Category Archives: United States

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

March 24, 2014 zaagitravel@gmail.com

Menu & cones at Jeni's Ice Creams via ZaagiTravel.com — Modified from source: salisasaki Flickr

While in Music City for the KEEN Digital Summit last year, Kristin Luna and I hit up Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in East Nashville. This was my first experience with what is often referred to as “artisanal” ice cream.

Two words. Blown away.

The genius behind the delicious, Jeni Britton Bauer, quit school in 1996 to open her first ice cream shop in Columbus, Ohio. She has since been recognized in publications like Time, Cooking Light, Saveur, and Food & Wine.

I was impressed to learn that Jeni’s ice cream begins with grass-grazed Ohio milk and Fair Trade certification. #Winning!

So, as it goes, I sampled many of their flavors. Salty Caramel. Askinosie Dark Milk Chocolate. Brambleberry Crisp. The Milkiest Chocolate in the World — yes, that’s an actual flavor.

The one that stole my heart… the one I literally have dreams about… The Buckeye State.

It is described on their website as “rich and salty peanut butter [that] yields to the crunch of exceptional dark chocolate for perfect balance“.

I can’t say enough about this ice cream. It’s creamy, it’s got fun texture with the tiniest chocolate shavings, it’s lick-the-bowl good. And-then-have-a-temper-tantrum-because-it’s-all-gone good.

If, like me, you don’t live in Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, or Georgia (where Jeni’s shops are located), you can order online or find pints at a variety of stores, including Whole Foods.

Jeni's Ice Creams via ZaagiTravel.com/House of Hall Flickr — Modified from source: House of Hall Flickr

I really need to get my hands on a pint. And soon! This post definitely didn’t help my insane cravings for a scoop (or two. or three.) of that Buckeye State ice cream!

Have you tried Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams? Which flavor is your favorite?

California, North America, United States

The Best of “The Village” in Claremont, California

February 20, 2014 zaagitravel@gmail.com 1 Comment

Claremont, “The City of Trees and PhDs”…

It is well-known in the academic world for being a town of topnotch colleges. Which ones, you ask? Well, Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer. They are basically the West Coast’s version of an Ivy League. As of 2013, four of them rank in the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the entire nation.

On top of that, in 2007, it was voted the number five best place to live by CNN/Money. Being that I grew up in the town next door I’m pretty proud of that accomplishment.

Claremont has been something like an adopted hometown to me, since my own town is seriously lacking in the cool restaurants and boutiques department. We frequent C-Mont often, particularly the downtown area known as “The Village”. This aesthetically pleasing and charming part of Southern California is a can’t-miss for anyone looking for a day trip or new area to explore. I’ve collected some of my own favorite things about The Village and laid them out for your convenience below.

P.S. You’re in for a treat, literally. The first handful are more than enough to indulge any irresistible sugar craving you may have.

If you’re on a diet, enter at your own risk.

So, without further ado, welcome to my ‘hood (kind of)…

First up!

1) 21 Choices

Imagine mixing Baskin Robbins, Yogurtland, and Cold Stone all into one; you would get something similar to 21 Choices.

This frozen yogurt shop is one of the originals, having been in business for decades (although switching and adding locations a couple times). They now have two locations in Claremont, one in downtown Pasadena, and another on the USC campus.

Their unique concept begins with offering six flavors/choices each day — two usually being the classics, Dutch Chocolate and French Vanilla, and the other four changing daily. Examples of their vast variety of flavors include Kahlua Mudslide (my personal favorite), Root Beer Float, Circus Animal Cookie, Orange Creamsicle, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate-Covered Strawberry, Snicker-doodle, Reese’s Extreme, Banana Cream Pie, Nutella Chip, Brownie Magic, Oatmeal Cookie, and so on. There are literally thousands.

The second unique aspect to 21 Choices is that they offer to mix toppings into your frozen yogurt. Using two hand-held blades, your taste-bud-bliss-inducing associate carefully chops up and thoroughly combines whichever toppings you select into your chosen flavor(s). Toppings range from fresh fruit to M&Ms to gummy bears to baked goods to breakfast cereals to well, a lot more. Because why not?

Depending on the size you choose (pretty much any size but a tres small — their smallest size), you can potentially have up to all six flavors jamming together in your cup.

21 Choices is THE place in the Inland Empire/San Gabriel Valley/whatever this area is called… to grab a sweet treat. It’s a social gathering place for high school and college students, families, dates, friends, and so on. It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door during the evenings. It has a fantastic energy with friendly, upbeat staff and delicious, customized fro yo!

