Festivals & Events – Page 13

The 2010 San Diego County Fair, Part 1. Before it opens.

June 10, 2010 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food consumed by those of us who write about our adventures surrounding the consumption. Lately, you have been reading about Kirk's China vacation- family, sights and food He and His missus enjoyed. Today He is taking a break. Cathy is writing.

Hi. The 2010 San Diego County Fair will be opening tomorrow, June 11. Once again , I have a behind the scenes look into the set up and what you can expect to see and enjoy this year.

The theme this year is "Taste the fun" and the front gate proclaims this to everyone entering. Don Diego is wearing a tasteful apron embroidered with the Official Fair Logo.

Of course, you know from my prior posts, that I consider the "heart of the fair" to be the Home and Hobby section. Because the origin of County Fairs was for the farmers to show off the fruits of their labor.

This year is no exception, and the entries were submitted for judging a few weeks ago. Spinning and weaving.

Quilts. Various crafts. Collections.

Of course, Preserved foods. I have shown and explained to you the judging of Preserved Foods in prior years and will skip that this year. Let's just say that this year (as you can see on the above entry table areas) there were more than 70 jellies for a single judge, as well as more than 70 jams for another judge and then a few other judges shared canned fruits, vegetables, dried foods, marmalades, conserves, preserves, pickles, relishes, salsas, honeys, syrups, vinegars and (new this year) liqueurs which left all of the judges pretty tired of craving much sweet or canned anything and wanting fresh vegetables and protein packed foods for quite a few days after judging. {The top liqueur has won "Best in Show" for the Preserved Food category.}
Once judged, the items are set up on display, and this is what you will see.

But I suppose you are interested in what delights the food vendors are offering this year…
So I am just going to show you some of the booths which are set up.
These are more or less the 'usual' ones.

The Health Smart menu on this booth has me intrigued…Because I will be eating items from this stand… and this one. All for the sake of mmm-yoso!!!

Again this year there are discounted tickets at the local Albertson's, you can get in free if you enter one of the daily contests and there are free parking lots nearby, with bus service directly to the gate. For more information, see the Official San Diego County Fair website

The 2010 San Diego County Fair, June 11-July 5 (closed June 14, 21 and 28)

San Diego Tet Festival 2010

February 19, 2010 mmm-yoso Festivals & Events, Vietnamese Restaurants

We are pre-empting Burger Week to let you know it's that time again…. Yes, the 2010 San Diego Tet Festival started today, running through Sunday 02/21. So I made sure to drop this evening.

If you've been to the Tet Festival before, much is the same. The location is still Balboa Park. This year things are much drier than last year, even though there's rain in the forecast.

There are of course, all the various rides and games.

And all of the various booths, from community organizations, different vendors, and sponsors. Like last year, I arrived pretty early and most of the booths weren't set-up yet.

There is a schedule full of events as well.

Don't forget the Cultural Village.

Of course, i know you're most interested in the food, right? Like last year, the food booths occupy one entire side of the festival.

This year, the booths I was interested in weren't ready for me. Also, I noticed that the offerings are a bit more "varied" with even less traditional Vietnamese items available. Still there are enough vendors to keep you satiated.

Some like Ba Le are quite familiar…. but what really got my interest was that Ba Le was serving Kao Piek (Khao Piak Sen), a noodle soup dish we're familiar with. Which led me to wonder….. since when has Ba Le been serving Lao food????

There was one booth that immediately caught my interest.

Lee's Sandwiches had a booth at the festival! I made a beeline toward the booth which was serving only snacks and drinks. I was intercepted by a nice young man offering samples. While munching on a piece of sweet toast, I inquired about Lee's in San Diego. I was told that there are plans for Lee's to open in San Diego within the next eighteen months!

Even though it seems that this years Tet Festival's food offerings are a bit watered down, let me say that you can still find interesting stuff you you look hard enough.

So it might be worth your while!

Adult Admission is $5.

San Diego Tet Festival at Balboa Park

Friday 2/19/2010 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 2/20/2010 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 2/21/2010 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Happy 2010!!!- a sneak peek at the Rose Parade floats and Pastrami at The Hat for a final meal of 2009.

