#sad crunchy phos time

[momentary-moss]

rid of me

[magicshopaholic]

Strawberry And Vanilla (Seokjin x OC)

Summary: Months after you and your best friend decided to do the deed for shits and giggles, Seokjin brings you ice cream while you bring him something else.

Pairing: Seokjin x OC

Genre: Best friends, humour, banter, angst potential

Word count: 5.1 K

Rating: 18+

Warnings: none

A/N: So happy to be writing for Seokjin again, not to mention visiting Nari after so long! A big thank you also to @casuallyimagining and @alpacaseoks for beta reading this for me <3

This fic takes place approximately six months after You Make Me Live, and contains mentions of Namjoon and Kaya.

Tagging: @bbl32, @dreaming-with-happiness, @meirkive, @quarter-life-crisis2, @ggukkieland, @kflixnet, @k-radio (drop me a message to let me know if you'd like to be tagged)

Listen to: “the kids aren't alright” by fall out boy

seokjin masterlist | main masterlist

She’s strawberry and he’s vanilla. 

Strawberry; sweet in theory, but has its share of other things, primarily the burst of juices in your mouth, along with seeds and delicate skin. It's a pleasure to devour - but only if it’s the right amount of ripe. It isn’t until you bite into it that you find out if it’s too juicy or just the right amount of sweet - much like Nari. It isn’t until she’s in front of him that he finds out how she is: sweet because that’s how she is, or sad because of a failed surgery, or stressed because of hospital politics - or a combination of all.

Meanwhile, Seokjin is vanilla. What you see is what you get with him. Sweet, but not overly so. Comforting and familiar, universally liked because he’s straightforward and uncomplicated. Depending on the situation or the right toppings, he can become sweeter, crunchy, fruity - whatever you like. If the strawberry is sour, the vanilla makes up for it.

Thankfully, today Nari seems to be the right kind of strawberry.

When Seokjin reaches the hospital, he debates for a moment whether to go in or not. Something about hospitals intimidates him; he’s not afraid, exactly, but the sterility and seriousness of the environment makes him feel far too incongruous being a part of it. 

Still, Nari is in there somewhere, no doubt sleep-deprived and sustaining herself on whatever junk food the vending machines offer. He takes a tentative step towards the revolving doors, if for no other reason than to get out of this cold. It’s October, but Seoul is unnaturally windy for this time of the year. The clouds have been a consistent grey, with no sight of the sun for a consecutive four days now, while the wind blows bitingly. All in all, the city is a dismal sight.

“Are you looking for something?”

Seokjin turns to be faced with a man in light blue scrubs, maybe an inch taller than him and around the same age. He has a hoodie bunched up in one hand and a half-eaten granola bar in the other, his hair cut neatly and in contrast to the shadowy stubble on his face. Seokjin feels a pang of sympathy for him, for his general demeanour gives him the same vibe that Nari usually has - exhausted, yet ready to work at a moment’s notice.

“Oh, um -” He looks in through the glass doors and decides he’d be better off asking. “Yeah, I’m looking for - for Dr Choi. Do you know her?”

The doctor raises his eyebrows and takes another bite of his granola bar. “Which Dr Choi?” he asks through a mouthful, looking only vaguely apologetic. “We have, like, eight of them.”

“Oh. Choi Nari. I don’t know if you -”

“Oh, okay. Yeah, she was in surgery - but she must be done by now,” he answers, nodding. “Dr Nam was the lead surgeon in it and he’s - oh, he’s right there,” he adds, pointing at an elderly doctor in scrubs and a cap inside the lobby, talking to a family of two women and three children. 

“Great. Thanks, um…” Seokjin bites his lip.

“Jason.” The doctor flashes him a smile and bows slightly. “I work with Nari, so… good to meet her friend.”

“Seokjin. Likewise.”

Jason - for that does seem to be his name - gives him a good-natured nod and heads into the hospital, while Seokjin checks his phone to see one unanswered message.

Nari [15:17]

Gimme a minute, almost there

Sent two minutes ago, Seokjin sighs in relief and leans against the pillar next to him, waiting for Nari to arrive. She does, less than a minute later, jogging out of the doors while pulling a pink striped cardigan over her scrubs. Her hair is in a ponytail with loose strands falling messily on the sides of her face.

“Can we please sit outside?” she pleads before he can even get a word out, grabbing his arm and continuing on her way. “I’ve been in the ER for hours before getting pulled into surgery - haven’t seen the sun in nearly twenty-four hours.”

“Well, you aren’t going to see any out here either. But alright,” he adds, slowing down and gesturing to one of the benches outside. 

“Fresh air will work, too,” she decides, letting go of him and tilting her face up to the sky dramatically. “Ah, mowed grass and pollution, what would I do without you?”

“I got you strawberry ice cream,” says Seokjin, retrieving the cup from the bag he’s holding. “Is that okay?”

Her face snaps down to his and she reaches for it eagerly. “It’s perfect,” she notes approvingly, squeezing his shoulder in gratitude and taking a seat next to him, folding one leg underneath her. She takes a bite and sighs. “God, that’s good. Thanks, Kimbap.”

“No need to thank me. But it’s freezing; who the hell eats ice cream in this weather?”

“Isn’t that an ice cream I see in your hand?”

Seokjin, just about to open his own cup, continues without skipping a beat. “Well, obviously I would want a bite but I didn’t know if you’d be in the mood to share. That’s right,” he adds when she raises her eyebrows in amusement, “I know you.”

She chuckles. “Only because I haven’t eaten anything in about eight hours apart from a packet of chips.”

He clicks his tongue, taking a bite of his own vanilla ice cream and shivering. “You should’ve told me that. I would’ve picked you up some actual food, you heathen.”

“Sorry, dad.” Nari scoops a particularly large spoonful of ice cream into her mouth, chewing serenely. “How was last night? Did you even go finally?”

He winces. “Yeah, I had to. Figured I’d stop by for about an hour, get a drink and get the hell out of there,” he says, referring to a Big Hit launch party for another artist. “In fact, even Jungkook and Yoongi ended up leaving with me. I think Taehyung stayed the longest - and Namjoon, of course. It was…” He shakes his head. “... way too loud.”

She snickers. “I figured. I came out of one patient’s room to see some thirty messages from you in the span of fifteen minutes.”

“And yet, I received not one reply until hours later.”

“I was at the hospital, saving lives,” she informs him, poking his shoulder. “What were you doing, Kimbap?”

“I was trying not to kill myself, so I guess I was also saving a life.”

Chuckling, she sneaks a bite of his vanilla ice cream, ignoring his dramatic protests. “When’s your next flight? It must be a long one to, uh…” She frowns. “... I want to say Mexico?”

“Not even a little close. We’re here for two more days, but tomorrow we’re filming and after that we have a day to pack and stuff before we head to Europe again. And then the US?” He shrugs. “I dunno, who can keep track, right?”

“Of course. I’m sure famous schedules have famous people behind the schedules.”

“That’s right. They tell us what to pack for, and Namjoon elaborates.” Seokjin shudders. “Christ, you couldn’t pay me in gold to be the leader.”

“He must be happy, though.”

“Namjoon? Is he ever?”

She slaps his shoulder, snorting. “I meant, because you’re going to Europe. Doesn’t his girlfriend live there? What’s her name… uh, K-Kaya?” She waits for him to nod. “A silver lining, no?”

“I don’t think so,” he answers. The wind blows her short ponytail towards her face and he twists it out of her spoon’s way just in time. “We’re going to France and Italy, so not anywhere near the Netherlands. And just for a week.” He hesitates. “Also… they broke up.”

Nari chokes, eyes widening mid-bite. “What?” When he simply nods conspiratorially, she falls silent for a moment. “But - I thought you said they were, like… soulmates or something.”

“Yeah, well, apparently long distance can break up even the strongest of soulmates eventually.”

“Wow. Is he - how’s he doing? Wait - did you say he was at the party last night?”

Seokjin gives her a look. “Well, yeah. It’s Namjoon; he’s not going to not work because of a break-up. Which, ironically, is why they broke up.”

“Really?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know, I’m guessing.”

“You -” Nari frowns, momentarily lost for words. “What do you mean? He didn’t tell you?”

“Not really. He just told me they broke up. I don’t even think he’s told anyone else.” Seokjin bites his lip as she nods, recalling Namjoon’s stoic, unsmiling face at the party last night. He’d forced expressions onto it, but carefully looked none of the older members in the eye, something that only happened when he was feeling vulnerable.

“Shit. Must be hard.” She sighs, reaching for the last of her ice cream.

“Mhm. Actually,” he adds, remembering a rather important detail, “he didn’t even really tell me they broke up. I guessed it?” He nods in understanding at Nari’s confused expression. “And he didn’t deny it. He just changed the subject. Hence proved.”

“That sounds science-y.”

“Doing the best I can. If it’s true, it really sucks,” he says, genuinely sympathetic for his friend. “She was good for him.”

“Yeah, you made them sound like something out of a k-drama.”

“That’s what it sounded like,” argues Seokjin. “Strangers first, bumping into each other on the streets of Seoul, falling in love over… you know.” He makes a vague motion with his hands. “Artsy stuff.”

Nari bites her lip thoughtfully. “So… I guess you could say they’re Seoul-mates.”

There’s a pause before Seokjin snorts and chokes on his ice cream, shoulders shaking with laughter. Next to him, Nari grins at his reaction before shaking her head. “Come on, don’t laugh, Kimbap,” she says admonishingly. “Your friend is in pain, you know.”

“No, no, we shouldn’t - we shouldn’t laugh…” Straightening up, he shakes his head at her, still chortling.

After a moment, she continues. “Wasn’t she here really recently, though?”

“Not recently. I guess the last time she was here was in…” Seokjin frowns as he tries to remember, and his heart skips a beat a fraction of a second before he realises why. 

“In?”

“Um, April. The day… the day you crashed your car.” He notes how she freezes momentarily before nodding and looking up at him, lips pursed to stop an automatic smile.

“Right. The day you had to pick me up.”

“The day I made you the best jajangmyeon ever.”

“The day I spent all night complaining about my idiot neighbours.”

“Eventful day, huh?” Seokjin finally chuckles and Nari laughs as well, and he settles back onto the bench a bit more comfortably.

“You know, about that night,” she begins, finishing the last of her ice cream, “can I just say I’m glad we never got awkward about it?”

“What are you talking about? You sneaked out before I woke up.”

“I was on call, Seokjin,” she says for what feels like the tenth time, rolling her eyes. “There was a bus crash and all the patients were brought to the hospital. It was all hands on deck.”

“Oh, so a busload of injured civilians were more important than me. I see how it is.”

She nudges his shoulder playfully. “Anyway. Good to know it hasn’t changed anything. I was a bit worried, to be honest.”

Seokjin simply nods in answer, privately agreeing. The first thing he’d thought when he’d woken up that morning to an empty bed was that he’d fucked everything up. He’d hastily pulled on his pajamas and waded through his empty  apartment with a mild hangover and bedhead, until he’d thought to check his phone where Nari had left a hasty message saying that she’d been called to the hospital.

