I love food. I can sure slow down on the consumption of it though because my body needs to shed a few unwanted pounds. I try to eat a little healthier now and I try not to dine out very often because of my financial issues but it is difficult when there are so many wonderful places to eat in the community.

There are a few places I’d love to try and sample food in little Italy. I have been to a few restaurants in Chinatown. It was my first time trying Japanese cuisine. I really enjoyed the rice dish I had. I am a rice lover and enjoy grilled chicken.

It is always great when I have time for lunch with my girls and grandson. We like to check out places I haven’t tried out before. Even on a tight budget, I love to go have tea and talk in the company of friends. I would also like to learn to cook some of these delightful meals they make in these restaurants.

Lately, I have been a bit housebound because of health issues so it has been difficult to make time to go and enjoy the places I used to frequent such as Humpty’s. That used to be my business meeting place.

McCauley and Boyle Street have many wonderful people who make up this community from many cultures and that is one reason there is so much food here to enjoy. I just love to see others learning about different people’s ways of life and food.

So, go out and get to know someone new! Go and enjoy some bubble tea or Vietnamese coffee. Actually, now that we are heading into the chilly weather of fall, make that a hot coffee for me!

Clara lives in McCauley.