TeaAmi - Monterey Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc) on May 15, 2019 at 5:22am PDT

Several weeks ago I was invited to a sneak preview of TeaAmi, a unique pop-up experiment that my friend, Chef Bonnie Jiang, is launching at her Beard Papa’s franchise in Monterey Park.

The idea behind TeaAmi is simple: Chef Jiang—who was formerly the sous chef at LA’s The Spice Table—is a passionate about tea, and when you sit down for a session, which is limited to six guests at a time, what you will taste are three teas personally curated by her.

Through the intimate experience, Chef Jiang will guide you through each tea, brewing, pouring, and pairing every cup with food such as a quail egg toast topped with Neuske bacon, herb mayo, Hawaiian lava salt, and Japanese sansho pepper.

If you’re interested, she holds the tastings on Sundays and Mondays. The cost is $25 per person and the sessions last about two hours. Text 626.366.0933 to RSVP.

Beard Papa's
141 N Atlantic Blvd #106
Monterey Park, CA 91754

THIS WEEK ON OC WEEKLY:
Nishi Poke & Ramen - Buena Park

Baja Fish Taco's Salsa Bar - Santa Ana

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MonsterMunching (@monstermunching_oc) on May 11, 2019 at 9:41am PDT

To me, Baja Fish Tacos isn't about the fish tacos; it's all about that salsa bar, especially the pico de gallo, which is free for the taking for anyone who eats there. But the reason I ALWAYS spring a few bucks for the chips is that they provide an extra big bowl for the salsa so that I don't have to make multiple return trips.

Years ago, in leaner times, I would go to Baja Fish Tacos, buy a bowl of their rice and beans and then go loco at the salsa bar. I'd pile the pico de gallo so high, what I end up with looked like a monument made of chopped tomatoes. But I can tell you now, that lunch was as satisfying as anything with meat and cheese. Who needs carne asada when all the flavor and freshness comes from the salsa anyway?

Even now, after I finish a meal there, I always bring a little bit of extra pico de gallo home to make the next morning's eggs extra delicioso!

Baja Fish Tacos
(714)641-4836
3664 South Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA 92704

THIS WEEK ON OC WEEKLY:
Nishi Poke & Ramen - Buena Park

12 Years At OC Weekly!

Today marks 12 years since I became the food critic at OC Weekly.

But did you know that along with writing weekly reviews of restaurants, I also drew cartoons when a special issue calls for it?

Here's all four I did for OC Weekly from 2013-2016.

Enjoy!







I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Weeklings, especially Cynthia Rebolledo, Lisa Black, Nick Schou, and Mercedes Del Real for everything. Also a big "thank you" and "I love you!" to my life partner, dining companion, and wife, cookiemonster, for her support and encouragement.

Last but not least, I'd like to thank you all who are still reading this blog and my OC Weekly reviews for sticking with me all these years!

THIS WEEK ON OC WEEKLY:
Clyde's Hot Chicken