Wednesday Dinner 6/23/10

Yooooooooooo! I hope you are up and doing something productive this morning and so it is you have made it to read another one of my fabulous blogs and for that I say thank you, thank you your far to kind. Anyway let the "Wednesday Dinner" story begin. Yesterday I was so tired that I forgot it was Wednesday and I was going to call dinner off. On Tuesday my baby sister Shelby graduated from High school (What's good Shelby) so Tuesday night I was up late and yesterday I was really sleepy. But I know I have to give you guys what you want so "Wednesday Dinner" did happen. My original plan was to go to dinner with Stephanie but she cancelled because she had a meeting to go to. Yesterday my friend JB hit me up to ask me where I was going, I told him and again it was me and him for dinner. Even though Stephanie cancelled I still wanted to go to the place her and I were going to go to which was "The Habit Burger Grill" (http://www.habitburger.com/), "The Habit Burger Grill" has 37 locations through out Southern California and was voted "Best Burger in Ventura County" on May 12th of this year. I decided to go to the location in El Segundo which sits on Sepulveda in a strip mall along with Walgreens, Wells Fargo and Chipotle. Arriving I noticed that "The Habit Burger Grill" was extremely clean and neat, it wasn't too crowded and the menu is exactly how it looks online. I was extremely interested in trying "The Habit Burger Grill" because of their prices, cheeseburgers starting at $2.95 and nothing on the menu is over $7.00 and the menu is very classic. Serving burgers, salads, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and desserts (sundaes, shakes and cones). I swear this is a foodie’s heaven because burgers, fries and shakes are the all American meal. After standing in line for about 2 minutes looking at the menu I was ready to order and I had:


#1 Charburger with Cheese-well done (Includes fries and a regular drink)

JB waited about another 2 minutes after me to order and he had:

Teriyaki Charburger

The dining area was very clean and I noticed there was a family celebrating what appeared to be a grandfather’s birthday and a family dinner, JB and I and then a few more people came in ordering take out and there were a group of women dining outside. We waited about 5 minutes and our food came out and I was ready to dive in face first. My burger was oozing with cheese and looking at it, it was the perfect size not too big and not to small. All their burgers are served with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, mayo and pickles and that totally worked for me, cheese was extra and I was fine with that. I took the first bite and I was very pleased I didn't expect for this burger to have this classic taste to it (DELISH), the fries were in my opinion typical burger fries nothing special. I think I should have followed my first mind and got the onion rings, JB's burger looked good his had teriyaki sauce, pineapple, swiss cheese and lettuce, I tried to talk him into getting onion rings but he wasn't going for it. Over dinner JB and I talked about family, career moves, his business idea and life all around. I love talking to JB because I didn't know how much a like we are, it’s crazy but back to the food. My total for my meal was $7.08 and I think JB's burger came up to just a little under $4.00 which isn't bad at all; we both liked this place and agreed that we would both come back. I liked it because it has something on the menu for everyone, its cheap, it’s clean and they have outside seating which would be nice on a sunny L.A. day. It’s a cute place to go on a date also (hint hint). All in all dinner was great and thanks again JB for rolling with me, I was sooo FULL and I didn’t finish my burger of course I took it home and finished it later on yesterday day night. If you are not familiar with "The Habit Burger Grill" get familiar. If you would like to get on the "Wednesday Dinner" list drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "The great essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for" until next week I got nothing but love for you -Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 6/18/10

