Foodicles

Sweet & Savory Treats from Dial K for Kitchen

2012-02-19T10:00:00.002+08:00

There are some childhood treats that you can't stop loving when you're already an adult. I'm talking about good ol' fashioned campfire (or fireplace or stovetop) s'mores. Graham crackers crunching over melting chocolate and flamed burnt chewy marshmallows. That's goodness.

Enter Dial K for Kitchen's Icebox S'mores. Frozen cubes of graham crackers, fudgy chocolate , and chewy marshmallow. A childhood treat twist!

And, for peanut butter fans (like myself) the Peanut Butter S'mores hit that peanut butter-chocolate spot on your palate. S'more just got even more fun!

The chicken liver is another absolute must-try. So smooth, so creamy, and so clean tasting.

This is so good slathered on bread or crackers. Or, even better, as the liver spread for banh mi sandwiches! These have been contributing to some of the highest quality Vietnamese sandwiches I've been indulging in all week. I'm happy to have a source for excellent pate now.

From the first bites, you can taste the talent behind the concept and the execution of their products. Equally, you taste the quality of the ingredients. I become an almost instant fan of anything with high quality ingredients.

The bites are indulgent, but as everything should be eaten in moderation, these delicious bites are so worth savoring. I can't wait to try more of their products.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Dial K for Kitchen

Floating Resto-Fun Park!

2012-02-16T12:45:00.021+08:00

There are some birthdays when you celebrate with family in a fine dining restaurant, complete with amuse bouches, wine pairings, and an indulgent feast.

Then, there are those birthdays when you dress down and get out of town.

Something new, something fun, and something random. Where does that take you? Isdaan in Laguna, about an hour and a half away from the city.

Isdaan is a "Floating Resto-Fun Park" brought to you by the owners of Barrio Fiesta. All that classic Filipino food in a truly unique setting. The setting completely takes you for a random ride.

Diners enjoy private floating huts while surrounded by statues and mega statues ranging from Buddhas to Planet of the Apes to Angry Birds.. and the Obamas.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Isdaan Laguna

The menu is extensive with all the classics. If you want something new and something really different while feasting on your favorite Filipino dishes, this is the place to go.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Isdaan - The Feast

Filipino Cuisine with the Tayag Touch

2012-02-14T17:56:00.025+08:00

When I first moved to Manila it took me a few months to fully appreciate and endorse the food scene in the Philippines.

That full appreciation came with an epiphany moment...well, more like an epiphany meal at Bale Dutung. So, thank you, Claude Tayag.

A 1-2 hour drive away from Metro Manila into the province of Pampanga, Tayag and his wife, Mary Ann, open their home to locals and tourists to experience Filipino and Kapampangan cuisine.

Tayag offers a Lechon Five Ways menu (which we had twice already), a Kapampangan menu (which we enjoyed this time around - check out the pictures below), and an Anthony Bourdain menu (which will be our next visit). The food represents the Philippines, with Tayag's touch.

His food reflects tradition, talent, technique, and his travels.

Two years later, I can now properly host visitors to show them the great eats around Manila and beyond. I have a growing list of restaurants, markets, and food adventures (Bale Dutung is definitely on that list).

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Bale Dutung

Mixing it up

2012-02-10T18:03:00.006+08:00

Time for something different. Completely different.

Strawberry coffee cake fits the requirement.

Light, fluffy, intense coffee cake filled and topped with light strawberry frosting.

The freshness of the whipped strawberry flavor plays with the intensity of the roasted coffee. Not an obvious match, but it tastes to delicious together.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Strawberry Coffee Cake

Chocolate Coffee Cake Throwback!

2012-02-09T23:50:00.006+08:00

An old favorite enhanced. One of my earliest memories of my mom's desserts is her chocolate coffee cake. Each eating required 2 slices at a time (during my chubby and skinny stages of childhood and adolescence).

Light, fluffy, moist chocolate cake filled with coffee icing and topped with chocolate icing. A chocolate lover's heaven.

This time around she used Dutch process chocolate to really bring out that chocolate intensity which the coffee icing complements so perfectly.

Even today, one slice is never enough.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Chocolate Cake

A Classic Dessert at Home, made to perfection

2012-02-08T12:33:00.001+08:00

My mom is the complete package for an awesome mother. How is she "complete"? Because she can bake as amazing as a James Beard awarded pastry chef. I'm totally serious.

This past week alone she baked up a couple old favorites and a new treat.

First, an absolute classic - leche flan! She has spent years constantly perfecting this dessert. It is definitely one of her specialties.

I have yet to taste anything better than this in restaurants. Light...creamy...burnt caramel..absolute perfection!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Leche Flan

Pastas at Home

2012-02-07T19:19:00.012+08:00

I love eating pastas and I love cooking pastas. It's a fun challenge trying to recreate, and even better, pasta dishes I've enjoyed in restaurants all over the world.

A couple of my favorites are vodka sauce and carbonara.

I love that sweet, salty, and slight creaminess from vodka sauce. I really wanted to make it at home on a couple occasions even though we ran out of vodka. I decided to use white rum as opposed to gin because it has less of a distinct flavor, which is why vodka is traditionally used.

With carbonara, I love the garlicky flavor mixed with pancetta and fresh raw eggs in the end. Our batch was whipped together with pappardelle straight from Italy (thanks to my world traveling best friend.)

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Pastas at Home

Filipino Surf & Turf at Home

2012-02-06T17:18:00.004+08:00

After a series of long trips, it's so nice to come home to your family's home cooking. To celebrate home life and home food, how about some Filipino surf & turf!

The Surf - Bangus Bistek Tagalog
Steak slices of bangus (milkfish) pan-fried with onions and topped with a soy sauce and calamansi mixture.

The Turf - Kare Kare
Oxtail peanut stew with long green beans and eggplants. This is my favorite home cooked meal. My mom makes it with love with all the tedious steps that really make the difference for extra deliciousness.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: At Home

Thakali Eating in Pokhara

2012-02-03T16:28:00.008+08:00

Our last meal in Pokhara - this had to be special. What better way to celebrate than with a Thakali set meal!

Tucked away in a side street, Pokhara Thakali Kitchen is like a homey oasis. Everything was so fresh with a variety of flavors..and unlimited! They should have left the containers of food with us because we kept asking for more and more. What a great way to end our last night in Pokhara.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Thakali Pokhara

Can't get enough Momos

2012-02-02T16:18:00.014+08:00

Four days in a small city filled with many options for dining. You know a place is good when you dine there twice. And, when you see the same diners eating there, too.

Tibetan Kitchen. Why was this place so good? Because they freshly made momos in so many forms. Momos, our favorite of the trip!

This is a family run operation. When you're eating, it feels like you're visiting a local family and dining on their comfort food. A foreign home away from home.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Tibetan - Pokhara

Dessert before Dinner

2012-02-01T16:18:00.000+08:00

We were situated in the middle of Lakeside, the heart of the tourist area. So for an afternoon pre-dinner snack at Moondance Cafe, we treated ourselves to coffee and chocolate cake (and free WiFi).

When next to the Himalayas, enjoy Himalayan coffee!.. which pairs so nicely with a slice of rich, moist chococlate cake.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Moondance - Pokhara

Craving for Indian Food in Nepal

2012-02-01T16:01:00.009+08:00

Indian culture is vibrant in Nepal. The people and the cuisine were surrounding us. So naturally we craved for some Indian fair, twice.

The meals were light and healthy. One was even pure vegetarian. I love eating healthy after long days of being active under the sun.

The healthy meals and long days were perfectly paired with large bottles of local beer. Those beers were our daily reward. What great vacation meals!

Laxman Restaurant

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Indian - Pokhara

Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Indian Veg - Pokhara

Mexican Food in Nepal

2012-01-31T15:47:00.013+08:00

In researching our hotel in Pokhara, we were so excited to read that Mexican cuisine is a specialty at Mike's, the hotel's restaurant. My best friend and I met in high school in California - so, of course, we both like Mexican food.

Chicken enchiladas, a sausage burrito, and the beautiful lakeside. While not completely authentic, the flavors were familiar and so fresh, perfect for a blue sky day.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Mike's Pokhara

Escape to Pokhara!

2012-01-30T14:47:00.023+08:00

Time to escape from the city, and fast! How about for a 30 minute flight for fast?

Flying high, near, and nearer to the Himalayas. Blue skies and the snow capped Himalayas in the nearby by distance. This is a sight I never thought I'd ever see in my lifetime. Stepping off the plane, only one word can describe that moment - breathtaking.

Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal. It is known as the trekkers' stop as it's right below the Himalayas. While we didn't trek the mountain tops, we did enjoy the natural setting of the hills and the lakes around us.

4 days and 3 nights in Pokhara was the most peaceful and scary times of the trip. We found peace away from the bustle with the fresh mountain and lake air.

Our hearts raced when we kept getting lost on our way hike down the hill, 2 hours away from our hotel. Climbing down the hill soon felt like the height of the Himalayas as sunset became darkness.

The beats in our chest came back when the airport closed on the day of our departure. We had 8 hours before our flight to Kathmandu. Our only option was to take a local bus (more like a public minivan) for a 6 hour ride back to the capital, all for $6.00. The 12-seater van somehow fit 23 people.

Pokhara was an amazing adventure. It was a necessary getaway into nature. And it was a challenging adventure that tested our survival skills. It's great to be home.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Pokhara

Feasting on Newari Cuisine

2012-01-27T22:37:00.000+08:00

One last night in Kathmandu before our flight to Pokhara called for a celebratory dinner with our new local friends.

We were taken to a gem of a local spot, Bhumi, to feast on Newari cuisine. Newari food is a type of Nepali cuisine.

We started the night with shots of Aila, the local liquor. The taste reminded me of gin with the feel of vodka.

