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I really am sorry for putting you all through my grief but I really don’t know where to start right now as things are feeling really uncomfortable and I’m not sure what to do.

I’m still in complete disbelief that both Tera and Bonsai are gone now.It’s been mentally challenging dealing with losing Tera but adding on Bonsai shortly after within 5 months is mentally draining.It’s taking me every ounce of strength and will power to stay strong for these two as I know this is what they would’ve wanted if they were able to speak.It’s honestly been very difficult for me as they have always been my source of comfort for when I’m feeling down.Even though I’m always happy and joyful when people see me it’s because as a child growing up, dogs have always been my source of comfort for when I’m going through rough patches in life.For the past 13 years, these babies have been there for me during my dark depression times and reminded me that there’s more to my story still and to keep pushing.We were all neglected kids and the universe brought us together where we just understood each other.Rescued or not, you guys are our babies and nothing will change that.I really am at a loss for words as just when I’m starting a new book in 2025, Bonsai closes the final chapter in my last book and I am at a block to know what to write.

RIP Tera. 10/22/2024
RIP Bonsai. 02/25/2025

Hey bubz….

Tonight is the day where our book ends and I cannot express to you how much you’ve impacted my life.When I first took you in we were both rejects.Your parents didn’t want you and mine always shamed me.I was rejected multiple times while trying to start my career yet you were in my corner being one of my support pillars.You’ve seen me transform my life multiple different times and I have seen you transform yours.We’re both the same and that’s why we understood each other regardless of not being able to communicate verbally.You were one of the reasons that shaped me for who I am today and for that I’m furever thankful.I cannot come to any other words as the memories and emotions that we developed will furever be cherished and speaks volume.

Thank you Bonsai, we journeyed together from San Diego to Orange County to New York City.It’s been one heck of a journey the past 13 years with you and soon you’ll be with your sister to annoy her because I’m sure she’s being annoyed by all the other dogs right now and surely misses your annoying butt.

#pitbull #pitbulllove #pitbullterrier #bestfriend #rescuedog

Baby girl is fighting so hard…💔💔💔.

Lately she’s been lacking energy and strength but she’s doing her best.No signs of major discomfort yet so we don’t walk very far in case she can’t make it home.If you guys just see me standing around with her, Tera loves pets and greets.I’ve been doing my best mentally to not think or talk about it, but the more I embrace it the more logical and responsible decisions will be made.It’s no longer about me and how I feel, it’s about her.Tera is fighting through a cancer illness and the best way for me to help her is to just keep her comfortable until it’s time and continue to love her as I did like the past 10 years together of her 15 years in existence.

Roadtripping across the country from California to New York, I’m glad she was able to experience what most dogs would never experience in their life.

#staffy #staffordshirebullterrier #pitbull #pitbulllove

Thank you for the love, @chefamandaf @diningoutnewyork ❤️

We’re always so happy to hear Essex Pearl has become a West Side stop for so many of you. 🥰

Come by and visit us at @pier57.nyc

Thank you for the love, @chefamandaf @diningoutnewyork ❤️

We’re always so happy to hear Essex Pearl has become a West Side stop for so many of you. 🥰

Come by and visit us at @pier57.nyc

Thank you for the love, @chefamandaf @diningoutnewyork ❤️

We’re always so happy to hear Essex Pearl has become a West Side stop for so many of you. 🥰

Come by and visit us at @pier57.nyc

We’re excited to be part of Sip Into Spring with our limited-time Sunset 57 drink special, made with @floridaorangejuice

An 8-ounce glass of Florida Orange Juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C to help support immune health and more. With no added sugar and a naturally refreshing taste.

From April 24–May 8, participating locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey are serving limited-time drinks made with Florida OJ. Each spot will have its own twist.

Order yours, share your spring reset moment, and tag @floridaorangejuice + @essexpearl for a chance to earn a reward. 🍊🌿

We’re excited to be part of Sip Into Spring with our limited-time Sunset 57 drink special, made with @floridaorangejuice

An 8-ounce glass of Florida Orange Juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C to help support immune health and more. With no added sugar and a naturally refreshing taste.

From April 24–May 8, participating locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey are serving limited-time drinks made with Florida OJ. Each spot will have its own twist.

Order yours, share your spring reset moment, and tag @floridaorangejuice + @essexpearl for a chance to earn a reward. 🍊🌿

The best part about being friends with @bwashbu ? He always knows the best spots.

This time he took us to Essex Pearl, where @chefdaniel.le is serving what might be the best lobster roll I’ve ever had. And I don’t say that lightly.