His uneasiness had turned to worry in an instant, especially when he recalled how exhausted she’d been last night - and why. He’d finally decided to give her space, though, for that day at least. There was no telling how the aftermath would be and while his initial assumption was that nothing would really change, for they’d both been quite within their senses when they’d decided to have sex, he didn’t want to find out if something was wrong over text.

As it turned out, he hadn’t been able to speak to her until much later that day, when it was almost dinner time. Seokjin had been in the dorm with Jimin and Yoongi when she’d finally called him, and to his relief, she’d started talking to him just like she always had. She’d sounded absolutely exhausted and as though she’d been about to cry, moving from surgery to surgery, having lost a patient and delivered the bad news to the family. She hadn’t said it, but he was sure she hadn’t had a single decent thing to eat all day.

Seokjin hadn’t known what to say; conversations like this weren’t frequent but they weren’t rare either, and all he could think to do at the moment was move to a different room and just stay on the phone until she’d let everything out.

“I can’t stay here tonight,” she’d sniffled at the end. “I need to be out of these four walls.”

“Come over,” he’d said at once. “I’ll make you bibimbap.”

It hadn’t been until then that he’d remembered what had transpired last night and he’d held his breath, wondering if he’d suddenly made it awkward. But Nari had simply murmured a “thanks, Jinnie,” before having to leave, and he’d bid goodbye to his friends before returning to his apartment. She’d arrived at his place over an hour later, looking like hell. It was clear she’d been trying not to cry, and Seokjin had suggested for her to take a shower while he got dinner ready.

It was nothing new, and she’d emerged with wet hair and a hoodie of his. She’d wolfed down the bibimbap while he turned on the television and had fallen asleep within minutes with her head on his shoulder. It had, for the first time all day, stirred a similar kind of affection for her that he’d felt the previous night. But he hadn’t let himself dwell on it; gently waking her up, he’d led her inside. After a split second decision, he’d steered her into his own bedroom and tucked her in, joining her later with a respectable distance between them.

After that, their dynamic had come back on track. That night wasn’t ignored but it wasn’t focused upon either, and somehow, Seokjin and Nari had gone back to normal.

When he spots a couple of young people wearing similar scrubs to Nari’s going over to the coffee cart outside the hospital doors, he remembers something. “Also - who’s Jason?”

“Jason Derulo?”

Seokjin stares. “Yes, Jason Derulo. Jesus, Nari,” he sighs, shaking his head. “I’m talking about your doctor friend.”

“Oh. Kwon Jason. Sorry, my brain is barely working today,” she adds, and Seokjin apologetically pinches her cheek. “He’s one of the residents who got transferred when the hospital merged with Seoul Presbytarian. He’s nice,” she says after a moment. “He brings me coffee every morning.”

“Does coffee trump ice cream?”

“Depends on what day it is.” When Seokjin chuckles, she shakes her head. “He’s the only one out of the Seoul Pres residents I actually like. And since most of my original class got fired… it’s really just me and him.”

He frowns. “Wait, Hayoon got fired?”

“Yeah,” she says heavily. “It’s okay; she’s a good surgeon. She’ll find another job, but…” She shrugs, looking tired again, but still gives him a small smile. “It’s always hard. The hospital becomes kind of like your home, you know? And your colleagues become your friends. Really good ones.”

Seokjin nods, wondering how he’d missed something this big in her life. Or not wondering, really - he knows. Schedules aren’t the easiest to deal with, and neither of them are people who tend to spend hours on the phone. 

“By the way,” he says after a moment, nudging her gently, “my brother’s getting married next month.”

“Oh, right.” She pauses, chuckling dryly. “Asking me to be your date?”

Seokjin freezes momentarily, with a sense of foreboding. “Not exactly. I mean,” he backtracks hastily, “we could go as - as friends, if you want.”

She shrugs. “Why would I? I’ve got my own invite,” she says teasingly. “You’re bringing a date, though? Oh, what about Ryujin?”

“Ryujin?”

“Yeah. Short hair, lived down the block. Your girlfriend?”

Seokjin frowns incredulously. “Does time pass differently inside that hospital? You know we broke up, like, two years ago?”

“Hasn’t it been about eight months?”

“Right. Same thing.” He sighs hugely, stretching his legs. “I don’t know. It’s not really customary to bring your ex-girlfriend to your brother’s wedding.”

“Yeah, but you guys didn’t really break up,” she reasons. “You just sort of… fizzled out. It may not be that weird.” She shrugs. “What even happened there? You never really told me.”

“Yeah, because there was nothing to tell,” he says honestly. “It actually just fizzled out.”

“Hm.” She nods thoughtfully for a moment. “You guys were cute. Seokjin and Ryujin. She was one of your girlfriends I liked.”

“Really?” He shifts to turn towards her. “Who were the others?”

“Um… the one you dated in freshman year of college? The cute one with the bangs?”

“Well, that narrows it down.”

“Shut up. My point remains,” she reminds him, “I like Ryujin.”

“Please.” Seokjin scoffs. “You got so annoyed every time she wore those low-waisted jeans, you always -”

“Okay, no, that wasn’t a Ryujin problem, that was a low-waisted jeans problem,” she corrects him firmly, holding up a finger. “I can’t stand them, okay? It always looks like they’re about to fall off and I get stressed because I just want to pull them up and I’ll have to lunge to do it, and then I’ll trip,” she finishes.

He nods thoughtfully and pats her shoulder. “Let’s not talk about this. It upsets you too much.”

“It does.” Nari mirrors his position and nudges his foot. “So? Will you ask her?”

“What? No.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s weird.”

She wrinkles her nose. “Is it really? Because you two might be the most friendly exes ever.”

Seokjin sighs, for she’s right. He’s never been the type to hold a grudge and in Ryujin’s case, there was no grudge to even speak of. She’d gone to their high school, too, had been a part of their neighbourhood growing up and when Seokjin had asked her out at a common friend’s birthday, it had been easy and uncomplicated - as had the break up six months later. The chemistry had been limited and not everyone was made to date an idol, and they’d ended things just as amicably as they’d begun.

But taking her to his brother’s wedding? Highly unnecessary.

“I can just go there single, you know. Like you,” he points out.

“Of course, you can. And then all the women there who’ve been after us since high school can come over to ask us in those annoying, simpering voices why we aren’t dating yet,” she reminds him with the air of a student who’s answered a question correctly.

Seokjin swears. “God, no. You think they will?”

“They did the last time, at my parents’ anniversary party.”

Seokjin shudders and closes his eyes, knowing she’s right. He can’t possibly risk that; their thankfully normal relationship, while easy for the time being, needs just one badly placed comment to unravel. However, he also doesn’t see how he and Nari going together is any better; in fact, there’s just the smallest chance it might even give Nari the wrong idea.

In the face of the grey sky, Seokjin’s eyes snap open. Could it be? Could that really be the reason she wants to go together? It immediately makes his heart skip an uncomfortable beat, and Ryujin suddenly seems like a really good idea.

As if on cue, Nari groans from beside him. “God, a wedding. If I go alone, I’m going to have to sit next to my mother, and listen to her rattle off the name of every single man over there before she starts going over and setting up dates for me.” She shakes her head tiredly and drops her head on his shoulder. “If we go together, at least I avoid that.”

Oh. That’s why.

It definitely makes more sense, for if there’s one thing Nari would go to any lengths to avoid, it’s her mother and her obsession with her daughter’s love life. But Seokjin still can’t shake the nagging thought that this could all be a very bad idea. She’s been dealing with her mother her whole life; she could certainly do it for one more afternoon, couldn’t she? If the alternative is ruining a lifelong friendship?

Seokjin bites his lip. “You know. You might just be right about Ryujin.” The words are out of his mouth before he can help it and he winces, realising belatedly that he could be coming across as extremely insensitive right now.

But Nari lifts her head up instantly and turns to him, eyes wide. “Really?” When he nods, she smiles and raises her eyebrows, apparently impressed. “Good for you, Kimbap. It’ll actually be good to see her again,” she adds, settling back into her original position. 

“Yeah, I guess.” And it’ll be good to see us again, just as friends. A few seconds pass before he speaks again. “You really think I should call Ryujin up?”

As expected, she frowns, looking rather confused now. “You just said it would be good to see her again.” When he shrugs, she shrugs. “I mean… it’s up to you, really. Could be fun, but only if you’re comfortable.”

Seokjin nods, feeling slightly better. He looks up to see her staring at him. “... what?”

She gives him a rather obvious sort of look. “So? Are you going to call her?”

“What - now?”

“Yeah. Before I go back inside.” Nari pats his thigh impatiently. “I need my quota of actual human interaction and conversation before I go back inside and get into surgery for another six hours.”

“Nari, I’m not going to call her right now.”

“Why not?” she whines. “You don’t have to put it on speaker or anything. I’ll just sit here and watch you talk.”

“God, Nari, that is so weird.”

“Jesus, you’re right.” She sighs. “I’m sorry. It’s the lack of sleep. And being stuck in there with Dr Nam for a third of a day has just stripped me of my filter completely.”

He scoffs. “What filter?”

Nari laughs, nudging his shoulder. “God, you get me.” She drops her head into her hands and stifles a yawn. “Okay, I need to hydrate,” she mumbles, emerging after a moment. “No, wait - I have to be in surgery in an hour so I can't afford to have to pee in the middle of it… God, okay, I'm going to stock up on sugar, then," she decides, standing up and dusting herself off.

"Nari, don't you think you should have some real food?" Seokjin asks, hearing the disapproving tone in his own voice.

She raises an eyebrow at him. "Is that your way of saying you don't want a muffin?"

"I -" When she folds her arms across her chest, lips twisting in preemptive victory, he rolls his eyes. "Fine, fine, since you just won't let it go, I'll have a danish," he huffs.

"Predictable," she scoffs. "Cherry or blueberry?"

"Surprise me."

She grins. "Okay, then. I'm going to go over to the coffee cart all the way over there -" She makes a show of pointing out how far away it is "- so you can call Ryujin in total privacy."

"You are so annoying, I swear to God."

"I'm just trying to help. You need to know if she's coming so you can RSVP."

"It's my brother's wedding! I don't need to RSVP."

"Jinnie, please," she whines dramatically, apparently oblivious to how his stomach flips without warning. "This is the closest thing to entertainment I ever get. I don't watch TV, I don't listen to music and I -" She places her hands on her hips and sighs. "I have to go into surgery and stare into a person's gall bladder for the next six hours."

Seokjin gags. "You know what? I don't think I need that danish anymore."

"Okay, okay, I'm going," she says quickly, already taking a couple of steps back as he begrudgingly takes his phone out and tapping on Ryujin's name. It's just as well, he thinks as he places the phone to his ear and waves Nari off, for if it's left to him, he's never going to get around to it. He needs Nari to push him into it and if it works, if Ryujin says yes, he no longer needs to worry about anything putting his oldest friendship in jeopardy.

