Teriyaki Donuts

Christmas 2011-3

2011-12-25T19:24:00.003-08:00

Christmas 2011-3
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Chocolate Mouse, instead of chocolate mousse. Get it!

Christmas 2011-7

2011-12-25T19:24:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2011-7
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Some of the exceptionally fattening foods at my mother's house on Christmas Day.

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-101

2011-11-27T01:45:00.003-08:00

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-101
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Li Po's, a bar in Chinatown.

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-104

2011-11-27T01:45:00.001-08:00

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-104
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

The Buddha Bar

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-115

2011-11-27T01:43:00.001-08:00

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-115
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Chinatown Bakery

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-165

2011-11-27T01:37:00.001-08:00

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-165
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Fruit and vegetable stand on Haight Street

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-168

2011-11-27T01:36:00.001-08:00

San Francisco Nov 26 2011-168
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Haight Street Restaurant

Maker Faire 2011-12

2011-05-22T02:47:00.001-07:00

Maker Faire 2011-12
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Besides selling the "World's Largest Waffle Cone," they also wanted you to know that they are Christian and therefore better than everyone else.

Maker Faire 2011-19

2011-05-22T02:46:00.001-07:00

Maker Faire 2011-19
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Not sure it was the "World's Largest Waffle Cone" but I do like how the size is a selling point.

Maker Faire 2011-18

2011-05-22T02:45:00.003-07:00

Maker Faire 2011-18
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

And here she is with the sausage.

Maker Faire 2011-20

2011-05-22T02:45:00.001-07:00

Maker Faire 2011-20
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

My daughter got a foot-long sausage from this stand and said it was actually very good, despite the name.

Almost Home-Cooked Food

2011-04-28T17:24:00.001-07:00

04-26-2011-6
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack
These are Hawaiian meatballs prepared by "Dinner My Way," a chain business that specializes in "Take and Bake" foods. It's a lot like Papa Murphys, but instead of pizza, they offer a changing menu each month. Besides the meatballs, this month's menu also includes chicken and artichoke calzones and Chicken Picatta.

The idea behind the business is simple - they chop all the vegatables and meats, mix the sauces for you with all the ingredients, and even package it so you can freeze the meals and cook them later. When you want to make them, they offer simple directions, allowing you to cook it at home. All the ingredients are fresh, so it gives the illusion that you are eating "healthy, home-cooked" food. They even provide calorie and nutrition information for each dish. You also have the choice of choosing all the ingredients yourself. They hand you a recipe and point you to stations with the ingredients for that recipe just waiting. There, you can modify the recipe depending on your tastes (for example, you can leave out onions if you don't like them or put in more tomatoes).

Their target audience is homes where both adults are working and they have children. This is an excuse to not buy burgers and pizza all the time, thus helping give "well-balanced" meals.

I've seen other variations of this lately. My local grocery store now offers full take-and-bake meals. Walk in and get stuffed chicken with potatoes, mixed vegetables and gravy on the side - enough for four people.

I suspect we will see this idea grow. I'm not entirely sold on whether it really is a "healthy alternative" to fast food. It still seems there are some fast-food qualities there, but it does have to be better than McD's any day, right?

Ken Albala Cooking Demonstration-57

2011-04-11T22:58:00.001-07:00

Ken Albala Cooking Demonstration-57
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Food historian Ken Albala, University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, demonstrated how to make pasta from raw wheat (including how to grind it into flour) as well as how to make pasta sauce using only tomatoes, olive oil and locally-grown spices. This was part of Sustainability month. The food was delicious and certainly reminded everyone in the audience on how plastic most of our "pre-prepared food" tastes these days.

03-17-2011-13

2011-03-17T20:42:00.001-07:00

University of the Pacific's food truck. They served German bratwurst smothered in German-style cabbage that was dyed bright green for St. Patrick's Day. This is actually more appropriate than most realize. St. Patrick's Day didn't become a huge national holiday until the Irish immigrants came to America, taking over mostly German neighborhoods in New York and Chicago. There, they adopted lots of German food, including corned beef and cabbage, and folded it into their religious holidays. Hence why corned beef and cabbage - a purely German dish - is often attributed to the Irish on St. Patrick's Day.
03-17-2011-13
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Celtic Faire 2011-222

2011-03-13T01:20:00.003-08:00

Celtic Faire 2011-222
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Celtic Faire 2011-223

2011-03-13T01:20:00.001-08:00

Celtic Faire 2011-223
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Turkey

2010-10-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2010-27
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

In all seriousness: if you want to learn about an amazing chapter in American food history, research the role that turkey has placed in American cuisine. Up until the 1950s, turkey was a rarity. It was only served as an elite item during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Then a few things happened - the frozen food industry was discovered (TV dinners) and they found that turkey was the easiest meat to freeze for long-term storage; and the turkey industry moved West to California, where the climate was perfect for turkey breeding year-round. That meant that turkey could be supplied to store shelves any time of the year, not just during that one time of the year when the turkeys fattened up.

