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of floats, Lunch at Costa's (Covina)

Welcome back to reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, on this beautiful January day.  Cathy is writing and the first part of this post is about the 2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of Floats, and at the end is the part about the food we ate that day.

When the Rose Parade ends, the floats line up end to end on Sierra Madre Boulevard and they can be viewed from about 1 p.m. on January 1 and from 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. on January 2.  There are three entrances, each one easily found with a colored balloon (you can see the red balloon here).  

The Theme of the 2020 Parade, "The Power of Hope" logo was on the Opening float, parked in the Pasadena High School parking lot.
The Burbank Tournament of Roses Association presented "Rise Up", depicting a mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes (of the 2018 California wildfires) to create hope, rebirth and renewal.
 "Hope Knows No Limits", presented by Shriners Hospital for Children celebrated the carefree spirit of childhood that is born of Hope. Notice the 'child' on the swing has a prosthetic leg."First Responders Bring Hope, Presented by the Oddfellows and Rebekahs and had multiple First Responders, in uniform, riding the float and being applauded along the Parade route. 
"Hope Keeps Us Going" by the City of Alhambra was a cute contribution to the variety of 46 floats along the route.
"The Voyage of Hope-1620" presented by General Society of Mayflower Descendents embodied the parade theme in that the 12 passengers who embarked on the journey in a cargo ship 400 years ago were motivated by the hope for freedom religion and a better way of life.  
 Details of so many of the floats are missed when viewing on television.  the Welcome Credit Union float, "Hope Creates Community" showed the story of a community coming together to help a young (squirrel) family fix up their new 'tree home'. Such detail. 

Speaking of details, here are some close ups of signage on some of the floats:
 So many of the float designs also had details you might have missed if you were watching the Parade on television. 





46 floats, thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of man hours.  Impossible to document it all; I have over 300 photos. This post has links to all of the float road tests we attended. This is a link to Phoenix Decorating Company, one of three float builders (in addition to the six self-built float builders).  This link to The Rose Examiner has so many articles about the Tournament as well as float winners and better photographs.

The theme and President of the 2021 Tournament will be introduced in just about two weeks.

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In 2018, Phoenix Decorating Company moved the construction barn from Pasadena to Irwindale and that gave The Mister and I plenty of new restaurants to explore following our observing the float road tests.  One restaurant we really liked was Costa's Family Restaurant in West Covina, where we enjoyed dinner after decorating floats in 2018. We hadn't been to Costa's for more than a year!  It was January 2 and the lobby was still decorated for Christmas.  Being a weekday, there were several 'lunch specials' on the menu. Time for comfort food to start the year, and follow the miles of walking to view the floats.
 Liver and onions (calves liver; tender, thin and with a wonderful flavor). $8.29.  It came with the salad or soup, dinner roll and either a beverage or dessert. 
 The hot turkey sandwich ($9.99) on a slice of white bread, served with vegetables, mashed potatoes and lots of gravy (along with -yes- canned cranberry sauce) was really wonderful, filling, flavorful and satisfying.  The (baked here) dinner roll; wonderful. The mixed sherbet dessert was just a perfect ending to this meal and just enough to make the drive back home to East County without needing to stop for a snack.  

Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 5:30a.m. - 9 p.m.

 Happy New Year! 

Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 5:30a.m. - 9 p.m.

2019 San Diego County Fair- OzSome (Part 3; the wrap-up)

Today's mmm-yoso!!! post is written by Cathy with photos from July and some tidbits about the 2020 County Fair at the bottom of this post. 

 

Usually, the Theme of the upcoming San Diego County Fair is announced in early October, but for some reason it was delayed until mid-November this year, so this final round up post seems late, but it really isn't.  

 There is so much to see and do, around every corner.  The floral competition is ongoing; you never see wilted entries.  The Professional Woodworking display and competition, with some entries within the Fair theme, is always filled with beauty and craftsmanship.  The Infield Garden area also participates within the Theme of the Fair.  Of Course, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,the original book and its 13 sequels, were the inspiration for the Theme (the book series was the inspiration for the 1939 film). The Theme information area (to the right when you walk in the main gate) was so interesting this year and helped me decide on my summer reading.

 In the Gem and Minerals area, there are always beautiful displays of crystals as well as the always changing, ever interesting display of 'food' made up of rocks, polished and plain, as well as crystals and minerals.

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Which leads us to the food portion of this post... 

