Soup Plantation (Porter Ranch, CA) [Locations within CA too]

As I recall, there used to be a healthy eating restaurant called, Fresh Choice. Who remembers it? I do. I remember when they first opened, and when the last one had closed. Now, we have Soup Plantation. Of course, you give it some time, and there are other small pop-ups opening like Salad.

I think Soup Plantation is a great concept for those who want to dine and eat healthy. They certainly have revamped their menu's and eating areas. I do hope they stay in business forever, but one can only hope for so much. There will always be competition; however, it does not get as great as Soup Plantation. As you enter the restaurant, the salad bar is to your taking. You have set salads and you also have the option to create your own salad with the many dressings and toppings. You can also add to your already set salad. You can choose from tomatoes, mushed boiled eggs, croutons, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, corn, etc. There are just so many to choose from and then you have so many different dressings. Once you have made your salad, then you go and pay for your meal. A tip: install the Yelp app and check in. You will be offered a 15% discount for checking in and it will be applied to your meal. It's a great offer. Also check in your monthly mail for coupons. Now, usually when it's not busy, you can seat yourself. Otherwise, be ready for a host/hostess to seat you.

Once your done, if you fancy for more salad; you can make your way to the salad bar as many times as you desire and get some more salad. If you fancy some soups, they have some really good soups. They also have different types of spaghetti's  (mac and cheese), linguine, etc. There's also the option for baked potatoes and its condiments. In addition, there are blueberry muffins and other muffins to choose from and of course a soft-serve machine that serves soft serve ice cream.

I really do enjoy eating here and I know you will too. Every month is a set menu and changes with it's many themes. For the month of May, they are celebrating Cinco De Mayo and adding a Spanish flavor to its salads and soups. What's in it for the month of June. We shall soon see.

Custom-Salad

Sadly, I only have this picture to share. Here I have Romaine Lettuce, with quinoa salad, some plain pasta, white mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and corn. I will hope to take more pictures and add it to this post. Hope you've enjoyed this review. Check out my youtube channel at TravelDude1981.

Creamistry (Irvine, CA)

Creamistry.... a wierd name for a company, but who am I to say for a popular ice cream shop in Irvine, CA.

It doesn't look like much outside, but when you open the door; it does feel like you are in the movie, "Back to the Future." You hear the hissing sounds of the instrument at work which makes your ice cream. The magic happens while you make your order of ice cream which is made with organic milk and these machines that use dry ice to make your ice cream. Sounds futuristic eh? As you queue up, these machines hiss and you see white smoke coming out from the machines. It's like a De Lorean doors opening and this arctic smoke coming out from inside. You can also picture fog machines in this ice cream area blowing out fog. This is a pretty legit place.

feels like a chemistry lab in HS

These are how the ice cream is being made

Yummy. Captain Crunch Ice Cream. Real Captain Crunch Cereal

Futuristic eh?

Tons of smoke... 

Sitting area

There are tons of flavors to choose from. Of course as a kid at heart, I chose Captain Crunch flavored ice cream. They really use the cereal, no fake flavors. There is one other location located in Beverly Hills which I haven't visited yet. So, if you are in the vicinity of Beverly Hills or Irvine, CA; be sure to make a trip to Creamistry. It will be a trip that you will never forget. Indulge in the future!

Del Taco (Santa Clarita, CA)

     Whom do you visit when you crave some cheap burritos and quesadillas? Well, Del-Taco. This location is always busy which is good business for this location, but horrible when it comes to buying food inside. They have messed up my orders more than a few times. They always seemed rush, or at least the supervisor/manager. When I see him, he looks jumpy and wants to get the move on with the orders. I think that is the reason why my orders keep getting messed up. The last time I ordered 2- 1/2 lb bean and cheese burrito with extra green sauce with some cheddar quesadillas. I got my cheddar quesadillas (mini), but ended up with 8 tacos with hard shell. I hate hard shell tacos. I did get more than I paid for, but I wanted my 1/2 lb bean and cheese burrito!!!! Can any of you relate to this? Well that's my rant for this Del-Taco. Let's hope for some really good reviews for this year. I won't be reviewing restaurants that I have dined the next couple of months, but will do reviews that I had done last year and never came across to do it. Hope you enjoy this years blog entries!!!! And try to avoid the Santa Clarita Del-Taco location. It's the one near magic mountain, gas station, Tommy's Burgers and the Starbucks.

