This and that around the Bay Area

Aside from planning out reservations for new restaurants, nostalgic bites, spontaneous eats and recommendations from locals and friends fill the rest of my eating and drinking time in the Bay Area.

My trips back to the San Francisco area always satisfy my cravings for contemporary American bar food, Mexican fare, and Northern Californian wines and beers.  From dishes I used to have as a grade school kid to new discoveries, it all tastes like home away from home these days.

Fish and Chips at Bourbon Pub
Petrale sole, salt and vinegar tots, tartar sauce

Tio Pepe Sherry Tasting in Jerez

Aside from the amazing tocino del cielo, Jerez is also known for its sherry production.  Sherry is fortified wine from white grapes grown in this Andalucian province.  Naturally, Jerez is home to over 20 sherry bodegaas.

The most famous bodega is Bodegas González Byass, also known as Bodegas Tio Pepe.  It is one of the biggest sherry houses, just next to the Alcázar and Cathedral.  Their sherry production opened in 1835 by Manuel María González Angel, who partnered with Robert Blake Byass.  The infamous sherry, Tio Pepe, was named after his favorite uncle and advisor, Tio Pepe.  The bodega opened in 1963 and has expanded over the years.  Today the company is run by 4th and 5th generation González family members.

The best way to learn about this bodega and the process of sherry production is by taking their tour.  There are several tours throughout the day in English, Spanish, German, and French.  Reservations can be made online and you pay when you get there.  The tours include 2 to 4 tastes of sherry and an option for tapas with your tasting.  It's only 18.50 Euro for 4 tastings and tapas.  It's worth it, and the sherry buzz you get afterwards is fun.

Tio Pepe Statue

Outside Bodegas Tio Pepe/Bodegas Gonzalez Byass

History and Modernity in Valencia

Valencia, Spain's third largest city, is known for the beautiful City of Arts and Sciences structures and the birthplace of paella (more on Valencia's paella in my next post about Valencia's markets).  It is a beautiful coastal city that combines history and modernity, and it's worth taking the time explore.

The City of Arts and Sciences, or Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencas, is an entertainment based cultural and architectural complex.  It is the most important and known tourist destination in the city.  The structures began in 1996, with the latest addition inaugurated in 2005.

There are currently 7 structures, including an IMAX cinema and planetarium, an interactive science museum, a landscaped walk, the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe, an opera house and performing arts center, a suspension bridge, and a covered plaza for concerts and sporting events.  It sounds like a lot and in person it's even more incredible to see the architecture and modernity.

Balancing the modernity is the appreciation of history.  The Valencia Cathedral, also known as the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, was built between the 13th to 15th centuries.  Christians, historians, and Indiana Jones fans will find it fascinating to learn that one of the chapels in this cathedral holds one of the Holy Chalices - as in, the true Holy Grail.  Christian historians say this is evidence that this chalice is a likely candidate for being the authentic cup used at the Last Supper.  It was also used by many popes, including Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.

Aside from appreciating Valencia's architecture and history, there is also plenty to eat - it's Spain, after all.  Valencia is known for their chufa nuts, or tiger nuts.  The key ingredient in horchata.  There are a few famous horchaterias in the city.  We saw two of them which are right across from each other.  Horchateria El Siglo and Horchateria Sta. Catalina.  After trying one horchata in Sta. Catalina, we reached our sugar capacity with just a couple of sips.  Wow, it's incredibly sweet, and not in a way I like at all.  If you love super sweet things, you may enjoy this.  I actually preferred the horchata in Ca'n Joan de S'Aigo in Palma, which used almonds instead of tiger nuts.  It was way less sweet and had a nuttier taste as opposed to the tiger nuts' earthier taste.

Valencia's Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencas

The City of Arts and Sciences

Mexican Treats at Brickhouse in Hong Kong

Growing up in California gave me an appreciation for Mexican cuisine.  Specifically, college late night eats really gave me the occasional craving for Mexican food.

I found myself craving Mexican food more and more when I first moved back to Asia.  The problem, though, is that it's really hard to find good quality authentic Mexican food.  It's localized and doesn't at all fulfill my cravings.

