Month: October 2012

Best Desert Pavlova Remix

~ yvonnepearl ~ 1 Comment

I had this amazing desert at the Soho House.

It’s really easy to make and easy to eat. I’ve been craving this desert  ever since I tried it.

You can either buy or make the huge meringue.

Egg Whites Whipped gently.Use superfine sugar when making meringue because it dissolves faster than table sugar.

When beating egg whites and the recipe calls for sugar, gradually add the sugar a few spoonfuls at a time and beating the whole time. The meringue will become more done if you bake them at a lower temperature for a longer time. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

Add whipped cream and blue/black/raspberries.

Bon appétit

Day 3

Aside ~ ~ yvonnepearl ~ 1 Comment

KEEP CLEAR. Yes, that’s what you can see if you’re driving in LA. It’s written on the ground (huge letters so you cannot miss it) at a cross street usually or in front of a fire station … Why am I bringing this up?

Oh it’s very simple there is no ticket if you do not keep clear. So why do people usually follow the rules here? Even people who would drive very fast way over the speed limit generally follow them. It’s call courtesy it’s called living as a group of individuals in a society where the established rules are followed. Where people abide by these rules without complaining.

Also I’ve noticed that if there is one line that goes to the freeway and three lines available, you have the possibility to cheat. You can take the middle line for instance, put your indicating light and switch back to this horrible line with horrendous traffic (you’ll save a lot of time doing this) No no, some people really prefer to stay and wait in this single line that is heading towards the freeway.

I obviously do not know where I am going yet. I do not even own a GPS. Sometimes I get a little lost and I could end up being the cheating driver. I wouldn’t call it cheating since I realize the right line is the line to enter the freeway at the last minute.

Parisian people are all about getting there. Whatever it costs! If they can get a little closer to the lights and to their final destination, they’ll do it without even thinking about the consequences. For instance, they wouldn’t mind blocking some other driver at a crossing. Then the honking starts … It’s such a nice melody! You can hear it a lot in Paris. Light honking, horns, people yelling, it’s a daily thing. You live with it; it’s part of the culture.

Here in LA, I’m surprised to see that most of the cars are huge. I look inside and there is usually only one person inside: the driver. I’ve been wondering about the waste of energy a lot lately. If all family members (let’s say 5 people over 18 years-old) own a car, that’s 5 cars total! Which means, they’re spending money and gas 5 times. I mean this seems crazy for the environment. The odd thing though is that I realized my breathing is better in LA than Paris.

People told me LA was a horrible city, always traffic and polluted. I don’t know why what I do not feel it this way. Maybe it’s because I live close to the ocean and the wind freshens the air.

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Back to this “keep clear” sign really says a lot. About the people and the culture shock. In Paris, I’d never keep clear. I have to admit this. I’d be the first to try to cheat on the road to get closer to my destination. Should we infer that it’s the same with the human personalities? Are Parisians never keeping clear?

We could say that keeping clear is an expression that holds different meanings. Being clear is what comes first. In order to keep it, one must BE first. Clear or transparent, unambiguous, obvious … Many synonyms exist for this word. I tried to compare my relationships with American people and French ones. It’s a rather hard comparison to make. Nevertheless, I must say that French people are more ambiguous and less transparent than Americans. I am not saying this is good or bad. Just pointing out a fact here. I guess the French culture is more about keeping secrets, having hidden thoughts or even hidden lives sometimes.

I think this ambiguity and blurriness comes from the lack of taboos. I’d focus on that in another post. For instance, I just noticed that in the US, if someone is cheating (professionally, sport, couple…) he is judged and put on trial by society. He is viewed badly by others. However, in France, it seems society: either doesn’t care so much about his cheating or do not take it seriously. It is as if people could cheat without consequences. Without being judged, without suffering and questioning their actions.

Maybe this is too harsh but I am just telling you how I see and experienced things in my life.

So keep on being clear, transparent … it seems to work and help everyone live in a better society.

YP

Lunch in Colour Part 3

~ yvonnepearl ~ 1 Comment

After my yoga class I made myself this very healthy/tasty plate. You’ll need:

– Half of an avocado

– One fresh red beet (cooked in pot with water and green peas that will turn pink) Remove beet from pot and cut into small pieces. Leave pink water, add 2 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider. Add lime juice. Cool down, place in the fridge for one hour and you have a great healthy colorful drink.