December 31, 2009 Cathy Burgers, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog, mostly about food, but sometimes also about how we managed to get around to eating that food. Tonight, Cathy is writing about how she and The Mister spent the last day of 2009. Kirk and ed (from Yuma) are probably busy with other stuff.

Hi. I am writing this in the late evening of December 31. The Mister and I were awake at about 5:30 this morning (after having spent a long day yesterday with 100 of my closest friends, in light, steady rain, tailgating and watching the Holiday Bowl game). We were exhausted and had to get up and leave. Things happened slowly, dogs needed walking, coffee had to be consumed and we were out the door at 6:30. In the fog. Needing to be in Pasadena by 8 a.m.

Well, that didn't happen. But we did manage to get to the Historic Green Street Hotel
in Old Pasadena by about 8:30. (The Castle Green is now condos and apartments and no longer a hotel).

You can see some of the preserved elements in this public area, and maybe imagine the elegance of this building in its day.
The old Ballroom was where we had breakfast with Lions from all over the world, including the new President from Germany.
Breakfast is a buffet, which is not varied. Fruit, muffins, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage and ham along with orange and cranberry juices and coffee. There are formalities and that sort of thing and then we get on a bus and drive about a mile South on Raymond Street, to the Phoenix Rose Palace Float Barn.
Which looks like this about December 26.

But is like this on the 31st, an hour or two before judging. The Tournament of Roses Parade is going to start in less than 24 hours. (That is the Farmers Insurance float, Salute to Marching Bands) (the black shiny boots are seaweed)
This is the Ronald McDonald House float. (More seaweed to make the black parts of the space shuttle).
The first float you'll see, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, has the theme of the parade- "A Cut Above the Rest". It is one of the smaller floats. Here are some of the details- click and enlarge. Every inch of every float has to be covered with something that is or was alive.

You can see beans, leaf, live flowers, pulverized dehydrated flowers…
Volunteers spend hours cutting and placing some flowers into vials.
Or wrapping the flowers onto wires, so that each can be carefully placed onto the proper part of the float.

This Young Lady is gluing dried marigold petals which have been processed in a blender onto the signage of one of the floats.

The work put in this year was exceptional. Those realistic looking rocks on the Oddfellows and RRebekah's float are covered in a mixture of black and white rice.
The Lions Club International Float.

The City of Alhambra float.

Here is the back end of the Lutheran Hour float, celebrating it's 60th anniversary in the Parade. The Petal Pushers help to decorate this and the other Service floats in this Barn.
All in all, these last few minutes before the judges show up are busy and intense. The parade will start soon and you can see the floats lined up end to end on Sierra Madre Boulevard Between Paloma and SIerra Madre Villa Avenues), at the end of the parade route, from 1-5 today and from 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7. A fun weekend thing to do. By February, the theme for the 2011 Tournament of Roses parade will have been decided and planning and work on the floats will begin again.

We were exhausted, starting the drive home, hungry and stopped here on Lake Avenue at Villa.

The Hat is now 58 or so years old, starting out in the Los Angeles area in 1951.

We got a Pastrami dip:

Kind of huge…dipped Pastrami in a soft French roll with mustard and pickles.
The Pastrami Burger ($6.99) It's there- look. A half pound burger, topped with cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles and a *lot* of freshly fried up pastrami. The last meal of the year. The Resolutions start tomorrow.

We wish you all the best for the future. Happy New Year!

The 2009 San Diego County Fair, Part Two

July 2, 2009 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!, yoso-silly

mmm-yoso is the blog written by Kirk and ed (from Yuma) and Cathy, who is today's blogger.

Well, we finally made it to the Fair.

The Theme this year is "Music Mania" and the entrance gate is decorated like an old jukebox.

Don Diego, the Official Greeter is more advertising that the Fairgrounds may be sold to a private owner if the current fiscal situation in our state is not cleared up.

Inside, the Fairgrounds look the same as always.

All of the traditional County Fair events are happening.

The beef cattle, which will be up for auction on July 4 along with the dairy goats (although the kid born at the beginning of the Fair will not be sold just yet) and pigs and sheep were available for purchase if you did not want to bother with the auction.