The turkey industry also unified and started a national campaign to get turkey in our diet. Turkey sandwiches and turkey lunch meats started to appear. In fact, the campaign was so pervasive, that the remake of "A Christmas Carol" made in the late '50s (the great version staring Alison Sims), the ending was changed. Scrooge no longer asked for the biggest "goose" in the window, as the original book states, but instead asks for the biggest "turkey." Turkey, of course, was completely foreign to English folks at the time of the novel (1843), but the mention in the film in the 1950s went largely unnoticed, thanks to the great turkey marketing campaign. This would, of course, help further propagate (in a very Orwellian manner imho) that turkey not only was a "traditional" meal for Christmas, but "always was a traditional meal" for Christmas.

Then, when American started to become health concious in the early 90's, more was done. Turkey was sold as the "healthy meat" due to its naturally low-fat content. Turkey hot dogs and turkey pepperoni appeared, along with other turkey substitutes.

Today, it's not unusual for us to have turkey bacon, turkey sausage, and even turkey chili all in the same day without thinking twice about it. And this food stand - found at the 2010 Hardley Strictly Bluegrass Festival - further demonstrates how far the turkey industry has gone in the past 60 years.

But seriously, there's a lot more to the story. I urge all food-o-philes and marketing students to do the research.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2010-25

2010-10-04T12:36:00.001-07:00

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2010-25
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Sorry, but I can't help it: isn't that a sex move that's illegal in Arkansas?

San Francisco Commercial Mix

2010-10-04T12:35:00.001-07:00

San Francisco Commercial Mix
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Just a random shot in San Francisco. I like the SE Asian Noodle House being just two doors down from a traditional Italian pizza place. No big revelations here, except that I love the choices available, thanks to multiculturalism.

Cheese on a Stick

2010-07-17T14:35:00.001-07:00

Stanislaus County Fair 2010-24
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

I didn't try it. I was afraid it had been deep-fried in butter-flavored lard.

Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake on a Stick

2010-07-17T14:34:00.001-07:00

Stanislaus County Fair 2010-77
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Ah, Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake on a Stick. I'll have a coronary bypass with that, please.

Pho

2010-01-08T23:25:00.001-08:00

Jan 8 2010
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Here's the great thing about the multicultural aspect of the American culture - you can discover all these wonderful foods. Pho is one of my latest obsessions. It was introduced to me by the Hmong administrative assistant at my job.

Pho, for those who don't know (it's pronounced "fa," not "foe" though most Asians will forgive the mispronunciation), is a Vietnamese rice-noodle soup that has a bunch of vegetables, a mix of seafood, chicken and beef and often is served very spicy.

It's also very popular in California. There are Pho restaurants popping up in just about every city in the state, as the soup has been adopted as the official soup of the "hipster," the official youth movement of California.

This photo was taken from inside a Pho Restaurant in San Francisco that was recommended by a friend of mine.

Ho's Restaurant

2010-01-08T23:18:00.001-08:00

Jan 8 2010-7
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Here's one of the small problems with multiculturalism - a word that might be perfectly acceptable in one culture takes on a completely different meaning somewhere else. Take this restaurant - Ho's. Thanks to the mass-marketed shallow rap culture that is shoved down our throats by the mega media entertainment corporations, the word Ho has taken on a whole new meaning in modern American culture.

I wonder if anyone has explained this to the restaurant's owners?

Sushi Bar next to Italian Restaurant

2010-01-08T23:14:00.001-08:00

Jan 8 2010-4
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Another great example of the multi-culturalism of San Francisco - an Italian Restaurant next door to a Sushi Bar.

Sushi Bar

2010-01-08T23:13:00.001-08:00

Jan 8 2010-44
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Downtown San Francisco, next to the voyeur theater.

Bangkok Noodles and Asian BBQ

2010-01-08T23:12:00.001-08:00

Jan 8 2010-52
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Found in downtown San Francisco.

New York Donuts

2010-01-05T23:00:00.001-08:00

Jan 5 2010-10
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Can someone please explain to me how a New York Donut is different from any other donut?