C'est Si Bon Bakery (Newport Beach)

I am always up to trying anything new. I got some unique taste buds. So, as I spend time with my brother earlier this year with my mom, too. We had mentioned that we were looking for some coffee places. My brother knows my mom's tastes very well and knows she loves scones. So, he had brought us to a place called C'est Si Bon Bakery. This bakery is located in Newport Beach and serves not just scones but also serves coffee, tea, sandwiches, slices of cake, salads, and sandwiches. The seating area inside is not appealing and very limited in such a big space. So, what they should do is more tables and chairs with a floor that doesn't looks so dirty! The restrooms are located outside... so I would recommend to steer away from them. There's a Starbucks close by.. just use those instead.

So, after coming here a few times with my brother.. we decide to come here by ourselves. The scones here are phenomenal and very delicious. The downside is that they sell very fast, so it's imperative to come by the bakery around 9 am. If you do come by and the scones are sold out, then you should try the slices of cake which are also very delicious. My brother has suggested that the salads are pretty good. The prices here are okay. The quality is not too bad. Like I said, the few things could be worked on is the seating and the flooring. Besides that, everything else is very good. 5-stars!

Blueberry and Raspberry Scone

Capuccino

Blueberry Scone

Sake 2 Me Sushi (Tustin, CA)

I never got into sushi until maybe middle school and it was the California Roll. My mom would make it by herself at home. Since then, I have been eating sushi and even gotten hooked on to sashimi and like sushi on rice (not the rolls). As much as I love eating rolls, I prefer the fish on rice better. So, as this foodie was in Irvine this year, I had the opportunity to spend a few months in Irvine. My brother introduced this restaurant, SAKE 2 ME which is located in Tustin, CA. Sake 2 Me is an AYCE (all you can eat) sushi restaurant. Now, I was a bit hesitant because AYCE sushi places have a time limit. However, this AYCE restaurant hands you a two-sided order form and it has 3 columns. There are no time-limits, but given that you have 3 columns is the 3 times you are being served. Make sure you order enough sushi to compliment your hunger. Usually 2 columns are good enough since we order so much. 

Lunch and Dinner are different in prices and their are certain sushi platters that aren't served in lunch, but at dinner. The parking here is quite spacious, but during the dinner time.. it's definitely hard to find parking. The best time to come here is when dinner time has just started. That is the best time for any restaurant. There is limited outside seating for when it get's busy. When that happens, there is a waiting list for people to sign on outside. When you get called in for your table, inside looks pretty nice. It looks pretty decent for a sushi joint. The service is pretty good and the quality of this AYCE sushi place is very good for the price. Now, here's a foreward warning for those who order too much sushi. You have to pay for the remaining sushi that is leftover. Plus, they don't give you boxes to put the sushi in. They charge you for the boxes. This is the only down-side. 

Now as to what to order? I would suggest the Rolly-Poly Roll. Here's what it looks like. It is imitation crab meat with salmon encompassing it. On top is some spicy sauce. It's indeed one of my favorites to order. 

Rolly Poly Roll.
Imitation Crab Meat wrapped
around by Salmon Sashimi.

Some sushi rolls
and on the bottom
Sashimi Salad.

Albacore.. is also good. they put slices of
Red Onion on here. MMMM

Seared Salmon Sushi.
Its taste is woody.

You can never go wrong
with Unagi. (Marinated Cooked Eel)

Of Course you need some
of that miso soup!!

You can never go wrong with salmon sushi

So, above are some of the things I order. Is it worth the money?? It sure is. 

13951 Carroll Way, Tustin, CA 92780

    

Little Jewel of New Orleans; Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA

Truly, this is a restaurant that you definitely must try. It's not just an eatery, but also a small market where you can buy nawlin's spices, and ready to prepare foods. The dining area is quite nice and near the dining area is the menu. The menu is written on a chalkboard style. There is tons of po-boys (sandwiches) to try from. The Beignet is the dish that we tried here and it was amazing. It's texture and taste was similar to the one you can find at new orleans square, Disneyland. Of course, I do want to visit the real new orleans, but that will be sometime in the future. There is so many other dishes like the sloppy joe that I want to try. The other desserts they offer is also quite eye-catching. I really want to come back here to experience a full menu dining experience. There is also seating outside the cafe, so if you like to eat outside there is tables and seating along the side of the street. Inside and Outside feels like eating in New Orleans and the best part .. that it's located in Chinatown of Los Angeles. Who woulda thunk? I have added some pictures of the Beignet and pictures of the cafe for you to enjoy and maybe entice you to pay a visit. I sure will.

