This site is the venue of my collection of special and ordinary Philippine and American dishes. For the last 55 years, My wife, Macrine Nieva Jambalos Katague had been the boss in the Kitchen. However, when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2013, I have to take over her cooking duties. I have been enjoying cooking and this proves that one is never too old to learn new things in life.
Last Night, Sunday, November 30, 2025, Brian Hirahara💚 and Family hosted a catered Dinner & Drinks from Havana Restaurant, a popular Cuban restaurant in Walnut Creek. https://www.havanarestaurant.net/.
We have Seafood Paella, Chicken Adobo, Plantain, Empanaditas, Salad and Churros and Creamy chocolate mouse for desserts. Mojitos and Lemonade were the choice of beverage. Before the Dinner, Brian presented the latest developments in downtown Walnut Creek. Since pictures speak louder than words here are some photos Ditas and I took during the dinner.
Brian and Me
My Plate-No dessert for Me
Thank you for the Dinner and Drinks, Brain. If you ever want to run for Mayor, I will vote for you. Brian, is the son of Carle, one of my bridge friends here at THD. 💚Brian is President and Owner of BH Development of Walnut Creek, CA
Meanwhile, here are five of the top news stories today (December 1, 2025):
📰 Top Headlines for December 1, 2025
Nasry Asfura leads in Honduras election, backed by Donald Trump
Asfura, the conservative candidate backed by Trump, has taken a slim lead in Honduras’s presidential race — a development likely to draw international attention. Reuters
Federal Reserve could face internal dissent in upcoming meetings — market watchers alert
Analysts expect a series of dissenting votes within the Fed in future meetings, which could introduce risks for markets and complicate upcoming monetary policy decisions. Reuters
Ukraine — fresh strikes and shifting dynamics raise stakes as peace talks advance
Kyiv was struck by renewed Russian attacks overnight, resulting in civilian casualties. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with negotiators pushing for a durable peace even as tensions remain high. Al Jazeera+1
Average 30-year mortgage rates in the U.S. fall to ~6.144% — small reprieve for prospective homebuyers
The drop in mortgage rates may ease pressure on U.S. homebuyers, though rates remain historically elevated compared with pre-2022 norms. The Economic Times
New analysis warns nearly 12% of U.S. jobs — ~20 million — could be replaced by AI automation
A report released today suggests that automation driven by AI could displace tens of millions of American jobs, echoing concerns about a potential jobs crisis on the scale of historical economic downturns. 247wallst.com
After our Turkey Dinner here at THD on last Wednesday, I was ready for a meal besides Turkey. This was achieved when on Thanksgiving Day, Dinah, Ditas and I went to Pearl Bay Manor for Dimsum in Dublin, CA. The Dimsum place is still under the Grand Opening stage and the place was mobbed. We have to wait for 15 minutes to be seated since they did not have reservation that day. The food was great but the price is a little bit higher compared to other Dimsum places in the area. Since pictures speak louder than words, here are my photos that day.
Looking at the Restaurant Clients, I felt I was either in Hongkong, China or in San Francisco China Town.
Meanwhile, here are five of the biggest news stories today (November 29, 2025):
📰 Top 5 Headlines
Donald Trump says airspace above and around Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety.”The declaration intensifies tensions with Venezuela amid growing political pressure on its government. Reuters+2Al Jazeera+2
Global airlines scramble after a software glitch affects Airbus A320 jets — hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed. The recall and repairs are creating major disruptions in air travel across Asia and Europe. Reuters
Aceh and surrounding regions in Indonesia hit by deadly floods and landslides — death toll rising as rescue operations continue. The disaster has displaced many communities and triggered urgent humanitarian response. Big News Network+1
Sri Lanka reels from cyclonic damage as floods and landslides after Cyclone Ditwah kill dozens, prompt missing-person reports and government mobilization. International aid efforts are underway. Nhan Dan Online+1
Kyiv: Power cuts and civilian casualties after missile and drone attacks — part of the continuing assaults on Ukraine’s infrastructure by Russian-controlled forces. The strikes add to mounting civilian hardship and infrastructure damage in the war-torn region. The Guardian+1
Every family has its holiday traditions, some carve the turkey, some debate politics they promised not to bring up, and some… well, some apparently place their 5-month-old baby in a stock pot and call it a celebration.
This year, my great-grandson, yes, great-grandson—the son of my oldest granddaughter up in Portland, Oregon, made his grand Thanksgiving debut as the cutest “little turkey” our family has ever produced. And trust me, after all these years and all these Thanksgivings, that’s saying a lot.
There he sat, smiling proudly from inside a gleaming pot big enough to cook a small village’s worth of stew, wrapped in a kitchen towel and wearing a knitted turkey hat with eyes so wide it looked like it was just as surprised as the rest of us. Surrounding him were the classic Thanksgiving vegetables: carrots, potatoes, onions, celery like he was the star ingredient in a recipe we’d never have the heart or courage to finish.
But behind the jokes and the adorable absurdity, the photo hit me in a more reflective way. To look at him, my great-grandson, all bright-eyed and delighted by the world is to be reminded how many chapters of life I’ve lived, and how many new ones our family continues to write.
