Steve’s USA Trip Report – MOONEYES USA Open House (Part 1, Part 2)
July 7-12, 2011
Hello! Steve here, MOONEYES staff from the MSA Department. From the start, there was many unique things about this trip to USA. This would be my second time going to the Open House and two years since visiting MOONEYES USA. I wasn’t going to fly over with Wildman on Korean Air this time though. Instead, I’d be leaving later in the day on Singapore Airlines, their Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft in the world. The plane has all these cool features like suites, actual cabins and unreal first class buckets but I only saw photos online.
The day came to leave. MSA manager Sumi was going to drive me to Narita. Sumi is from Chiba which is close to Narita. When I mentioned the drive, he gave me a strange look and dropped me off at YCAT terminal in Yokohama.
As I was waiting for my bus, I got a drink. Mello Yello!?! That is so strange. Haven’t seen these since 1985. On the way to Narita from Yokohama, it is good to sit on the left side for some nice views of Yokohama.
As you get closer to Narita, you can also see where Sumi used to live, well sort of near the airport.
Check in wasn’t crowded and it went smooth but the flight was full. Headed to my gate, charged my iPhone and waited to board. The flight was extra smooth, maybe because the wingspan and extra large fuselage. Take off and landing was dream-like, I could sleep through it. Food was excellent and service was as expected, first rate. This was going to be an excellent trip, I could feel it.
When I arrived at LAX, it was about 2PM local time. I was excited to be in California again! At the baggage claim area, my bag was the second one to come out onto the carrousel! WOW! Headed to immigrations and customs, there was no line! I was welcomed back “home” and waved through with a smile. WOW! I was one of the first people through. That was awesome! Immediately I saw Chico by the door and we jumped in the HHR and headed for MOONEYES! After seeing everyone I went next door to grab a drink. I just love the large sizes in USA. Nothing like a huge fountain soda on a hot day.
That evening, Wildman and I ate at a place called The Kickin’ Crab in Santa Ana. It’s a fun place to eat Cajun style seafood. No utensils unless you are battling shells, no plates and equipped with a large bib. A highly recommended place for the entire family. Wildman had market price crab legs and I had a pound of shirmp, both served in a bag. Oh yes, their Cajun fries were also top notch!
Next day was setup at MOONEYES. From morning to evening, everyone was busy getting ready. Wildman was busy striping too. Shige-san and Shinobu-san arrived in the afternoon as well. For lunch, Wildman and I went to L&L Hawaiian BBQ in Norwalk. This really was weird too because it suddenly dawned on me, the last time I ate at L&L was in Waipio Gentry (Hawaii), in 1997! Can’t believe I remember that. I got the Chicken Cutlet with gravy, Wildman got a Kalua Pig plate. WOW! I couldn’t finish. It was so ONO! Barely able to walk, I skipped the single free refill on my fruit punch and made my way to the car. That was mind blowing good.
That night Shige-san took us out to eat dinner at one of their favorite restaurants in Newport Beach called Kitayama. Wildman and I had Shabu-shabu while Shige-san had Sukiyaki. It was a crash course of Japanese cuisine. We also had dessert. Excellent restaurant, excellent food. It was time to rest because tomorrow would be a long and hot day.
It was time for the MOONEYES USA Open House!
CONTINUE to Part 2 >>>>
