Comfort Eating

When your insides are blue, when the sky is gray, and when you’re all alone, what is the one dish that can bring you endless comfort? For me, it’s rather simple - spaghetti! Nothing is as warm as a plate of hot served, extra mushrooms, over loaded meat, carbs bonified spaghetti!

The reason why spaghetti is so comforting is because our moms made it for us when we were sick as kids. They made it when they came home late from work and had no time to prep a proper meal. They made it out of a jar, they made it out in under 15 minutes, and they made it with no shame!

Today’s entire menu, because it’s raining outside in Boston and because I am in need of that extra comfort, is dedicated to a few of my most comforting ingredients/foods – bacon, eggs, tomato sauce, spaghetti, vanilla bean ice cream, and ANDES MINT!

Salmon Reminisce

In college we use to buy frozen packaged salmon by the bulk from Costco. Along with a handy dandy Gorge Foreman Grill and a bottle of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, we were never afraid of hunger or a poor meal. This is how my roommates and I got through our last few years at UCLA. Anyone who came over was served Salmon, every mid afternoon conversation, every late night study session, regardless of time or whether you like fish or not, Salmon was to be had!!!

Needless to say, after a while, we were forced to find ways of making this fish interesting without spending the big bucks. We flirted with other types of fish a few times, but nothing was as easy or clean, or convenient as the Salmon from Costco. The result was this, Salmon with pasta and sesame oil.

This meal is a dedication to that special time with those special people who helped me every step of the way through my awkward cooking stage of my undergraduate degree. Every time I see Salmon, I am reminded of such sweet times. I truly miss you all.

Peachy Time

Walking down the produce isle, I noticed that the peach carton had triple in size compared to last night! Is it peach season right now? Either way, I love peaches and the increase in variety, size, and crunchiness is great news! It inspired me to make a peach salad I had once at Citizen Cake in San Francisco, especially because I had goat cheese left over after making the beets and raspberry salad the other night. I have to admit this is one of the easiest and best salads I’ve ever made.

I also bought some soft plums and made myself a little fruit tart! This is also a very simple recipe. Readymade puff pastries can be use for both sweet and savory dishes and is great for making any kind of dessert.

I suggest you go out and buy yourself some fresh peaches now!

Meal Déjà Vu

Have you ever been on a trip where you had a random dish at a random restaurant but years later the thing that you remember most about your expensive vacation is how deliciously special that first random bite was? This happens to me all the time.

I try to go to the market every other day here in Boston, buy small portions, fresh produce, and allow for the opportunity to change it up from night to night. The fish market here closes at 7pm and last night, I made it right on the dot. Tilapia was the only viable option and all the other choices were either sold out or put away. Although I came looking for salmon, walking home with the white flesh of tilapia reminded me of a very special getaway I had in Seattle. I tried to imitate a dish from Café Campagne in Pike’s Market – Tilapia with almonds and lemon zest. While my attempt could not compete with that of the cute restaurant, it brought back vivid memories of my experiences during that genuine time.

What is your favorite dish from a weekend getaway and what special memory does it remind you of?

This ice-cream is the best! Made only with 5 ingredients, no crazy chemicals!

















A special memory from Seattle.

The Virgin Meal

I read once that the key to making any new apartment feel like a home is through its kitchen. Since my move to Boston two weeks ago, I seldom get that once familiar sense of comfort, of the loud noise that can calm the stressful body or the old smell of a house that gives peace of mind. The mood was rather gloomy when the door opens, much like the east coast weather outside. What was a young man to do in a new city on a Friday night? The only thing he knows – clean the pan, pour out the oil, and set the plates.

Any feelings of loneliness, of missing my friends back in San Francisco, of fear around career uncertainties were surely forgotten the minute I turned on my never been use stove. Cooking always brings me to a place that gives me control and security. These are the result of such fears – or rather its cure.

Now if only I can bring the crew here to enjoy this meal with me – life would be more than perfect. You guys are surely missed and I dedicate this blog to you (you know who you are). Thank you for all the good food, drinks, and memories and laughter.