Went on a trip to LA this past weekend, for my Mom's b-day. I'd found out about a used bookstore that specializes in cookbooks only. In Pasadena, right on the way to Burbank- so it was an easy sell to the husband.
He made the call as we exited the freeway, and drove up to the shop. It would be: Hot, dirty and run by an aging Hippie. Ta-DAAA!! He was right on all 3 counts. I had an idea of 2 books I'd wanted, but was hoping to find some hidden gem or 2 that just -needed- to come home to Vegas with me.
I stepped inside, the hubby went next door to use the restroom. It was HOT outside, about 90 degrees at 2pm. Inside the store it was a stuffy 5 degrees cooler, if that much. The owner didn't feel she needed to use any box fans at the very least- which might have helped only slightly.
The stench of multiple cats and their said litterboxes hit me instantly. Looking at the floor, it was covered in about 1 inch of cat hair. (where there wasen't books, and there were tons of them)
I love cats. Allways have. Husband is deathly allergic to them. He really DISlikes cats. Used bookshops seem to attract cats, or at least people who run them love to keep them in their shop. (why is that?) Here in Vegas, one place used to have cats, and we never went back. Here is my helpful suggestion to ANY business owner who wants to keep their pets with them at work:
HAVE THE BUSINESS NOT SMELL LIKE CAT-PISS, SO MUCH YOUR CUSTOMERS CAN STAY ONLY 5 MINUTES BEFORE GAGGING ON THE AMMONIA CLOUD THAT IS YOUR UNCLEAN BUSINESS!!
I asked her what types of Scandinavian cookbooks she had, and I hurridly made a selection from her 5 books she had. Asked if she had the Time-Life Foods of the World books, and the sister additional spiral-bound cookbooks. Was looking for a replacement for my one on Japan that got lost in a move, and figured i'd buy a few of the spiral-bounds I needed. She had at least 6 full sets of the entire series all about, so I was happy to get these.
We got the idea this woman -lives- at her business, or at least very very close to it. She was nice enough, but the dirtiness and putrid smell of her place had ME running out in record time. This would have been a place I could have easily spent $150, if allowed to browse and find neat books I never knew I needed, in comfort. Air-conditioning would have been fantastic. Books that have been AT LEAST dusted would have been very nice. The smell of musty old books (which, I actually like..My very first job was at a used bookshop! It makes me happy, of getting lost in a place to find reading treasures) and that alone would have been PERFECT. What I got was I think the second layer of Dante's Inferno. I'm never going to set foot in that shop, ever again. I'll order from her online, and that's that.
Better yet, i'll keep ordering from alibris.com where i've spent many a pretty penny, and have had a great experience. I don't care if they nail me on shipping charges, it's worth it.
I'm laughing about it now, but while there, it was just miserable.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
I know it's been awhile since my last update. Since i'm not even sure if this blog is read by anyone by myself, I guess it really dosen't matter about how often I do update.Or does it? Perhaps this lone little Las Vegan (but i'm NOT a vegan, ifyouknowwhatimean) and her commentary on food is actually followed. Let me know if you're out there!
The 4th of July has always been my beloved Grandmother's birthday. She would have been 88 today. I decided I should work, as to keep my mind off this fact. RIGHT. Like that was possible. Work was like a graveyard,so I took an early out, and wandered over to Chinatown. Chinese cuisune had to be one of her favorite types of food, shrimp especially. I'd been meaning to give another Indiana Jones-like lookaroundfor the fabled Dong Ting Spring, on a hidden side-street across from the main mall on Spring Mountain Rd. I'd gone looking one other time, to totally miss it.I call it fabled, as folks on Chowhound that have gone have said it's one of the spiciest resturaunts in town, and delicious to boot.
Walking in at 10pm, there was only one couple inside, and they were finishing up. Perusing the menu, I'd wanted to try something different. Even it being her b-day, I wasen't really feeling like shrimp, but SPICE.I ordered the Dry Sauteed Beef, medium spice level. The staff was friendly and accomodating, and the food was to the table in a few short minutes. I was dismayed that they do not serve beer, something i'd crave in just a few moments.With my pot of jasmine tea, I was impressed by what i'd ordered. VERY thinly sliced beep, almost julianned was in a slight sauce of fresh ginger, garlic and soy. The -possibility- of fish sauce was there, or at least I thought i'd tasted it.Along with the beef were very red and shiny sliced chilipeppers- but..What type? They almost looked like mini (2-3inch long) red bell peppers. I had to eat one....I was hit with a sweet, happy pepper flavor, then my mouth began to melt. Hotter than any jalepenoi'd ever had, but without the cooling heat of Schechuan peppercorns I love, this was...a shock, till I accepted it. If you go hunting dragons, you gotta expect heat, and possibly a bit of getting BURNED TO DEATH. Closing my eyes, I let it take over me and my body. Sweat beaded on my brow,my nose leaked down my lip. It w At this point, I wished beyond anything for a cold Tsing-Tao. The idea of it taunted me, as taking a sip of hot tea made it only WORSE.
