Let's talk rice, people! A common snack in Japan and Korea is
onigiri, which is plain rice shaped like a triangle covered with dried seaweed.
Onigiri comes in different variations, but common ones have salmon, tuna, or pickled veggies inside. For people on the run, grabbing pre-wrapped triangles from the corner convenience store can be very satisfying. The good news for Americans is that you can easily make
onigiri at home.
Next up is
inari, which is sushi rice stuffed into little fried tofu pouches. Some
inari is served with bonito flakes and other garnish mixed into the rice. I like mine sprinkled with dried seaweed and sesame seeds. To be frank,
inari has always reminded Ajumma of rice-stuffed testicles. But boy are
inari delicious! May I suggest buying pre-packaged tofu
pouches at your local Asian grocery and making
inari at home? Just remember to gently rinse the tofu before adding the rice.
Here's what half a million bucks will buy you in the L.A. area. Nestled in the Silver Lake area are seventeen 1920's Spanish-style bungalows that are full restored with off street parking, central heat and air, and small gardens. Each bungalow is 700 square feet and includes period details but with modern applicances and utilities. Unlike condominiums, the Maltman Bungalows are sold individually with the only shared cost being a monthly maintenance association fee. Ajumma's initial reaction was repulsion at paying $500K for less than 1000 square feet and only one bathroom, but the location and charm for this classic L.A. house can't be beat.
Twin Peaks ended in 1991, but devoted fans still gather annually to celebrate David Lynch's tour de force. This year's Twin Peaks Fest will take place July 25-27 in beautiful North Bend, WA. Activities include a screening of a Lynch movie (the title is a secret), a Twin Peaks film site bus tour, and a celebrity dinner. Cast members making appearances this year are the actors who played Major and Mrs. Briggs (Bobby's parents) and James Hurley (Laura's biker boyfriend who all my guy friends hated with a passion). The festival ends with a Tibetan rock throwing contest.
