El Tepeyac Cafe & Olvera Street

I totally woke up yesterday morning without a clue as to what I'd be doing for the day. These are my favorite kinds of days. In fact, Jared and I literally decided to first grab lunch at El Tepeyac Cafe as I was starting my car! This LA favorite (and Jared's favorite, too!) is known not only for their authentic Mexican food, but also the cultural experience that comes along with it. It was my very first time eating at El Tepeyac Cafe, and I cannot even begin to express how wonderful the whole experience was. It was so refreshing to meet and talk with genuine LA natives over a delicious meal. We ended up sharing the Manuel's Special Chile Verde, which is meant to feed 2-4 people. They even give you a spatula for the monster. Here are the before and after shots that pretty much explain it all:

Before..

After..

El Tepeyac Cafe

812 N Evergreen Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90033

In efforts to properly digest our food babies, we continued our little adventure on Olvera Street. If you've never been to Olvera Street, go! There is so much to do, see, and learn about one of the oldest parts of Downtown Los Angeles. If you've already been, go again! It's one of the best places to grab a churro, throw a cascarón or two, and listen to mariachi music.

P.S. Be sure to check out Union Station if you decide to visit (or return to) Olvera Street. So beautiful!

(All fish eye lens shots are c/o of Jared, while the rest are by yours truly.)

P.P.S. Just for funsies, how many movies can you name that were filmed at Union Station? I can name one: Can't Hardly Wait (SPOILER ALERT: the last scene when Jennifer Love Hewitt tracks down Ethan Embry before he leaves for colegio is filmed at Union Station. You're welcome.)

Street Styled: Olvera Street

Street Styled: Union Station

Mindy

via nytimes

If you know me pretty well, then you know that I am a huge fan of "The Office" (American version, with or without Steve Carrell). One my favorite characters on the show is ditzy and distracted Kelly Kapoor, who is played by none other than Ms. Mindy Kaling. What you probably don't know about Mindy is that she is one of the show's executive producers, a wonderfully hilarious author (check out her libro, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns), and also a fellow blogger extraordinaire (see The Concerns of Mindy Kaling). Did I mention that she is partially responsible for writing this beautiful moment in television history?

Season 6, Episodes 4 & 5: "Niagara" aka Jim and Pam's perfect wedding!

Anyway, what I love most about Mindy is that she does not resemble your typical LA woman. Curvaceous and of Indian descent (minorities FTW!), Mindy defies the expectations of a successful, working woman in an industry that is much about who you know rather than what you know. How did she get there, you ask? Hard work and pure talent. And that's the way it should be! You go, girl.

Four Leaf

Ever since last summer, I became addicted to boba drinks (let’s face it, I’m Asian). If you don’t know what boba is, they are tapioca balls (officially called Pearl Tapioca) that are typically put into Asian beverages, such as milk tea. It’s delicious and refreshing, especially for the warms nights we've been having lately! My search brought me to Four Leaf in Little Tokyo. Not only is this place a tea and crepe café, but they also sell a bunch of quirky gifts that you probably don’t need, but would really love if someone bought them for you.

 

Of course, I had to take a picture of the delicious looking pastries. Can’t go wrong with $1.25 green tea pastries!

 

Oh, btw, I didn’t end up getting boba. I got this delicious banana, Nutella, and ice cream crepe in a cone form instead. How efficient! I'll definitely be back for boba though; don't trip.

Four Leaf

318 E 2nd St Ste 8

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Winter Fashion Essentials, LA Edition

polyvore.com

Winters in Los Angeles can be so deceiving. It’s raining and freezing and no one knows how to drive one day, then it’s sunny and beautiful the next. Only one word can be used to describe winters in Southern Cali: bi-polar. While most of us women complain that we’re not fashionably “prepared” for the hot and cold transitions, let’s face it: we’ve been preparing for years. Or at least I have. Anyway, here are my fashion essentials for winter (or all year?) in LA that you probably already own:

T-Shirts: Wearing your favorite t-shirt all year long is typical in LA. I prefer stripes, white, black, or any thing really soft and basic. Think of your t-shirt as your blank canvas and work around it by layering with jewelry, scarves, or even a menswear inspired button-up. Farhi by Nicole Farhi Striped Top, $140

Skinnies & Shorts: I’m guessing that 90% of female Angelenos already have a pair of both skinny jeans and denim shorts (feel free to even layer your shorts with opaque tights). Keep both of them handy for the remainder of this winter season. You won’t regret it. P.S. Stick with a dark wash, please. J Brand 651 Super Skinny Trousers, $335, MOTHER Cuffed Denim Short, $96

Boots & Loafers/Flats: Solely (pun intended) based on observation, I can tell you that most women in LA already have a pair of great leather boots (you really only need 1-2). I also recommend getting a pair of great loafers if you’re into that kind of thing. Otherwise, flats will also do. Tory Burch Leather Boots, $277, Penny Loafers, $175

Trench Coat: If you don’t already have a trench coat, get on it. A good trenchie* is classy and timeless. I prefer one that is short and lightweight. Plus, Tim Gunn recommends owning one on his list of 10 Fashion Essentials (make it work!). Uniqlo Short Trench Coat, $125

Scarves: Whether it’s your favorite McQueen skull one or your $10 knitted infinity via Target, scarves are known for adding a pop of color or pattern to any outfit. Plus, they kind of keep your neck warm. But mostly they’re cute. Jigsaw Loose Weave Woolen Scarf, $76

Sunglasses: Sunglasses, in whatever shape or form, have become an LA icon and will never go out of style. As mentioned above, the sun tends to shine during winter, so keep your sunnies on you at all times. Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarer Sunglasses, $155

Jewelry: A simple pendant, studded earrings, a timepiece, and/or friendship bracelets are the perfect accessories to add to almost any outfit, all year long. Don't be afraid to mix, match, and layer (see Man Repeller for arm party tutorials)! MICHAEL Michael Kors Pavé Pyramid Necklace, $65, Pavé Pyramid Stud Earrings, $45, 2-Tone Chronography Watch, $250, Leather Beaded Bracelet, $45

So ladies, relax. Chances are you already have what you need for the remainder of the season. But feel free to go shopping anyway.

*Yup, I just coined this term.

Seeing Double in DTLA

Last night was spent in downtown getting to know some of my favorite girls from work (and Megan!). Clearly, suede booties (Abi in ShoeMint, Kasha in Sam Edelman) and Rebecca Minkoff MAC bags were all the rage. Anyway, I hope everyone had a great weekend!