Lovable Latin Ladies

I have mad respect for International music.  If I may dare to say, I even enjoy it better than the crap  that is produced here in the US of A.  One of my top 5 has got to be of LATIN origin.  I care to define it more as ‘art’ than ‘songs.’  Every ballad paints its own picture and its hard not to feel your blood thickening with the addition of each new instrument.  My two Latin ladies of love include Bebe and Julieta Venegas.  I like to characterize the Spanish Bebe as a dark poet and the Mexican Julieta Venegas as a bubbly lover.  Both create their own style significantly and leave an impression that will set your mood for the rest of your day.  I find Bebe to bring me strength and fight for women’s rights, whereas Julieta plasters a permanent smile on my face.  Ch-ch-check em out!

Recommended downloads for Bebe include; Malo, El Golpe, Tu Silencio, Siete Horas

photo credit: www.posidoniafestival.com

Recommended downloads for Julieta Venegas include; Te Voy a Mostrar, Me Voy, Eres Para Mi, Algo Esta Cambiando

photo credit: www.tgusta.es

Ras Tafari Makonnen

Well, well, well...look at who I found at a small MexiCali Taco Shop in downtown San Diego. It's Haile Selassie I, otherwise known as Jah RasTafari himself! Just to add, the best tofu burrito was found here. I wish I knew what the place was called, but I guess they will just have to stick with Anonymous Greatness.

nJOY from nKAY

FishLESS Sushi

Say that three times fast.  

Its vegan sushi and its here to stay. 

Had an awesome dinner (because their lunch hours are hard to catch) at Shojin in LA a few months ago and to be completely honest, it does require a ‘trained’ taste.  Like most vegan food, it takes getting used to, but those who are open to anything, culinary wise, would really appreciate this spot.  Their presentation is impeccable and their friendly staff is more than accommodating to the ‘not so vegan’ crowd.  Their dishes include but are not limited to vegan takes on original sushi recipes and some not so sushi-esque line of dishes as well.  It is located in a predominantly Asian mall that consists of other Asian shops and martial arts centers.  The coolest part of dining at Shojin is being able to take the escalator down to the large market located on the first floor.  The grocery store carries tempeh, seitan, and miso, which are the key ingredients in most of Shojin’s plated meals.  Shojin also has events every so often with music, informative facts on vegan culture and a buffet stocked with their most famous entrees and appetizers on their menu.

Just a portion of all the miso found at the market in the same mall.

Simplicity defines Shojin's brand identity.

Their take on the Bento Box

photo credit: www.quarrygirl.com

Tofu Cheese Tartar

photo credit: www.theshojin.com

IMAGINATION>KNOWLEDGE

I saw this quote twice in the same day and liked it just as much the second time as I did the first.  

nJOY from nKAY.

Soda POP Stop

I was just recently introduced to one of the greatest finds in LA.  Located between Highland Park and Eagle Rock in Los Angeles on York Avenue lies a vintage soda pop shop.  This place was stock packed with soda, water, juice, beers, wines, and other unthinkably unique beverages in the country.  From providers that include a three man working base to large corporations such as Evian and Snapple, you can find anything your heart dreams of.  As a huge root beer fan myself, I can only imagine the days when mass-producing root beer out of sassafras root was legal, but since 1959 the story has changed.  I had the most incredible root beer ever while at Galco’s Soda Pop Stop. Oh and did I mention you can pop open a bottle and shop the store for as many hours as you like?!?  The owner himself will follow you through the store answering any questions and informing you on the history of the American Soda Pop.  

I cant begin to tell you what an experience it had been to finally try a root beer made of the strongest sassafras oil, making it completely legal, and almost identical to the taste of the root.  Besides ‘the beer’, they carry varieties of Cherry, Strawberry, Lime, Grape soda, candy from back in the day, and even a deli. One bottle that’s a must try has to be the Jamaican Ginger Soda, which had to be the spiciest and most unique tasting soda I had ever tried!! Their assortments of drinks also include beers from all over that will satisfy just about anybody’s personal preference.  This is definitely a spot you must check out! This family-operated place has been around for over 100 years, so they know their stuff all right.

Evian bottle designed by Christian Lacroix

And the list goes on...

Jamaican Ginger Beer...ouch! Must have for those who cant get enough.

Beer is the only item they cannot ship but for other items and a menu of all they offer visit 

www.SodaPopStop.com