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The Counter - Seasonal Burger

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The Counter - Seasonal Burger

Gobble Gobble! It's that time of year again when we can all get excited for Thanksgiving foods. Now, I'm not a fan of turkey. You won't find me ordering a turkey sandwich, ever. But, I did try the seasonal burger at The Counter last week called "The Giving Bird".

To start, I had their deviled eggs.

You can't go wrong with this as an appetizer. I like to enjoy these, and the whole meal, with a glass of Allagash from their draft selection. 

The Giving Bird
100% natural turkey topped with pomegranate molasses glaze, fried sweet potato strings, crispy kale, cranberry relish, whole wheat bun, and a housemade pomegranate bbq sauce.

I've had turkey burgers before and most of them were gamy. I don't do well with gamy meats. I can handle it to a certain extent, but it's never my first go to choice if I see it on the menu. However, this turkey from The Counter was actually not gamy at all. I was able to eat this and enjoyed every single bite. I loved the toppings. The pomegranate molasses glaze with cranberry relish really made this fit for November. The crispy kale and fried street potato strings were a nice touch. Surprisingly, their wheat bun was also tasty. It was toasted perfectly and didn't feel too dry or bland like some other wheat buns I've had.

They are located everywhere. Find your Counter Burger here.

 

 

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Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop - Glendale

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Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop - Glendale

There are a few Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop's located in SoCal, but the newest one that I am aware of is in Glendale. Being alongside with Shake Shack and Philz coffee on Brand, this street is going to be lit with hungry shoppers since there's not much offerings at the Americana. You can park at the structure located at the Americana for 90 minutes free, or you can cross your finger to find parking behind the restaurant (or front). But, there are plenty of parking arrangements in the area that are either free or affordable.

They sell all kinds of beverages like infused water, espressos, and protein shakes like this Acai Berry with acai berry puree, strawberries, blueberries, apple and cranberry juices, banana & pure naked protein (great for on the go).

Build your entree dinner options. Pick a protein and 2 gourmet sides. This is the flat iron steak with baked sweet potato fries with avocado pestp and pomegranate quinoa (they say pomegranate, but it's actually cranberries). 

Huevos Rancheros served with over easy eggs, refried black beans, chipotle sauce, pico de gallo, avocado & crisp corn tortilla strips. One of my favorite things to order when I'm here.

Check out their menu here.

252 s. brand blvd., glendale, ca 91204

 

 

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Chicken or the Egg - Playa Vista

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Chicken or the Egg - Playa Vista

Have you been to Playa Vista? It's almost like the pretty step sister to Culver City. The area is a newer development with tons of new condos/townhomes and big businesses like Google, Youtube and Fox. I came through this area when stopping by "Chicken or the Egg" and I am definitely glad I did because now, this neighborhood is going to be one of my few weekend stops. 

 

Going back to Chicken or the Egg, like the neighborhood, this restaurant is also new in town. Their chef and partner, Hunter Pritchett, was also involved with a few known restaurants of Los Angeles, Song of a Gun and Mendocino Farms. At CoE, they take high importance of the quality of the chicken they use. From their menu, they are proud to use Pitman Farms Marys Organic Free-Range chicken and noted that it is the highest quality chicken in the world. The eggs used are also sourced locally from Chino Valley Ranch just east of Oxnard. They are organic cage-free vegetarian fed. Their chickens are also gluten free. 

Here is a glimpse of their menu:

They have an awesome soft drink selections. From soda pops or ice teas and lemonade for you to customize your drinks like this arnold palmer.

12150 Millennium Drive, Suite 101 Los Angeles CA 90094

 

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TLT Food - Pasadena

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TLT Food - Pasadena

A good foodie colleague of mine recommended this place that just opened not too long ago. Even though I work in Pasadena, surrounded my tons of restaurants, it's still hard to find a place to eat around here. After having dinner at TLT, it definitely felt like a breath of fresh air. There's a lot of variety on their menu with playful ingredients. I didn't find their menu to be boring, but unique to their offerings. TLT used to be a food truck. Like all ambitious entrepreneurs, only a few make it to open a brick and mortar. 

36 South El Molino Ave Pasadena, CA 91101

Tamara getting her Monday drink on. 

Shishito Peppers

Cali Ceviche - Cauliflower, Avocado, Lime, Red Onion, Cilantro, Jalapeño, Corn Tortilla Chips. Additional charge to add tuna.

Ahi Tuna Tostada - Tostada with Sushi Grade Ahi, Garlic Ginger Dressing, Pickled Veggies, Avocado, Lime, Cilantro, Iceberg & Sesame Seeds

Beet Salad - Pickled Golden Beets, Roasted Red Beets, Arugula, Mint, Spiced Candied Almonds & Whipped Goat Cheese

Pee Wee Potatoes - Cheese Sauce, Chimichurri, Scallions (these were freaking GOOD)

Blue Crab Grilled Cheese - Blue Crab, Cheese Blend, Scallions, Jalapeños, Sambal, Grilled Sourdough. No Substitutions (For $12, this was worth it.)

Amazing Chimmi Wings - Tossed in Chimichurri & Topped with Chipotle-Honey Aioli. Green Apple & Lime Garnish. 6 Wings total. These were one of the best wings I've had! Not comparing them to your typical bar wings or game day wings, but the flavor of these are so different than anything I've ever had. Must order. The lime does wonders to this as well.

I'm counting on them to stay open, so check them out.

36 South El Molino Ave Pasadena, CA 91101

 

 

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Flavor Garden - Alhambra CA

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Flavor Garden - Alhambra CA

If you are familiar with dumpling and noodle houses, you should be prepared to come with a few people. An order of dumplings is normally 8-10 and fairly sizeable per dish. My brother recommended this place to us and thought we should go together. I don't mind because he knows what kind of food/dishes I like and will order accordingly to what's good.

Cash Only. 1269 E Valley Blvd Alhambra, CA 91801

Spicy Pork Stomach

Tender pork stomach in a spicy Sichuan numbing oil. This is something I love to order at a place like this. Extremely tender. Goes great with beer. I also love ordering pig ears as well, but it's always a treat with stomach is served. I know this may sound weird to some people, but this is the kind of food I grew up eating.

Dan Dan Mian

Seasame sauce noodles with some ground pork and preserved veggies.

Pan Fried Buns

So good and so much in an order.

Leek, Pork and Shrimp Dumplings

These are stuffed with delicious ingredients, but what we love the most about dumplings is when they have leeks. Made myself a side of vinegar and spicy oil mixture to dip this in.

Meat Pie

They serve awesome meat pies made with the stuffing of your choice. These are stuffed with pork and leeks. The sizes of these meat pies are large than they appear. There were 4 of us and we had to grab a few to go boxes.

 

Cash Only.

1269 E Valley Blvd Alhambra, CA 91801

 

 

 

 

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