The food was memorable! Grilled, seasoned, and filled with so much flavor. I highly recommend this restaurant if you ever make your way to Kathmandu.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Bhumi Newari

Momos in Nepal

2012-01-26T21:49:00.001+08:00

A mid day break from touring and sight seeing - Food time!

In our local friend's hometown in Kathmandu, we relaxed with snacks and momos in a neighborhood restaurant, Le Trio.

These momos were some of the best we had in Kathmandu. It's the traditional momos drowning in delicious spicy, rich soup. After eating these bowls, I was addicted and looking for momos every chance I could get.

Chinese steamed dumplings with bold, spicy Indian flavors. The India-China influence of Nepal can totally be summed up in these dumplings.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Trio - Patan

Taking a Break from Local Cuisine

2012-01-25T17:51:00.020+08:00

Escapism appeared to be the theme this trip. Escape from our home cities. And now escape from the city we were in.

As much as I love exploring local cuisine, the chaos of the city had us wanting for a taste of something familiar.

American cuisine, jazz music, and the sight of white people were such warm, comforting images at New Orleans Cafe.

Mulled Wine heated up the chilly night. Fried Chicken and fries brought back familiarity among the foreign chaotic overload. Tandoori Chicken and Roti reminded us where we were. And the Apple Pie capped the night of escape.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: New Orleans Cafe - Thamel

More Thakali Eating in Thamel

2012-01-24T17:28:00.016+08:00

After our quick bite of papad and momos, we met up with my best friend's college friend for lunch in Thamel. And we also were introduced to the Thakali set.

The set is a complete meal and it's the best way to fill up until you're absolutely stuffed. It includes daal (black lentil soup), achar (pickles vegetables and spices), green vegetables, potatoes, fresh raw vegetables, yogurt, and rice --> All Unlimited.

The mutton curry is the additional non-vegetable choice (which is not unlimited). Aside from rice, you can also order roti to sop up the liquids and the spices.

Every bite is mixed and eaten with rice. This set meal truly filled you up and satisfies your tastes buds with all the salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter flavors. This is definitely a complete meal.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Himalayan Restaurant - Thamel

Thakali Eats in Kathmandu

2012-01-23T17:28:00.000+08:00

I think it should be an absolute requirement to taste the local cuisine when you travel anywhere.

Our first and last meals in Kathmandu were local bites in the same restaurant near our hotel in the Thamel district. Thakali Chef's Bhanchha Ghar features roof top dining - a popular feature in restaurants in Kathmandu. It's a great way to enjoy a drink or meal while taking in the sights of the city. It's also a great escape from the chaos below.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Thakali Roof Top

Bhaktapur, Nepal

2012-01-20T11:52:00.006+08:00

Bhaktapur is another ancient town in Kathmandu Valley and the third old kingdom. It was formerly the capital of Nepal in the 15th century.

Just a 20 minute taxi ride from Patan and we arrived at the entrance of the old royal kingdom.

Bhaktapur is known as the ancient Newari town. It is also known as the City of Devotees and the City of Rice, as rice is one of the staple agricultural products in this city.

The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with temples, crafts and culture.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Bhaktapur

Patan, Nepal

2012-01-18T11:45:00.008+08:00

Patan is the third largest city after Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley and was once one of the 3 old royal kingdoms in Nepal (Kathmandu and Bhaktapur comprise of the other 2 kingdoms).

The city is filled with temple, rich culture, and handicrafts. The crafts include wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate and intricate architecture. The architecture is all around the temples and buildings highly inspired by Buddhism and Hinduism.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Patan

Namaste, Nepal!

2012-01-16T11:34:00.018+08:00

I'm a city girl. I need to see high rises and people.

But, sometimes city life can get routine and overwhelming.. Enter, vacation time!

Usually vacation is to another city or to nature. This time my best friend and I needed something COMPLETELY different.

Namaste, Nepal!

Kathmandu is one of the most dense and overwhelming places I have ever been. It is also one of the most culturally dense cities. You can feel the influence of India and China, its neighboring cities. At the same time, they have their own unique features, traditions, and culture.

Aside from the beautiful pictures that drew us to this trip, we also were comforted by the fact that my best friend's college friend is a local. A local guide to show us the city!

We staed in the tourist district, Thamel, is filled with vendors, trekkers, locals, cars, rickshaws, and what seems like everything else. The bustle is endless!

The city and the surrounding cities are so rick with culture and history. So much so, the temple and squares in the valley are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Kathmandu did not provide us the getaway from our respective cities (Manila and Hong Kong), but it definitely took us worlds away.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Kathmandu

High Quality, Local Eats in Hangzhou

2012-01-13T15:07:00.008+08:00

24 hours in one city. Every meal counts. Every bite counts.

Lunch was already pretty good, so I was hoping dinner would be similar. I was wrong.

Dinner at Jin Sha, also at the Four Seasons, was so much better. It was the highlight of the trip.

We ordered all the local specialties, like the Beggar's Chicken which was brought to our table with a mallet. My brother had the opportunity to hammer it open. Fun!

Even the vegetables, which were so simple, were so packed with flavor while still making the taste of the vegetable the star. And the highlight of the night was the pork buns! The pyramid layered presentation was beautiful and so creative. Pork buns in Asia are to a higher level of ridiculously deliciousness.

Place your cursor above "Notes" as some of the pictures have captions.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Jin Sha

WLB - West Lake Bistro at the Four Seasons Hangzhou

2012-01-12T15:06:00.002+08:00

After the train ride into Hangzhou, we were ready for a late lunch. The hotel bistro seemed like the perfect place.

WLB, West Lake Bistro, is one of the restaurants at the Four Seasons Hotel where we enjoyed our overnight stay. The bistro has a variety of International and Local menu selections.

The main reason, aside from convenience, that we chose the restaurant is that the menu offers Dong Po. Dong Po and Zhang Yimou's show are the only 2 reasons why I wanted to take my family to Hangzhou.

Dong Po is pork belly braised with soy sauce, sugar, and Chinese wine. It's named after its creator, Dong Po, who improved on the traditional recipe while exiled in Hangzhou.

We learned about this from a National Geographic special and tried the recipe at home. So melt-in-your-mouth good! Then we had it in Taipei and Hong Kong, ridiculously good!

So the Dong Po in its originating city has to be amazing, right? Well, this definitely did not disappoint.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: WLB

Four Seasons Hotel in Hangzhou

2012-01-10T18:39:00.000+08:00

A family trip to anywhere. The requirement? A nice hotel.

In researching accommodation in Hangzhou, I was really excited to see a brand new Four Seasons in Hangzhou, which opened in October of 2010. Perfect!

The property is located along the Westlake. It combines traditional Chinese architecture on the outside and a modern minimalist Chinese look on the inside. For a getaway location, I was hoping for a more thematic setting and atmosphere. The interior felt a bit impersonal, as though we were in a business hotel.

Nonetheless the stay was clean and comfortable. The best part of the hotel was the restaurants, which will be featured later this week.

Here are pictures in and around the property:

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Four Seasons Hangzhou

Visiting the Historic West Lake in Hangzhou, China

2012-01-09T10:25:00.018+08:00

After a sight and sound spectacular in Yangshuo, I had to see more of Zhang Yimou's Impressions' shows throughout China. If you found the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony impressive, I highly recommend seeing at least one of those shows in your lifetime.

When my family planned a trip to Shanghai, I included Hangzhou into our itinerary just to see Zhang Yimou's Impression of West Lake.

A short hour high speed train ride, and you're there. Hangzhou is a big city that has a historic lake. At the end of the 13th century, Marco Polo had declared Hangzhou to be "the City of Heaven, the most beautiful and magnificent in the world."

Away from the bustle of the city and the crowds of tourists, a boat ride on the lake is a relaxing retreat (and authentically mainland CHina with our spitting boat driver).

The Zhang Yimou show is another impressive production. We sat in the VIP boat seats, but I would actually recommend sitting in the middle of regular seats to enjoy the center point of view of the show.

The lights, the thematic colors, the cast, and the number of them are all sights to see. Zhang Yimou continues to succeed in his craft.

From big cities to rural, China is filled with so many cities and towns to visit. They are all so different with unique natural or metropolitan settings.

Here are some pictures from my trip to Hangzhou. In the days to follow, I'll feature our hotel and, of course, a couple of the memorable meals.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Hangzhou Fall 2011

Thank you, 2011. Hello, 2012!

2012-01-01T22:10:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!!

2011 was another fantastic ride. I hope you all enjoyed my entries from the year.

Here's to 2012 - May the new year bring you all memorable travels and satisfying eats.

In the weeks to come, I'll be posting entries from my travels to Hangzhou and around Nepal. Can't wait to share them with you.

Until then, make every meal count!

Top 10s: My Updated Top 10 Favorite Food Cities

2011-12-25T13:30:00.001+08:00

It's time to update my Top 10 Favorite Food Cities list!

The Criteria
- Cities that I've visited
- Authenticity of the foods/cuisines
- Freshness and quality of the ingredients/products. (Say "No!" to processed foods!)
- Repeatability
- Forward-Thinking and Creativity in Presentation and Modernization

My Top 10 Favorite Food Cities
10. Shanghai
9. Chiang Mai
8. Paris
7. San Francisco/Bay Area
6. New York City
5. Taipei
4. Madrid
3. Tokyo
2. Bangkok
1. Hong Kong

After living in Asia for 2 years, I've definitely become more Asia-centric. There are so many great food cities here. The good eating never stops.

Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Cities

2011-12-24T13:08:00.020+08:00

It's been another successful year of traveling! I've been back to my favorite cities and I've discovered new favorites as well. The list constantly grows and changes after every trip and at the end of each year.

