All posts tagged: Hungry

RECIPE: Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Chicken (GUEST BLOGGER)

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Hey everyone! My name is Ashleigh, visiting from Team Never Going Back and I am just thrilled to be posting on Stay Classy Ana — we met in high school and now both have new, growing blogs. I am a huge fan of her blog, so I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it. Just a little bit about myself and my cooking style: My goal is to create the healthiest, most flavorful dish by using minimal ingredients, simple methods, and avoiding anything too “off the wall.”   Let’s just say I like things easy!  Thank you very much for tuning in, please feel free to leave comments! Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Chicken: Spaghetti Squash, about 3 lbs 3 oz fresh basil, about 2 cups 2 tsp chopped garlic 1 tsp lemon juice 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 18 oz chicken breast tenderloin, thawed 1 tbsp AND 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil 1 large zucchini 2 medium Roma tomatoes Alright guys, for this pesto “pasta“, I went all out and not only made my own noodles, but my …

But First Coffee…at Alfred Coffee and Kitchen Melrose Place

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I finally got to see and sip the hype of Alfred Coffee & Kitchen on Melrose Place. This trendy LA coffee shop slowly began to coat my Instagram feed from bloggers, friends and co-workers. I have a Nespresso machine at home which I love, but my curiosity couldn’t help but wonder why is this place so good (other than the cute, “But First, Coffee” cups of course…)?! Well first things first, it’s in a great location. Somewhat off the beaten path on a street that’s safe to walk across in LA. I didn’t have much trouble finding parking on the street at 11am on a Saturday. The coffee shop, in between two cute boutiques, is two stories high. The bottom floor is where you place your order for coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads. There is seating below, but it gets pretty crowded due to the ordering line. The line moves quickly and while you wait, you can shop through the truffle chocolate shop inside, Compartès. Since  it was a warm day, I decided to go with …

Dumplings at Din Tai Fung

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My favorite meal in Shanghai was simple, authentic and at a chain restaurant. Din Tai Fung, a restaurant that started in Taiwan is most famously known for their xiaolongboa, also known as “soup dumplings.”  I have always been a fan of dim sum, but have yet to find a place in the states that I love. When researching where and what to eat in Shanghai, dumplings repeatedly came up. I was on a mission to find the best Shanghai had to offer. To my surprise, our friend traveling with us, who had been to Shanghai multiple times took us here! This actually wasn’t the first time I heard of this chain. Since I live Los Angeles, I had been invited to the Pasadena location once before. Now that I have tried it, I am so glad  we have one close by and I can say I’ve found my soup dumpling place in the states. Check out what we ordered below: Juicy Pork Dumplings – These are served steaming hot and fresh! The best and ONLY way to …

Toasted Coconut Chia Seed Pudding with Bananas and Raspberries

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“CHIA” in ancient Mayan language means strength and that’s exactly what these tiny black seeds are! They are strong in nutrients. They are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, good fat, calcium and they’re low in calories! Also for extreme health nuts, you will appreciate that they are whole grain, non-GMO (genetically modified organism), are usually grown organic and are gluten-free! This is a great recipe for breakfast, mid-afternoon snack or a healthy dessert after dinner. It’s simple and can be easily prepped. Ingredients (all from Trader Joes): 1/4 cup Chia seeds 1 cup coconut milk (I got vanilla flavored) 1 tablespoon organic coconut sugar Roasted coconut chips to taste Sliced bananas Fresh Raspberries Directions: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup Chia seeds and 1 tablespoon organic coconut sugar with 1 cup of coconut milk and stir. Let sit over night OR a minimum of 4 hours. The seeds need time to absorb the milk and expand. Once pudding is to desired consistency, add toasted coconut chips, fresh bananas slices and raspberries to taste! I go …

Eating Gold at Hakkasan

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Hakkasan Shanghai, is luxurious Cantonese Cuisine. The restaurant located on “The Bund” in Shanghai was so incredibly chic and delicious! A friend of mine recommended this restaurant to me after seeing that I was visiting the magical city on Facebook. I love restaurant recommendations when I’m traveling by the way! I always make my best effort to try them. The upscale restaurant is located in Bund 18 on the 5th Floor, right across from the famous Peace Hotel. The doors are tall, dark and mysterious. You’re not really sure what to expect when you slowly start to pry them open. All of a sudden, you will be greeted with the friendly receptionists in what seems like the entrance to a private club. We went on a Thursday night and did not have trouble getting seated, but it’s best to make reservations in advanced even if it’s the same day. Once we checked in, the waiter walked us through the restaurant bar area pictured below and to our table. There are a couple of different dining areas …

Dip Ramen at SHIN

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Tsukemen in Japanese, also known as “dip ramen” is the perfect dish for the warmer southern California climate. If you’re a devout fan of ramen like I am, than you have to experience this at least once…no twice. The purpose for dip ramen (aside from just being fun) is to have an alternative option to enjoying the warm brothy soup made with buckwheat noodles during hot weather seasons. The ramen noodles are served cold, along with the toppings while the broth is served separately in a smaller portion, with more dense flavor and hot. When you dip the cold noodles into the hot broth, the combination of the two makes it perfect for enjoying without being overwhelmed by the heat. SHIN, formerly IKEMEN, is on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and La Brea in a small shopping complex. They have a small lot for parking, but only a few spaces that they share with the other businesses in the complex. So far I have been lucky with parking the few times I’ve been. They have a wide …

Shrimp and Grits at My Two Cents

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Looking for some good Soul Food in LA and a random chance to see Denzel Washington or Pharell?…than you should definitely try “My Two Cents.” The restaurant located off of Pico Blvd. and Fairfax Ave. includes southern traditions and then some! The cuisine also has its own LA twist to it with items on the menu like egg rolls filled with macaroni and cheese or barbecue chicken. I love a chef that’s not afraid to play around with food and cross cultures on the palette! The day we went I decided to try the shrimp & grits which is one of the most popular items on the menu and my fiancé got their daily special, the fried catfish sandwich. Both were so good and filling! I’m actually craving the shrimp & grits again as I write this. When you’re finished with all of the salty goodness, there’s plenty of cobblers, pies, cakes and cookies to top of the meal. Leave me a comment on what I should try next time I go. #STAYCLASSY Barbecue Chicken Egg Rolls …