Insider Irene

Sushi Lunch Special @Hashigo Sushi in Huntington Beach, CA

Published on June 1, 2013June 1, 2013 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

Sushi is one of those food items that is so simple and so wonderful. Unfortunately, many of the quality sushi restaurants are also an arm and a leg, which is definitely not a sexy characteristic. But alas, a fair compromise for quality and price could only lead to one thing- lunch special, horray!

I discovered Hashigo Sushi (Yelp Review) through a fervent search on Yelp and let me tell you this little sushi shop was NOT an easy find. But after discovering it nested right in the corner between the Java Cafe and the Bank of America, I knew that this was going to be legit. But to my surprise, this literally hole-in-the-wall, was ultra elegant and super chic. Completely caught me by surprise and I was actually nervous on whether a lunch special here would even be a worthwhile investigation… it was, but I’ve definitely been in situations where the restaurant appearance and food taste did not share the same caliber of excellence. Yeah… not fun, but not the case for Hasigo Sushi!

I sampled the three cut roll special, complete with miso soup and salad for $10. It was a very filling meal and the presentation was impeccable. This is definitely the type of restaurant I would take colleagues or prospective clients to impress. Everything was just awesome and if you’re in the Huntington Beach area, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out!

What’s your favorite sushi lunch spot?

XOXO

Rockstar

BBQ Tri Tip Chopped Salad Lunch Special @Stonefire Grill in Fountain Valley, CA

Published on May 24, 2013June 1, 2013 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

It’s no secret that I love Stonefire Grill (Yelp Review) because of their fresh ingredients and expansive menu selection. But it’s also a destination that bargain hunters swarm to as they prepare large portions of food for a very reasonably price. I love taking large groups because the food is served family style and we’re able to sample many dishes with a low per person average cost. They also have a large seating area that makes it a popular spot after a team victory meal or office outing.

However, there are times when I just don’t feel like sharing and just want to indulge in a dish all to myself. My all time favorite dish there is the BBQ tri-tip chopped salad and it is amazing! The salad is topped with freshly chopped tomatos, roasted corn, carrots, black beans, red cabbage, cilantro and jack cheese then tossed with tortilla strips and Buttermilk Ranch. Mmm… makes me hungry just thinking about it!

And going during lunch for their lunch special is just twice as nice since this petite entree also includes a delicious garlic bread stick. For about $7, this healthy entree does double duty as a tasty value-worthy meal that’s good for you pocket-book and belly. There are several branches in the southern California region and if you haven’t paid them a visit, you’re definitely missing out!

Locations

What’s your favorite lunch spot?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Free Star Trek Movie Screening with Yelp OC in Westminster, CA

Published on May 21, 2013August 17, 2013 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

When I received my RSVP confirmation for this screening with YelpOC’s Community Event, I was ecstatic beyond belief! I heard only rave reviews and after seeing it I thought, “eh… it was alright–just kidding!”

If you can only watch one movie this summer, this one should be a top contender! From beginning to end it was filled with action, drama, comedy… oh man… it’s everything you could want in a movie and I had the chance to see it in 3D, which really bring the feature to a whole another level.

Regardless whether you’re a hard-core trekee or if you can just appreciate a ridiculously awesome movie, this one is one you shouldn’t miss. But of course with this being a bargain blog I am going to share a few tips in seeing this movie at a discount.

1. Matinees are cheaper than evening shows, but some theaters also have a substantial discount for the first screening of the day. Seriously! sometimes less than half-off the regular price!
2. Buy them in advance from Warehouse like Costco. If you don’t have a membership, here’s a great deal on Zuilly http://www.zulily.com/p/membership-activation-card-51896-3773478.html?pos=1
3. Every once in a while Fandango offers a discount through third party websites like Groupon. If you’re a fan of my facebook page, I will most certainly hook you up if I see it 🙂
4. Certain theaters do partnerships with restaurants where if you eat at that restaurant they can offer discounted tickets.

Until then… Live Long and Prosper

XOXO,
Rockstar

New Blog Announcement on Youtube!

Published on May 20, 2013 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

It’s definitely been a while since I uploaded a youtube video. Please show me some love and “like” the video or leave me a comment on what kind of videos you’d like to see. I’m thinking about doing the “Colors of the Rainbow” tag for bargain items I purchased. It’s essentially a challenge to pick your favorite items in each color category (ROYGBIV). Seems fun! but am open to other suggestions.