(If you want to know auction details, send an email or comment below)

The Preserved foods, as well as the baked goods, which were all judged before the Fair opened, were on display with the ribbons that were awarded.

Interesting tidbit- every morning there is a job of cutting away mold or slime from the baked goods on display.

When entering items, at least six cookies and whole cakes and loaves of bread are entered for judging. By the end of the run of the Fair, there are many signs indicating the item was 'too good to last!'…really though, it molded away.

Now, why you are here (on the blog). Food. Go to this building, which houses the "Designs in Wood" entries.

Yes.

Go on. It's $4.75

The small 'leftovers' box is pulled from the freezer. It contains three strips of dark chocolate covered bacon.

This was by far my most favorite item here. The bacon is thick and salty and cooked well. The dark chocolate, frozen, compliments the saltiness. It was the perfect treat.

The fried cheese curds ($6) were lightly breaded in a garlic powder crust and had a nice crunch.

The cheese was squeaky and good.

The char broiled corn is always good.

The Midway is a maze of gadget selling booths.

There is a plethora of tempting sights, smells and sounds.

But I was here. And I had to.

Look at the top ad, next to the Frog Legs, which "taste like chicken". Yes. A Zucchini Weeni.

$4.75.

Good idea. Poor execution.

I admit I have *never* had a corn dog in my life. The batter on this was not corn though. It was donut batter.

The hot dog really had no flavor and all of it needed to be dipped in the ranch dressing to have any flavor.

I had such hopes for this weeni…

Instead, go next door for a "Texas Twister"

A deep fried skinned sausage deep fried with a twist of potatoes. ($8)

Much more flavorful.

Other things we bought included gelato, inside the Bing Crosby Hall. excellent. (Small, $4)

The Indian Fry Bread- strawberry cheesecake. Fresh fried bread topped with whipped cream cheese, strawberries and whipped cream ($6.50)

One chocolate and one vanilla cream puff. ($3 each). They make the pastry in the booth daily and the filling is real whipped cream. This is the only "have to" item I get. I can't get this fresh anywhere else all year.

Artichokes on a stick satisfy that salty craving I have. ($6)

As does Pizza on a stick.($4)

The Footsie Wootsie machines are scattered everywhere and still only 25 cents for a few minutes of unusual pleasure.

Enjoy the Fair. It closes this Sunday!

Website Opens 11 a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends.

The 2009 San Diego County Fair- Part one- almost ready to open.

June 6, 2009 Cathy Festivals & Events, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog. Kirk, ed(from Yuma) and Cathy write about what and where they ate. You get to read and enjoy vicariously.

Hi again. The 2009 San Diego County Fair opens this Friday, June 12 at 10 a.m. I have blogged about the Fair in prior years. Last Saturday, it was just beginning to be set up.

Some vendors had placed their booths.

Some rides were being set up.

What I like to call "The Heart of the Fair"-the reason State and County Fairs exist…for farmers to show the fruits of their work, the Home Arts section of the Fair, had entries brought in and and judging has been happening.

The judges of Preserved Foods- Fruits, Vegetables, Jams, Jellies, Preserves, Conserves, Soft Spreads, Honey, Syrup, Vinegar, Pickles, Relishes and Sauces…spent a grueling four hours tasting the variations in those categories (for example, apricot, apricot-pineapple, berry (other than listed), boysenberry, low sugar, mixed fruit of two or more berries, mixed fruit of two or more non-berry, peach, plum,raspberry, strawberry and other than listed Jams) Each judge got about 45 jars of preserved something to check for proper labeling, proper preparation, taste, compare against the others in that category and then decide which entry was good enough to be awarded a First, Second or Third place ribbon, given an Honorable Mention, or not awarded any prize.

Then all the First Place winners in each category went up against each other, to determine the "Best in Show"

All so that you can walk in on Opening Day and see ribbons on everything.

This year there are many ways to save on some of the more expensive parts of the Fair, like admission, parking and food from some of the vendors.

Go to the website www.SDFair.com for details. If you enter a daily contest, you get in free. If you plan on going more than twice throughout the run (it closes July 5) you can pay $22 for a pass good every day. If you come on a Tuesday, almost every food booth has some good sized $2 samples.

