VIVA LAS VEGAS!

It was sooo crowded memorial day weekend, it took us about 7 hours to get there through the traffic!!! But the drive was fun :) We danced at people on freeways to gangsta tracks in our badass rented soccer-mom minivan. people were not receptive.
We got to the clubs too late on the first night, so we couldn't get in without paying because the guestlists close at 12:30. And we were not about to pay for a club in Vegas. nuh-uh. so instead, we went to club mickey-D's with the rest of the rejects.

On saturday, promoter man got us into a pool party in the daytime. Jess and Katie had bought yardlongs 10 minutes earlier, and we found out weren't allowed to bring outside drinks in! so we basically had to suck up those watered-down margartias first thing in the morning... it was pretty BLEGH. Anyway, the pool was really schmancy! There seemed to be a 21-28 yrs old age restriction. There were nude girls just sitting around, it coulda been in a rap video. If only lil'wayne were there...

I don't see the appeal of these things... but I'll probably end up getting one next time:)

They didn't allow pictures at the schmancy pool because of the naked girls, but here's the family pool for the "normal people"

At night we went to Jet cuz Tryst and XS didn't have guestlists during memorial wknd so promoter man couldn't put us on there, and we already went to tao and pure last time. And like I said, we were not about to pay for clubs. double nuh-uh. And besides, SOULJA BOY was at Jet and he is the cutest 18 yr old cutie pie ever! Youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!! We were literally 1 feet away from him. That made the 4 hr wait and "almost" cat-fight so worth it!

We were actually in Vegas for less than 48 hrs, slept for 6 hrs altogether. We always manage to do it for less than $100, including Wynn buffet! It's not ghetto to split a crappy hotel room across 6-7 people... is it? we're technically still poor college students! yea, so it's ok.

Then we vanned back, and I stayed up for the rest of sunday and memorial day finishing my 2 papers that were due on tuesday and basically did not see daylight. Yes, soldiers, I put memorial day to productive usage instead of "having a barbeque and watching saving private ryan on ABC", which according to my classmate, is what people do on memorial days. I think I got about 14 hrs of sleep in those last 5 days. DAMN I'm good! :) McDonald's iced coffee works like a charm.

Yesterday we checked out this little baby:

Half Pesto Pizza and half Cheri O "Chi Chi". I only know this cuz I've eaten pizza in Italy, but they like to put HUGE toppings on their pizzas. At least huge in comparison to American pizzas. They basically don't chop anything into little pieces for you. It's just stuff thrown on top of the dough. I suppose they're trying to be authentic.

I know it looks kinda gross, and let me just clarify that when you actually eat it... it's exactly as gross as it looks. Those white blobs are ricotta cheese, which is nice in lasagna, but not so nice in huge, mouthful globs. And bitter arugula on pizza? you'd think, "COOL! THAT'S NEW!" at least that's what I thought... but NOPE! Bitterness and pizza do not go together. In fact, bitterness does not go with any flavor of anything.

Also, the Cheri O side (with the prociutto) had Gorgonzola cheese in it, which I did not know resembled stinky goat cheese. I was so disappointed cuz I've been wanting to try this place forever, and it got so many good reviews! But I guess if you're a fan of strong cheeses, this is the place for you.

What would a sheep say about my upcoming 2 wks of spring qtr? It's baaaaaaaaad. GET IT GET IT?!? at least that's what Farhad would say, and he's visiting right now! I have to read Bridget Jones' Diary. I know, what a drag. But I also have to read Kim by Rudyard Kipling, and even worse, Alexander Pope, which really is a drag! Also, I have to prepare for my management class because the midterm killed me and I'm actually very worried. Can't you tell by the constant mentioning of food on this blog?

Speaking of which, I feel like baking a tartlette...

I picked up my grad gown today and signed up for the alumni package. that means IT'S OFFICIAL! I CAN FEEL COLLEGE ENDING! Don't even get me started on that... another time, another day. Too much writing, you must be sick of reading about me. Yes, all 2 of you. G'night and I <3 you both!

daydreaming when I should be midterming

is it wrong that I'm kinda sorta excited to write my two papers?

Dream Like New York - Tyrone Wells

How many times have u tried and failed?
Have you watched your dreams slip away?
Well every hero falls and every soldier crawls.
And every dreamer dreams again

Go on and dream like New York
As high as the skylines
Aim for the stars above those city lights
Go on and dream like New York
Run on down Broadway
Catch the next train
Go make your way

Dear Maloney's,

I want you to know that you have made my college experience infinitely better just for being the way you are. I know I only became acquainted with you my senior year, but we're so connected I feel as if we must've known each other in another lifetime. And I'm positive it was Descartes or Nietzsche or someone really profound and deep who said "the most life-changing relationships are made when you're 21 and drunk during your senior year at a sketchy bar on a Thursday night". Philosophers are always so right about these things.