 We did try the deep fried bacon wrapped cheese bites one day. They were wonderful.
I had slightly mentioned in prior years that one day a week food booths offered 'samples' for $2.  Well, time marches on and this year, there were '$3 sample' signs at most booths on Thursdays.  Lucky us.  We tried this bean and cheese pupusa, which came with a nice curtido and tomato sauce salsa for $3 and planned our day.
 Gingerbread cake; had never tried, will get again.  Wonderful flavor. One piece of fish was $3, so we made a 'meal' of the fried fish here. 
Had always seen the 'BBQ pork sundae", but never tried.  The pork is very good, as is the sauce...served on top of mashed potatoes, technically a 'balanced' meal.  Interesting concept and just enough.
The 'Chocolate Tower' was a great deal-chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles...a perfect size for sharing.    Even the $3 piece of fresh made fudge was just right without having to eat a lot and take home. One way we save some money is to purchase a 'souvenir cup' of beverage (I like the iced tea at the booth which has the giant ear of corn on top, on the midway; it's unsweetened and strong) on the first visit to the Fair, the refills are half price that day and on the subsequent days when we bring the souvenir cup. Eddie's Asian Inspired Cuisine offered iced tea, lemonade and an aguas fresca-pineapple with spinach juice. The flavored lemonade choices at the booth in the bottom photo were all interesting and, in particular, the cherry brought back fond childhood memories.
Inside the Paul Ecke garden Show, near the back is always an Eatery, which changes names with the Theme of the Fair.  This is one of the booths run by the 22nd Agricultural District, so it will be there again.  The menu is also within the theme and we tried two items:The "Good Witch/Wicked Witch Toasts" ($8).  The Wicked: edamame hummus, roasted tomatoes, greens, smoked pepitas.  The Good: ricotta with black pepper, black Mission Figs, lavender honey and Black Sea salt.  Each of these were tasty, filling, and inspirational for some of our light summer meals.  

The "There's No Place Like Home" Nicoise salad ($14)had flavorful, good size pieces of seared tuna on top mixed greens and topped with fingerling potatoes, fresh (flavorful) tomato, hard boiled egg, olives and served with a mustard vinaigrette.  This was wonderful and large enough for sharing.  Can't wait to see how the menu will change for the 2020 Fair!
 We had never purchased a funnel cake at the Fair until this year.  The fried dough topped with powdered sugar was a wonderful indulgence. You can see the souvenir cup on the table in this photo.

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Plans for 2020:  The Theme

 There are a few changes: parking charges have increased to $20 (and $10 at the Horsepark), HOWEVER if you purchase a parking pass before 12/31, you can save $2.  There is also a deal to purchase $25 of food coupons for $20, again before 12/31.  Plenty of other ways to save are also listed on the Website. 

 

 

Today's mmm-yoso!!! post is written by Cathy with photos from July and some tidbits about the 2020 County Fair at the bottom of this post. 

 

Usually, the Theme of the upcoming San Diego County Fair is announced in early October, but for some reason it was delayed until mid-November this year, so this final round up post seems late, but it really isn't.  

 There is so much to see and do, around every corner.  The floral competition is ongoing; you never see wilted entries.  The Professional Woodworking display and competition, with some entries within the Fair theme, is always filled with beauty and craftsmanship.  The Infield Garden area also participates within the Theme of the Fair.  Of Course, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,the original book and its 13 sequels, were the inspiration for the Theme (the book series was the inspiration for the 1939 film). The Theme information area (to the right when you walk in the main gate) was so interesting this year and helped me decide on my summer reading.

Today's mmm-yoso!!! post is written by Cathy with photos from July and some tidbits about the 2020 County Fair at the bottom of this post. 

 

Usually, the Theme of the upcoming San Diego County Fair is announced in early October, but for some reason it was delayed until mid-November this year, so this final round up post seems late, but it really isn't.  

 There is so much to see and do, around every corner.  The floral competition is ongoing; you never see wilted entries.  The Professional Woodworking display and competition, with some entries within the Fair theme, is always filled with beauty and craftsmanship.  The Infield Garden area also participates within the Theme of the Fair.  Of Course, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,the original book and its 13 sequels, were the inspiration for the Theme (the book series was the inspiration for the 1939 film). The Theme information area (to the right when you walk in the main gate) was so interesting this year and helped me decide on my summer reading.

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float decorating. Dinner at Peppertree Cafe (Glendora).

mmm-yoso!! is primarily a food blog.  There are many reasons food is acquired.  Cathy is posting today about another year end event when she and The Mister volunteer, along with their meal following the long work day. Kirk and His Missus are still 'on vacation'.