Fun Fact: nearly eight years ago I walked into 21 Choices and filled out an employment application. It became my very first (non-entertainment industry) job. And I loved it. And so did my sweet tooth. And so will yours.

2) Some Crust Bakery

The Some Crust Bakery, which opened in 1916, prides itself on it’s European-style baking methods.

It’s not just a popular spot for baked goods. They serve up yummy breakfast & lunch also – including design-your-own sandwiches and sliders!

Some Crust bakes up fresh cakes, cookies, pastries, danishes, croissants, scones, muffins, pies, bars, cupcakes and so on.

My favorite is the Mocha cookie! Nom. Nom. Nom.

3) Bert & Rocky’s Cream Company

Bert & Rocky’s Cream Company is a sugary heaven. With 50 flavors of ice cream, cases full of candy and chocolate, and massive caramel apples, it guarantees something good for everyone.

Their ice cream counters hold all the classics as well as unique flavors like “Guava and Goat Cheese”. Say what?!

But… if ice cream isn’t your thing ~~(then you’re weird)~~ you can check out these beauties below.

4) I Like Pie

As a somewhat new member to the Village, I Like Pie is quickly establishing itself as a big player.

Next month, this charming pie shop is partnering with the Claremont Chamber of Commerce to host the 2nd Annual Claremont Pie Festival. It’s being held out front I Like Pie on March 15th, 2014 from 11:00am-4:00 pm. It’ll be a great opportunity to come check out all the local pies!

I Like Pie also features a gluten-free option daily and vegan options Friday through Sunday.

All of the sweet and savory pies I’ve tasted have been delicious. I even ordered a full-size Apple Cranberry one for Thanksgiving last year! It was decorated with leaves made from pie-crust. So cute!

5) Laemmle Movie Theatre

The 5-cinema Laemmle Movie Theater offers up a wide range of movies, from the biggest box office hits to obscure independent and foreign films.

In other words, a simple recipe for a romantic evening (or just a friend-date) in the Village :

Sit down for dinner on the patio at The Back Abbey (a cool gastropub behind the theater)

Catch a movie at Laemmle

And finally, enjoy a dessert at any of the fun options above!

6) Nectar Boutique

Because… a review of any downtown is not complete without a shopping recommendation!

Nectar Boutique. It’s full of cute clothes and accessories for, well, women. Sorry dudes.

After being referred here by many friends I finally came in to take a look around.

I literally can’t come in without buying something. Every time.

Oh and they have an employee named Alexa. Automatic awesome. And as it turns out she’s really helpful and cute. I mean, her name IS Alexa… ha. Terrible joke. Just terrible. Moving on.

7) Rhino Records

If you’re a music fan, be sure to check out the impressive selection over at Rhino Records.
It’s like walking back into the good ‘ole days when there were things like records… and… CDS. Gasp.

Tap into your inner hipster. You know you want to.

8) Walters Restaurant

Lastly, if you’re in the mood for something a little different (but not too different) then check out Walters Restaurant. Their menu is made up of American/Afghan fusion and it’s… it’s just… really good.

Two of my favorites items on the menu are:

1) – Afghan Fries (left) – Fresh potatoes dipped in a special ethnic batter and deep fried.

Those Afghan Fries though. Served up with some ketchup. Yee haw!

And

2) – Spicy Corn Cakes (right) – Topped with homemade black beans, salsa and sour cream. (Vegan)

My mouth is watering.

My sister-in-law recommends…

3) Bolawnies – An afghan dish made up of ground beef, potatoes and onions stuffed in a thin dough and deep-fried. Served with fresh yogurt sauce.

I’ve actually never tried them but they’re on my to-try-very-soon list.

The Village’s HONORABLE MENTIONS!!!

Two of my other favorite places in the Village are chains and I tried to keep this post all about what is UNIQUE to Claremont.

But because I love them so I will list them here.

1) Le Pain Quotidien – I go here for breakfast and lunch with my mom quiiiiite frequently. Their steamed apple juice, coconut macaroons, cheese almond danish, and curried chicken salad tartine with harissa-cranberry chutney can turn any frown upside down. Exclamation point. Exclamation point. Exclamation point.

2) Eureka Burger – Fresno Fig burger with sweet potato fries and extra ranch. And a Belgian wheat beer. Please and thank you.

—–

What are YOUR favorite things about Claremont?

Or if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of exploring my neck-of-the-woods, which business above looks most appealing? What would you do if you had a day to spend in C-Mont?