There’s something deeply grounding about seeing the next generation (and the next after that) stepping into the world with such innocence and joy. Especially knowing he comes from Portland, a city that embraces quirky creativity, so this photo feels about as on-brand as it gets.
In that one silly picture, I felt thanksgiving in its purest form: For family that grows. For traditions that evolve. For grandchildren who become parents. And for little ones who remind us that laughter is still the best seasoning to any holiday.
I’m grateful this year deeply, personally, wholeheartedly grateful for the chance to watch my family continue on, one tiny turkey at a time.
This is an adorable and intentionally playful Thanksgiving photo, and I can give you a thoughtful analysis without identifying anyone personally.
What’s in the image
A smiling, roughly 5-month-old baby sitting inside a large stock pot on a stovetop (clearly not in use).
The pot is lined with a kitchen towel for comfort.
The baby is wearing a crocheted hat shaped like a turkey—big eyes, beak, colorful felt “feathers.”
Surrounding the pot are classic soup or stew vegetables: carrots, potatoes, celery, onions.
A decorative “thankful” sign emphasizes the Thanksgiving theme.
Everything is arranged deliberately for a light-hearted, festive presentation.
This photo falls squarely into the category of playful, staged holiday baby photos.
It’s meant to be funny and cute, not realistic. Many families do Thanksgiving and Christmas photos where babies are placed in oversized props, pumpkins, stockings, baskets, cooking pots, gift boxes because babies’ expressions make the scenario charming rather than literal.
What makes this photo feel intentional rather than tacky:
The baby looks comfortable and happy.
The pot is clearly a prop, safely lined and not turned on.
The vegetables and decor emphasize the theme in a tongue-in-cheek way.
The turkey hat softens the whole concept, it signals humor immediately.
Why people enjoy this type of photo
It captures the humor and joy of a baby’s first holiday season.
It plays on the “little turkey” Thanksgiving expression that parents often use affectionately.
It’s whimsical, not serious and relatives typically love these keepsakes.
Bottom line
It’s cute, silly, festive and whimsical. The picture communicates warmth, humor, and the creativity of whoever set it up. It’s exactly the kind of photo families look back on fondly years later.
Meanwhile, Just, A REMINDER of the Bancroft Gardens Night Show
Finally, Here are some Photos of Ditas and I Dinner at Tanoshi Japanese Bistro last night;
Ditas and I were in our semi-private booth
The Sake Kama-Grilled Salmon Collar- Yummy
The Red Dragon Sushi
The Sake Kama ( grilled Salmon collar) reminds me of my Younger Days in the Philippines. One of the best dishes served here at Tanoshi.
Sake kama refers to the grilled collar or neck of a salmon, which is considered a delicacy in Japanese cuisine. It is a rich and fatty cut of fish with a succulent, tender texture and a crispy skin when grilled. The term is a combination of "sake," the Japanese word for salmon, and "kama," which means fish collar.
What it is: Sake kama is the cut of fish located just below the head of the salmon.
Flavor and texture: It has a rich, juicy, and fatty texture that melts in your mouth, providing a different taste from other parts of the salmon.
Preparation: It is most often prepared by grilling, typically with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, or with a glaze like teriyaki or mirin.
How it's served: It is commonly served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of soy sauce or ponzu sauce for dipping.
There are two Japanese restaurants in Walnut Creek, that I have patronized recently. The First restaurant is Tatsu Sushi located in the Ignacio Valley Plaza OutDoor Mall near Bancroft Rd just down John Muir Hospital.
Meanwhile, here are the Japanese food terms you should
know: Nigiri, sashimi and
sushi
rolls.
Nigiri is a type of sushi consisting of a hand-pressed oval of vinegared rice topped with a slice of raw or cooked seafood or other ingredients. The name "nigiri" means "hand-pressed" in Japanese, and it is a classic style of sushi known for its simplicity, showcasing the balance between the rice and the topping.
Construction:
A chef uses their hands to shape a small amount of sticky, vinegared rice into an oblong mound. A slice of topping, most often raw fish like tuna, salmon, or yellowtail, is then pressed onto the rice.
Ingredients:
The topping is often fish, but can also include cooked seafood like shrimp or eel, or even vegetables or egg. A small dab of wasabi is sometimes placed between the rice and the topping, and a garnish may be added.
Distinction from other sushi:
Nigiri is different from sashimi, which is just raw fish without rice. It also differs from sushi rolls, which are typically wrapped in seaweed and contain multiple ingredients inside.
Artistry:
Nigiri is considered a true test of a sushi chef's skill, as it requires years of practice to consistently shape the rice and press the topping together to create a perfectly balanced, melt-in-your-mouth piece.
💚Green tea with toasted rice is called
Genmaicha, a popular Japanese green tea
that combines green tea leaves with roasted brown rice. The toasting process gives
the rice a nutty flavor that balances the grassy notes of the green tea, creating a
unique, comforting taste that is often described as having hints of popcorn or toast.
Meanwhile, My Photo of the Day_ Trump ( Banksy Art)
.jpg)