The Theme of the Fair is "Music Mania" and there will be many small shows going on all day and night concerts.

Don Diego will be at the Front Gate.

And I have my work cut out for me.

See you at the Fair!

The San Diego County Fair

June 12-July 5, 2009

Saturday Stuffs

April 18, 2009 mmm-yoso Festivals & Events

Just a couple of things……

The Nijiya Spring Festival:

I dropped by Nijiya to do some shopping. As I was walking towards the market I noticed a crowd.

There were several stands….even Okan had a stand.

There were corn dogs, yaki onigiri, and other stuff. But the two busiest stands, were the Okonomiyaki:

And of course the Takoyaki table.

Sorry to say, I didn't partake since I had already eaten lunch. But all is not lost, as the festival runs through 5pm today(04/18/09), and from 11am to 5pm tomorrow (Sunday, 04/19/09). So I may drop by if I get the chance.

I just wanted to post this in case anyone wanted to check this out.

Nijiya Market
3860 Convoy St Ste 109
San Diego, CA 92111

We have a Beer Lao Sighting:

This time at Thuan Phat Market. Actually, I've known this for a couple of days. I had to make sure to buy my share…..

These are the 6-packs, and for some reason, I think the 21oz bottles taste better. Of course, I still think Beer Lao in Laos tastes better….but hey, you can't have everything.

If you want some, you better get there soon, there's not much left. I was told that they'll be carrying Beer Lao on "sort of a regular basis". Whatever that means….

Thuan Phat Supermarket
6935 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weekend!

Road Trip: Saturday Indonesian Food Fair – Duarte (LA)

February 23, 2009 mmm-yoso Festivals & Events, Indonesian Restaurants & Food, Los Angeles County, Road Trip

Gravitational force is interesting….it can be defined in very simple physical terms as the force of mutual attraction which pulls two bodies together. Perhaps I'm stretching it a bit, maybe taking a bit too much "metaphoric license" per se…… but over the years, and in my travels, I've noticed another gravitational force of sorts. Cultural gravitation is what I called it. It is the invisible, undeniable force that our culture, whether by nature or nurture, has on us. It's much stronger for those of us who are far away from our original "home". And for many, there are those items which bring on that inner, nostalgic warmth that is at the center of this gravitational pull. And if you're like me, food is that source, it marks births, deaths, birthdays, reunions…..memories of friends and families. It is that center. Over the years, I've seen that gravitational force in action. What else could explain the folks waiting in the parking lot of a Chinese Restaurant on Buford Highway in Atlanta, some having driven from as far off as Birmingham, arriving at 7am in the morning, waiting for Dim Sum. Or seeing more Chinese on one Sunday, shopping and eating at a mall in Phoenix, than I knew lived in Arizona. There are celebrations and events that provide that "center" such as festivals. And, there are even regularly scheduled events, which provide the weekly comfort food fix, allowing one to face another week. The weekend Wat Thai Temple Food Court was one of those weekly events. And, the amazing, OC Food blogger supreme, Elmo mentioned another, the Indonesian Food Fair. That post was back in 2006, and I had added it to my list……but much like the Wat Thai Temple food court, much to my disappointment, the Indonesian Food Fair bit the dust. Whether, like the Wat Thai Temple, it was NIMBY-ism, or not, I don't recall. And if it was, I don't know if I blame them. We live on a nice quiet street.There's a Church right down the road, and a couple of times a year, they have events, which we don't mind, it's kind of cute and quaint. But if they had them every weekend……I'm not so sure.

But luckily for me, right before a recent solo trip back to LA, I went over to Chowhound's LA board and saw this. Like a Phoenix, the Indonesian Food Fair had risen from the ashes. (And if you're wondering, Wat Thai Temple's Food Court is back in action, though on Sunday's only.) Which is how I found myself parking my car in front of the Duarte Inn on a recent Saturday morning.

I had to crack up…… I had done some work in the area during the late 90's, and one of the guys I worked with just loved the El Pollo Loco which faces the street in front of the motel.

The food fair starts at 10am, and if today was a good example, it is pretty small and intimate. On this day, only 5 booths were present.

