Carriage House Cafe is beautiful inside and out. The finger lakes food tasted fresh and simple like Californian cuisine. Just the way I like it.

Strata – cheddar, artichoke hearts

Brie Stuffed French Toast with Berry Coulis

After 3 months of trying almost every day to get reservations, we finally got it. It was a bit of trouble to find the place as there was no number on the door. The front is non-descript. Actually it is covered with a metal grate and looked closed for business. Once we enter, we notice that the decor is the same as the noodle bar and we are seated right in front of David Chang himself. We watch as he creates one beautiful and ingenious plate after the other, 12 dishes in all. He seems to re-invent what it means to prepare, plate and taste with both eyes and mouth:

Fish Chips and English Muffin Toasted with Pork Fat

Sashimi sprinkled with Poppy Seeds

Green Pea Soup (sooo good), Crawfish and Mushroom Egg Roll

Baby Potato Chips, Soft Boiled Egg and Roe

We were not allowed to take any more pictures. oops! Other outstanding dishes were his version of Lasagna with Spring Fricasse and Chantarelle Mushrooms and his version of Deep Fried Short Ribs with Pickled Daikon and Mustard Seeds and Pickled Radish. You wouldn’t think it from the description but the short ribs were to die for! For dessert he served Pineapple Sorbet (yummmm), Rhubarb and Candied Peas, cracker-like Brownies with Yellow Cake Ice Cream. It seems every method of food preparation was used. This kind of establishment is just up my alley since there is no menu and all I have to do is simply enjoy whatever preparations inspire Mr. Chang. It was definitely worth the wait.

Ne-Yo was Alicia’s starting act. When he sang Hate That I Love You, Rhianna made a surprise appearance. She is gorgeous and both are great live performers! I didn’t know who he was before today, but I recognized that I like at least 2 of his songs.

This is my 2nd Alicia Keys concert. She’s an amazing soulful performer. Her stage and special effects were so interesting and her image was projected onto a widescreen above her.

She sang her old hits and the new fave “No One”.

Here we are enjoying the show. Shimmy and BK were there too.

Valentine surprised me by sending Sad Sam to my office.  Isn’t he so cute?

For a pre-theater dinner we had sweet tea, gumbo and jambalaya at Delta Grill.  It brought back yummy food memories of our trip to New Orleans last January.  Little Mermaid the broadway show was my next surprise stop.  Having read the reviews online regarding roller skates, I was reluctant to watch the show.  My co-workers were asking me, “are you taking any kids?”  Meaning, it seems like a kid-oriented show.  My expectations were very low.  Considering all the bad press, I have to say I liked it.  I especially liked Ariel, whose voice reminds me of Idina Mendez from Wicked.  I know some of you will be watching it in the next few weeks so I don’t want to give anything away. Just let us know whether you liked it too.     Thank you Shimmy for creating another special Valentines.  And the most I did for you was cook moo-gook with moo cut in the shape of hearts… cheesy, huh?   :*)   Happy Valentines everyone!

Over Thanksgiving week, we took our Babymoon to sunny San Diego! 

We flew into LA via Virgin American - the interior looked like the W Hotel and we used our computer screen to create a music playlist, check out music videos, order sodas and snacks, seat-to-seat chatting (some dude asked shimmy to chat. scawwy!).  We stayed with friends, ate goood korean food and crepes, got stuck in 2 hours of LA traffic, and learned the joys of playing DS in a group for 4 hours before driving down to San Diego. 

Here we are in La Jolla

Californians sure do know how to prepare an omlette.  The tomatoes and basil inside were soooo fresh tasting and yummy.

Hiking at Torrey Pines.

Looking down from the cliffs to the beach… what a view!

Lo Jolla Cove

San Diego Zoo - we went early and saw all the animals have breakfast!  isn’t the panda soooo cute?

Balboa Park – this is where Seuss got his inspiration to draw funny looking trees!

Gaslamp District – best thing about this sketchy area was my Ghiradelli chocolate ice cream!

Cabrillo National Monument – through the thick fog, we almost saw Tijuana, Mexico. Here’s shimmy posing like the statue. 

Del Coronado Hotel – site of movies and celebrity guests

My Favorite Part - Two Hours of Biking up and down the hills of Lo Jolla !!! 

Look at shimmy go!     He was a much better biker than me and waited so I wouldn’t lose my breath.  Later when I told my mom about the excursion she got really upset saying in korean, “Are you crazy, you’re pregnant!  You shouldn’t be biking!”  I hadn’t biked in years and the scenery was breath taking. It was sooo much fun!!!
 

Taking a breather to watch the seals at the Children’s Beach at Lo Jolla.

Of course we couldn’t leave LA without some In-N-Out. It is really really good. We went 3 times! (disclaimer: i hate mcds)

Thanks to shimmy for planning another awesome vaca! After this trip we’re in lockdown for at least a year. :p

I got knocked up.  

Happy Buhssday Shimmy!!!!  Hope you liked Cieling and the special appearance by Samuel J at the end of dinner.   I’m so blessed every day to be able to be with you!!! 

I still have yet to take my maiden name and s is not happy.  I’m working on it and hope all the paperwork, including a valid drivers license will be complete b4 year two!

I have a special date on Friday.  We will have dinner and catch a romantic flick while b works late. 

We’ve been taking a look at the below for many weeks now.  I’m thankful for the time to review it.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

   He makes me lie down in green pastures,
       he leads me beside quiet waters,

   he restores my soul.
       He guides me in paths of righteousness
       for his name’s sake.

   Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death, 
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me.

   You prepare a table before me
       in the presence of my enemies.
       You anoint my head with oil;
       my cup overflows.

   Surely goodness and love will follow me
       all the days of my life,
       and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
       forever.

 one year