Discovering Another Mad Dash (Oct 14): Heading Home and Finally finishing this TR #1523 (05/03)

[PrincessInOz]

Inside Casa Nueva


Discovery #67. Living vicariously is all very well and good, but there is nothing like being there in 3D.



For the last two years, a bunch of us Dissers have been living vicariously in Casa Nueva. We've lived through the purchase, the renovations, more renovations and finally moving in to the new house that Fran and Alison acquired in 2013.

I was fortunate enough to visit the house during that in-between stage. When the previous owner was still living there but the sale agreement had been struck. I remember thinking what a great house it was then and I was really keen to see the house again....this time with Fran and Alison's stuff in it.






The dining room space was fantastic. Light and airy.






Alison's domain is a great space. I loved cooking here and I am grateful that Alison let me do so.






We did spend a bit of time over the next couple of days exploring her cutlery and plates and pots and kitchen gadgets. Now, when she talks about all the great meals she cooks, I know exactly how she goes about getting her ingredients and which canisters or drawers she's digging into to get stuff out.






The living room was super comfortable and fun to hang out with the furbabies that live here. (Anyone else spot a familiar pirate??)






It was filled with wonderful Disneyana. I was totally envious!






I loved the Tiffany/leadlight lamps in the house. This was one of my favourites.





So, what did I do for the afternoon after Bret and DAF left? I spent a lot of time looking in here.






It was just fabulous! Living vicariously is all very well and good, but there is nothing like being there in 3D.





















Sometime during the tour of the house, Alison did take us outside to check out the outdoor space.






I did wonder which state I was in....this local must have gotten lost somewhere between here and Florida. Maybe it met Bugs in Albuquerque.






We spent the rest of the afternoon outside chatting and catching up with Alison's news. But it wasn't just all sitting and lounging for us.






Alison had one box in the garden that DH and I were interested to see. I cannot remember who made the first move, but in the end, we were all kept busy with the contents of the box whilst we chatted with Alison.







(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Finally! Shabu Shabu Dinner


Discovery #68. There is nothing as satisfying as ticking off another item off your bucket list.



The first time I stayed with Alison was in 2012.
When planning for that trip, we had decided that we needed to have a Shabu Shabu dinner together. Alison had found out that there was a Shabu Shabu place opening in Long Beach and we figured it was the perfect meal for us to have dinner.






Sadly, the restaurant didn't open in time and we ended up at a Greek place instead.

The second time I went to Long Beach was in 2013. When planning for that trip, we figured that Shabu Shabu lunch was the perfect date to have. We figured it was the right thing to do and so we checked up opening hours and set the date for noon, when they opened up.

Sadly, we didn't count on DS.
We had just arrived in California and DS had gone some 20 hours without sleep. I knew he wouldn't make it to noon before we even got to Long Beach and after a couple quick texts with Alison, we ended up at the Asian Nomad instead. They opened earlier than the Shabu Shabu shop. Turns out it was just as well....DS managed to get about 2 mouthfuls of fried rice down him and then he crashed literally with his head on the table.


Third time's a charm, right?






Our seats.






It's not a big place but it was more than large enough for us.






I don't think there was any doubt that this was something that I needed to tick off my bucket list. It's been 3 times and 2 years in the planning and I've been anticipating this meal even longer than any 180-day ADR I've made at WDW!






I made sure that DH grabbed a picture of us during dinner.






Shabu Shabu is a Japanese dish featuring thinly sliced protein boiled in water. Once we chose our protein, the vegetable sides and dipping sauces were provided.

We got tofu and vegetables, including Chinese cabbage, nori, onions, carrots, radish, spring onions, chinese greens, mushrooms and udon noodles.





Alison went with the all beef.






DH got mussels and salmon.






DS got the feather and leather combo.






I ordered the surf and turf or beef and reef option. I think Fran ordered the same as me. I'm pretty sure I got a soya dipping sauce and a ponzu sauce. We also got a bowl of rice.






