Epicurean Cutie
Foodie alert. Meet Amy (aka Epicurean Cutie). I first came across her on Yelp where she's received the coveted "ROTD" (Review of the Day) six times (beating out my meager four nods). She's written over 400 reviews (that's just on Yelp) and has recently taken to YouTube to showcase her cooking talents. When she's not kicking my ass in Words with Friends, she's blogging her way across L.A., leaving a trail of lovestruck men and dirty martini's in her wake.
Q: Tell us a little about your background
I was born in Taiwan and came to California when I was 6. I consider myself pretty Americanized but am still in touch with my Taiwanese heritage.
Q: Are you sweet, spicy or a little bit of both?
A bit of both. More spicy than sweet... who doesn't like a lil fire?
Q: What motivated you to start your blog? How do you see it evolving?
I love to eat and take pictures of my food. It was just a natural progression since I also love to write. It started with Yelp, then I decided to incorporate photos into my reviews. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. In terms of evolving, I would like to incorporate more how-to cooking videos on there. I get a great response whenever I post them, but I've just been so busy lately to shoot any.
Q: What's the best thing you ever ate?
Hmmm... too many to name, but most recently I had the best toro sushi ever at Jinpachi in West Hollywood. It literally melted in my mouth. I had 4 pieces and seriously could have eaten 4 more.
Q: What's your favorite supermarket indulgence?
I can't pass up a good bottle of bubbly. I'm also a sucker for kale. Yes, kale.
Q: What food shows, if any, do you watch?
So many! Top Chef, Iron Chef, Giada at Home, and I also like Unwrapped.
Q: What's the worst restaurant experience you've ever had?
Ugh, my friends and I had just finished a $200 meal at Wakasan and the waitress came over and asked us to leave right after we paid the bill. She said there were people waiting for our table. Funny thing was, there were 3 other empty tables! It was downright rude and we ended up staying for another hour just to piss her off.
Q: What pisses you off?
Stupid, inconsiderate, rude people. I can't stand people who think their crap don't stink. No one is perfect so don't pretend to be.
Q: What's your favorite Vegas buffet?
I'm not really into buffets, but I guess Bellagio is pretty decent.
Q: What's your favorite steakhouse?
BLT Steak is delicious. I love the bone-in rib eye with marrow. And, the chicken liver pate is to die for.
Q: I know you love club music. What's the best mix you've heard recently?
I'm really digging "Memories" by David Guetta and Kid Cudi. It's more mainstream, but the beat is tight.
Q: If you could choose your last meal, what would it be?
Kagaya Shabu in Little Tokyo. 2 appetizers, shabu, rice soup and dessert. At least I'll definitely die happy and full.
Q: What three people would you want to invite to dinner?
Audrey Hepburn, Christian Bale and Brad Pitt.
Q: What do you want for Christmas?
I want to take a trip to London.
Q: What's your favorite recipe? Please share.
Please share. I love vermicelli noodles. Here's a simple recipe:
Stir-Fried Vermicelli with Garlic and Scallions
Serves 4
- 8 ounces dried vermicelli (very thin rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow rice wine
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small piece ginger, minced
- 1 stalk scallions, cut to 1-inch lengths
Soak the vermicelli in cold water for 15 to 25 minutes, until they are soft enough to eat but still firm. (If you're in a hurry, soak it in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes; the warmer the water, the faster it'll take.) Careful not to oversoak, or they will be too soggy to stir-fry. With a colander, drain out excess water. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, yellow rice wine, water, sugar, and pepper and set aside.
Heat the cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and the onions begin to caramelize, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add half the sauce mixture. Add the vermicelli, then the rest of the sauce. Stir the noodles well until the vegetables and seasonings are mixed through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to plate(s) and serve hot.
Epicurean Cutie on the Web
Buddha
Reader Comments (3)
OMG SHE'S HOT!!!!
Sexy. So when is your page coming out - - my friends and I want to check it out. Am I wrong in assuming that there will be a video of you on this blog soon? I mean, we have been waiting. Can you let us know?
My page? As for video... if you've seen the Pillsbury Doughboy, you've seen me. I doubt anyone wants to see me on camera (might lead to seizures), but... I have been toying with the idea of doing video updates.