My Miss List

When one of my girlfriends from Toronto was in Los Angeles last week she commented on how long my hair was. I told her I was going to cut it when I was back in Toronto. I think this spurred on the conversation on why I didn’t just find a local hairdresser in Los Angeles. Now for all you Asian girls out there, you know we have a special type of hair and cannot be cut by just any sheer! Without going into too much detail, I’ll just say that I’ve finally found a hairdresser that knows how to work my locks and I’m not willing to give her up just yet. I realize I sound daft but I don’t care.

But this whole “I can’t live without my hairdresser” thing made me think about all the things I truly miss about Toronto. So I decided to write a list. Now, I realize these some of these items are not just Toronto specific, but they are definitely not in LA. So here goes, in no particular order.

1. Chinese food and all things Chinese (this includes grocery stores and Pacific Mall!)
2. Jamaican beef patties
3. Poutine
4. Ruffles sour cream and bacon chips
5. Chippy’s fish and chips
6. Le Gourmand cookies
7. Trinity Bellwoods Park
8. Public transit (I know, I can’t believe I’m saying that either)
9. Commuter-savvy cyclists
10. Harbourfront and the Urban Beach
11. President’s Choice products
12. Joe Fresh
13. CP24 weather tracker
14. CBC
15. And of course, my hairdresser

 

I’m Alive!

So Wimbledon concluded 2 weeks back and I’ve yet to come back here to blog. Quite frankly, I’ve been a lazy girl. Shocking, I know. But I wanted you all to know that I’m alive and haven’t sunk under some Malibu rock or anything. Also, I’m excited to say that I’m visiting Toronto. I arrived last night and am so excited to be home, even if it is for a short time. I love Toronto in the summer. It’s hot and icky and sometimes feels a bit gross. I call it DIRTY HOT. And now that I’m back, I’m a bit scared of it. But hey, I’m going to relish it – drink those fluids and crank the AC. I’m such a wuss!

In my absence I’m not sure if that much has happened but I do have a few anecdotes and I’ll post them in the next few days including new places/restos I’ve discovered. You’ll be happy to know my celeb spotting has skyrocketed since my Jake Gyllenhaal sighting – how awesome was that btw? But Jakey still comes up on top because quite frankly, he’s the hottest of the bunch.

Tah tah for now.

My First Real Celeb Sighting in Los Angeles

Visiting LA in the past, we’ve always managed to spot some celebs going about their daily lives. But since moving here, I’ve spotted D list weirdos. Many of whose names I don’t even know. Instead we acknowledge them by saying, wasn’t that the guy in that movie… What’s it called again? Who knows, who cares.

This past weekend, I managed to break away from Wimbledon to hit up Intelligentsia.  There’s always a long line at this place and while waiting I was surrounded by very annoying teenage girls who said the word “like” every other word. Blocking them out was painful. I overheard them talking about someone up ahead but didn’t pay too much attention. Then finally one of the girls mentioned “he’s in the black hat.” I happened to be facing that way and what do you know. It was Jake Gyllenhaal. He was looking all kinds of hotness. I noticed that everyone there was staring at him, obviously. Girls excessively smiling when passing him. I’m sure brushing his arm while doing so. It was hilarious. Even B got a little star struck. I managed to take one pic and one pic only. Not sure if you can tell its him, but this is all I got! So thanks annoying teenage girls, your “likes” paid off.

Addicted to Wimbledon

It’s been 5 days since my last post and quite frankly it’s because I just haven’t had time to write anything. Why? Because my life has been consumed by Wimbledon. Not since I was a teen have I had the time to sit in front of the TV and just watch 4 or 5 matches in a row. It’s an incredible waste of time but so enjoyable. I remember the first summer I discovered Wimbledon. I was just a kid and somehow I just gravitated towards. I can’t play for crap, but I’m an excellent spectator. And though the last few years I’ve barely had time to just watch the finals, this time I’m around, I’m totally up to speed – from day 1. The bonus, Wimbledon isn’t actually that far where my friends live. I’m thinking another trip to London may be in my near future.

In the meantime, should you not hear from me in the next few days, do not worry. I’m in Wimbledon bliss.

 

 

In the Kitchen with Beecher’s Mac and Cheese

Have you heard of the Seattle-based handmade cheese company Beecher’s? Though I lived in Seattle, I never heard about the “World’s Best Mac and Cheese.” It’s apparently so popular they even overnight ship frozen M&C straight to your door. Insane, I know. So I decided to make this “world’s best” M&C. I found the recipe on the Seattle Post Intelligencer and located the cheese conveniently at my local grocery store. Apparently the taste is all in the cheese and Beecher’s is supposed to be super tasty. Pounds of cheese later, I was a big fat fatty. Yes, it was good, creamy and delish! I wouldn’t say world’s best, but very yummy.

‘WORLD’S BEST’ MAC AND CHEESE

4 servings as a side dish

INGREDIENTS:

6 ounces penne pasta
2 cups Beecher’s Flagship Sauce (recipe follows)
1 ounce cheddar, grated ( 1/4 cup)
1 ounce Gruyere cheese, grated ( 1/4 cup)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Oil or butter an 8-inch baking dish.

Cook the penne 2 minutes less than package directions. (It will finish cooking in the oven.) Rinse pasta in cold water and set aside.

Combine cooked pasta and Flagship Sauce in a medium bowl and mix carefully but thoroughly. Scrape the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the cheeses and then the chile powder. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

NOTE: If you double the recipe to make a main dish, bake in a 9-by-13-inch pan for 30 minutes.

BEECHER’S FLAGSHIP CHEESE SAUCE

Makes about 4 cups

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
14 ounces semihard cheese, such as Beecher’s Flagship, grated (about 3 1/2 cups)
2 ounces grated semisoft cheese, such as Beecher’s Just Jack
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

PREPARATION:

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Continue whisking and cooking for 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat. Add the cheese, salt, chile powder and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are incorporated, about 3 minutes. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to three days.

NOTE: A single batch of sauce makes enough for a double recipe of macaroni and cheese.

REVIEW:

I used more pasta that instructed. 6 ounces isn’t a lot! So I just eye balled it.

I didn’t use chilli powder because I’m a weenie and can’t handle the heat. I substituted it with half paprika and half nutmeg. I also sprinkled nutmeg over the top of the cheese instead of the chilli powder.