Hello, good morning (in my Diddy voice). Why the hell is it soooo gloomy outside, this weather makes me want to stay home in bed watching movies all day!!! But I can't live my life with out money so it’s another day at the office. This weeks "Wednesday Dinner" was a solo mission, yesterday afternoon I was feeling so "California-ish". I think I was feeling that way because the sun was shining and right before I left work I was listening to Katy Perry's "California Girls" and I must say I have been a fan of Kate Perry and I am reminded why I like her with her new single. So yesterday I decided to drive out to Manhattan Beach and eat but unfortunately for me it wasn't that easy. Anyone who really knows me knows that I have a horrible since of direction and yesterday that was confirmed once again. I set out to go eat at "Wahoo's" (http://www.wahoos.com/), "Wahoo’s" is known for their fish tacos, and since I was feeling so California I thought this would be the perfect place to eat. After driving around in the same area for about 20 minutes I gave up on the location that is listed in Manhattan Beach, personally I don't think that location even exist because it was no where in sight. I remembered that there was another "Wahoo's" tucked away in good old faithful Torrance and that is were I drove to. Tucked away off of Torrance Blvd on a small side street behind the "new" Del Amo shopping center is "Wahoo's". "Wahoo's" is so Beach like, with stickers, surf boards on the walls and TV’s playing pro surfers you’re reminded of what California is really all about. Very clean inside and not to crowded I was able to walk right in and place my order:

#7 Chicken Teriyaki Bowl (with white rice and black beans)

"Wahoo's" wasn't crowded but it wasn't empty either, from what I noticed there were about 3 people there eating alone, a family having dinner, a couple tucked away on a date, and a mother and daughter eating dinner together. It took about 5 minutes for my food to come out and it smelled and looked GREAT. I've been to "Wahoo's" a few times and I always get the same thing and I have always been pleased with my food. Along with my bowl I like to get the "Wahoo's" Green Sauce and "Mr. Lee's Chili Sauce" mixing those two together and putting it on my food is the way to go! The chicken was seasoned very well it wasn't over saturated with teriyaki sauce, the white rice (I mean can you really go wrong with rice?), and the black beans (which are my favorite kind of beans) where good as well. On the side of my bowl there is a little garnish of salsa and lettuce, I threw that in the mix and there was a lot of flavor going on in that bowl. I was in heaven, the total was $8.77 which isn't bad and I was very pleased and full. While eating alone, I really started to put my brain to work thinking of all the things I have experienced in life up to this point and I have to say I am truly blessed and thankful. Dinner was very short; I mean there wasn't really much for me to talk about by myself HAHAHA! "Wahoo's" also serves beer and wine, wine is sold by the glass or by the bottle and the beer selections are quite awesome sold by the bottle or by the pitcher. I would definitely suggest you get familiar with "Wahoo's" it’s a cute place for an inexpensive date, family outing or to grab some food to go. If you would like to become a "Wednesday Dinner" pirate drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this “Expectation is a set up for disappointment" until next week peace, happiness and love-Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 6/9/10

Good Morning!!!!!!! Happy Thursday and can you believe that summer is almost here?!?! I hope your ready and you plan on making it a memorable one. This weeks "Wednesday Dinner" was special for me because I got to hang out with one of my closet male friends, JB. JB and I have been friends for quite a while and I must say that our friendship has matured and grown in ways I never thought possible. I can always count on JB to be there and to keep it real, so thanks JB!!!! JB had been telling me about this burrito spot that I needed to try so yesterday was the day that I did just that. JB and I went to "El Tepeyac”, "El Tepeyac" is located off the 10 in a small little community. It is truly one of those hole in the wall places, it’s located on a residential street and if your driving to fast you will surely miss it. Its very small inside, I'm guessing their maximum capacity is probably 25 people. When we arrived inside there was a family and a couple having dinner, but by the time we were leaving there were quite a few more people coming in to eat and to order take out. "El Tepeyac" also has outside seating as well. Since this was my first time going there I let JB order because this was his suggestion, so here is what we got:


Manuel Special Burrito with Chicken

"El Tepeyac" is famous for these HUGE Burritos that can feed up to 10 or more people; we ordered the one that can feed 2-4 people. The burrito is filled with shredded chicken, rice, beans and guacamole and topped with jack cheese and a tomato sauce. "El Tepeyac" doesn't have a website but check out this link to view the menu (http://losangeles.menupages.com/restaurants/el-tepeyac-cafe/). Our waitress was very sweet and attentive!!! There were 2 types of salsa that was brought out with the chips one green and one red and I have to say I prefer the green one over the red; the green one was more mild, chunky and flavorful. The red one was kind of chili based and thick (no thanks) but JB seemed to like that one. It took about 10 minutes for the burrito to come out and when it did I was in shock, this burrito was HUGE! I was so hungry but I knew that there was no way that JB and I were going to be able to eat the whole burrito; this was clearly a job for 4 people. So it was time for the 1st cut and it was mine, and I started to grub. This burrito was surprisingly good, although cutting it was a little messy. The burrito or "The Manuel Special" as some people call it isn't for chumps. This burrito isn't stingy, its filled with plenty of chicken, rice, beans and guacamole and believe it or not I was only able to eat my one piece, JB was able to eat a piece and a half. Over dinner JB and I talked about it all (relationships, work, family and everything else). This was JB's first "Wednesday Dinner" so I want to thank him for coming out (What up Boy!). JB and I have this unspoken respect for each other and for our friendship, I can always count on him to tell me the truth and not hold any thing back and I have always appreciated that about him and since I've known him he's always remained the same dude and we make eachother laugh and we did plenty of laughing lasy night. So thanks again JB for dinner! After my little piece of the burrito I was FULL and I had a slight case of the itis, all in all dinner was good. I recommend "El Tepeyac" to experience this burrito, if you watch the show Man vs. Food he's done a challenge there and that’s how JB found out about "El Tepeyac". Dinner came to a total of $26.00 which wasn't bad at all for 2 people and we had half of the burrito left over. If you would like to play in the "Wednesday Dinner" playground drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/ashamallie. In closing I would like to leave you with this "You can't have what you don't work for" until next week it’s all good -Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 6/2/10

Bueno's Dias mi corazons!!!!!! I know it’s a little gloomy outside but get out and get on your GRIND. We have all made it to live to see another day so let's get it!!! This weeks "Wednesday Dinner" was another solo mission and it was short. I had been hearing about this pizzeria on Melrose right across from Fairfax High School, "Tomato Pie" www.tomatopiepizzajoint.com/ for sometime. So yesterday I decided to try it out, I went straight from work because I work not to far from Melrose. "Tomato Pie" sits directly across the street from Fairfax high and it’s a very small pizza joint. Inside there is a bar like table that goes around and there is one table in the middle, there were 2 tables outside for sitting also. There were quite a few varieties of pizza to choose from but I decided to go with:

1 Slice of Sicilian Pizza with Pepperoni and Sausage
1 Slice of Cheese Pizza
1 Small Root beer

It was a little crowded inside "Tomato Pie" but maybe I thought that because that place is extremely small inside. I felt like I was being rushed when it was time to order and the cashier kept calling me "Sweetie" and that is like one of my biggest pet peeves. I honestly couldn't tell you what kind of pizza they serve because I really didn't get a chance to see. I noticed that they also serve cold deli like salads, and cheese cake, there was no menu posted anywhere you have to grab one and stand to the side and look at it and of course I didn't notice that until after I ordered. The cheese pizza was blah, I've had better, it was very thin and not that cheesy. The Sicilian pizza was more my speed, it was thick and cheesy, my total came up to $5.75 and that worked for me. In my opinion "Tomato Pie" is a place for high schoolers and stoners, like I said I've had better pizza. If you would like to get in the "Wednesday Dinner" address book drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "People do what they want to do and they don't do what they don't want to do". Until next week- Ash

Wednesday Dinner5/26/10

OH Good Morning and Happy Thursday!! Another day, another dollar! I am so tired and ready to enjoy my 4 day weekend; I hope you are looking forward to it too. FYI Summer is around the corner! Are you ready? Anyway this weeks "Wednesday Dinner" was old school style. I am not sure how many of you remember "Pioneer Chicken" (I know, I know). I remember "Pioneer Chicken" when I was a little kid, well unfortunately business for them was big in the 80's and 90's but then came along Louisiana Fried Chicken (hahaha). Most of the "Pioneer Chicken" locations have closed down, the only one that I know of now is the one that sits on San Vicente between Fairfax and Olympic. So let the "Wednesday Dinner" story begin: Yesterday I ate solo which was fine with me because lately I've just been in one of my moods (I'm feeling much better today). Upon walking in I noticed "Pioneer Chicken" was clean and empty and there was a meeting going on in the back, what type of meeting you ask. The health inspector was there grading them, and the grade given was a "B". Not sure what the grade was prior to the B, but I guess what I don't know won't hurt me. So it was time to order and here is what I ate:


No#5. 3 chicken strips, french fries, coleslaw, biscuit, and a drink

"Pioneer Chicken" has a lot going on on their menu (fish, shrimp, gizzards, and desserts) a little strange but I decided to stick to what I know. It took about 7 minutes for my food to come out and when it did it looked good. The only issue I had was that my fries were a little too crispy for my taste. The chicken strips were good they were nice size and seasoned well, the coleslaw was good, the biscuit was fresh and soft and the drink was yummy (Fanta Strawberry). To accompany my food I had hot sauce, ketchup and honey. "Pioneer Chicken" is ok; I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. My total came to $7.50 which isn't bad for the amount of food I was given, the only suggestion I would give on visiting "Pioneer Chicken" would be just to remember your child hood, if you ever ate there as a child. If you would like to get on the "Wednesday Dinner" dream team drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "Too much of one thing is just that, too much". Until next week-Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 5/19/10

Gooooooood Morning and Happy Thursday!!!! I hope you are getting and enjoying all you can out of life!!! This weeks "Wednesday Dinner" was all about me, it was short and straight to the food and that worked just fine for me. Yesterday I had Lunch-er (late lunch, early dinner) at "Versailles" (http://www.versaillescuban.com/menu_b.html), "Versailles is one of LA's most talked about Cuban Restaurants. I went to the one on La Cienega in Los Angeles, at night "Versailles" reminds me of something out of the movie Scarface. I have been trying to get back to "Versailles" for quite sometime but yesterday was the day and I am so glad that I went. I wasn't really in the mood to have luncher with anyone else, sometimes we all just need to spend quality time with ourselves and that was exactly how I was feeling. When I arrived at "Versailles" it wasn't to crowded but it wasn't too empty either, I was handed a menu and seated right away. While I was looking at the menu the waiter bought over some bread, now this bread was some type of french baquet and was buttered generously and had a hint of garlic to it. It was soft and toasty and was really good, by the time I looked up I had eaten 3 pieces of it and I was only given 4. So now it was time to place my order and here is what I ate:


7a Bistec de Pollo (Chicken Steak)- Tender chicken breast grilled to perfection topped with garlic sauce and garnished with white onions, served with rice, black beans and fried sweet plantains.

It took about 5-7 minutes for my food to come out and when it did a big smile came over me, I knew that this food was going to touch my pallet and I would be in heaven. The food came out and it was hot, smelled good and looked so yummy, I had to wait about 2 minutes after my food to get my black beans (why, I don't know) but that was fine because it gave my chicken a chance to cool down. I mixed my black beans and rice together for 2 reasons 1. it taste great together and 2. that 1 extra dish out of the way. The chicken looked just like it was described on the menu "grilled to perfection", topped with garlic sauce and white onions. The chicken was seasoned so well and so tender, with the onions, sauce, rice and beans I was in a foodie’s heaven at that moment. The plantains were soooo DELISH and another one of my favorites, because I didn't get that many with my meal I had to ration them out. I asked the waiter could I have 2 extra plantains (because really 2 more was really all I wanted) he told me I would have to order a side which came with about 9 pieces, ahhhhh no thanks. So I was pacing myself with luncher and before I knew it was FULL, I was able to conquer half of my meal and that was my limit. If I would have taken another bite I would have exploded at the table, the total for my food was $14.25 which in my opinion wasn't bad at all because I have left over’s. The service was good and I enjoyed my food. If you are not familiar with "Versailles"get familiar and get familiar QUICK! If you like cuban food there is no reason for you not to try this place; they have 5 locations in Southern California. Ladies and gentleman if you are trying to think outside of the box for a dinner date this would be a great place!!! All in all dinner was bomb.com and I will definitely be going back to "Versailles". If you would like to get on the "Wednesday Dinner" drill team drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. Spread the word about my blog!!!! In closing I would like to leave you with this "Expectation is a set up for disappointment" Until next week, it’s all love -Ashley