Soul Food and Barbecue

2010-01-05T22:59:00.001-08:00

Jan 5 2010
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

This is one of two "soul food" restaurants I have come across lately. I'm not a food expert, but it's my understanding that "soul food" is actually a modification of the "slave food" that used to be served to African-Americans - lots of fried foods, pork, collard greens, beans and rice. I know there have been a number of African-American activists who have recently protested the glorification of Soul Food, claiming it's terribly unhealthy for folks, including an entire episode of "The Boondocks" where grandpa opens a "Soul Food" restaurant and most of his customers develop extreme obesity and heart problems.

What strikes me is this place is a combination of "soul food" and "BBQ," which traditionally is seen as southern white folks food, the very folks who forced this unhealthy food on the slaves in the first place.

It's just a notion that passed by when I first discovered this place.

By the way, the locals say the food at this restaurant is very good.

Another noodle house

2009-12-28T22:41:00.001-08:00

San Jose Dec 28 2009-59
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack
I also found this place in San Jose. My sister said it's pretty decent.

What fascinated me is the other restaurants in the immediate vicinity - there's is an American Sub sandwich place (not a chain, but an actual family-owned business) in front of it in this strip mall and a taqueria right next door.

Now that's my idea of culinary heaven - mexican, asian and sandwiches all within one block. Only in America.

Pho Lan Noodle House

2009-12-28T22:38:00.001-08:00

San Jose Dec 28 2009-54
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

I found this place in downtown San Jose. Not sure if the Pho is any good as I didn't get a chance to try it, but what struck me was the "Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner" sign on the window.

Pho for breakfast? Is that like having pizza for breakfast? I'm not knocking it, just curious.

For those who don't know, Pho is a Vietnamese soup with rice noodles that tends to be very spicy. I love it and have a friend who makes it from scratch for me on my birthday.

But for breakfast?

I haven't forgotten about this blog

2009-12-22T11:19:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. I'm working full-time, working on a master's in the evening, and keeping busy with the jazz. But I haven't abandoned this blog yet. In fact, I recently discovered a Soul Food restaurant near my new house. I've been meaning to get photos of it and write a post on it.

So stay tuned, and thanks for sticking with me.

Ambassador Corps 2009-6

2009-10-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

Ambassador Corps 2009-6
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

This was taken at a reception for college students who did volunteer work in other countries last year. At the reception, they served a hodge-podge of foods from those countries. This is deep-fried bannanas from South America (Brazil, I do believe).

American Comfort Food

2009-07-05T18:08:00.001-07:00

San Francisco July 4 2009-11
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Yup, a restaurant with a little honesty - American Comfort Food - Breakfast All Day. Woohoo! Gimme a half pound of bacon on top of my Captain Crunch please!

Argentinian Taco Truck

2009-07-05T18:07:00.001-07:00

San Francisco July 4 2009-12
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Taco Truck in San Franisco that advertises Argentinian food.

Maker Faire 2009-107

2009-06-01T21:08:00.005-07:00

Maker Faire 2009-107
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Maker Faire 2009, San Mateo California. Only in California.

Maker Faire 2009-116

2009-06-01T21:08:00.003-07:00

Maker Faire 2009-116
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Maker Faire 2009, San Mateo California. Only in California.

Maker Faire 2009-117

2009-06-01T21:08:00.001-07:00

Maker Faire 2009-117
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Maker Faire 2009, San Mateo California. Only in California.

April 26 2009-15

2009-04-27T22:43:00.003-07:00

April 26 2009-15
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Cinnamon Almonds. There are many flavors of almonds, obviously. But why aren't their flavored walnuts or pecans?

April 26 2009-14

2009-04-27T22:43:00.001-07:00

April 26 2009-14
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Chicken Teriyaki sandwich, "Super" chicken kabob, Peking "chicken wrap," and the "House of Fries." Do the gastronomic wonders never cease to end.

April 26 2009-13

2009-04-27T22:41:00.005-07:00

April 26 2009-13
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Can kettle corn be old time? I'm actually not sure.

April 26 2009-12

2009-04-27T22:41:00.003-07:00

April 26 2009-12
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Churos.

April 26 2009-11

2009-04-27T22:41:00.001-07:00

April 26 2009-11
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Well, at least two of the foods aren't fried.

April 26 2009-10

2009-04-27T22:40:00.001-07:00

April 26 2009-10
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Teriyaki Barbecue chicken, Greek Gyros and Salvadorean Corn, all at the same booth. And next door to two different types of calamari and barbecued oysters.

