What’s the Missus Craving? Moroheiya (GreeNoodle) Noodle Soba Style

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.

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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!

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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.

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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! 

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Have a great weekend!

2025 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #1, breakfast at Portos

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  There are reasons to get to the restaurants.  Cathy is writing today about the journey back to Portos.

On January 1, 2024, the 2024 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game (Go Blue!) occurred and about two weeks later, planning for the 2025 Tournament of Roses began.

IMG_8489 The new president, Ed Morales, was introduced and he introduced the Theme of the 2025 Tournament.  "Best Day Ever! which guides the design theme of the floats which will appear in the Parade.

Designs were submitted, approved and construction began.  On Saturday, July 13, some floats were tested for mechanics and maneuverability at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale.  This was the first of at least three road tests before decorating, which begins the first Saturday in December.  (You can sign up for decorating floats HERE; The Mister and I have already chosen two dates in December).

IMG_8455 The artist rendition for the 2025 Lions Club International float, "Celebrating a Day of Service" is so cute,!
IMG_6987IMG_6989 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.

IMG_6995 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

IMG_8455 The Service organization of Oddfellows and Rebekahs has their 2025 entry depicted on their website
IMG_7022 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.

IMG_8455 The drawing of the 2025 Rotary International float, does not di it justice.
IMG_7020 This beauty is surreal and so detailed; everyone (on either side of the parade route) will see  something different.

IMG_8455 The 2025 entry for the Luthern Hour Ministries and Petal Pushers is going to continue with being the only Christian Themed float in the Parade for the 74th year.  IMG_6967 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.

IMG_8455 The Fraternal Service Organization of Elks will have another float in the 2025 Rose Parade.
IMG_6973IMG_6979 "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.

IMG_8455 Shriners Children's 2025 float will feature a working waterfall!
IMG_7016 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.  

IMG_7014 I have not seen any drawings for the City of Alhambra entry, but it was also  tested on July 13. 

Most road tests at Phoenix Decorating are on the last Saturday of each month, beginning at 6:45.   The Mister and I could not make it this last weekend of July.

 

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So, once we finished with viewing and taking photos, The Mister and I headed south six miles to Portos in West Covina.

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IMG_7047 A cortadito ($3.39) was a nice alternative to coffee.  The espresso with sweetened condensed milk really hit the spot.  

IMG_7047 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.
IMG_7040 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.
IMG_7040 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.
IMG_7040 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.

IMG_7050 We ordered Torrejas (Cuban French Toast) ($9.15), a wonderful  breakfast item, especially with the cream cheese and fresh fruit.
IMG_7050 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.

Portos Bakery & Cafe 584 S. Sunset Ave West Covina CA 91790 (626)214-3490 Website

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