Shabu Shabu Night

On Friday, I decided to have shabu shabu at Than's place. We invited our friends, Brian, Carla, George, and Debbie. It was my first attempt on this Japanese style hot pot dinner. So I was a little nervous. I had been looking forward to this since I got back from Hawaii. I learned how to make the sauces from my friends, Will and Robyn. I heard that is the key to a really good shabu shabu....the sauces. Well, I think it went well. I thought I bought too much food, but at the end...all the food was gone! We had beef, pork, mussels, Chinese cabbage, sweet potato, mushrooms, noodles, and gyoza. For dessert, we had warm baked chocolate chip cookies and Klondike bars (Heath and Reeses). It was a successful night! Oh...just a side note, while we were eating, we were also glued to the TV...watching DEAL OR NO DEAL. I know...I know... BUT this episode was the best! The contestant won $750,000!!!

Happy Birthday, Molly!

On my birthday, Than took me to Sushi Ran in Sausalito. So sweet of him to take me there since he had to fly all the way back from Phoenix (business trip) that same day and rush back to the city from Oak airport during the peak of rush hour. Anyways, the sushi was so delicious. Now I know why it was rated #1 by Zagat for the best sushi in the Bay Area. One of my favorites is the Black Cod....YUMMY! The sushi is as good as the ones in Japan. That's how good it was! Sushi Ran rocked!
The next day which was a Friday, Than told me that he was in a mood for Italian food and wanted to go to North Beach. Then, after dinner, stay home and watch a movie. Basically, it was gonna be a chill night. But when we arrived in North Beach, he changed his mind and wanted Thai food instead. So we decided to eat at Citizen Thai and the Monkey which is in North Beach. He tried to fool me by speaking Thai to the host. Thank god the host didn't speak Thai. When I arrived, I saw all my friends! I was SOOOO surprised!! Gena, my college friend, and her boyfriend, Shin were there. My Co-workers Brian and Ed were there. My good friends George, Sudhir, Carla, and Erik were there. My travel buddies, Melissa (grad school friend), her husband, Mike, and Nate were there. I was so thrilled to see all of them. Food was so delicious. I love Thai food. The best part was that I had to blow out candles from my favorite Thai dessert...sticky rice and mango.


After dinner, they surprised me again by taking me to Dragon Bar. When I arrived, I saw more of my friends. I was speechless! I couldn't believe it! Some I haven't seen in awhile and they were there! It was great to catch up with them. Each person bought me drinks or shots. Some I don't even want to try ever again. But it was the thought that counts, right? :) I love my friends. I am the luckiest girl to have such great friends around me! Brian, thanks for being my photographer for the night. Much appreciated! Also, a special thanks to the man who put the whole thing together (of course with the help from others). Thanks, Than! I will never forget this awesome birthday. You are a genius for pulling this off!

Carla, Jen, Me

Carla & Ed getting their freak on!

Erik and Me

Phung & me

The boys & me

The girls

Than & me

Nate, Melissa, Mike

Gena, Shin, Me

Lyman, Me, Andy

Aloha!

Just got back from Hawaii. Went to visit some old friends in Oahu and spent a day in Kauai. The trip was so awesome. I didn't really do any touristy things. I spent most of my time hanging out like a local. It was a great feeling. Here are some of the pictures from the trip. I got some pictures of us riding some ATVs in Kauai which will be posted later.

Kauai

Robyn, me, and Will

Yummy tofu salad...all soooo good!

Honey Toast Chocolate Dessert...YUMMY!