– Fresh carrots

– Soy sprouts

– Fresh salmon from a fish market (small piece for one person)

– One small cucumber

–  One leaf of Salad 

– Rice paper

 

 

 

 

For the roll: lay a rice paper flat and with a paper towel gently apply water until it’s soft enough to roll without breaking. Cover the surface with the salad leaf.  Cut the best part of the salmon in a thin long slice. Place this slice in the center of the paper. Add thin slices of cucumber and carrots and the soy sprouts (add red cabbage if you like too) . Roll gently the paper and make a nice roll. Cut it in pieces.

In the middle of the avocado put a drop of sesame oil, white wine vinegar and pepper.

White wine vinegar on the beet.

Bon Appétit

Weird thing about the human brain

~ yvonnepearl ~ Leave a comment

This is an easy and quick test.

Count how many “F” are in the following text:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RE-
SULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIF-
IC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE
EXPERIENCE OF YEARS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Done? Okay, scroll down only if you counted all the “F”

How many? Three?

 

Wrong, there are 6 “Fs” No joke. Count again.

The brain cannot process “OF”
If anyone has found 6 “Fs” he/she is a genius.
Rare to find more than 3 and less you were just not paying attention…

American vs French Breakfast

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Maybe I’m wrong but there is not a huge difference. I was happy to realize that. I mean the coffee here is just incredible.

We either buy Peets Coffee’s Beans or Intelligentsia beans (more expensive but so good-both available at Wholefoods)

Then, you can easily get a croissant (which I have to admit is not going to be as good as the one in the average French Boulangerie) so I go for Peet’s dry fruit nut scones Yum! Cheaper at Wholefoods!

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I usually eat toasts with salted butter dunked in my coffee or toast with butter and Raspberry jam from Trader Joe’s the best! LaBrea Bakery sliced Raisins and Nut Bread is fabulous toasted.

Sometimes, I buy fresh-cut pineapple for the vitamines or can (yes canned) Mandarin oranges. Can’t find these in Paris. Little vanilla yogurt (liquid kind) Wallaby.

Last but not least, the most amazing oatmeal ever John Mc Cann Steel Cut.

Bon Appétit.

LA Active Life

~ yvonnepearl ~ 1 Comment

In Paris, there is the Club Med gym or Waou to work out.  Then, you’ve got the fancy sport’s league (members only) the Racing, the Country Club (always pronounced with a very thick French accent), the Tir au Pigeon and so on. The new trend is to open a trendy gym club where you can find good looking people, artists, have a drink afterwards or even shop (The Klay).

But, are French people really into working out? Is it more of a trend or something they need to do in life in order to feel good?

For instance, the typical Parisian individual will rather choose to gather with his friends for a glass of rosé – than miss out on that gathering to go for a nice work out.

French people are slim I have to say it’s true! Nevertheless, they are not fit! I believe fit is the new slim. It’s great to be skinny and be able to wear any clothes you want size 0 or 34. I much prefer being fit and healthy. See that’s the issue in Paris. A lot of Parisian women and men now (new trend) are so thin because of their wardrobe (very slim pants, skinny jeans), they usually smoke a lot and they drink (obviously). I think they dress well and I’m not criticizing their style.

In LA, it is sexy to have muscles (okay not too much). It is normal to go to Yoga or Pilates almost everyday. You see people running every morning, evening and even at night with their special lights on their forehead  (it doesn’t shock you at all). Working out is part of society. People spend so much money on gym classes, working out clothes, special equipment for yoga (lululemon) which are so expensive for what they are. They do not care!

I’ve always had this American side of me that I couldn’t control. I had to work out and go to the gym. I went to dance classes and tennis classes when I was younger in Paris (5 years-old). Children in France usually do that because they have mandatory sport classes (badminton, soccer, handball …) at school so they get interested in sports even outside of school sometimes. Nonetheless, this feeling usually goes away (especially for girls) during junior high. It’s not trendy to do sports, it’s wasting your time and energy when you could be shopping with your friends or hanging out at Starbucks (to meet guys). That’s the way I see it.

