Donut Friend does it differently

York Boulevard in Highland Park is a string of happening spots, if you are one who likes old-school, local art, date-night setting, hmnn, walking, and good food. Ericke was treating me to dinner. Chego came out first, but I wanted to keep away from the Far East Plaza in downtown LA until the next Ramen Champ tonkatsu tan tan ramen or Thien Huong pho with escargot or Fortune Gourmet Kitchen’s salt and spicy pork chop craving hits mom and me. (Hahah,) Ericke and I don’t dine out as often as I eat out with my mom, and on a day Ericke and I can be a twosome, the Far East Plaza building is the least place I want to be in. Donut Friend was new to me, but I actually also ditched Boiling Crab for Donut Friend.

She realized she left her wallet at the office before we were about to cross the street to go to the donut place. 10 dollars in her coin purse was safe; in Tagalog, we say, “Tuloy ang ligaya.”

Etched in York Blvd.: Permanent Records and Vintage Tattoo Art Parlor

The baby of a pop punk producer by the name of Mark Trombino, Donut Friend continues to make the list of LA’s best donuts, if not the best. The kindergartenish interiors are fresh at any time of the day, at any kind of weather, just like the donuts they make.

Along with DIY donuts with stuff like gluten-free or vegan donut, their signature band-themed donuts like the first one I tried and loved, palate-tickling Jets to Basil (a take from Jets to Brazil), with cream cheese, strawberry jam and fresh basil, and topped with vanilla glaze and balsamic reduction. are the stars of the festival.

I ordered my second donut, a Srirachosin with peanut butter, strawberry jam and coconut bacon, and topped with what else but Sriracha sauce. The shocker was that for the first time in America, a legitimate order was on the house. Ericke and I were joking that the angel behind the counter must have sensed we were on a budget. Truly and deeply from the bottom of my heart, and not BlauEarth’s heart, thank you Donut Friend for this robust donut that reminds me so much of the spicy fried peanuts we have back home in the Philippines. The coconut undertone was the icing on this cake.

Writing this, I’m thinking of going back to 90042 to order a donut birthday cake for someone so loved.

The Alcove

I know everyone’s either partying or resting on Thanksgiving Day. For me, it’s blogging day. Taking this opportunity once again to thank everyone, my readers as well, who not only make this blog complete, but keep me going on with what I am able to do pain-free. As you know writing and photography are probably connatural.

The past weeks since I posted last, I would like to believe, is a stage where I had to see things in a new light. Having lived in the tropics for so long, fall weather in Los Angeles is almost unbearable. Add to the gloomy weather the transition to self-sufficiency. My own personal goals encircle the family and the future. It’s a simple Thanksgiving Day for me, my first in America, but what makes it essentially significant is the realization that I am not alone in my journey. I have so many people to thank, and God above all. Happy Thanksgiving and much sunshine from me to each and everyone!

At the start of the week, my brother and little sister brought me to brunch at the always packed Alcove Cafe and Bakery on Hillhurst Ave. It’s a hipster spot. It actually reminds me of Ilocos. Alcove is set on two restored old bungalows. The place is all about fresh, responsibly-sourced natural and organic artisanal or handcrafted anything, and not to forget a great equitable employment advocacy, which means part of the guest’s payment goes to employee benefits for a solid financial future. Yes, they are big on that as what they claim on their website.

All to myself was Alcove’s Kinda Classic Eggs Benedict with lots of ham, and berries on the side. Very tasty, its bodacious flavors uplift the spirit. The eggs were perfect like I like them. Onion rings were a little too sweet and heavy for my taste, but finished my part nevertheless.

The al fresco ambiance is homey and casual, like it’s a great environment for powwow, even protracted, as in our case.

Well, til the next blogging day. Give thanks always. God bless.

Umami sunny side burger: A burger like no other

The rare times that I can let my hair down and enjoy an hour or two with Ericke are like this late night date on a work day. The servers were helpful and nice even if we were the last to eat at Umami Burger in Pasadena. As it was already late, we ordered just enough for the two of us — we shared a Sunny Side Burger (her favorite), with perfectly cooked sunny side up egg, a crispy layer of Parmesan cheese and truffle oil; and maple-coated sweet potato fries and morsels of bacon. Super yum dinner! I have a lot of favorite burgers, different styles of burgers, from In-N-Out to Tommy’s, and this particular Umami Burger fits in. I want to try the Manly Burger with lots of nice stuff on it when we get the chance again. BTW, a well spent part of my first paycheck.

Did you know that “umami” is the fifth basic taste? We have sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory, thanks to Japanese professor/chemist Kikunae Ikeda who discovered umami, that pleasant savoury taste from glutamates.