Steamy Kitchen...

so my first cooking class was great!!! i had a lot of fun....that's jaden hair from Steamy Kitchen!! Bee from Rasa Malaysia is in the back, right corner

learn something new...

I went to the Farmers Market on Sunday after church. I like going to my small neighborhood farmers market because of one vendor in particular who sells a lot of asian vegetables. There's always something interesting or new that I find there. This week was no different.

At the market, I was introduced to the peculiar fruit pictured above. It's called the Jujube. It has the consistency and taste of an apple. The browner it is the better the fruit tastes. Some medicinal purposes include alleviating stress and relieving sore throats. Very interesting item.

The other thing I tried for the first time was fresh dates (drupe). It was SO yummy. Tons of sugar in it, I'm sure!! It has the taste of a dried date but with a fresher, almost apricot-like consistency! Some medicinal uses for this fruit include having cleansing power for intestinal troubles, sore throat, fever reliever, and may even counteract alcohol intoxication (i'll let you know...).

Last new thing I tried was Casa Sanchez on Centinela Avenue near Mar Vista/Marina del Rey. It got 11 thumbs down (my whole family went to this place). The food was horrible. My chicken was dry, the spanish rice tasted like it was cooked in chicken broth only, the flavor had no punch or distinguishing aspect to it. The entrees were priced between $18 - $25. Way too high for what it was worth. Added to the was the Mariachi Band (which plays from Thursday - Sunday nights). They were great and talented but TOO loud for such a small space. Unnecessary speakers put up everywhere made conversation a joke. Most people had their hands over their ears to block some noise (didn't help much). I say, go, if you dare but it's not worth it.

Back at the old desk...

View from the Castle near Langhirano

*SIGH* I'm sitting at my desk looking at my cubicle walls and thinking, "What is this travesty?? where's my views of rolling tuscan hillsides??"

Here's a wrap up of our trip to Italy...

Rows of Parmiggiano Reggiano

Master Cheesemaker in the center cutting the cheese. Yellow liquid is the remaining whey.

After our first night in Parma we took off the next morning to learn about Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese production at C.P.L. cheese factory. Apparently the master cheese maker works 7 days a week and never takes vacation. His presence is critical to the production of the cheese. He's well paid and the job is prestigious but that just gives new meaning to being married to the job!

After the tour we had a bit of the tasting and decided to wait to buy our cheese until just before we left. We had a few hours before our Balsamic Vinegar tour so we decided to hit up the MaxMara Outlet, Diffusione Tessile. Let me tell you...see below for the photo of the outlet itself. It was massive and had TONS of great deals. Erin & I would gladly return to go shopping here.

Erin in back of our royal blue ride getting ready for our shopping experience.

Now, see below for the photo across the street from this outlet...

The field

Needless to say, finding this outlet called for extraordinary measures. Our directions were only so-so and we didn't have a GPS (if you're traveling to europe and planning on driving, get a GPS system). Erin did a great job navigating our way through the country roads. I ended up with a jacket, sweater & scarf. Erin got a sweater & scarf.

Next challenge was finding the balsamic vinegar place. talk about over the river and through the woods. We were 1 1/2 hours late by the time we found the place (after erin spotted a AAA for Italy, we ran in and asked for directions...they found it online and printed out better directions for us and explained the way to help us out!). He only had a few minutes to show us around, but he gladly gave us the tour and tasting! It was fantastic. He told us he, his girlfriend, and one other would be harvesting the grapes this week for the Balsamic Production.

Owner of Villa San Donnino, Balsamic Vinegar producer

Balsamic Vinegars aging anywhere from 3 to 50 years...

The following day brought us to the Parma Ham Festival. We were initially told by the guy at the front desk that we couldn't go on a production tour (which was true on a normal basis) so Erin asked about the Parma Festival and he said, "no, it's not open to the public." Saddened with defeat, we went into downtown Parma to check out the city. First place we visited was the Information Office who told us that it was, in fact, open to the public. So after our quick tour and lunch in Parma we took off 30 minutes away down to the town of Langhirano for the festival. 

Once we finally got parking (illegal parking, of course - the workers promised us we'd be ok...and we were.) we found a tourist booth that gave us the idea to go down to the production facility tour. Naturally, it was all conducted in Italian by this guy to the far right. After the tour was over, he shyly came up to us and started talking to us in Italian wondering how much of it we understood. I said, "Nunca...nada...no parla Italiano..." He was pretty dumbfounded and asked, "at all?" He ran and got his girlfriend (pictured with Erin and our tour guide below) so that she could translate the process. 

It was fun after we got a play by play explanation and I was really glad that we went, although I felt VERY uncomfortable at first. I just knew I didn't belong and they said that they didn't know we didn't understand because it appeared that we were just absorbing everything in. And we answered some questions that were asked of us. (Erin & I learned to guess very, very well)

Very cute couple - we found out that they met at a club, that they had been dating for a year, and they had their first kiss at the Castle.