I never stopped taking dance classes and I enrolled to the Club Med Gym at 16 years-old. I love it! I remember I’d finish class (which ended really late in France 6.30 pm) and went directly to the Waou Gym for a body sculpt or step class. The feeling I had after sweating and walking home listening to my favorite music on my Ipod (old model) was the most incredible feeling!

I still have this feeling and I’m so grateful for that. It’s a true moment of happiness.

I started yoga this year. It is so easy to do yoga here in LA, there is a yoga studio every corner. I chose YogaWorks. I just go to Brigitte’s class on the Westside. She is a great teacher and I must say I always learn something new about myself and my body. It’s also helping a lot with my other activities such as: running (better breathing) and dancing (better flexibility).

I recommend yoga for everyone especially if you’re new in LA. You can meet great people and it’s such an amazing work out (you sweat a lot).

Always wondered why dogs were involved in yoga. Maybe in ancient times they were the one who taught us. Who knows?

The most common, easy and famous pose:

Adho Mukha Svanasana is one of the poses in the traditional Sun Salutation sequence. Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes breathing through your nose.


AH-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAHS-anna अधोमुखश्वानासन


(also known as downward facing dog) 

adho = downward
mukha = face
svana = dog (but why dog?)

Many asanas are named for animals, such as the tortoise, the heron, pigeon, crow, or fish poses. Perhaps the most well knownpose is named after man’s best friend: downward dog or simply down dog.

NAMASTE.

Dîner chez “Comme ça “

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Where is it possible to get good French food here in LA?

I came across this restaurant while walking on Melrose. The name sounded French so I checked it out online. Menu had French inspiration with a touch of American cuisine.

Dinner was great! The food is just wonderful. We went on Tuesday evening (Burger night, yes I know doesn’t seem too French)

Definitely try the Calamari to start (share with 2/3 people, it’s a huge uncut calamari! Never seen it served like that before)

Then, the Burger is amazing! It’s huge, has crunchy onions, the American Cheese melts in your mouth and the meat is very tasty. The fries are also really good. Only on Tuesday night, you have  a choice of Turkey, Chicken and Beef burger I just tried the beef burger.

I ordered the Mussels and they were delicious (creamy sauce) . It’s a big entrée so you can share it and maybe order something else (mm the Burger maybe?)

We were so full, we didn’t need any desert.

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The service is a bit French oriented (the waiters do not rush at your table every two seconds to check if everything is okay. I am obviously used to calling waiters in Paris before they actually come at my table so that was not an issue)

Bon Appétit!

What love really is …

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Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”

― Bob Marley

Dinner @ Mercado

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Tercera time at Mercado! I really enjoy it. Santa Monica, nice crowd, laid back people and good atmosphere.

Always order to share. We usually get the basics and its a great deal.

The Poblano peppers in creamy sauce with fresh-baked tortillas to start, then fish tacos are delicious and black beans and rice of course.  Do not forget to get the poblano pepper spicy drink. Yum!

The food there is spicy but not too hot! I never ate spicy food before LA. You cannot have a great culinary experience living here, if you do not force yourself with spicy food.

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Life is about trying new stuff. I always thought I’d have indigestion issues if I ate peppers or wasabi … One day, I was eating dinner at someone’s house. The host was mexican and the salad on the table (which appeared to me as thin dices of cucumber of tomatoes)  was in fact, a salad of fresh poblano peppers in dices with tomatoes. Looked exactly the same ! I love this salad usually and decided to take a big bite with a spoon. It felt very crunchy at first, my tongue started to burn a few seconds afterwards. I couldn’t even smell anything anymore except for this hot spice that was coming from my mouth. I swallowed it all and thought my throat was going to hurt forever.

I must say, that jumping from “not being used to anything spicy at all” to “eating like a real mexican” affected me. The next day, I was sick. Nevertheless, thanks to this one in a lifetime experience, I now can eat spicy food when I want. I just cannot take any more surprises though. I really enjoy it and I am getting there step-by-step. Mexican cuisine has so much to offer. It’s generally affordable, very tasty and the people cooking it are the friendliest.

After dinner at Mercado, I’d recommend you either walk or drive (very close) to Beachy cream to get the coffee or hot chocolate (spicy) organic homemade ice-cream with the pretzel cone!

Bon appétit!