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**IMPORTANT: RSVP as Maybe until you've pre-paid for this event. When I receive your payment, I will be the one to change your RSVP to Yes. To ensure you don't miss out on this event, I really recommend the use of Pay Pal.

COST:

$15 via Pay Pal (www.paypal.com) to wkhanca@yahoo.com

$14 via Check (email me for address)

Payments need to be made by 11/1 to reserve your spot. The payment will cover the entire event. IMPORTANT: You can not just show up for this event. Only a pre-payment will guarantee your RSVP. All payments are non-refundable after 11/3.

The recent proliferation of gourmet food trucks serving fusion food is spreading all over town. Indian fusion food is well represented by the Dosa Truck and India Jones Chow Truck. Recently I had an opportunity to speak with Baba Ji, the Street Chef at a fun spot called Cowboys & Turbans, housed within the El Rey Theater.

If this sounds confusing to you, think Indian and Mexican fusion as the primary influence, with other American standbys as influences too. Naanwich, anyone? Would you like some masala fries with that? Maybe you’d prefer a tandoori taco?

It all sounded a bit strange to me, but I was reassured after reading some of these glowing reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/cowboys-and-turbans-los-angeles
You can also read more about them at their own website, and also follow them on Twitter: http://www.cowboysandturbans.com/index.html

Not only that, but our Street Chef promised a most memorable and generous tasting. For $15 per person via Paypal or $14 per person via check, you will get a taste of all these delicious items:

Appetizers/sides
samosa
fish taco
shrimp quesadilla (tasting portion)
masala fries
Chutney (condiment)

Entrees
chicken naanwich
Hyderabadi Biryani
chicken tikka masala with naan and rice

Dessert
Apple spice samosa with Mango gelato

Beverages
ice chai or limeade

And as an added bonus, the Chef Baba Ji would like to introduce the masala hot dog
to our group and looks forward to our feedback.

Please note that there is no plan to accommodate vegetarian meals or those allergic to shellfish. If this is an issue and you would like to join, I can look into the options for you. You can contact me for the mailing address if sending a check.

It will surely be a fun and tasty adventure!

NOTE: Please note that all the Pleasure Palate membership rules stand for this event. You must have a current photo on your profile to attend events. Attendance policy and the 3 strike rule are valid.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT IS A 2 PARTER. YOU CAN JOIN US ALA CART

Part I - 10 AM

Probably the best time to visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden in Cal State Long Beach is during the Fall when they celebrate the Chrsyanthemum Show.

The garden is commonly used for wedding ceremonies, but this weekend, it will be open to the public and will feature the art of tea ceremony presented by Madam Numano and the Urasenke School of Tea. Formal tea ceremony will be performed in the Tea House for viewing and on the willow terrace where you can enjoy your own cup of powdered tea and traditional Japanese treat. Stunning chrysanthemum blooms from the nationally juried Chrysanthemum Society of Orange County Show will delight and astound visitors. Enjoy the beautiful features of the Japanese garden sprinkled with mums in glorious fall colors. Purchase beautiful mums to decorate your home or garden.
No RSVP required. Admission: Adults $7, Seniors $6, Members $5, children 12 and under free.

The link to their website is: http://www.csulb.edu/~jgarden/index.html

For their reviews on Yelp, check out: http://www.yelp.com/biz/earl-burns-miller-japanese-garden-long-beach

Part II - NOON

After viewing the Japanese garden, we'll then head over to Garden Grove and partake in seafood courtesy of Artist Crawfish Express.

I've been told by some foodie friends that Artist Crawfish is better than the uber popular Boiling Crab. And less crowded. To be on the safe side, I want to get at the restaurant right when they open at Noon.

The Yelp reviews have also been positive: http://www.yelp.com/biz/artist-crawfish-express-garden-grove

Average cost per person is $20. I am recommending family style dining so we can order every type of seafood they offer like crawfish, shrimp, oysters, catfish, and crab legs.

Those of you who dined at previous bread bar events know the routine already - unique inventive cuisine available for a short time along with a table-side chat with the chef. This one will be similar - but of course with a new menu and chef. The wonderful thing about these meals it a chefs spends months planning and preparing for their solo - so you are seeing some of their best work and at reasonable prices.

Eda Vesterman is a fitness nut who refuses to let that interfere with her love of fine food. So you will still see beef, seafood, duck but with sauces that use fruits, wine, vegetables, and fat where it adds flavor. She is also a big believer in organic and food balance (natural pairings of vegetables that aid nutrient absorption, etc). She came by to meet us at the last breadbar event, and looks forward to sharing her food with us.

Eda currently teaches cooking classes at Chefs Inc, and is a food consultant at the veterans administration and UCLA. She has worked in kitchens at Moomba here in LA, Bamboa in Boston, and the Patina Group - catering group.

Eda describes her food as fresh, pure, & simple. 4 Elements refer to Eda's dividing food into Air(the duck), Water (crab and scallops), Earth (mushrooms and squash) and Fire (Grilled fillet) - its the concept for her menu - and speaks to her ideals of balance.