A warm, buttered roll packed with juicy claw and knuckle meat (the sweetest parts), layered with Southeast Asian flavors — think nuoc cham, cilantro, red chilies, crispy shallots — all tucked into perfectly toasted brioche. Rich, bright, a little spicy, a little tangy… it completely blew my mind.

For the pairing, we went with DeLille Chaleur Blanc, a Bordeaux-style blend from Washington State (Sauvignon Blanc + Sémillon). The Sauvignon Blanc brings freshness and lift, while the Sémillon adds just enough texture and weight to match the sweetness of the lobster without overpowering it.

This is one of those pairings where everything just clicks. Flavor, texture, balance — all working together.

An absolutely delicious lunch and a reminder that sometimes the best meals come from trusting your friends.

🥪 : Signature Lobster Roll – @essexpearl
🍷 : @delillecellars “Chaleur Blanc”
👥 : Barrett
📍 : Pier 57 NYC

#lobsterroll #bestlobsterroll #nycfoodies #winepairings #foodandwine

What a special night with the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2026. We’re so proud to serve our Blue Crab Toast and celebrate alongside an inspiring community of chefs, friends, and food lovers.

@beardfoundation @platformbyjbf @pier57.nyc

#goodfoodforgood 🫶

What a special night with the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2026. We’re so proud to serve our Blue Crab Toast and celebrate alongside an inspiring community of chefs, friends, and food lovers.

@beardfoundation @platformbyjbf @pier57.nyc

#goodfoodforgood 🫶

What a special night with the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2026. We’re so proud to serve our Blue Crab Toast and celebrate alongside an inspiring community of chefs, friends, and food lovers.

@beardfoundation @platformbyjbf @pier57.nyc

#goodfoodforgood 🫶

What a special night with the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2026. We’re so proud to serve our Blue Crab Toast and celebrate alongside an inspiring community of chefs, friends, and food lovers.

@beardfoundation @platformbyjbf @pier57.nyc

#goodfoodforgood 🫶

What a special night with the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2026. We’re so proud to serve our Blue Crab Toast and celebrate alongside an inspiring community of chefs, friends, and food lovers.

@beardfoundation @platformbyjbf @pier57.nyc

#goodfoodforgood 🫶

What a special night with the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2026. We’re so proud to serve our Blue Crab Toast and celebrate alongside an inspiring community of chefs, friends, and food lovers.

@beardfoundation @platformbyjbf @pier57.nyc

#goodfoodforgood 🫶

What a special night with the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2026. We’re so proud to serve our Blue Crab Toast and celebrate alongside an inspiring community of chefs, friends, and food lovers.

@beardfoundation @platformbyjbf @pier57.nyc

#goodfoodforgood 🫶

What a special night with the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2026. We’re so proud to serve our Blue Crab Toast and celebrate alongside an inspiring community of chefs, friends, and food lovers.

@beardfoundation @platformbyjbf @pier57.nyc

#goodfoodforgood 🫶

I’ve traveled the world just to understand bánh mì.

California.
Texas.
New York City.
Philadelphia.
Then Vietnam respectively, Hà Nội, Hội An, Sài Gòn.

I came to a realization that:
It’s not just the bread,
It’s the ingredients.
The balance.
The care behind every sandwich.

Drop me your favorite bánh mì spots around world for my next travel list ✈️🥖.

#banhmi #banhmilovers #vietnamesecuisine #vietfood
#streetfood

As 2025 comes to a close, I took a moment to reflect on the toughest year of my life. Losing my last grandma was devastating, especially since she and my other grandma inspired my love for cooking. Grief was already weighing me down after losing my two dogs, but I knew I couldn't give up. Growing up, my family faced countless struggles after moving to America, and it's taught me to fight back.

In 2026, I'm ready to embrace new challenges, experiences, and opportunities. This journey is no longer about me; it's about growing alongside those who stood by me through it all.

#growth #mindset #businessowner #chef #leadership

If you haven’t tried yet, stop by @essexpearl over @pier57.nyc to try my one of a kind southeast Asian inspired lobster rolls!

📸: @luka_asatiani_

#lobster #lobsterrolls #southeastasian #vietnamese #nyc

Need catering?Let @essexpearl take care of you.

Pictured is our rice bowls, Norwegian salmon poached in aromatic olive oil and Seared pork belly marinated in soy sauce and coconut milk.Both served with pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cut cucumbers on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.

#food #foodlover #chef #catering #party #nyc#manhattan

Mobility and stability control is just as important as strength training and conditioning, don’t forget that guys.

First attempt at single leg hinges after working on single leg stability all week.Consistency and doing your homework is progress.

#fitness #workout #training #mobility #stability #movement #jointhealth #muaythai #muaythaitraining #martialart