These are my favorite cities that I traveled to this year. I took out San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila, and New Haven because I go there so often and for long periods of time that it seems a bit unfair to include them in this travel list. But, expect to see at least SF on my favorite food cities list tomorrow

These are the 10 cities I traveled to this past year. My favorite cities are ranked according to cities with the tastiest foods and repeatability to go back.

My Top 10 Favorite Cites from 2011:
10. Kathmandu (to be posted in January)
9. Pokhara (also to be posted in January)
8. Hangzhou (to be posted this coming week)
7. Boston
6. Shanghai
5. Chiang Mai
4. New York City
3. Taipei
2. Hong Kong
1. Bangkok

Can't wait for my 2012 travels!

Next Top 10s: Top 10 Favorite Food Cities

Din Tai Fung in Shanghai, featuring the best bite of food this year.

2011-12-23T18:05:00.041+08:00

From first bite, Din Tai Fung became one of my food meccas. Every visit, every location in Taipei and Shanghai, every basket.. it's all soo good.

Just like in Taipei, when I'm in Shanghai eating at Din Tai Fung is a personal requirement. Actually, eating there at least twice is a personal requirement.

Every location has a few different dumplings on their own menus. After touring the observation decks of the World Financial Center, my family and I had a late lunch at DTF. I knew this was going to be a great meal. What I didn't expect was to have the greatest bite of food...maybe ever, but definitely the greatest bite from this entire 2011.

Last spring, I had a fantastic meal in Benu in San Francisco. One of the tasting menu selections was Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao. It was excellent with a distinctive foie gras taste and a beautifully thin wrapper.

Months later, I encountered another foie gras xiao long bao here at the Din Tai Fung in Shanghai. Without any need for a name brand chef and without any need to spend hundreds, this foie gras xiao long bao puts all else to shame.

You know when you eat something great, you get silenced for a moment. You enjoy the taste in your mouth, maybe make an appreciative sound with your mouth closed (assuming you have proper eating manners, that is), and then comment on how spectacular it was after you swallowed the food or drink.

This totally was not like that. One tiny bite from the dumpling to get the soup...the soup hit my lips and tongue. OMG, the screaming intensity of the goose liver hits you. That overwhelming goodness doesn't leave you time to enjoy a silent moment. The taste involuntarily had my mouth and brain verbalizing the utter goodness. The juice almost trickled out of my mouth because I had yet to swallow my first little bite. Manners wiped away. Any thought other than this amazing goose liver vanished. You can't help but let out an expletive to describe the goodness. It's that amazing. Hands down, best bite this year. Hands down.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: DTF SWFC

Hotel Eats in the Peninsula Shanghai

2011-12-21T18:03:00.050+08:00

The first time I visited Shanghai last year, my parents and I stayed at the brand new Peninsula Shanghai. It was still on it's soft opening and it had already impressed up. Peninsula Hotels really stand up to their reputation of great service and a memorable stay.

So for my second trip back to Shanghai, we happily came back. After long days of touring and eating through Shanghai, it's such a great feeling to come back to a comfortable, clean hotel.

Last time, we dined in the Lobby Lounge for breakfast and at Sir Elly's for a special dinner. All the meals were excellent and memorable.

This time around we had breakfasts and also a late night meal in the Lobby Lounge. The food is satisfying and filling, and the portions are generous! After a long day of flying and driving, settling into the hotel with a comforting meal is the best way to end the day.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Peninsula Shanghai Lobby Lounge

Aside from the Lobby Lounge, we also tried out the Chinese restaurant, Yi Long Court. I was a bit disappointed that they served only Cantonese cuisine and not Shanghainese cuisine. When I'm in Shanghai, I want to have all the local specialities.

That disappoint lead to greater disappointments. The food was decent and the service was poor, especially for a Peninsula establishment. What happened?? They were all young guys who were not trained for high end Chinese dining. You'd expect the Chinese restaurant in Peninsula Shanghai to be really impressive and memorable.. sadly, that was not the case at all. You're definitely better off leaving the hotel for a Chinese dinner. If the service improved, I think the food would have tasted better. This was definitely one of those cases where a negative affected the whole experience.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Peninsula Shanghai Chinese

Back in Shanghai

2011-12-19T18:01:00.014+08:00

If you need proof that China is taking over the world, all you need to do is visit Shanghai. The sights of their architecture leave you awestruck. The commerce and economy leave you impressed.

The rich history is evident throughout the parts of the city. Through the people and the architecture, you can see the influence from neighboring countries and Europe. You can see the old Europe along the Bund and the new futuristic skyscrapers just across the Pudong.

Day and night, Shanghai is an amazing city that can really take your breath away.

Here are some pictures of a few sights of the city. For more pictures, check out past entries from my visit last year.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Shanghai Fall 2011

Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the World

2011-12-18T12:57:00.001+08:00

Now this is a difficult list to rank. There were countless of amazing eats this year. These past two years of living in Asia have been phenomenal for my taste buds and stomach.

My Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the World from 2011:
10. People's Palace, Manila
9. Ye Shanghai, Hong Kong
8. Jin Sha, Hangzhou
7. Wolfgang's Steakhouse, New York City
6. Bocadillos, San Francisco
5. Every restaurant in Eataly, New York City
4. Sen-ryo, Hong Kong
3. Sala Rim Naam, Bangkok
2. Every single Din Tai Fung in Taipei and Shanghai
1. Chef's Table at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chiang Mai

Next Weekend's Top 10s: My Top 10 Favorite Cities from 2011

Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the United States

2011-12-17T17:34:00.018+08:00

For close to 25 years, the United States was my first home. These days, it's become my second home. When I go back, my days and nights are filled with dining in favorite restaurants and new/notable restaurants.

In 2011, I went back to the states four times. Three of those visits combined east and west coast cities. My Top 10 lists ranges from casual joints to high brow special occasion dining.

My Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the United States from 2011:
10. Jaleo
9. Co.
8. Shake Shack
7. Ichiza
6. Howie's Artisan Pizza
5. Benu
4. Wayfare Tavern
3. Wolfgang's Steakhouse
2. Bocadillos
1. Every restaurant in Eataly

Next Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the World

Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the Philippines

2011-12-17T12:06:00.045+08:00

These Top 10s are getting harder. It's difficult to narrow down 10 and, mostly, to rank them. 1 and 2 came easy, but the rest became subjective to my favorites right now from the restaurants I dined in this year.

These are restaurants that are doing great things for the dining scene here in the Philippines. They bring us to world standards for being a culinary destination. From casual, traditional eats to modern, trendy dining.

My Top 10 Favorite Restaurants from 2011:
(The links vary from this year's entries, past years' entries, and restaurant's websites because my reviews will be posted after my travel entries.)
10. Grappa's Ristorante
9. 2nd's Restaurant
8. Chef's Table
7. Abe
6. Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice
5. Cerveseria
4. Mogu Shinsen Bar and Grill
3. Chef Laudico's Bistro Filipino
2. Bale Dutung
1. People's Palace

Next Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the United States

Abu Authentic Cuisine for Special Occasions in Taipei

2011-12-16T17:37:00.021+08:00

When it comes to traveling for food there are various resources online to guide you: Trip Advisor reviews, Yelp reviews if you're in the states, newspaper and magazine articles, and of course bloggers.

The best resource is having a friend who is a renown blogger in that city. The ultimate local experience and a guarantee for good eating.

If you find yourself in Taipei, A Hungry Girl's Guide to Taipei is your go-to source to research your trip's good eats.

For a special occasion (my mom's birthday - it can't get more special than that), we were taken to Abu Authentic Cuisine for some modernized French/Italian style cuisine.

When the bread and butter arrived at the table, we knew we were in for a real treat. Why? Two words - Echire butter. This is some of the best butter you can slab onto your bread. This chef knows his ingredients.

The menu is comprised of 2 degustation (tasting) choices. Every dish is high quality and delights your sense of sight and taste. If you want to splurge on a special occasion, this is the place to go.

A restaurant like this is why I love eating in Asia. There are so many restaurants and chefs that easily rival "celebrity" chefs in the states who can tend to be overly hyped from their PR teams. Asia seems to be gaining more and more Michelin stars each year compared to the western countries. Go #TeamAsia!

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Abu

Cantonese Dim Sum in Taipei

2011-12-14T17:12:00.008+08:00

Since I've been finding it difficult to find really great, authentic and high quality dim sum here in Manila, I was eager for an afternoon of Cantonese dim sum in Taipei.

At the San Want hotel, Chao Ping Ji has some great Cantonese dim sum. The classic and favorite dim sum selections are typically Cantonese due to the fact that dim sum was a Cantonese creation. This restaurant is known to have some of Taipei's finest dim some.

I love the variety of the flavors and textures in a dim sum meal. The small plates are perfect for sharing and ordering multiple plates for a full meal filled with all kinds of tasty treats.

You can really taste the quality and freshness of the ingredients. My stomach was delightfully satisfied with the meal. This is good dim sum that totally is up to par with some of Hong Kong's finer Cantonese dim sum establishments.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: San Want

Din Tai Fung - A Taipei Staple.

2011-12-12T16:49:00.014+08:00

Of all the restaurants in Taipei that you have to visit, and probably multiple and repeatedly, is Din Tai Fung. It's become a landmark for tourists and locals alike. It's so much better than anything you'll get in the states. Really, you have to come here.

There are so many great places to eat in Taipei, but Din Tai Fung manages to convince your stomach to go back for more. It's nearly impossible to go to Taipei and eat at Din Tai Fung just once.

The paper thin wrapper, the pork filling, and the flavor-packed soup in the dumpling captivates you. It makes you obsessed with xiao long bao. It makes you obsessed with Din Tai Fung's xiao long bao. When you leave, all you're thinking about is how you want these soup dumplings.

In this most recent trip, we visited the original location (to also have mango ice for dessert) and the newest location in Taipei 101.

There are several locations to choose from. Choose any, and it'll be consistent and memorable. And of course, it'll leave you wanting more.

