January 2019 – Insider Irene

Hero’s and Villains, Oh My! Attending the VIP My Hero Academia Voice Actor Panel and Autograph Signing at Anime Los Angeles in Ontario, CA

Published on January 30, 2019January 29, 2019 by Insider Irene1 Comment

One of my favorite things to do at conventions is attend panels especially voice actor ones as I love learning about the audition process, and inspiration for characters. While I had the opportunity to see both the creator, voice actor for Deku and All Might at SDCC in 2019 (Post Here), Anime Los Angeles brought the full star studded My Hero Academia cast (!!!) for the weekended and included an autograph session for all attendees. The weekend was far from short of My Hero Academia cosplays (post here) and the voice actors who brought their character’s voices to life including Justin Briner (Izuku Midoriya), Clifford Chapin (Katsuki Bakugo), David Matranga (Shoto Todoroki), Colleen Clinkenbeard (Momo Yaoyorozu) , Eric Vale (Tomura Shigaraki), Morgan Berry (Thirteen), and Christopher Wehkamp (Shota Aizawa) all participated in both individual and group panels. I was lucky to snag a front row seat in the group panel and got selfies with my two favorite voice actors Coleen Clinkenbeard (Momo) and David Matranga (Shot Todoroki)! I had a great time seeing these voice actors and loved that I got to converse with them in this more intimate convention. A few of the voice actors even complimented my spikes and were really impressed with my cosplay. I’m planning to continue working on it and who knows maybe at AX Momo will have even more refined details 🙂

Do you watch My Hero Academia? Who’s your favorite hero?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Chowing Down on one of the Best All American Classics in Upland, CA

Published on January 25, 2019January 22, 2019 by Insider Irene2 Comments

I love trying new exotic restaurant when I travel and on my recent trip to Pomona I visited Ashiwad The Blessing (post here) and had an amazing experience. Yet, some of my friends aren’t nearly as adventurous so finding a familiar alternative without compromising flavor and taste ranked on top of my list. I found Daddy O’s Rockin Cafe with a perfect 5 star Yelp rating and thought I’d see if this classic diner was going to be a home-run.

The menu was simple and focused on few items as they pride themselves in making their burgers fresh and hand picking their produce daily! Naturally, my friend and I ordered a classic cheeseburger and a side of crinkle cut french fries. The burger was delicious, my friend demolished his and soon after I as well. The cheese was melted perfectly and the patty is cooked medium rare keeping it juicy, but the real star was the bread. Oh lord! That bun was a little denser and chewier which really heightened my eating experience. The owner later informed me that they use a potato bun, which differentiates them from other burger joints.

The diner evoked American charm coupled with the rockin’ burger I definitely get this restaurant two thumbs up!

Where would you go to feed a picky eater?

XOXO,

Rockstar

“Gotta Catch ‘Em All” at Anime Los Angeles in Ontario, CA

Published on January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 by Insider Irene1 Comment

Geek conventions are a great place to buy merchandise, watch panels, and see amazing cosplay! But one thing that differentiates Anime Los Angeles (ALA) from the other nerd gatherings is ribbon trading, an activity where you complete a task or trivial and in exchange get a ribbon to add to your badge.

Anyone can participate in the ribbon trading and there are certain groups of individuals who work collectively to make the ribbon trading activity a scavenger hunt. One of the best groups is the Pokemon Group and this year they focused on Team Rocket Recruitment. Attendees would checkin at the “Pokemon Center” and be given a starter Pokemon (their first Pokemon ribbon). I started with Larvitar, a Rock/Ground Pokemon and needed to find other Gym Leaders (individuals with the Red and White Pokemon Button) to “battle” and collect more ribbons.

Once you collect at least 14 of the 18 Pokemon types, you can see “The Boss” and collect the last badge – Pokemon 2019 Champion! It’s a fun activity to take part-in and it’s makes for a really cool souvenir.