April 26 2009-9

2009-04-27T22:39:00.001-07:00

April 26 2009-9
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

The Super Burrito, because a regular burrito just isn't big enough. Plus, a mango on a stick.

Buffalo Pizza and Ice Cream Delivery

2009-04-19T10:15:00.003-07:00

Buffalo Pizza and Ice Cream Delivery
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Sacramento, California.

Trails Charcoal Broiler Lunch Dinner

2009-04-19T10:15:00.001-07:00

Trails Charcoal Broil Lunch Dinner
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Restaurant in Sacramento, California.

Pancake Circus 2

2009-04-19T10:14:00.003-07:00

Pancake Circus 2
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Sacramento, California. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.

Pancake Circus

2009-04-19T10:14:00.001-07:00

Pancake Circus
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Sacramento, California. I wonder if they have steak-flavored pancakes?

Kathmandu

2009-04-19T10:13:00.001-07:00

Kathmandu
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Sacramento, California.

All Sushi Roll One-Half Off_

2009-04-19T10:12:00.001-07:00

All Sushi Roll One-Half Off_
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Japanese/Chinese/American cuisine in Sacramento, California

Queen Sheba

2009-04-19T10:11:00.001-07:00

Queen Sheba
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack

Ethiopian Restaurant in Sacramento, California.

Senator Yee Visit-32

2009-01-18T11:21:00.001-08:00

Senator Yee Visit-32
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

California State Senator Leland Yee visited campus this week to talk to students, staff and faculty about issues affecting those with Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage. He started his speech by saying that while the Asian/Pacific Islander Community (API) has some unique issues, the communities really are affecting by the same issues that affect everyone else in the state - housing affordibility, employment, gas prices, quality of education, etc. etc.

Students were asked to bring snacks to share with the audience. They offered a hodge-podge of Asian treats that are readily sold in California.

Notice the "Espresso" candy in this one.

Senator Yee Visit-4

2009-01-18T11:20:00.005-08:00

Senator Yee Visit-4
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Senator Yee Visit-2

2009-01-18T11:20:00.003-08:00

Senator Yee Visit-2
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Senator Yee Visit

2009-01-18T11:20:00.001-08:00

Senator Yee Visit
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Haight Street-8

2009-01-04T21:15:00.001-08:00

Haight Street-8
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

I bet most people don't know there is a distinct difference between Mexican and Salvadorian food.

Haight Street-9

2009-01-04T21:14:00.003-08:00

Haight Street-9
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

Chilli? Or Chili?

Haight Street-11

2009-01-04T21:14:00.001-08:00

Haight Street-11
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

I think my next punk band is going to be called Buffalo Fish.

Haight Street-12

2009-01-04T21:13:00.003-08:00

Haight Street-12
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

Never had Indian Pizza before.

Haight Street-13

2009-01-04T21:13:00.001-08:00

Haight Street-13
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut. Falafel's and pastries. Mmmmm.

Haight Street-14

2009-01-04T21:11:00.001-08:00

Haight Street-14
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

Love and Haight deli and cafe.

Haight Street-47

2009-01-04T21:10:00.001-08:00

Haight Street-47
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

This, of course, is an "Irish" Pub that serves nachos, tacos, cheeseburgers, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, Bangers and Mash (which is English, not Irish), turkey sandwiches and of course "Irish Nachos" to make sure that you know it's an "Irish Pub."

Haight Street-52

2009-01-04T21:07:00.003-08:00

Haight Street-52
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

Haight Street-53

2009-01-04T21:07:00.001-08:00

Haight Street-53
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

This is the famous "Red Victorian." It has its own Wikipedia entry, if you want to learn more. The cafe serves a lot of hippie shit.

Haight Street-54

2009-01-04T21:05:00.003-08:00

Haight Street-54
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

This is "Escape from New York Pizza."

Haight Street-55

2009-01-04T21:05:00.001-08:00

Haight Street-55
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

Haight Street-80

2009-01-04T21:04:00.003-08:00

Haight Street-80
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

Haight Street-99

2009-01-04T21:04:00.001-08:00

Haight Street-99
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Photos taken along Haight Street. Most of these restaurants are within a few blocks of each other, making the whole area one giant teriyaki donut.

This Mexican restaurant also served cheeseburgers.

Pow Wow 2008-16

2008-08-30T01:22:00.001-07:00

Pow Wow 2008-16
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Yes, Coca Cola goes well with anything.

