“There are two types of people in this world: Greeks and those who wish they were Greek” (Kostas, My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Well, if that’s true, it’s you’re lucky day.  The annual St. Sophia’s Los Angeles Greek Festival is back.  So, whether you grew up with Christos Anesti, Hallebi, or an ekoienia the size of your neighborhood block, everyone is welcome.  Greeks are known to smother their family and guests with tons of food, music, dancing, rich culture, and love.  You can find all that and more at the LA Greek Fest held every year at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church.  The festival runs from Friday through Sunday, with special guest hosts Tom Hanks and wife, Rita Wilson.

As a posessor of Greek blood, here are a few things I would NOT miss at the fest:

Friday and Saturday night dancing — Be a Zorba at your own risk and watch out for the footwork.  You can start Greek and end up like Michael Flately, Lord of the River Dance.

Loukhomathes –The perfected doughnut hole!

Saganaki — Who doesn’t love grilled cheese?  Lose the bread, add lemon.

Gyros — Pronounced Euro, cause boy, it’s money.

…other than that, I would enjoy the live music, warm summer night, and the bevy of single Greek men. Oh, wait, that was my mother speaking for me on the last one.

Visit the official website for more details.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

1324 S. Normandie Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(323) 737-2424

Friday 5-11P @ $3

Saturday 1-11P @ $5

Sunday 12-10P @$5

nJOY from nKAY

This past week was spent celebrating the birth week to one of my favorite people on the planet, Carissa!  She just so happens to be my roommate, so to surprise her on her special day, I decided to spread some cheer with cupcakes, flowers, and balloons.  After work on her actual birthday (April 7th), she arrived at our apartment to find the living room decorated in her honor.  I made sure to incorporate orange balloons and flowers (her favorite color), red velvet cupcakes from That Takes The Cake bakery (her favorite pastry), and a variety of summer tops with our upcoming trip to Coachella in mind.  Here are a few shots of the bff on her oh so SPECIAL day!

Happy Birthday!

Red Velvet, Lemon, and Carrot Cake Cupcakes!

PRESNTS.

She seems happy!

HappyhappyBIRTHDAY, Carissa Mia!  Wish you all the best forever and ever!

nJOY from NKAY

PS: Very Merry Birthday to Miss. Jaimee Estreller, too!

Northern California’s biggest and baddest rummage sale is back this weekend.  Join thousands of avid shoppers at The White Elephant Sale (WES) this Saturday and Sunday (March 6&7) from 10a-4p each day.  With 17 departments of donations ranging from sporting goods to clothing to furniture and even electronics, there wont be much you cant find at this 96,000 square foot warehouse.  This benefit for the Oakland Museum of California sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board celebrates its 51st anniversary this year.  Often referred to as Northern California’s biggest, best, and most enjoyable rummage sale, it wouldnt hurt to take a look.  I hate to be so cliche but, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  Let’s all play pirates and set sail for the White Elephant Sale.

333 Lancaster St.

Oakland, Ca 94601

nJOY from nKAY

You heard straight, land creatures.  Every Tuesday, San Francisco’s own Woodhouse Fish Co. serves raw oysters on the half shell for only a dollar each ($2 each on any other day).  With locations on Fillmore and Market Street, this cozy, always friendly hot spot is a must visit for anyone looking for a great “no bib” seafood restaurant.  As one of my absolute favorite places to grub in the city, I took the initiative to take pictures of the plethora of dishes served at our table one magical Tuesday night.

Having only visited the location on Fillmore, here is the interior of the always busy, walk – ins only Woodhouse Fish Co.

I like to call them my ‘guns,’  but here they are referred to as “Mussels.”  Steamed PEI Mussels served in a light White Wine sauce accompanied by extra crispy Garlic toast and Lemon.  Definitely get them with the toast and not the fries.  You’ll thank me later.

A platter of Hood Canal (East Coast) and Blue Point (Washington) raw Oysters on the half shell served on a bed of crushed ice paired with traditional Cocktail Sauce, Horseradish, and Lemon.

Barbecue Oysters on the half shell covered in Mesquite Barbecue Sauce, minced Chives, and Lemon.  Now to be completely honest, I had no idea the Oysters would be served drowning in BBQ sauce.  In other words, if I were aware, I would not be blogging about this particular dish.  Only thing I would not recommend on the menu.

Traditional cuppa New England Clam Chowder.  I would consider this pretty legit and a great idea if the cravings hit hard.  Otherwise, don’t fill up on such a hardy dish when the best is yet to come. :]

Iceberg Lettuce Wedge smothered in Maytag Bleu Cheese dressing with shoe string Carrots and Cherry Tomatoes.  This was a complete surprise and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this interactive salad.

The Grand Finale and my favorite item on the menu has to be the Lobster Roll.  Served on a lightly toasted, buttered Sourdough Roll with Freedom Fries, a side of Coleslaw, and a Lemon wedge, this puppy is a MUST.  I cant even stress that enough.

When Margaritas just aren’t enough, head over to this treasure chest for Oysters, Lobster, Ipswich, Dungeness Crab, or whatever your pounding heart desires…

Woodhouse Fish Co.

@ 2073 Market St. SF, Ca 94114

@ 1914 Fillmore St. SF, Ca 94115

nJOY from nKAY