Beignet made fresh!!

Here is where they store
the deli meats and dessert.

The market side of the cafe

Here is what the menu looks like up-close

Update

Today is 10/15/15, Thursday. It has been a rough couple of months. The reason for me not being able to post on this blog was because of a few major events in my life. The most important event that happened was the passing of my father. His passing had affected my life in so many ways. Til this day, I still see his face on certain reflections such as last weekend when I had celebrated my birthday at Cafe Sierra, his face appeared on the salad bar glass window. I saw him for a brief second. No matter the differences we had, he is still my dad! I wish I could've hugged him more! I am grateful for everything he has done for me. R.I.P. Dad!

Delancey Street Restaurant (San Francisco, CA)

Located on 600 The Embarcadero in SoMa, SouthBeach of San Francisco lies Delancey Street Restaurant. To any onlooker, it's a restaurant facing the east bay bridge. To the restaurant itself, it's a second chance for ex-convicts, homeless, etc individuals that work at a restaurant making top-notch, mouth-watering food. The staff is very warming and welcoming. Outside looks very modern, and since it's the winter-time, the patio has been closed off. Inside is very comfortable and cozy. There's a full bar at one side which serves mainly beer and wine. The other side is a coffee bar that serves most of the hot beverages including hot water.

The menu is very intimidating because of the wide selection of food choices. It's difficult to choose one particular entree, because you want to know "what does this other dish taste or look like?" My brother has dined here before and has already recommended my dad to get the baby back ribs which comes with a sweet potato pie and my dad agrees with the selection. My mom is always into fish and decides to order the rare ahi dish. My brother looks and orders the sirloin steak that comes with corn and mash potatoes. I decide to order the same. My mom and I decide to get the Boston Clam Chowder. Now as we wait for our dishes to come, the waiter serves us with dinner rolls and bread. The bread and rolls are soft which makes it more appetizing. Not many restaurants in LA will serve you soft bread. Most of the time, the bread is so hard to chew.. you worry that your teeth are going to be ripped apart.

Now behind me, my broth notices a server is cooking the Boston clam chowder behind me. He has a pot on a portable stove and is cooking the chowder. He then brings two bowls of chowder to our table. Miraculously as my mom takes in a serving after another and is pleased with the clam chowder. She is a loss for words and is praising the waiter for the delicious taste that the clam chowder has brought to her senses. She even talks about the clam chowder later in the hotel room and wishes we could've make a return back. She quotes that its better clam chowder than the crab house at pier 39.

Our dishes arrive and it's just one miracle after another. The dishes are served with perfect marks. The sirloin steaks are moist and succulent. The sides that came with our dishes are just embracing with tasteful aroma. My mom's rare ahi tuna looks very pleasant and so is my father's ribs. The waiter also brings in my dad's dessert which is a sweet potato pie slice. Wow!! is all I can say. My brother smiles and says he will order one afterwards.

Dessert is very good with much to select from. My mother and I ordered the tiramisu and by far was the best decision made. The taste is not too sweet and just hits the spot. I wish I could've ordered the sweet potato pie. It looks huge but very delicious. I ordered the Delancey Street Coffee and it was delicious. No sugar was needed, except for a small serving of cream.

This place is very good in taste, customer service and environment. Would I recommend people to come here. Most Definitely. Would I come back here again? Of course I would. I would like to try the other dishes served here as well.

Sirloin steak with corn and mash potatoes

The restaurant, itself. 

Tasty Garden (Irvine, CA)

Baked Fish with Rice and Cheese

Chinese Waffle Cake (Sweet)

Interior of the restaurant

Is that fish on top?

The front (waiting area)

is that a boot for the milk ice tea bob? Das boot?