What kind of blog posts/videos would you like me to publish?

XOXO,
Rockstar

8 Course Yelp Elite Tasting @Yori Modern Japanese Restaurant W/ Yelp OC & Friends

Published on May 19, 2013June 1, 2013 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

I confess that I have been spoiled rotten with opportunities to sample some of Orange County’s best. As I had mentioned in my previous post that I was invited to a Pre-Grand Opening for Yori Modern Japanese Restaurant (Yelp Review) in Brea, CA. It was such an amazing event, though I’m easy to please if free food is involved. 🙂

Usually on these events we are given the opportunity to bring a +1, but on this occasion our Community Manager, Ryan, pushed us outside our comfort zone and assigned us to tables to make new foodie friends. Shout-out to my table buddies Minh D, Sarah S, and Quynh P and to all my old Yelp friends Minerva, Rodney, Steve, and Craig. But let’s move on to why you’re really here- to see all the food porn!. Yum!

We started off with a Mango Ceviche and Shrimp Dumplings to kick off our feast. Mind you the first dish was to die for and I highly recommend diners to order this appetizer. So incredibly refreshing and the perfect dish to cool down on a hot summer day. Following these dishes included the Grilled Asparagus, Heart Attack, Udon Salad (my next favorite dish!), Tofus Burger, Seafoodyaki Roll, and Cod Misoyaki all of which had excellent presentation and were presented to us promptly.

UPDATE: WordPress is proving to be more difficult than I am willing to deal with today. So on today’s post I am going to upload all the beautiful photos of all the dishes. Once I become more comfortable with formatting I will further infuse my passion for photographer and journalism together. Sorry loves!

What food item are you looking most forward to trying this summer?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Perks of Being Elite! Free Yelp Tube Socks!

Published on May 15, 2013 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

Yesterday I went to my first Yelp Elite event for the summer at Yori Modern Japanese Restaurant in Brea, CA. The 8 course tasting menu was fit for a king, but until I figure out how to better navigate this system you’ll have to patiently wait for my next tantalizing post! But today I wanted to share with you what I took away from the event (aside from an enormous belly filled with yummy goodies)

Courtesy of Yelp OC, our SWAG (Stands for Stuff, We, All, Get) consisted of Yelp Tube Sock! What?!

Now, with the weather in SoCal ranging from the 90’s -100’s it may not be the opportune time to bust out these trendy fashion accessories. However, I cannot wait till I get the chance! Britney Spears school-girl anyone? lol

Tube sock for summer- fashion faux pas or trend setter?

XOXO

Rockstar

New Beginnings

Published on May 13, 2013May 14, 2013 by Insider Irene5 Comments

Last month I took a trip a cross the country with the hopes of uncovering some of life’s best kept secrets. There were butterflies in my stomach as I anxiously anticipated about what the adventure would bring, but was optimistic about the journey. And while I did hit a few bumps (actually it was more like hitting cement walls) in the road before arriving, I was completely shocked by my destination. Definitely not how I envisioned it. Actually, it was the exact opposite!

I felt completely crushed, broken, robbed, cheated. The feelings of vulnerability and helplessness just consumed me. This was not how the story was not suppose to end! How could this happen to me? Why?! Can I fix it? Please God, will you please make things right? But alas, the destination I wanted so desperately was not what God had in mind. God has something bigger and greater than I can imagine, though I still don’t know what that looks like. I know that God has blessed me immensely and that I am highly favored. Everything happens for a reason and only in our broken-ness God can make things perfect.

So that brings me here. A new journey with fresh beginnings and a new Blog.

But like trying anything for the first time, I feel anxious and worried. I want to retreat back to what’s comfortable and what I know! But taking the next step with God’s grace is scary but necessary to move-on. It will take some time to adjust to the new format, but I welcome you all to my new blog! I will still share with you my adventures for fabulous frugal living and my passion for food, photography, travel, fashion, Jesus. If you’d like to see my work from my previous blog, check it out here (www.yubargainrockstar.blogspot.com). I won’t forget the past and while my direction forward is taking a slight detour, I pray that I will grow and that you will join me on my new adventure. Add your email on the side bar to get the latest updates!

xoxo,

Rockstar