Who would be your starter Pokemon?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Vegetarian Convert?! Feasting on an Explosion of Flavors for Cheap in Upland, CA

Published on January 18, 2019January 16, 2019 by Insider Irene4 Comments

When I was researching restaurants in the Inland Empire, I read rave reviews about Ashiwad The Blessing. This vegetarian restaurant had a 4.5 star rating on yelp and with a “eating healthy” new years resolution I was curious to see what it was all about. Additionally, it had dinner hours that extended in the late evening (9pm), which also contributed to my trip plans.

Located in an unassuming strip mall, my friend and I wandered in to the simple, but clean restaurant. We were seated prompted and our waiter educated us about the diverse menu option. After thoughtful consideration we started the evening with the Sev Khamni ($4.99), a steamed chick pea. This gluten-free appetizer came with a sweet and spicy sauce accompaniment and was beautifully presented. The portion was very generous as a starter and served as a great introduction for our enormous entree.

To share my friend and I ordered the Thali ($14.99) – A complete meal with your choice of vegetables (we opted for a seasonal eggplants and sweet potatoe mix), soup, rotis, rice, raita, snack, and dessert (fried donut). This picture doesn’t do it justice in the size of the offering, and the taste was just was full and robust. There were so many complex flavors that I couldn’t help myself but mixing and matching the items. Everything tasted so earthy and there was no meat! Our total for two came out to about $20ish dollars which is so inexpensive considering the portion and taste. I loved it!

I love meat as much as the next person, but after eating this meal I didn’t miss it. I’m not likely to go full blown vegetarian, but I wouldn’t mind incorporating a meal like this into my routine.

What’s your favorite meatless meal?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Debuting My New Hero Cosplay at the “My Hero Academia” Photo Shoot at Anime Los Angeles in Ontario, CA

Published on January 16, 2019January 16, 2019 by Insider Irene2 Comments

Over the weekend I attended Anime Los Angeles (ALA), a three day convention in Ontario, CA. While many conventions focus on celebrity guests appearances (Justice League SDCC post, Marvel SDCC post) or powerhouse media companies (VIZ Media @ Anime Expo Post), the cosplayers are the stars of this convention. Roughly 60% of attendees cosplayed and with My Hero Academia debuting a Season 4 later in 2019, there was an enormous hero and villian presence at ALA. I participated in one of the conventions largest cosplay meetup as Momo Yaoyorozu – Class 1A’s Vice President in her hero outfit (My Hero Casual Meetup post).

As one of the first conventions of the new year, many cosplayers use this convention to debut new outfits. Personally, I spent my winter break sewing my belt and styling my wig and was happy to share my finished project. There were well over 200 cosplayers at the meetup and while I knew there would be an abundance of Deku, Shoto, and Bakugos, I was most surprised by the number of attendees who dressed as Deku’s mom!

It’s always great to see others dress up as your favorite characters and I can appreciate the care and craftsmanship that goes behind the design.

Do you watch My Hero Academia? Who’s your favorite hero? Villian?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Indulging in a truly Sublime treat in Atlanta, GA

Published on January 11, 2019January 10, 2019 by Insider Irene1 Comment

If I had a choice between sweet and savory, I would always opt for the later. However Sublime Doughnut was a recipient of the Bake Magazine’s America’s Best Bakery of 2012 and earned multiple endorsements from Food Network and The Cooking Channel, so naturally I had to see for myself if I do or do-nut agree with the critics. :p

There are two locations in Georgia and one in Thailand, so I went to the original brick and mortar store near Georgia Tech (535 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318). On the outside it looked like any other donut shop in a strip mall; however, one inside you can’t help but feel kawaii and in need of something sweet.

After looking at the selection my friend I decided to share three: Chocolate Banana Fritter, Orange Creamsicle, and Fresh Strawberry n Cream. All three were really airy and light, unlike many doughnut shops and before I knew it the box was empty. Although I do think I have a slight preference towards chocolate banana fritter – yum!

