I went to Mammoth this past weekend and it was awesome! We made it up there in 5 hours and did a bit of hiking and sightseeing. It was beautiful up there – I’d only been there in the winter before, but it is really pretty during summer/fall. I can’t wait to go back!

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We went to the fair last weekend. I didn’t eat too crazy and didn’t go on any rides, but I did see a couple of giant oxen and some racing pigs. Yes, I know, quite exciting. Here are some pictures!

I love going to Kauai! We went back there at the end of June and I seriously think we’ll be going back again somewhat soon. Gah, I want to go back now!

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Woo hoo for food! Today, in conjunction with the Super Bowl, my friends and I had our annual food Invention Day, where we create some sort of gluttonous (and hopefully delicious!) concoction. Past contenders have included: Tommy’s chili cheese dog pizza, char siu ribs, kalbi katsu, Guinness ice cream, Thanksgiving balls (turkey and gravy wrapped with mashed potatoes and then deep fried), and a whole assortment of other items. Every year has been gloriously indulgent and this year was no different. So without further ado, the lineup for Invention Day 2011!

Strangely enough, the men did pretty much all of the cooking. The ladies just hung out and read magazines. There was even a time when all the guys were in the kitchen cooking and all of the ladies were sitting on the couch watching the Super Bowl. Not. Right.

Sammy’s homemade Aji Sauce, which went into his Peruban Sandwich. Yes, that is a sandwich with the aforementioned aji sauce, swiss cheese, chicken saltados, roasted pork belly, fried egg, caramelized onions, and french fries.

More of the sauce and swiss cheese …

The roasted pork belly and chicken … 

The sandwich before the egg and getting pressed in the panini press … 

The final product!

Ah yes, the King’s Hawaiian bread French toast.  A solid foundation for a Hawaiian Monte Cristo.

Why yes, that is chicken katsu. And Spam. You know exactly where this is going.

On top of some Swiss …

I included this picture because of the festive pineapple decoration.

This was spectacular! And Richie even added his homemade katsu sauce, which was amazing.

This one was mine. These are egg rolls al pastor. Basically egg rolls with marinated pork filling, chopped cabbage, cilantro and onions. 

Here’s a picture of one with a bite taken out of it. The sauce that I made to accompany it was a Sriracha aioli sauce. It was awesome!

This was our friend Jen’s chili sort of quiche-type thing. There was chili in the middle with mozzarella and cheddar, all inside a croissant bowl!

These were Kekona’s Nutella turron (banana egg rolls). He also made this awesome kahlua whip cream with a reduced chocolate stout chocolate sauce that was freaking amazing. I didn’t get a good picture of it though, because by the time I remembered, it was pretty decimated from us eating it.

I’ve got to say that this year was a most excellent turnout. We have typically had more contestants in years past, but this year was just all around solid. Every entry was outstanding, and even though I’m still stuffed beyond belief, these pictures make me feel hungry all over again. I think we might have to make Invention Day once every six months …

I love this song! It’s so catchy!

Toro Y Moi “New Beat” by carparkrecords