The Christmas Feast

Almond-Garlic Soup
Topped with truffle oil. A Potato-Scallop-Chorizo Croquette on the side.


Caesar Salad
My specialty. Hand-mixed and hearty. A good bite of garlic, anchovy, and lemon (with other ingredients added into the family recipe).



Sugar Snap Peas and Corn


Caramelized Pearl Onions


Brown Rice Stuffin


Sixteen pound Turkey for Five People


Gravy


Cranberry Sauce


Cornbread Muffins


Rum-soaked Fruit Cupcakes


Homemade Leche Flan
My mom's specialty. Light, creamy, and caramel-y! The perfect flan.

Meals at Home

(These meals did not happen all in one day.)

Breakfast
Caprese
Fresh mozzarella with cherry tomatoes and basil. Sprinkled with balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil.


Jamon Serrano
I'll always choose Spanish Jamon over Italian Prosciutto.


Homemade Belgian Waffles
A house specialty that has been perfected - so light and crispy!


Lunch
Adobo Sandwich
Leftover adobo on a mini bagel, with mayo mixed with sriracha and fish sauce, topped with parsley


Dinner
Tonkatsu Sauce with roasted sesame seeds


Chicken Katsu
My dad's specialty. Juicy white meat chicken with a light and crispy coating of panko.

Ramen

Kumako Ramen, Japantown San Jose
A decent ramen house, but it does not beat Ryowa Ramen in Mountain View.

Miso Ramen
Decent broth and bite to the noodles.


Side of Curry Rice
Comes with the ramen as a lunch special. Decent Japanese curry, but it does not compare to Curry House in Cupertino

Beers of Late

Big Daddy IPA, Speakeasy
Citrusy and full of hops. A solid IPA. 6.5% ABV


Hinano, Tahiti
Refreshing lager. 5% ABV.
A good pairing with Asian foods.


Yebisu
A Japanese lager from the makers of Sapporo. A great Japanese beer with a full taste and crisp finish. 5% ABV


Echigo Brew
Another Japanese lager. Crisp and refreshing like a good Japanese brew. 5% ABV


On a side note, my favorite Japanese beer is Orion. It's not served everywhere, but where it is -- get it. It's very light, but crisp and refreshing. Another solid Japanese beer is Kirin Ichiban. This packs more taste than other Japanese brews.

Another Celebrity Encounter

The other night was my dad's birthday. We ate at Fleur de Lys. In my opinion, it's the best five star restaurant in San Francisco. Chef Hubert Keller is one of my top five favorite chefs of all time.

I <3 celebrity chefs

Celebrity Encounter

I met Michael Mina at Candlestick Park. I was there to see the SF Niners beat NY Jets. While I was waiting for my friends to pass the security check, I kept staring at this guy who looked like Michael Mine. Oh, wait...he IS Michael Mina! I shook his hand and told him how I'm a fan of him and his restaurants. He is a humble, genuine, and awesome guy.
Unfortunately I did not take a picture with him. I was too giddy and caught up in the moment to think of it. Next time, perhaps.

Moules Frites

Mussels
Steamed in a pot with shallots, spinach, and sherry


Shoestring Fries
Potatoes grated on a mandolin (always use the hand guard!)

The Best Burger Place

Burger Bar, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

No exaggerations, the best burger you'll eat. OK, fine, a burger from Daniel Boulud is amazing because of the short rib, foie gras, and truffle stuffed in the middle. These burgers from Burger Bar are the best sports bar burgers. It doesn't need the fanciness because the taste of the meat perfects the burger.

Delirium's Christmas Ale
A nice complex taste of fruits and caramel. A good amount of carbonation for a 10% ABV


Deschutes Hop Trip
Hops, indeed! Hints of grapefruit and malt, with a decent carbonation. Medium bodied, with a 5.5% ABV


Sliders
Kobe, Angus, and Buffalo sliders with a side of zucchini fries.

Eating In

My brother, Tony's, Chili and Cornbread, paired with an RJ Wingwalker King Amber Ale. By itself, I found the beer to have a sweet aftertaste, much like a diet cola. Pairing it with the chili, which was nicely spiced, balanced the entire meal well.


Grilled Trout
Trout is one of my favorite white fishes. It's nice and moist with a good bite, and it's not overly oily or bony.

Turkey Day without the Turkey

Thanksgiving 2008 with my brother Tony.

'06 Kim Crawford, Marlborough, Pinot Noir
I've been testing out versatile reds and whites. For the most part, Pinot Noir is a solid versatile red wine variety. This pinot had aromas of strawberries and cherries. It had a light acidity and low tannins. A good wine for a diverse holiday meal.


The Buffet


Rack of Lamb
Roasted in fresh rosemary and mint leaves


Mashed Potatoes
Roasted sweet mashed potatoes mixed with roasted mashed bananas


Grilled Asparagus
Topped with romesco sauce

Homemade Cheese Twists

Puff pastry baked with shaved cheddar cheese and bits of lomo (cured pork loin)

Welcome to my Foodicles!

Over the years I have had this food blog. I have changed it from my comments on food and dining to restaurant reviews. Now for something a little different. I believe I have a pretty good palate when it comes to food and drinks. This blog will chronicle the foods and drinks that I consume, and I will do my best to allow you into my foodie world.