Jay Eats Worldwide

As a college student, I had two jobs, one was talking my way into the prep kitchen (of a restaurant I had no business being in) and working my way up to the sauté station within 2 months.  Not bad for someone with no previous kitchen experience (years later went to cooking school).  My other college job was sales in Men's Sportswear at Nordstrom, not just any Nordstrom but the busiest store in the Los Angeles region (at the time).  If you knew me back then, you'd find me in the food court wearing a suit, shirt, tie, and shoes all from Nordstrom. Today I'm usually wearing a polo shirt & shorts. Put a food event together (and invite food people) with shopping at South Coast Plaza and you know I was there...  Not to mention that I'm starting to spend more time in Orange County and need to stay on top of the restaurants in the area. Of course I started off this tasting with dessert, served in an area sectioned off in the Crystal Court. ...

There were two food events that I was trying to decide if I wanted to go or not (both on the same day).  One was the LA Street Food Festival at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and the other was Tacolandia at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (Olvera Street).  Last weekend was the DTLA Night Market, a few vendors told me they would be at the LA Street Food Fest and to stop by.  I was still debating if I was going or not, until Jeffrey Shimamoto called and invited me to the Sold-Out LA Weekly Tacolandia.   Well that was an easy decision...TACOS!!!  We arrived 30 mins before the gates opened at 3 pm, we were within the first 100 or so in the General Ticket line ($25 - $35). Although the Premium Ticket line ($45 - $50) was just as long. In addition to access to the event and taco samples,  a premium ticket included a VIP gift bag and  5 drink tickets.  There was a Tequila Garden ($20) with sampling of up to 10 - 1/2 oz servings of teq...

I didn't think I would have a recap post of this inaugural  DTLA Night Market.   Although I was in attendance, let me explain why... Back in February, journalist and foodie, Kristie Hang , introduc ed me to the brother and sister team of Mama Musubi .  I've been a fan after having their 24 Hour Pork Belly musubi at one of last year's 626 Night Markets at Santa Anita Park. With Mama Musubi 's Carol and Phillip Kwan We hit it off and discussed a menu idea to collaborate on.  They invited me into their kitchen and we came up with a poke idea.  Mama Musubi uses great products and you can taste the quality in their musubis, so we knew the poke had to be just as good as the rest of their menu. Thanks to Kristie Hang who announced our "secret menu" item in LA Weekly . Now you know the background story... Photo Courtesy of Kristie Hang How could I say NO to working with one of the most popular vendors at 626 Night Market?...