iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

My second favorite word is Churrasco… For lunch, it’s Picanha (and some Tri-Tip) from Pampas Grill in Culver City. I opted for some Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Greens, Garlic Noodles, Chicken Stroganoff, and Fried Plantains. Picanha is Sirloin Cap and one of my favorite cuts of beef.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

It’s Sandwich Saturday! On my Road Trip a couple of weeks ago, my usual stop for a Tri-Tip Sandwich at Harris Ranch BBQ Express in Coalinga, off I - 5.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

My favorite part of the day is lunch! I couldn’t decide, so I got the combo… Broiled Pike & Pork Cutlet Combo at Azuma Japanese Restaurant in Gardena. With Rice, Soup. Cabbage Salad, and Macaroni Salad.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Sushi for the Parental Units… A 12 Piece Mix Box from Sakae Sushi in Gardena. With Inari (top row), Ebi, Tamago-maki, and Saba (middle row), and Nori-maki (bottom row). Old Skool sushi, which the parental units enjoyed. You maki me happy, pass the soy sauce…

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

On Taco Tuesday… with Hurricane Marie sitting off of Southern California, Today’s Forecast: 100% Chance of Tacos! OK, rolled tacos… Shredded Beef Taquitos at Josie’s Place in Gardena. Served with Sour Cream, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and Cheese. I can never guac away from a good rolled taco…

011

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

It’s Sandwich Saturday! It’s been maybe 5 years since I’ve had this sandwich but it’s way too hot to think about Thanksgiving… The Bobbie from Capriotti’s in Culver City. With a slow-roasted hand-pulled turkey topped with cranberry sauce, handmade stuffing, and mayo on a roll.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Classic Chicken Caesar Wrap with roasted chicken, chopped romaine, garlic breadcrumbs,shaved parmesan & crisps, caesar dressing and I went with a lime squeeze, and all wrapped in the olive oil tortilla at @sweetgreen.bsky.social. It was better than I thought, but not the best I’ve had…

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

A Friday Meat Up… I took my brother-in-law and niece to my favorite Texas-Style BBQ in Los Angeles, Moo’s Craft Barbecue. Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, Chile Relleno Sausage, and Red Potato Salad today. May you always be surrounded by good people and GREAT barbecue.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

It’s Aloha Friday! Kicking off the day with some Shoyu Poke from Jus’ Poke in Redondo Beach. Served with Rice, Seaweed Salad, and Pickled Cucumbers. It was good, just like how I make it.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

It’s Taco Tuesday! What’s better than spending a summer day near the ocean and then lunch from Tom’s Tacos in Torrance. 2 Beef Tacos with Lettuce and Cheese. #tacotuesday #tacosforever #tacos

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Another late night… The Italiano from Fat Sal’s in Culver City A sandwich walks into a bar and the bartender says, We don’t serve food With Ham, Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone, Sweet Peppers (or Hot Peppers), Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Vinaigrette, and Italian Spices on a Hero.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Happy Aloha Friday! Ahi Shoyu & Ahi Limu from Ry’s Poke Shack in Pasadena. I’m more of a traditionalist when it comes to poke. Growing up, we would pickup wild ogo (seaweed) on the Maui shores. #ahipoke #ryspokeshack #inthe626

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

It’s #SandwichSaturday Italian Salumi Sandwich at A Cut Above Butcher Shop in Santa Monica. With Mortadella, Capicola, Sopresatta, Coppa, Salami, Provolone Cheese, Giardiniera, Arugula, Aioli, and Dijon on a Baguette. #inthe310

010

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

#HainanChickenRice & Salad from Savoy Kitchen in Alhambra. Served with a salad dressing, a ginger sauce, a chili sauce, and a dark soy sauce. Before someone says there are better places, I like the sauces here. A good dinner and the #Dodgers won! #savoykitchen #inthe626

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

One of my favorite dishes at Bachan’s… Chashu Plate (Medium size) from Bachan’s Take Out in Monterey Park. Served with Rice, Mac Salad, and Spicy Mustard. Let’s Go Dodgers!