But Lisa- you ask...How was the flavor? It was perfect. I love ginger emmensly. Garlic's pretty awesome in my book as well. As I suffered in joy, it hit me that it tasted almost like a perfect beef jerkey, but with fresh beef. I actually felt my endorphins kick in, and the bliss was now with me.This is one of the few times that true hot food has done this to me. I either don't notice it when it does happen, or my tastebugs were napping when I eat lava-like ramen in LA at Orochon. If that's too hot, I just can't continue eating it, meal ruined.
I know i'll be back, with husband in tow. He's the real chilihead, not I. I hope their Mabo Tofu is as awesome.
Dong Ting Spring
3950 Schiff Dr.
LV, NV 89102
702)387-7888
Hours: 10am to 11pm, 7nts a week.
The 4th of July has always been my beloved Grandmother's birthday. She would have been 88 today. I decided I should work, as to keep my mind off this fact. RIGHT. Like that was possible. Work was like a graveyard,so I took an early out, and wandered over to Chinatown. Chinese cuisune had to be one of her favorite types of food, shrimp especially. I'd been meaning to give another Indiana Jones-like lookaroundfor the fabled Dong Ting Spring, on a hidden side-street across from the main mall on Spring Mountain Rd. I'd gone looking one other time, to totally miss it.I call it fabled, as folks on Chowhound that have gone have said it's one of the spiciest resturaunts in town, and delicious to boot.
Walking in at 10pm, there was only one couple inside, and they were finishing up. Perusing the menu, I'd wanted to try something different. Even it being her b-day, I wasen't really feeling like shrimp, but SPICE.I ordered the Dry Sauteed Beef, medium spice level. The staff was friendly and accomodating, and the food was to the table in a few short minutes. I was dismayed that they do not serve beer, something i'd crave in just a few moments.With my pot of jasmine tea, I was impressed by what i'd ordered. VERY thinly sliced beep, almost julianned was in a slight sauce of fresh ginger, garlic and soy. The -possibility- of fish sauce was there, or at least I thought i'd tasted it.Along with the beef were very red and shiny sliced chilipeppers- but..What type? They almost looked like mini (2-3inch long) red bell peppers. I had to eat one....I was hit with a sweet, happy pepper flavor, then my mouth began to melt. Hotter than any jalepenoi'd ever had, but without the cooling heat of Schechuan peppercorns I love, this was...a shock, till I accepted it. If you go hunting dragons, you gotta expect heat, and possibly a bit of getting BURNED TO DEATH. Closing my eyes, I let it take over me and my body. Sweat beaded on my brow,my nose leaked down my lip. It w At this point, I wished beyond anything for a cold Tsing-Tao. The idea of it taunted me, as taking a sip of hot tea made it only WORSE.
But Lisa- you ask...How was the flavor? It was perfect. I love ginger emmensly. Garlic's pretty awesome in my book as well. As I suffered in joy, it hit me that it tasted almost like a perfect beef jerkey, but with fresh beef. I actually felt my endorphins kick in, and the bliss was now with me.This is one of the few times that true hot food has done this to me. I either don't notice it when it does happen, or my tastebugs were napping when I eat lava-like ramen in LA at Orochon. If that's too hot, I just can't continue eating it, meal ruined.
I know i'll be back, with husband in tow. He's the real chilihead, not I. I hope their Mabo Tofu is as awesome.
Dong Ting Spring
3950 Schiff Dr.
LV, NV 89102
702)387-7888
Hours: 10am to 11pm, 7nts a week.
Monday, February 9, 2009
WTF
In the past few years, i've become obsessed with Scandinavian cooking and food. With the once-held belief that I was part Swedish on my father's side, I began to learn all about Nordic cuisine. (Oh yeah, my Dad says the family hails from POLAND. WTF, Pops? There were shady dealings that required a name change apparently)
I'm really torn on how to feel on things. I know I'd love to visit Sweden and Norway. I know i'd love most of the food. But HERRING? PICKLED HERRING? I just don't know what to make of that. In Las Vegas, there's a severe lack of Nordic food to even TRY it. I wish I could try it, to know if it would make my brain melt.
I'm really torn on how to feel on things. I know I'd love to visit Sweden and Norway. I know i'd love most of the food. But HERRING? PICKLED HERRING? I just don't know what to make of that. In Las Vegas, there's a severe lack of Nordic food to even TRY it. I wish I could try it, to know if it would make my brain melt.
Back from the dead..
Sorry about the severe lack of updates to this blog. Family life dealt a severe blow, with the passing of my Grandmother last year. Things are finally beginning to get back to "normal", so more posts should be forthcoming.
In fact, i'll post my latest Las Vegas food find NOW!
After reading a review in the local Henderson NV newspaper, I made my way over to Chef Fleming's Bake shop on Water St.