But let me tell you…….the fragrances were amazing. Unfortunately for me, it was not a Siren's song, but the wonderful scents that drew me close.

And it didn't help that everyone was so nice and patient with me……a total neophyte with regards to Indonesian Food.

Most everything is steam table goods….but don't let that dissuade you.

One of the ladies ordered like seven plates from this booth.

And the young lady working this booth was so very nice and patient. I just kinda stood in the background until the ladies were done, and the young lady explained all the dishes to me…. needless to say, I was impressed.

So what about the food? Let me first say, the colors are a feast for the eyes…and the smells are a feast for the nose. And overall, some of it like the "yellow rice" (Nasi Kuning) I couldn't get enough of.

And who doesn't love a boiled egg?

We found some of the offerings to be amazingly mild, in spite of the scents.

But this eggplant was killer:

And I felt like I should post the photo of this on my wall.

I found the Nasi Gudeg (simmered jackfruit) to be a bit too sweet….must be the palm sugar.

But the "spicy fish" was the best thing on the plate….which was not too spicy for us, in spite of looks.

Again, don't be like me and be seduced by all the smells, you should let Elmo be your guide….and the folks here are nice.

Indonesian Food Festival – Saturday 10am – 2pm
Duarte Inn
1200 Huntington Dr
Duarte, CA 91010

One last item, I'm dedicating this post to "Amy", who has moved to LA from San Diego. Amy emailed me recently, and mentioned that she's been reading for a few years, but had never had the chance to comment or email me. I'm sure Amy is a lot like most of you folks, and I just wanted to thank everyone for checking us out. Oh, and Amy, Los Angeles and Orange County has much to offer…….like the Indonesian Food Fair. Just let me know what good eats you find out there, ok?

San Diego Tet Festival 2009

January 23, 2009 mmm-yoso Festivals & Events, Vietnamese Restaurants

Wow, where did time go? It's time for the San Diego Tet Festival again. The venue this year, is the same as last year, Balboa Park.

I decided to check things out on the way home from work, so that I could get a post in tonight. That way, if you're interested, you'll still have tonight, Saturday, and Sunday to attend.

This year, it didn't look like the weather was cooperating, but by the time the Festival opened at 4pm, the rain looked to have moved on, and the sun was shining.

Things were a bit wet, but I'm hoping that doesn't dampen spirits.

As with all the previous festivals, various vendors, businesses, and community organizations are represented.

And of course all of the rides.

Of course, I know you're really interested in the food, right?

It was nice to see some of the old regulars, who are here every year.

And many that I don't recall seeing before.

To me, it seems that every year, there seems to be an interesting food theme. In 2006, it was Cha Gio everywhere. In 2007, it was salads. Last year, it was Nem Chua and Banh Kot. This year, in keeping with the weather, it's soups, stews, and rice porridge (Chao).

And every year, there's something a little more adventurous.

Here's a closer look:

And just in case you aren't in the mood for Vietnamese (gasp!), there's the usual Kettle Corn, Hot Dogs, Tacos, and maybe a few not so usual suspects:

The meat grilling in back of the booth smelled heavenly. Too bad they weren't quite ready.

Only a few booths were open, and this booth was the busiest:

And though all folks ahead of me were getting Eggrolls (Cha Gio), or Fried Bananas, I had my sights dead set on something else…. Bun Rieu!

I ordered my Bun Rieu($5), and the very friendly young man manning the booth asked me to wait a few minutes. And what should appear, but a large fast-food plastic tray, and a proper large bowl of Bun Rieu. I was shocked…..

I had expected a small styrofoam bowl, but this was larger than many bowls of Bun Rieu I've had in restaurants. No garnishes other than lime, but this was better than expected. And while it was a far cry from Mien Trung, the Bun Rieu sure hit the spot on such a damp day. I was so stuffed after finishing this off, that there was no room for anything else.

Which might have been a good thing, since many booths, like this one, which will be serving Banh Kot, were simply not ready.

So if you visit, let me know what you enjoyed!

Fourth Annual San Diego Tet Festival - Balboa Park.