"Oh, wait!" Seokjin remembers something as the call connects. From a few feet away, Nari turns around. 

"What?"

"If I go with Ryujin, who will you go with?"

She shrugs nonchalantly. "Alone? It's no big deal," she adds.

He winces theatrically. "But your mom?"

"I haven't annoyed her in ages," she says wryly. "That can be my human interaction for the day."

He chuckles as the phone rings, already rehearsing the words in his head. Hey, Ryujin. So… my brother's getting married next month. If you're not doing anything, do you want to go together? As friendly exes? That's the one where you try the dating thing and it doesn't work, but you fortunately end it just before it gets too awkward?

It's not bad. Short and simple, just enough to break the ice with an acquaintance. He looks up and watches Nari tie her hair before suddenly patting her pockets and spotting her phone next to him. He silently rolls his eyes at her and picks it up to give to her, pleasantly surprised at how much he's looking forward to talking to Ryujin after all this time.

"By the way, I just thought of something." Nari whispers loudly, chuckling, making him look up instantly. "If my mom becomes too much of a pain, I'll ask Jason to come with me. He's nice and doesn't have a life either, just like me. And that way you won't have to feel guilty," she adds earnestly.

"Jason?" Seokjin asks blankly.

"Yeah, you met him earlier, right?" 

"Yeah, but -" 

At that moment, the call clicks and a familiar voice comes through. "Hello?"

"Hi - hi, Ryujin," he stutters and in front of him, Nari's eyes widen and she silently waves to him before hurrying away, giving him a thumbs up as she does.

"Seokjin, hi."

It takes him a moment to respond. "Hey. How - how are you doing?"

"I'm good." She sounds familiar, if a little confused. After a moment, she continues. "What about you? How was your tour?"

Right. He'd gone on tour right after they'd ended things. "Oh, it was fine. Tiring," he adds. "We're going to Europe next week."

"That's cool. Paris again?"

"I wish." He nods, glad that the weird jumpiness in his voice has disappeared. "But I don't think the Louvre can handle that kind of boredom again."

Ryujin laughs and he feels a bit better. "So… what's going on?"

"Right." Seokjin bites his lip, the words suddenly hard to say aloud. But it's better this way. Establish boundaries, establish places, so everyone knows exactly where they belong. "I wanted to ask you something, if you're not - if you're not busy."

"Okay. Sure."

"Um, my brother's getting married next month."

"Oh, wow. That's great. Congratulate him for me."

"Uh, will do." He clears his throat and looks around, as though hoping for the words to pop up out of the ground. He turns slightly and spots Nari at the coffee cart, running a hand through her unwashed hair as she looks pensively into her phone while the barista heats up a danish. Her pink hoodie is a bright spot in the sea of sunless grey, and he thinks, once again, that she should really be eating a proper meal.

"Seokjin?"

"Yeah. Sorry, I wanted to ask, um…" If you would be my date to the wedding, so that my best friend and I aren't forced to go together and end up reliving moments from the one night we spent together that could unravel years of friendship.

"... if my blazer is still at your house?"

There's a moment of silence. "Your blazer?"

"Yeah," he answers tightly, squeezing his eyes shut before opening them with a sigh. "I'd worn it to our date at The Arches and I remember it being really hot…" He's rambling now, but it doesn't matter. "I think I took it off at your place when I dropped you back."

"Oh, right." It sounds like Ryujin's nodding, followed by some soft shuffling of sounds at her end. "It's here," she confirms. "Black with the grey lining, right?"

"That's the one."

"Okay. I have it, so you can come pick it up… whenever," she says, before pausing for a moment. "It's nice to hear from you, Jinnie."

Something churns uncomfortably in his stomach. "You, too." He means it, he does. "Bye, Ryujin. And thanks."

"Bye."

The call clicks and Seokjin slowly brings the phone down to his lap, refusing to think about what he's just done. There's really no need to needlessly complicate it, which is exactly the kind of thing thinking is bound to do. It is, quite possibly, what caused super genius Namjoon and his equally intelligent girlfriend to break up or whatever, he thinks forcefully. Nothing good can come of thinking.

"How did it go?"

Explaining, though. That's still left to do.

"Fine. I mean, not - not fine," he corrects himself, shifting slightly to let her sit down. The smell of freshly heated sugary bread wafts up but he enjoys it significantly less than he'd expected. "She's busy that day."

"Oh." Nari raises her eyebrows. "That's some schedule, being busy a month in advance. But," she adds, shrugging and folding her legs underneath her and tucking her hair behind her ears, "I don't have a life, so what do I know?"

"You and me both."

She hands him his danish, buttery and soft, placed on a paper plate. "You want to guess the flavour?"

His eyes flicker up towards her. "Um, I don't know. What flavour is yours?"

"Strawberry. Come on," she says after a moment. "You can get a bite of my muffin if you guess right," she offers. 

Seokjin chuckles weakly, staring at the plate. It's better this way. He's a good friend, and he isn't about to abandon her to be harangued by her mother just because of his own tendency to overthink.

He looks up to see her waiting, her own muffin an inch away from her mouth. "Okay, so cherry usually has a redder tinge…"

Nari grins. "It does, huh?"

"Yeah, but blueberry is always bigger? I don't know, it feels like that…"

~

Thank you for reading. Don't forget to leave a review :)

[aikuutv]

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Vietnamese Oliver Aiku headcanons

Warning - mentions of food | aiku being a lil bitch |

Wasian Boy Aiku my beloathed and beloved

Oliver Aiku is the peak Kevin Nguyen meme 

That slightly overgrown guy hair with the fade underneath? Yeah that would be Aiku’s hair canon (Nomura-sensei told me himself via email)

 He has a dainty silver chain that sits so pretty on his collar bone (salivates 🤤🤤🤤🤤) 

 Aiku has his ears pierced with golden/silver studs usually, sometimes he wears pretty dangly earrings with a little jade in them for taking girls out or special occasions 

He gives out li xis to little kids (red envelope)

 He wears Louis vuitton dress shirts and with air forces and and with the silver chain with a jade pendant his grandma gave him back in Vietnam

She also gave him a jade bracelet, jade rings, jade earrings, and jade necklaces (he's the favorite grandchild for her because Aiku looks like her late-husband)

 your not vietnamese if you don’t eat sriracha sauce at least with your rice at times or pho or any dish /j

luckily spice whore Aiku does because he puts that sauce on everything he eats

he eats sriracha with his rice and his ramyun and his noodle dishes and rice dishes and on french fries and steak (steak with rice and mix of ketchup/sriracha is god tier) 

 He’ll even carry it around in his travels when airplane food is too bland or if a dish needs a lil kick (just imagine him whipping out a mini bottle of sriracha in the middle of his dinner date like “don’t worry babe i gotchu’ :squirts way too much sauce on:

 speaking of which, his fav viet dish is bun bo hue I don’t make the rules yes I do 

The blood in the soup? He fucks with that (if he can like salted squid innards on his rice then I can see he looks blood bloods in bun bo hue) 

He also likes bun rieu with many fish balls 

Aiku can down cups of Che (those little crunchy red things are so good)

Durian. The only fruit ever. Aiku loves it, his mother’s side of the family loves it (she’s half Japanese/Vietnamese while his dad is Swedish/German another hc ) whether it’s frozen or fresh chopped in the motherland itself Aiku will never pass Durian (it doesn’t smell like garbage when frozen its similar to  creamy ice cream with a tang) 

Okay when you go to a family viet party you will never not find Heinekens/Coronas, weed, dads smoking outside, moms surrounding each other in the kitchen, teens upstairs somewhere on their phones, and the little kids running around 

Where Aiku falls under that category is all of them he fits anywhere he feels like 

Oliver Aiku is the master of laughing loudly with the dads/uncles and karaoking with them cause what viet party is without music/obnoxious singing? 

IT'S THE KIND TO WRING IN YOUR EAR

TO LEAK THROUGH THE WALLS 

No but aiku can sing for real I know he’s been through way too many karaoke dates throughout his teen years not to develop his vocal skills 

But then again, that is when he wants to impress pretty girls 

This was belting out to vietnamese songs with a bunch of drunk uncles, shoulder to shoulder as their voices cry out the most sappy or sad song you can find 

you can find him listening to the mums gossip, pinching his cheeks about “OZOUII WHEN YOU GETTING MARRIED WITH GIRL HUH” “here! Have this cream for your skin it's so good for cracked skin like yours Olivber” “You want a haircut? I’ll give you discount eh?” 

When the anties ever say ANYTHING about girls he just smiles awkwardly and nods cause its the hoe life or no life for him 🧍‍♂️🧍‍♂️🧍‍♂️🧍‍♂️

If he’s chilling with the teens then they’re playing video games no questions asked (i am projecting this is what my viet friends do at any gathering) 

HE LIFTS UP THE LITTLE KIDS IF THEY ASK OK AIKU IS GOOD WITH KIDS FACTS 

He stacks plates and all the aunties/moms keep pushing him to take home whatever was made for every fam party (bao, spring rolls, che, bun bo nam bo, the world yknow?) oh and a BUNCH of fruits 

Mango, mangosteen, rose apples, grapes 

If you don’t know what mangosteen is all you need to know is that it has a shell that you need to either break between your hands, open with a knife or smush it against a hard surface 

OKOKOK when lunar new years roll around you know the drill 

All the heavy duty Josie cleaning stuff Aiku does 

(Idk if its just my family but boiling dried grapefruit skin in a very large pot to bath in before lunar new years to bring good luck and all) 

Aiku playing bao cua tom ca (it means bag, crab, fish, lobster, chief) 

It’s a gambling game with coins and a die and let me tell you

AIku goes hard on the gambling 

All coins in, hes betting like he doesn’t have a mama to care for and he does well for himself (it really depends on how many drinks he has for the time being) 

HE IS THE BANK MATERIAL GUUUURRL ✨💅👯‍♀️

Aiku is the designated labor hound in the family 

Groceries in the car? Don’t worry Aiku’s single handedly doing one trip AND the rice bags back and forth 

Need a huge vat of bone marrow to make pho? No problem aiku is lifting it to the kitchen already

Aiku gets so overworked over new years 

His compensation is the food and girls in ao dai for him to flirt with (which his relatives try to set him up and scold him if he makes them pissed off,,,,,one even tried to pull out a rice paddle from the kitchen to smack his ass) 

SPEAKING OF– 

AIKU IN AN AO GAM 

Him in like a black one with golden embroiderment and the pattern is like snacks or clouds ooooo him in a blue one or white one I'm screeching 

He’s sent out as a human sacrifice to light the fire crackers lol 

His mom has the stereotypical job of nail technician, which meant that little aiku had to be dragged to his mother’s workplace that she owns  

He either sat in the pedicure seats, in the back with shrimp chips or actually helping his mom

He knows how to file nails, do the basic coats and even jeweling

His mom’s coworkers would fawn at him and give him candies at the cash register 

Now they bully him about his present hair whenever he visits the nail salon 

A typical convo between mother and son:

 “Aye, why is your hair so messy and long?! You a world star soccer player and you look homeless!!”