In January, the New President of the Tournament of Roses was announced and she announced the theme of the 2020 Rose Parade. (Details at the top of this post, along with links to all 2020 float road tests). This Saturday was the first day of float decorating. Check in kiosks, light rain and an excitement surrounded the Phoenix Decorating Company decorating barn in Irwindale. Soon enough, we were called in and met our Crew Chief who escorted us to the float where we would be working on this first of the 'dry' decorating days. Live flowers show up around December 26 or 27, so they will be fresh on the floats.  These Saturdays before Christmas are decorations made with glue and tiny details of dry materials: peas, beans, lentils, coffee grounds, straw, dry flowers, dry parsley and so much more. 
Walking past numerous floats
and material product (these are statice flowers, which are cut, dried and blended into a powder to be spread on floats needing large areas of blue or pink colors).
Colors are painted for easy material application. ('Soaring with Hope' presented by Kiwanis International).
Here's part of a thatch roof effect, almost finished before lunch. ('Growing a Better Tomorrow' by Western Asset).
Glue and onion seed being applied. ('Planting Seeds of Hope' by Sikh American Float Foundation). 
 Rotary ('Hope Connects the World') had a lot of volunteers this first day.
 Shriner's Hospitals for Children ('Hope Knows No Limits') completed quite a bit.
These ladies, first time volunteers, were applying bended straw flowers to one of the homes on the SCAN Foundation float, 'Hope's Hope'.
The Lions Club float ('Hope for 2020')really has so many cute details all related to vision, one of their five tenants. 
 Part of the SCAN Foundation float had coffee grounds (on the frame of the window), sesame seeds (the yellow 'bricks') and poppy seeds (the darker half circle castle pieces).  Across the way is the Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day float, 'Plant a garden, Believe in Tomorrow'.There's the Cowboy Channel float, 'Walk, Ride, Rodeo'.
Here's Trader Joe on 'It Takes a Flight of Fancy'.  He's in a pickle barrel and holding a pickle in his left hand.  Two floats are still under construction- Wescom Credit Union and Farmers Insurance. There's plenty of time(!)

Details, dry materials, glue: what a day.

Details for volunteering and artist renditions of some of the floats are on the Phoenix Decorating page.  Details of Tournament activities are on The Rose Examiner page and more other Tournament activity details on the Tournament of Roses  page. 

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We stopped at Cream Pan for a quick breakfast on the way up, brought our own lunch for our 30 minute break and decided to head East, to Glendora, for dinner once we finished working. I posted about a breakfast here in 2018   There is a regular menu as well as a Special Menu on weekends. 

Italian Wedding Soup-very good long simmered chicken broth along with the spinach and carrots, tiny beef-pork meatballs and tiny orzo pasta.
The house made thousand Island is excellent.  A refreshing salad.
 An eight ounce Top Sirloin along with five coconut shrimp and choice of potato or fresh vegetables (sautéed in garlic butter) ($13.99) Look at all those vegetables!  The Top Sirloin was cooked to a perfect medium rare and had great flavor, the crispy coconut shrimp were so nice; plump, juicy and crispy.
Prime Rib ($15.99) was great- medium rare, large and flavorful,  and the salted baked potato made this special meal after a long day just a bit more special.  

We had really liked the breakfast here...dinner was also excellent.  

Peppertree Cafe 1020 E. Route 66 Glendora, CA 91740 Website Sun-Thurs 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 6a.m.-10 p.m.

 

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Road Tests #5 and #6, breakfasts at Michael's Superburgers (Irwindale) and other (regular) stops

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a food blog.  So many events revolve around finding a place for a meal.  Cathy (and Her Mister) have a regular pastime of viewing the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade floats being tested for mechanics and maneuverability before being decorated and participating in the Parade on January 1.  Here's another post.

Link to Road Test #1

Link to Road Test #2

Link to Road Test #3

Link to Road Test #4

The Tournament of Roses is only a few weeks away. There are so many activities which will happen the week between Christmas and January 2- you can find comprehensive and updated listings in The Rose Examiner.  The tournament is not just the Parade and the football game; there is Bandfest, Equestfest, Sip and Savor, Rose Bowl Bash, Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Induction and the Showcase of Floats.  So much to see and do to ring in the New Year!

The past few months have been unusually busy for The Mister and myself that I didn't post the October Float Road Test at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale. Here are a few photos (some are 'before and after') of both test days.

"Planting Seeds of Hope", presented by the Sikh American Float Foundation, describes the 2020 float: "Bhai Ghaneya Singh, a devout Sikh, leads the float as he symbolically pours water from his sheepskin vessel. He is remembered for his selfless service to all humanity with love, respect, compassion and humility. The water flows onto large sculpted flowers each supporting children from diverse backgrounds. A fantasy garden provides the backdrop to a nurturing environment in which we celebrate our greatest hope for the future....our children." Each year, I learn something from the Sikh float.
The SCAN Foundation has a float in the Rose Parade for the first time.  The title of "Hope's Heroes" reflects the definition of this organization, "an independent public charity devoted to transforming care for older adults in ways that preserve dignity and encourage independence".
Shriners Hospitals for Children has the theme of "Hope Knows No Limits" and features Fezzy Bear pushing a young girl, with a below the knee prosthesis, on a swing.
Trader Joe, the Fearless Flyer, is depicted on the 2020 float, "It Takes a Flight of Fancy"... 
 spinning in a pickle barrel!Western Asset's 2020 Rose Parade entry, "Growing a Better Tomorrow" is quite a large float, depicting a series of tree houses in an exotic setting.  Magnificent!
The 'Banner Float" is colored in and ready to be decorated to display the theme of the parade at the start.  
The final two floats of the parade
 will relay the upcoming Tournament of Roses Rose Bowl football game, to be played at 2 p.m. on January 1.

