Trip Highlights

Okay, last post of my trip to LA. Here are some highlights that don't each need their own post.

El Puerto Escondido near LAX was our first stop upon landing. Here are their signature "Happy Oysters," which are raw oysters topped with cocktail sauce, chopped shrimp, red onions, and cilantro. Really delicious, and I highly recommend their mojo de ajo (garlic butter) grilled octopus too.

Hot Pot Hot Pot (Monterey Park): we met up with some friends for lunch here. The place was barren because, let's face it, no one wants to eat hot pot in July. We sallied forth bravely, sharing a half-and-half hot pot. For the uninitiated, that means half the pot is filled with a light Chinese medicine and cumin base, and the other half is filled with dried chilis and a thick layer of spicy oil.

For the life of me I can't remember the name of this place near the Nogales 99 Ranch Supermarket. This is one of J's favorite appetizer plates. It's a mix of braised meats and seaweed--chilled, sliced, and served with Szechuan peppercorn oil, chili oil, cilantro, and green onions. Super delicious, perfect with their assorted noodle dishes.

Dim Sum at NBC Seafood was our last meal before heading back to San Francisco. NBC is an old LA standby, always popular and always solid. My favorite item of the day was tofu flower soup, a dessert of silky tofu floating in sweetened ginger syrup.