Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Bi-Annual Car Review
Strawberry Festival Recap
Strawberry nachos. Strawberry popcorn. Needless to say these aren't your run of the mill foods. But for one weekend in mid-May, the central California city of Oxnard hosts its annual Strawberry Festival. The two day event tempts visitors from around the world with treats like strawberry pizza and the now ubiquitous deep-fried Twinkie... with strawberries.
There are two ways to get to the festival, via the 101 North or the more scenic coastal route of Hwy 1, assuming you're starting in Southern California. The 101 North is a pretty no-nonsense hour-long drive through the San Fernando Valley and the expansive farmlands of Central California. Hwy 1 takes a bit longer, especially getting through Santa Monica and Malibu, but once those suburban obstacles are cleared, it's a pretty clear and curvy shot to Oxnard.
The scenic route headed to Oxnard, CA
The entrance fee for the festival was $12, but more importantly, the food:
- Strawberry Nachos - I had nursed a large bottle of water the entire morning and into the early afternoon, so I was very hungry. Strawberry Nachos ($5) consisted of fried triangles of dough with strawberries and whipped cream. It was by far the most amazing thing I have eaten in quite some time.
The strawberry nachos were amazing!!
- Strawberry Pizza - While the name suggested something sweet and tempting, the actual product was far from it. For $5, I was served a slice of bland dough with a coating of plain yogurt and mashed strawberries on top. A dollop of whipped cream was added as if to make up for how lousy this dish tasted.This vile and disgusting concoction was called strawberry pizza.
- Strawberry Lemonade - The lemonade overpowered the faint strawberry flavor in this $3 per cup concoction. I ended up drinking only half and dumping the rest.
- Chocolate-dipped Strawberries - A must-have at this festival, these jumbo strawberries were well worth the 3-for-$5 price. Juicy, sweet and a touch of chocolate. Perfect.
A must-have treat at this festival - chocolate-dipped srawberries.
- Funnel cake with Strawberries - The line was too long. And not moving. So no funnel cake for me.- Strawberry Smoothie - This $2.50 drink was a combination of blended strawberries and Tampico orange juice. And mighty potent. The strawberry flavor was VERY strong.
- Strawberry Popcorn - Again, a long, non-moving line. Plus, it was $5 for a tiny bag.
Other treats included champagne with a strawberry, tostadas with guacamole and strawberry topping and the equally revolting mixture of strawberry beer. Traditional foods ranging from BBQ chicken to hot dogs and garlic fries were also available.
A myriad of food choices, once you make it through the crowd.
The festival also features a games area with a small Ferris wheel and a bumper car-like ride. An entire section was dedicated to various arts and crafts as well. Vendors sold candles, paintings, clothing and various knick-knacks.Two stages also featured a string of tribute bands honoring Elvis, The Beatles, Springsteen, Johnny Cash and even Journey along with some original acts.
The drive back took some time, thanks to a car accident in the one-lane area of Malibu. But once home, I was able to enjoy my 3-pack of fresh Oxnard strawberries... which I finally managed to finish off today.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
10 Cool Things Along the I-10 Freeway
1. Santa Monica beach – OK, yeah, it may see a bit obvious, but if you’re going to start at the beach, you might as well take the time to enjoy it. Granted, you can always detour and stroll through The Promenade or the Venice Boardwalk. Or grab a bite at the high-end James Beach on Venice Blvd. or Cha Cha Chicken on Ocean Ave. Back on the Beach Café on Entrada Drive is also worth a stop. (Food recommendations – fish tacos @ James Beach, jerk chicken enchiladas @ Cha Cha’s and Fred’s Salad @ Back on the Beach) Or, just take in the sunset. Just make sure you shake the sand out of your pockets before you hop in the car.
SoCal Cherry Blossom(less) Festival
Gina Hiraizumi poses for a picture with Miss Kimono L.A.
Gina Hirazumi performs with her band and special guest Shaun Shimizu.
The Hawaiian section featured a series of hula dancers and Hawaiian musicans. On the J-Pop Stage, there was a cosplay competition (Japanese anime costume) and various anime cover bands. Along 1st Street and in a backlot adjacent to the J-Pop Stage, more than 100 vendors sold goods ranging from food to Japanese knick-knacks. And at the Martial Arts Stage, well, I think you can figure that one out for yourself.
Pamela Moss belts out a tune on the J-Pop Stage with her band Makenai.
Lane Nishikawa’s independent film, “Only the Brave,” screened at the East West Players Theater on San Pedro St. The harrowing tale of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team’s rescue of the 141st Texas Regiment won critical and audience praise throughout the festival. Screening attendees were given a special DVD offer and co-star Hiraizumi offered autographed copies of her swimsuit calendar with the purchase. The movie also stars Tamlyn Tomita, Jason Lee Scott and Pat Morita.
So despite the absence of cherry blossoms, the annual event (a precursor, if you will, to the larger Nisei Week events in August) was well received and a definite must-see attraction.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
L.A. to Phoenix
Sonny Boy pizza - salty with bite!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Phoenix Update
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
L.A. to Phoenix Itinerary
Back at last from hiatus. This weekend, I will venture out on a 350 mile journey from L.A. to Phoenix and back in the same day. Below is the tentative schedule.
5:00 a.m. - Leave L.A.
6:45 a.m. - Arrive in Palm Springs
8:00 a.m. - Arrive in Blythe, CA and stop for breakfast
10:30 a.m. - Arrive in Phoenix, AZ
Once in Phoenix, I will be checking out the Arizona Japanese Matsuri (Festival) then checking out the Desert Botanical Gardens and perhaps hike up a few trails in Papago Park. After dinner, I will begin the long journey back to L.A.
6:00 p.m. - Depart from Phoenix, AZ
9:30 p.m. - Arrive in Indio, CA (although there will be a rest stop along the way, perhaps in Quartzsite, CA or Brenda, AZ)
Midnight-ish - Arrive back in L.A.
This will be a 10 hour drive, the second longest one-day drive I've ever done. The longest is L.A. to San Francisco and back in the same day (which I don't recommend, by the way). Full recap should be up by this time next week.