 “mę it's not thaaaaat bad–” 

“No it looks like you don’t shower get haircut I will do okay-” 

“MĘĘĘĘ THIS IS HOW I GET GIRLS”

 “BOY YOU TOLD ME YOU CHEAT LAST TIME AT THE KARAOKE WITH YOUR FRIENDS HOW IS THAT GETTING ANY GIRL TO MARRY?!!”

 “MARRY!? IM 19–“ 

“MY FRIEND HAS A DAUGHTER WHO GOES TO VERY GOOD UNIVERSITY YOU SHOULD MEET” 

and so on in berating viet from aiku’s mother 

I JUST THOUGHT OF THIS Aiku calls his dad otou-san/pappa (apparently the swedish say papa like that) and his mom mę/kaa-san (viet way of mom) 

His place has a box of tiger balm and that eagle oil and salonpas (okay so i have a thing the patched up look and aiku using them around his sore muscles ouchie mama)

When he helps to make spring rolls they are overstuffed so he has to double rice sheets lmaooo

Even his 12 year old cousins make prettier ones than him its pathetic 

This guy. LOVES WITH HIS WHOLE MAN BOOBIES viet coffee ok it just hits different 

He has the coffee drip, condense milk, the viet coffee his mom gives him when he visits her, blasts a viet love song and vibes 

Okay the most traumatizing thing after his ideals being crushed was definitely viet school (every saturday from 9am to 12pm) 

All the lessons and repetitive worksheets and the dances in the gym 💀 💀 

In elementary he was in a viet youth group (he was a lion dancer don’t ask) as well along with viet school and soccer practice (lmao overworked Asian kid) 

Aiku’s bubble tea order is a bit basic. He just orders regular bubble tea with reduced sugar and less ice or any kind with coffee in it (pov your on a boba date with Aiku and you try each other’s drinks omg should be me) 

He gets dragged around by his mom in malls for clothing like he’ll be sitting in the store seats while she looks at articles of clothing lined up and hold up any clothes that would fit her son, “Em oy! Look at these jeans, try them on!” “Mm okay Mę 😞” (they’ve been at the same store for 1½ hours) 

His wallet has a few credit cards, a debit card, numbers from various girls and the most important…A COSTCO CARD 

he has one for the cheap gas cause he may like 15,000,000 yen in a single neo league match from soccer teams but anything for a bargain 

He hits on the older ladies at the meat section of Costco 🙃🥴😎 (“aha can I get your snapchat mamas?”)

He likes the lemon ginger kombucha and usually tries to grab as many samples as he can (if he has siblings then he bribes them to give their portion) 

Whenever the u-20 team has to fly out for a match or travel Aiku downloads shows/drama to pass the time

Only, they’re all in vietnamese dub so the team is just so confused what their captain is watching and whenever they try to ask him what’s happening on screen he fucks with them saying shit like,

“Oh the husband is currently homeless right now due to the wife marrying a goose.”

what. 

Yeah whoever sits next to Aiku during travel times watches his shows with him and just makes up what characters say it’s very fun 

he has photos when he was younger wearing the ugliest character shirts with a lighting bolt fade on the side of his hair posing like the power rangers  

[instantdeerlover]

The Best Restaurants In Anaheim added to Google Docs

The Best Restaurants In Anaheim

Let’s face the facts: Anaheim will forever be known to most people as the home of Disneyland. But to dismiss it merely as the House of the Mouse is doing yourself - and your stomach - a huge injustice. First off, it’s a big city, home to 350,000 people, two professional sports teams, and countless thriving neighborhoods that have absolutely nothing to do with “The Happiest Place On Earth.” Secondly, there are incredible places to eat everywhere you look (and probably haven’t thought to look). From family-run Syrian ice cream shops to Argentinian deli counters to historic Japanese bakeries, if you leave Anaheim complaining about the food, you only have yourself and Mickey Mouse to blame.

 Krystal Thompson Okayama Kobo $ $ $ $ Japanese ,  Cafe/Bakery  in  Anaheim $$$$ 155 W Center Street Promenade 8.4 /10

Okayama Kobo is one of those places we’re almost thankful that we don’t live close to, because we’d eat there every day. Then we get sad, because all we want to do is eat there every day. The tiny Japanese bakery in downtown Anaheim has only been open since 2018, but it originated in Japan, where they’ve been baking tremendously savory breakfast pastries and desserts since 1986. We haven’t tried one thing here that we don’t like, but the spicy curry pan, croque monsieur, and any type of Japanini (their take on a French panini) all need to hit your table. They also make bread in-house with flour imported straight from Hokkaido that’s light, fluffy, and will easily last you a whole week.

 Krystal Thompson Forn Al Hara $ $ $ $ Cafe/Bakery ,  Lebanese  in  Anaheim $$$$ 512 S Brookhurst St 8.7 /10

Anaheim’s Little Arabia neighborhood has one of the largest collections of Middle Eastern restaurants on the West Coast, and you could frankly spend an entire weekend here trying all the excellent spots. But if you only have time for one, make it Forn Al Hara. This family-run Lebanese bakery specializes in manaeesh, a Levantine flatbread that comes topped with everything from sujuk (spicy sausage) and labneh and honey to cheese and eggs. You can argue with your friends and family all you want about which is the best, but frankly, it’s a fool’s errand. When the flatbread itself is as fluffy and perfectly baked as it is at Forn Al Hara, it doesn’t matter what’s on top of it - it’s going to taste incredible. Be sure to snag a knafeh (sweet, noodle-like pastry) for the drive home.

 Anaheim Packing House $ $ $ $ American ,  Latin ,  Bar Food ,  Burgers ,  Indian  in  Anaheim $$$$ 440 S Anaheim Blvd Not

Rated

Yet

When you can’t take one more second of the mind-numbing chaos of Downtown Disney, round up the crew and head to the Anaheim Packing House. Located just ten minutes down the road from the parks, APH is a former citrus packing center built in 1919 that’s been transformed into a massive food hall and entertainment complex. With over 50 food vendors, bars, speakeasies, and live music events most nights of the week, it’s one of the only places in Anaheim where kids, teenagers, and adults can all find happiness. Some of our favorite spots include Adya for Indian street food and The Blind Rabbit for specialty cocktails.

Thuyen Vien $ $ $ $ Vegetarian ,  Vietnamese  in  Anaheim $$$$ 1740 S Euclid St 8.1 /10

Anaheim is located just up the road from Westminster’s tremendous Little Saigon neighborhood, home to some of the best Vietnamesse restaurants in the country. And while we certainly endorse a separate trip to Westminster when you’re in town, you don’t have to go far in Anaheim to get good Vietnamese food, either. Case in point - Thuyen Vien. The casual, vegetarian spot serves meatless versions of classic Vietnamese dishes like bo luc lac (shaking beef), cha gio (fried spring rolls), and giant bowls of fragrant pho - and everything is excellent. That said, it’s the spicy, lemongrass-filled bun bo hue that remains our favorite thing on the menu, and exactly what you need to be eating when the thermometer falls to a brisk 65 degrees.

 Koftegi $ $ $ $ Turkish  in  Anaheim $$$$ 816 S Brookhurst St 8.2 /10

Koftegi is a Turkish restaurant/bakery in Little Arabia, and at first glance, has a menu that looks fairly similar to others around the neighborhood. But skip the kabob wraps and meze (though they are tasty) and concentrate on the house specialties instead. Namely, the kofte (seasoned ground beef patties) and pide (Turkish bread boats). You can get the kofte in a wrap, casserole, or as a plate, but we prefer it stuffed with kashkaval cheese, a mild yellow cheese made from a mixture of sheep and cow’s milk. You can wrap pita around the kofte if you want, or just do what we do: Go at it with just a knife, fork, and reckless abandon. As far as the pide goes, you can’t go wrong with any topping, because at the end of the day, it’s all about the thin, perfectly crunchy crust.

 El Gaucho Meat Market $ $ $ $ Latin ,  Deli ,  Argentinian  in  Anaheim $$$$ 847 State College Blvd. 7.8 /10

From the outside, El Gaucho looks like a neighborhood convenience store, but on the inside, you’ll find a secret meat-filled wonderland serving tremendous Central and South American staples. There’s a full deli and market area where you can pick up ingredients for your at-home feast, but our move is to head to the counter off to the right instead. Here is where you’ll get some of the best empanadas in town (the chicken is a must), plus giant, well-made sandwiches - like the entrana (skirt steak) and the beef and ham-topped chivito - for less than $8. If you’re looking for a quick, affordable lunch in the area, head to El Gaucho.

 Krystsal Thompson K&A Cafe $ $ $ $ American ,  Mexican  in  Anaheim $$$$ 201 W Center Street Promenade 8.0 /10

Sure, your hotel’s continental breakfast is free, but it’s also two trays of watery eggs that haven’t felt heat since 6am. You deserve better, so head to K&A instead. The excellent order-at-the-counter breakfast spot inside The Good Food Hall in downtown Anaheim serves quick, healthy-ish American staples like omelettes and breakfast sandwiches in a serene environment where you can actually sip your coffee and collect your thoughts for the day. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if it’s your first time, definitely go for the chorizo burrito. Filled with crunchy potatoes, eggs, and cheese, you’ll be full for a while, but you didn’t have anything good planned for lunch anyway.

 Krystal Thompson Le Mirage Pastry $ $ $ $ Cafe/Bakery ,  Ice Cream ,  Syrian  in  Anaheim $$$$ 100 S Brookhurst St 7.9 /10

The thing about Le Mirage is that it’s actually an all-around great bakery filled with every type of pastry, cake, tart, and cookie you could want. The problem is, we always just end up getting the baklava and bouza ice cream. The baklava is our favorite in the neighborhood (a high distinction in Little Arabia), but it’s the bouza that you should be driving long distances to eat. The taffy-like Syrian ice cream is thick, gooey, and delicious, and modeled after the same ice cream the owner grew up eating in Damascus. It’s an incredibly special dessert and one that should be added immediately to your ice cream Rolodex.

 The Ranch Restaurant $ $ $ $ American ,  Steaks  in  Anaheim $$$$ 1025 E Ball Rd 7.5 /10

Located on an industrial stretch of Southeast Anaheim, The Ranch is your one-stop shop for big-group dinners and mild debauchery in Anaheim. On one side of the massive complex is the restaurant, which is a typical upscale steakhouse with big plates of meat, well-made martinis, and long tables filled with coworkers in town for a convention. On the other side, however, is the saloon, where things get wild in a hurry. Expect competitive line dancing, live country music, and people in their 60s ripping shots because they still can.

 Aleppo's Kitchen $ $ $ $ Syrian  in  Anaheim $$$$ 513 South Brookhurst Street 7.9 /10

Aleppo’s is a cornerstone of the Little Arabia neighborhood and our choice for dinner when we’re with a big group who wants a festive atmosphere. Located behind a hair salon (the entrance is on the backside of the strip mall), this family-run Syrian restaurant has a large menu full of kabobs, shawarma, as well as plenty of vegetarian options, but our go-to is lamb kabseh. It’s a massive platter of perfectly tender lamb braised with spices and other aromatics, sitting on a bed of rice. It’s one of our favorite lamb dishes in all of Southern California and is worth the drive alone. That said, definitely fill out your meal with some muhammara (red pepper and walnut dip), cheese borak (fried puff pastry), and a platter of their housemade kibbeh (ground meat in cracked wheat).