Our last meal Hatchi meal was $30 per person plus drinks, although I suggest you budget closer to $40 to be safe. The small plates menu is below.

We will be eating family style and splitting the food bill. This is not a vegetarian friendly menu. We will order in 2 groups of 4 people. Photo required for attendance.

Parking $7 per 1/2 hour after the first 3 hours which are free.

Menu Below - Each Item is $8

mini duck burgers: ground duck breast infused with black tea and a special center on brioche
dungeness crab cake: grapefruit, mint and avocado
sous vide scallops 3 ways parsnip puree and corn butter, raspberry habanero and wasabi spinach basil sauces
butternut squash fritters on micro cilantro
wild mushroom and boucheron lasagna between layers of fresh spinach pasta
filet mignon medallions served with porcini and syrah reduction sauce and potato squares
green tea-ramisu ice cream
wild berry martini

The story of Fogo de Chão® began in the mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil, where its founders were born. Growing up, the brothers were immersed in the centuries-old Gaucho culture, a rich blend of traditions from European immigrants and Brazilian natives. An important element of this culture is churrasco, the Gaucho way of roasting meats over pits of open fire for delicious barbecues, which is always present at every festive occasion, especially family gatherings.

The young boys would learn how to grill the meats the Gaucho way from their fathers, becoming the caretakers of a culinary tradition passed down from generation to generation for over three centuries. Eventually, they would open locations in Brazil and eventually in the US. Currently, they have a restaurant in Beverly Hills we will be having a fabulous "Hump Day" dinner.

For those of you unfamiliar with the dining experience at Fogo de Chao, click the link below:
http://www.fogodechao.com/menu/dining-experience/

To check out the menu, go to:
http://www.fogodechao.com/fileadmin/site_files/Fogo_Menu_Web.pdf

Please note this is an All You Can Eat Meat Experience that will run you $56.50, not including drinks, wine, dessert, tax or gratuity, so plan your budget accordingly.

If you wish to just partake in just the Salad Bar, the cost will be $28.50, not including drinks, wine, dessert, tax or gratuity.

This will be definitely be a meaty experience so be sure to have a light breakfast and/or lunch. I hope to have you join me for this Brazilian culinary tradition.

My 2 fave holidays of the year are Halloween and Day of the Dead. Normally Day of the Dead occurs after Halloween but they are celebrating it a week earlier at the Forever Hollywood Cemetery.

Never been to a Day of the Dead celebration? Its similar to Halloween where some people dress up (usually with a skull or skeleton motif), but instead of going around and Trick Or Treating, they visit decorated gravesites. Cemeteries can be dull and spooky, but when the grave sites are covered in candles, flowers and rainbow colored decorations, it becomes more of a fiesta but with a goulish theme.

In SoCal, GROUND ZERO for Day of the Dead celebrations is in Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Come join me as we experience this vibrant holiday and explore the cemetery in all its decked out glory.

Its important we be there by 4 PM when the gates open, because parking is a BITCH for this event. I would recommend arriving around 3:30 PM to secure a decent parking spot at the designated area.

Admission is $10 and parking is $10, so you will spend a minimum of $20, unless you carpool for this event. You'll probably want to spend some money buying drinks, snacks and/or arts and crafts, so bring extra cash.

There are 3 parking areas you can select from:

Parking Structure Addresses (estimated fee $10):

662 N Van Ness Ave
Hollywood, CA 90004

801 N. Gower St.
Hollywood, CA 90038

5675 Lemon-Grove Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90038

Here's some reviews on Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dia-de-los-muertos-hollywood

To give you a better sense of what to expect, take a look at their listed events below...

Event Features:

* A vibrant traditional procession in the home of Hollywood's Immortals with traditional Aztec blessings and Regional Musical-Dance group dedications

* Showcase life tributes through exhibiting over 100 traditionally renowned community altars

* “Calaveras” art exhibit (Cathedral Opening)

* Arts and Crafts expositions

* Historical Lecture presentation

* Interactive activities for families

* Theater performances - Local Artisans -Traditional Mexican Cuisine

* Evening Concert for the beloved souls – Theatrical Musical Presentation featuring a world renowned special guest

Exclusive Presentations:

* Mausoleum (Cathedral) Art Exhibit – Join us for a superlative exhibition featuring various unique event-inspired life size “Calaveras” presented by 15 culturally conscious local artisans. This museum enthused setting will provide a feast for the senses with a private collection of featured art pieces.

* Lake Stage Presentation – Welcome the evening stars with a dynamic originally conceived choreographed production by a combined effort from our community's most culturally recognizable performers and set designers. Weaved in to this production will be an emotionally driven evening light scheme as we guide back, welcome and celebrate the memories of the beloved souls.

* Presentation of Altar winners 1 st prize $3000 2 nd prize $2000 3 rd prize $1000

* Main Stage Performance(s) - Join us for a full day of theatrical and musical performances culminating in a featured concert under the stars.

The official website for the event is: http://www.ladayofthedead.com/index.html