DTF, The Original
(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: DTF Original

DTF at Taipei 101

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: DTF 101

Top 10s of 2011: Home Baked Goodies

2011-12-11T16:35:00.007+08:00

As I reflect on my Home Baked posts from 2011, I found that I only had 3 posts. 2012 Resolution: Take more home baked pictures!

So, instead of my Top 10 list from 2011...
My Top 10 Favorite Home Baked Goodies since the start of Foodicles:
10. Using Bananas
9. Homemade Espresso Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
8. Eating In
7. Banana-Que
6. Chocolate Caramel Tart
5. New Desserts
4. Too many bananas and they're already so ripe? Bake with them!
3. Red Velvet, Round 2
2. Tarte Tatin
1. Always Leave Room for Dessert

Next Weekend: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the Philippines, the US, and in the world.

Top 10s of 2011: Home Cooked Meals

2011-12-10T16:23:00.003+08:00

It's December already! Where did the year go?... As we reflect on 2011 and begin to get ready for 2012, I'll be gathering Top 10 lists during the weekends of December to reflect on my favorites from this past year.

To kick start the series of weekend lists...

My Top 10 Favorite Home Cooked Meals from 2011:
10. Home Cooked Asian Meals
9. Home Made Sake Steamed Chicken
8. Paella at Home
7. Steak Dinner
6. Spontaneous Dinner at Home
5. Home Made Porcini Risotto
4. Dinner at Home After a Long Trip
3. Lobster at Home
2. A Five-Star Steakhouse Meal at Home
1. Katsu of All Katsus

Eating at home is always as good or even better than eating out!

Next Top 10 of 2011: Home Baked!

More Shabu Shabu in Taipei

2011-12-09T16:29:00.017+08:00

Another favorite and go-to restaurant in every visit to Taipei is Shabu Shabu in the basement food hall of Q Square Mall. (I love Asian malls with food hall in the basement floors.)

What makes this shabu shabu place so special? Aside from meat plates, there are also seafood selections, like majorly impressive seafood plates. And, the vegetables are massive. It definitely fulfills your vegetable quota for the day.

Plus, you don't have any guilty feelings because you ate healthy ingredients with out oils or fats (apart from the protein which is so good oils and fats if you had the seafood).

At the end of the meal, your stomachs are more than satisfied and full. Now that's a good meal.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for a few of the photos.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Shabu Shabu

Back at Shin Yeh 101

2011-12-07T13:25:00.021+08:00

In all my family's favorite cities, we have favorite restaurants that we seem to always frequent in each visit. In Taipei, Shin Yeh 101 is one of these restaurants.

Why? First of all, Shin Yeh 101 has spectacular views. The 85th floor location is the perfect place to take in the views of the city. Why spend for the observation deck, when you can spend a little more for a memorable meal WITH a view!

And secondly, the FOOD. The menu has local Taiwanese selections, dim sum, entrees, sides, etc, and a great selection of desserts.

When in Taiwan, eat Taiwanese foods! I'm only there for a few days, so I definitely took advantage of that at Shin Yeh.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Shin Yeh 101

'Tis the Season!

2011-12-07T12:25:00.000+08:00

The holiday season is in full speed! It's time to prepare for the holidays and its celebrations (and pre-holiday diets).

This season and as 2011 closes, I'll be continuing to post entries about my recent travels. Additionally, Top 10 lists will be popping up on the weekends (Top 10 Cities, Restaurants, etc..).

And, as the holidays near and as my plates fill with holiday foods, check out the Foodicles Facebook Page or the Foodicles Twitter Feed for pictures!

Happy Holidays! May your stomachs be filled with.. well, may it be filled!

Boba, Bubble Tea, Pearl Tea... It's all good.

2011-12-05T16:16:00.008+08:00

Aside from shaved ice, another iconic Taiwanese dessert that is known worldwide is Boba, aka Bubble Tea, aka Pearl Tea.

Milk Tea with chewy tapioca. It's something you can have at any time of the day. And it's something you want to have at all times of the day.

Every tea house or tea chain has their own formula for the milk tea and for the texture of the tapioca. I look for a deep black tea, yet smooth and milky taste that's not at all bitter and just slightly sweet. As for the tapioca, I look for bouncy, chewy bites that's not mushy nor too tough or rubbery.

For something like boba, you can totally have a search for the perfect cup. In Taipei, you can happily find many nominees.

Here are a couple that are total contenders from Chun Shui Tang and 50 Lan.
(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slideshow here runs on Flash. If you can't see it here, check out my Flickr album: Boba

Almond Milk Shaved Ice in Taipei

2011-12-02T15:46:00.017+08:00

If you can't get enough of shaved ice while you're in Taipei, then you'll definitely have to grab a bowl of Almond Milk Shaved Ice. It's the classic shaved ice elevated to a crazy delicious level.

We had our bowl in the food court of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi in Xin Yi. There are so many great options here for meals, snacks, desserts, and drinks. Seriously, in Taipei it's like your constantly full because of all the good eating.

The almond milk ice comes out like smooth, powdery, pillowy, micro fine ribbons. I highly recommend adding condensed milk which is lightly drizzled on the ice. That little touch of milky sweetness totally heightens the almond milk taste. Then another great surprise is the almond tofu hidden underneath the pile of ice. Smooth and light!

Just from looking at the freshly shaved ice, I knew this could potentially be a new favorite dessert of mine. After that first bite - love. And then after the whole bowl was wiped out - so in love. This is such an awesome dessert.

(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slideshow here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Almond Ice

Classic Taiwanese Desserts: Mango Ice

2011-11-30T15:38:00.002+08:00

Taiwan is filled with signature desserts. One of the most iconic is Mango Ice. It's such a simple dessert that's worth paying for.

Shaved ice, fresh mangoes, and a special condensed milk. There are also varying toppings, including seasonal fruits, ice cream, mochi, beans, and mango jelly (which taste and feels almost exactly like real mangoes.

When it's hot outside, it's the perfect cooling dessert. When it's cold outside, it doesn't warm you up, but it still totally satisfies your sweet craving. It's so fresh and refreshing.

You must have mango ice when you visit Taiwan. You're missing out if you don't.

Here are a couple bowls of Mango Ice that was savored and quickly finished.
(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slideshow here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Mango Ice

Chinese Sweets at Sweet Dynasty in Taipei

2011-11-28T12:23:00.001+08:00

Dessert first to whet your appetites for Taiwanese eats.

One of my favorite food aspects of Taiwanese cuisine is all the sweets. Even if a meal fills you up, you still are tempted with all the dessert houses filling Taipei. And if you're really too full, you can have these sweets as snacks after walking off some of the calories.

Because we were craving for sweet tofu (tofufa), we were taken to Sweet Dynasty. Earlier in the year, my best friend in Hong Kong took my family to the location in Hong Kong.

That whole steaming bucket of tofu is a real treat. Fresh, warm, silky tofu instantly warms your stomach. With a little sweet syrup, this is a delightful and comforting snack or dessert.

Here are some pictures of the tofu barrel and some of the other sweet treats we had to satisfy our sweet tooth at Sweet Dynasty.
(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Sweet Dynasty

Honeymoon Desserts to Cool Down or Warm Up

2011-11-25T18:31:00.002+08:00

There's something about traveling that makes me looks for sweets. When I was a little girl traveling around Europe during the summer time, I would love searching for ice cream trucks to cool down from the sweltering August heat. Not much has changed. In Hong Kong, one of my classic dessert favorites is stopping by Honeymoon Desserts. Cold and hot bowls for a sweet break.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Honeymoon Desserts

Not-Your-Typical-Afternoon-Tea at Cafe Iguana

2011-11-23T18:31:00.017+08:00

One of my favorite pastimes is a leisurely afternoon tea. Little portions, both sweet and savory. After walking around Elements mall in Hong Kong, I found a restaurant that caught my eye because of their Afternoon Tea Set special. Cafe Iguana serves Latin and Spanish dishes throughout the day. Between 3-6pm, they have a set menu for 98HKD. Not bad at all. Fried food, fresh guacamole, and desserts - plus some cold beer - that's a great afternoon.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Cafe Iguana

Katsu at Dondonya

2011-11-21T18:29:00.010+08:00

Elements mall in Hong Kong has a great variety of Chinese and Japanese restaurants. I really enjoy the Japanese restaurants because they are specialized. Sushi at sen-ryo, ramen/izakaya at Ippei-an, udon at Inaniwa, and now rice bowls/katsu at Dondonya. My favorite ordered the pork katsu. Theirs were not as good as my oyster katsu. Really flaky and crusty with the panko, and filled with hot, juicy oysters. Next time I go back, I'm interested in trying their donburis - after all the name of the restaurant implies they specialize in rice bowls.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Dondonya

Sushi Stop in Hong Kong

2011-11-18T18:27:00.006+08:00

Every time I stop by Hong Kong, one of my usual restaurants is sen-ryo. They serve some of the freshest sushi and some great premium cuts of fish. Each visit requires me ordering a few pieces of toro that seriously melts in your mouth. It's so hard not to overeat in Hong Kong. This city is one of my favorite eating playgrounds.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: sen-ryo

Noodles & Dumplings at Elements Mall

2011-11-16T18:24:00.005+08:00

One of the best comfort foods that always hits the spot is noodles. Homemade noodles just brings it all up to another level. For Chinese noodles, Xia Mian Guan is a pretty good place to enjoy noodle soups and dry noodles - homemade in minutes.

Aside from noodles, they have a decent selection of dim sum dumplings to complete the meal. It's no where close to being as good as Din Tai Fung, but it's still a comforting meal.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Xia Mian Guan

Cantonese Dim Sum in Hong Kong - That's where it's at.