The dish is prepared by submerging a thin slice of meat or a piece of vegetable in a pot of boiling dashi (broth) and stirring it. Once cooked, you would dip the meat and vegetables in the sauces before eating. Once the meat and vegetables have been eaten, leftover broth from the pot is usually eaten last.







On our way out, Alison told me to take a picture of the shop next door.






It's for rentayenta.












We were all stuffed silly with dinner! Thanks for indulging me, Alison. I think we might have all wanted something else other than Asian for dinner (after the Asian for lunch) but I wasn't up for the disappointment of missing out again!



We didn't head straight home; Fran thought it would be nice to give us a driving tour of the sights around Long Beach. I didn't get any pictures; but we did drive around for nearly an hour. I certainly appreciated the tour.



It had been a very quiet day in comparison to the rest of the days on this trip so far. As far as DH was concerned, he really enjoyed the home comforts.


As for DS. I had promised him that he could do what he liked when we got to Alison's. He was obliged to socialise when we were with the family; and Disneyland was just jammed packed. When we got to Long Beach, all he wanted to do was veg-out with Wi Fi connection and play his games. Sadly, I should have thought this part of the trip out a bit better. Poor Alison got to see the worst of his anti-social behaviour. He spent most of the day zoned out in front of a screen and barely said 2 words.

 

[jedijill]

Casa Neuva looks great! I haven't seen it since they moved in. I recognize some of the cabinets I saw empty and remember the pirate hanging out on the island. Looks like you guys had a great dinner and a wonderful day!

Jill in CO

 

[eandesmom]

I am going to have to go in backwards order here as oh, lunch looked really delicious!!!!!! And, a lovely tutorial to boot. That can be so frustrating, when it takes multiple stores to fill out a menu. Perhaps that is why I am a relatively boring cook most of the time.

I loved seeing WoC though your lens. You clearly love the show and that really came through. Sad last evening but lovely all around.

Mnnn..I want to read the Tribune, that pizza looked delish. Clearly I must be hungry as both updates are making me salivate.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Casa Nueva is a great place and all the kitties as well. Nice dinner at Eat Shabu from that night and it looks like a great place to dine.

 

[tiggrbaby]

What a fab lunch you prepared for everyone!

Alison: Your home is lovely! And what lucky kitties to have all those towers!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am all caught up again.

Autopia is one of those rides that absolutely freaks me out. I have never learned to drive and even though there is a guide rail there and the speed is rather low, it does scare me. I only ever do this on the rare occasions when Graham comes to the parks with me and can do the driving.

I hear you on Matterhorn. I woke up one morning at Disneyland and was full of bruises and could not figure out what caused them - until I did Matterhorn again and then I suddenly understood. I still enjoy the ride though.

I really liked the photos you took on the tea cups.

Pirates of the Caribbean in Paris is the best one of the three versions that I have been on. It is definitely well worth a visit, but I love the version at Disneyland, too.

The photos from Haunted Mansion Holiday are amazing. I love that ride so much. I am even wondering if I could get away with a quick mad dash of my own at the beginning of the Halloween season this year. My annual pass is still valid until November and this just seems too good of an opportunity to pass up.

I love the fireworks photos from New Year's Eve.

The menu at the French Market looks lovely. I think that needs to go on the to do list. I am a big fan of the Mint Julep.

I am a little nervous about the refurbishment of Soarin. Although I agree that it is time that it gets some money spent on it, this is my favourite ride and I am worried that they will ruin it in the same way as they did with Journey into Imagination many years ago.

Your photos of the Club 33 lounge are amazing. This is really a very special place.

Carsland at night looks amazing.

World of Color is my favourite Disney show. I was so sad that I did not get to see this last year. There is another excuse for a mad dash right there.

The lunch you cooked looked delicious. I may have to try the recipe minus the fish cake as I don't eat fish.

Casa Nueva looks amazing and I am glad that you finally got to cross the Shabu Shabu place off your bucket list.

Corinna

 

[ACDSNY]

Love the pics from Casa Nueva and the marvelous Disney collection. I can't wait to see it for myself.

