Just got back from a fun visit with my sister in Los Angeles… she actually lives in a little burg called Eagle Rock, between Glendale and Pasadena… home to some funky old cafes and a Trader Joe’s… so wish we could convince Joe to come to Memphis.

This photo is from one of my favorite meals during the trip… at Gingergrass in the ultra-hip neighborhood of Silver Lake… This Vietnamese restaurant takes a fresh, modern approach to the classic dishes. I was just crazy about the crispy whole shrimp (fried with the head on), tossed with salt, pepper and a touch of sugar. Claire’s eating a wok-seared filet mignon.

But what really blew my mind at Gingergrass was this incredible basil-lime “elixir”, which was a slightly sweet, slightly fizzy drink. I’ve been trying to figure out how they made it.

I came home with a case of wine… since prices and selection cannot be beat. One store offered to ship, another said it was illegal. Clear as mud, these liquor laws.

Other incredible edibles on our whirlwind adventure to the West Coast: Fantastico shrimp in a chipotle/tomatillo sauce at Mexico City in Los Feliz, spotted a star eating breakfast in South Pasadena (Kathy Baker, who was most recently on “Nip/Tuck”), gorgeous red velvet cupcakes from Auntie Em’s in Eagle Rock, cruising the pristine salad bar at Whole Foods in Glendale, picnicking on Malibu Beach, making Southern-style mac-and-cheese for sissy and friends.

So, do you have any resolutions that involve eating?