Do you have a sweet tooth? Where do you go to curb your sweet craving?

XOXO,

Rockstar

From Peanut Farmer to POTUS – Learning about his Legacy from the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta, GA

Published on January 9, 2019January 9, 2019 by Insider Irene3 Comments

I love incorporating museums into my travels and during my trip to Atlanta I bookmarked the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. as one of my destinations. I didn’t know too much about this former POTUS and was really surprised about the contributions he and the first lady made in helping our country particularly Rosalynn’s work calling for mental illnesses to be covered by insurance just like physical illnesses.

During my visit, I spent around 2.5 hours wandering the exhibit reading all the plaques and studying the various artifacts and sets. Jimmy Carter is best known for growing up on a peanut farm and facilitating a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt at Camp David during his presidency. After watching various short clips regarding the Camp David Accord, I can safely say that I wouldn’t be capable of mediating that hostile intervention – he’s incredibly brave to take on such a monumental task!

As a lover of learning, I opted for the Family Membership ($40), which allows me to bring up to 3 guests and visit any Presidential Libraries and Museums across the United States. With a day adult admission costing $8 (at the Carter museum) and my plan to visit at least two others in 2019 this deal seemed like a no brainier. I can’t wait to exercise this membership in other states.

What presidential library would you be most eager to visit? (Reagan, Clinton, Bush etc?)

XOXO,

Rockstar

Eating the breakfast for champions on Sahara in Las Vegas, NV

Published on January 4, 2019January 4, 2019 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

I’m a hard core outlet shopper at Las Vegas, so naturally I’d need to eat a big breakfast to energize my day-long shopping sphere. After some thorough research I decided to take a chance on Sausagefest and while the name of the restaurant doesn’t scream breakfast their “breakfast all day” philosophy is one that I can be on board for.

After looking at the menu I decided on the Sausage Waffle and Green Eggs & Spam. Both mind you were made from scratch and were the perfect way to start the day. The scrambled egg with spinach, basil-pesto and goat cheese was both vivid in flavor and presentation and the potatoes had the perfect crisp on the outside and softness on the inside. I loved it. You could tell that the sausage waffle was freshly taken out of the waffle maker because it had that light airy texture to it. The portions were very generous and $9.95 (egg dish) and $6.95 (waffle), this combo was a steal!

I had a fantastic meal here and on my next visit I’m eager to try their non-breakfast items. I heard “The Fridge” was epic with 2 angus beef patties, house-baked brioche bun, grilled onions, swiss cheese, and grilled polish sausage, but sadly it’ll be a meal I’ll have to order on my next Vegas trip.

What do you eat for breakfast?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Tasting flavors from around the World at the Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, GA

Published on January 2, 2019January 2, 2019 by Insider Irene1 Comment

No visit to Atlanta would be complete without a trip to the World of Coca-Cola museum and as a first time visitor to the great peach state I made sure to pay them a visit. It’s for all intensive purposes the state drink and as an educator I’m always interested to learn about the origin of something so iconic.

Shortly after purchasing the tickets, my friend and I were greeted in the lobby then escorted to a theater highlighting Coke’s campaign for making memories. The short clip had me teary-eyed at the end and we were released to explore the various rooms. There were many digital and interactive experiences as well as ample photo opportunities. One of the rooms also had the original formula tucked behind a highly protected vault.While I don’t regularly drink carbonated beverages in general one of the highlights of the trip was sampling coke products from around the world. They divided the drink areas by continents and my favorites were definitely the drinks in Asia and Latin America, as they leaned more fruity. The Beverly in Italy certainly left an impression on me and I know why the Coke employee was so smug when recommending this “popular” drink. Regardless if you drink coke products or not, the museum is pretty fascinating and I admire the entrepreneurial spirit behind coke brand.

Have you tried coke products abroad? What’s your favorite?

XOXO,

Rockstar