Yep, those are fishes.. Thats awesome

So, was in Irvine a week ago and wanted to grab something to eat before we visited my brother's new place. Luckily theres a big plaza of restaurants to choose from thats close by his new place. So as we arrived at the plaza, my folks were contemplating, suggesting, throwing out ideas of where to eat. We drove and drove and finally came across Tasty Garden. Well, of course it was me who had pointed it out that there's "whoa, there's a tasty garden." Mom looked up and was happy to see it and immediately told my dad, "tasty garden... lets eat there!" From the front of it, it doesn't look much. When you enter inside, it still looks a bit different from the other Tasty Garden's I have visited. 

As we sat down, I had noticed the decor here. It was really upbeat and different. As I looked at the center of the restaurant I noticed something different about the ceiling. There were fishes hanging from the ceiling and it displayed a bright display. Those were amazing!! Lights that were fish from glass. That's pretty epic. Something you do not see everyday. The bathrooms here are definitely top-notch and it does seems that it gets attended to. That's one of the things I definitely like about a restaurant is when they keep it clean. 

Now, on to the menu. They have a Chinese menu and Western Menu. So for those who are tired of eating Chinese food all the time, there is an option to eat American food. Or as they call it "western food." Since we wanted a light meal, we ordered baked fish with mushrooms on rice and cheese, Pork on rice baked in Portuguese style. For drinks, my folks ordered hot water and I ordered Ice Milk Tea with Boba. When my drink came, it came in a form of a boot! WTH? That is strange, indeed. But, definitely cool!!! Oh, btw for those who have never come here before, it's definitely a treat. Free refills on drinks. Just don't get too carried away. I don't think they do free refills on sodas though. Just Chinese drinks. The dishes came in, and the presentation of it was good. It could be better if the dish was shaped as a fish which I have had at ABC Cafe. But the taste of the food was perfect. To top it all of, they even gave us a Chinese waffle cake that's famous in Hong Kong. 

Would I come back here? Well, since my brother lives in the area... for sure. And it would have to be when we make a visit to Irvine. Irvine is about 60 miles away from us. 

If you like the address, I left it here. There are Tasty Garden locations in Arcadia, Monterey Park and Alhambra which is about 25 miles. I hope you enjoyed this review! More to come!!

15315 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA

Siam Cuisine (Granada Hills, CA)

     I finally get to write about Siam Cuisine. This place was the first place that started the Thai food revolution for me. To further explain, it had got me to eat Thai food for the first time. I was at a friends house studying when he had asked, "anyone down for some awesome thai food?" Without a shadow of a doubt, I raised my hand with certainty. So did everyone else. So we drove to this place that's located in small plaza near his house. We entered into the small restaurant and the lady greeted us. She instantly greeted my friend.. and told us that he had been a customer since he was a kid. Thats when it had struck me that I'm definitely going to eat some really good Thai food if he's been eating here for a long time. I have no doubt in the choices of places to eat when my friends choose them. So we stared at the menu, but he ordered chow mein. I was puzzled to why he'd ordered chow mein. And he responded, "this is the best chow mein that you will ever taste." Of course when I heard that, I ordered chow mein as well without hesitation. Siam Cuisine is a family operated restaurant. It's a mom and pop place that has been here for like the longest time. I would guess since the 80s. There are tons of foods to choose from other than noodles, but I wanted noodles. The seating area is limited but quite nice for a private occasion. When we got the chow mein, we left for my friends house. We started to grub and the second the noodles got into my mouth, bursts of flavors exploded into my mouth and I had a "awww" look of expression on my face. My friend noticed it and said, "yup.. see... what did i tell you?"

  Seriously it was the best chow mein I have had in a very long time. After our study session, I made sure to make a trip back to order 2 more orders. I met up with another friend and him try it to make sure that this wasn't just a one time "OMG.. that was the best ever" chow mein. He tried it and he showed the same facial expression that I had when I first ate the chow mein. So, I knew that it wasn't just me. Siam Cuisine has the best chow mein ever! Yet, I need to come and try their other dishes..but if you are ever in the mood for some really good Chow Mein? Come to Siam Cuisine, Located in Granada Hills.