2011-11-14T18:23:00.006+08:00

I seriously cannot find a good place for dim sum here in Manila. I've tried all the "good" ones, but they are no where close to being as good as those in Hong Kong.

So when in Hong Kong, I indulge in some quality Cantonese dim sum! Lei Garden in IFC is totally the place to go for high quality Cantonese. Everything is fresh and really full of taste. Make reservations because this place always fills up fast.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Lei Garden IFC

2nd's makes you want to come back for more

2011-11-11T15:00:00.017+08:00

As Fort Bonifacio continues to develop, new restaurants are constantly popping up. One of my favorite places in the Fort is High Street - lots of shops and eateries. A great place to walk around on those rain-free days and nights.

2nd's which is located on the second floor is a great new addition to High Street. It has the atmosphere, the food, and the service. The branding and concept are smart and well-executed. If you want a twist on Filipino food, American favorites, and basically modern International cuisine, this is definitely the place to go. Go once, and you'll definitely want to go back for seconds (again, great branding and concept!).

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: 2nd's

Classic Filipino Dishes at Fely J

2011-11-09T14:39:00.021+08:00

There are some Filipino dishes that are best eaten in restaurants. For me, these are dishes that will make a mess in the kitchen, particularly fried dishes. So when I'm craving for these fried foods, it's so easy to find them in nearby Filipino restaurants that serve these classic dishes, like at Fely J.

Fely J in Greenbelt 5 is a place for locals and visitors to go to enjoy classic Filipino dishes. It's definitely a place to share and eat family style. That's the only way to go with Filipino food.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Fely J

Lobby Eats in The Peninsula Manila

2011-11-07T13:01:00.005+08:00

When you're craving for multiple cuisines, sometimes a hotel lobby cafe can serve up just what you're looking for. Craving: Burger & Halo Halo. Place to go: The Peninsula Hotel, Lobby.

The burger is hefty, and with the works it's filling. The halo halo is huge and great to share. It's one of the best halo halos in town.

(Pardon the quality of the photos. I didn't have my camera on me, so this is all from my camera phone.)
Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Peninsula Lobby

Neighborhood Eats: Ba Noi

2011-11-04T12:32:00.001+08:00

When you're at home, there are some nights when you don't want to eat in - the cooking and the clean up takes a certain mood. And there are also those nights when you want to eat out, but you don't want to go too far. The solution: neighborhood eats.

Ba Noi is one of those neighborhood restaurants that's cozy and serves up comforting Vietnamese cuisine. I love that Vietnamese cuisine, like Thai cuisine, has sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors in most of their dishes. These flavors really add complexity to any dish that makes you want to eat more and more. There's something about Thai and Vietnamese cuisine that satisfies you and doesn't make you feel grossly full.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Ba Noi

Banana-Que: Caramelized Bananas on a Stick!

2011-11-02T12:19:00.012+08:00

Banana-que is a common Filipino street food snack. Caramelized local plaintain bananas (saba) fried on a stick. It's great for breakfast, merienda (snack time), and dessert.

When they are freshly made, it's too easy to eat so many bananas in one sitting. Sweet bananas, caramelized with brown sugar.. Soo good.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Banana-Q

Katsu of all Katsus

2011-10-31T11:42:00.001+08:00

One of the best parts about traveling around the world and coming home to Manila is that you can pretty much buy a grocery list of local ingredients and take them home for a global home cooked dinner.

Cities around Asia have some of the finest gourmet groceries with local and European ingredients. And in every trip, groceries and markets are my museums.

During a recent trip to Hong Kong, City Super in IFC had some irresistible Spanish and Japanese meats. Spanish Iberico pork and Japanese A5 Wagyu cuts. Thanks to their packing, we were able to take home Spanish Iberico pork chops.

Spanish Iberico pork chops come from the spine of the pig and usually contain a bone. They are juicy and rich in taste. Combined with my dad's awesome katsu recipe and frying... Every bite was euphoric.

To balance the pork katsu, we also fried sweet potatoes, mushrooms, onions, eggplants, broccoli, and bell peppers. One of the best home cooked dinners of the year. After this meal, we hurried back to Hong Kong and took home more Iberico pork chops. I can't wait for the next katsu dinner!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Katsu at Home

Four Seasons Chiang Mai: Chef's Table. A Dining Experience to Remember.

2011-10-27T20:11:00.032+08:00

Chef's Table. Eating dinner while the chef prepares your meal right in front you.

That's pretty much a guaranteed memorable dinner. The perfect way to celebrate a birthday.

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai's Chef Table was one of the most memorable meals and dining experiences I've ever had in the world. First of all, the setting is on the mountainous Chiang Mai. The Four Seasons property highlights the natural beauty and greenery.

Then, the cooking school setting makes your jaw drop with how amazing the school is set up with huge exhaust systems, cooking stations, and wooden structures.

There's also the chefs who make you feel so special and welcomed.

Finally, the Thai food is so delicious that weeks (and I'm sure months and years later) I'm still remembering the flavors playing on my tongue and warming my stomach. Great Thai food does that to you. What a night.

10 courses, an open bar, and an exclusive private dinner. All for 2500 baht (~$80USD). I've spent hundreds of US Dollars on meals in the US for great meals from highly reputable celebrity chefs. This night blows them all away.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Four Seasons Chefs Table

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

2011-10-25T20:10:00.001+08:00

As part of my mom's birthday celebration, I treated my family to a special culinary experience at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai.

We arrived at the resort early to tour the property. Wow, it's just as impressive as the Mandarin Oriental.

Its a gorgeous, lush resort filled with trees and surrounded by the northern mountains. You totally get the whole Chiang Mai/Northern Thailand feel. If I find myself back in Chiang Mai, I think I might try out this resort next time.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album Four Seasons Chiang Mai

A Casual Meal, Poolside at the Mandarin Oriental Chiang Mai

2011-10-21T18:34:00.016+08:00

After an early morning of touring the city of Chiang Mai (and visiting all the celadon and bronze factories), it was already past lunch time. We were left with only a couple choices of where to dine in the resort. Poolside at the Loy Kham Bar. There's something about dining outside by a pool that makes you want to eat light, eat healthy, and enjoy a tropical drink...

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: MO Chiang Mai Pool Bar

Northern Thai Lunch in Chiang Mai

2011-10-19T16:22:00.005+08:00

If you only have a few days in Chiang Mai and you stay at a resort like the Mandarin, it's so easy to just stay in the resort and enjoy all they have to offer. The resort is huge.. like Disneyland huge. Along with all the sights and activities, there's also a great variety of dining throughout the property.

One of my favorite Thai restaurants is here at the resort. Lanna offers traditional Thai cuisine and traditional Northern Thai cuisine of the Chiang Mai area. Northern cuisine offers lots of fresh flavors and vegetables, as well as deep flavored curries. The tables are spacious to accomodate for family style dining - perfect for Thai cuisine to enjoy tastes of all the dishes.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Lanna

Back at the Mandarin Oriental Chiang Mai

2011-10-17T11:55:00.022+08:00

In my years of traveling, I have a growing list of favorite resorts around the world. Resorts are more special than hotels because they tend to have a unique theme or architecture. Shangri-la Boracay and Grand Hyatt Kauai are two of my favorite beach resorts. It's more than the room, it's the whole resort hotel experience.

The first on my list of favorite resorts around the world is the Mandarin Oriental Chiang Mai. Since I visited last year, I still can't stop talking about it. To celebrate my mom's birthday, we went back to our favorite place, and back to the Mandarin Oriental. Now this is the way to celebrate a birthday!

My post of last year has more pictures and videos of the property. These pictures from this year's visit contain more views of our villa and other shots that I may not have taken last time.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: MO Chiang Mai

Thiptara at The Peninsula Bangkok

2011-10-14T21:39:00.002+08:00

Aside from Sala Rim Naam at the Mandarin Oriental, Thiptara at The Peninsula is another stand out Thai restaurant. The setting is also by the river, with beautiful open air dining areas. Even during rainy season, you can still enjoy a great meal.

I can't emphasize enough how I enjoy some of these hotel restaurants. Plus, it's really a convenience after a long day to dine in the hotel. At restaurants like this, the hotel hospitality service is still present and the quality of all the food is excellent. Thiptara is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Bangkok because of the overall experience.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Thiptara

4 x 4 = 16 Thai Dishes for Dinner

2011-10-12T22:54:00.000+08:00

High end hotels around the world are known for hiring some of the best chefs. Years and outstanding skill make an executive hotel chef. Outside of the US, many Michelin rated chefs are from the league of these hotels.

In every city we travel, my family makes a point to eat in at least one of these hotel restaurants. In Bangkok, we are repeat customers of both Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula's Thai restaurants. They are completely authentic and high quality with the most beautiful riverside settings.

At the Mandarin Oriental, Sala Rim Naam is a must-try. You have a choice of the Thai lunch buffet, a la carte dinner out by the river, or a set dinner while watching traditional Thai dances. Or, if you don't want to choose, you totally can go back and do all three. The lunch buffet is my favorite buffet from around the world right now. It's such a fun and extensive spread.

On my most recent trip back to Bangkok, the four of us enjoyed 16 dishes, 18 including dessert. 4 salads, 4 appetizers, 4 dips, 4 curries, and 2 desserts. Sala Rim Naam's menu lets you have these assortments of 4 dishes and you get to choose the 4 in each category. I love variety during meals, and this was totally the way to go. It's also a great way to try out new dishes to learn more and more about this amazing Thai cuisine.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Sala Rim Naam

Back at The Oriental Thai Cooking School!

2011-10-10T21:05:00.001+08:00

Back in Bangkok.. and back to The Oriental Thai Cooking School! This is my third time in Bangkok, and this is my third time taking a class at the cooking school.

I love the format and the detailed explanations from Chef Narain. It's not just the menu or the atmosphere of the school, it's really the chef/teacher that keeps bringing me back. I learn so many new things about cooking techniques and Thai cuisine every time.