 Krystal Thompson Cortina's Italian Market & Pizzeria $ $ $ $ Deli ,  Italian  in  Anaheim $$$$ 2175 W Orange Ave 7.9 /10

Smack in the middle of Little Arabia sits Cortina’s, a family-run Italian marketplace and restaurant that’s been in operation since 1963. The space itself is broken up into two different sections - the deli/market to the left and the pizzeria/restaurant to the right, but if you’re short on time, stick to the deli. That’s where you can get imported pasta, meats, and cheeses for home, on top of ordering fresh-made sandwiches from the deli. If you’re hungry, get the Cortina’s Special with capicola, mortadella, two types of salami, and all the fixings. If you’re really hungry, get the meatball sub.

 MFK By Aysee $ $ $ $ Filipino  in  Anaheim $$$$ 2620 W La Palma Ave 8.0 /10

Located just down the road from Knott’s Berry Farm, MFK is a modern, order-at-the-counter Filipino restaurant and your best bet for lunch on a stretch largely dominated by chains. The menu is small, with only a handful of different bowls and two “small bites,” but it still covers an impressive amount of ground. With minced crispy pork, fried egg, and lemon aioli, the sisig isn’t a traditional version by any means, but it is a tremendous one and needs to be ordered every time you come to MFK. From there, round out your meal with some pork lumpia, bistek tagalog (marinated beefsteak), and some “purple drank” (an horchata/ube combo beverage), and you’ve got yourself the best lunch in the neighborhood.

Sahara Falafel $ $ $ $ Mediterranean ,  Middle Eastern  in  Anaheim $$$$ 590 S Brookhurst St 7.8 /10

When we’re roaming around Little Arabia and need a quick, affordable lunch spot, you’ll find us at Sahara Falafel. The family-run, order-at-the-counter restaurant has been around since 1994, and has become a staple of the community for serving the kind of hearty shawarma and falafel wraps that’ll keep you full all day. It’s an impressive feat, considering that every sandwich is under $8.

Ma's Chinese Islamic $ $ $ $ Chinese  in  Anaheim $$$$ 601 E Orangethorpe Ave. 7.7 /10

Most big-group dinner spots in Anaheim are either dime-a-dozen steakhouse chains or weird hotel restaurants where Snow White shows up for a family photo right when you start eating. Ma’s Chinese Islamic is neither of those. Come to this family-run Halal restaurant in north Anaheim any day of the week and you’ll find large family gatherings, locals on lunch breaks, and every other person who passed by craving very good Chinese food. Ma’s menu is gigantic, with everything from kung pao chicken to dim sum, but we recommend focusing on the house specialty short ribs, any of the cold meats, and a massive plate of scallion bread.

 The Fifth $ $ $ $ American ,  Bar Food  in  Anaheim $$$$ 1650 S Harbor Blvd 7.2 /10

If it’s after 9pm, the kids are in bed, and you’re wondering if there’s anything to do outside the parks for a little bit, head immediately to The Fifth. Located on top of the Grand Legacy Hotel, this lively rooftop bar is open until midnight during the week (1am on the weekends), and is where every vacationing parent and convention attendee goes to unwind and drink red wine until they’re cut off. In other words, it’s a great time. The Harbor Blvd. location offers great views of both parks, as well as an unobstructed vantage point of the nightly fireworks - an experience only heightened by the red wine you’re drinking. If you get hungry, there’s also a menu full of solid-enough bar bites like nachos, shrimp tacos, and loaded tots.

Azules Coffee $ $ $ $ Mexican ,  Ice Cream  in  Anaheim $$$$ 732 N Anaheim Blvd. 7.5 /10

Have we made specific detours solely to eat the stuffed churros at Azules? Yes. Will we do it again? Also yes. This Mexican coffee/ice cream shop is located just north of downtown and serves excellent cafe de olla (get the iced version), helados, and ice cream cakes. That said, our move - and a great way to win over your coworkers at lunch hour - is to pick up a dozen stuffed churros and bring them back to the office. Filled with your choice of strawberry, crema, or cajeta (a gooey, caramel-like sauce), these slightly crunchy, perfectly-cinnamon churros will make even the worst bygones be bygones.

via The Infatuation Feed https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/the-best-restaurants-in-anaheim Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://trello.com/userhuongsen

Created March 3, 2020 at 12:38AM /huong sen View Google Doc Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xa6sRugRZk4MDSyctcqusGYBv1lXYkrF

[adityatodi]

Thursday, May 23, 2019

After a delicious breakfast of banana pancake and fresh fruits, we depart Hoi An to go to Da Nang. I booked an AirBnB close to the ocean there. Though check-in is not until 2PM, the host—Hong, was gracious to let us drop our luggage. We then cab it to Marble Mountains which is about 10 minutes away. The mountains provide a panoramic view of Da Nang. There are some beautifully stone carved Buddha statues inside the caves, marble statues of Buddha and exquisite pagodas. It’s a steep hill with lots of steps and things to see. There is a peace and calm to this place, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Pilgrims come here to offer prayers and with it bring a sanctity to this place. We make it to the top and see the ocean on one side and the city on another. In the backdrop is the other parts of the hills. We walk back down as get to our AirBnB since Zubby has to rush to the airport. Goodbyes are shared and a commitment to continue remaining in touch over the summer. Walter and I head to a nearby coffee shop since the AirBnB is not yet ready. I’m on the phone with family for a while and then head to AirBnB to drop our luggage and head out. We walk along the beach and get lunch at a restaurant by the beach called Hai San Pho. The vegetarian food is not good (probably the worst meal I’ve had this trip), but Walter has good things to say about the seafood. We enjoy a great conversation about family, relationships and how with time the nuclear family changes as family members move to different places. We then go and sit by the beach. Walter loves the beach and the fact that anyone who comes to the beach is in a fun and chill mood. It’s hard to remain sad for too long when one finds themselves in nature. We talk about adversities we have faced and aspirations we have. Walter too needs to leave for the airport soon. We head back to the AirBnB, pick up his luggage and share goodbye. It’s been such a wonderful couple of days traveling with Zubby and Walter and I will cherish these memories. Hopefully this is the end of a beginning. A beginning of friendships that will stay the test of time.

Earlier in the afternoon, I had booked a food tour with Diep—a local friend of Katrina. Since she offers a vegetarian tour, I was immediately convinced. Diep picked me up from the apartment and off we were on her motorbike. There is something beautiful about traveling around a city in a motorbike with a local who knows the ins and outs. In a bike, there is no separation. The sound and the vision are unfiltered by steel and glass. Our first stop is a local street vendor who sells Bánh căn, bánh xèo (Vietnamese tradition crispy pancakes). The vendor is vegetarian as she is a practicing Buddhist. The very religious Buddhists here only eat vegetarian, however, on lunar days (twice a month) most of the population eats vegetarian for the day, thus it is easy to find vegetarian food around here (Vegetarian food is called Quan Chay). The vendor we met wakes up early morning to buy groceries and make preparations. Her shop then opens at 10am and she is working till 6 or 7pm. Like many of the street vendors, her shop is on the ground floor while the family lives upstairs. Through her earnings she has been able to support the entire family including the education of her children. For hours every day she is sitting by the hot stove in the Da Nang heat as she makes her pancakes. It’s a very moving story, but not unique. I notice that many of the street vendors actually tend to be woman. As we’re eating she stops making pancakes for a while and stands by the entrance of her store looking into the distance. Who knows what she is thinking. I thank her for allowing me into her shop and giving me a taste of her delicious food. I tell her through Diep’s translation that I find her story inspiring and wish her the very best. Our next stop is a shop in the middle of the market. The market is one for local people who come here to buy low cost clothes and accessories. The markets remind me of the markets one sees outside the remnants of Sundhara. Tarpaulin spread across the floor and on top of it heaps of cloths and accessories. As we make a turn, there is a giant food market with stalls of different vendors selling a bunch of items. Diep makes me taste Chè xoa xoa (Vietnamese jelly and green beans with coconut milk) and Nước ép (Vietnamese green juice). Both the juices are refreshing and helpful for the digestive system. This food stall serves a bunch of fresh juices each with it’s own health benefits. The fresh fruits become part of traditional age old recipes that have been passed down and each generation brings with it parents who bring their kids along. For these kids, this is their entertainment. This is what is meant by going out to eat. Memories are associated with the place as as the kid grows up and becomes a parent, they fulfill the sacred tradition of passing on to the next generation these experiences. And so the markets continue for generation after generation, a mixture of individual memories and common binding experiences. The next stop is for the one Vietnamse dish that I have not yet had and would do injustice if I left the country without trying it—Bánh mì gà (Vietnamese baguette). The stall is run by an aged lady, around 75. She is slightly hunched, white hair but very much looks active. She has the option to not do this and let her daughters take care of it, but she prefers to keep herself busy. Her husband passed away when her daughter were around 6 or 7, and the responsibility of raising them fell entirely on her. She took this responsibility head on and educated and took care of her daughters who are now in their mid-20s. The Bánh mì here is the most delicious Bánh mì I’ve ever had. The bread is fresh and crunchy and the sauce is a mix of sweet and chilli. If it were not for the places we had already been earlier or the three more we would be going to, I would eat more of it, but had to respect my stomach. Next stop is another vendor who also lives in multigenerational household with her shop on the ground floor. The low tables and chairs at this place is a classic imagery of Vietnam’s street culture that I will take away from this country. In the streets of Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang one finds low plastic tables and chairs put on pavements as family and friends and couples sit outside and enjoy a meal. The tables and chairs are respective of the communal culture, the importance of family and relationships. Next to where I’m seated, there is a couple on a date and a few minutes later a group of friends walk in and sit on another table. Over there I have some Bánh tráng kẹp (Vietnamese rice paper cracker pizza with quail eggs and onion) and then we head to another place to eat Bánh bèo, (water fern cake with veggie toppings). The place use to be a small shop serving only vegetarian food and grew so much in popularity that they were able to open a more upscale restaurant. The restaurant is next to a monastery, thus helping it also to get vegetarian customers. The stomach is getting pretty full by now and I’m in no mood to jeopardize the gastrointestinal health. Our last stop is a shop in the corner of a narrow alley serving a dessert called Chè chuối (grilled banana with warm coconut soup dessert). The vendor here as well has a moving story of her daughter having gone through a bad marriage that involved physical violence, finding courage to get out of it and now helpin her mother with the stall. The gastronomical journey now comes to an end. I savor the last moments on the motorbike going through the streets of Da Nang and bid goodbye to Diep and thank her from the bottom of my heart.