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day! The BEST #Sandwich on Mother’s Day, The Godmother Sandwich from #BayCitiesItalianDeli in Santa Monica. This Signature Sandwich made with Prosciutto, Ham, Capi Cola, Mortadella, Genoa Salami and Provolone Cheese. Thank you Moms for all that you do! #inthe310

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

I wanted an Old Skool burrito after work… The only bad burrito is the one you didn’t eat. The Meat and Cheese Burrito from Taco Lita in Arcadia. Just meat and cheese, that’s it. Just roll with it, no matter what.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

When you’re caught between a palm tree and a poke place… Heading to Ry’s Poke Shack in Pasadena for a regular Ahi Shoyu Poke. I’m pretty much a traditionalist when it comes to poke. So, I ordered the Ahi Shoyu Poke over Rice and Pickled Cucumbers. It was good and always consistent at Ry’s.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

A Bacon Breakfast Burrito OR as they say in the morning there, “Bacon!” at Lucky Boy in Pasadena. Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, and Lots of Bacon, with the Green Salsa.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Having to get up early to run errands… Means picking up breakfast on the way home. A Bacon Breakfast Burrito OR as they say in the morning there, “Bacon!” at Lucky Boy in Pasadena. Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, and Lots of Bacon, with the Green Salsa. It’s Friday!

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

It's hard to believe that Tamashiro Market in Honolulu is closing its doors today after nearly 80 years. My grandparents used to shop there for fish, I remember one trip with my grandpa where he pointed out various local seafood, notably Aku (skipjack tuna). Ahh, memories from growing up…

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

It’s been awhile… Had the famous Bacon and Avocado Burger today at Howard’s Famous Bacon & Avocado Burger in WLA. It was a good burger with lettuce and tomato. The bacon was crispy and the avocado was ripe, not bad for under $9.00. Until we meat again…

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

The Dodgers are playing today in SF AND I have the afternoon off. ITFDB Chashu Plate (Medium) from Bachan’s Take Out in Monterey Park. With Mac Salad, Rice, and Spicy Mustard. Dodgers Win, 3 - 0 I’d say it was a good day off…

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

It’s a Matcha Yuzu Day in Pasadena. “Matcha Tonic” from Mandarin 2 With matcha, Japanese yuzu juice, agave, and fever tree tonic. “Matcha Yuzu Canele” from BU Pastry Bar The drink and canele, a matcha made in heaven!

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Did you know??? A slice of apple pie is $2.50 in Jamaica and $3.00 in the Bahamas. These are the pie rates of the Caribbean. Now you know…

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Look what the Easter Bunny brought me… After an early morning cooking Easter breakfast and a lunch service, it was nice to enjoy my Caribbean meal while watching the #dodgers game this afternoon. Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas, Cabbage, and Fried Plantains from #CaribbeanGourmet in San Gabriel.👍

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

It’s Tako Tuesday! For some reason, I wanted Tako Sushi (octopus) today. But, where can you get octopus sushi at 3 pm??? So, the next best thing, a grab-n-go # from Yama Sushi Marketplace in San Gabriel. Happy Tako Tuesday!

001

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

It’s Sandwich Saturday! Sopressata Sandwich at @bodegapark in Silver Lake. With molinari sopressata, sharp fontina, artichoke, arugula, red onion, mayo, aged balsamic, olive oil, salt and pepper. I added Marinated Artichokes for an extra $1.50, but it doesn’t look like I got the “extra”

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Winner Winner Hainanese Chicken Dinner! Organic Hainan Chicken Rice at Green Zone in Temple City. A poached organic boneless, skinless chicken with lemongrass & garlic infused rice, served with ginger scallion, garlic chilli sauce and sweet soy.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

It’s Taco Tuesday! Beef Taco at El Tepeyac in Boyle Heights. Happy Tuesday!

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

It all started by wanting potato salad… Oooh, then a baked potato. But you can’t just eat a baked potato for dinner OR can you??? So, I got a Ribeye Steak with it! “Steak and sex, my favorite pair. I get them both very rare.” ~ Rodney Dangerfield

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Chili Cheese Hound at The Happy Hound in Los Gatos. Served with shredded cheddar cheese, chili, and onion. Still the same after all of these years.

010

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Happy Bacon Day! I wanted a BLT, but I was on the road today. But, when I cook bacon, I Cook Bacon!