Aside from learning about the dishes, you also discover new ingredients that you can use in other cuisines, aside from Thai. Plus, after the class, we make a list to shop for ingredients and certain brands at Paragon to take home.

Thai food has instantly become one of my favorite cuisines. The flavors are really exciting to the palate, especially with the combinations of salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy packed in every bite. I can eat it multiple times during the week. Thanks to all these lessons, I have a growing list of recipes to make at home. I can't wait to go back to learn more!

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: MO Bangkok Cooking Class

Off the Grid at Golden Gate Fields

2011-10-07T21:31:00.029+08:00

When I'm planning my trip back to the Bay Area, I always look at the schedules for concerts, Giants games, Niners games, Sharks games, and food events. One such food event caught my eye. Off the Grid was having an event at Berkeley's Golden Gate Fields. The poster totally sold me: Food Trucks, Racing, Big Hats, and Bloody Marys. What's not to love?!

The food truck spread had a pretty good variety with a nice Asian representation. It was really great to see some creative Filipino trucks, too. I tried some Sisig Fries from Senor Sisig. Totally not the real deal for sisig (which consists of pig head parts), but it's a clean, fun version. It's basically tender cuts of pork meat diced and really well seasoned. You also have a choice of chicken or tofu. It's all put together with a very Californian influence. The Sisig Fries are basically like San Diego's Carne Asada Fries.

The Bloody Marys were a bit weak and not as good as a bar, but it's was still fun to drink a huge cup during the event.

As for the races, it was a memorable afternoon at the tracks. We were fortunate to meet the marketing manager who gave us a front row tour of the tracks. We were able to get right up to the rails to get a great view of a photo finish. We even took pictures with the winning jockey (who's height matched our Asian lady height).

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: OtG

Kara's Cupcakes

2011-10-05T21:29:00.000+08:00

The cupcake trend is still alive and thriving! Whenever I travel out of the Philippines, I indulge in all the sweets my stomach can handle. (Sweets here in Manila can be waay too sweet because of the Filipino palate. I'd rather not have sweets in Manila and overindulge while traveling.)

While I was living in the Bay Area, my go-to cupcake place was Sprinkles. Light, fluffy, moist cupcakes. They have some really great Red Velvet cupcakes. I had tried Kara's Cupcakes once before, but I found my Fleur de Sel Chocolate cupcake to be on the rich side. Delicious, but rich.

Kara's has done an excellent job expanding, and they are now in the Town & Country Village in Palo Alto.. right near Howie's Artisan Pizza. So after enjoying my soft serve with butterscotch sauce at Howie's, I went right next door to Kara's for dessert, round 2.

All because of one cupcake, I'm a total Kara's convert. I'm in loove with their S'Mores cupcakes!! It's so light, moist, and totally my favorite cupcake right now. Each time I go to Kara's now, I order at least a box of 6 (which is gone in 2 days). It's soo good. I highly recommend this for cupcake lovers, marshmallow lovers, chocolate lovers, graham cracker lovers, and all the above combined.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Kara's

Pizza in the Peninsula

2011-10-03T21:27:00.002+08:00

Every trip to the Bay Area feels soo short. There's just too much to do. It's a challenge fitting in visits to favorite restaurants and trying out new restaurants. There are some restaurants that we visit everything single stay, even if it's just an overnighter. One required restaurant for every Bay Area visit: Howie's Artisan Pizza.

My family and I have been fans of Chef Howard since his Marche days in Menlo Park. He's a five star chef who has followed the trend of chefs opening up more casual dining experiences. What I love about this trend is that the food is more affordable, the atmosphere is more relaxed, AND the food is still of five star quality. You can't beat that formula.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Howie's

Banhi Mi for Lunch!

2011-09-29T21:25:00.028+08:00

Instead of craving for burritos and deli sandwiches, this time I was really craving for banh mi - Vietnamese sandwiches. That light and crispy Vietnamese-French bread, with the fillings contrasting with pickles and jalapenos. Vietnamese sandwiches are seriously one of the best sandwiches in the world.

When I'm back in the states, especially the Bay Area, I tend to search for eats on Yelp. According to Yelp, the better banh mi near the Peninsula was in Sunnyvale at Cam Hung. Four solid stars. Usually, that means it's pretty good. Unfortunately, the four stars didn't ring true here. The bread wasn't crispy at all, and the fillings were really dry.

That made me want to drive farther to get the really good quality banh mi. Milpitas and San Jose are the cities to go to for quality and authentic banh mi. Huong Lan serves up some really good sandwiches that totally fulfilled my craving. The grilled pork was tasty, the sardines were good, and the classic ham, pate, and headcheese keeps you coming back for more.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Banh Mi

Modern Vietnamese at Xanh

2011-09-27T21:15:00.021+08:00

When I first moved to Asia last year, I would find myself really craving for Mexican food. My cravings for foods that I grew up with change each time I revisited the states. Mexican, burgers, pizza, ramen, and so on. This time around, I had a craving for Vietnamese cuisine.

Because I come from a family that doesn't plan ahead and doesn't really make reservations until the day of, we weren't able to land a table in Slanted Door. That is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant (Out the Door, included) in San Francisco.

So instead, we revisited Xanh, a Vietnamese restaurant in the Bay Area. We first went to Xanh when it first opened years ago. When they moved locations, across the street, we never had a chance to try it out again. The newer location is nicely set up with a few dining areas and a bar/lounge.

The food has modern presentations, while enjoying it all family style. Overall, the food is enjoyable. But, when you expect Slanted Door quality, it's kind of disappointing. I found myself constantly thinking, "This is okay but Slanted Door does it so much better." I definitely need to book ahead at Slanted Door the next time I'm in the Bay Area.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Xanh

Back in SF, Back in Bocadillos

2011-09-22T21:13:00.006+08:00

When you develop a favorite restaurant, the main thing you look for is consistency. You look for some of the same dishes, the same flavors, and the same feeling that keeps you coming back.

Years later, Bocadillos is still my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. The restaurant is still fun, inviting, friendly. And, the food is still so consistent and filled with flavors that excite and comfort.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Bocadillos

Tasting the Hype at Benu

2011-09-20T21:10:00.000+08:00

New restaurants constantly pop up in San Francisco. Each year, a handful or less of these restaurants make it to the top lists for food critics and food lovers. For the past year, the one restaurant that keeps trending is Chef Corey Lee's Benu.

Corey Lee made his name as the chef de cuisine at Thomas Keller's French Laundry. Prior to the opening of Benu until even today, the restaurant has been dubbed The SF Restaurant to go to.

Benu creates original Asian and Modern American inspired dishes that delights and surprises. At a place like Benu, the best way to dive in to this cuisine is with the extensive tasting menu. Don't let the cost scare you. $180 is quite a deal for 18+ courses packed with quality of ingredients, artistry, and superb chefs' touches. $10 per course for all that's put into it!

The beverage pairing price maybe be intimidating, too, but again, it's such a deal for 10 high quality beverages. Plus, it's like a lesson per pour. You get to enjoy the wine, the pairing, and the information about the pour from the sommeliers.

Finalizing the brilliant tasting experience is the friendly staff. I was worried that the reception might be snooty and stiff. It's totally the opposite. They are so friendly, welcoming, and humorous. The service matches the atmosphere and the food - five star. Attentive and detailed.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Benu

Summer Treats

2011-09-14T18:24:00.000+08:00

Summer! For years that meant June through September of warm to hot weather and bright blue skies filling most of the days. For the second year in a row, these summer months I look forward to are now filled with monsoons, storms, and typhoons.

After two weeks straight of rain and gray clouds here in Manila, I was so excited to escape to the states for a two week trip. The two weeks were filled with the perfect summer weather.

And what's the best way to embrace the last days of summer? With ice cream, frozen yogurt and popsicles!!

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Summer Treats

Back in 2 Weeks!

2011-08-30T00:19:00.000+08:00

Brb, readers! I'm currently back in the states and piling up more updates. I'll be back here posting in two weeks. In the meantime, check out my Facebook and Twitter pages for daily mobile pictures of my travel eats.

Home Made Sake Steamed Chicken

2011-08-26T00:18:00.000+08:00

It's dinner time again! This time, I used a recipe that I've been wanting to cook for awhile now.

Sake Steamed Chicken
(FYI, it's a NY Times recipe if you're keeping count of your 20 articles per month)

I was so curious about this tender, tender chicken that the author wrote about. I've only steamed a fish before, which is a delicious way to eat fish. I've eaten boiled chicken, and so I was curious how steamed chicken could be even better.

This is a great recipe. The chicken came out very tender and very moist. The rest period after the steaming is really important. It brings the juices together and stays in the chicken.

The original recipe had only a sliight sake taste. Non-existent if you didn't know about the sake. My adjustment that I want to try next time is to marinate the chicken for a bit in the sake, and then steam it in water. I can't wait to try this again!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Steamed Chicken

Home Made Porcini Risotto

2011-08-24T00:15:00.000+08:00

Dinner time! When it comes to cooking dinner at home for my family, I have a few recipes saved for when I'm in the mood to cook. But most of the time, dinner is created after I peak through the pantry, fridge, and freezer. I love cooking with whatever is left. It's a fun challenge and I try to figure out the possible tastes in my head and how everything can come together.

So after a stroll through the kitchen, I found we had arborio rice in the freezer and dried porcinis in the pantry. It's mushroom risotto for dinner!

After stirring in the last cup of broth, I finished the risotto with a little slab of butter to bring it all together. (A little tip I learned from watching Mario Batali on TV.)