Erin & I sadly left Parma - this part of the trip went so fast!! and everyone was very helpful in the countryside.

We arrived into Milan by around 3:30pm. We were staying in the 'hood. I've never seen so much graffiti before in my life. Erin walked faster than I've ever seen her walk. We were that scared. We walked around before and after our tour of the Last Supper (i saw people from the US begging for any opening that comes up for the Last Supper...they thought they reserved it but never got charged...hello...clue number one that your reservation didn't go through - I had the same problem but kept plugging on until I finally got a booking confirmation number which took me weeks to accomplish.) I felt bad for them but I was really relieved that we were ok. 

We walked around the Duomo (below) at just after sunset. It was an impressive sight at night. We walked up to the top of the Duomo the following day, which could be a bad thing considering how deathly afraid of heights I am!! It was an amazing view and a beautiful Church...

After traveling for more than 16 hours we finally made it home to Los Angeles. It was a fantastic trip...a lot of fun but I'm definitely glad to be back home! Thanks, erin, for a great time in Italy (despite my hermit like, people hating nature).

Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium 

they can book tours to Parmigiano plants in the area.  You will need to book ahead if you need the tours in English.

Villa San Donnino s.n.c.
Strada Medicina 25
41010 San Donnino (MO) Italy
Telephone: +39 059469325
Mobile: +39 340 2579734
Fax: + 39 059 469325
info@villasandonnino.it

To book tours of the Balsamic Vinegar production.

Prosciutto di Parma Festival 

This festival is usually the end of August or beginning of September.

Goodbye, Firenze, hello, Parma!

View from rooftop dining terrace at the Best Western. Duomo & Giotto Bell Tower
Farmacia Profumeria - Convent that created perfumes

It was a little sad for me to leave Florence today. It was a city that was a lot of fun this time around. I think it helped that we stayed in the city. Before we left, we went to the Santa Maria Novella Church...there's a perfume shop there that's been around for hundreds of years. It smelled...a lot...kinda incense-y.

After we stopped off, we went to pick up our train tickets to Parma. I didn't realize i bought so much - I had a hard time getting my luggage around. I swore to erin that I was done shopping. Day 1 of that resolve - so far so good. (we even went to an outlet in Fidenza and we both walked away with nothing)..

After we checked into the Holiday Inn Express in Parma (that is, AFTER we finally found it!!), we decided to hit up the Fidenza outlet where we struck out. After we got back we went to La Greppia in downtown Parma (I drove to the city center...the maitre d' saved a parking spot for us so we parked right in front of the restaurant). The food was WONDERFUL!! I think it's the best meal I've ever had in Italy. We started with a plate of cold cuts (local products); shared 2 pastas, and finished off with a braised beef with polenta dish. I'm can barely move. It was an arm and a leg but if you ever make it out to Italy, i HIGHLY recommend a visit to Parma (rent a car) and a dinner here!!

fresh handmade pasta in the glass window into the kitchen! you can see the chefs cooking!!

braised beef in wine and polenta

Bisquit tray...(the small red round things in the center are super miniature apples! it was great!)

Cooking 101, Italian Style

So today started off with me slacking off on running...i decided to sleep in. Erin & I headed out to the Boboli Gardens at Pitti Palace. It was nice...but a lot of uphill, upstairs walking. My ankle was starting to bother me by the end.

We went shopping at the Mercato Centrale which was a lot of fun. I bought a black purse and erin bought a brown one. Ooops. sorry...no gifts for anyone. I suck. hoping more for Parma & Milan.

This evening we went to our cooking class. I was a little irritated by 2 sets of our co-team mates. By the end of the evening, I was exchanging email address and business cards with everyone with promises to send photos out to all. We had a mother/daughter couple who were visiting from the phillipines; a newlywed from Norway (she kept tasting EVERYTHING as we were preparing stuff...i don't know this woman...how sanitary IS this???); and a taiwanese lady (who was a bit bossy and asked a million questions).

then the wine flowed...and everyone was happy and laughing. it was great. we actually had the opportunity to open up and share with each other some funny stories...

clockwise from bottom: Newlywed hubbie from Norway, Phillipino Mama, daughter Ruthie, Greta the Taiwanese lady, me, erin, newlywed wife from Norway

I know I'm in Italy when...

I'll know that I've finally arrived in Italy when:


- I see the gelato shops on every corner (like starbucks in LA)
- I get pushed around by on-coming people (most likely 80 year old ladies with a strong arm!)

- I trip on the street over all those darn cobblestones

- I see a bidet in my room and still after all these years wonder what I'm supposed to do with it.
- the wine is cheaper than soda or water!

- i can actually order a panna cotta!

- 4 course meals are the norm and not the exception.

