Summery November

I've been back in California for the past couple weeks and it's so great to be home! It is so warm this year, even though it's already November.

Glass of Chardonnay at Splashes in Laguna Beach.

Doesn't get any better than this!

Beautiful sunset from Fashion Island.

Still summer in Venice Beach.

Zion :)

Lazy Update Part II

Soon after coming back to Tokyo, I went back to CA again for one week. Went to Vegas for half of it so it was a whirlwind trip back home. Here are some shots from my phone:

Southern California = Palm trees.

Pizza time! Pizzeria Mozza Newport

Beer al fresco. Basically commuted to Bruery Provisions every night.

Vietnamese food fix: Brodard Cafe

Cheeseburgers: In-n-Out Burgers

Absolute favorite beach back home, Laguna Beach.

A whole new appreciation for the close access to the amazing beaches after being away from OC for a bit.

Santa Fe Eggs Benedict (substituted Potatoes with Spinach): Plum's Cafe

Enjoyed hanging out with friends and of course, this handsome boy.

Miss him so much!

Counting down the days until I'm back...!

OC

Totally neglected this thing...

I came back to Orange County two weeks ago (wow, time flies!). 

Enjoying the weather, driving, access to Vietnamese and Mexican food, monthly Yoga membership and indulging in California wine. Oh, and most importantly spending time with Zion, who I missed so much!

I'll get some time (very soon) to catch up on more France & Belgium updates once I finish the project I'm working on now.

Home Sweet Home

Back from Seattle.

Will start the updates tomorrow.

In the meantime, should have trained my dog to do this.

Genious.

My Summer Dish

I made Ratatouille for the first time this year. Because its so easy and healthy, it appeared often over the past couple of months. My sister took these shots of our Chicken & Ratatouille dinner.

For the Ratatouille, I lightly infuse the flavor of minced garlic in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and then add in whatever Veggies that I have. Add some wine (white or red, either works), a can of organic crushed tomatoes and let it simmer. The leftover is delicious the next day, especially if its chilled.

I also think I am REALLY close to perfecting Grilled Chicken: Crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. I marinate the chicken with salt, black pepper, minced garlic and white wine for at least 20 minutes. Grill the chicken skin-side first and add weight on it to make the skin crispy. So simple.

Zion watching my sister shoot.