And to intensify the mushroom taste, after pouring and stirring in one cup of white wine, I tend poured in the mushroom juice which I used to hydrate the dried mushrooms. Wow, it had an excellent bold porcini taste!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Risotto

More Neighborhood Dining: Japanese at Tsumura

2011-08-19T00:39:00.000+08:00

Salcedo Village is a great neighborhood for all these nice neighborhood places. After having brunch, we drove by another neighborhood restaurant that caught my dad's eye. It was a Japanese place on the second floor of a corporate building. How did it catch my dad's eye? The window was lined with sake bottles.

When you enter Tsumura, you know it's going to be a pretty good place. It was filled with more Japanese clientele than Filipinos. True enough, the food and service was excellent. My one complaint - hair in the uni. Eww! And in my favorite item. The sushi chefs were all men with short hair, and the hair in the uni was a long strand. So perhaps it came from the sourcing of the uni. The waitress was nice enough to compensate for the mishap. I really want to go back here because the food was enjoyable. I hope the second time around the same thing won't happen. If so, there definitely won't be a third time.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Tsumura

Brunch in Salcedo Village

2011-08-16T23:08:00.000+08:00

There are some mornings when I wake up, and I'm just craving for brunch. That mix of sweet and savory can deliciously fill you up until dinner. After a brief online search of "brunch" in "Makati" I found a quaint little neighborhood restaurant in Salcedo Village.

Apartment 1B is located on the ground floor of a neighborhood condo. It's a small 2 story restaurant. The decor reminded me of homey afternoon tea houses in the states. For the complete brunch feel, we ordered a savory dish (Eggs Benedict) and a sweet dish (Belgian Waffles). If you're in the area, or if you're in the mood for a neighborhood restaurant with a continental spread, this is a good place to try out.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Apartment 1B

Home Style Thai Cooking

2011-08-12T20:16:00.000+08:00

When it comes to Thai food here in Manila, we typically go to our favorite restaurant, People's Palace. I love the atmosphere, the service, and the consistency of the food. It's always a great meal.

But every once in a while, I want something different. So in search of that, we tried out Benjarong. The Thai restaurant of the Dusit Thani Hotel, a Thai hotel. The chef is a Thai lady who specializes in Royal Thai home style cuisine.

We have another go-to place for Thai food! The food is excellent, authentic, and comforting. From appetizers to desserts, the dishes make you feel like you're back in Bangkok.

For an added plus, go there on the last Saturday of the month. Your whole bill with be 30% off thanks to Earth Hour!

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Benjarong

Dim Sum at Edsa Shangri-La's Summer Palace

2011-08-10T22:08:00.000+08:00

Since I arrive here in Manila last year, I've been in search of a Hong Kong quality dim sum restaurant. My next restaurant in the search: Summer Palace at Edsa Shangri-La.

Overall, it was just ookay. I don't think I would go back, though. I'd rather go back to Shang Palace at Makati Shangri-La where the atmosphere was more pleasant.

The atmosphere here was..for lack of a better description.. very gold and traditional dim sum setting Chinese. I know, I know, we're in a Chinese restaurant. But when you pay a high price for Chinese cuisine, the atmosphere is usually more modernized. I hope for a certain level of classiness with it comes to the decor. Here, it was a bit over done and kinda tacky. It just didn't satisfy my personal preferences.

The food was actually not bad at all.. it was about average. For my expectations though, it just wasn't outstanding. Plus, I totally got that heavy, oily, starchy feeling that you typically get after an average Chinese meal. At high quality places, you typically don't get that because of better ingredients and better chefs.

So after trying a handful or so of the highest rated ones here, I find myself resigned that there might not be a quality dim sum place here. Whenever I'll crave really good dim sum, I'll just have to wait for my next trip to Hong Kong.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Summer Palace

Classics at Prince Albert Rotisserie

2011-08-09T01:14:00.000+08:00

Prince Albert Rotisserie has been in the Manila restaurant scene for years. The hotel restaurant (located in the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati) continues to serve classic cuisine. And the reason it has lasted this many years... the service and food brings calls you back.

The atmosphere, food, and service is all traditional and classic. It's what you'd expect from this kind of old school dining.

While not all the food is spectacular, there are certain dishes that are so good and so classic. I, for one, cannot wait to go back and have more of that rack of lamb.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Prince Albert

Grappa's for Italian, and a Good Beer List

2011-08-05T22:09:00.000+08:00

Grappa's in Greenbelt is not a new restaurant, but it is newly renovated with a change of ownership. It's now directly tied to the original Grappa's in Hong Kong. Change is good! Grappa's is now one of my go-to restaurants in Greenbelt.

Great food, great wine list, and a great beer list. They have west coast brewsand IPAs! Whenever I see good beer on menu, I have to order at least one..or two.

Overall, the pastas are nicely al dente and the appetizers are memorable. The service is excellent and they remember their repeat customers. The prices are definitely high. You really have to appreciate the quality of the cooking and the dining experience. It's whole experience that encourages me to keep coming back.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Grappas

Tapas at Cerveseria

2011-08-03T21:11:00.000+08:00

Spanish food has always been one of my favorite cuisines. After traveling through Spain years ago, Spanish cuisine became my favorite cuisine. Years later, it still is. It's such comfort food while exciting to the palate.

When I saw this new restaurant about to open in Greenbelt, the name and the cuisine had me curious to try it out at soon as it opened. Cerveseria. That just makes me think of beer and Spanish food. Two of my all time favorite things.

Overall, it's a fun restaurant with pretty great tapas. The portions are just right, and the larger plates are also manageable for the whole table. The flavors are authentically Spanish, too.

We also ordered a pitcher of Sangria. Like most cocktails in this country, it was really weak for me. The waiter was generous offered to pour more red wine, and that did the trick. A tasty sangria after that. I'm definitely going back for more.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Cerveseria

Shabuway in Manila

2011-08-01T22:08:00.000+08:00

Back in the Bay Area, one of my favorite local eats was Shabuway. When I moved to Manila last year, I found out they were opening a branch inside Greenbelt 5. A taste of home in my new home!

So how does it compare? In terms of atmosphere, it's definitely more modern because of the use of induction burners. Also, there is less bar space and more tables. The culture here caters to bigger parties.. and in general, I notice customers don't really eat at the bar. (I loove eating at the bar, so whenever I have to chance to do that anywhere I definitely prefer that seating. You get faster service from the bartenders and you get your drinks on the spot.) The one aspect that I miss from the Shabuway in Mountain View is the televisions along the wall showing ESPN highlights. Again, it's another cultural dining change to cater to the local customers.

As for the food, it definitely is consistent with the Shabuway in the Bay Area. Overtime, I hope they get more marbled Kobe style cuts. And, I hope they get their liquor license so I can enjoy the meal with beer and sake.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Shabuway Manila

Truffle Degustation Dinner at Red

2011-07-29T16:54:00.000+08:00

Every now and then, Red at Makati Shangri-La has special tasting menus for certain occasions or for certain ingredients.

Recently, Red had a special Truffle menu for a limited time. Degustation and a la carte truffle selections. For a little splurge, we tried the 8 course degustation menu. Each course had black truffles shaved on top of it. Some had truffles cooked into the dish. For the most part, the truffles worked really well with each of the dishes. They maintained an earthy taste, while not overpowering.

The entire meal had a total of 14 grams of black summer truffles. If we had this meal in the states, or almost anywhere not in the Philippines, it would have been well over $100 per person. Here, it was $85. $85 for 8 courses with truffles. Pretty good for all that you get.

Overall, the meal was enjoyable as it always has been. Whenever there are menu changes, it's nice going back to Red to see what else they can create.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check our my Flickr album: Red

More from Makati Shangri-La: Inagiku

2011-07-27T23:07:00.000+08:00

These days, when I crave for Asian food my stomach is either thinking about Japanese or Thai cuisine. Lately I've been really craving sushi and sashimi. My body must be needing some refreshing omega-3s.

To enjoy some fresh, quality sushi, we returned to Makati Shangri-La. This time, we went to Inagiku.

It's not a place to expect value for your money. The prices are hotel high, and for some orders it kinda feels like they are charging even more than hotel high. The quality of the ingredients are excellent, though.

The one real downside about the restaurant is that the smell and oily feeling from teppanyaki frying station which spreads throughout the whole restaurant. You leave the place smelling like you ate Korean BBQ. When you want eat sushi, the environment is supposed to feel clean.. as clean and fresh as the sushi you are eating.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Inagiku

A La Carte Dining at Circles Event Cafe

2011-07-26T00:43:00.000+08:00

Now that I'm back home in Manila, I've been in the mood to visit restaurants that are old favorites, and to discover new favorites. For this week's Monday, Wednesday, Friday entries, I'm revisiting a few restaurants from the Makati Shangri-la Hotel. Every time I'm in town, I frequent the restaurants in the Shangri-la because of their proximity and because they use quality ingredients.

First up this week, Circles Event Cafe. This is the international buffet for the hotel. They also have themes for certain nights. Wednesday nights are Filipino Nights, with a great Filipino spread and some cultural music and dance.

Coming from the U.S., we always face some jetlag for the first few to several days. That also means our eating times are all messed up. So a hotel cafe is a great place to enjoy all day dining. Instead of indulging in the buffet, we ordered a la carte off the menu.

The menu items can be hit and miss. We learn from the "misses" like the pizza and avoid them on our next visits. It's the "hits" like the pancit, and the hotel atmosphere, that encourage us to keep coming back.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Circles

Favorite Travel Photos

2011-07-22T18:48:00.000+08:00

Apart from my collection of food photos, I also have a growing number of travel photos. It's truly been an incredible year and a half of almost constant travel. There are so many beautiful sights in this world to discover.

I loved living in the U.S., but travel around the states can become..boring. I mean, each city has its beauty.. but everything and everyone is American. You travel 1 to 6 hours, and you get the same culture, more or less. Here in Asia, you travel less than 2 hours, and you're in a completely different culture, language, everything.

