New Year Osechi

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO2500
“Osechi” Cedar Park, 2025

It seems like my first blog post every year is always about Mariko’s delicious osechi. This year’s was no exception! She switched things up by using pork instead of the usual beef, and I have to say — I loved it even more!

Bonus pic of Anko surfacing like a seal in the ocean:

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO400
“Anko the Seal” Cedar Park, 2025

Sedona to Torrance

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO1000
“Breakfast” Cottonwood, 2024

Today was a long travel day, starting in Sedona, Arizona, and ending in Torrance, California. We kicked things off with a yummy breakfast at the Old Town Red Rooster Café in Cottonwood before hitting the road. Bay took the wheel for the first leg, and I drove the California stretch.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/340 sec, ISO80
“Driver” Arizona, 2024

After a full day of driving, dinner at CoCo Ichibanya hit the spot. I usually go for level 10 spiciness, but this location now offers levels 15 and 20! Naturally, I had to try level 15. It was spicy, though I feel like their old level 10 from years back packed more heat. Either way, I’m definitely trying level 20 next time!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO320
“Katsu Curry” Torrance, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO320
“Spiciness Level” Torrance, 2024