This one is interesting. The Missus wanted zaru soba…well, without the soba! Figure that one out? The Missus enjoys the Tsuyu, the daikon oroshi, wasabi, and grated ginger, but just does not like the flavor and texture of buckwheat noodles! Hmmm……so, funny thing how things just pop back up. A couple of years back, we had a tasting of GreeNoodles at Mitsuwa. The reason that we were interested was that the noodles were made with "Moroheiya", also known as Mulukhiyah, but really know to us as Molokhia, a green veggie we first encountered and enjoyed in Tunisia. Funny thing, we next saw Molokhia available for purchase at Nijiya of all places. I remember being told how healthy Molokhia is. But beyond that, we loved the slightly bitter-vegetal flavor. And the Missus enjoyed how those dried noodles tasted. Anyway, looking for an alternative to soba, I decided to get a couple of packages of GreeNoodle from Tokyo Central (aka Marukai). Of course I wasn't getting the stuff with those powdered soup packets (there's miso, tum yum, yakisoba, etc…). I was just getting a package of dried noodles – $1.99 each.

Supposedly a good amount of fiber, the noodles aren't fried, a good source of potassium, beta carotene, manganese, antioxidants, blah, blah, blah…..
The main thing is; would the Missus enjoy this? And guess what, She loves it! It's quite simple. I just boil for about 3 minutes, rinse, then put into ice water to chill, then drain. I serve it just like zaru soba. It's so refreshing!

I've made this five times over the last sweltering two weeks. I guess it's a fixture now. Though I can tell the Missus is getting tired of it because She's requested a "Ma Jiang Mian"; cold sesame noodle version. Go figure.
You know, with all the hot weather, I haven't been making anything really complex. Though, it's been quite interesting. This is another favorite of the Missus. It's based on a dish from our favorite Sichuan restaurant in Paris. So, I've made this like four times already.

Not sure it's worth a post though….
Still, I thought you might be interested in these Moroheiya Noodles; which have a better texture, taste, and is much more healthy than that instant ramen you're eating. Plus, I thought it interesting how this plant, which supposedly originated in Ancient Egypt, that we first tasted in Tunisia, and then saw for sale at Nijiya, can be found in noodle form!

Have a great weekend!
The new president, Ed Morales, was introduced and he
The artist rendition for the 2025 
Even moreso in real life! See the slot in the front hill? That is where the "Spotter" sits and can view what is in front of the float. The Spotter speaks to the driver via a headset and has a set of brakes there at the front, in case an emergency type of stopping is necessary.
Kiwanis International has the theme "Being Together" and is going to be even more beautiful when covered in natural materials and flowers. The slot for the Spotter to view is at the top of the honeycomb
The Service organization of Oddfellows and Rebekahs has their 2025 entry depicted
Here it is in real life! so vibrant and, again, cute. You can see the rectangular slot in front. The Driver, who only follows the 'Rose Colored Line' on the street is situated near the middle of the float.
The drawing of the 2025
This beauty is surreal and so detailed; everyone (on either side of the parade route) will see something different.
The 2025 entry for the Luthern Hour Ministries and
There will be 'stained glass' windows on the church, all created with natural materials. This float will be magnificent with it's theme "Behold! Jesus the Savior is Born". The Petal Pushers volunteers assist with decorating about eight floats during decorating days.
The Fraternal Service Organization of Elks will have another float in the 2025 Rose Parade.
"Cherished Memories" is the theme. Remember that all floats must 'fit' down the parade route, so the Elk at the back of the float must be able to collapse down to the maximum allowable size.
Shriners Children's 2025 float will feature a working waterfall!
So far, in it's basic stages, I can see that the two parrots will be lifted up to go down the parade route, then lowered as it gets to the tight spots along the route.
I have not seen any drawings for the City of Alhambra entry, but it was also tested on July 13. 

A cortadito ($3.39) was a nice alternative to coffee. The espresso with sweetened condensed milk really hit the spot.
A new beverage is an iced passion fruit, yuzu pear lemonade ($5.45) and we just had to try it. Topped with edible violas and mint, this was a very pleasant, not overly sweet treat.
A peach target ($4.55) and a matcha raspberry eclair ($3.90) were our choices to try later that day. Wonderful crust and pastry and fruit and cream. Very nice indulgences.
A walnut-raisin batard ($4.65) is a must purchase item. Crisp crust, an almost sourdough base and walnuts and raisins; a perfect snack or breakfast.
Two cheese rolls ($1.19 each). were enjoyed in the car on the way home. Crisp and flaky and sugar topped with a whipped cream cheese filling. Another perfect item.
We ordered Torrejas (Cuban French Toast) ($9.15), a wonderful breakfast item, especially with the cream cheese and fresh fruit.
Instead of an eggy sandwich, we shared a lechon sandwich ($8.69) Roasted pork, so tender and topped with pickled onions, served on fresh, pressed bread that was spread with a wonderful house made chimichurri sauce. This satisfied the cravings I had for about half a year.