20qs
Elizabeth An
09.05.11
1. If you had to begin a different career what would you do?
Fashion! When I was in my early 20’s, I had my own high-end boutique in San Francisco. Hence, AnQi, my food and fashion concept and it’s 66 ft. glass catwalk as the centerpiece.
2. What's your most prize possession?
I always wear, close to me, my Buddha necklace and I always have my favorite Ugg slippers nearby. I grab any opportunity to put on my comfy slippers!
3. Favorite drink?
I love my gourmet teas and when I’m in the mood for a cocktail, it’s definitely the Let’s Get Me Le (The Peartini) at AnQi.
4. What are you cutting out because of the economy?
Buying less bags!
5. Fantasy purchase?
I have my eye on this particular Harry Winston watch…
6. What can’t you live without?
My mother and my husband, Gordon, are my best friends.
7. What’s next on your “to do” list?
I’m looking forward to opening our next AnQi. I’ve been fascinated with Asia and exploring the possibilities of doing something there.
8. Biggest regret?
With the busy schedule of the restaurant business, it doesn’t allow me to spend as much time with my family that I would like.
9. Cause that you’re most involved in? The An Family Foundation which takes part in many initiatives, most recently, The Bash, my daughter’s charity that went to benefiting The Teen Impact Program and Dialysis Center of CHOC, CHLA and UCSF Benioff Hospital.
10. Your dream day in OC?
Waking up to a two-hour foot massage, stopping by AnQi for my favorite French toast at Sunday brunch before some serious shopping at South Coast Plaza with my hubby, when I can talk him into doing so, and then ending my day with he and I off to popcorn, hot dogs and a movie.
11. Favorite place for breakfast?
Tiato in Santa Monica! I love their huevos rancheros and I’m addicted to their super-sized chocolate chip cookies.
12. What was the best day of your life?
My barefoot wedding!
13. Last concert that you went to?
Lang Lang at the Segerstrom Center – he was amazing!
14. Favorite vacation spot?
Careyes in Mexico – where I got married!
15. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you like to move?
I love SoCal but I have to say, I love Singapore! The city offers all of my favorite things, food, fashion and a great lifestyle.
16. Favorite books?
The Great Gatsby, Chanel and her world by Edmonde Charles – Roux and I’m currently reading a book on Danny Meyer.
17. Favorite restaurant in OC?
When I’m not at AnQi, you’ll see me at Hamamori.
18. Biggest accomplishment?
I’m most proud of how my family business has grown. I never imagined that when I opened Crustacean Beverly Hills in 1997, it would be as successful as it is today.
19. Biggest fear?
To disappoint the people who have put their trust in me.
20. Secret most people donʼt know about you?
That I’m happiest curled up in bed in my sweats with my husband, a DVD and a big plate of pasta!
Dining
WE LOVE STARFISH LAGUNA TAKE OUT!
09.04.11
Review by Sheryll Alexander
Now that summer is over and weekday evenings seem to be exhausting, Starfish Laguna brings fine Asian fusion cuisine to your car door. We recently tried this fabulous take-out service by renowned Laguna restaurateur Nancy Wilhelm, who also runs Laguna's award-winning Tabu Grill.
Yes, our family thoroughly enjoyed a Starfish Laguna feast after a long, stressful day. Isn’t it amazing how some Thai-inspired food can perk up your spirits so?
We started our palates dancing with light-as-air, yet savory “ma po” tofu lettuce wraps. The kids loved the hearty Kobe beef sliders. The highlight of the appetizer course, however, was the creamy wok-fried mussels swimming in a delectable basil coconut curry broth (along with bell peppers, roasted garlic, micro leeks and crushed lemongrass).
We were also impressed with the wild mushroom garlic noodles (YUM!), “yu sang” eggplant (a stew-like entrée eaten with jasmine, brown or coconut rice) and curried pork satay skewers (also comes in chicken teriyaki, lemongrass filet or green curry chicken skewers).
The star of the meal for everyone around the kitchen table was the slow-cooked, five-spice baby back ribs. These fall-off-the-bone ribs were more spicy than sweet with just the right balance of crunchy bits, tender flesh and fatty goodness.
Starfish Laguna, 30832 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949-715-9200, www.starfishlaguna.com.
Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California. Follow her! @sheryllalexande or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheryll-Alexander/252517508109644.
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