Los Angeles, California: We have been in Los Angeles six days and I can barely remember what we have done, where we have been and exactly how many items have been checked-off Lisa's Nesting List. Lisa admitted today, that as she scratches-off a completed item, she is adding more chores to the bottom of the list.
We did major shopping yesterday. Lisa (like her Momma) plans her weekly menus and tries to do a big shop one day and supplement with a quick stop later in the week. This planning/shopping really works and saves a ton of money if the planner will stick to the plan and if the diners will stick to their schedules.
Usually something will come-up. Someone will have to work late. Someone won't nap. Germany will beat Brazil 7-0. Stuff happens. But, usually, the meal plans works.
Sometimes... your nearly-eight-months-along wife bakes cookies for your office... so you send her flowers.Well done, Lenny.
Over the past two days, we have taken/fetched Leo to/from preschool, visited rug cleaners, upholsterers and grocers. Gifts have been purchased. Wrapped. Mailed. Floors have been scrubbed. Laundry. Vacuuming. Leo has been bathed. Read to. Rocked. Lullabied (not a word).
Lisa had errands this morning in Glendale. We joined her and found just enough time for lunch at Din Tai Fung - a very authentic Taiwan-style noodle and dumpling restaurant. The restaurant has many locations throughout Asia, and have recently opened several branches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Dining at Din Tai Fung was like a flashback to Taiwan.
Taiwan PickleThis cucumber dish is usually brought (gratis) to the table by the server in restaurants in Taiwan. I make Taiwan Pickle on a regular basis at home. Delicious.
Steamed Chicken DumplingsI nearly cried when the first bite of their dumpling hit my mouth. Nailed it. Exactly the same taste as Taiwan (we lived in Taiwan for several years during the 1980's).
Fried RiceDin Tai Fung serves traditional Taiwanese-style fried rice as well. No soy sauce! Since we do not eat pork/shellfish, we were not able to try many of the things on the menu (for example, the pork AND shrimp dumplings, which I can imagine must be delightful, as steamer-baskets filled with the dumplings were flowing out of the kitchen). But Din Tai Fung has a large selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu items, so it is easy for anyone to find a delicious meal - they even have a vegetarian hot-sour soup option.
Our niece, Meghan, drove up from Long Beach with her fiancé, Jaime, to join us for dinner tonight. DT grilled steaks (I roasted potatoes and asparagus) and we all had a great evening on the patio.
Meghan, Me & JaimeWe celebrated Meghan's birthday a day early with a little fruit tart.
Until my next update, I remain, your well-fed correspondent.