Decorating (dry/detail) begins Saturday December 7 (and the following Saturdays before Christmas) then the fresh flowers arrive and daily decorating from December 26 forward.  There are links to sign up for volunteering on the Phoenix Decorating Company site.

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On to the Food portion of the blog.  In October, The Mister and I stopped at 'the usual' place- Cream Pan in Tustin for a sandwich, a ham and cheese croissant and a strawberry croissant.  After the float road test, we (again) returned to Portos in West Covina, where we shared  an "Omelette Plato" ($6.45)-a cheese omelette topped with avocado and tomato which comes with crispy Spanish potatoes and an arugula salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette.  Filling, refreshing and there's enough room for other items...since this was the last weekend of October,  
 Dia de los Muerto decorated cookies and Pan de Muertos were purchased.  The soft, eggy bread was filled with candied orange peel and orange blossom water; a wonderful bread.  

Also, seasonal potato balls were available:  filled with turkey, gravy and vegetables, rolled in a well seasoned crust, these are a very special treat (and only $1.05!). [photo credit to canine cologne] 

We stopped at the Kolache Factory yesterday and  the seasonal turkey with stuffing kolache was available (along with our 'always order' of a bacon and cheese kolache).  Seasonal offerings are always special.  

When leaving the Road Test, we went one signal light South and then East to the next signal light. On the Southwest corner of Arrow Highway and Vincent, this signage made me take a turn into the parking lot. 
The breakfast menu behind the counter is straightforward.  
I haven't ordered a bacon and egg sandwich ($6.99) in a while; have forgotten what I am missing.  White bread, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, four thick slices of crispy bacon and a beautiful runny egg. Simple perfection.  
 The Mister ordered a chili cheese omelet ($9.99).  At least there eggs, filled with cheese, topped with a really good chili that was topped with more cheese.  Again, perfection. His toast was sourdough, the hash browns were wonderfully crisp. 

Need to stop at the local places; follow the New Year Resolution.

Michael's Superburgers 16350 Arrow Highway Irwindale, CA 91706 Open daily 6 a.m.-midnight Website

 The Cowboy Channel has a float in the parade; it's under construction. Link to artist rendition of some of the 2020 Rose Parade floats

 

 

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Road Test #4, Breakfast at Burger Depot (La Puente)

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about interesting meals and how said meals came to be. Today, Cathy is writing; Kirk is exhausted with work.

Link to 2020 Road test #1 

Link to 2020 Road Test #2

Link to 2020 Road Test #3

Link to 200 Road Tests #5 and #6

Another Road Test weekend for the floats participating in the 2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade.  The Mister and I woke at 4, left home at 5, drove through on and off light rain to Tustin for some snacks at the Kolache Factory then headed to Irwindale to the Phoenix Decorating Company to watch floats for the Rose Parade being tested along Ornelas Street. 

 "Plant a Garden, Believe in Tomorrow" presented by Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day. Mrs. Meyer's makes household cleaners with scents inspired by a backyard midwest garden. The white 'outline' on the float resembles the outline on the label of each of the Mrs. Meyer's products. The flowers -both the sunflowers at the back and the roses along the sides- are animated and will be tilting (and smiling) along the parade route. 
It looks like the City of Hope float will simply have the same title, going along with the "Power of Hope" theme of the parade. 
Here is progression of construction of the float "Cultivating Curiosity" presented by The Huntington, a Pasadena Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens celebrating its 100th year in 2020.  Ed (from Yuma) and Tina enjoyed a lovely tea and visit here in 2014.
The Royal Court (which will be announced on Monday September 30) will be riding on this float during the Parade.  The Court serves as year round ambassadors for the Tournament and each member receives a small ($7500) education scholarship. Follow The Rose Examiner for more information about the Royal Court and other information about the Tournament activities. 
The Shriners float and the United Sikh Mission also had their floats tested this day.   The float barn is filling up!  22 of the 44 floats in the parade will be constructed here. 

The Mister and I headed home down Vincent Street, one block East of Irwindale Avenue.  We passed a few places that looked interesting.  Vincent turns into S. Glendora Avenue which then turns into N. Hacienda Boulevard. There's a five way signal light at the triangle corner of  N. Hacienda and N. Unruh.  Look at those signs.  Look at the shape of the building.  You know we had to stop. 

The menu, above and on the counter by the order and pay register, isn't too overwhelming. 

You can watch your food being cooked in a non-hipster open kitchen concept.  It's brought out to your table.
 The chicken breast and eggs breakfast ($7.55) comes with flat-top crisped potatoes and toast. The eggs were over easy (even that broken one still oozed yolk), the chicken was moist and tasty. A great, healthy breakfast.  
Chilaquiles ($7.99) were made to order (I saw fresh tortillas being grilled up before being drowned in the home made, chile de arbol based sauce (spicy!)).  Topped with perfect over easy eggs with sides of refried beans (also made here; many were whole) and more crunchy potatoes.  We are going to return to try hamburgers here, since the name is Hamburger Depot. They are probably pretty good. 

