Hayashi Rice (from the packet)

Made this hayashi rice using premade mix and microwavable brown rice. Overall, it was tasty. I even had seconds. The one thing I didn't like: the sauce mix had monosodium glutamate. Sad. It was on sale for $1.69 at the Japanese market, which is why I bought it. I'm going to try and find a different brand without MSG. I also want to try making hayashi rice from scratch. I hope it's not too difficult. Anyways, the directions for this particular one is on the box. This is how I did it:

Hayashi Rice (premade mix)
Serves 4

1 medium yellow onion
1 lb. beef for stew (I cut the pieces into smaller pieces, I know at some Asian markets they also sell beef for curry which you can buy)
1 2/3 cup water
4 squares hayashi premade mix
2 packs microwave brown rice

1. Heat some oil in a pot. Add the onion and beef. Cook until browned.
2. Add the water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
3. Add hayashi mix. Stir until dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Microwave rice according to package instructions.
5. Serve in bowls.

Basil Plant

I have to grow a basil plant (and keep it alive all quarter) for my plant biology lab. I planted it almost two weeks ago 1/10/2013. It has finally sprouted, I was worried it froze to death in the incredibly cold weather we've been having in CA recently.

Day 12: First signs of sprouts

La Boulange de Burlingame

They have really good almond croissants here. Macarons are ehhhh. I prefer 'Lette macarons. Or the ones I've had in Paris.

Honey Berry

Roti bun from Honey Berry with cream cheese/yogurt filling I believe? Pretty good cause it was fresh and soft. It just needs some more filling though!

Beard Papa's

I've been to quite a few Beard Papa's back home in Orange County and in Los Angeles. I think the cream puffs are pretty whatever. I think they'd taste better if they were super fresh, like right off the press fresh. But otherwise, it's eh. The vanilla filling is the best tasting one out of the ones I've tried, which include chocolate and green tea. I got the mini puffs this time because I was craving something sweet after my lunch. I originally ordered 4 vanilla and 2 chocolate, since they come in packs of 6 (or 12). But the girl working there accidentally messed up my order and gave me 6 vanilla because she forgot my chocolate ones. So I ended up getting 6 vanilla and 2 chocolates. Free food is always awesome.

Vanilla Filling

Mini Puff

Chocolate Filling

Ahi Poke

Ahi poke! Nice and fresh tasting. Got this from a super market that sells Hawaiian food. I want to go back and try their Portuguese sausage musubi among other things.

Banh Mi

I was craving a banh mi. I found this place, Cherimoya Vietnamese Cafe, through yelp. There was some weird sweet sauce on the vegetables though that I really didn't like. I might give this place a shot again if I don't get that sweet sauce. But it doesn't compare to the banh mi I've had back in Orange County. And there was definitely not enough meat and pate in this sandwich. Sad.