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

“I never met a lasagna I didn’t like” ~ Jim Davis Tonight’s Dinner… Homemade Lasagna from Di Pilla’s Italian Restaurant in Rosemead. “If I could have drawn a cat yelling for lasagna every day for 15 years and have them pay me $30 million to do so, I would have.” ~ Berkeley Breathed

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

Rolled Tacos on a FryDay! I would come here late nights for their Rolled Tacos, but since the pandemic, they don’t stay open as late as they once did. I’m not in the area a lot these days, so it’s a treat to pick up my 5 Rolled Tacos from Benito’s Taco Shop in the Fairfax District.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

It may look like a mess… BUT, it was a delicious mess! Caught in a carbs-olutely delicious situation. Half Spaghetti and Half Ravioli with a Sausage at Little Toni’s in North Hollywood. A huge plate of Spaghetti and Meat Ravioli covered in Meat Sauce. Stuff happens, especially with ravioli.

010

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Happy National Pie Day! There are two pie days and I really don’t care, cause I get to eat my favorite, Key Lime Pie.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

The Famous Turkey Dinner at Tallyrand Restaurant in Burbank. Roasted daily and served with herb dressing, homemade mashed potatoes and gravy with a side of cranberry sauce. Tryptophan is included at no extra cost.

020

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Spicy Tuna Bowl from Tozai Food Market in Rosemead. A better grab-n-go spicy tuna bowl, but I make it better by adding a good ponzu and some togarashi. I’m a sucker for pickled ginger too…

010

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

Dumplings are like Hugs in Food Form… Combo 5 from Bafang Dumpling in the San Gabriel Valley. 12 Signature Dumplings (Pork and Cabbage) and Corn Chowder on a hoodie kinda night… May the Dumpling Be With You, as I watch Star Wars while having my dumplings tonight.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Rainy Night Eats… Cheese Enchilada Plate from Pepe’s Finest Mexican Food in Alhambra Cheese Enchiladas with Red Sauce, Rice, Beans, and Guacamole, before being covered in Red Salsa. The best thing, I don’t have to get out of the car in the rain to get dinner.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Jamaican-Style Beef Patties… Two Beef or Not Two Beef, This Is My Order! I would’ve ordered three, but that would be harder to find a Shakespearean-style quote. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I spent my off hours tonight with these delicious #BeefPatties from @caribbeangourmet in San Gabriel. #inthe626 #caribbeangourmet

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

It’s Monday Night Football! Are You Ready for Some Football AND a Wing Ding? “The only way to eat wings: with messy hands and a satisfied smile.” ~ Unknown Muay Thai Wings at Ayara Thai in Los Angeles. Chicken wings with Ayara Thai’s BBQ sauce.

010

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

It’s National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day! Working all day and had to do laundry afterwards, but I was able to get a Free fried chicken sandwich at Burger King to celebrate the day. Order on the app tonight and enjoy!

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

Trying the new Costco sandwich… Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich with sliced oven-roasted turkey, provolone cheese, red onions, tomatoes, and a garlic mayonnaise. I think I would’ve added pesto to this sandwich. It was an OK sandwich.

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Pasta, Fried Chicken, and Pizza Major Food Groups OR just my favorites??? Bunch of Lunch® Buffet at Shakey’s in Monterey Park. Don’t forget about the Mojo Potatoes too… “Food is an important part of a balanced diet.” ~ Fran Lebowitz

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

It’s Meat-Less Monday! #BrusselsSprouts and #Cauliflower with cilantro root sam khler paste at Ayara Thai in Westchester. So good! #meatlessmonday #inthe310 #ayarathai

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Braised Short Rib Ragu at California Pizza Kitchen in Arcadia A slow braised tender short rib, ribbons of pappardelle pasta, a housemade ragu with California tomatoes, cream, shaved garlic, and wild Greek oregano topped fresh parsley. Just to think, I came here for a salad…

000

Chef-Jay @chef-jay.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Trying the New Garlic Parm Cauli Bowl at #Sweetgreen in the Valley. With garlic parmesan cauliflower, caramelized balsamic onions, roasted sweet potatoes, garlic breadcrumbs, wild rice, shredded kale, roasted romesco sauce, and creamy basil dressing. I added roasted chicken too. 👍👍 #inthe818

000