Fortune Cookies in China

2008-08-27T17:22:00.001-07:00

This link is to a blog and video that shows the reaction of people in China to "Fortune Cookies." "Why do American's put messages in their cookies," was the most common question asked.

This, of course, is another collision between two cultures, in my opinion. The cookies and fortunes are purely American, but they were created within the American-Chinese community as a way to offer an after-dinner treat and therefore has become "Chinese food" in the eyes of Americans.

Enjoy the film.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Chiken Follow up

2008-08-21T22:33:00.001-07:00

Dagnabit. The picture I linked to had a sign that said "Chiken" and was used to advertise a specific meal at a taco truck. But the picture is inaccesible.

Anyway, this blog has not been abandoned. I have just been really busy but wish to continue my "cultural explorations" here. Please have patience. I apologize for any inconvenience in my most recent life style.

Chiken

2008-08-05T13:49:00.001-07:00

Photo taken by fellow Twitterer Jerad Hill

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Town Donuts Hot Dogs

2008-06-04T00:04:00.001-07:00

May 31 2008 13
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Downtown Stockton, California

Barbecued Donuts

2008-05-21T07:49:00.001-07:00

Barbecued Donuts.
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

The Donut Star, for the finest barbecue in San Francisco. I bet they have a barbecue-sauce glazed donut.

Donut World

2008-05-21T07:48:00.001-07:00

May 18 2008-7
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

This place serves everything, apparently - donuts, hamburgers, breakfast, pizza, tacos, etc. etc. etc. Found in San Francisco.

Maker Faire 2008-26

2008-05-04T17:01:00.003-07:00

Maker Faire 2008-26
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Falafel Garlic Fries Spinach Knishes.

Maker Faire 2008-24

2008-05-04T17:01:00.001-07:00

Maker Faire 2008-24
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Not a Teriyaki Donut, but when you have to explain what you are selling, it's probably foreign enough to most people that it will end up being a Teriyaki Donut in their minds.

Maker Faire 2008-21

2008-05-04T17:00:00.001-07:00

Maker Faire 2008-21
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Garlic Falafel Veggie Cakes.

Maker Faire 2008-20

2008-05-04T16:59:00.003-07:00

Maker Faire 2008-20
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Italian Teriyaki Polish Lemonade Chicken Kabob.

Maker Faire 2008-234

2008-05-04T16:59:00.001-07:00

Maker Faire 2008-234
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Ok, not a Teriyaki Donut, but it made me laugh.

Maker Faire 2008-278

2008-05-04T16:58:00.001-07:00

Maker Faire 2008-278
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Teriyaki Baja Tostada Nachos Garlic Fries.

"Crows Landing" Okie "Teriyaki Donuts"

2008-04-27T16:53:00.001-07:00

"Crows Landing" Okie "Teriyaki Donuts"
Originally uploaded by amenfoto.

Photo taken by Adrian Mendoza in Modesto, California.

Asparagus Festival 2008-26

2008-04-27T12:58:00.001-07:00

Asparagus Festival 2008-26
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Barbecue'd Oysters? Wouldn't they fall between the cracks in the grill?

Asparagus Festival 2008-212

2008-04-27T12:57:00.001-07:00

Asparagus Festival 2008-212
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Booth for an asparagus-based margarita at the 2008 Asparagus Festival in Stockton, California.

Breakfast Burrito Soup

2008-04-13T20:39:00.001-07:00

Breakfast Burrito Soup
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

At a restaurant near a hotel during my recent stay in Washington D.C.

Sushi Salads

2008-04-13T20:38:00.001-07:00

Sushi Salads
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

At a restaurant near my hotel during my recent stay in Washington D.C.

Russian Jazz Octet-18

2008-04-06T00:18:00.001-07:00

Russian Jazz Octet-18
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Here's another example of culture clash in Jazz. This is American saxophonist Bob Mintzer playing with several members of the Russian-based Open World Jazz Octet. While they play straight jazz for the most part, only one of the members of the Octet speaks English with any proficiency. But they could all play nearly flawless jazz together. It's amazing how jazz has become a language of its own. Great concert, by the way.

April 2 2008 Deepak Ram

2008-04-06T00:16:00.001-07:00

April 2 2008 Deepak Ram
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Jazz artist Deepak Ram played for the Brubeck Festival. It's another example of the cultural mix that we call Jazz. He plays straight-on jazz, but uses a mix of Indian and Western instruments to do so. It was interesting to hear. I know this isn't new. John McLaughlin experimented with the same styles in the' '70s. So did Miles Davis. And of course The Beatles mixed rock and Indian sounds in the same way. But it still is an interesting cultural clash.

