LongLong's OL Blog - 容容 的洛城OL隨記

Christabelle's Blog introduced Chinese red chili oil dumpling (Red Oil Fried Hands????) today.  It looked so yummy and made me crave for dumpling.  Luckily, Mom prepared me some dumpling last weekend, so I  prepared some for dinner.  BTW, what's the difference between the regular dumpling and "Red Oil Fried Hands"?  Isn't it just dumpling with red oil sauce?

I decided to stay in Orange County this weekend instead of my usual routine of going back to Mom and Dad.  I want to explore more about OC, maybe visit OC Fair, try few new restaurants.  Chia was so supportive and also dedicated her whole Saturday to have a girl's day out with me .  We decided to start our day with a nice brunch.  We typically would just go to French Champagne Bakery around my apartment in Irvine, but today, we decided to try something different.  
I've wanted to visit Zov's for a while.  My boss recommended this restaurant last year, especially on their grilled rack of lamb. Chia seemed to like this idea as well- since she and Thomas had their first date here.

To be honest, even though, I’ve moved to Irvine for more than one year now.  I still don’t feel like a local, and am still not very familiar with Irvine and Orange County.  My typical route is just from my apartment to work, from work to gym, to South Coast plaza, or to markets and etc.  In addition, since I live right by Irvine/Tustin Marketplace, it is so convenience that I can do pretty much everything within few blocks (grocery, theather, shops, restaurants).  I rarely need to go outside my neck of woods... 

I introduced one of my frequent lunch place – HK Korean Market earlier. (http://www.wretch.cc/blog/longlonglin&article_id=5768551)
Grace and I headed over there again for a quick bite.  This time, I tried the Korean/Chinese food stand. Orange County is so diverse; I really enjoy the convenience of dinning different cuisine

Grace ordered ChiaChia noodle. Don’t be fooled by the look (Yes, it is not very appealing), it’s actually tasted great!  

After a long day at work, I was planning to go to my Pilate class while Chia called to see if I would like to meet up for dinner. Between hard workout vs. fine dinning with friends – almost the no brainier decision (well, at this from the short term benefit perspective).

Today is one of my happiest days for awhile.  I finally got in touch with my good friend, J.C. from junior high in Taiwan. It all attributes to the power of BLOG.

J.C. is my good friend from junior high in Taiwan.  Even after I moved to California, we still kept in touch via mails.  I wish e-mail/internet was more popular back then, I would of be able to keep in touch with most friends in Taiwan.  It’s too much trouble to send postal mails, and it took too long.

Well, with the inefficient of postal service, my frequent moves for school & work, plus admittedly my laziness, we somehow lost touch for many years.  Till the other day, I was flipping through TV channel, and suddenly I saw my old friend on TV.  She is now a popular anchor in Taiwan. Luckily she hasn’t change much from junior high, so I can still recognize her.  I went on her station’s web site, and left the message on her BLOG.  She e-mailed me, and we got connected again!!!  

I stopped by Ralph after work to get some grocery.  I also pick up some wine cooler.  It has been extremely hot in Southern California these days, a bottle of chilled cooler and beer after work can help cool me down a bit... I haven't had any cooler since college, so I couldn't remember which flavor taste the best.  I pick up this Calypso Colada - it reminds me of the Bule Hawaii drink.