This evening has deeply enriched me. In addition to the food, throughout the evening I have conversations with Diep as well about the city, the vendors and her own life. Many people I have spoked to say that the pace of development they have seen in Da Nang over the past 5-10 years is unseen. Many high rises have come in and it has become a major tourist destination. I ask Diep how she feels about this as a local. While she is happy that this has brought economic boost and is a sign that her city has “made it” on the global map, the downsides is the pollution and overcrowding that comes with it. Diep has been such an amazing guide. Her energy and passion for this city is infectious. She knows the city so well and the stories of the street vendors she takes me to as well. She is an accountant by day, but then does food tours 2-3 times a week. She was so happy that her tour is rated #10 on TripAdvisor and hopes that one day it becomes big enough so she can leave her government job that pays a meagre $150 per month (versus $35-50/person food tour she gets). She mentions a British friend of hers who helped improve her English and design the website. These small steps and help by a friend has made such a significant impact on her. It made me think when have I helped someone in a way that has made such a positive impact on them—I had a hard time thinking of it. While I have some deep friendships, it did make me wonder what it means to be a friend and help someone in such a significant way. I hope if a friend needs me, they will feel comfortable approaching me for help or I’ll know it before then need to approach me and I’m able to extend help.

Often times, elites like us go through these informal sectors and think of them as not being hard workers. We think that if they worked harder they could do something and earn more money and get economic mobility. But as one has more and more interactions, it is realized that in fact they work harder every single day then I even could. It is not the lack of hard work that is stopping them, but the circumstances they find themselves in. For me these street vendors are the true entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs for whom their business is their bread and butter. Their grit is inspiring. I pray that I too may have the ability to work hard and deliver better lives to those around me. I hope that through my work, those around me are happier and able to provide better lives to their families and give them opportunities that they otherwise would not have. Life is short and I have been blessed with abundance. I hope I’m able to pay back even a small portion of this debt.

I get back to the AirBnB, take a shower and head over for a rooftop party that Katrina’s expat friends are hosting. The evening is spent meeting and talking to these folks, conversation with a couple of South Africans about cricket and the upcoming World Cup and chatting with Katrina about family and childhood. She has an early morning yoga class she is teaching and I’ll be off to Hanoi. We bid each other goodbye and hopes of seeing each other before ten years!

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“EVERYONE EATS AND DRINKS ;

YET ONLY FEW APPRECIATE THE TASTE OF FOOD”

– CONFUCIUS

Kolkatan never get bored of Chinese food AND never stopped to appreciate those. which is why so many Chinese restaurants have managed to become so successful in the city. The most talked about upcoming addition to this list of Chinese restaurants is Asia House -Pan Asian Cuisine. We got the chance to get a glimpse of what the restaurant has in store for us. The best part, which also sets this restaurant apart from any other Chinese restaurant is that it doesn’t only focus on Chinese cuisine. It is truly a Pan Asian restaurant with dishes ranging from Malay, Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean cuisines.The space is elegant, comfortable and inviting. The start are warm, helpful and unobtrusive. Flavorsome food with interesting texture. The chef has obviously put a lot of thought in his creations. As we walked into Cinnamon Kitchen, we were immediately seduced by both the aroma of the tantalising smells wafting through the restaurant, as well as by the excited murmur of happily munching clients. The interior is both smart and trendy, and gave both a happening vibe with a balanced sense of a cozy intimacy. The restaurant’s decor is impeccably chic with lots of natural light, minimalistic with hints of the perfect Asian theme.The look, the scents, the atmosphere, the menu all tell you that if you are looking for authentic Pan Asian flavours, you have come to the right place.

Stepping inside, expanses of black and red surfaces, teamed with Oriental artwork and sculptures, create a feeling of far eastern intimacy. With the dimmed lighting in place, it was almost reminiscent of the Macau casino scene from Skyfall – granted, I can’t quite pull of the rakish James Bond look, but to have a restaurant instil a feeling of harmless fantasy that doesn’t feel like a gimmick is a very rare thing, but it doesn’t really solely on tradition, but adds its own unique contemporary flourishes as well.

We were excited to see that the tasting menu offered a comprehensive variety of dishes, encompassing a great deal of flavours that spanned large portions of the map.

As with some other restaurants around Kolkata, Asia House’s location and dedication to both innovation on the menu, and creating a sense of real atmosphere and style inside, may discourage people with the notion of prohibitive pricing. This is simply not the case here. To get to sample such bold flavour in their dishes, the freshest of ingredients, all in a setting like this and to pay relatively little for it, Asia House is actually something of a bargain. Not once did the menu seem rushed, or padded out, but rather like the chefs have real excitement in what they do.

“So Asia House started as a need to reinvent Asian Cuisine in the city. I wanted something away from the regular Chinese and Thai we get all around Kolkata. While some the items are still typical, 85% of the menu is experimental and Modern.By Modern I mean using modern cooking techniques and ingredients to supplement the traditional flavors of a long standing and recognized dish.So I came up with this concept of picking up dishes from some of the best modern Asian Restaurants around the world and recreating them in Kolkata”. – Varun Rajgarhia – owner – Asia House

The Dishes We Had : 

Soups :

Vietnamese Pho (Chicken) –  A nourishing soup made with flat rice noodles and chicken broth, Pho soup is popular throughout Vietnam. I have never had Pho before, but I’ve heard such good things about it that I had to give it a try. It was PHObulous!!!! I found that what made the flavors pop was by adding the basil, coriander and lime wedges just brought out so many more flavors, and the bean sprouts gave it a nice crunch.

Asian Mushroom Soup (Chicken) – This Asian Style Chicken & Mushroom soup is a great, warming light dinner choice which is perfect to include in our healthy eating plan and packs a protein punch. Standard organic Mushrooms and chicken infused with herbs including ginger that boost the immune system, this broth will provide you with feelings of warmth and home at the same time. I love the soup and have been thoroughly impressed by how fresh and tasty it is.

Starters :

Sui Mai (Chicken) – I bet most of you have heard about Dim sum, which is a southern Chinese cuisine that serves with tea and comes in small portions in bamboo steamer! I will never say ‘no’ to Dim Sum and it will always be one of my favourites! Sui Mai is definitely a “must-order” dish. Here they are making it with chicken instead of prawn or pork, just simply because I think We Bengali are more chicken than pork person! Or perhaps, its purely because they feel like trying something different to serve us. Wafer thin floor wrappers with minced chicken served with garlic oil.  There is something charming about going for this dim sum, I guess it must be something I treasure for a long time. 

Pla Sad Takrai – Wow, this is a spectacular dish. By itself, fried fish does really excite me. The lemon grass, lime and crunchy bird’s eye chilli, coriander & Thai herbs match perfectly with fish fillets. The fillets are deep fried and topped with a lemongrass based sauce made from a curry paste before being pan fired with broth and sauce. Finger licking good. I get an adrenalin rush. This fried fish with spicy lemongrass sauce (probably a hint of tamarind) is sweet and sour and totally delicious. 

Indonesian Chicken Satay –  As many of you know, Indonesian well know with their satay – or as we call it Sate – that because satay is considered as the national dish.  Mostly satay is serve with one or two kind of sauce, and the most common used and famous is the peanut sauce.  Delightful little skewers of juicy cooked meat served with creamy peanut sauce. 

Mains :

Kai Pad Kraprow –  Chicken (kai) Stir-fried (pad) basil (krapow) . Stir-fried chicken with Thai holy basil is a favorite dish for Thais and Westerners alike. It is sold in small Thai eateries as a quick one-plate meal served on a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Thai basil chicken, is a contender for the most popular and most preferred Thai Food. The number of fresh chilies makes this a spicy dish. Yummy, savory, tart dish that’s perfect.

Sliced Fish in Chef’s Secret Sauce – Again delicious – sliced fish battered and deep-fried and served in a rich Asian prune sauce with chillies, spring onions and shrimps. Loved the richness and consistency of the sauce. This kind of sauce fits right in with the complex Southeast Asian cuisines, which thrive on pulling our taste buds in a dozen directions at once, acting as the colorful background for other dramatic notes to pop.

Chicken in Black Bean Sauce – Fermented black beans, while not as ubiquitous in Chinese cooking as soy sauce, are a worthy pantry staple for any Chinese cooking aficionado. These little soybeans, packed and fermented in salt, give a pungent dimension to this stir-fry sauces which has been used to prepare this delicious hot Chicken Dish ! 

Rice & Noodles :

Kai Pad Kraprow (Chicken) –  Chicken Fried rice is a popular Chinese dish that involves stir frying rice and vegetables cooked together on a high flame in a wok. There are numerous variations to this dish and one such kind is this dish that is predominantly flavoured by burnt garlic. Sautéeing the garlic till brown gave this rice preparation its unique flavour. Together with red chillies and soya sauce, burnt garlic lends an exciting touch to perfectly cooked Chinese Chicken Rice with a flavour of smoked oil. A delicious quick rice …a must try dish!

Chili Garlic Noodles –  Chilli Garlic Noodles is a simple stir-fried noodles recipe infused with bold flavors of garlic and hot red chilli. A quick, easy and flavourful meal, perfect for entertaining and busy work day. It is a delight to eat. It was so soul satisfying. 

Desserts :

Darsoan with Ice Cream – Crispy Fried flour strips tossed with burnt honey  and caramelized sugar.  A Chinese style dessert which is exquisite. I love it. This is almost every body’s favourite Desert in any Oriental Restaurant. 

Fried Ice Cream – Fried vanilla ice cream infused with coconut flakes and finished with honey,white sesame and chocolate sauce.  I couldn’t resist trying this Deep Fried Ice Cream, that much maligned delicacy ! If there is one thing I know to be undoubtedly true, it is that ice cream is the best year-round dessert. It’s true! Ice cream is cool and refreshing in the summer, and makes for a dreamily creamy, delicious winter dessert. Craving more? 

Asia House restaurant at Southern Aveneu serving good Asian food at excellent value. Portions are generous, with excelelnt service. I will definitely return. Recommended.

I’m just a foodie who loves to eat. And if you’re like me, you’ll love the food here too…

Just come here for the whole experience of eating from a wide variety of Asian food. This place has a lot the offer and the ambiance is mellowing.

Drop in with your friends or family and enjoy.

Special Thanks to – 

○ Varun Rajgarhia, owner Asia House for the invitation and amazing hospitality. ○ Chef for providing us such a lovely experience of Steam Food

○ Rajdeep Bhattacharjee for leading us.

Proud Member of Panch Phoron #panchphoron

For more details:

https://www.facebook.com/ASIA-HOUSE-1813047348950766

“Stunning little Asia at Southern Avenue” "EVERYONE EATS AND DRINKS ; YET ONLY FEW APPRECIATE THE TASTE OF FOOD" - CONFUCIUS Kolkatan never get bored of Chinese food AND never stopped to appreciate those.

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Our Three Favorite Spots For Everything added to Google Docs

Our Three Favorite Spots For Everything

We think about food a lot. Like, a lot a lot. And while we have plenty of guides to great first date spots and lists of literally every single sports bar in LA, sometimes, what’s really on our minds are specific dishes. Singular foods that, much like a Kylie Minogue love interest, we just can’t get out of our heads.