 

[Leshaface]

Love all the Disney stuff in Alison's house. Especially those canisters! I need those. And that Tiffany Belle (? - don't know which princess it is) lamp, please!

What a yummy place! Is it pretty expensive to eat there? I mean, you are cooking the food yourself!

Alison - Is Legends the one that had a massive fire years ago?

 

[franandaj]

That's a great update! Of course I would think so, it's my house!

Will you be showing pictures of the kitties too?

Alison: Your home is lovely! And what lucky kitties to have all those towers!

Thank you very much! It’s their house too! They love their forts!

Love all the Disney stuff in Alison's house. Especially those canisters! I need those. And that Tiffany Belle (? - don't know which princess it is) lamp, please!

What a yummy place! Is it pretty expensive to eat there? I mean, you are cooking the food yourself!

Alison - Is Legends the one that had a massive fire years ago?

That Tiffany Lamp is Belle. There’s also a Disneyland Castle with fireworks.

The Shabu Shabu place is actually pretty reasonable. There was one at the block at Orange that was very expensive, over $20 a plate, even more if you wanted Kobe beef. I found CA Shabu Shabu in Huntington Beach for around $13 per plate and started going there a few years ago. I was thrilled when they announced that they were opening a location down in Belmont Shore.

Legends did have a fire a while back, it was closed for almost a year, but now it’s open and back in business. Not like I’ve ever been there….it’s a Sport’s Bar.

Here is my take on that day. PIO in the kitchen.





Our table setting



My lunch



You wonder how we spent our afternoon that day. We assembled this patio set, and then sat here enjoying a glass of wine as the sun was setting.



Here is my take on the whole Shabu Shabu process. The veggie plate.



Here’s your sauces. Ponzu sauce is on the right and goma tare is on the left. This is the only sauce that I need. Literally translated it means sesame seed sauce, I put this **** on everything!



And the beef



I like to wrap my slice of beef in either cabbage or spinach and then I swish it two or three times in the cooking broth. That was it stays nice and medium rare. I dip it in the goma tare let it cool on the rice for bit and them pop it in my mouth.





I save a little bit of the meat and veggies to throw into the cooking liquid with my noodles.



The restaurant will bring you a bowl and spoon and in the bowl is a tablespoon or so of the “soup base” which gives your broth an extra amount of flavor.

 

[ACDSNY]

Nice addition Alison. Everything looks yummy.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Casa Neuva looks great! I haven't seen it since they moved in. I recognize some of the cabinets I saw empty and remember the pirate hanging out on the island. Looks like you guys had a great dinner and a wonderful day!

Jill in CO

I really enjoyed seeing Casa Nueva with their furniture in it. We had a great day that day.

I am going to have to go in backwards order here as oh, lunch looked really delicious!!!!!! And, a lovely tutorial to boot. That can be so frustrating, when it takes multiple stores to fill out a menu. Perhaps that is why I am a relatively boring cook most of the time.

Thanks! We're pretty used to going to multiple stores to fill our weekly menu. But I know what you mean.

I loved seeing WoC though your lens. You clearly love the show and that really came through. Sad last evening but lovely all around.

WoC really gets to me most time. Sad to leave a Disney park; but I'd really like the keys to the castle!

Mnnn..I want to read the Tribune, that pizza looked delish. Clearly I must be hungry as both updates are making me salivate.

I hope you got some food!

Casa Nueva is a great place and all the kitties as well. Nice dinner at Eat Shabu from that night and it looks like a great place to dine.

I enjoyed the Shabu dinner that night. Well worth the wait.

What a fab lunch you prepared for everyone!

Alison: Your home is lovely! And what lucky kitties to have all those towers!

Thanks! I really enjoyed cooking it.

I am all caught up again.

Autopia is one of those rides that absolutely freaks me out. I have never learned to drive and even though there is a guide rail there and the speed is rather low, it does scare me. I only ever do this on the rare occasions when Graham comes to the parks with me and can do the driving.