Hamburger Depot 1169 N. Hacienda Blvd. La Puente, CA 91744 (626) 917-1872

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test #3. Food from Cream Pan (Tustin), Portos (West Covina) and The Hat (Murietta)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Still, there are so many reasons we end up eating the meals that we share here with you.  Cathy is writing today.

Link to Road Test #1 

Link to Road Test #2 

Link to Road Test #4

Link to Road Tests # 5 and #6

The 131st Tournament of Roses Rose Parade (and 106th Rose Bowl football game) will occur on January 1, 2020; the culmination of a week of many other Tournament events.  Preparation begins in mid-January, just after the prior parade is concluded.  The Theme for 2020 is The Power of Hope.  Some floats for the parade are built by Phoenix Decorating Company, which has monthly road tests noted on their website and Facebook page.  The website also notes where you can sign up to volunteer to decorate floats. This Link to The Rose Examiner has a lot of current happenings surrounding the Tournament of Roses.

Last Saturday, a few floats were tested for mechanics and maneuverability.  "Hope Keeps Us Going", the entry for the City of Alhambra looks to be ready for detailed decorating. SInce you see the artist rendition here, I thought that showing you the back of the float might be interesting. 
This float, ridden by the Royal Court (who will be chosen and announced soon) will be the same float as last year, with fresh decorations. 
The same is true for the 'Closing' float- the last in the parade (there's usually someone singing on it). The float reminds everyone to tune in to the Rose Bowl football game, which starts about four hours after the Parade ends.  The Opening, Closing, Royal and Honda floats are never in competition for the awards given for float design and decoration. 
The Huntington is celebrating its 100th year with a float in the 131st Rose Parade.  This was a first Road Test. You may recall this wonderful post, written by Ed (from Yuma) about the lovely visit he and Tina had at The Huntington in 2014. 
 The City of Hope will enter a float for 2020.  It sort of looks like a large tree, with doves, flowers, butterflies and bees randomly scattered in the tree limbs.  I bet it's going to be beautiful.  Hopefully there will be an artist rendition and more details next month.  A quick peek inside the Decorating Barn is showing quite a progression being made on float construction.  

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On to the food portion of the blogging.  

We leave our home at 5 a.m., get to Cream Pan by 6:20.   I have been afraid we are taking Cream Pan for granted and barely even post about our stops here.  Not to fear; there was a notice inside that they are hiring for their new store in Fountain Valley! This morning, we chose a ham and cheese croissant ($2.80) (always good, meaty, cheesy and flaky), a (still warm) crispy cheese bread ($2.50) (fulfills cravings) and an 'orange chocolate' ($2)-new to us-It's almost like croissant dough in torn pieces mixed with dark chocolate bits and a great zip of orange flavor; now another favorite.

Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 Open daily 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Website

Watching floats and then leaving, we were six miles away and had to stop at Portos, again.  (My third ever visit, The Mister's second).  Underneath that egg is a wonderful light, soft masa with whole pieces of corn, filled with shredded, slow roasted pork accompanied by a great salsa verde, the Tamal a Caballo ($4.75) is kind of a perfect breakfast.
Since we haven't tried the whole menu (yet), a Medianoche (Midnight sandwich; same fillings as a Cubano, but a different bread) ($5.99) was shared.  Fillings are slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, Cuban dressing and pickles.  Great flavors and another good choice any time of the day. 
We also shared a ham croquette (95¢)-smoked ham and parsley in a roux, coated with a crispy layer of bread crumbs.  Also one of the trademarked Potato Balls ($1.05)- mashed potato filled with a picadillo (seasoned ground beef with red bell pepper and olives).
Because we were eating in, the Porto's cortadito ($2.69) - two shots of espresso and sweetened condensed milk- was delivered to the table in this cute plastic espresso cup with its own tiny spoon (yes, I brought it home).  We also shared an iced coffee ($2.25). There were also lists made of what else to try, both for us and for cc, Bert and TC.

Porto's 584 S. Sunset Ave., West Covina 91790 (626)214-3490 open Mon-Th 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 6:30a.m.-9p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-8 p.m.  Website

The Mister and I weren't really hungry until at the split of the 15 and 215, in Murietta.  The last (or first, if you are heading North) exit is the closest location of The Hat,  just East of the 215 exit.  The Hat started in Los Angeles in 1951.  "World Famous Pastrami Dip" is the primary food item here.  But, there are a few other items on the menu.  

