mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food and sometimes Kirk or Cathy write about how the acquisition of a meal or snacks came to be. This is one of those posts.
Yes, it's the time of year when the January 1 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade is becoming real.
The Logo, Theme (Celebrating A World of Music, The Universal Language) and President (Alex Aghajanian) of the 2024 Tournament of Roses were announced in January (yes, the Rose Bowl Football Game is the culmination of the Tournament) and preparations for the 135th Rose Parade began.
Designs for floats, centering on the theme, were submitted, approved and construction began. On Saturday, road tests for mechanics and maneuverability of eight floats were conducted at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale. 
The artist rendition of Lions Clubs International entry, "Changing The World Through Music" has 'come to life'.
It's looking very much like the rendition and will have to be tested again, with 'weight' (people) on board. Then it will be ready for decorating, since it is colored in. Colors help the volunteer decorators and also help if there might be rain and some of the natural items used to cover (all visible portions of) the float succumb to the elements.
The 2024 Rotary International entry, "Clean Water-The Music of Life" is still in its basic rebar and wire structure. I can see umbrellas and the cuteness of this float, with the design supporting one the many areas of focus that Rotary serves internationally.
The Petal Pushers and Lutheran Hour Ministries will have its 73rd entry in the Rose Parade in 2024, "Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord". It is the only Christian Themed float in the Parade.
Oddfellows and Rebekahs will be entering this cute, unicorn design, "All We Need Is Love". Did you know that each float plays music along the route? Well, we know the song that will be played on this float!
Kiwanis International is entering "Serving in Harmony", an old fashioned look some long past symbols of music and harmony (Nipper! His Master's Voice! and a Player Piano with a metronomic roll).
The Elks Clubs have another patriotic entry this year. I can see a Fife and Drum Corps and the back of the float looks like fireworks. 
The City of Alhambra is entering this dragon-esque float. 
Here is the base for what will most likely be another magnificent float, entered by Trader Joe's.
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On to the food portion of this post. We started driving South, then East. Then we saw signage.
It looks like a super version of Tokyo Central that we have in the Marukai Complex in San Diego; all under one roof.
It was before 9 a.m.-breakfast time. 
We had to. 
We made our selections, purchased a few other items, paid and found a seat at the front of the store. 
There is a water fountain available, but we had purchased this 2 liter bottle of Jasmine tea (on sale)
Our selections from the Hot Buffet serving trays: Vegetable Croquette, Cheese Tonkatsu, four Fried shrimp, two pieces of Teriyaki Chicken and one 'umami pork rib'. (Total bill for hot food was $14.58)
Of course everything was absolutely fresh and wonderful. It's good to know we can stop here.
Tokyo Central 1420 S. Azusa Ave West Covina Opens 8 a.m. daily
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For those of you wondering, of course we had to stop at Portos; it's only six miles directly South of Phoenix Decorating.
We purchased a loaf of Walnut Raisin bread, and new items- an iced ube matcha tea drink and carrot cake slice. Quite excellent new items.
Porto's Bakery and Cafe 584 S. Sunset Ave West Covina 91790 Opens at 6:30 a.m.
what a great day!
Thanks for the preview! Nice to see the floats are coming along.
I’m curious what the unami ribs taste like? I usually eat Texas style bbq ribs.
It was a really great day, kat! Memorable for sights and eats and even the nice weather.
Eight floats being tested on one day is a lot, Soo. So good to see the Parade progress; it’s sort of getting back to ‘normal’. The ribs were baked (meaty, tender/fall off the bone/needed a fork but used chopsticks) and the sauce was a honey-teriyaki topped with toasted sesame seeds-textures and flavors.
Always enjoy the road test posts
Thanks, ST. The drive up, seeing some unexpected floats and then exploring for places to eat is always an adventure.