Celtic Faire 2008-122

2008-03-23T07:34:00.001-07:00

Celtic Faire 2008-122
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Shot from the Sonora Celtic Fair (previously the Calaveras Celtic Faire). This is the group "The Wicked Tinkers." Very high energy. Also, in my mind, a Teriyaki Donut? Why. Besides playing Celtic music and originals, they play Celtic music with a didgeridoo. That's what the guy with the blue handprint on his face is playing.

For those who don't know, a didgeridoo is an instrument invented and used mostly by the Indigenous people of Australia, folks who are most definitely not Celtic. So how does a didgeridoo get introduced into a Celtic band? In this case, it's probably because it just sounds cool, but it's possible it was adopted by the early settlers of Australia, most of whom were Irish and Scottish.

You have to remember that Australia originally was a British Penal colony. In fact, there's a really old joke about it. "Q: What's another name for an Australian? A: An Irishman who got caught." That's the joke. Anyway, it's possible that the Irish who were sent to the island and then settled there after being released from prison adopted the didgeridoo as a substitute for the bagpipes in Celtic music.

This group, of course, also has added a very distinct American rock tone to its music as well, thus further adding to its Teriyaki Donut status in my mind.

Teriyaki Donuts

2008-01-27T20:23:00.001-08:00

Teriyaki Donuts
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Another Teriyaki Donut joint in Modesto, California. But wait, there's more. It's also a gas station! And better yet, it also has a Mexican restaurant too (not pictured, but take my word for it)

Teriyaki Donuts

2008-01-27T20:22:00.001-08:00

Teriyaki Donuts
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Another Teriyaki Donut joint in Modesto, California. But wait, there's more. It's also a gas station! And better yet, it also has a Mexican restaurant too (not pictured, but take my word for it)

Jan 20 2008 Molinari

2008-01-21T03:53:00.001-08:00

Jan 20 2008 Molinari
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Found in north beach - a long-established Italian deli that serves enchiladas. We have to remember that the fastest growing "minority" group in California is the Hispanic/Latino group, and they are obviously creating influence on all other ethnic groups in the state. It will be interesting to see how much tastes and cultures will change in the next 20 years because of this shift.

Jan 20 2008 Happy New Year

2008-01-21T03:49:00.001-08:00

Jan 20 2008 Happy New Year
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

This was in the door to a private residence in San Francisco. It's Mickey and Minnie Mouse wishing everyone a Happy New Year in both English and Chinese. While not surprising since Disney is such a world-wide venture, it's a nice reminder that the American culture has really spread round the globe in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. For some reason, I couldn't help but think of the movie "Blade Runner" which so brilliantly mixed American, Chinese, Japanese and Arab cultures seamlessly throughout the film, including inventing a language that was a mix of all four cultures.

Jan 20 2008 Bagels and Vietnamese Sandwiches

2008-01-21T03:45:00.001-08:00

Jan 20 2008 Bagles and Vietnamese Sandwiches
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Found a restaurant that sells both Bagels and Vietnamese sandwiches in San Francisco. Oh, and English tea too.

Vegas Teriyaki Donut (2)

2007-12-07T02:10:00.003-08:00

Vegas Teriyaki Donut (2)
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Just more proof that Teriyaki Donuts are spreading. Found in Las Vegas.

Vegas Teriyaki Donut

2007-12-07T02:10:00.001-08:00

Vegas Teriyaki Donut
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Found in Las Vegas

Teriyaki Donut from Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown"

2007-08-27T18:57:00.001-07:00

Teriyaki Donut from Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown"
Originally uploaded by Todd Mecklem.

This was sent to me from a reader of this blog. It's the Teriyaki Donut shop that Quentin Tarantion used in "Jackie Brown." Courtesy of Todd Mecklem.

Greek Nachos

2007-07-31T08:06:00.001-07:00

Greek Nachos
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

I know, I know. This was the same booth I photographed last year. I just can't resist. I have a weakness for curly Greek nachos.

Cajun Sausage burgers

2007-07-31T08:05:00.001-07:00

Cajun Sausage burgers
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

Another favorite at the Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock, California. These are such easy targets for this blog.

Fried Vegetable cajun corndog Polish sausage

2007-07-31T08:04:00.001-07:00

Fried Vegetable cajun corndog Polish sausage
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.

An oldie but a goodie. Taken at this year's Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock, California.