Alpental

Went down 4 black diamonds!!! My first time in West coast!.. Sweet.  Apparently the first run I went down was a black diamond - goes to show if I lead the way, how dangerous it is.

Was really fun this time.  The snow was fantastic, and I wasn't as tired than Crystal.

Side note: So instead of once a week, ended up going once a month?... Still not bad I guess.

Mashiko - Aman's First Real Omakase Experience

Originally we were to go eat some wings up North, but a last minute offer from lil' genius, and we end up heading towards Mashiko.

About 3.5 hours later, we have gone through 18 dishes.  The most number I've had at Mashiko in one sitting! 

The price - $130 total... which includes including sake and tips (... so definitely not a bad price).  Especially given the two of us each had 3 boxes of sake (or 4?). 

Photos are a bit blurry - oops... I wonder why.. heh heh heh.

Summary:  Delicious as always.  Not a fan of their Tako pizza - it was very sour.  The mochi was delicious though.

Oysters - Kumomoto	Geoduck Cerviche
Rainbow Trout Sashimi	Sweet Mountain Potato
Tofu with Uni on top	Red Drum
Abalone and its Intestine	Monkfish Liver
White King Salmon Tartar	Albacore Toro, Maguro, Spotted Mackerel
Sake Poached Oyster	Mackerel Pressed Sushi
Geoduck Satay	Sunma with Eggplant
Coho Tempura with Cabbage	Tako (Octopus) Pizza
Peanut Butter Mochi	Mochi Ice Cream

Remedy for Burnt Pot

Royally burnt a pot today as I was making the 'chuan pui' apple. Too little water, too much heat, result: the entire bottom of the pot becomes pitch black and crusty.

With the aid of almighty Google, it is revealed that a simple vinegar with water concoction boiled for a little bit will clean this completely.

No pictures to show here - it was so amazing. The entire crusty film just lifted right off. After this cleaning, the pot now looks brand spanking new - even cleaner than before!

Burnt Pot ... SAVED!

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day - come to think of it, my first ever!...

Getting off work earlier than usual to avoid the traffic, I arrive on the west side at a somewhat decent time.

First, the flowers.  Knew it should be good, but turned out even more than I imagined.  When I saw them, I was surprised how big the flowers were (and how heavy it was).  The entire arrangement was easily covering my whole body (from the top of my head down to my waist).  Woah!

Went to the SAM to look at the exhibits, then to Taste restaurant (the restaurant inside SAM).  Had their grilled rainbow trout which was very yummy, but very hard to eat because of the tons of small bones everywhere.  We got a pretty nice seat so it was a pretty relaxing (and romantic.. keekeekee) atmosphere.

Towards the end of the meal, the table next to us started chatting with us.  Turns out they really like to eat as well and try different places. 

Arriving home, I am treated with desert. Mmmm. .Mango pudding!  Didn't realize guys get presents on this day too.  I am starting to like this day :)

My 'new' ski goggles :)

On permanent loan so lil' friend will go skiing with me.  That and now it will be easily to ski since I can see better.

Chinese New Year + Karoake in Vanc

First time in years now I have celebrated Chinese New Year - that and getting red pockets on the day of! :P

On the day of, walked into the TVB mall right before countdown, and it was pretty busy there.  Never seen this many people in this mall before.  One of these years maybe I will go there earlier to see all the festivities.

After that, walked to meet Vanc Tour Guide and sang some karaoke and drink :).