Fall Pastries
It feels like fall just started in LA so I can’t believe we’re nearing the end of the fall season already. But— we’ve been in the thick of fall produce with persimmons, kabocha and sweet potatoes so I had to bring the warmer seasonal pastries to the menu this month. The kabocha cake with persimmon petals made it’s annual return: one of my favorite pastries to create. I also created a new item for this year’s fall + winter menu: the sweet potato chestnut tart. This one’s my rendition of a classic pumpkin pie! It’s made in a misugaru pâte sablée shell with a cosomi sesame cookie layer, layered with a honey chestnut puree, and filled with a roasted sweet potato filling that’s baked in the tart shell. The tart’s garnished with layers of sliced candied chestnuts + a piping of milk whipped cream w/ a doenjang caramel center. So many layers to this one but definitely worth the effort.
These fall pastries will only be on the menu until the end of winter! If you’re in LA, I’ll be bringing these to my upcoming popups or you can place your order for them on my website here. The full December popup schedule is on my website as well!
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Manuela in Arts District
One of the first spots I was taken to by my best friend when I moved to LA a few years back. I fell in love with this place [the ambience + the food] and ended up taking my loved ones here on multiple occasions. It’s great for brunch and dinner but I especially love coming here to grab a couple drinks with small bites to share. Earlier this month, my boyfriend and I celebrated our one year anniversary here! Shoutout to our server for celebrating us with fat pours of our new favorite wine.
Menu Recs: blistered snap peas w/ black quinoa + sesame date butter + feta • cream biscuits w/ steen’s butter + aged country ham • blanc de blancs wine • all cocktails
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A Weekend Trip to Catalina Islands
My boyfriend surprised me with an overnight trip to Catalina Islands for our one year anniversary. It was our first time there + we had a much needed relaxing couple days spending quality time together. We spent our weekend walking around Avalon, people watching by the water, eating fish + chips and exploring the island by golf cart. We really wanted to go on a tour to see bison as well as play mini golf but we weren’t able to this time around. The highlight of our trip by far was seeing whales, dolphins and seals jumping out of the water during our boat rides to + from the island. It’s amazing that this is only an hour boat ride away from Long Beach so if you need a little getaway, I’d recommend going here for a daytrip! Avalon is a small city so one day is plenty of time to explore + enjoy your time there.
Activity Recs: exploring the island by renting a golf cart • mini golf • bison tour • walking around + relaxing by the water
Food Recs: fish and chips + onion rings at Coney Island West • margaritas, pozole + loaded nachos at Coyote Joe’s Bar
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Softies Burger
I found my favorite burger ever. That’s all I need to say.
My choice: the aji verde burger (chuck patty, american cheese, cheese crisp, cilantro aioli, pickled jalapenos)
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Eaton Canyon Falls Hike
I find it important to prioritize breaks away from the routine of the city as well as away from any screens or devices. Spending time in nature has always felt healing for my mental, personal and physical health. Last weekend, I went on the Eaton Canyon Falls Hike— a scenic + lush 3.5 mile route with a cooling waterfall at the end. I really enjoyed it so if you’re looking for a new trail, check this one out.
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Family Time + Home Cooking
After a busy week of Thanksgiving orders— I went home to my parents during the weekend for about 4 days. When I visit them, I always find myself being able to fully relax in the comfort of their home and care. I slept in without an alarm everyday and ate my parent’s cooking which always tastes the most comforting + delicious. I’m glad I was able to spend quality time with my parents— something I really cherish because I know it’s becoming more of a rarity the older and more independent I become. I hope you were able to rest and enjoy this past break with loved ones as well.
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Random Dogs That Made Me Smile
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