Chinese Snacking and Salsa Dancig

We had a very festive Friday night.

We started the evening in Chinatown, where they hold a Night Market every Friday. It's packed to the gills with shoppers and eaters trolling the many stalls packed on top of the many restaurants and shops already covering these few blocks. Many stands sell chachkies, toys, and quirky clothes, but of course we came for the food.

Each food stand sells a few items of Asian street foods. One might have a slate of dim sum treats, while another might focus on just kebabs. Prices start at two bucks a pop, so we had a lot fun hopping around, peeking to see what was cooking at each stall, and picking and choosing what to try. We got to taste lots of goodies we'd never had before.

G with some spicy meat skewers.

These reminded me of arepas when we saw them from afar. They're sandwiches made out of grilled bread stuffed with a scallion and meat filing.


These shrimp balls were the night's winner. Savory doughnuts with a liquid center and stuffed wuth a shrimp.


For dessert, stuffed pancake. The centers are stuffed with custard in a variety of flavors. Our's is green tea.

After munching on Chinese snacks, we made our way down to the Rocks to meet up with some friends for some dancing. Latin dancing to be exact. Latin dancing and I didn't have to do any cajoling or persuading to get anyone out. It wasn't even my plan. Carla, Alexandra, and Shradha concocted the plan. I was just along for the ride, and oh so happy to go! Happily, G was willing to come too.

We all met up a little club called Vivaz that played a good mix of music – funk, reggaeton, and of course, merengue and salsa. They switched off between a DJ and a live band. The place had a nice vibe that wasn't at all pretentious, with a good number of people on the dance floor without being packed, so there was plenty of room to dance. Still, you can't help but get knocked into a few times.

One thing I love about latin dancing is that it brings in people of all ages. As often is the case, the best dancers on the floor were a senior couple. The gentleman suavely spun his gorgeous partner around the floor, very aware and proud of her sensuality. I only hope to have a small hint of that at her age.

I have to say, I think our group represented well. Carla and Alexandra obviously knew what they were doing. The moves petite, little Shradha's used while dancing with her husband, Addy, packed a walloping punch for such a pint-sized package. And Ms. Jen's moves caught the eyes of a couple of admirers. I think the easygoing vibe of this club suited G much more than the militant style of dancing at some of the places we've been to in LA, so I'm pretty sure even he had a good time.

G and Addy. I think this is proof that G's having a good time.

By the end of the night, I'd worn me feet raw with dancing and had to limp all the way home.