I just came back from a trip to LA and San Diego and have much to report. I had some wonderful lunch experiences that I wish to share with you. While visiting Torrence, a city located in Los Angeles County, I ate delicious shrimp fried rice at Pho Hana, a small, modest shop located in a strip mall along Hawthorne Boulevard. Also, in Torrence, at a branch of Mitsuwa, lunch, from their food court, was also good – yummy ramen with a side of salmon-rice bowl (rice, salmon and salmon roe). In West LA, Midoh, on Sawtelle Boulevard, served Takoyaki, octopus balls, and excellent Udon (thick noodles in broth) with shrimp tempura.

On Saturday, of a weekend visit to San Diego, my family and I explored museums and an artist colony in Balboa Park. One day there was not enough time; it was just a taste.

That nite, we had a wonderful Italian dinner at Officine Buona Forchetta, in the neighborhood of Liberty Station, the site of the former Naval Training Center San Diego. We devoured warm artichokes, fresh radicchio salad, homemade pasta in a bolognese sauce, eggplant parmesan and Margherita pizza. Everything was delicious.

On Sunday, we visited the famous San Diego Zoo – absolutely a must if you are in the area. You will enjoy amazing habitats housing over 12,000 animals, and lush plantings of flowers and trees from as far away as Australia and Madagascar. It feels as if you are walking through a jungle!

Cleaning his teeth?