Here is their address: 11033 Balboa Blvd. Granada Hills, CA 91344. (Closed on Mondays)

Pinkberry (Northridge, CA..near Costco)

   After having dinner with my mom, lately she has been asking me where to go for dessert. I had remembered that we went to a place called Fluff Ice in the Monterey Park Area and immediately thought about Pinkberry. Not able to recollect the name right away, I just remembered that it was near  Costco and it was in Northridge. Also that my buddy Ed and Mariano had taken me there saying it was the best thing ever. So, I wanted to take my mom there. Once we got there, parking was a no-hassle since it was about 930 at night and most of the businesses were closed by then. The only thing opened was five guys hamburger joint.
   So, Pinkberry it is. We got inside and immediately I felt like it was my first time entering into this fine establishment. The decor was pretty impressive. As we queued in line, my mom jumped ahead to look at the different choices they had. I told her that I will get her "everything mango." She loves her mango. When it was my turn, I immediately said, "Medium size (2) and Mango yogurt." But they also serve mango ice which if we go next time, I will order that for my mom and see how she likes it. I get her the Mango tapioca and the Mango chunks. I get the same but with kiwi. The attendant forgot the mango and I had to remind her. It's all good, maybe she had other things on her mind. Paid for it and sat down. The seating that is attached to the wall on the side is pretty comfortable. I prefer that seating rather than the individual chairs. The lighting is not too bright but adequate. There are plenty of sitting areas inside as well as outside. I prefer inside, though.
  Now to the yogurt. In my honest opinion, I would give it a 4/5 for taste. I would give a much better score if I had tried something different, but I was aiming for something a bit healthier. Will give props and a 5-star rating for comfortability and environment. It's definitely a nice place to hang with friends and loved ones. I wouldn't see myself hanging out there for more than an hour. I guess I will have to give this place a little more time and try out the different flavors. Maybe by then, I will update this review. Hope you enjoyed this review!

View from where I was
seated.

Mango Yogurt with kiwi pieces,
mango chunks, and mango tapioca.

Pinkberry's philosophy??

mmm. delicious..  

irresistible?

e

Original Gazpacho Shots

This review isn't concerning a restaurant this time, but a much more healthier option to dress your noodles or spaghetti with; dipping sauce for your chips, pizza crusts, muffin, bread, etc.; even use it for cooking. However, I had used it for dipping sauce for muffin and bread. The gazpacho shot comes in a 4 fl.oz bottle and it must be used once, hence why it's called a "shot".

What you need is a blender, 2 lbs. of RIPE tomatoes (it doesn't matter what tomatoes you use), and 1 4 fluid ounce of gazpacho shot. Make sure you wash your tomatoes a few times and then proceed to put 3-4 whole pieces into the blender. Make sure your blender is powerful enough for such feat. If you own a much older or not so powerful blender, make sure to cut your tomatoes before placing them in the blender. Blend the tomatoes into puree form. Make sure that the amount comes to 30 oz. If it reads less than 30 ounces, then add a few more tomatoes. I had ended up adding 6 Roma tomatoes. Each tomato is different in size, so make sure you add 2-3. Blend until its creamy.

Now onto the last step, open the plastic film surrounding the gazpacho shot cover and then shake vigorously. Open the cap and pour in every last drop of Gazpacho in the bottle to the blender. Now, blend both together until the mix reaches into a puree form. Or you will also notice the mix change color from red to a pinkish color. Now unplug your blender, take the top off, and pour the puree into a  container in which you will put in the refrigerator for 12 hours. This will allow the ingredients to soak and coexist with each other. After 12 hours, it is then ready to serve. I had used muffins yesterday for lunch and for breakfast, I used muffins again. My father enjoyed the taste of the gazpacho "dip" which I had called it. My mom is a very picky eater when it comes to anything. She took her first bite and was immediately asking for seconds and thirds. So, I am glad she finally liked something that's new. Now whatever leftovers can be refrigerated. I hope my brother comes back home to taste it. I for sure would want to buy some more gazpacho shots so I can give it to friends, brother, and some for myself. This would be great for parties, dinner, etc.

If you want more information, you can check their website on www.gazpachoshots.com, or check my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/traveldude1981 and look for my gazpacho shot review.