And thus, Our Three Favorite Spots For Everything was born. Each week, we give a different staff member free rein to write about the very best spots for those very dishes - from gluten-free pastas to big ol’ chicken parms, and everything in between. This is our very specific field guide to eating in LA, and we’ll be updating it regularly, so check back often for more inside looks at what’s going on in our brains (spoiler alert: it’s mostly just cured meat plates and this video of Kim Cattrall scatting).

three spots for: lobster rolls

Chances are that within approximately seven minutes of meeting LA Staff Writer Brett Keating, you’re going to know two things about him: He grew up in Massachusetts, and he has strong feelings about seafood. (Don’t get him started on how to pronounce “scallop.”) So needless to say, he’s very critical when it comes to lobster rolls. Here are his three favorites in town.

 Jakob Layman Broad Street Oyster Co. $ $ $ $ American ,  Seafood  in  Malibu $$$$ 23359 Pacific Coast Hwy 8.6 /10

I always thought only tasteless yuppies from Connecticut preferred hot-buttered lobster rolls to cold ones with mayo, until I tried the one at Broad Street Oyster Co. in Malibu. The roll is perfectly toasted, the lobster is fresh and not at all spongey, and the clarified butter takes it to another level.

 Jakob Layman Found Oyster $ $ $ $ Seafood  in  East Hollywood $$$$ 4880 Fountain Ave Not

Rated

Yet

Found Oyster does quite literally everything right - including their lobster bisque/lobster roll mashup, a fantastic, cayenne-heavy version that I’ll happily sacrifice a couple orange-ish stains on my shirt for.

 Jakob Layman Connie And Ted's $ $ $ $ Seafood  in  West Hollywood $$$$ 8171 Santa Monica Blvd. 8.3 /10

The most substantial roll of the three, the cold roll at Connie and Ted’s is a classic. It’s heavy on knuckle meat (the premier lobster roll meat, if you ask me), and lightly dressed with mayo. I absolutely douse it with lemon, too.

three spots for: eating alone

Editorial Operations Manager Jess Basser Sanders enjoys being alone. It’s why she wrote guides like Where To Get Some Pasta And A Glass Of Wine By Yourself, and shows up to work an hour-and-a-half before anyone else. So as a self-proclaimed master of solitude, here are her three favorite places to eat by herself. Don’t try to join her.

 Jakob Layman Hippo $ $ $ $ American ,  Italian  in  Highland Park $$$$ 5918 N Figueroa St 8.2 /10

If I had a spirit meal, it would be pasta and a glass of wine (OK, sometimes I swap in a martini). It’s fun to do with a friend, but secretly, I love it when everyone else is busy. If I’m in Highland Park, my preferred solo meal is at Hippo. You can almost always walk in and sit at the bar. Bring a book, try one of the wines on tap, and order whatever pasta they’re serving that night.

Pho 2000 $ $ $ $ Vietnamese  in  Koreatown $$$$ 215 N Western Ave Not

Rated

Yet

Years ago, I worked in Koreatown at a job I hated. So whenever I could escape for lunch, I’d jump in my car and drive to Pho 2000 on Olympic. I’d get the oxtail pho and spend an hour slurping in silence, scrolling through my phone looking at job postings. Now I just go back for the pho - and the nostalgia.

 Jakob Layman Gjusta $ $ $ $ American ,  Sandwiches ,  Deli  in  Venice $$$$ 320 Sunset Ave 8.7 /10

I used to live in Venice, and while I miss nothing about weaving my way through the tourists every weekend, I do miss Gjusta like it’s an actual real person. One reason is that I can no longer use this place the way the locals do - walking in at 2pm on a weekday, ordering a tuna conserva or tomato confit or smoked fish plate without having to wait, and eating it while leaning on the counter, knowing you’ve got life all figured out.

three spots for: gluten-free pasta

We talk about pasta a lot at Infatuation LA HQ, which makes life in the office pretty hard for our gluten-free LA Marketing Manager Marika Jayne. But rather than getting mad, she got busy - putting together this list of her favorite spots for gluten-free pasta in LA.

 Holly Liss Osteria La Buca $ $ $ $ Italian  in  Hancock Park ,  Hollywood ,  Larchmont $$$$ 5210 Melrose Ave 8.2 /10

The carbonara at Osteria La Buca is one of the best plates of pasta in LA, and just because there may not be any gluten in the noodles doesn’t make it any less great.

 Jakob Layman All Time $ $ $ $ American  in  Los Feliz $$$$ 2040 Hillhurst Ave 8.9 /10

All Time doesn’t always have gluten-free pasta, but when they do, you better get after it. Their gnocchi with lemon parm can only be described with three words: Potato pasta pillows.

 Benji Dell Jones Hollywood $ $ $ $ Italian  in  West Hollywood $$$$ 7205 Santa Monica Blvd. 8.3 /10

There’s no reason to be sad about being gluten-free at Jones Hollywood, because almost any pasta can be made gluten-free, and they’re all excellent. It doesn’t hurt to get a Dirty Sue martini, either.

three spots for: Japanese breakfast

On the rare occasion LA Editorial Assistant Kat Hong wakes up at an “acceptable time” for breakfast, there’s only one choice for her - 朝ごはん, a.k.a. asagohan, the glorious, perfect meal known as Japanese breakfast (and no, we’re not talking about Michelle Zauner’s indie rock alias). Here are her three spots for the most important meal of the day.

 Azay $ $ $ $ Japanese ,  French  in  Little Tokyo $$$$ 226 E 1st St Not

Rated

Yet

Azay is my go-to weekend spot. There’s nothing better than grabbing a corner seat on a Sunday morning, digging into their simple, homestyle breakfast set (and realistically, also whatever special they have that day) and going on Twitter while pretending to read.

 Jakob Layman Orsa & Winston $$$$ 122 W 4th St

For my birthday last year, I called out of work and treated myself to Orsa & Winston’s breakfast omakase. I like that it’s not very traditional - expect dishes like pear and apple salad, and miso-based minestrone - plus, they gave me a free pot of tea even though I didn’t even mention the birthday thing?

Fukagawa Soba & Udon $$$$ 1630 W. Redondo Beach Blvd. Ste 6

While I love Orsa & Winston’s non-traditional take, sometimes, I just want a classic Japanese Breakfast. And my favorite place for that is Fukagawa in Gardena. It’s a bit of a journey from my apartment in [REDACTED], but the D Combo, which comes with grilled fish and natto (very important!!), reminds me of the mornings when I lived in Japan.

three spots for: sandwiches so big you’ll need a nap

LA Editor James Montgomery loves big sandwiches and even bigger naps, so whenever he can combine the two, it’s gonna be a good day (though not necessarily a productive one). Here are his favorite spots for sandwiches so filling they make you sleepy.

 Jakob Layman Eastside Market Italian Deli $ $ $ $ Sandwiches ,  Italian  in  Chinatown ,  Downtown LA $$$$ 1013 Alpine St Not

Rated

Yet

There’s a lot to love at Eastside Market Italian Deli, but if I’m looking to conk out for an afternoon, there’s nothing better than their massive D.A. Special, approximately 15 lbs of sausage, meatballs, roast beef, and pastrami on crunchy bread. Sweet dreams!

 All Day Baby $ $ $ $ American  in  Silver Lake $$$$ 3200 W Sunset Blvd Not

Rated

Yet

Silver Lake’s All Day Baby is pretty new, but their smoked beef and cheese sandwich - tender beef, creamy cheese sauce, and horseradish mayo on a soft brioche roll - is a sleep aid as timeless as counting sheep.

 Jakob Layman Wax Paper $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  Chinatown $$$$ 736 N Broadway Not

Rated

Yet

The sandwiches at Wax Paper are named after NPR hosts, which already sounds pretty sleepy, but their Larry Mantle takes it to another level - especially if you like bologna, salami, pickled peppers, and dozing off on your drive home.

three spots for: cold brew

If there’s one thing LA Staff Writer Brett Keating is known for around the office (aside from his obnoxious support for the Patriots), it’s coffee consumption. And until he gets that cold brew tap installed at his desk, he’s going to keep pursuing his mission of finding LA’s best cold brew.

Menotti's Coffee Stop $$$$ 56 Windward Ave

If you think all cold brew tastes the same, I’m very sorry for all the mediocre versions you’ve been drinking. And also, head straight to Menotti’s in Venice. They pick their favorite cold brew batches, and send them off to a brewery to have them kegged for a perfect nitro brew.

 Modern Times Beer: The Dankness Dojo $ $ $ $ Bar Food ,  Vegetarian  in  Downtown LA $$$$ 832 S. Olive St. Not

Rated

Yet

Speaking of breweries, you probably know that Modern Times’ Dankness Dojo is one of the best in LA County. But they also roast their own coffee, and it’s great - and also reasonably priced. Get it without ice.

 Spoon By H $ $ $ $ Korean ,  Dessert  in  Beverly Grove ,  Hancock Park $$$$ 7158 Beverly Blvd 8.7 /10

Cold brew ice cubes are a discovery akin to that moment you learned your AirPods case doubles as a phone stand. Ask for them with your fantastic iced coffee at Spoon By H, where they come in the shape of coffee beans.

three spots for: Excellent table bread

Does everything taste better if it’s free? Perhaps. LA Editorial Lead Brant Cox argues that a basket of great table bread has the power to change the course of an entire meal - if not your life. Hyperbole? Not at these spots.

 Jakob Layman Jones Hollywood $ $ $ $ Italian  in  West Hollywood $$$$ 7205 Santa Monica Blvd. 8.3 /10

With solid pizza, incredible dessert, and our favorite martini in town, there are all sorts of reasons to be hanging at Jones Hollywood - and that includes their table bread. It’s basically seasoned flatbread, but when you dip it into some balsamic and olive oil, you’ll forget you came here to eat dinner.

 Jakob Layman Craig's $ $ $ $ American ,  Italian  in  West Hollywood $$$$ 8826 Melrose Ave 5.1 /10

Craig’s in West Hollywood is probably the most celebrity-packed restaurant in LA, but unfortunately, the food is absolutely awful. That makes filling up on their incredible table bread even more of a requirement.

 Holly Liss C&O Trattoria $ $ $ $ Italian  in  Marina Del Rey ,  Venice $$$$ 31 Washington Blvd 7.1 /10

If free carbohydrates come with a warning from the waitstaff to “please exercise restraint,” you know they’re going to be good. And make no mistake, the free garlic knots they hand out at C&O Trattoria are tremendous.

three spots for: french onion soup

When you hear the words “pinnacle of human creation,” what comes to mind? The immortality of the written word? The convenience of indoor plumbing? Dev Patel’s face? Well, if you’re LA Editorial Assistant Kat Hong, you think of French onion soup. Here are her favorite spots in LA to fire up a hot, hot bowl:

 Benji Dell Petit Trois $ $ $ $ French  in  Hollywood $$$$ 718 N. Highland Ave. 8.3 /10

You literally can’t talk about French onion soup without mentioning Petit Trois. Their version is mega-traditional, which means it comes full of caramelized onions, toasted baguette bits, and enough gruyère to forget about the time I misquoted the “Myth of Sisyphus” in the company-wide Slack channel.

