JANUARY - Valerie baked another Galette des Rois

She definitely packed it full with almond paste...so good

Enjoying my first Bánh mì of the year...at Pho Hue Oi. Theirs is actually very good. I should order it more often

With 20+ mile run scheduled for tomorrow, I'm craving ramen...and Hakata Ikkousha is becoming our preferred local spot. And thanks to my perks card, I earned a bowl of Mentaiko Tonkotsu Ramen with free Premium Topping free

The trick with Hakata Ikkousha is to order their thick noodles firm

As much as we like Santouka, their egg is consistently overcooked. The egg is always much better here.

Ready to run!

For lunch, Valerie and I meet with Caryl at Uncle Fung Borneo Eatery in Long Beach. Valerie and Caryl have eaten at this Indonesian / Malaysian place before, but this is my first time. This is their Sate Ayam (chicken satay).

Valerie also ordered Roti Prata for us to share

For my entree, I'm craving Laska...so I try their Laksa Mee

This Singaporean curry soup features homemade egg noodle...so good

Valerie and I finally try Popeyes much hyped Chicken Sandwich

And, guess what? We both like it...very much...and would likely order it again! Their cajun fries are pretty good too.

What goes with cars and coffee? DOUGHNUTS!

Valerie asked me to pick up the New Year New Doughnut Sampler from Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee

Up first, Valerie and I will sample the Passion Fruit Pavlova...

...and the New Year's Cake. I'm a sucker for cake doughnuts with sprinkles and I really enjoy it (it doesn't hurt that the doughnut is still warm...and that the outer bit is slightly crisp).

OMG...the passion fruit glaze and curd is so good! It's not too sweet or tart. We would definitely get this again.

OK...we cave and try the Cup of Ambition Coffee Cake. I think Valerie prefers this cake doughnut to their New Year's Cake, but I find the coffee flavor not nearly as strong as I would like. Still good.

Bon Appetit

Today is not just Lunar New Year, but also Kristina's birthday. That's not orange icing on her celebratory cake, but actual sliced mangoes draped over sponge cake, layered with whipped cream.

FEBRUARY - Once again I need to ramen-load, so I'm back with Valerie for another bowl of Mentaiko Tonkotsu at Hakata Ikkousha. When I got a free bowl last time, I just assumed I'd be handing in my perk card, but it turns out there are multiple freebies on each card...so today we get free gyoza! #MentaikoTonkotsu #FreeGyoza #MarathonTraining #LAmarathon #LosAngeles2020 #SummerInWinter

Garlic bomb incoming! #MentaikoTonkotsu #GarlicBombIncoming #FreeGyoza #MarathonTraining #LAmarathon #LosAngeles2020 #SummerInWinter

After slurping down our bowls, Valerie and I head back to the car and notice that I had parked in front of Cauldron, an ice cream shop that sounds interesting. We decide to check it out before heading home.