I hear you on Matterhorn. I woke up one morning at Disneyland and was full of bruises and could not figure out what caused them - until I did Matterhorn again and then I suddenly understood. I still enjoy the ride though.

I really liked the photos you took on the tea cups.

Pirates of the Caribbean in Paris is the best one of the three versions that I have been on. It is definitely well worth a visit, but I love the version at Disneyland, too.

The photos from Haunted Mansion Holiday are amazing. I love that ride so much. I am even wondering if I could get away with a quick mad dash of my own at the beginning of the Halloween season this year. My annual pass is still valid until November and this just seems too good of an opportunity to pass up.

I love the fireworks photos from New Year's Eve.

The menu at the French Market looks lovely. I think that needs to go on the to do list. I am a big fan of the Mint Julep.

I am a little nervous about the refurbishment of Soarin. Although I agree that it is time that it gets some money spent on it, this is my favourite ride and I am worried that they will ruin it in the same way as they did with Journey into Imagination many years ago.

Your photos of the Club 33 lounge are amazing. This is really a very special place.

Carsland at night looks amazing.

World of Color is my favourite Disney show. I was so sad that I did not get to see this last year. There is another excuse for a mad dash right there.

The lunch you cooked looked delicious. I may have to try the recipe minus the fish cake as I don't eat fish.

Casa Nueva looks amazing and I am glad that you finally got to cross the Shabu Shabu place off your bucket list.

Corinna

Welcome back and thanks for catching up!

You can substitute the fish cake with BBQ pork; or some thinly sliced beef. Hope you'll let me know how it turned out.

Love the pics from Casa Nueva and the marvelous Disney collection. I can't wait to see it for myself.

Not long now, right?

Love all the Disney stuff in Alison's house. Especially those canisters! I need those. And that Tiffany Belle (? - don't know which princess it is) lamp, please!

It is Belle. Well spotted.

What a yummy place! Is it pretty expensive to eat there? I mean, you are cooking the food yourself!

It wasn't too expensive. But I'm from Australia. Nothing is too bad in comparison.

Cooking food myself? Just wait and see.

Alison - Is Legends the one that had a massive fire years ago?

I hope Alison or Jenny can answer this one.

 

[PrincessInOz]

That's a great update! Of course I would think so, it's my house!

Will you be showing pictures of the kitties too?

I will if it's okay with you. I was wondering about that and figured I might leave it. But if you're cool with it, I'll post them.

Thank you very much! It’s their house too! They love their forts!



That Tiffany Lamp is Belle. There’s also a Disneyland Castle with fireworks.

The Shabu Shabu place is actually pretty reasonable. There was one at the block at Orange that was very expensive, over $20 a plate, even more if you wanted Kobe beef. I found CA Shabu Shabu in Huntington Beach for around $13 per plate and started going there a few years ago. I was thrilled when they announced that they were opening a location down in Belmont Shore.

Legends did have a fire a while back, it was closed for almost a year, but now it’s open and back in business. Not like I’ve ever been there….it’s a Sport’s Bar.

Here is my take on that day. PIO in the kitchen.





Our table setting



My lunch



You wonder how we spent our afternoon that day. We assembled this patio set, and then sat here enjoying a glass of wine as the sun was setting.



Here is my take on the whole Shabu Shabu process. The veggie plate.



Here’s your sauces. Ponzu sauce is on the right and goma tare is on the left. This is the only sauce that I need. Literally translated it means sesame seed sauce, I put this **** on everything!



And the beef



I like to wrap my slice of beef in either cabbage or spinach and then I swish it two or three times in the cooking broth. That was it stays nice and medium rare. I dip it in the goma tare let it cool on the rice for bit and them pop it in my mouth.





I save a little bit of the meat and veggies to throw into the cooking liquid with my noodles.



The restaurant will bring you a bowl and spoon and in the bowl is a tablespoon or so of the “soup base” which gives your broth an extra amount of flavor.

Great addition! Thanks for sharing your pictures and memory of this day.