California, North America, United States

How to Spend A Morning in Pismo Beach, California

January 27, 2014 zaagitravel@gmail.com 1 Comment

Pismo Beach is a small beach town on the central coast of California. In the 1950’s it adopted the moniker “Clam Capital of the World”, a culture it still closely identifies with today. You may have also heard of this little gem from pop culture classic, Clueless, when Cher identifies herself as captain of the Pismo Beach Disaster Relief.

The real disaster is if you haven’t ever heard of Pismo Beach. However, if this is the case, it’s not too late.

What you should know now:

The downtown area is a popular stop for travelers making the long trip up or down the gorgeous coast (bias aside…) of the golden state. It is also the closest beach to San Luis Obispo, home to Cal Poly SLO, a well-regarded university.

Lately I’ve been loving the monthly road trips with friends up to our friend Kevin’s oceanfront vacation home. Let’s be real, who doesn’t love indulging in delicious food and stunning Pacific Ocean views…?

If you’re planning on a visit to Pismo Beach, do yourself a favor and put your diet on hold. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

There are three things you must do when visiting Pismo Beach, California…

1. Eat a to-die-for cinnamon roll at Old West Cinnamon Rolls on Dolliver St. Extra points for a specialized cinnamon roll, like the one I devoured that was coated with slivered almonds. BOMB! Other topping options include: crumbs, pecans, walnuts, raisins, and raisins & walnuts.

2. Take a relaxing stroll on the pier or beach (PSSST! Silver dollar central on the north side of the pier during low tide. I found 12 in under 12 minutes!)

3. Finish up with a hot sourdough bread bowl full of award-winning clam chowder from the famous Splash Cafe (an awesome tip I got from my boyfriend, Ryan: add the “seafood topping” for a $1.00… it is SO good!)

What do you love most about Pismo Beach?

If you could only choose one, which would you have — an Old West cinnamon roll or clam chowder from Splash Cafe?

California, North America, United States

Cooking Observation at the Village Kitchen Shoppe in Glendora, California

November 14, 2013 zaagitravel@gmail.com 1 Comment

I’ve been on quite the hiatus — first it was Nashville for the KEEN Digital Summit, and then I had a health issue to address… but I’m back into the swing of things again! I’m ready, you ready? Cool. Let’s get it then.

So I first visited the Village Kitchen Shoppe nearly a year ago.

When I get people gifts I often like to give experiences, rather than things. And being that my dad loves to cook (he’s basically an undercover gourmet chef) I thought it would be fun to gift him a cooking demonstration for his birthday.

The idea of sitting back, relaxing, and drinking a couple glasses of wine while observing new cooking techniques followed by a delicious meal sounded right up our alley! And it was.

I’ve been back to the Village Kitchen Shoppe many times over the last year. Their well-stocked shop is a great place to find cooking-related gifts. Each time I go I discover exciting, new trinkets and tools — like colorful, magnetic, stackable measuring cups & spoons or the absolute coolest mixer I’ve ever laid eyes on.

So… last month, when I discovered a pair of passes to another one of these cooking demonstrations at an auction organized by the David & Margaret Home, I was determined to win them to surprise my dad with a sequel to our previous culinary training.

The $50/person “TAB (Take a Break)” class was lead by 1 head chef, Gina, 1 sous chef and about 8-10 observers. It lasted from 10:30am – about 1:30pm. Gina, who has been working at the Village Kitchen Shoppe for four years, is likable and full of interesting knowledge.

A sample of things I learned specifically about eggs from Gina during the TAB class:

— Egg shell attracts egg shell. If you break an egg and a piece of the shell falls into the bowl, use another piece of shell to help fish it out.

— Egg yolk is always the same size. It’s the egg white that differs amongst the various sizes of eggs. Who knew?

As you can see below, the demonstration was best seen from the overhead mirror that reflected the table Gina worked on.

The food itself was fabulous! During this particular demonstration (the menu is different each time) they served a sweet and sour holiday brisket, a massive iceberg salad with refreshing dressing and blue cheese, roasted fingerling potatoes and carrot coins, goat cheese popovers, and a pumpkin pecan cake bar with a cream cheese vanilla bean frosting.

The brisket was tender and full of incredible flavor. The goat cheese popovers, perfect for mopping up the crazy good sauce from the brisket, were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The vegetables, deceivingly simple to make, seemed like there just had to be some fancy, special secret to them.The gloriously gigantic pumpkin pecan cake bars were a perfect way to end the meal and indulge in the festivity of fall. Moist, sweet, surprisingly light, yet still wonderfully rich — I was a big fan.