Sure, your misleading "Pint Night" consists only of Budweiser and Corona, but it's OK. I understand that it doesn't matter, because most people spill half their drinks or forget they bought it anyway. And yes, you did ignore me the 5 gigabillionhertz times when I requested "Got Money" by lil' Wayne and every single time you would play "A Milli" instead. But I forgive you, rap songs can be hard to discern at times, even for an incompetent, amateur DJ that you have. You made up for it by being just the right amount of dim, blurry, greasy comfort, with mediocre long islands for only $7 that soon made me forget these trivial matters.

You are so much better than Brew Co, you have the perfect decibel of loud, techno-wannabe music blasting so that I feel as if I'm almost going deaf but not quite, and I cannot possibly have a normal conversation without screaming. That way, I can't hear myself think. Which is all the better after a week of hard work on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. And Monday nights. and Tuesday nights as well. Also, thank you for all those nights when you made me wait outside in ridiculously long lines in the freezing cold. You built my endurance up, I know you were only trying to make me stronger. Always watching out for my health, you located yourself so close to Taco Bell and Buck Fitty, making sure I had enough oil-drenched carbs in my stomach to soak up the alcohol at 2AM so that I don't wake up with hangovers. Only you would be so caring and considerate...

You are so versatile, looking like a shady, gross, piece of shit building on the outside, only to surprise me by being just averagely shitty and disgusting on the inside. You attract so many different people, the sexy crowds, the ugly crowds, the awkward crowds, the "wait... aren't you like 60?" crowd, and my favorite, "wait... are you even from this country?" crowds. You taught me that the range of sleaziness can vary in degrees I never could even have imagined, showing me how valuable lessons can be learned even my brain cells are dying. I developed enhanced physical stealthiness from acrobatically maneuvering between drunk college students to reach the bartender, and I know this survival skill will come in handy later in life. And don't worry, I will never refer to you by that not-to-be-spoken name O'H***'s, even though all the bouncers wear it on their shirts. Maloney's rolls of the tongue and sounds so much seedier, just the way you'll always be remembered in my heart.

You exposed me so many new experiences. Like how it feels to be rejected from a "faux-private party" with a "faux-dance floor" and how it feels to be "faux friends" with the bouncer. I established so many meaningful relationships here, especially all the people I will never recognize in full daylight, or probably even if I saw them at Maloney's again. I also met my best friend ever, Greg, because of you. I will never forget the 20 whole minute conversation I had with Greg when I spoke to him sober for the first time. He was standing outside on a Wednesday night at 8 PM, I almost didn't recognize him without the surrounding smell of beer and people yelling. He looked so normal, just like how I always pictured he would be when I met him in real life. And he remembered my name for 10 whole minutes. It was unreal, I felt special.

Oh, Maloney's (sighs). It'll have been 2 weeks since I last corresponded with you. Maybe even 3. I lose track of time when you're not around. I'm so ashamed, I feel like I just used you and threw you away. But I won't be able to see you this week either. I'm sorry, but I've been blatantly having an affair with our mutually despised enemy: academic responsibilities. It pains me to say this, but the rewards I reap from spending all night with a paper is just so much more fulfilling and satisfying than a 3hr buzz. Please don't be hurt. You know I'll come back to you, I just need some time away. I want you to know that I'm grateful for everything you've done, and that it's only because of all the wonderful memories you've given me, that I might be able to get through these upcoming difficult and strenuous times. I don't know what I would do without you. Don't ever change.

Tell Greg not to cry and to wait for me. I'll be back before spring quarter ends.

Your loyal friend and patron who will never betray you by going to Brew Co, unless it's a slow night or when your faux-dance floor is closed,

Stephanie

Today while I was indulging in the late 18th century/early 19th century British society of Highbury with Emma Woodhouse at Kerckhoff Patio, 2 girls from a Christian group approached me and just sat down and started talking to me. I hate being one of those people who are immediately repulsed by religious zeal and reject them with contempt, because I know how much courage it takes to do what they do. They truly place faith in "spreading the gospel" or whatever the correct term is, so I usually try to behave civilly, and be open-minded and less annoyed. I talked with them for a bit, and answered them truthfully when they asked me questions. But maybe I should have just been a bitch, because they ended up reading me the entire pamphlet.