 

[dolphingirl47]

You can substitute the fish cake with BBQ pork; or some thinly sliced beef. Hope you'll let me know how it turned out.

I love the idea of trying BBQ pork in that recipe. Once we have thawed out here, I will venture across town to our Asian supermarket and give this a try. I will definitely let you know how it worked out.

Corinna

 

[PrincessInOz]

I love the idea of trying BBQ pork in that recipe. Once we have thawed out here, I will venture across town to our Asian supermarket and give this a try. I will definitely let you know how it worked out.

Corinna

I look forward to the update.

 

[eandesmom]

Ah, it figures. I got caught up and you posted a MASSIVE update the same day!

Loved seeing all the detail of Casa Nueva!!!! So many amazing things, love the detail.

And that pool! But....no picture of the Tiki Bar?

Finally! Shabu Shabu Dinner







Our seats.






It's not a big place but it was more than large enough for us.


I made sure that DH grabbed a picture of us during dinner.




Shabu Shabu is a Japanese dish featuring thinly sliced protein boiled in water. Once we chose our protein, the vegetable sides and dipping sauces were provided.

Didn't Jenny used to work at Legends???? I know Jeff used to go there when he lived in LB.

I had never heard of Shabu Shabu but it sounds delicious! Fun, funky and comforting. All really good things

It had been a very quiet day in comparison to the rest of the days on this trip so far. As far as DH was concerned, he really enjoyed the home comforts. As for DS. I had promised him that he could do what he liked when we got to Alison's. He was obliged to socialise when we were with the family; and Disneyland was just jammed packed. When we got to Long Beach, all he wanted to do was veg-out with Wi Fi connection and play his games. Sadly, I should have thought this part of the trip out a bit better. Poor Alison got to see the worst of his anti-social behaviour. He spent most of the day zoned out in front of a screen and barely said 2 words.

Which is what any of them will do given the chance. Pretty normal for the age.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ah, it figures. I got caught up and you posted a MASSIVE update the same day!

Loved seeing all the detail of Casa Nueva!!!! So many amazing things, love the detail.

And that pool! But....no picture of the Tiki Bar?

I didn't take the Tiki Bar this time round. I did get it on the first visit.

Didn't Jenny used to work at Legends???? I know Jeff used to go there when he lived in LB.

I had never heard of Shabu Shabu but it sounds delicious! Fun, funky and comforting. All really good things

Rumour has it that she did work there!

Which is what any of them will do given the chance. Pretty normal for the age.

I know.

 

[jedijill]

Making sure I still get updates.

Jill in CO

 

[PrincessInOz]

Making sure I still get updates.

Jill in CO

I hope you do!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Day 8: Hanging around Long Beach


Cooking in Alison’s Kitchen Again



Discovery #69. Alison and I cook our eggs the same way.



The day started out full of promise, like most days do. It was yet another beautiful day in SoCal and we were looking forward to enjoying it....slowly.






I took a lazy stroll outside in the garden and contemplated the fruits of our handywork yesterday. I don't know if anyone else has spotted it yet, but this outdoor setting looks similar to the ones in the Court of Angels.






Alison and I had decided that we were doing bacon and eggs for breakfast this morning. She was busy with the bacon....aka....nearly smoking the house out! For some reason, when she put them in to cook, the oven was on a different setting and it didn't take long for the smoke to fill the house and set off the smoke detectors. So, whilst Alison was busy sorting that out, I got in with the eggs. I think Alison was a little anxious when I started on the eggs. She's pretty particular with how her eggs are scrambled.


Well....so am I. Turns out, Alison and I like cooking our scrambled eggs in exactly the same way. How's that for a coincidence?


Let's see…..Anyone else think Alison was pretty Happy this morning? I might be able to spot a Grumpy; but it sure wasn't Alison.







Breakfast!






I love how you discover things about 2D-friends-in-a-box when you spend more time in 3D with them. Both Alison and I were very happy with the eggs for breakfast this morning.






(Continued in Next Post)