There's a beef dip sandwich ($10.49)
There are also onion rings ($4.99) (whole onions, a nice crunchy breading and quite a large size).
But no.  The Mister has begun looking at photos online.  This.  This is: chili fries ($6.99) (The chili here is noteworthy, the amount of fries you get in a regular 'small' order fills a paper bag) add cheddar cheese ($1.69) add pickles and tomatoes (20¢) add pastrami ($4.99).  It weighed more than two pounds.  After ten minutes, with both of us eating, maybe 1/4 of it was gone.  We took it home.  There were small bites taken for dinner, there were fried potatoes and pastrami for breakfast the next day...
 The Hat 40476 Murietta Hot Springs Road Murietta, CA 92563 (951) 304-2244 open daily 10 a.m.-10p.m.Website 

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #2 and multiple food adventures: Porto's, Iron & Kin Coffee, Cafe 86 and Kra-Z Kai's Lao BBQ

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food and there is always a reason we find the food.  Over the weekend, Cathy and cc woke early to drive to Irwindale, photograph participate in the second float road test and then took many side roads to enjoy some great foods and beverages while heading home.

Link to Road Test #1

Link to Road Test #3

Link to Road Test #4

Link to Road Tests #5 and #6

First, the road testing for 2020 Rose Parade floats.  This early morning, multiple floats were being tested at Phoenix Decorating Company for mechanics and maneuverability, some with 'weight' on board.  The weight was humans, who will be riding on the floats during the Parade on January 1, 2020.  cc and I were asked if we would like to help by sitting on a float while it was driven a short way down the street, backed up, turned around and then participated in a fire drill, making sure that all the people (including the Driver and Spotter of the float) could disembark in 45 seconds. 

The 2020 Kiwanis International float, "Soaring with Hope" passed its road test (the open doors are from where the Spotter and Driver exited for the fire drill).  

The Rotary International 2020 Rose Parade entry, "Hope Connects the World" was painted in and road tested. (It wasn't yet painted in for the first Road Test).

This is the off camera side view of the Lutheran Hour Ministries float, "Anchored in Jesus".  It will appear as if underwater. 

"Hope for 2020",  the Lions Clubs International  float entry was also tested that morning. 

"First Responders Bring Hope", the 2020 entry by Oddfellows and Rebekahs was fully color coded for easy placement of natural materials during Decoration Days and also tested.  Behind it was the Mrs. Meyers Clean Day float, taking its first road test.  If you zoom in, you'll see a wheelbarrow with what looks like squash covered by an umbrella.  No artist rendering yet. 

It was fun and informative to be able to help with a road test. Use this link to the Rose Examiner to keep up to date with Tournament happenings. 

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It was the start of a day of food and adventure! cc was without Bert and I was without The Mister. 

Back to Portos! Only six miles and a few minutes away. My second visit ever.  Again, not very crowded (before 9 a.m.)

Sandwiches are available all Day. We decided to share a Pan con Lechon ($6.65) Slow roasted pork, mojo garlic sauce and pickled onion on Cuban bread (with plantain chips on the side). Wow. This was pretty much the best sandwich ever.
I was curious about the Tamal a Caballo ($4.75) as a breakfast item and it was another wow moment.  The masa, so very soft, had whole pieces of corn, the savory pork filling, a salsa verde and plantain strips.  

We purchased more than several items to take home.  I had a handwritten list from The Mister.   We also enjoyed beverages at the table.  The prices here are great, the freshness and quality are consistent. More menu items will be tried next month. 

Portos, many Los Angeles County locations. website

Soon it was off to our next planned stop for coffee.  cc had researched and found a coffee shop with an unusual caffeinated offerings in Pomona, sort of 'on the way home'.  Iron and Kin opened in May 2018 inside a restored downtown Hotel.  Half of the shop is a Craft Cocktail Bar, O'Donovan's Pub, open in evenings.  The other side is an efficient coffee bar.  cc had asked Josh, one of the owners of Iron and Kin, about the special "Affirmation Drinks" menu (she saw photos on Instagram).  We wanted to try each of the drinks, but knew we couldn't drink that much caffeine (or liquid).
 Josh was kind enough to prepare sample sizes of each of these unique beverages.  First, I must say the espresso, on its own, is of very high quality.  A smooth, strong, sweet yet not bitter/sour base to each beverage.  The unique Affirmation flavors were distinct, fresh and really wonderful: varying from chillies and cinnamon with cloves to turmeric with ginger, cardamom and honey with black pepper to figs with vanilla, brown sugar and black pepper to smoked salt with cream, brown sugar and Old Forester Bourbon as well as the iced matcha/gingerbeer/limeade/yuzu. Beverages not found in San Diego. Quality.

Iron and Kin 101 E. Third Street, Pomona, CA (951)808-7584 Website
We also made a quick stop at Cravings by 99 Ranch, but didn't snack there.  One block away is a Filipino Coffee and Tea Shop. Cafe 86 has been on Edison Avenue since 2014 and serves matcha, coconut, mango, hibiscus, ube and calamansi iced and hot beverages, ice cream and pastries in addition to coffees.   
  I think ube is the 'new' flavor of the year- even Trader Joe's is carrying an ube ice cream.  We only purchased the ube/coconut mini bundt cakes and iced Madelines. These were delicious with a cup of hot tea the next morning.

