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…and for once it didn’t involve my clumsiness or LSD. This weekend Aprilla and I had a flavor tripping party. We used my place, and she did most of the prep work. If you haven’t done it before, I highly recommend you try it. Basically, there is a fruit called the Miracle Berry, and it effects the way you experience sour and bitter foods. About 20 of us gathered in my loft to try it out.

At the designated time, I read off the directions and handed out the frozen berries. I felt like I was performing Communion. Basically, you bite into the fruit, avoiding the rather large seed, and swirl the pulp around in your mouth for a couple of minutes. The fruit was fairly bland itself.

After that we hit the food. The list of things we had included citrus fruits, brussels sprouts, stout and bitter beer, tequila, Sourpatch Kids candy, Sriracha (hot cock sauce), vinegars, mustard, and cheeses.

We also threw in some things that were just odd to see what if any effect the berries would have, things like fish oil, unsweetened chocolate, and anchovies.

I, of course, had to start it off with the anchovies. Wrapped around an olive. Two things that I detest. Yep – they were still awful. Next I went for a wedge of grapefruit. And pow! It was like the nectar of the gods. So good. Everyone seemed to have their own particular favorite – except poor Cara. The berries had no effect on her.

The Bridgeport Blackstrap Stout was like an adult milk chocolate and the Redhook ESB had a sweet finish instead of the normal hoppy bite. Although others claimed cheap tequila would go down like a mellow wine, most everyone agreed that it was still kinda ass.

I used the Sourpatch Kids as early warning system. At the beginning of the night, they were simply sweet gummis, but as time went on, they gradually become more and more puckery. After consuming mass quantities, we kept the party going and headed out for more drinks and music.

Thanks to all who came, especially those who traveled from Seattle and Norway. It was a blast.

(more pics at Flickr)

tags: food, miracle berry, party

Phew… that was a packed couple of days.

We found out just a day or two before the trip that the Kaiju show was cancelled, but we wiped the tears from our eyes and mustered the strength to carry on. (Side Note: Ticketbastard was quick to refund ticket cost, but still snaked $6 in charges. They should just set up phony shows, cancel them and keep the fees.)

After meeting up with my cohorts from Seattle, and what seemed like an interminable wait for the Airport bus, we found ourselves at Union Station in downtown. The fun began immediately when we saw a vampire snuffling around in a grassy area. We think he was scared off by our numbers.

After checking into our hotel, we walked across the street and got the party started in a tiny Japanese dive/karaoke bar. The waitstaff barely spoke English, the grizzled Yakuza veterans at the bar were singing in Japanese, and we were guzzling down cheap stiff drinks.

After warming up, we headed next door to Daikokuya, probably one of the best ramen shops in Los Angeles. While the rest of the gang got the signature Daikoku Ramen, with extra back fat, I went for the Tuna Sashimi and Sushi rice. Om nom nom.

After the food coma subsided we headed over to Bar 107, where our friend would be DJing the next night. Drinking then sleeping commenced.

The next morning, we shuffled around Little Tokyo slightly hungover and marvelling at the signage. Our hostess, Betsy, graciously offered to drive us into Hollywood for an In N Out and BevMo run. 7 of us, one Pontiac Vibe, and boxes of purchases from BevMo? No Problem.

After nappy time, we headed over to another L.A. staple, El Pollo Loco. We washed that down with $1.00 Kobe Beef Tacos at a happy hour down the street. Then it was back over to Bar 107 to hear The Eye of The Bronado, DJs Buttafuoco (our friend Bryan) and Zack Morris, lay down some party music. I think there were Herradura Añejo shots somewhere in there.

While the rest of the crew ate taco truck tacos early in to the morning, I raised the white flag, and headed off to sleep.

Morning found us eating some great Mexican food, laying around a rooftop pool, and drinking Tecates. Unfortunately, we had flights to catch, so back off to LAX we headed.

All in all, a great trip. Some old friends I hadnt seen in years, met my good friend Mookie’s awesome new girlfriend, and generally let off some steam.

A+++ seller. Would buy from again!

tags: food, Los Angeles