Wheel Food Wednesday

Ok a little delayed, but better late than never. There is a coffee shop in Pasadena called Jone's Coffee Shop. Every Wednesday night this summer they have been hosting events called Wheel Food Wednesday. They would have bands and singers come out, along with 4-5 food trucks. The deal was that if you bought drinks from Jone's, the food trucks could stay.

The Rasta Taco Truck

Carne Asade Quesadilla with Avocado Mash

My mom, Meghan, and I went a couple weeks ago to test it out and follow in the food truck hype. That night they had the Rasta Taco Truck, Waffles de Liege, Border Grill, The Hungry Nomad, and Ludo's Fried Chicken. After surveying our options, I went with the Border Grill sirloin quesadilla, mom had a spinach wrap from the Hungry Nomad (it came with hummus and pita as well), and Meghan went for the $1 tacos from the Rasta Taco cart. She had been there previously, so she had it all scoped out.

Waiting for our waffles

The trucks were quite popular so as a result, the lines were quite long. We timed it perfectly where I ordered my steak quesadilla and then went to order the waffles. As planned I finished my quesadilla and guacamole just as the waffle arrived.

We split a couple of waffles from the Waffles de Liege, one plain with strawberries, another with strawberries and vanilla ice cream. It was like a crepe truck that offered a variety of toppings, including Fosselman's ice cream. SO delicious. There was something different about this waffle batter. It was more of dough versus batter and had Belgian sugar in it, which added an element of crunch. Overall a very tasty night and a food truck success.

The Godmother

Testing, tasting, and exploring the local favorites. I'm always up for finding the best hole-in-the wall places and tourist favorites but never seem to have enough time to go everywhere. Today, for the second time, my dad treated me to lunch at a Santa Monica hotspot - the Bay City Deli in Santa Monica. It is a small old-fashioned deli and market filled with piles of meats, cheese, countless pasta salads, and other gourmet combinations. They are pretty old fashioned and up until recently, they had their menu on a board behind the counter. They have upgraded to a digital format, which seems to take away some authenticity, but it's still a lively place to go. There are also aisles of foreign foods, sauces, sodas, sweets and anything else you can think of. It could be considered as a little European trip when you walk through the doors.

The parking lot and store is packed beyond belief at lunchtime, but there is also the option to call-ahead and order. When you get there, grab a number and wait for it to be called. We went with the most popular, deadly, and delicious item – the Godmother. Filled with Genoa Salami, Mortadella Coppacola, Ham, Prosciutto, and Provolone. If you opt for the spicy version, it is filled with hot peppers (definitely adds a little kick!) It was sort of hard to eat considering some of the filling kept slipping out, but the Italian, almost sourdough-like roll was crunchy and added the right balance to the stack of meats and condiments. I try to generally eat healthy, but this couldn't be passed up and I will definitely trek out to Santa Monica for a good 'ol Italian lunch with my dad any time.

Looking forward to trying out new combinations in Barcelona and beyond!

Follow my adventures at www.buenviajeaespana.wordpress.com

Ruby's Shake Shack

(Crystal Cove Welcome Center)

One of the greatest or most iconic American meals has to be a cheeseburger and ice cream shake. The chain restaurant Ruby's has done a great job of sharing this delicious meal with millions of people from their oldies restaurants to a few new twists such as the Beachcomber and Shake Shack down in Laguna Beach. Both are located off PCH at the Crystal Cove beach cottages and have become a huge hit.

(Crystal Cove Beach, Laguna Beach)

The cottages were very popular in the 30's and 40's amongst surfers and their families ready for some time on the Southern California coast. The cottages were abandoned and weren't considered until they were reconstructed in the early 2000's. Ruby's created the Beachcomber amidst the cottages and is a great place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is more of a sit-down restaurant with pricier and more inventive items, doesn't take reservations so there is usually a wait, but it is well worth the experience.

(Cottages, pre-remodel)

As for the Shake Shack, it was created above the cottages along PCH as a sandwich and milkshake joint. It is also right off the running path, so it often attracts runners, walkers, and bikers, finishing up their weekend or weekday workouts. It also attracts beach goers ready for an afternoon snack in the summers and consistent locals year-round. A few months ago, Ruby's choose to remodel the Shake Shack to expand from just sandwiches to practically a full menu with burgers, hot sandwiches, and even breakfast menu. We went last weekend for breakfast, or rather it was brunch by the time we arrived, after a walk on the Crystal Cove Beach.

(The Beachcomber, Crystal Cove)

When you arrive, you can scout out one of the tables or barstools overlooking the beach, and then you order from the window. The service is great and relatively fast. Once you order, you take your number to your table and they deliver your food to you.

I debated whether to go with something off the breakfast menu or eat one of their famous burgers. The only thing I did know, was that I wanted a shake. They have excellent portions, even enough for two, so I split the cinnamon roll french toast meal (with eggs and bacon or sausage) with my aunt and I split a chocolate shake with my grandpa. He choose the healthier breakfast scramble with salsa scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, fruit, and wheat toast. My grandma had her heart set on a cheeseburger, but tested out the new healthier option with a lean meat patty, and came with their french fries. It had an interesting taste to it - something different, so if you are looking for a good 'ol fashioned cheeseburger, I wouldn't suggest experimenting with the healthy option. All sandwiches come with fries and there is even an option to swap them out for sweet potato fries. How neat!

(The Healthy Breakfast Scramble)

(Cinnamon Roll French Toast)

(Cheeseburger & Fries)

I was very pleased with the meal and honestly, what is better than eating by the beach?

I'm Making Waffles

I used to be a very enthusiastic breakfast person, but I have seemingly lost interest in most pancakes, waffles, muffins, etc. In the span of two days however, I have re-kindled my love for waffles

Finding the right batter is always quite a dilemma. Too much sugar, too sweet, too healthy, too bland. Most of the batters and pancakes I seem to eat are usually the latter. However, my mom made the most amazing discovery and purchase from our favorite store - Trader Joe's. I fully swear by all the products they sell - from produce to drinks to dairy, even meat and fish. It is something about their Buttermilk Pancake & All Purpose Baking Mix that makes the first meal of the day enjoyable once more.

Now, I can't really explain how they tasted so different, which is probably what you are wondering. So just trust me and try it for yourself. You can even make pancakes or drop biscuits with the batter and I am sure it will taste just as wonderful.

Meghan choose the simple route, pancake, butter, and maple syrup with some strawberries on the side. She also made up some breakfast chicken sausage (again from Trader Joes). I experimented a bit more and placed the batter in the waffle iron, then tossing some blueberries on top and letting it cook. Once ready, I spread butter on top, drizzled strawberries and blueberries, and poured on the maple syrup and lite Aunt Jemima's. Another additions include chocolate chips, butterscotch chips (why not?), or white chocolate chips, walnuts, or apples inside or on top of the waffle. Trader Joe's suggested putting in applesauce and cinnamon to make apple cinnamon waffles.

So tasty, we might have to make it again tomorrow. Excellent find mom!