After eating in Lupa and talking to the general manager who's native to Los Angeles, I found out about Brickhouse.  It's a hidden gem in Lan Kwai Fong that attracts expats who are also looking for some real Mexican food.

Brickhouse is the real deal and it's such a fun place to drink and eat.  It's a great restaurant to go with a small group of friends and share the plates of appetizers, tacos, and more.  Plus, there's a good drink selection of beers and cocktails that kill time while waiting for your table and that pair perfectly with the food.

If you can't see the slide show here, check out my Flickr album: Brickhouse HK

Let's Play Ball!... But first, drink & eat!

The best time to visit San Francisco is from April through September, maybe even October on a great year.  Why?  Giants baseball season!

Every single trip back, I'm either at AT&T park or at a bar with friends enjoying a game.  When I do get a chance to watch at the park, eating and drinking always accompany the afternoon and evening.

The SOMA district is filled with bars and restaurants with pre-game fun.  Beer and appetizers are the best way to go.  One of the best spots is right at the park at Public House.  It's a fun restaurant and bar swarming with Giants fans.  You can even access the bar during the game.

After a couple of beers and snacks at Public House, my brother and I walked around to The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen.  Grilled cheese has been making a scene lately throughout the states.  I love it - it's one of my favorite childhood foods.

A few blocks away from the park are also a handful of taverns and bars, like Pete's Tavern, Pedro's Cantina, 21st Amendment, etc.  There's something for your every mood and craving.

Once you've filled up on snacks and tasty beverages, you're all set and even more excited for game time.  Go Giants!

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If you can't see the slideshow, check out my Flickr album: Pre Game Grub

Tasting our way around Napa Valley

Before leaving for the states, my parents gave me a list of things to buy.  When they said, "Wine," I didn't understand that as going to BevMo to buy a few bottles.  Of course not!  That clearly meant that I had to take a day trip up to the Napa Valley.

On a sunny Sunday, my friends and I made our way up Highway 29.  Our first stop was Yountville (or as I like to call it, "Michelin row" where four restaurants on one road have Michelin stars) for a necessary macaron start at Bouchon Bakery.  Thomas Keller makes some of the best macarons in the Bay Area.  If you're in area, you have to stop by.

With sweets coating our stomachs, we made our wine tasting stops.  We took our time through three wineries in the course of the afternoon.  Robert Mondavi Winery, St. Supery, and, my favorite winery, Peju.  I love that every pourer is friendly and informative.  Some more so than others, which is definitely the case at Peju.

By the time we got to our third winery, we had alcohol-hunger.  We found Rutherford Grill thanks to Yelp (4.5 out of 5 stars from 800+ reviews had to guarantee a great place).  Local Californian cuisine with a friendly neighborhood/tourist restaurant and bar vibe.  I definitely recommend this if you want a food stop before, during, or after your wine tasting day.

I never tire of trips up to Napa.  With great company, it's always a relaxing and memorable adventure full of great sips of several wines.

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If you can't see the slideshow, check out my Flickr album: Napa

Tasting Menu treats at 25Lusk

My Bay Area list always includes the following: ramen, pizza, burgers, Mexican, Giants game(s) at the park or at a bar, day trips, happy hours, and a nice dinner somewhere new.

In my past few trips, I've had memorable dinners at Salt House, Wayfare Tavern, and Benu.  This time around I let my friends choose the restaurant.  They chose their go-to spot in the city for a celebration meal.  25Lusk, a neighborhood city restaurant and lounge that has a weekly tasting menu with a rustic, urban vibe.  That sounded perfect for a dinner with friends.

I love the interior of the lounge and the restaurant.  The lounge on the first floor is a great place for friends and for couples for get pre- or post-dinner drinks.  The cocktail menu has a lot of original concoctions that are worth tasting.  The restaurant is spacious, yet still has a cozy neighborhood feel with the darker lighting, brick walls, and wood finishes.

The meal itself was just as enjoyable as the surroundings.  While a couple of the dishes stood out more than others, the whole tasting menu was well-thought out.  I like that the chef changes the menu every week to encourage repeat customers to try more dishes.  There's also an a la carte menu if you don't want to eat or spend as much.  Compared to other tasting menus in the city, though, $78 for 5 courses (starter, fish course, meat course, cheese plate, and dessert) is not too bad at all.

