A [Spanish] Fly on the Wall

{Too much yum in one place at Spanish Fly Gastropub}

I always want to pat myself on the back when I try a new restaurant and it is a great success. My boyfriend and I had been looking for a place in Koreatown (yes, where he lives) that fit our unique taste. Don't get me wrong, I love Taylor's Steakhouse (where ol' blue eyes used to get his martinis) and all of the Korean Barbecues scattered around, but I was really in the mood for something that was eclectic and fusion - something that was incredibly unique, and not too expensive.

Monday Date Night at The Perch

{A peach kir royale, bread and butter - complete with rooftop views of downtown}

After a long weekend complete with family bonding and high school graduation parties at the yacht club, I decided to take a mental health day on Monday in order to tie up some loose ends (and spend some much needed time with loved ones).

This included an extravagant date -a late Valentine's Day, so to speak- at The Perch in downtown Los Angeles. With rooftop views of the city skyline, The Perch is an ideal date spot with delicious French decor, and a 1920s feel that really makes you want to stay and order another Peach Kir Royale. We were actually able to take in the whole feel of the metropolis by Subway, with our final destination with a romantic dinner of drinks and delicious food. The highlight for both of us was undoubtedly the Jacques Collins -lemon juice, soda, simple syrup, and saffron gin. It truly was an unexpected and savory delight. Click through to see more photos from our romantic date.

Los Angeles Spotlight: Orochon Ramen

{Orochon Ramen, Little Tokyo}

This past Saturday morning my boyfriend looked at me and said: "What do you want for breakfast? Coffee? Eggs?" My response: "Orochon and beer." It may not be my classiest moment, but it was quite the moment of glory that added to my credibility as a girlfriend.

Orochon Ramen used to be nothing more than a "cult classic" that my boyfriend and his friends used to obsess over. And then I tried it. Orochon may be the most delicious bowl of noodles that I have ever tasted in my life - and that's saying a lot for me, I don't typically enjoy just a bowl of noodles.

You may recognize it from the Travel Channel show Man vs. Food. Orochon is no joke. You can order how spicy you want your broth from 7 (mild) to -2 (yes, that's negative 2 and it will probably burn your esophagus all the way down to the toilet). If you can eat a whole bowl of -2 Orochon, then you are a champ. However, you may pass out before the sheer volume of food before you realize how spicy it is.

We always order a miso #4 (4 is spicy but not too spicy - we always add a little bit of hot oil). There are three broth options, but I haven't even bothered trying anything other than the miso because miso is the best. Don't forget to order a few eggs with your Orochon (which makes it even more decadent). The basic bowl comes with noodles, broth, veggies, and pork. I tend to add an egg or two, double meat, and garlic to that.

There is no dainty way to eat Orochon. You just really have to dig in, and wash it down with a nice pitcher of Kirin or Asahi. There really is nothing better to cure a hangover or a craving for a great bowl of noodles in Little Tokyo than Orochon Ramen.

{The only way to eat Orochon: shovel it like a beast}

Juice it Up: A Visit to Pressed Juicery

Instead of wasting my Saturday morning in bed or in front of my television, I decided to try and motivate myself to get out and be active while the sun was still out. Pressed Juicery is a brisk 2 mile jog away from my apartment in Brentwood - and I had been dying to try it.