Cafe 86 4110 Edison Ave Chino, CA 91710 Website

 cc had one last planned stop- the only Lao BBQ restaurant in Southern California- Kra Z Kai's.  It's located in a large mall area anchored by a Sonic.  We each ended up purchasing food to go as well as some to eat in-all of the BBQ meats.  The distinct Southeast Asian flavors of garlic and lemongrass with the char grilled meats is just so perfect.  The house made sausage is coarse ground and has onion and leeks. Of course, sticky rice is the only proper rice to have with these items, even though steamed and fried rice are also offered.

Kra-z Kais 1218 Magnolia Ave #G110 Corona, CA 92881 (Southwest Corner of I-15 and Magnolia) Website

The end of an epic road trip.  There were other stops, because we avoided traffic. These were the highlights...plus my view while on the road test...

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #1. Breakfast and snacks at Porto's.

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  So many reasons to get to the food.  Cathy is writing today because the reason to drive North is again happening.

Link to Road test #2

Link to Road Test #3

Link to Road Test #4

Link to Road Tests #5 and #6

A few weeks after the 2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of Floats, on Sierra Madre Boulevard at the end of the Parade route, the President of the 2020 Parade (Laura Farber) was announced and the Theme of the 2020 Parade-  "The Power of Hope" was introduced. “With hope – anything, in fact, everything is possible.  Hope is more than simply the possibility of fulfillment. Hope is dignity and respect, joy and happiness, aspiration and achievement. Hope never, ever quits. Through hope, we can aspire to be our best and in turn inspire those around us to reach higher.”.  The float designs for the 130th Rose Parade use this as their design inspiration. 

Float designs were submitted to the Tournament and, once approved, construction began.  The first of a series of "Road Tests" (of manipulation, maneuverability and safety of the floats) of some of the 22 floats to be constructed by Phoenix Decorating Company, occurred on Saturday in Irwindale.  There will be about 44 floats total in the parade; Phoenix is one of three float building businesses, (six floats which are 'self constructed' also participate). This online newsletter will keep you up to date with Tournament happenings. Oddfellows Rebekahs float for 2020 is "First Responders Bring Hope".  This float will be applauded throughout the 5.5 mile parade route.
The little detail which might be missed in the Lions Clubs International "Hope for 20/20" float is that each character on board is wearing glasses- a nod to one of the Lion signature projects: vision.  
The 2020 Lutheran Hour Ministries float, "Anchored in Jesus"- a submerged anchor with three fish surrounding it, is the 70th entry for the only Christian themed Rose Parade float sponsored by the Lutheran Layman's League.
 Kiwanis International hasn't released an Artist rendition or title of their 2020 float; I'll add it.  So cute!

The above floats are marked with the colors to help with decoration (which begins the first Saturday in December).  The following two floats aren't quite as far along in construction.
 The 2020 Rose Parade float entered by Rotary International, "Hope Connects the World" is going to appear as if it is a balloon (like the San Diego Holiday Bowl parade) in the parade, with out walkers 'holding it down'.  It is in the 'cocoon' stage of construction.
 The City of Alhambra will enter this "Hope Keeps Us Going" float, still in the 'skeleton' phase of design. 

It looks like the morning of January 1, 2020 will be a great start to the year!

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I know, you are here for the food portion of the blog.  There was a small newspaper article in 2017 about a new location of Porto's, a Cuban Bakery Cafe, in the Los Angeles County area since 1976,  opening a fifth location.  Finally, the West Covina location opened two months ago.   I was interested in Porto's because of postings by other blogs: cc has made multiple visits, as have Soo and Maggie, Faye, Kirbie and Mary.  In fact, we've been to Azucar and Los Pollos specifically to try Cuban delicacies without having to drive a few hours to a Porto's location.. 
This store, six miles South of Phoenix Decorating, on the same road (which changes names, but is a straight drive) is so close!
There's an open baking area, 
the ordering lines are organized.  
There is a Coffee bar just to the right as you walk in. We didn't know the 'system' (you can order beverages when you are ordering Bakery and/or Cafe items in any line) and I sent The Mister off to order beverages here. A mojito  ($3.39) and a Double Cortadito ($2.59). 
 
  The display cases are just that-displays.  They are always full. You order and the Porto's guy (or gal) turns and goes to the kitchen to box your items...which (at least around 8 a.m.) are freshly warm. 
A potato ball ($1.05), ham croquette (95¢) and, as I must always order, ham and cheese baked in a croissant ($2.35).
Cross sections- the mashed potato ball is filled with picadillo (I could taste the olives!) before being rolled in breadcrumbs and fried.  I could see eating a few of these as a meal.  The ham croquette is very rich- just ham chunks and a seasoned Bechamel (flour, butter and milk) sauce.  It looks small but is just enough.
Cross section of the Ham and Cheese baked in a bread.  A wonderful rendition. 
Rellenitos-$1.05 each.  Made to order. Listed in the 'Savory' section of the menu.
Mashed plantain filled with black beans, fried then rolled in sugar.  This is wonderful.