 Jakob Layman Oriel $ $ $ $ French ,  Wine Bar  in  Chinatown $$$$ 1135 North Alameda Street 7.9 /10

I am fully obsessed with Oriel, to the point that I once made this photo of their dining room the background on both my phone and my work computer. And while I will happily eat everything on the menu here, their F.O.S. is trèèèèèèès bon.

Trader Joe's $$$$ 8611 Santa Monica Blvd.

Trader Joe’s: Frozen section. Two-pack. Thank me later.

three spots for: A big ol’ chicken parm

LA Editor James Montgomery isn’t here to take part in your small-plate scam. All he wants is some good ol’ gut-busting chicken parm, the kind that’s buried beneath a sheet of bubbling cheese, drowned in a sea of marinara, and so big that the accompanying side of pasta feels like a cruel joke. Here are three spots that do it right.

 Dan Tana's $ $ $ $ Italian  in  West Hollywood $$$$ 9071 Santa Monica Blvd 8.6 /10

Ordering the chicken parm at Dan Tana’s is practically a prerequisite, right up there with getting hit on by Ron Jeremy. It’s cheesy, saucy, and the more martinis you drink, the better it gets. And you can say the same thing about Ron.

Little Toni's $$$$ 4745 Lankershim Blvd

It’s certainly not as well-known as other old-school Italian spots, but Little Toni’s in North Hollywood makes a chicken parm that I’d put up against any in the city. You will have leftovers.

 Jakob Layman Dear John's $ $ $ $ American ,  Steaks ,  Italian  in  Culver City $$$$ 11208 Culver Blvd 8.0 /10

The rebooted Dear John’s in Culver City pays homage to Old Hollywood, so I expected them to do a mean chicken parm - I didn’t expect it to be stuffed with cheese, though.

three spots for: a whole damn fish

LA Staff Writer Brett Keating grew up in New England, so he’s basically always talking about Cape Cod. It also means that he spends a lot of time thinking about seafood, and if he sees a whole fish on the menu, he orders it. So here are the best places in LA when you want to pretend you’re a grizzly bear and eat a fish whole.

 Jakob Layman Here's Looking at You $ $ $ $ American ,  Seafood  in  Koreatown $$$$ 3901 W 6th St 8.3 /10

Here’s Looking At You’s whole-cooked sea bream comes coated in what are basically green curry Rice Krispies, and it’s fantastic because of it. And because it comes with a sauce made from coconut caramel.

Cheko El Rey Del Sarandeado $ $ $ $ Seafood  in  Long Beach $$$$ 343 E Market St 8.4 /10

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by options at Cheko El Rey Del Sarandeado. But the Mexican seafood spot in Long Beach’s whole-grilled snook - flayed open, and grilled over low heat - reigns supreme.

 Jakob Layman Dudley Market $ $ $ $ American ,  Seafood  in  Venice $$$$ 9 Dudley Ave 8.5 /10

Reasons I’ve gone to Dudley Market: The wine list, the clam and pork toast, to prove to my boss that it’s really true they own a fishing boat (it is). And in addition to all those, anytime it’s on the menu, I get the Vietnamese-inspired fried rockfish with nuoc cham.

three spots for: pad thai

LA Marketing Manager Marika Jayne has a lot of opinions about a lot of foods - but she’s most passionate about pad thai, a food that can be eaten for any reason, at any time of day. Here are the best places to eat the ubiquitous Thai dish, in her words.

 Luv2Eat Thai Bistro $ $ $ $ Thai  in  Hollywood $$$$ 6660 W. Sunset Blvd. 8.7 /10

No matter what time of day, if you’re alone or in a group, or if you go to the restaurant or get delivery, Luv2Eat Thai is never going to let you down. They have the best pad thai in LA, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Get it with the duck.

 Jakob Layman Jitlada $ $ $ $ Thai  in  East Hollywood ,  Thai Town $$$$ 5233 Sunset Blvd. 9.4 /10

You’ll be tempted to try everything at Jitlada, and you should, but don’t skip the pad thai just because you see it on so many menus. They do it very, very well, and it’s also a great palate-neutralizer after their extremely spicy Jungle Curry.

 The Original Hoy-Ka Hollywood $ $ $ $ Thai  in  East Hollywood ,  Hollywood $$$$ 5908 Sunset Blvd. 8.1 /10

Not only is The Original Hoy-Ka a great lunch option in Hollywood, the portions of the pad thai (and almost everything) are big enough to become your dinner that night, too.

three spots for: tsukemen

LA Editor James Montgomery grew up in Florida, so whenever he mentions dipping, we assume he means tobacco. But sometimes, he’s actually talking about dipping noodles - a.k.a. tsukemen, noodles dunked in a bowl of rich broth. And while that sounds simple, good tsukemen is actually tough to pull off. Both the noodles and the broth must be perfect, because there’s nowhere to hide the shortcomings of either. Here are three places that get pretty close to perfection.

 Tsujita Tsujita LA $ $ $ $ Japanese ,  Ramen  in  West LA $$$$ 2057 Sawtelle Blvd 8.3 /10

You will always wait at Tsujita, but at least you’re waiting for LA’s best tsukemen - their rich and flavorful cha siu, with BBQ pork over cold noodles.

Palms Ramen Yumeya $$$$ 11127 Palms Blvd

Palms Ramen Yumeya is an unassuming spot, but their tonkotsu tsukemen definitely deserves accolades. Plus, if you ask for extra garlic (which you should), they’ll deliver fresh cloves - and a garlic press - right to your table. Go wild.

Menya Musashi $ $ $ $ Japanese  in  Sawtelle Japantown $$$$ 2012 Sawtelle Blvd Not

Rated

Yet

Menya Musashi is located on the same stretch of Sawtelle as Tsujita, which is a pretty bold move. Good thing their tsukemen is up to par, especially if you order it with pork belly, thin pork katsu, and a soft-boiled egg.

three spots for: pastries

Editorial Operations Manager Jess Basser Sanders has a unique role. She works in our LA office, but has to be on our New York office’s time. So she starts work every morning around the same time everyone else is waking up. But as such, she’s learned a lot about LA mornings. Specifically, where to find the best baked goods in the city.

 Konbi $ $ $ $ Japanese ,  Sandwiches  in  Echo Park $$$$ 1463 W Sunset Blvd 8.0 /10

My favorite time of day at Konbi is 8:56am. It’s the perfect time to sit at the counter, order a breakfast set, and put dibs on a couple of LA’s best pastries right as they come out of the oven. Don’t try and choose between the plain and chocolate croissants - just get both.

 Jakob Layman Huge Tree Pastry $ $ $ $ Chinese ,  Taiwanese  in  Monterey Park $$$$ 423 N Atlantic Blvd # 105-106 8.0 /10

I am not the kind of person who would a) order a glass of milk or b) dip anything in it, but I make an exception for Huge Tree Pastry in Monterey Park, where the Taiwanese donuts are not complete without a mug of house-made soy milk to dip them in.

 Jakob Layman Lodge Bread Co $ $ $ $ Cafe/Bakery  in  Culver City $$$$ 11918 W Washington Blvd 8.7 /10

I don’t have any kids, but every time I order the cinnamon bun from Lodge Bread Co. I get a little insight into what the parent life might be like. It’s almost as heavy as a newborn (my arm gets sore carrying it home), and wherever it goes, people want to take photos of it.

three spots for: khao soi

In the waking moments of your day, what’s the first thing that crosses your mind? Is it the overbearing work project you’ve been putting off all week? Why Rose didn’t pull Jack onto the door with her? Lizzo? If you’re LA Editorial Lead Brant Cox, the answer is khao soi. And more specifically, how soon he can get the curry noodle soup into his body. Here are his three favorite spots when he needs to scratch the itch.

 Jakob Layman Northern Thai Food Club $ $ $ $ Thai  in  East Hollywood ,  Thai Town $$$$ 5301 Sunset Blvd #11 8.3 /10

For me, it’s the creamy coconut broth that usually makes a khao soi. At Northern Thai Food Club, it’s the giant leg of chicken that’s so perfectly-cooked the meat falls off with one brush of the fork.

 Jakob Layman Pailin Thai Cuisine $ $ $ $ Thai  in  Hollywood ,  Thai Town $$$$ 5621 Hollywood Blvd 8.1 /10

You could pass Pailin 100 times and not notice it. But you can eat Pailin’s khao soi once and be changed forever.

 Spicy BBQ Restaurant $ $ $ $ Thai  in  East Hollywood $$$$ 5101 Santa Monica Blvd 8.0 /10

I once ate Spicy BBQ’s khao soi three times in one day. And yes, that’s a brag.

three spots for: prosciutto

How do you measure luxury? In bubble baths and champagne? In sports cars named after arachnids? Well, if you’re Infatuation LA Editorial Assistant Kat Hong, it’s all about cured meat. If you’re looking to get in touch with your inner George Alexander Louis, she’s got three places that serve prosciutto so good, you’ll feel like a little prince.

 Phillip Guerette The Factory Kitchen $ $ $ $ Italian  in  Arts District $$$$ 1306 Factory Place 8.6 /10

I’m not particularly religious, but if there was any indication that God exists, it would be the prosciutto + fried dough + burrata behemoth from Factory Kitchen.

 Jakob Layman Larchmont Wine and Cheese $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  Larchmont $$$$ 223 N. Larchmont Blvd. 8.9 /10

For the days you wake up with a fever and the only prescription is more prosciutto, head to Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese and get the #5 sandwich.

Cookbook $$$$ 1549 Echo Park Ave

I once left Cookbook with five packages of their prosciutto. Maybe that was overkill, or perhaps pure hubris. Either way, it was worth it.

three spots for: drinking a martini tonight

Is there ever a bad time to get a martini? Not really. But the best time is definitely tonight. Here’s where LA Staff Writer Brett Keating is headed as soon as he’s done here.

 Freedman’s $ $ $ $ Deli  in  Silver Lake $$$$ 2619 Sunset Blvd 8.4 /10

Sure, Freedman’s has great food. But their Classic Martini is the real reason I go to this Silver Lake spot twice a week.

 Jones Hollywood $ $ $ $ Italian  in  West Hollywood $$$$ 7205 Santa Monica Blvd. 8.3 /10

Jones has the best martini in West Hollywood, and no matter what restaurant I’m driving back from, they’re never too far out of the way.

 Chez Jay $ $ $ $ Santa Monica $$$$ 1657 Ocean Ave Not

Rated

Yet

Chez Jay’s martini isn’t going to blow you away. But it’s the size of a 7-Eleven Slurpee, so anytime quantity is more important than quality, this is where I go.

via The Infatuation Feed https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-food-breakfast-lunch-dinner-la Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://trello.com/userhuongsen

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