Fri 1/23/2009: 4pm – 10pm
Sat 1/24/2009: 10am – 10pm
Sun 1/25/2009: 10am – 8pm

TacoNazo and the 2009 Rose Parade Floats.

January 11, 2009 Cathy Festivals & Events, Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso is a food blog, written by Kirk and a few others. Today, one of the others, Cathy, is writing.

Hi again. 2008 was an unusual year and nothing seemed to be the same. Usually, The Mister and I volunteer with the Petal Pushers and help decorate floats for the Rose Parade , but that did not happen.

Instead, we started to drive north to Pasadena as the parade ended on television, in order to see the floats lined up end to end. Roseparade09 105 About 2 miles end to end. The New Year Resolution was about to begin.

About 1 million people camp out overnight to watch the Rose Parade, starting to claim seats along the 5 mile parade route on December 30 or 31, so they can ring in the New Year and then watch the parade up close starting at 8 a.m.. When the last float of the parade passes, they are so ready to go home…and we drive up against traffic.

Viewing on January 1, right after the parade, does not start until 1 p.m.. The parade ends about 10 a.m., so we have to eat lunch someplace before we can go inside the locked gate area.

As always, we have no plans…decided the exit that said "Azusa Pacific University" might have some college like food places, and took the exit.

Roseparade09 011

Sure enough, on Azusa Avenue, a one way street from the freeway, between houses, was this. TacoNazo

You know we had to stop.

Roseparade09 003

The menu board is simple…and when I saw the small cardboard board hanging down…the one next to the beverage machine… Roseparade09 009

Well, I knew I had a post.

Then there was the food. Roseparade09 006

The al pastor (spicy pork) taco, $1.69.

Juicy, extremely flavorful. Filling, although not that large. They do give you two tortillas. The small, standard ones.

Roseparade09 007

The ceviche tostada. $2.95. Fish. Fresh white fish.

You can also get one made with imitation crab for $2.95 also or ceviche made with (large) shrimp for $3.50.

This was excellent. Firm, fresh fish marinated in a lime juice topped with an onion/tomato/cilantro/celery relish and slices of avocado.

Roseparade09 004

Then, what TacoNazo is known for- the fish taco. Actually this is a one fish and one shrimp taco combination plate. ($5.59- which includes a bag of chips and large beverage.)

The rice and beans were excellent…and the batter on the taco and on the shrimp was perfect. It is light and thick, like a beer batter, and was absolutely perfectly fried-cooked through, crunchy on the outside, yet the seafood inside remained moist and extremely rich seafood flavored.

The seafood tacos come with your choice of toppings: cabbage, tomato, onion, cilantro and a signature cream sauce, which is *really* good…fresh and similar, (but better because it is fresh) than the jarred "crema" sold in most markets around here.

Roseparade09 008

Roseparade09 002

Turns out this place has 6 locations, claims to have the "World's Best Fish Tacos". Have been around since 1978. They also declare they are the REAL flavor of Baja…and I think they may be right.

So, we drove to Exit 29…then North toward the far East end of where the floats are parked on Sierra Madre Blvd. We find parking on the street and follow the crowds. If you try to park closer, you'll pay about $10 and still have to walk…and you still have to pay $7 to get into the float area.

Roseparade09 045

Every square inch of the floats has to be covered with something that is, or was, alive. Yes, there are fresh flowers (and you can smell most of them). But beans, peas, dried leaves, seaweed, shredded coconut, rice, pulverized dried flower petals and so much else is used.

Roseparade09 031

These floats are huge, have to negotiate corners and have to be able to get under overhead wires and bridges along the route.

Roseparade09 050

There were 47 floats in this year's parade, all sponsored by different local cities and local and national businesses, the two schools playing in the football game (Penn State and USC) and the Queen's float, which is sponsored by the Tournament of Roses.

Roseparade09 040 Here is a little peek into where the driver of one of these machines sits. Of course, he can't look out, and is guided via headsets with a person who can see out the front of the float through a small opening.

Roseparade09 019

If you look carefully, you can see the orange "stamen" of the large flower to the left is made up of about 100 peppers. Each is meticulously glued or pinned onto the base. The flour petals are made of crushed rice and pulverized dried petals.