Since it was breakfast and we were here...Torrejas was ordered ($5.98).
 Cuban style French toast, made with croissant dough, served with a more or less tropical fruit salad (that is guava sauce and it's not sweetened) and whipped cream cheese. Decadent and kind of addictive. 

We will return-many times- to try out the whole menu.

Porto's West Covina 584 S. Sunset, West Covina, CA 91790 (626)214-3490 Open Mon-Th 6:30-8:30, Fri-Sat 6:30-9, Sun 7-8 Website

 

2019 San Diego County Fair- OzSome! (Part 2)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk and (sometimes) Cathy write about food and sometimes add in little tidbits about how and where the food was attained.  This is one of those posts, written by Cathy.

The 2019 San Diego County Fair, the largest attended County Fair in the USA (and fifth largest Fair of any kind), has been open since May 31 and will have its final day on July 4.  I wrote a short post before the Fair opened and hope that many of you have already had a chance to attend.  The Mister and I have visited the Fairgrounds a few times and this short post is just a small taste of some of the Fair foods we have had, and some of what we have seen.  There will be a 'Part Three' wrap up post, after the closing. Soo and Maggie have attended.

The theme of the 2019 Fair, "OzSome" focuses on the L. Frank Baum original book series, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (and not the movie-musical which most of us have seen on television).  There are far more details in the 13 volume book series.  

 From 1947-1984, Spanish actor Tommy Hernandez portrayed Don Diego as the Official Ambassador to the Fair.  After the death of Hernandez, instead of having another actor portray Don Diego Alvarado, whose family had a large land grant in the Del Mar area during the late 1800s, a 16 foot tall bronze statue stands at the entrance to the Fairgrounds, appropriately dressed for the Theme. 
 Once you walk inside, there are characters greeting and walking around, ready to pose with families for photos.  Each of the various Exhibit areas is decorate in the Fair theme.  
As are many of the entries and displays.

  The tornado ravaged home, crushing the Wicked Witch (look to the bottom left in this photo), is quite an original display in Home and Hobby.  As are the entries in so many divisions.  

I know, you are here for the food.  Here's a bit of what is available.  
Inside Bing Crosby Hall, the old Dixie's Mini Donuts stand has been sold, name changed to Lillie B's Donuts and reversed (you pay first then walk along and watch your order prepared).  Still hot and fresh and a traditional treat. 
As always, a sandwich from the Roxy's fair booth is a given for us.  This year it was the artichoke sandwich ($13, because we added avocado).  This sandwich is just wonderful, yet we never order a sandwich at the restaurant.

Another regular 'Fair food' for us comes from the Fresh Cream Puff booth.  This year there was an offering of a 'Neapolitan' puff- with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry cream...but the strawberry wasn't ready yet, so we asked if we could just have a chocolate and vanilla combo...($4) the shell was fresh made as were the real whipped creams. An indulgence we can't find 'on the outside'.  

The Mister always must order 'something pesto' from Pignotti's.  This year is was the tortellini.  Cheese filled and slathered in the wonderful basil-garlic-olive oil sauce...a comfort food. 
  There's a 'new' booth on the Midway this year (it had been closer to the animal barns in previous years) selling cheese curds ($7).  These were served on a bed of garlic-parsley-coarse salted fries, which were also quite good, although the squeaky cheese was just a perfect bite.  There are a few 'themed' items, like this "Wicked Witch" Sriracha ceviche. As well as a duo of "Good Witch" and "Wicked Witch" toasts...and everything else on the menu at the Emerald Eatery inside the Paul Ecke Garden Show area (This restaurant/booth changes annually with Fair Themed, 'healthier' choices).

There will be plenty more activities to show in the third post of this series.  There's a week to go: the Junior Livestock Auction is tomorrow, fireworks the evening of the 4th of July, and so much more to enjoy until then (Woodworking, Gems and Minerals, Concerts, Flower Show, Photography and Art, Creative Youth, the Farm in Family Funville, the Theme Exhibit, rides, carnival games, Petting Zoo, Camels, Pig Races and a few daily contests (watermelon spitting, pie eating and more) and events.  Since the admission is $20 per person, you could still buy a "Best Pass Ever" for $32-it's a season pass, and gets you in every day of the Fair (so you feel no pressure to do everything at once)) at Vons or Albertsons.

San Diego County Fair Website Open daily at 11 (10 a.m. on July 4).  Free parking this year only at Torrey Pines High School and Miracosta College (with a free shuttle) $5 parking at Horse Park and $17 parking at the Fairgrounds

It's OzSome!