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Goodbye Los Angeles + Avocado Wit Beer Alfredo

The photos in this post  were taken with a vintage film camera

in or around Los Angeles over the past 10 years.

I took them with a 1965 Nikon F (excluding the pasta photos)

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Los Angeles has become a part of me, imbedded itself into my soul and grew me into the person I have become. Leaving feels heavy. It’s hard to say goodbye, to walk away, but I’m ready. I’m excited to take the next step into a new phase of my life even with the feeling of grief I have over leaving the City I’ve been in for so long.

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I’ve done more than just live here or even thrive here. LA has been more than just the backdrop to the majority of my life. She is a part of who I am and I love Los Angeles. I will fiercely defend her when outsiders can’t see past the Hollywood Portrayal of a very small side of the city I’m in love with.

Autosave-File vom d-lab2/3 der AgfaPhoto GmbH

I was born in LA, briefly left, making my way back in my late teens behind the wheel of an old Ford Bronco packed with little more than a suitcase.

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I know LA, in a way that you can’t if you’ve never lived here. Like outsiders can never really know what it’s like to grow up in your family: it’s flawed and dirty and beautiful and yours. This is LA.

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LA has been good to me. She’s seen me fall in love, become broken, find myself, find a love for food, chase my dreams. But I’ve seen her change too.

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I’ve watched my friends go from homeless musicians to Grammy winners. I’ve worked with gang members in Compton. I’ve cried with holocaust survivors in Beverly Hills.  I’ve smoked cigars on the roof of Chateau Marmont with literal rock stars. I’ve eaten bacon wrapped hot dogs outside The Short Stop and burritos on Sunset at 3 am. I’ve watched the sunrise over an empty beach in the middle of winter. I’ve been trapped inside a broken down car on the 405 at rush hour. I’ve watched the beer scene go from non-existent to thriving. I’ve played Guitar Hero with famous musicians at Sound City Recording Studio. I’ve worked a waitress job for a money launderer. I’ve bartended a party at a crumbling Frank Lloyd Wright house.  I’ve stuck the Troubadour VIP sticker on the thigh of my jeans many, many times. I’ve spent the afternoon talking to homeless vets on the streets of Downtown. I’ve gotten lost on the worthless Metro. I taught a homeless kid how to drive a stick shift at 5am in a mall parking lot. I’ve eaten dinner on stage at The Hollywood Bowl. I’ve been an extra in a movie and witness a drive by shooting in the same day. I walked a catwalk in nearly nothing at a low-budget European designers US press show.

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The moments haven’t all been pretty, but they haven’t been dull. There is this feeling in LA, that if you find the right place and stand there long enough, the entire world will walk past you. And it’s with a heavy heart that I leave. But I’m taking LA with me. The person I’ve been made into, the food I’ve fallen in love with, the beer that is a part of my story and a part of my life.

This isn’t Goodbye, LA. Not really. I’m moving North, LA, but a part of me will always be your girl.

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I want you to join me on this journey. I’ll be posting on Instagram and Twitter. Follow me, give me your advice, show your support, watch me move and then explore a new city.

I’ll tell you more about where I’m going next week, come back and I’ll tell you all about the new city that I’ll be writing The Beeroness from and the great beer they have.

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If you’re in Los Angeles, come join me for one last pint at Basin 141 in Montrose, February 19th from 6 to 9PM. I’ll be signing books and the kitchen will be making some of my dishes. The fantastic Eagle Rock Brewery will be there too, taking over all the taps.

Today, lets eat some pasta. With beer from one of my favorite Los Angeles breweries, Angel City, as well as Avocados, which might as well be California’s official State Fruit.

Avocado Wit Beer Alfredo Pasta

 

Avocado Wit Beer Alfredo

Ingredients
  

  • 4 servings of pasta of choice about 1 pound
  • ½ lbs avocado about 1 large or two small
  • ½ cup cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 2 wt. oz
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbs wit beer
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 2 large tomatoes diced

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, drain and return to pot.
  • In a food processor add the avocado meat, cream, parmesan, pepper, salt and beer, process until very smooth.
  • Add the sauce to the pasta pot, return to heat, stirring until warmed, about 3 minutes.
  • Plate, top with arugula and tomatoes before serving.

Angel City Wit

 

Like The Beeroness on Facebook and Instagram to follow all the post from my move and into my new city! I might be leaving LA, but The Beeroness is coming with me. I will continue to write, post, cook, eat and drink.

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Comments


Christine M February 7, 2014 um 12:32 am

Beautiful! Fair winds and following seas, Ms. Jackie.

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Averie @ Averie Cooks February 7, 2014 um 12:39 am

What an awesome, awesome post! So well-written and I had goosebumps, smirks, smiles, and nods of agreement with so many things you wrote! You are an awesome writer, Jackie! And of course, can’t wait to hear where you’re headed!