Wednesday Dinner 5/12/10

Gooooood Morning and so it is Thursday again, and you are reading another one of my amazing food blogs (hahahaha). But anyway, I hope all is well and that things are going great for you. This week I've been really unbalanced but now I've put things in perspective and I am feeling much better. This weeks "Wednesday Dinner" was at one of my favorite places and with one of my favorite food buddies S.(Dot) aka Stephanie. I have been trying to get back to this place for a minute since Stephanie and I hadn't gone together in like a year. So last night we had dinner at "The Counter" (http://www.thecounterburger.com//). "The Counter" is a very sheik and hip build your own burger restaurant/bar serving burgers, fries, along with beer and wine only. They have quite a few locations through out Southern California and their most recent location is in L.A. on Sunset. Stephanie and I met at the one in El Segundo, when we arrived it wasn't too crowded but it wasn't empty either. There was no wait and I noticed that they had a DJ in the corner playing all the hip hop jams, it was crazy but I enjoyed it. "The Counter" has a little menu for you fill out with what you want on your burger and they have a selection of pre made burgers also. They also serve chili cheese fries, sweet potato fries, onion strings, burger in a bowl, shakes and some dessert items. I was STARVING last night, for the past 2 days I was dieting so my mouth was watering and I was ready to grub. It took Stephanie and me no time to decide what we were going to have on our burgers so here is what we ate:


Ashley- 1/3lb Turkey Burger with Swiss Cheese, Organic Lettuce Mix, Tomato, Grilled Onions, Avocado, Pickles and Russian Dressing on a English Muffin


Stephanie- 2/3lb Beef Burger (well done) Lettuce, Tomato, Grilled Onions, Avocado, Pickles and Russian dressing on a Wheat Bun


1/2 French Fries & 1/2 Onion Strings

At "The Counter" they have 3 different sizes of meat; 1/3lb, 2/3lb and 1lb, I was hungry but I didn't want to over do it so the 1/3lb was just enough for me. We also shared fries and onion strings. I love the fact that the "The Counter" has so many different items for you to top your burger with for example; grilled pineapple, jalapenos, salsa, fried egg, bacon and many other options. They also serve chicken and veggie patties along with the beef and turkey. The waitress was cool the only thing I didn't like was that they brought out our fries and onion strrings before the food came out, we explained that we wanted them with our burgers and then the onion strings and fries were brought out 2 more times before they got the message. OMGeeeeeeeee my burger was soooooo good; I was in heaven once I took my first bite. Everyone knows I prefer turkey burgers over beef and this was a reminder of why I do. The turkey patty was seasoned well and all the toppings just flowed and made this burger YUMBO. Although trying my burger on an english muffin was a first but it was great. When my burger came out Stephanie said "That looks good" and it sure damn was! Stephanie's burger also looked good but it was a little big because she was only able to finish half (hahaha). The onion strings and fries were good I think next I am just going to stick with just fries. Over dinner Stephanie and I talked about relationships because that is what is consuming our lives right now (hahaha). And we just had all around girl talk. I was sooooo full and I thought I would have been able to finish my burger but sadly I didn't, I felt kind of crazy asking for a box because I literally had 1 bite left. I knew that last bite was going to be soooooo good later on last night but I never got it to I was so full I tossed and turned all night. Over all dinner was great, "The Counter" is one of those all purpose places its good for dates, family dinners, girl’s night, and guy’s night. "The Counter" is not expensive the total last night was $31.55 which is about $16-$18 per person including tax and tip. If you are not familiar with "The Counter" step your game up!!!! Thanks Stephanie for coming out!!! If you would like to join the "Wednesday Dinner" step team drop me a line wednesdaydinnerwithash@yahoo.com and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/wednesdaydinner. In closing I would like to leave you with this "You deserve what you tolerate" until next week 2 fingas- Ashley