Chef Fleming Pedersen was born and trained as a pastry chef in Copenhagen Demark, and before opening his bakery, worked from the past 17 years or so as head pastry chef at the Golden Nugget, downtown Las Vegas.
Water Street in downtown Henderson is both a bit old and run-down, but trying to revitalize itself for the new times. It's an odd mix of old, 1950's signage and store-fronts, but a big new strip-mall is across the street. This bakery is hopefully a good step in the right direction for bringing in new business to the city.
The interior of the shop is SMALL. Very small. When there was 6 people wating to be served, it was cramped. On this Monday, the choices inside the cases all looked so good, it was hard to narrow my choices to only 6. I finally chose:
Cannolli
Kranskagge
2 apple turnovers
2 "Little Hats"
Most people know what cannolli and turnovers are, so no need to detail that. The cannolli was fresh, with sparse small chocolate chips (not morsels, real chips) in the mix. I found it very good, and a much better price than most of the Italian-owned/based bakeries in town. MUCH better than Leed's, for half the price. Very delicious!
The kranskagge I got was a small, 4 inch long cookie filled with marzipan. A very generous amount of filling, and the cookie around it was drizzled with icing. Really tasty, and I know i'll be getting them more often. Even better if you love marzipan like I do. My only issue with it, was it seemed a day or 2 old. The cookie outside was a bit tough. A shame, and I hope I can get some really fresh ones next visit.
I wish I could get the Danish name for the Little Hats. The girl at the counter called them that, with no info on what they are called in Denmark. This was heavenly and a bit of perfection I was so happy to get! It started with a short dough exterior, very close to a butter-rich shortbread. Inside was a marzipan filling with it, in about a tablespoon amount. The dough was folded over at 3 places, and crimped, and looked like a tri-cornered hat, hence the name. After it was baked, the bottom was given a quick dip in chocolate. This was so good, I wish I had bought about half a dozen! On a scale, i'd rate them about 8. For Las Vegas' bakeries, i'd give it a 10!
Om a really cool side-note: On the first Saturday of the month, he has "Danish Day". Apparently, once a month he makes more Danish-based specality baked-goods. I don't have a list of them now, but i'll report back when I go next month.
Highly reccommended, if your local/nearby. Closed on Sundays.
Chef Flemming's Bake Shop
7 Water St, Ste B
Henderson Nevada 89015
(702) 566-6500
No website, as of now.
In fact, i'll post my latest Las Vegas food find NOW!
After reading a review in the local Henderson NV newspaper, I made my way over to Chef Fleming's Bake shop on Water St.
Chef Fleming Pedersen was born and trained as a pastry chef in Copenhagen Demark, and before opening his bakery, worked from the past 17 years or so as head pastry chef at the Golden Nugget, downtown Las Vegas.
Water Street in downtown Henderson is both a bit old and run-down, but trying to revitalize itself for the new times. It's an odd mix of old, 1950's signage and store-fronts, but a big new strip-mall is across the street. This bakery is hopefully a good step in the right direction for bringing in new business to the city.
The interior of the shop is SMALL. Very small. When there was 6 people wating to be served, it was cramped. On this Monday, the choices inside the cases all looked so good, it was hard to narrow my choices to only 6. I finally chose:
Cannolli
Kranskagge
2 apple turnovers
2 "Little Hats"
Most people know what cannolli and turnovers are, so no need to detail that. The cannolli was fresh, with sparse small chocolate chips (not morsels, real chips) in the mix. I found it very good, and a much better price than most of the Italian-owned/based bakeries in town. MUCH better than Leed's, for half the price. Very delicious!
The kranskagge I got was a small, 4 inch long cookie filled with marzipan. A very generous amount of filling, and the cookie around it was drizzled with icing. Really tasty, and I know i'll be getting them more often. Even better if you love marzipan like I do. My only issue with it, was it seemed a day or 2 old. The cookie outside was a bit tough. A shame, and I hope I can get some really fresh ones next visit.
I wish I could get the Danish name for the Little Hats. The girl at the counter called them that, with no info on what they are called in Denmark. This was heavenly and a bit of perfection I was so happy to get! It started with a short dough exterior, very close to a butter-rich shortbread. Inside was a marzipan filling with it, in about a tablespoon amount. The dough was folded over at 3 places, and crimped, and looked like a tri-cornered hat, hence the name. After it was baked, the bottom was given a quick dip in chocolate. This was so good, I wish I had bought about half a dozen! On a scale, i'd rate them about 8. For Las Vegas' bakeries, i'd give it a 10!
Om a really cool side-note: On the first Saturday of the month, he has "Danish Day". Apparently, once a month he makes more Danish-based specality baked-goods. I don't have a list of them now, but i'll report back when I go next month.
Highly reccommended, if your local/nearby. Closed on Sundays.
Chef Flemming's Bake Shop
7 Water St, Ste B
Henderson Nevada 89015
(702) 566-6500
No website, as of now.
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