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Beer_Geek Chris February 7, 2014 um 3:01 am

Great post! Wish I was in LA to join you on your send off

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Heidi @foodiecrush February 7, 2014 um 6:41 am

While I didn’t have QUITE the same experiences as you (totally jealous BTW) after living in LA and leaving, well, theres something about that city that gets under your skin. Both good and bad. I miss it in many ways, and don’t in many more. Can’t wait to hear about your new adventure. Sometimes, it’s just time…

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Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies February 7, 2014 um 6:49 am

Wow, it sounds like you’ve had an incredible life in LA! This pasta looks delicious and I wish you luck in your move 🙂

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Lori @ RecipeGirl February 7, 2014 um 7:04 am

Wow, what neat memories! Can’t wait to hear about where your life is taking you next! Good luck!

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Meredith In sock monkey slippersdith February 7, 2014 um 7:57 am

Wish you the best of luck on your new adventure! I’m sure you will rock it!

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Linda February 7, 2014 um 8:38 am

The best to you on your new adventure. Moving sucks, but heading north in California will be cool. Great beers in NOCAL

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Tieghan February 7, 2014 um 10:58 am

What an incredible, incredible post Jackie! Seriously, you have live on heck of a life. To be honest, LA scares the shit out of me. I was only there for school and working at the same time, so I did not get to give years of chances. My older brother is actually living there now, so I am excited to visit and just have some fun.

I am so excited for you and your new adventures. I cannot wait to hear more!

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Cassie February 7, 2014 um 11:37 am

Fabulous post! You have some amazing memories and I’m sure you will make more anywhere you find yourself.

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Samantha February 7, 2014 um 1:22 pm

To many new adventures! I look forward to hearing about your new city.

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Sara February 7, 2014 um 1:26 pm

What a beautiful tribute! Congrats and GRACE to you- moving is a bear (as you know)
CHEERS!

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addie | culicurious February 7, 2014 um 1:29 pm

Wow, how exciting, Jackie! Congrats on your big move. Excited to hear where it will be to. I have a hunch but who knows??? 😉

Also, your photos of LA are gorgeous. Your love for it is obvious and deep.

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Gerry @ Foodness Gracious February 7, 2014 um 1:32 pm

Wow…I wish you all the best and I know you’ll have barrels of fun! Take care 🙂

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Sophia @ NY Foodgasm February 7, 2014 um 1:37 pm

Oh noooooo! I’m coming to LA 2/22!! Will you be in town any longer??? I would love to meet you. This is a super cool post, WOW Jackie you know how to live! I hope your next city is NY!!

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dave ruybalid February 7, 2014 um 1:57 pm

Jackie, so you are moving up north, great. The big c athletic club wants you for a beer cooking seminar.
Dave

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Geez Louise February 7, 2014 um 4:32 pm

What an incredible piece of writing, you are so talented my dear friend. You had me on the edge of my seat thinking you’re moving to Michigan! Dirty rat…

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Rachel Cooks February 7, 2014 um 5:29 pm

Great post! Can’t wait to read more. Best of luck with the move!

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Kristen February 7, 2014 um 5:57 pm

Love these photos and your story…can’t wait to hear about the next chapter!

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Megan February 7, 2014 um 6:06 pm

So when you say "moving north", how far north is it?!? I’ll be sitting here with crossed fingers! XOXO,

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lynn @ the actor’s diet February 7, 2014 um 6:27 pm

So sad to hear this but you will have wonderful adventures – just bummed we never got to podcast!

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Lana February 7, 2014 um 6:41 pm

After four years in LA, I still feel like a tourist:) I read your post in one single breath and it made me wistful for a past that’s not mine. Your nostalgic moments awoke a weird sense of melancholy and joy and I thank you for letting me experience your LA, even virtually.

I wish you the best on your move north (wherever NORTH is:) Looking forward to following your hoppy adventures (sorry for the cheesy pun)!

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Julia February 7, 2014 um 8:09 pm

LA will miss you! Can’t wait to hear about all the new adventures!

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Hannah Bananah February 8, 2014 um 1:37 am

I’m curious! I want to know where you’re going. I’ll follow along, sound exciting.

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sippitysup February 8, 2014 um 12:40 pm

Yes. But I know I’ll be seeing you again. XOGREG

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Paula – bell’alimento February 8, 2014 um 2:25 pm

Great memories! Can’t wait to see what will be new on the horizon for you!

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Issac M. February 9, 2014 um 8:22 pm

I just want to say I’ve followed your blog for a while but never commented. I’m excited to see where you go and follow along. thank you

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joy the baker February 9, 2014 um 10:58 pm

i wish you BIG and GOOD on your new adventure!

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Jackie February 9, 2014 um 11:07 pm

Thank you Joy! Hope we can grab drinks next time I’m in LA 🙂

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Maria G. February 10, 2014 um 1:03 pm

That is one of my favorite recipes! My husband adores this dish and I cook it very often. I like the pictures you have posted. Especially the picture of stones washed by the waves. It reminds me that summer is getting closer!

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Tyson February 12, 2014 um 2:14 am

I want to tell you that I loved this post. Probably the best post I’ve read in a while which is why I love your blog! The photos are great and I can’t wait to read all about your journey.

Reply

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