It has been quite some time when I’ve written a blog post on here. 2023 was definitely a busy year and am I am so grateful for all the experiences this year.

One of the most common questions I get asked is “Where are some of your favorite restaurants?” As odd it is; I sometimes struggle answering this question. This perhaps can be because I get to try so many awesome places throughout the year. Thru this year end blog post however; I am able to reflect and look back and see which places were the most memorable for me this 2023. This blog post is essentially my response to what made my list favorite restaurants this 2023 🙂.

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Desserts 2023!

From ube treats to peach desserts to churros; this 2023 I found some of the best desserts in town

 Foodologie Baked Goods (blog post: January 2023)

Foodologie is a Filipino owned business. The owner is Maria Leyesa; a first generation Filipino American. I got to try Foodologie Baked Goods when they were part of The Kitchen Terminal in Redondo Beach, California. Their ube brownie is amazing. It is so soft and perfectly rich and buttery. Aside from their ube brownie; I fell in love with Foodologie Baked Good’s Ubedoodle cookies. The Ubedoodle is definitely a must try for any ube lover as you are sure to be in for a treat. This cookie is bursting with ube flavor. I am happy to hear that Foodologie now has a brick and mortar shop that is located in Belmont Shore, Long Beach, California

Sweet Red Peach (Yelp review: November 2023)

Sweet Red Peach’s first location was in Inglewood, California. This 2023 they opened up a location in the South Bay; right at the heart of Del Amo Fashion Center. I was so happy to see this new South Bay loaction as I am a big fan of Sweet Red Peach’s desserts. They have gigantic fresh baked cookies that are quite the treat. Each cookie is made fresh daily. Though their cookies are my favorite; I got to add a new Sweet Red Peach favorite on my list this year when I tried their peach cobbler cake. The peach cobbler cake is made of the softest cake and topped with fresh juicy peaches. It is a true peachy indulgence that will make you feel just peachy 😉.

Azucanela Churreria (Yelp review: December 2023)

I love churros and coffee and Azucanela Churreria is the perfect place for both. Their menu consists of a variety of different churros that you can choose from. Everything here is made fresh to order and so you are guaranteed a hot, yummy treat. I tried their Churro Relleno; a stuffed churro with goat milk. I paired this with their Latte de Horchata. The churro and the horchata were a match made in heaven. I love their soft churros and creamy latte drinks.

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Coffee 2023!

I found my new coffee crush this year and I am a whole latte in love with this new place.

The Nook Coffee Bar Torrance (blog post: April 2023)

The Nook Coffee Bar definitely is on the top of my list of favorite places this year. Their Island Matcha drink hands down is the best coffee drink I’ve had all year. I’ve called this drink a “vacation in cup” and it truly has Hawaii vibes with it’s coconut and macademia flavors. An added bonus is it is made with oat milk.

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Ramen 2023!

I continue to be a ramen fanatic and was so happy to find another amazing ramen spot right in the South Bay!

Hironori Craft Ramen Torrance (blog post: April 2023)

Not far from The Nook Coffee Bar is Hironori Craft Ramen. Both spots are located at The Enclave; a new dining destination in the South Bay. Hironori Craft Ramen also makes my list of top favorite places this year. Their Tonkatsu ramen is a true winner. It has creamy broth, tender chashu and a wonderful flavored egg. A touch of minced garlic on this ramen adds even more flavor to this already delicious ramen. If you add a few dabs in chili oil; it is the perfect ramen all around. You’ll have a bit of creaminess, a dash of spice and so much flavor!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Brunch 2023!

A good brunch place always makes me smile.

Bites and Bashes Cafe (Yelp review : May 2023)

Bites and Bashes is an awesome little spot for brunch. From sweet dishes to savory entrees; they have something for everyone. Being an ube fan; it’s no surprise that I loved their Ube Lava Pancakes. This delightful dish consists of buttermilk pancakes drizzled in ube condensed milk and topped off with coconut shreds. Not far behind this dish however in terms of taste is their Kimchi Fried Rice. This savory entree is full of flavor. I love how the spicy Kimchi fried rice is topped with eggs and spam.

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Chicken Spot 2023!

Winner, winner chicken dinner. Chicken and waffles; you say? I’m in!

Bruxie El Segundo (blog post: July 2023)

When Bruxie opened up their new location in El Segundo this year; I was so excited and blessed to be one of the first to visit their restaurant. Their Holy Chicken definitely won a place in my heart. This savory chicken waffle sandwich beats all waffle sandwiches. This drool worthy sandwich consists of a sweet maple glazed chicken, crispy applewood smoked bacon, cheddar, sriracha Mayo and a super runny sunny side up egg. It’s so messy! It’s so delightful! It’s so right to make it on this list of favorites for the year!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Tacos 2023!

No need to wait for Tuesdays to have tacos!

Guisados Hermosa Beach (Yelp review : August 2023)

Guisados in Hermosa Beach takes the spot for the best tacos in town for this girl this year. I love The Sampler from here. I got to try their Steak Picado + Chorizo along with the. Tinga de Pollo tacos. I can’t even pick which one is my favorite because each and every taco was packed with flavorful meat. I definitely won’t be waiting for Tuesdays for these tacos because any day is a perfect taco day with Guisados! This place is super close to the fun Hermosa Beach pier; which adds an even more bonus points!

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Egg Spot 2023!

I get egg-cited for egg-cellent dishes and this Bruin girl found a egg-ceptional place right in Westwood

Egg Tuck (Yelp review : December 2023)

Can we do an 8-clap for this egg-ceptional place in Westwood? Egg Tuck was definitely one of my favorite finds this year near the UCLA campus. The Avo Egg Sandwich is the best. I love the fresh slices of avocado mixed with fluffy eggs that is sandwiched in between two soft, buttery brioche buns.

Hello Foodie Jenn Best Hidden Gem 2023!

A hidden door and speakeasy vibes. Count me in

LXSO (Yelp review : December 2023)

Located inside Bluegold in Huntington Beach is LXSO. It’s not every day you find a restaurant inside a restaurant and only a lucky few can find LXSO which is completely hidden behind an unmarked door. Not only was the restaurant itself a surprise; but it was also a surprise for to me to learn that LXSO is sister restaurant to my favorite South Bay restaurant Little Sister. With their delicious Southeast Asian inspired dishes and a beautiful view of the Huntington Beach pier; I couldn’t help but be a fan of this secret spot. The Red Curry Spiced Pork Rinds makes for a beautiful looking starter and tasty light starter.

This year’s Hello Foodie Jenn Year in Review consisted of 10 of my favorite spots that I went to this 2023. From tacos to cookies to coffee; I definitely enjoyed each and every one of these spots. I hope you’ll get try them too and enjoy these spots as much as I did.

Thank you all so, so much for all the support this year of my sugar, spice and Hello Kitty nice adventures via Hello Foodie Jenn and see you in 2024!