california – Insider Irene

May Favorites 2023

Published on July 11, 2023July 4, 2023 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

Come check out my May Favorites!

$ Bargain

Birdwatching & Hiking Trails (Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary): I don’t usually gravitate to nature as I prefer the concrete jungle, but this trail in Lakeside, CA is free on Sundays and was so peaceful. It’s monitored by volunteers and you should make a reservation online here. I really enjoyed the bird watching station. Read my full review here.

Thrift Shop (Assistance League of North Coast): This chapter of Assistance League is located in Oceanside, CA and has very reasonable prices. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (except holidays) and I’d love to go back and see what they’ve got. Read more here.

$$ Moderate

Pie (Julian Pie Company): This was the first time in my adult years going to Julian to try apple and trust – the hype is real! Whether you want a slice of pie for $5.25 – $5.75 or a whole frozen fruit pie ($19.95) or frozen Chicken Pot Pie ($20.95) you won’t be disappointed. Read more here.

$$$ Splurge

Sandals (Rainbow Sandals): The best sandals in the world IMHO are rainbow sandals and while you can get them online and many shoe stores, I like getting them from the factory outlet in San Clemente, CA where you can save about $10 for each pair. Read more here.

Until Next Time,

Irene

April Favorites 2023

Published on July 4, 2023July 4, 2023 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

I know we’re already in July and these are April Favorites, but I know you’ll love these finds! I also now have a moment to actually publish these drafts so enjoy!

$ Bargain

Non this month, but maybe next month!

Left to Right: Bespoke (Corn Hash Charshu) top first column and 2nd photo in the 2nd column; Gam Ja Tang House (Black Goat Stew) last photo in 2nd column and 2nd/3rd photo in the 3rd column; Sweet Rice (Kao Soi Curry Noodle) 1st phone in the 3rd column and 2nd/3rd photo in the last column.

$$ Moderate

Kao Soi Curry Noodles (Sweet Rice): If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful soupy meal, The Kao Soi Curry Noodle bowl in Gardena will surely fit the bill! My bowl was $15.99 and I devoured it. Read the full review here!

Corn Hash Charshu (Bespoke All Day Cafe): Bespoke is located in a more suburban part of Las Vegas, NV. I came here with my family and we each ordered a dish. I loved the Corn Hash Charshu ($15) and in essence licked my plate clean; however, I took a bite from everyone’s dish and enjoyed everything. I also loved the restaurant interior as it was very peaceful and calm. Read a more thorough review here.

Black Goat Stew (Gam Ja Tang House): If you like authentic Korean food you should hit up Gam Ja Tang House in Garden Grove, CA. They have individual portion as well as small (for 2) and large (3+). The goat is extremely tender and it’s not too spicy Read more here.

$$$ Splurge

Character Cotton Candy (Polar Playground): This is a Tik Tok famous shop in Huntington Beach, CA that handcrafts Cotton Candy to a wide variety of characters. $20 a pop may see, pricey for candy, but I’m really impressed with the artistry. See more here.

Until Next Time,

Irene

March Favorites 2023

Published on April 27, 2023April 25, 2023 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

The hours for my seasonal part-time job ramped up so I equally if not even more so busy than usual. My grandma also passed away this month so I had more responsibilities on my plate than usual. Regardless, I was able to enjoy a few indulgences to help me get through the month. Check ’em out!

$ Bargain

The Blooms (Diamond Valley Lake): See a sea of beautiful wildflowers in the city of Hemet. Vehicle is $11 and $4 per person to see the blooms. It does get busy so plan to come early! Get more tips here!

Wondercon and Brisker Sandwich (bottom two)

$$ Moderate

Convention (Wondercon): Wondercon is one of my favorite conventions as there’s a great assortment of vendors, cosplays, and panels. It’s the baby brother of SDCC but for $35-$55 a day (or 3 day early bird for $120), it’s affordable and you don’t have to fight over getting a ticket. Learn more here.

Brisket Sandwich (Destination Smokehouse & Eatery): If you love meat you’ll love the BBQ at Destination Smokehouse in Hemet, CA. The Brisket & Cheddar ($14.50) Sando is where it’s at! Drool more here.

$$$ Splurge

Disney themed facial (Fairytale Facials): If you love Disney and you want/need a few hours of pampering this woman owned business in Garden Grove, CA is for you. Treatment ranges from $150-$165 and I liked it so much that I already booked my next appointment. Read more here and see the video here.