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If you can't see the slideshow, check out my Flickr album: 25Lusk

Completely satisfying my Mexican craving

"What are you going to miss the most when you're back home?"  My last meal in the the Bay Area hours before my flight back home to Manila.  And that is the perfect question.

My response, "American or Mexican."  Both are found all over Manila and all over Asia. But there's something about eating American in the states and Mexican in California that just tastes so much better.  Even my friends living in New York say they miss the Mexican food from the Bay Area.

So on the drive from the South Bay to SFO, my friends and I stopped by Mountain View for some Mexican food.  La Fiesta is a real local spot a few blocks from downtown Mountain View.  This was my first time here, and it's not going to be my last.

The meal starts with the usual chips and salsa while waiting for our food and drinks to arrive.  I love that there are 3 kinds of salsa.  The drinks soon followed.  Our Coronas came with beer mugs with salted rims.  Salt with beer?  Did they think we were having margaritas?  Just recently, though, I actually read that a pinch of salt can do wonders for beer.  I've heard this about hot chocolate and coffee.  I've tried it with both: love it in hot chocolate, and one time was enough to try it in my coffee.

How was it with beer?  "Interesting" and "different" were the 2 words we kept saying.  It was definitely a learning experience.  Will I try it at home?  Definitely not if I'm by myself wanting to enjoy a good beer.  But, if I'm entertaining friends and the conversation comes up, then sure I might give it another try.

As for the food, this meal completely satisfied my Mexican cravings.  The enchiladas were doused with a special sauce that hit the spot.  I've been home for a week and I'm already looking forward to eating here the next time I'm back in town.

(While this was my last meal in the Bay Area, there are still several posts to come from my trip.  Next week features crepes, pizza, and a tasting menu!)

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

If you can't see the slideshow, check out my Flickr album: La Fiesta

Sake Tasting and Sushi in San Francisco

Being back in San Francisco automatically brought me back to my old weekday routine.  Roaming happy hours to socialize usually followed by finding a dinner spot nearby.

On a Monday afternoon, I met up with my friend at the bar of Palomino for their all day happy hour.  After a couple drinks and an appetizer, we headed out for a change of scenery.  The bar was too quiet (and a bit too white-haired).  So we walked around a few blocks to look for a livelier scene.

After a quick bathroom break at the nearby Hyatt, and a few tips from the concierge, we headed to Ozumo -  Japanese sake lounge/restaurant.  Sake lounge - that sounded perfect.

While it wasn't exactly the "poppin'" scene we were looking for, it was the scene we settled into.  A dark, modern, sake bar that had sake tasting flights and unique sushi rolls.  That all sounded delicious.  My stomach took over my need to socialize.

I had eaten here years ago with my family in the restaurant side.  It's a hip Japanese spot with American influences.  If you're familiar with Blowfish, it's a lot like that.

The sake tasting was fun and satisfying.  Little sips to discover the flavors while comparing it to the written descriptions.  Learning at a bar - I love it.  The sushi was refreshing and paired perfectly with the sake.  Our quest to socialize ended up being a casual night of learning new sakes.  That's still a win in my book, and in my stomach.

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If you can't see the slideshow, check out my Flickr album: Ozumo

Brunch at Stormies in Hong Kong

Planning for a weekend lunch in Hong Kong almost naturally implies dim sum or brunch. When I'm meeting up with my best friend who is native to Hong Kong, that always means brunch.

Because my flight back home to Manila was in a few hours, I opted not to go to SoHo and stay closer to my hotel. 100+ floors below the Ritz is Elements Mall with many excellent restaurant choices.

Since the rains had yet to descend, we preferred to dine al fresco at Stormies. Of the 8 restaurants on that outdoor section, they had the most appealing brunch/lunch special - 2 courses & coffee/tea for 98 HKD (just over 12 USD).

Along with a couple of spicy Bloody Marys, this was a most delightful setting and meal for a quiet brunch with a longtime friend.

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

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Stormies HK

Feasting on Newari Cuisine

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.

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

Taking a Break from Local Cuisine

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.

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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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.


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

Neighborhood Eats: Ba Noi

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

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

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

Off the Grid at Golden Gate Fields

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

Pizza in the Peninsula

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