Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

here's a link. basically i'm looking for a club like the gastronauts, with people who are looking to go out and be foodies together in LA!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/nyregion/09gastronauts.html?scp=1&sq=dining%20club&st=cse

My best moment was when I discovered real deal carnitas tacos with radish and pickled hot peppers when my boyfriend lived in Spanish Harlem. I'm never going to be the same. Good thing that I'm moving to LA now!

I used to get Insomnia cookies when it just used to be a student entrepreneur run business on Penn's campus in West Philadelphia. It was incredible then- imagine studying until 1am and just hankering for that warm cookie. You could order your cookies online and you'd get them delivered, freshly baked, about 30 minutes later, with the option of milk. Delicious, and just what you need to get you through the rest of the long night. Hence, the name insomnia cookies. I'm sad to hear that the cookies have gone downhill with the expansion of the insomnia empire!

One of the best deals and a great place for a date would be Kittichai in Soho. They have a $35 prix fixe pre theatre menu. The atmosphere is very sexy and they have a great bartender who will make you a fantastic cocktail. Also, most of the Jean George restaurants (Mercer Kitchen, Perry St, Jojo, etc) are keeping a lunch and dinner prix fixe menu year round. That could be a good choice too.

I have an Aroma rice cooker that I got for around $25 (see the one below). It works great and in addition to rice, I've used it to make porridge, soup, and to steam food. I haven't taken the plunge into Zojirushi land yet.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-8663396-7913423?ASIN=B000HKFE8G&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000HKFE8G|Aroma_8Cup_CoolTouch_Rice_Cooker&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000HKFE8G&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001