Happy New Year, FTC!
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Had a salad for lunch but decided to supplement w/ some leftovers from yesterday’s dinner at Belle Vie (which was delicious, but far too overwhelmingly rich and fatty). Pictured are duck, brie w/ truffles, and potatoes. I just had a little bit of the cheese today. 
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Maybe this isn’t right thread, but decided to eat noodles as first meal of 2020. Cao lau noodles with a stash Grandma Ly brought back from Vietnam for us. Wondering why some entrepreneurial types haven’t made this unique dish happen state side yet (Rose VL pdx only spot I know…thanks @chrishei)
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Day of dumplings:
Old school Cantonese dim sum for lunch, scallion pancakes and XLB at a dumpling shop for dinner
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Terrific NY Day lunch at Xiang La Hui香辣汇
(https://www.yelp.com/biz/xiang-la-hui香辣汇-alhambra)
Sichuan notes were all spot on.
No pics, sorry.
Dan Dan Mein was one of the best preps I have had in ages.
Twice Cooked Pork, Water Boiled (green) fish filet, Chong Qing Fried chicken, Fried Cabbage, Sichuan Green Beans, Cold Spicy Chicken (not much meat…but that sauce), all great.
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Went to Mercado last night. You know, despite being a chain now, the food is quite good. There aren’t a lot of places in LA where you can get a better carnitas plate–tender, rich, and served with delicious blue corn tortillas and a side of al pastor seasoned cauliflower. Also, while pricey, you are somewhat paying for the scene and atmosphere. If the right comparison for Mercado is Javier’s (as opposed to Carnitas el Momo), then I think Mercado absolutely blows its competition out of the water in terms of quality and value.
One other bonus–it’s one of the rare places where the jalapeno margarita is actually spicy.
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lunch bang bang
zhengyalov hatz - soft, chewy, pliant bread + juicy mixed herb city = good snack…it would be nice if i can add some protein in there to kick things up a notch
paxlava - just like a baklava but i could be wrong? pleasantly sweet with layers of phyllo and crunch from chopped nuts
when did din tai fung takeout packaging become so fancy??
red bean, sesame, chocolate mochi - excellent fillings for them smooth, chewy, elastic steamed mochi
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Santa Monica?
Yep. Though I think there are a number of locations now, I like the Santa Monica one.
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Went to Yummy Cafe in Walnut but they’re temporarily closed. Boo hiss.
Consolation first visit to Ruby BBQ. Very glad of the recommendation from you guys!
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Spicy beef brisket and tendon noodles for lunch (Queen House, Mountain View)
Barolo 2015 & Margherita, a trio of gelato: coffee, Yuzu vanilla, spiced cookie (Pausa, San Mateo)
Angler SF last night
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What is in the bowl at Angler?
Smoked abalone (essence) custard.
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I went last night too…it really is the best in LA…it’s insane
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