The following weekend I made the fingerling potatoes and carrot coins (with a Beer Braised Beef dish by the Pioneer Woman) and it was boyfriend-approved! Both recipes were ridiculously easy to repeat but tasted like I’d slaved in the kitchen. Loved that.

Overall: I recommend the classes at the Village Kitchen Shoppe to anyone in the San Gabriel Valley area looking for a new way to spend a Saturday morning or celebrate a special occasion.

California, North America, United States

Best Italian Food Outside of Italy: Aldolino’s in Azusa, California

October 2, 2013 zaagitravel@gmail.com 1 Comment

Aldolino‘s was recommended to me by my mom’s hair stylist. As a lover of Italian cuisine I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Thank goodness I did. It was truly the best Italian food I’ve had outside of Italy! And now one of my favorite restaurants ever.

As we pulled up I tried not to pass judgment based on the exterior — an unassuming location, in a fairly old shopping center, with a Mexican grocery store as a neighbor. In fact, it has served up Italian food in this location for nearly 60 years, including back when Arrow Hwy was still a dirt road.

As I entered I quickly observed how clean and charming the interior was.

Gabriel, our server (who also happens to be the owner), was a beaming ray of sunshine. He could easily pass as an Italian — handsome, charismatic, and with a genuine desire to serve up the best Italian food you’ve ever had. He and his brother Jesus (the chef) love to cook. They each have an impressive resume with collective experience in nearly a dozen high-end restaurants around the Los Angeles area — establishments like Il Fornaio, Palm Restaurant, Arroyo Chop House, Twin Palms, etc.

The menu displays a photo of the original owner, Aldolino Formica, whose own charisma helped land him on TV shows like I Love Lucy (with Lucille Ball below) and the Ed Sullivan Show, among others.

Inside the menu you can find a diverse variety of reasonably priced and delicious Italian dishes, including recipes that have been passed down from the days of Aldolino himself.

This particular visit I ordered the Venezia Insalata. My other favorite dish to order is the Pasta Della Casa. Unfortunately for you, the salad looked so irresistible that, well, it was gone before I could remember to take a picture.

Below is the dish my dad ordered, Rigatoni Al Forno. If you like Italian sausage you truly can’t beat the incredible version served up at Aldolino’s.

Fun fact: All of the sauces here are made fresh, from scratch and by taste.

One of my other favorite dishes (I know, there are so many!) is the Ravioli di Vitello — a beef raviolo in a mushroom herb creme sauce drizzled with white truffle oil. This stuff is to die for. The bread at Aldo’s (which is utterly amazing also, do you see a theme here?) goes perfectly with the mushroom sauce. I could literally order a bowl of the sauce and eat it with a bowl of the bread. Can’t believe I just admitted that, but it’s true!

And if all of this weren’t enough to convince you that you NEED to try this place… just scroll down a bit to see the apple dessert with homemade cinnamon ice cream.

Fun fact: All of the desserts are made on-site by Gabriel himself.

Enough said.

Is it just me or do those pictures make you want to lick the screen?

Aldolino’s truly deserves all the praise in the world. I wish them many more years of success (I simply never want to stop coming here)!

Aldolino’s Italian Restaurant is located at 659 E Arrow Hwy, Azusa, California 91702.

Have you ever been to Aldolino’s? What’s your favorite dish?

California, North America, United States

Kogi Food Truck: Korean BBQ in Los Angeles

August 19, 2013 zaagitravel@gmail.com 1 Comment

The Kogi Korean BBQ food truck is one of the most famous food trucks in the country. It has been serving up tacos, burritos, quesadillas, sliders, burgers, chocolate tres leches (and more!) since 2008.

The co-founder/chef (and self-proclaimed milk-shake connoisseur) Roy Choi was born in Seoul, Korea. Choi was recognized for his seriously awesome food truck skills when he was voted Best New Chef in Food & Wine Magazine’s 2010 contest.

Kogi BBQ has also been featured in a multitude of other publications including TIME magazine, Sunset magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the Hollywood Reporter and LA Weekly.

Last week I learned that one of the four trucks comes to Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday evenings from 6-9pm.

So I decided to go and see what all the fuss was about.

I went. I waited. I ordered. I devoured.

Verdict: Kogi BBQ was one of the best decisions I made all week.

Kogi food truck tacos via ZaagiTravel.com — My dad hand modeling a short rib taco.

I recommend the tacos (short rib, spicy pork, chicken, and tofu) for $2.29 each and the Kogi sliders for $6.00 which you can eat by themselves — or add a taco and drink to create a combo for $9!