The first page showed that without god, people don't live fulfilled, abundant lives. And they asked me, "Why do you think many people don't live full, abundant lives?" And I said, "I feel like most people do live full and abundant lives (in the context of people within the same social and economic realm as me, of course)." "Oh... that's good!" Then they showed a page with two diagrams, one about a "self-centered life" and one of a "god centered life". And they asked me which diagram best represents my current life. Being the virtuous, honest lady I am, I obviously said self-centered life. Then they asked, "What kind of life would you like to live in the future?" and I said, "Probably a self-centered one," not because it's true, but because out of the 2 options, that's the most probable one. "Oh, That's ok!" I think it's odd that "self-centered" and "god-centered" are the only two options available. It was a catechism game I was ruining. But she doesn't want me to lie, right? Anyway, she mostly ended up telling me about her story of religious discovery while I just listened. Maybe I'm supposed to follow in her footsteps? It was nice talking to her (even tho it was mostly her talking), but I felt bad for wasting their time, because I told her I've already heard it before, with 3 Christian roommates and numerous Christian friends. Maybe she thought this time it would be different.

I wonder why people will only talk to strangers with an intent of making them think in the same way. Why can't we just converse to learn about each other for the sake of appreciating people for their diverse beliefs, and then accept one another for who we are? Why can't we comprehend that other people may have given as much thought about these profound issues as we have? The one phrase she used that bothered me was "One, true path". Why is there only ONE religion? Is there only ONE correct race to be? ONE concept of beauty? ONE idea of happiness? ONE Yogurtland flavor we have to pick? so why would there be ONE answer to all questions in life for the billions of people? Am I just naive? Or do we all really want everyone to be the same and think the same way? For some reason, it just felt like religious intolerance on a slightly more passive level. I feel like they won't ever understand the real reason why it's so hard to convert people, if they don't stop feeling sorry for and pitying everyone for their "empty, unfulfilled" lives. OMG I'm becoming a ranter. or canter. oh no, STOP ME!!!

Anyway, next time I should turn the bitch switch on cuz it saves everyone time and energy... Not that it's easy, cuz I'm a really nice person :)

further down the road to epicurianism

I suppose this might eventually turn into some type of food blog along the way, but how can food not be incorporated into a person's life? Especially in the melting pot we live in, with world cuisine at our fingertips!

Before I can leave LA to take on the world, I cannot definitively call myself an Angeleno without having conquered at least half of these local gastronomic wonders. In the two years that I've had a car at UCLA, these are sadly the only cheap eats I've been to so far:

Blue Ocean Seafood
Din Tai Fung
Grub
Philippe The Original
Pho 79
Pink's
Golden Deli
Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles
Tasty Garden
Original Tommy's
Zankou Chicken

So that's like... 90 more to try?!? But the list will grow. Small steps, steph, small steps! Oh what a painful, torturous, and ambitious journey I've decided to take on :D

worldly appetite

Just one of the many things I must do in my lifetime: hit up each and every one of these Babies... Come with me!

S. Pellegrino's World's 50 Best Restaurants 2009

--Personal Edits

0.8 Les Halles, New York, US (Anthony Bourdain's old restaurant)

0.9 Bouchon , Las Vegas, US (Thomas Keller's Napa spin-off)

1. El Bulli, Roses, Spain (Best in Europe)

2. The Fat Duck, Bray-on-Thames, UK

3. Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark (Chef's Choice, Best in Scandinavia)

4. Mugaritz, San Sebastián, Spain

5. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain

6. per se, New York, US (Best in North America)

7. Bras, Laguiole, France

8. Arzak, San Sebastián, Spain

9. Pierre Gagnaire, Paris, France

10. Alinea, Chicago, US

11. L'Astrance, Paris, France

12. The French Laundry, California, US

13. Osteria Francescana, Italy

14. St John, London, UK

15. Le Bernardin, New York, US

16. Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville, Crissier, Switzerland

17. Tetsuya's, Sydney, Australia (Best in Australasia)

18. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Paris, France

19. Jean-Georges, New York, US

20. Les Creations de Narisawa, Japan

21. Chez Dominique, Helsinki, Finland

22. Cracco Peck, Italy

23. Die Schwarzwaldstube, Germany

24. D.O.M., Brazil (Best in South America)

25. Vendome, Germany

26. Hof van Cleve, Belgium

27. Masa, US

28. Gambero Rosso, San Vincenzo, Italy

29. Oud Sluis, Sluis, Netherlands

30. Steirereck, Vienna, Austria

31. Momofuku Ssam Bar, US

32. Oaxen Skärgårdskrog, Sweden

33. Martin Berasategui, Spain

34. Nobu, UK

35. Mirazur, France

36. Hakkasan, UK

37. Le Quartier Francais, South Africa

38. La Colombe, South Africa

39. Asador Etxebarri, Spain

40. Le Chateaubriand, France

41. Daniel, US

42. Combal Zero, Italy

43. Restaurant Le Louis XV, Monaco

44. Tantris, Germany

45. Iggy's, Singapore

46. Quay, Australia

47. Les Ambassadeurs, Paris, France

48. Dal Pescatore, Canneto sull'Oglio (Mantova), Italy

49. Le Calandre, Padua, Italy

50. Mathias Dahlgren, Sweden