RWB＿The Brass & Leather Collection

The Grind

I've always complained I never have enough work but for the past few months it's more like I don't have time to actually do the work now. I'm fortunate enough to be able to work for such inspiring people who come from humble beginnings and continue that mentality and ambition since day one. If you were wondering what happened to my updates in the past few months, I've been working diligently on helping the launch of RedWiteBlue Co.'s website and such. So with school demanding every weekend and my day job running throughout the week, it's hard to ever find my own time. Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining, nor am I losing myself but rather "reinventing" myself. I'm finally coming to that point in my career when I can say "no" to clients and be choosy with what projects to take. It finally feels like that saying, "when you find your passion, you never work a day in your life". 

Although I've been busy photographing a lot these days, there isn't a day that I don't draw or sketch something out. My med school notes can prove to you that my mind does wander...frequently. I've got a few illustration projects that I've started but left on the back burner till work frees up again soon. 

Being part of RWB Co. has opened many doors for me in the vintage and workwear industry and I couldn't be anymore grateful. I've finally earned myself these custom, brass and leather suspenders all handmade and sourced out by Mario. When I thought he only did denim and clothes, I was amazed by the quality and craftsmanship of his suspenders. He's a madman when it comes to brass and leather! So he blessed me with his personal set of suspenders that were custom made to be worn with my Peashooters. Thank you brotha!

Memorial Weekend

Been Fishin'

Well at least it's felt like I've been "out fishin'" since the last time I was able to update anything. I apologize for the delays but work has gotten me slammed working on projects which I will be posting soon. It's been a long time coming, but we're finally tying up loose ends and getting ready to launch our official website and web store. 

But let's save that for later - this post is for my free time enjoyment (which is rare these days). Over the weekend, I had a sudden craving for a juicy burger. I can't even remember the last time I had a proper gourmet burger. Looking back on my older posts, I reminisced about all the gastropubs I used to seek out and feature. Nowadays, due to health considerations and simple lifestyle changes, my diet and habits have changed for the better. But once in a while, it's important to reward yourself, right? 

Ever since Haven in Pasadena closed, I haven't had a burger that was comparable to it up until last October. My friends and I were celebrating a birthday and decided to grab drinks at Wild Goose Tavern in Huntington Beach. The whiskey selection was plentiful but what really surprised me was the quality of the Cilantro-Caprese Burger. The presentation alone already had me in disbelief that this burger was as good as it looks. The size was appropriate for a bar-counter meal, not too heavy but hearty with layers of flavor. Start off at the top with a thick slice of marinated heirloom tomato, slighty roasted. Then a slice of deep fried mozzarella cheese hangs over all four corner as the juicy beef patty sits smothered underneath it all. Topped with a generous dopple of Cilantro-Caprese sauce, the fresh toasted buns skewer everything together neatly and bad-a-bing-bad-a-boom! All-American perfection.