Playa Amor

 

 I'm letting you in on an amazing secret: Playa Amor in Long Beach is absolutely delicious!! Thomas Ortega's new restaurant is just launching, and their website is still in "Coming Soon" mode. But it is definitely worth the trip now before word gets out and it's soooo packed that you can't get in. 

My friend had eaten at another of Ortega's restaurants, Amor y Tacos, and she was raving about the food. She somehow found out about the soft opening at the Marina Pacifica complex on PCH. There was no signage; we felt like the cool kids going to an exclusive invitation-only party. Once inside, it was bustling, and lots of other people were in on the secret. 

Here's what we ordered to share, from bottom to top - and in my personal order of favorites - charred Brussels sprouts with a drool-worthy aioli sauce; famous tater tot mole poutine with mole negro, queso, crema, cilantro, and onion (wow!!), New Mexico Hatch chile spaghetti, and veggie tacos. 

When are we going back?! Anyone?!

Click here for Playa Amor's website.

Charlie's and Bob's at the Farmers Market

I just had blood work done at Cedars-Sinai, which means I haven't eaten yet today. My first thought is the Original Farmers Market for breakfast! I'll certainly find something good there! (Click here for my last post on the Farmers Market.)

This is a classic breakfast burrito from Charlie's Coffee Shop, with eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and cheese. And, a big glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice, with oranges probably from one of the vendors. YUMMY!!

Afterwards, I took several laps around the Farmers Market, and I stopped at Bob's Coffee and Doughnuts for a to-go treat. Bob's frequently shows up on "best of" lists, and I totally understand why. I went with a dinosaur glazed, and a Randy's-esque Boston cream long john! (Click here for the Randy's post.) Yummers!!

When is the last time you've been to the Farmers Market?!

Click here for Charlie's Coffee Shop's website.

Click here for Bob's Coffee and Doughnuts' website.

Eagle Rock Noodle and Grill

I'm driving home after work pondering dinner. Nothing unusual about that activity. But I remembered seeing a new noodle place by the Vons on Figueroa Boulevard, just south of Colorado. Decision made!

Here you see my tasty meal from Eagle Rock Noodle and Grill: pad thai (the gateway entree!), veggie spring rolls, and the most unusual drink: salted lemonade! It was as if salt replaced sugar, and it was refreshing and delicious! I would recommend sipping the lemonade rather than using the straw, as the salt settles in the bottom.

The space is stripmall from the outside, but inside is happening! The blue light that you see at the edge of my table rotates to other colors, and, luckily for me, not in a narcolepsy-flashing pace. The space was full, and both families, couples, and solos like me enjoyed their food.

Who wants to get a little adventurous with their expansive Vietnamese menu options?!

Click here for Eagle Rock Noodle & Grill's website.

Javier's Mexican Food

I'm at Pasadena City College to buy my textbooks. I'm enrolled in the Entrepreneurial Business certificate program at PCC to kick things off in my next chapter. Woohoo!

Although my primary sensation is shock - have you priced textbooks lately? - I'm also hungry. Luckily, restaurants near campus are varied and plentiful. Taunted by Javier's Mexican Food's banner proclaiming "Pasadena's best fish tacos," I took the bait.

Their fish tacos were pretty fabulous! The lightly-battered white fish serving was huge and delicious. Crema, avocado, salsa, cabbage, and squirts of lime completed the taco. Yummy!! In addition to traditional Mexican food, they also have Korean food on the menu. That should be fun to explore.

Here's to new adventures, both in learning and eating!

Javier's does not have a website. Street address is 1543 E. Colorado Boulevard, across from PCC. Phone is (626) 795-5878.