Until Next Time,

Irene

February Favorites 2023

Published on April 25, 2023April 25, 2023 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

2023 sure has been a wild year. I took on a seasonal part-time job (in addition to my full time day job) so I’ve been more occupied than usual to try new places; however, these were my favorites for this month and I hope you’ll check ’em out! Also, better late than never, am I right? lol

$ Bargain

Boba Drink (Taty’s Speciality Coffee & Tea): I met up with a friend from out of town and Taty’s in Westminster, CA was a goof half-way point. The environment inside was very conducive to hanging out with friends, and/or working on a laptop with white noise. Boba drinks are roughly $4-$6 and there’s a range of fruity teas, lattes, and smoothie options. My go-to is Brown Sugar and their boba’s had the perfect texture. Read more here.

Octopus Fried Rice (Gaenali Bon Ha Korean Restaurant)

$$ Moderate

Hot Stone w/ Octopus, Vegetable & Spicy Sauce – Fried Rice (Gaenali Bon Ga Korean Restaurant): Read more here. I wouldn’t usually order fried rice at a restaurant, but this hole-in-the-wall mom n’ pop shop in Garden Grove, does a legit job and there are nice chunks of octopus in this one. This dish is $22 and definitely one I recommend to share. Read more here.

$$$ Splurge

Bossom (Jong Ro Shul Lung Tang): Garden Grove, CA has some amazing Korean food and the Bossom at Jong Ro Shul Lung Tang is no exception. If you want essentially yummy Korean tacos (Bossom) this is a good spot to enjoy ’em. For roughly $40 this is a great appetizer or meal. Full review here.

Until Next Time,

Irene

Finally! The Best Fruit Tart Cake found!

Published on July 14, 2020 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

My grandma recently turned 92, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to bring a traditional and familiar sweet, but not too sweet, treat to celebrate. Upon further research I found out that the 1/4 sheet fruit cake (which feeds 20 people) did not need to be ordered ahead of time as that size is readily available and for $30 (a very VERY reasonable price-point), the stars could not have aligned more perfectly.

When you arrive at the shopping plaza, the bakery is nested behind several outdoor plants and tucked away in a corner. I certainly would not have known about this place if I wasn’t looking for it – it truly is a hidden gem. The shop itself is pretty small with a single case of ready-made cakes and many orchids for sale. I would have never thought a bakery and florist to reside in the same space, but it makes perfect sense for any celebration.

XOXO,

Rockstar

Long Phung Bakery

8926 Westminster Blvd

Westminster, CA 92683

Forgoing the Fork and Knife to eat with my hands in a Kamayan Feast in Covina, CA

Published on June 14, 2019June 14, 2019 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

On my Facebook feed I saw video that featured an impressive spread of food laid across several banana leaves. There was rice, meat, fruit among other things and the video made me drool across my keyboard. I inquired about this custom with one of my Filipino friends and he asked if I was interested to partake in Kamayan Feast, also known as the the Boodle Fight. I instantly said yes!!

The video that I watched was a shop located in Anaheim, but this friend said that Nova’s Grill (Yelp) in Covina (while far) would be an authentic experience as he knew the owner and had visited in the past. And as an added bonus this boodle fight was basically $10 per person (minimum of 8 people). My friend make a reservation for 20 and we easily found friends to join in on the fun. We had two tables and were ready to devour everything!

The setup was quite impressive and for this location they gave every participate an entire fish! (!!!). At the center the table shrimp and sig sig (pork belly mixture) were communal offerings and lumpias (egg rolls) were scattered throughout the table. Initially I was hesitant on how to start, but after grabbing with my fingers, tearing pieces, and dipping them in the different mixtures was so much fun! There’s something really satisfying with eating with your hands and not worrying about making a mess. lol

Nova’s Grill

989 W San Bernardino RdCovina, CA 91722

(626) 316-0595

Have you tried boodle fight? What did you think?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Reliving the Wild Wild West at Knotts Berry Farms Ghost Town Alive Event in Buena Park, CA

Published on June 12, 2019June 1, 2019 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

My investment in the Knott’s Berry Farm Season Pass has been a worthwhile one as I’ve been a regular guest since the beginning of 2019. I’ve already visited several time for the Boysenberry Festival (Post Here), Peanut Celebration (Post Here), and even lost 12 lbs through my weekly walks (Post Here). Over Memorial Day weekend Knotts began their newest series – Ghost Town Alive, where guests can roam Ghost Town and see re-enactments before their eyes. I went during the opening weekend and had a blast! As you wander through the town you’ll pick up the paper with a “Founders Day” headline detailing the activities going on in town. There were several competitions including a pony race, bean bag toss, among others and guests can visit different shops to learn about the people who live there. I recommend you start your day at the Town Hall then check out the school-house next door for lessons. However, my absolute favorite part of the day was when they hosted the hoe-down! There was live music, a ringleader to lead us in the different routines and many adults and children alike participating.Ghost Town Alive runs daily from May 24th through to August 11th, then weekends only beginning on August 17th through September 1st. Gallop on over before it becomes a Ghost Town.

What role would you want to take? Sheriff? Teacher? Bank Teller? Comment below.