Here are some of my favorite travel photos from the past year and a half. I can't wait for the next months and years of more travel!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Favorite Travel Pics

Favorite Food Photos

2011-07-20T21:35:00.000+08:00

Can you believe that more than half of the year has already flown by? It feels like I arrived in Manila just a few weeks ago... Well, I sorta did. I did just come back from the states for the third time this year. Traveling makes time fly!

It's been an incredible year and a half living in Manila and traveling to new places. The food everywhere has been amazing! I can't wait to travel some more to discover new foods and to travel back to my new favorite cities to eat more of the good stuff.

Here's a look back at my favorite food photos from January 2010 to the present day. On Friday, I'll be posting up my favorite travel photos from the past year and a half.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Favorite Food Pics

Too many bananas and they're already so ripe? Bake with them!

2011-07-19T00:02:00.000+08:00

One of the best things about life in Asia.. the fruits! There are so many varieties of tropical fruits that you'd never find in the states. And if you do, they are ridiculously overpriced.

I've been really into the local variety of Filipino bananas lately. There are three kinds: Lacatan, Latundan, and Senorita.

In the past months, I've tried all 3. After eating these, the bananas in the states taste like potatoes. The ones here are packed with flavor. It's like they have been infused with banana liquor.

The Senorita bananas are fun to eat because of the tiny size. You can have it in 2 bites.. ok maybe 3 if you want mind your eating manners. The Lacatan and Latundan bananas are a bit bigger. I prefer the Latundan variety because the bunches I've eaten have been the sweetest and boldest with banana taste.

The only problem with the bananas is that they ripen so fast. It's like a race to finish it, while trying not to gain weight from overindulging in bananas. So one of the best solutions to this problem is to bake with the bananas!

Here's a batch of banana cupcakes that my mom recently baked. In the past, she'd make banana bread. Then she moved on to banana muffins. Now, it's banana cupcakes. They are so light, fluffy, moist, and full of banana flavor. Plus, they are topped with my favorite cupcake icing: cream cheese frosting!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Banana Cupcakes

Dinner at home after a long trip

2011-07-15T21:12:00.000+08:00

After a long trip, it's kind of nice to spend a couple days laying low. There's lots to do around the house, too. Laundry and catching up with work, all the while trying to beat the jetlag.

This down time also calls for some good meals at home. On my Facebook page, I occasionally post up pictures during my dinners at home, entitling them, "Daily Dinner." They are just ordinary days and ordinary dinners. But, because of the table setting and the food prepared, a daily dinner becomes a feast.

Here are some pictures from one Daily Dinner just after our arrival back home.
- Fresh local lapu lapu, roasted on a bed of tomatoes and onions.
- Paella topped with green beans, lima beans, whole shrimps, and squid. With aioli.
- Paired with a Rioja

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Dinner at Home

All Nippon Airways - Japanese Culture in the Air

2011-07-13T20:24:00.000+08:00

For the past year and a half, I've been a frequent flyer around Asia and the states. I've mostly flown Cathay Pacific, as they have quality facilities and service. Plus, Hong Kong is a great hub.

On my most recent trip to the states, I tried another airline because CX was at its peak season. Flights were booked and I had to get to the states on a certain schedule.

All Nippon Airways, ANA. While the seats in business class are not as luxurious as CX, ANA makes up for it in cleanliness, service, and the food. They are constantly cleaning the bathrooms. The service is full of Japanese manners. And, the food is a great change from CX's usual selection (and after traveling frequently on CX I got soo tired of the same choices).

Of course, one of the biggest perks of flying this airline is the stopover in Narita Airport. An opportunity to enjoy the lounge and purchase some Japanese goodies.

Here are some pictures of the meals I had to and from the states.
Place your cursor above "Notes" to read the captions for each of the pictures.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: ANA.

Camera Shots

2011-07-11T20:36:00.000+08:00

Camera phones are so convenient to use. To minimize the bulk in my purse, I sometimes prefer to just take my phone.

During my few weeks in the states, I had my camera phone next to me to take a few pictures of food related scenery and products.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read more about the photos.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: iPhone Randoms.

A Todd English Classic

2011-07-08T20:10:00.000+08:00

If there's a celebrity chef in a city I'm visiting (or living in), I eagerly try to go to all of his or her restaurants to get a fair sense to see if the chef is really a chef or just a celebrity.

One of the my favorite chefs is Todd English. He makes fun, comfort foods. From his restaurant in NYC to Boston, to his Food Hall, and across the states to his restaurants in Las Vegas.. They are all quality and repeatable. The service is friendly, and the food is always surprisingly good with bold flavors that you'll remember.

After coming from the east coast and visiting his places in Boston and NYC, I really wanted to try the place that started it all - Olives. Olives serves Chef English's signature flatbread pizzas. If you're a Todd English, it's a place you have to check out. It's a great, memorable flatbread.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read more about the food photos.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Olives.

Great Eats off The Strip

2011-07-06T21:17:00.000+08:00

Aside from the celebrity chef restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, there are also a number of great restaurants off The Strip. The Spring Mountain area has a lot of quality Asian eats. Ichiza and Monta are authentic, cheap eats.

If you feel like spending a little more, Raku is another great place for Japanese izakaya, or small plates. This place is known among chefs in the area as the place to go to after work. You have to call ahead for reservations because it's almost always fully booked, especially late at night.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read more about the photos.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Raku.

Wolfgang Steakhouse in NYC, A New Favorite Restaurant.

2011-07-04T21:16:00.000+08:00

When my family buys high quality steaks and my dad has the ability to grill it up better than an average or above average restaurant, it's so hard to eat a steak outside of the house. It's a rare find for us to enjoy a quality steak in a restaurant. But, I think we finally found a place that makes it as good as home.

Wolfgang Steakhouse in Manhattan. (There are 5 locations in the city. We visited the Midtown East location.) Wolfgang Zwiener is the former maitre d' of the infamous Peter Luger Steakhouse. His steakhouse is very similar to Peter Luger, except you get a Manhattan steakhouse experience. At Peter Luger, you get Brooklyn service in a very casual and old setting. Here at Wolfgang, you get white table cloths with a pleasant surrounding and friendly service.

The whole experience was so memorable.. that we drove into the city from Connecticut the very next night to eat another steak dinner. Yes, it's that good.

And, on our 2nd night, Wolfgang, himself, came up to our table to greet us and take pictures! (I'm not posting the picture because it's a whole family shot - you know, privacy reasons.) He's quite the charming old man and is well dressed in a suit every night. What a fine job he's done with his steakhouses! I can't wait to go back.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read more about the photos.

The slide show here runs of Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Wolfgang.

Revisiting Todd English's Ca Va

2011-06-29T22:11:00.000+08:00

Each time I visit and revisit a Todd English restaurant, I become a bigger fan. In this past trip into the city, I made a point to visit his Plaza Food Hall in the Plaza Hotel. It's worth the trip! To rank the 3 celebrity chefs with food halls/food markets in the city.. #1, Mario Batali's Eataly; #2, Todd English's Plaza Food Hall; #3, Daniel Boulud's Epicerie. Actually, Daniel Boulud's Epicerie is really just a neighborhood corner market. It doesn't compare at all to Eataly or the Plaza Food Hall. So if you find yourself hungry and around the Plaza Hotel, check out his food hall!

After checking out his Food Hall, we went down to Hell's Kitchen to have dinner at Ca Va. My family enjoyed our Christmas lunch there just half a year ago, so we knew we'd have a good meal. Unfortunately, I was still full from a late lunch, so I only ordered a pasta course. When you eat here, you should come hungry and enjoy the 3 Course Prix Fixe Menu. It's such value - quality food with generous portions. The food was satisfying and filling. Chef English keeps impressing me.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read a little more about the food photos.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album.

Bar Boulud in NYC

2011-06-27T21:31:00.000+08:00

Since eating in Daniel almost 10 years ago, I've been a huge fan of Daniel Boulud. It ranks up there with my fine dining experience at Jean Georges and Alain Ducasse. Finesse food matched with superb service.

In looking back at it, I've actually eaten at 5 of his restaurants - 4 in New York City (Daniel, DB Bistro, DBGB, and Bar Boulud) and 1 in Las Vegas (DB Brasserie). I've always had an enjoyable food experience. However lately, at DBGB and now at Bar Boulud, the host/hostess were surprisingly rude. On TV Boulud is such a friendly guy who puts attention to detail and service. During our dining experience at Daniel my brother met him, and he's such a friendly guy. Unfortunately, it seems as though it gets to the hosts/hostesses heads that they are working at a Boulud establishment.

At our most recent Boulud dining experience at Bar Boulud, we were seated outside and at the time our table was nicely covered by the umbrellas. However, halfway through our meal the NYC summer sun moved its way onto our table and chairs. We asked our server if we could move inside; so she, in turn, asked the hostess. The hostess came to our table and said there were no tables available only bar seats. So we said we'd like to move to the bar seats to enjoy our last course. She, then, said she'll check with the bartender. When she came back out, she said the bar was all filled. We sadly accepted her answer and quickly finished the rest of our meal. After we paid the bill, we went inside the restaurant to use the restrooms. (Just a side note - the bathrooms here are nice and clean. It felt like a restroom in a five star hotel.) To my surprise, the tables and bar were practically empty..and this was only 10 minutes after the hostess spoke to us. Let me speak colloquially and say, "What's up with that??"

At all of Boulud's 5 restaurants, we've enjoyed the food. It's quality and worth the expense.. But it's the food AND service that makes the dining experience, not just the food. At both DBGB and at Bar Boulud, it's been the host and hostess that have ruined our experience. The people hired at that position seem to feel a power that they should not expose to customers. They should be as warm and as friendly as Chef Boulud to represent him and his restaurants.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read a little more about the pictures.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album.