Author Archives: Kiki Maraschino

About Kiki Maraschino

I like catfish. Sure, we all like catfish, but I think for me it is somehow deeper.

Day 1: Saturday Vancouver: The Elbow Room (CLOSED)

OK, first of all let me warn all of you that this is my computer set-up right now. So forgive the spelling errors. The flight, customs, everything went smoothly. Our room at what looked to be a cheesy Holiday Inn … Continue reading

Posted in Canada, Vancouver | 1 Comment

I was a Teenage Supertaster!

Ever since I was little, I have always been a “picky eater”. When I complained that food is overly salty, bitter, smoky or sour, people would insist that it was “just fine”. The butter wasn’t rancid, the meat wasn’t spoiled … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Where to eat in Leimert Park

Ackee Bamboo serves up delicious Jamaican food in a cozy diner atmosphere. Cafe Soul fries some of the best catfish in town. Mama’s House for catfish, smothered meats, greens, and chicken wings the size of bats. M&Ms Soul Food a … Continue reading

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Meet me at 59th and Lex

Bloomingdale’s diner is the perfect spot for ladies who lunch. 59th & Lex appears upon first glance to be only a glorified coffee bar for a quick break from the 40% off sale. This little diner is actually so much … Continue reading

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Gordon Ramsay Does the Predictable!

Why is everyone calling this an upset? I called this one with about 5 contestants left. You could see the fire in Christina’s eyes every time a challenge was posed. She is like a racehorse chomping at the bit, fully … Continue reading

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Millie’s

Once upon a time Millie’s was the only game in town. Sure, there was the House of Pies and the coffee shop on Sunset that is now some kind of brewpub — but no one ever went there. Millie’s had … Continue reading

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4th of July in Leimert Park

4th of July the parking lot behind Vision Theater was home to Leimert park’s annual jazz festival. Music, dancing, and shopping were main attractions. But the real question was – what was there to eat? Marilyn’s had a stand there, … Continue reading

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Oh Canada! Wednesday: Home Again Home Again

Wednesday walked into town for lunch with Jeanette before heading to the airport. We had lunch at a homespun diner called The Maid’s Cottage. My Shepherd’s pie was homey, and would have been perfect if not for the mixed frozen … Continue reading

Posted in toronto | 2 Comments

Oh Canada! Tuesday: The Last Supper

Tuesday was our last night in Ontario. Another cousin and his very witty girlfriend took us out for dinner. When someone else is treating, you go where you are taken. So in spite of buffets having a bad reputation of … Continue reading

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Oh Canada! Monday: Of Rugs and Roti

On Monday we hooked up with my dad’s side of the family and went to the Museum of Textiles. There was a demo/participation display and since it was unattended, my mom walked over and started weaving to show my uncle … Continue reading

Posted in Canada, toronto | 1 Comment

My Word Cloud

Strange things happen when you Google yourself. I write for a group blog – mostly restaurant and music reviews, photo essays and a few hard news items. I didn’t realize there are journalism watch sites tracking every word you write. … Continue reading

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Oh Canada! Sunday: I Go over Niagara Falls

Sunday the weather was on our side and my mom, Auntie Jeanette and I were able to take a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls. So technically speaking, I went over Niagara Falls – sans barrel. The view from outside The … Continue reading

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Oh Canada! Saturday: In Which Musical Theater Nearly Does Me In

Saturday my mom and I went to Niagara Helicopters Limited, but the copters were grounded due to inclement weather. On the way back, we passed by the Evel Knievel Daredevil Museum. My cousin said, “I suppose you want to stop … Continue reading

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Oh Canada! Friday Night: April Wine and May Poutine

At the “Springilicious Festival” in Niagara Falls, Ontario, we met up with my cousin’s work friends and started drinking. One friend introduced himself to me by saying, “Hi. I’m John. I play bass.” (Did I mention that I play guitar?”) … Continue reading

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Oh Canada! Friday: Bye Bye Buffalo

Friday I headed over to Charlie the Butcher’s. You place your order at the counter where the day’s side dishes are displayed. The set-up allows you to ogle the carving station from anywhere in the restaurant. An old man sitting … Continue reading

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