Baked Pasta

Make spaghetti, then bake it for that extra crunch and cheesy-ness

Onion and Eggplant

Saute the eggplant / onion and ground meat separately

Then put them together

Then add the sauce, some pepper, cilantro, and of course corn

I like to use macaroni pasta

Lay the pasta out on a oven-friendly pan

Layer the meat sauce on top and top it off with lots of cheese

I like to use Pepper Jack Cheese for the spicy taste

Let it bake until the cheese is a beautiful golden brown

I put more cheese on one side because my sister doesn't like spicy

Dang came over a little later, so I made a miniature version for him (SPOILED)

So simple and delicious

I really should be Vietnamese

Whenever I'm in San Diego, I always go to Pho Cow Cali in Mira Mesa for the best Pho in town! Thanks to Dang, I found a new love.

Pho Banh Mai

Very clean and warm environment

Everything feels clean

Cafe Sua Da- Vietnamese Coffee

The best caffeine to keep you awake all day

Goi Cuon New Nuong- Spring Rolls

A replica of the infamous Brodard spring rolls. It has the extra crunch with the grilled pork inside. The dipping sauce is good, but definitely not as flavorful as Brodard

Banh Xeo- Shrimp and Pork Pancake

It looks like an omelette, but the batter is actually made of rice flour and coconut milk. It was my first time and definitely not my last. The portion is huge and filled with lots of vegetables and meat. I loved it.

Sizzling Steak

This was Dang's favorite dish because the beef is tender and flavorful. I personally thought it was just okay, but I liked how it came with rice and salad.

Pho 

Vermicelli with Grilled Shrimp and Eggrolls

Bun Rieu

They had my ultimate favorite which gave them extra points from me

Overall:  There are plenty of seating, the staff is super friendly, the price is fair, the service was fast, the food is fresh and AWESOME! I will be back here every time I'm in San Diego now.

Thank you DC

I am forever grateful for my amazing experience in Washington DC. I was blessed with an amazing internship and the opportunity to have established incredible relationships.

Here are my highlights of my experience:

Always had to carry my ID card to show to the security guard when I enter the building, the plastic gray thing for the elevator, and the key to enter my apartment and room!

I am very grateful and blessed to have such awesome roommates! 

Lauren- my roommate, I will cherish our late night talks in bed

Cynthia- I loved that you make fun of me and your awesome cooking/research skills

Lisa- I loved your amazing ability to know every single song ever created!

My office at the Department of the Treasury

Everyday I look out my window and see the side entrance to the White House, but I never even got a glimpse of Obama.

With the Treasurer of the United States- Rosie Rios

She was the nicest lady ever. Her career path went from consulting, to real estate management, to Treasurer! I have a similar interest in her career path, but I'm not sure how that would lead to her current position.

At my favorite museum- the Newseum

I had fun playing Anchorwoman

One of my favorite quick/cheap food- VFalafels

Best hamburger ever- Ray's Hell Burger

First time Wine Tasting with the roommate

UC Davis Represents!

Only 11/30 of us

Until next time Washington DC!

I will cherish the memories and the friendships I formed. Thank you and I will be back!

Last day in DC

What would you do on your last day in DC? 

Views from the Old Post Office

The Old Post Office is a historic place. But I really think that this is a waste of good space. The building is used for office space rentals and cheap souvenir stores. Maybe one day, they will renovate the building and bring some life back.

The American History Museum

Here is Michelle Obama's Inauguration dress

My favorite part of the exhibit is the showcase of the First Ladies' dresses

First Washington Monument

Happy Hour at Ceiba

Check out their website for amazing Happy Hour deals at this "fancy" Latin restaurant

1/2 off all appetizers

Sangria

Fruity and delicious

Jumbo Lump Crab Meat with fresh mango/scotch tartar sauce

Small portions with a good chunk of crab meat. I would totally not pay the full price of $12.

Yucatan Shrimp Ceviche Cocktail

The napkin cloth holds exactly 5 pieces of chips. Of course, we had to ask for more

Smiles for happy hour!

Hanging out with Adrian

After we asked for the 5th time, the waiter finally brought out a decent sized amount of chips.

Last Supper at Madjet

Voted best Ethiopian Food in Washington DC

Another hands-on experience

The House Special -$10.00

Full of flavor, generous portions of meat, delicious

(I would recommend this)

Vegetarian Platter (2 orders)

Lots of variety and fresh

The sour and spongy Injera (Ethiopian bread) to compliment the meal

We told the owners we came because they were voted as one of the Top Ethiopian Restaurants. He was so thankful that we came, that he gave us free sauce/side dish on the house!

I'm glad to have ended my food adventure with this delicious cultural delicacy with my amazing roommates Lauren, Cynthia, and Lisa.

Pizza with the Girls

Tori and Christina have been raving about this place for days, I'm glad we made it just in time for happy hour to see what the buzz is about.

Pizzeria Paraidiso

Antipasto

Siciliana (Basically all vegetables)

Bosco

Atomica

It wasn't as spicy as it said it would be

An extremely large alcohol menu

We practically spend everyday together

Eating takes focus, it is serious business

Overall: A little pricey for $12 for an 8" pizza. But the crust and flavors were delicious! Good company was definitely a plus too!