April truly came and went so quickly! I got to check out spots that were new to me as well as spots that had fun seasonal items!
1. The Pie Hole (Pasadena, CA) - @dogandaduck
The Pie Hole wanted to promote their seasonal items: Blackberry Panna Cotta Pie, Flower Crown Pie Holes and Blackberry Iced Tea. Everything was so pretty and festive for spring! The pie was very refreshing and the tea was minty! I also loved how cute the pie holes were, each topped with whipped cream and an edible flower!
2. Public School Restaurant + Bar (Los Angeles, CA) - @dogandaduck
I had no idea Public School served brunch! The menu was pretty awesome and they even served bottomless cocktails! Pictured are the Crispy Naked Wingz, Parmesan Truffle Frites, Fried Chicken & Green Chili Cornbread Waffles, and Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes, Mimosa and Berrmosa. Toward the end of our meal, they gave us metal straws from 5 Gyres, a non-profit organization committed to reducing waste.
3. The Crack Shack (Pasadena, CA) - Guest of @toenaylean.eats
I tried Crack Shack a long time ago, back when it had only one location in San Diego! I was happy to see more locations open up in the Los Angeles County. I loved that they opened a location in Old Town Pasadena, one of my favorite areas to hang out at. Everything was delicious, as usual! We got the BAE, Fried Chicken, Chicken Oysters, and the Mexican Poutine.
4. Ombu Grill (Los Angeles, CA) - Guest of @misspiggieeats
Ombu Grill wanted to promote their Lobster and Lomo Special for Mother’s Day. From all the photos I had seen online, their food looked great and I was excited to come check it out! The lobster was so fresh and the filet mignon was so tender and juicy, even after being grilled! I will have to come back to this restaurant to check out their Argentinean options!
5. Berry Bowl (Los Angeles, CA)
Berry Bowl invited me to come check out their smoothie bowls and I was impressed! I have never had such a filling bowl before!! From the bottom to the top: Activated Charcoal Coconut, Blue Majik Sorbet, Matcha Sorbet, Acai Base, Pitaya Base, Peanut Butter, Strawberries, Blueberries, Pumpkin Seeds, Coconut Flakes, Bee pollen.
6. Fujin Ramen (West Covina, CA)
Fujin Ramen reached out to me to stop by as media. The last time I visited Fujin Ramen was five years ago, when they were serving the Ramen Burger! I found that Fujin Ramen changed owners, but I was happy that the menu pretty much stayed the same. We got the Miso Tanmen, Chashu Trio, Octopus Ball, Dumpling, and Calpico. Everything was very delicious and the portions were way bigger than they were before!
7. Tan-cha Tea House (Alhambra, CA)
I have been a long-time fan of Tancha Tea House, and was happy they wanted me to come promote their drinks. I had to get one of their classic Tiramisu Milk Teas for the photo! I got the Royal Ceylon Milk Tea with Tiramisu Puff Cream, a perfect balance of milk and tea with the sweetness from the tiramisu puff cream. All that was missing was the cute black shovel, only available in the winter.
Other April collaborations:
Dunkin’ Donuts and Social Native wanted me to showcase a drink in a way that reflects Southern California, so I took a picture of an Iced Macchiato with some palm trees and the sunny sky behind it.