You can also see that there is an audio tour you can listen to, by calling a number and then requesting information about a particular float.

Roseparade09 020

Roseparade09 025 Roseparade09 057

Roseparade09 063

It is fascinating to see the floats all lined up end to end. The enormity. There are white-suited Tournament of Roses members there to answer any questions you may have. Each has reference books with the most minute details listed about that particular float. Roseparade09 022

Roseparade09 065

We got in our exercise, started a new habit and had a great first lunch of 2009. I hope all of you are having a good year also.

Taconazo – 6 locations (Azuza, Bellflower, La Habra, La Puente, South El Monte and Walnut) www.taconazo.com

Holiday Bowl 2008-Tailgating and a football game

January 10, 2009 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog you are reading. Today, Cathy is writing about what she (and 100 of her closest friends) ate in the parking lot of Qualcomm stadium before and after a football game at the end of 2008.

Hi. We do this every year . The Holiday Bowl 2008 football game is now a distant memory, and it was another good one(Oregon beat Oklahoma). However, the pre-and post game activities are why The Mister and I attend every year. Holidaybowl08 006 It is a sort of 'American Tradition', the tailgate…a group of friends decide on a prearranged spot in the parking lot near the football stadium, claim that area, backing into the parking stalls, but not fully, so that tables can be placed in the aisle formed by the back to back car trunks. Food is brought and placed upon those tables…

The day starts out at about 6 a.m. for us. Actually, it started the week before Christmas, when rib roasts were on sale at Albertson's for $3.77/lb. We bought about 24 pounds of roast this year.

This is a very simple recipe, which you can easily remember: GOP: garlic, oregano, paprika. (as binders: olive oil, salt and pepper…you shouldn't have to remember those.)

Holidaybowl08 001

Make a paste.

Holidaybowl08 002

Heat the oven to 500°.

Coat the roast(s) with the paste.

Put the roast(s) in the oven.

Drop the temp to 350°

20 minutes per pound (remove from oven when inner temp is 135°-it will continue cooking) Holidaybowl08 005

In the meantime, 6 pounds of white bread rolls are made fresh.

Then we drive to Qualcomm, park in our section (where nobody remembers our names, but do know us as the "garlic beef couple"), "Hello, Merry Christmas !" and "did you bring the beef?" Holidaybowl08 007 are standard salutations.

Along with some mutterings about "sorry about the University of Michigan this year"…blah blah

We set up our two tables, started slicing the beef and soon everyone else begins to show up and filled up the parking spots and then spaces on more set up tables…

Holidaybowl08 011

Holidaybowl08 012

Holidaybowl08 020

Holidaybowl08 019

Holidaybowl08 014

Holidaybowl08 022

Holidaybowl08 016

Holidaybowl08 017

Holidaybowl08 010

Holidaybowl08 008 Sangria, salads, chips, crackers, all kinds of dips, chicken in every form imaginable, sandwiches, cookies, pies, cakes, home made fudge…9 tables placed end to end, filled with food.

This one guy always brings his infamous 7 layer Mexican dip, topped with alfalfa sprouts.

He calls it a "hairy Mexican".

Yes, ladies, he is single.

Holidaybowl08 023

One of the other "regular" dishes we have is a very large, still warm, freshly smoked turkey-smoked about 9 hours overnight. It is stuffed with a wonderful rice pilaf.

Holidaybowl08 024

Always the turkey is accompanied by those sweet potatoes topped with the Betty Crocker canned coconut pecan frosting I told you about as a Thanksgiving side dish. Yes, I got that recipe here, from some wonderful old friends. More than 15 years ago, when you bought frosting in powdered form and that was mixed with the sweet potato 'juices'. This is how I know those sweet potatoes taste good hot or cold.

Holidaybowl08 029

Before the 5 p.m. kickoff, we head to the stadium, watch opening ceremonies. Holidaybowl08 030

(yes we do have an excellent block of seats)

Holidaybowl08 031
Holidaybowl08 034

We then watch the football game. With about 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, some of us head back out to the parking lot, set up the tables, along with a camp stove, put out leftovers… Holidaybowl08 036