Sushi Sam's

This place has good sushi. I went there a long time ago and now I'm finally updating this post so I have no idea what I ordered. I just remember that my favorite thing was something called Blue Shrimp. Or some version of that name. It's like sweet shrimp (amaebi) on crack. Like a thousand times better. So delicious!

Ramen Dojo

This is a small ramen shop in San Mateo. Pretty good quality. The noodles were the appropriate texture, not too squishy not too firm. The waiting line is horrendous however. I definitely recommend getting there early!

I got the spicy garlic ramen? Not that spicy. But I find Japanese restaurants in general just aren't that spicy.

Kincaid

Pricey yet subpar food. That's all I can really say.

Carrot Juice

Took a whole bag of carrots to make a small cup of juice. Not worth it in my opinion. Especially since I had to clean out the pulp from the juice maker and the particular model I used is how to assemble and disassemble.

Delfina

Good Italian food. Liked the pasta more than anything since it had a nice texture. They also have a good rabbit appetizer that you spread on crackers. Parking is heinous and made me a half hour late for dinner. By the way, I left to get to the restaurant an hour before dinner was supposed to start.

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