time flies

I can't believe my second year of school is almost over!  This year has been fantastic.  Every time I look back, I can't help but think about how fortunate I've been to have all of these opportunities.  I consider myself a lucky, lucky man.

Anyways, on to recent updates.  I know it's been a while since I last posted, and for the umpteenth time, I once again promise I will try to be better.

- Last night I went to a birthday party, and I think it may have been the first time I went out with Kellogg folks this year, if not even longer.  I don't even know why I've been MIA, but it's probably me just reverting to my homebody self.  And also the fact that I've spent far too much time playing Final Fantasy Tactics on my PSP.

- Resolution: I will beat FFT this week, so I never have to look at it again.

- Today the Lakers lost a heartbreaker to Utah in overtime.  Definitely a huge letdown.  I was always a bit worried about Utah, and their tough play, but now things look bad if Kobe if injured.

- Tonight I'm going out to celebrate a number of recent engagements among my KWEST Galapogoers.  We're trying Union Pizzeria, a pizza place in Evanston, so I'm always looking forward to new pizza.

- Resolution: From here until the end of the year, I will eat out at two new places every week.

- Another recent health update is that I tore my medial collateral ligament (MCL) a few weeks ago.  Luckily, this is the one major knee injury that doesn't require surgery, so I just need to rest it for a few more weeks and hopefully I'll be back running along the lake.

- Resolution: As soon as my knee gets better, I am getting back on yoga.  There is no question in my mind that had I still been practicing yoga, my knee never would've gotten injured. 

india slideshow

Here's an awesome slideshow some classmates made for our trip to India.

chicago asian american showcase

As a huge fan of the SFIAAFF, I encourage everyone in Chicago to attend our local equivalent, the Chicago Asian American Showcase at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Here's what I plan on watching:
PING PONG PLAYA
PRETTY TO THINK SO
WEST 32ND
THE KILLING OF A CHINESE COOKIE

first meal

One topic of conversation during our trip to India was "what will be your first meal upon returning to the States?" After two weeks of no beef or salad, there was no question that a nice, juicy burger was on the horizon for me. Although I was craving Kuma's Corner, I decided to stay local and try the burger at Rosebud Steakhouse, widely known as one of the best in Chicago. At $12.95 for a 12 oz. burger with bleu cheese, it did not disappoint.

off to india!

I know it's been ages since I last posted, but I promise (once again) to be better next quarter.  I still have one more paper to complete, and then I'm off to O'Hare tomorrow afternoon!

I'll be visiting Mumbai (Bombay), Goa, Bangalore and Delhi in the next two weeks, returning on March 30th.  For all of you on spring break, have fun and safe travels!

then and now

Mike, Tommy, Matt and Wyatt (1996 & 2007)

new york, new york

I know this post is long overdue, and I probably should have just skipped it and blogged on about India.  However, I just couldn't feel right glossing over what was an awesome trip to New York.  In four days, I ended up sampling tons of NY's finest culinary delights!

Thanks to Eric and Joey, who put me up in their wonderful Wall St. apartment!

The details may be a bit off, but here's what I had while I was in town.

Day 1.  Eric and I grabbed drinks and some awesome sliders and pigs in a blanket at Ulysses, a popular Wall St. hangout.  Then we met up with Gerald and headed up to East Village for some Crif Dogs and Kenka.

Day 2. Ess-a-Bagel for breakfast.  Man, I love NY bagels.  Then to the Greenmarket at Union Square with Gerald and Christina.  After a quick visit to the MOMA, we went for cupcakes at my favorite cupcake shop - Buttercup Bakery.  For dinner, we made the long trip to Fort Lee to So Kong Dong Tofu, a soft tofu stew house (soondubu).

Day 3.  Eric, Joey and I kicked off the day at Joe's Ginger for steam dumplings (IMO way way better than Din Tai Fung), which I then followed up with some Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.  In the afternoon, I treated my high school friends to a food tour around my old neighborhood -Joe's Pizza, Sullivan Street Bakery, Kati roll, Rice to Riches, oysters from Chelsea Market and Pinkberry. Finally, we polished off the night at Chicken and Rice on 6th Ave.

Day 4.  There was no way I was leaving NY without having a cubano from Sophie's.  Prior to that, Gerald and I grabbed bialys at Kassar's in the LES.  Finally, I bought a few sandwiches for the flight at Province Chinese Canteen.

done!

Fall quarter is over! Off to New York!

the big jacket

It's time to break out the big jacket in Chicago. I was trying to hold out as long as possible, but when the weather turned cold last week, and we got a feew inches of snow last night, I had to take the big North Face jacket out of the closet (along with my big boots).

Although I actually really like the snow and winter, I'm looking forward to being back in Pasadena for a long winter break.

new york

A few weeks ago, I purchased a $75 ticket from Chicago to New York, in order to spend some of the holidays with my high school friends. Although I may shorten the trip due to some recent issues, I am still very excited about eating at all of my favorite cheap eats. Here's the tentative list (which will grow over time):

- Kati Roll
- Halal cart on 6th Ave (chicken and rice)
- Cubano from Sophies
- $2 falafel sandwiches
- H&H bagels
- wonton noode soup
- steamed pork and crab dumplings
- roasted nuts
- Katz's pastrami
- pizza, pizza, pizza!