JustinMar.com: The official website of Justin Mar

It has been yet another year that flew by faster than a "New York Minute." I can only say that 2008 was another year of life lessons, happiness, and good eating. I can only look forward to 2009 and what it has to offer. Stay posted. I think this year has some "sunshine" ahead.

I know I'm a day late! Yesterday was Christmas Day. My excuse was the fact that I was too busy to make a blog post. :) Christmas Day was spent with my immediate family. My sister roasted crab with garlic and butter. I made jambalaya and brussel sprouts. My aunt made pork adobo. Plenty of food and no leftovers! For dessert, we had a coffee crumb cake from the famous Eastern Bakery in San Francisco's Chinatown. Yes, we are family of big eaters. Opened gifts and had a wonderful time. As usual, I got a new stock of orange shirts/sweaters to add to my large existing collection of everything "orange". The gift that was the most meaningful to me was a Remote Controlled Helicopter . Here's a background information about the helicopter and the meaning behind it. When I was very little, my dad happened to purchase a Spiderman toy helicopter. My sister, who was a toddler at the time was the recipient of this toy. When you think of toy helicopters, you would t...

Growing up as an American Born Chinese (ABC), I was obviously exposed to Chinese food. My parents whom are also ABC were fortunate enough to expose my sister and I to various different cultural cuisines as we were growing up. My girlfriend on the other hand only ate Chinese food as she was growing up, and still to this day, her parents cook only Chinese food. She also mentioned to me that she really was not exposed to different types of food until she entered college. Most Americans have a liking to Chinese food. It's filling, inexpensive, different, somewhat healthy, and is well known as the default "take out" delivery food. So you ask why the love/hate I have with Chinese Food? It all started in the year 2000 when I went on a trip to China. For two weeks, we ate Chinese food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Aside from breakfast (dim sum), each meal was your typical 10 course+ banquet style dinner. In China, what else is there to eat (especially in the village...

Today is my 32nd Birthday. Another year older, fatter, and wiser. Thanks to those who wished me Birthday wishes on Facebook, email, or phone calls. No big party. Just a simple dinner with family. Simple and relaxing. Oh yeah, forgot to mention cake.