The Kogi website describes the sliders as “short rib, sesame mayo, cheese, salsa roja, and a cabbage-romaine slaw tossed in a chili-soy vinaigrette on toasted buns”. You can also swap the short rib for another meat if you’d like.

I don’t know about you but my mouth is watering just looking at these photos. Is it Thursday yet?

TIP: the Kogi truck is known to run a bit late (at least to the Cal Poly Pomona location). Aim to arrive around 6:30 instead of 6:00.

ANOTHER TIP: The truck can be difficult for first-timers to find. When it comes to Cal Poly Pomona it parks near the Valley Blvd & Temple Ave intersection. Head towards the mobile home park on the west side of Valley Blvd.

And thanks to Josue for the service with a smile!

California, North America, United States

Swells & Surfboards: The 2013 US Open of Surfing

August 14, 2013 zaagitravel@gmail.com

Huntington Beach is where I learned to surf. It’s where I realized I was in love for the first time. It’s where I met Arnold Schwarzenegger – for the second time. No, I was not in love with Arnold. Actually this guy’s last name was even harder to pronounce, so I won’t put you through that…

Huntington Beach holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to share the first of many posts about it with you.

So a few weeks ago we pulled into the garage of my aunt and uncle’s house located less than three blocks from the Huntington Beach pier. My mom, my dad and I had brought along our dogs Kona and Beau for a stay in one of the greatest surfing destinations in the world (Huntington Beach isn’t called Surf City USA for no reason)!

We spent the evening resting up in preparation for the monstrous surfing documenting we would be doing early the next morning.

You better wake up early if you want to eat breakfast at the Sugar Shack before it begins to get crowded.

This place is famous. So famous in fact that our adorable server, Summer, is often recognized in other parts of the country when she’s working as a flight attendant – her other job.

The Sugar Shack is a 3^rd generation family owned business. It’s a Southern California style “mom and pop” hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint. The inside is covered with decade’s worth of photos of legendary surfers, many of them studded with autographs. A waiting list for the outside tables hangs out front under the forest green awning.

TIP: If there’s an available table inside, feel free to grab it! And you better do it quick!

ANOTHER TIP: My favorite things on the menu… If you want to feel like a true local you gotta try the Main Street Burrito which is stuffed with avocado, mushrooms, onions, sprouts and cheese. If you’re aiming for a quick bite you can’t beat the Wake Up & Shine – 2 poached eggs on toast. If you’re aiming to eat healthy I recommend Michele’s Special – grilled chicken breast, three egg whites, bell peppers and tomatoes. And if healthy eating isn’t a priority add a hot cinnamon roll to your order. You won’t regret it!

Main Street and the surrounding area have an impressive selection of delicious things to be consumed – everything from açai bowls to poke bowls to the best burger in Southern California. I’ll cover my favorites in detail in a post focusing on Huntington Beach as a vacation destination sometime in the next few weeks.

Okay… onto the surfing!

The misty morning began with the horn that announces the beginning of the heat, signaling the surfers to paddle into the line up and start scoping out the incoming swells.

As we made our way further down the pier the cool, salty ocean air filled our lungs. The breeze out on the pier was just heavy enough to need a sweater and even though it was only 8am and completely overcast I was glad to have sunglasses.

My dad and I arrived early enough to grab a key spot huddled up next to the professional photographers. Our pictures aren’t in the same league as theirs but they treated us as one of their own – all of us reminiscing about past U.S. Open of Surfing experiences and our predictions for this years events.

The first surfer that caught our attention was Conner Coffin, last year’s (and spoiler alert this year’s also!) Junior Pro champion from Santa Barbara, California. It turns out Conner has a blog, which you can check out here.

My family followed Conner’s progress throughout the U.S. Open and we were ecstatic to watch him take home the Junior Pro title for a second year in a row the following weekend.

Here are some shots of random surfers we observed from the pier over the next few days.

Have you visited Huntington Beach? If so, what are your own personal highlights?

Have you ever tried surfing? Would you?

Zaagi Travel

Category Archives: United States

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

The Best of “The Village” in Claremont, California

How to Spend A Morning in Pismo Beach, California

Cooking Observation at the Village Kitchen Shoppe in Glendora, California

Best Italian Food Outside of Italy: Aldolino’s in Azusa, California

Kogi Food Truck: Korean BBQ in Los Angeles

Swells & Surfboards: The 2013 US Open of Surfing

Unique Insights From One Who Treasures Travel