All the ingredients on the bottle are organic and vegan. So check it out. You will certainly love it as much as I do. Check them out on twitter: SaludFoods and instagram: Saludfoods  or email them at saludfoods2014@gmail.com

After 12 hours, this is the finished product

I wanted to use muffins to eat the gazpacho sauce with 

looks tasty!

Gazpacho Shot: Original Flavor.

Fusion Variation Root Vegetable Chips by Rowe Cusine

I actually have something really healthy for you all to read about. I love chips, and when I find something healthy to eat; it's definitely hard to find something that's gonna please my palate. My sense of taste is quite sensitive and if something doesn't appease my taste buds; it's going into the trash. However, when brought to my attention about these Root Vegetable Chips, I gave it a try. I had got these from a Farmer's Market. Apparently these chips can be found only in a few Farmer's Market. When I get more information, I will.

So on the back, they introduce to you what the chips are and Executive Chef David Rowe whom is the innovator behind these awesome chips. Before any sort of healthy snacks, we were consumers of eating any sort of junk food. Nowadays, we are concerned on our healthy and wanting to eat healthier. Thus, brings this review of the Root Vegetable Chips. The Company is based in Northridge and they sell this product line through various Farmer's Markets. I had asked the representative from Fusion Variations and they had provided me a discounted price for those interested in purchasing a bag of Root Vegetable Chips. It comes in a 2 oz bag and it consists of the following ingredients: Russet Potato, Purple Potato, Sweet Potato, Malanga Root, Red beet, Sea Salt and Oil. According to the representative, he stated that this is a big hit at the USC Farmer's Market and they sell out within minutes.

The Root Vegetable chips are quite tasty. My favorite one has to be the Red Beet. So, for taste 5/5, packaging 5/5, freshness 5/5. It's pretty much a win/win product. Now as I had mentioned, for anyone who is interested in this product, you can leave a comment here. or msg tenchimuyo1981@gmail.com.

Back side of the Root
Vegetable Chips

Front Side of the Root
Vegetable Chips

Jug Jug Sports Bar (Granada Hills, CA)

 I have been to a few bars and there are somewhat nice. But as soon as I approached jug jug, this is where the story begins! My first time coming here is when my brother had took me here after the first big show at CSUN. The headliner was the cataracts since Dev couldn't make it due to being pregnant?? and it we had kreyshawn.. some weird singer who sang afterwards. I think B.O.B. came to sing as well. So after the big show, we wanted to grab a drink... my brother had decided jug jug.. ok.. we drank a liter of beer and ever since then.. jug jug has been the destination and choice to go whenever I felt the urge to get a drink. I have celebrated my birthday here once, graduation party here, and drank numerous times here with friends. Now, this is one top-notch sports bar. It's a Korean Sports bar. They serve you chips and salsa. The salsa is one-of-a-kind. I have never had salsa this good ever!!! The chips are good too.

The one dish i suggest anyone coming here to order is their spicy wings. OMG!!! Everytime my friend calls me.. i know what he's going to say. "Arthur, lets go to jug jug and get some of that spicy wings." This is spicy.. no doubt!!! Americans might know spicy, but not until they have had "Asian" spicy. WE do spicy like no other. Now on to the other dishes. The Galbi (beef short rib) is quite good. I haven't tried the bulgogi. I have friends who ordered the fried rice. I also have ordered the french fries which is pretty good. My brother enjoys the spicy wings and sweet potato fries. So, not only do we com here for the beer, but the food is amazing as well. The beer prices are mind boggling and you just have to come see it for yourself. There are t.v.s on the walls for your viewing pleasure and there's always a game on or even a replay of a game. So, you are never not watching something thats not a game.

The last thing I have to note about this sports bar is the soju. They have flavored cocktail soju that they flavor the soju with and comes in a liter. Its 19.99 i think and well worth the cost. I love the pomegranate soju. My friend Ed loves it and we always talk about the next time we are going to drink it. We definitely always talk about when we drink it and the good times that come out of it.

Finally, the owner is one cool dude! He's very chill, funny, and humble. If you get to meet the owner, you know right off the bat, that it doesn't just get any better. He's like one of us, but the owner.. lol.

Hope u check this place out.. it's definitely worth the try and money!

cup of soju cocktail

eating the spicy wings

cheers!

hanging out with the buddies

we just love the wings

more wings

of course the beer is good too