One of my favorite areas to visit in LA is Little Tokyo. There's always something exciting going on whether it's a fun festival or spotting people dressed as their favorite anime character. But let's talk about the real reason I love Little Tokyo, the food. The area is filled with everything from Traditional Japanese Cuisine to new age Fusion Food. Essentially, there's always something for everyone. 

This week from Friday, July 21 -  Sunday, July 23rd, Go Little Tokyo celebrates their 2nd Annual Delicious Little Tokyo which highlights all the delicious food and drink Little Tokyo has to offer. There are tons of workshops, tastings, and culinary celebrations going on all weekend. Baldoria is offering a pizza workshop - yes please. There's even a spam masubi making class!

Check their website for more details! Hope to see you there! In the meantime, here are some of my favorite moments from my most recent trip to Little Tokyo. 

Romper c/o Gear Relapse

Have you had the Takoyaki or Mitarashi Dango? One is fried octopus balls and the other is sweet sticky mochi on a stick. Both are my favorites! Get them at Mitsuru Cafe in the Japanese Village Plaza Mall. They also make these delicious red bean cakes called Imagawayaki. 

Afterwards, we went to the popular Cafe Dulce. They made incredible donuts and have refreshing coffees and teas. My favorite donut is the Strawberry Cream and Cinnamon Toast Crunch but you HAVE to get a half dozen in you plan on taking a cute photo. Obviously! They'll be hosting a latte art competition during Delicious Little Tokyo. 

I always finish off my Little Tokyo experience with a Pinkberry. Maybe because it's right by where I park and manages to lure me every time. Either way, I enjoy my original tart with strawberries, mochi, toasted almonds, and yogurt chips. 

xo Jenny

For the past three years, my sister has been finishing up her final years of training to become a full fledge practicing cardiologist complete with all the boards and bells and whistles. Her schooling and education has brought me to cities I never thought I'd visit. While I'm glad she's coming back to SoCal, I will miss my annual trip to Detroit.

Here are my current favorites from my last trip to Motor City. Ps, I never did run into Eminem. 

SHOPPING

1. Somerset Collection

2800 West Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084

c/o The Perna Team

With over 180 stores, the Somerset Collection has literally everything you could want. Stores range from Neiman Marcus to Lush to a new ginormous Zara coming soon. Also, the food court here is pretty incredible. I'm in love with Zoup! which is basically a soup heaven. 

2. Regeneration Clothing

126 E. 14 Mile Road Clawson, Michigan 48017 + 

23700 Woodward Avenue Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069

c/o Yelp

Per my previous post about buying and selling new & used clothing, I'm a huge fan of second hand stores. Regeneration has really great finds and the prices are insanely cheap. I scored a Marc Jacobs denim skirt for $6! That's crazy. That same skirt would have been $50 in Los Angeles. 

DINING

3. Vicente's Cuban Cuisine

1250 Library St. Detroit, MI 48226

@thedailyjenny

Downtown Detroit has come such a long way and I genuinely love strolling the streets and trying out the restaurants. Upon arriving, my sister took us to this Cuban restaurant that serves up incredible paella, among other delicious tapas. We got the Cuban Style which has lobster, shrimp, calamari, scallops, Spanish sausage, chicken, clams, mussels, vegetables and Spanish saffron rice. Huge chunks of seafood served with super moist rice. Yum!

A few tips, you should call your paella in 30 minutes before you plan on arriving to the restaurant because it takes 30-45 minutes to prepare. Additionally, the paella is sold by the serving. The above is technically for two people but our family of four split it up with tapas and salads too. Each serving is about $30. 

4. Cotswold Cafe

1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236

Only open for lunch, the Cotswold Cafe is the best spot to go enjoy a piece of automotive history and a delicious selection of seasonal entrees. Located on the Edsel & Eleanor Ford's estate, the menu features delicious salads including the Maurice Salad, made famous my Hudson's department store. While they take great care into the details, like custom $500 chairs, they will be closing for TWO years to remodel. So go ASAP. Or check availability if you plan on going this year. They will return 2019. 

5. Eastern Market

2934 Russell St. Detroit, MI 48207

The Eastern Market is a large semi-outdoor market with artisanal foods + crafts. Saturdays are the foodcentric day so be sure to go then. You can find anything from fresh churned honey roasted peanut butter to little meat pies. In short, it's a huge farmer's market but Detroit style. I dig it. 

SIGHTSEEING

6. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236

After a delicious brunch at Cotswold Cafe, you need to sign up for the Ford House tour. Edsel is the only son/child of Henry Ford. He and his wife Eleanor left their house to the city as a museum. The guided tour takes you through the family's day to day life and shared lesser known fun facts.  The house is beautifully preserved and is embodies so much American history. After all, Ford Model T anyone? My first car ever was a Ford so it's like coming full circle!

Have you been to Detroit? What would you recommend?

xo Jenny

Taking over the former Capital Grille (RIP) in the heart of Brentwood, Bottlefish offers it's patrons delicious food with a gorgeous atmosphere. With everything from a full bar to an oyster bar, Bottlefish has got all the makings for a fun brunch with the gals or a dinner date with boo.

I'm down for dinner as long as they have the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes available. Probably the best thing I ate the entire meal. Super fluffy and flavorful.  

Can you believe that this is called, petite? I never used to be a fan of raw seafood, yes that include sashimi. This is shocking for anyone who's eaten with me in the last several years since I without fair always order some form of raw seafood for every meal. I'm glad my tastes have changed just in time to devour this tray. The ceviche and oysters were my favorite and my friend Jenn couldn't get enough of the shrimps!

Battle of the toasts! RICOTTA TOAST house-made thick cut brioche, fresh ricotta, orange-turmeric-ginger jam vs. LOBSTER TOAST avocado mousse, lemon chili dressing, radishes, toasted country bread. I really truly with all my heart wanted to love the Ricotta Toast but unfortunately, it was just too bready for me and the jam ricotta combo was too light in flavor to make it a tasty dish. That being said, the Lobster Toast won hands down. Deliciously large chunks of lobster over a light avocado mousse. Yes please.  

HOUSE CURED SALMON GRAVLAX house-cured, cucumbers, dill cream, capers, red onions, potato galette. I loved the creativity of the potato galette. Typically, you eat this with a thick bagel. The crispy potato really added a crunch element which was absolutely delicious!

CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS Thai vinaigrette. If ever there are Crispy Brussels on a menu, count me in. Literally. 100% of the time. Because of this, I feel like I know how I like my brussels. Crispy with a lot of sauce. And this was that. The Thai vinaigrette is absolutely delicious but if you're not a fan of salty, this  might not be for you as it is very strong in savory goodness. 

Which dish are you most interested in trying?

xo, Jenny

It's a rare occasion to see me driving from Santa Monica to Melrose on a weekday but for delicious market driven Italian food, I'll make the exception. Spartina is open for brunch on weekends and dinner seven nights a week. From pancetta pizzas to pork collar ragu, their menu epitomizes fresh Italian fare. 

Spartina | 7505 melrose ave. los angeles, ca 90046

Beyond having delicious food, the outdoor ambiance is literally stunning. Think backyard seated dinner with strung up lights. Inside, it is designed to feel like you're in someone's home kitchen complete with in home library and potted plants. Overall, a wonderful place to take just about anyone. 

xo Jenny