Julia & Company on the Cooking Channel

On today's episode, Julia baked a flourless chocolate cake. She carefully folded the melted chocolate mixture into the beaten eggs. Immediately it transported me to my days as an eager student of her TV classroom. I know how important she is to my culinary history and I treasure how much her influence fueled my passion for cooking and baking. Bon appetit!

5 Guys Burger

We tried the 5 Guys in SD this weekend and it was quite a burger. Of course, I left the camera -- (Homer says, "DOH!") --- but the aroma lingered in the car! Only critique we had was the scent of chili in the place was really from the mixture of cajun spice, grillin' onions and fries. Would have been over the top if they had chili, but maybe later. Anyway, good thing we did order the hand-cut fries, man, they tasted like real potatoes. I should have gone for the smaller burger, but the monstrosity I chomped down was awesome. Big beefy patties, fixed to order, you choose what toppings you like, and melty cheese all over the place. Definitely needs another try, but sure would like some chili. I hear there are five 5 Guys in the area now. Hmm...gotta gas up the old jalopy!

The Oinkster!

Oh man, should have had the camera going, just so you could see the heavenly feast I enjoyed recently. Surely this place is where all good pastramis are born, and then gratefully eaten! Go for yourself and taste the difference. I am a lifelong fan of pastrami dips, known only to us who live in Southern California. Try and order one out of the area and they give you a deli stack sandwich---not the same thing. I've had pastramis from The Hat, Chronis, Rick's, Jim's, J&S on Garfield (open 24 hrs., right off the 60 Fwy), Garduno's and many other burger joints over the decades. This one gets my vote for the best! Planning another trip soon, so next time I'll post photos. Go there now, don't wait!

Turkey Carnitas!

Thank God! Something new to do with turkey---carnitas! Oh man, these are so good, they sell out almost everyday. Super A Foods is a local supermarket chain, more along the lines of a tienda. You still have to shop at other stores to get everything on your list. But years back, during the retail clerks strike, we found the chain was very accommodating. I asked the manager if he could stock Kosher salt and the next week, there it was. So imagine my surprise when visiting the new location in Rosemead/San Gabriel/Temple City (next to one of the best KMart stores!) and finding the most tender, delectable turkey carnitas. Pick up some in-store homemade tortillas, a couple of avocados, lettuce & tomato and dinner is ready!

Wally Green goes to the vet!

This morning I woke up to find the puppy has an eye problem. Why is it these things happen on a Sunday morning, when no vet offices are open, when I have a zillion things to do, the car is on the fritz and when I have no budget! Challenges, obstacles, whatever, still very annoying. Oh well, we shall see.

Hace Mucho Tiempo

Long time no posting. Very involved with school, working on a B.S. degree. Which means writing papers. Working full time at a ministry that raises money for Africa. Cooking for a local church, feeding the community once a week. Today we are serving a homemade enchilada casserole. Expecting about 200+ so I gotta get going. Buena suerte, salud y blessings to all!

Roast Pork Mondays at Gene's Grinders

I should have known this was the place to go for a great sandwich. Fire trucks and emergency vehicles were everywhere. Hungry firemen were all in line and each one ordered the Monday special, the roast pork sandwich. The picture does not do justice to this creation. This is an awesome sandwich! On Mondays it is the special of the day, along with the kielbasa sandwich, but I went for the pork, of course! Oh man, and this is the small. Look at that ton of meat! Layers and layers of moist, tender roasted pork, sliced thin and just enough, topped on a fresh French roll. Mayo, a big helping of tomato slices, lettuce, and if you like, pepperoncini. Worth the wait, though the line was long. Hey, those cute firemen can always go ahead of me!
Gene's Grinders
800 S. Myrtle Ave.
Monrovia CA 91016
For fast pick up, phone in your order
626-358-8016