- when you're at the pool or spa, all the men are wearing speedos (never under any circumstances is it acceptable)...

that's off the top of my head. Only 2 more days before I take off (including today!) for Italy. I'm so excited!! All I want to do is plan my vacation and I've got SO much work to do before i leave. Now I feel compelled to take my laptop (free internet access at two of my hotels that we're at) so I can check in and also upload some photos! things to consider.

weekend fun!

8:30am:
Tosh calls, "hey, girlie...I was just calling to get an ETA on when you guys will arrive..."
Jenny: "Well, sao said she'd be here around noon..."
Tosh: "hahaha..."
Jenny: "So...i figure we'll be in San Diego sometime tonight..."
Tosh: "that's the one thing I can count on...you guys never being on time...and sorry, chickie...you guys always come down together so I lump you two in the same group..."
Jenny: SIGH...


11:25am:
Jenny, calling the Kuida's house...
Darin answers: "What do you want?? You want to know if Saoowwy's still at home?? No?? You already know she's still at home?? Hey, sao...what time are you leaving?? and HOUR?? why?? why can't you leave right now??? Jenny, she said she'll leave in about 20 - 30 minutes."
Jenny: "uh huh...sure..."


12:20pm:
Jenny on the phone with Tosh laughing about how its a good thing a spa appointment wasn't booked, therefore not going to be charged due to not showing up on time, picks up incoming call, "hello?"
Sao: "Hiiiiiiii....i'm on my way..."
Jenny: "Ummm...where are you??"
Sao: "i just left..."
Jenny: "oh my lord..."
Sao: "What??? i have TWO kids..."
Jenny, interrupting: "Sao, normally, i'd believe you and say that you are right. If it wasn't for the fact that you're always late, I'd probably buy that excuse...and furthermore, i can NOT believe you just threw your kids under the bus!! BAD SAO!!"


1:15pm:
Sao calls out from the lawn, "I'm heeeeeere!!"
We go on our merry way stopping off at Mickey D's for some sustenance. Traffic is horrendous and takes us almost three hours just to get to Del Mar. But, like old times, we just chat all the way down about nothing. It's great how easy it is...there are some friendships that suffer without regular "hanging out" times but I have to say, it's never that way with Sao and Tosh. It's like we're all back in College.


We reach Palomar Airport Road when I put a call into Tosh, who suggests some shopping time at the outlets. Great idea! I pick up a shirt, dress, spoon rest, and a cool thing for JT (that I better see him using).


Dinner was at this great posh restaurant called "The Marine Room". An entire wall was made of glass and the tides were high, splashing against the windows every so often. The food was great, the company even better. We had a marvelous time and I went waaaaay above my points (weight watchers) for the entire week in that one meal.


I wake up on Sunday morning to go for a quick run with Tosh, advising Sao to take advantage of the "me/alone" time while she still can. We return to a starving Sao to get ready for Dim Sum (Yum, yum, dim sum!!), ate too much as always. During our conversation, the topic of spa appointment comes up.


Jenny: "hey...it's too bad that we didn't make an appointment at the korean scrub down spa..."
Tosh: "why don't we swing by there and see..."


Little did I know that as I excitedly bounced around the back seat in anticipation for the service that it would be one of the most painful experiences that I've had (i got Tosh's chick...really rough). My experiences at the KOREAN spa were vastly different from the ones that I had at the Fairmont earlier in the week.


"Turning over"
Fairmont Willow Stream: gentle hand on the back, while my masseuse whom I shall dub "Fritz" whispers in my ear, "can you please turn over?"
Korean Spa: my service provider whom I shall dub "Helga" slaps me on the butt and says, "TURN!!!"


"face the other direction"
W.S. : Same concept as above...with gentle touch and soft voice
K.S.: Same concept as above except she pulls my head up off the towel pillow by grabbing a fistful of my hair and yells, "Turn!!"


the massage experience:
W.S.: Fritz lovingly, firmly massaged my gluteal area (first getting permission)
K.S.: Helga beats the living crap out of areas that have thus before remained untouched during a service. and because it's a korean scrub down, scrubs in areas that I swear never got scrubbed down like that before.


I emerge from the whole experience in PAIN. I think parts of my body are bleeding due to the enthusiasm of Helga's scrub down. I have to say that I've never been softer but I'm walking funny because my thighs are swollen from the aggressive swelling...see photo below. it's not supposed to be this red.

Ouch. It really hurt. So much so that I had to use a bag of peas to cool down the swelling on both legs. It's better this morning but hurts when I start walking...friction is bad.

Sao & I left around 4:00pm, stopping off in Gardena for dinner at the yellow cow. YUUUUM. still full from that. all in all a FANTASTIC weekend (thanks, darin, for letting sao come out to play!!). Can't wait until next year - maybe Santa Barbara, OC...or???