XOXO,

Rockstar

Munching at the best Cuban Bakery in Southern California

Published on May 24, 2019May 23, 2019 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

Carbs are one of my biggest guilty pleasures, so you can imagine when you go on a keto diet and limiting refined carbs has been an enormous struggles. Nevertheless, I do allow myself to indulge in one of my favorite Cuban spots, Portos Bakery every once in a while especially if I work out extra hard. For the past couple of months if I completed 15k- 20k steps at Knotts Berry Farm (Walking off 12lbs post) I would use Portos as a reward for completing the arduous task.

Enjoying the Portos Steak Torta with a side of Plantains

Everything is baked fresh and no matter which location you visit (there’s five) there’s always a massive line of people waiting to select their items. I’ve gotten everything from pastries to sandwiches, to breakfast items to cakes and thoroughly enjoyed them, although my all time favorite item is their fried potato balls! I can never make a visit without eating at least one ball.

Southern California is super blessed with this bakery and the story behind their success truly is a testament to the American Dream. Rosa, the mastermind, immigrated to the United States from Cuba and used her baking skills to support herself and her family. Fast forward a few years and now there are 5 locations spread across Southern California

Portos Locations

7640 Beach Blvd | Buena Park CA 90620

8233 Firestone Blvd | Downey CA 90241

315 North Brand Blvd | Glendale CA 91203

3614 West Magnolia Blvd | Burbank CA 91505

584 S. Sunset Ave | West Covina CA 91790

What’s your guilty pleasure?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Nomming on my favorite healthy, keto, low carb and affordable food in San Gabriel, CA

Published on May 17, 2019May 15, 2019 by Insider Irene1 Comment

Sashimi is one of my favorite foods. It’s both healthy and tasty, but often comes with a premium price tag. However, my good friend recommended this uh-mazing fish market – Yama Seafood (Yelp), which serves high quality tuna, salmon, yellowtail etc at a very affordable pricepoint making it the holy trinity meal (Cheap, Healthy, Tasty). As such Yama’s is on my regular circuit of places to eat at when I’m visiting the area.

Salmon, two types of Tuna, and Yellowtail

There’s usually a long line at all peck meal hours (think lunch and dinner time rush) most of the week for Mr. Yama to cut the fish. He’s well known in the Japanese community as being an amazing fishmonger as he takes his time to carefully craft each cut and it’s definitely worth it. I think the two plates of food above was around $60 and super filling for two people.

The quality is very comparable to a $$$ Japanese sushi restaurant, but for a fraction of the cost since you’re not paying for a traditional dinning experience. Personally, I value quality food over a scenic environment, so my friend and I often take the styrofoam plate back to her place to enjoy at home.

Yama Seafood

911 W Las Tunas Dr
San Gabriel, CA 91776

Do you enjoy sashimi? What’s your fish of choice?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Nomming on Glorious Home Cooked Sri Lankan Food with Fast Food Prices

Published on May 10, 2019May 4, 2019 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

This post is long overdue, and while I can’t say I’m an expert in Sri Lankan cuisine I know what I like and Rice N Spice (Yelp) has successfully combined mouthwatering profiles at an affordable price-point for all to enjoy. It’s really the best of both worlds, I remember fondly after I had an amazing time at Wondercon (Batman 80th Bday Post, Dark Phoenix Panel Post, Shazam Advanced Screening) I was famished and wanted to end the weekend on a high note with some bold flavors. Rice N Spice did that and while it didn’t follow my traditional Keto diet (Other restaurant alternative: Sashimi Bowl post, Brazillian BBQ post), although they did have vegetarian options it was well worth the calories!

Located about 1.5 miles west from the Anaheim Convention Center, this hole in wall is a small, but clean shop with a buffet set-up similar to an Chinese or Indian fast food joint. You would certainly drive right past it as it’s tucked right in the corner of this no nonsense strip mall, but parking was easy and the hospitality was welcoming.

My friends and I studied the menu carefully and decided on the following: Godamba Roti $11.49 (House-made 1 egg roti and 2 godamba roti served with curry, sambol and choice of protein), Lamprais $11.99 (Rice simmered in brother with boiled-fried egg, eggplant mixed curry, fried shrimp sambol, pineapple curry with chicken, wrapped and baked in a banana leaf), and Kottu $10 (House-made godamba roti mixed with egg, vegetables and chioce of chicken, mutton, or beef curry).

They made my roti fresh and when it came out it was flaky and perfect to dip with the side dishes. My friends who ordered the Lamprais and Kottu were given beautifully presented entrees and all the dishes tasted just as good as it looked, although I think my roti dish was the best 🙂

I’ll definitely be back when I’m attending a convention in Anaheim. The food is plentiful and tasty and I always love supporting mom n’ pop shops.

Where do you like to eat after a long day?

XOXO,

Rockstar