Home Cooked Chinese Food

Spending the afternoon at my best friend's new place in Tung Chung naturally led to dinner at his place.  After years of friendship, it was time for him to whip up a home cooked Chinese dinner.

After walking across town between 2 grocery stores and 1 Chinese medicinal shop (for red dates) for ingredients, dinner prep was underway.  Four dishes for 3.  We all chopped, cooked, and cleaned for the meal.  It was like a family dinner.

The meal started with pork bone soup with apples and carrots which naturally sweetened the broth.  After our stomachs were warmed, we dug into the main event.  Steamed chicken with red dates, mushrooms, ginger, and so on.  Steamed ground pork with tofu and salted egg.  And seasonal greens sauteed in garlic and olive oil.  I love that the main dishes steamed.  I never knew Chinese food could be this healthy.  It's a great feeling at the end of a meal when you're full, satisfied, and guilt-free from all that you ate.  

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: HK Home Cooking

Hello Again, San Diego!

I found myself in San Diego for a second time this summer. The city is growing on me. A beach town and a city - that's my kind of getaway. I was there with friends for the Street Scene music festival, a 2 day concert in downtown San Diego. It was an amazing weekend.

In n' Out, All over the 101.
This is a standard stop for any California roadtrip. Cheeseburger, Animal Style. That's my usual order. It never disappoints.


Breakfast at Chez Trevor
After a long roadtrip, I woke up the smell of bacon and banana pancakes. I'm not just raving about these pancakes because they were made by a friend. No way. I would say something like, "They were pretty good," if I didn't think they were the best. These pancakes were awesome! It's the best I've had because of the mashed chunks of bananas, and most of all, the crispy edges. Yum!


Taco Fiesta, Midway
After an afternoon at La Jolla Shores, we came to this local spot for an early dinner. It's a pretty nice place for tasty Californian-Mexican food.

Carne Asada Fries
This was tasty! The meat was well seasoned and the fries were fresh.


The Boardwalk, Mission Beach
A nice breakfast before the beach spot. The outdoor seating was great for people watching, too.
$13 Pitchers of Mimosas
Now that's how you start a day! Insider Tip: Try to get the waitress to spill a glass on your lap. You'll get a second free pitcher!

Breakfast Quesadilla
Bits of bacon and ham with the chunks of scrambled eggs and cheese. A pretty good plate of breakfast.


Basic, East Village
We were regulars here for two days straight because it was the closest bar to the concert. This place was pretty chill and had a cool scene.
White Pie
With sun-dried tomatoes, onions, sausage, and artichokes. A great pizza! Thin crust, crispy, and not oily. It passed my standards.


Until next time, San Diego!

Best Friend Reunion

My bestest best friend flew in town for the weekend, and that meant organizing an incredible itinerary/food tour for our reunion. (Many of these photos were taken by my BFF, Alvin.)

First stop, The Cheesecake Factory
This was Alvin's first request. A nice taste of San Francisco with by sitting outside on the balcony of the Union Square Macy's building. It was a true SF summer -- cold and windy!

Cup of Clam Chowder
This "cup" was more like a bowl. Definitely a hearty start. It's a mediocre clam chowder, but I got it in hopes of warming up.

Thai Lettuce Wraps
When I want something fresh and light, I usually order this. It's a safe choice. Nicely grilled chicken with tasty sauces. Peanut sauce, Cilantro and Lime sauce, and Tamarind sauce.

Stuffed Tortillas
Alvin fulfilled his Tex-Mex craving with this plate.

Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake
Pineapple Upside Down cake with cheesecake in the middle. Delicious!


Bistro Jeanty, Yountville
Michelin-rated French Bistro. This was the perfect place to have lunch at during the hot Fourth of July day. We were seated outside in the patio. The service is relaxed and attentive.
The Front Entrance

The Bar

Specials du Jour

Glass of Pinot Blanc

Delicious Fresh Baguette

Warm Leek Tart

Their Famous Tomato Soup
Sundried and roasted tomato soup. Light and creamy! Topped with a buttery puff pastry.

Moules!
I love getting mussels whenever its on the menu. The broth was a fantastic blend of red wine, garlic, shallots, and parsley.

Coq au Vin
Stewed to perfection. The roasting flavor seeped through to the meat and to the bones.


Bouchon Bakery, Yountville
The bakery of Chef Thomas Keller. Next door is his Bouchon Bistro, another excellent French bistro. Must-gets include their macaroons and their bouchons.




Peju Province Winery, Napa Valley
One of my favorite wineries in Napa Valley. Beautiful landscaping which compliments the architecture. The wines are all fantastic, and the staff is always so friendly.


Being that this is one of my favorite wineries, I'm a wine club member. One of the perks is free wine tasting in the private tasting room.


The Barrels of Wines!

Public Tasting Room


Silverado Vineyards, Napa Valley
If you want to go to a winery with an amazing view, this is the vineyard to visit.



Between tastings, we were given the privilege to enjoy our wines outside to take in the sights of Napa Valley.


Mel's Drive-In
After the Fourth of July fireworks, my friends and I were looking for a late night meal. We went to Mel's by the Metreon.
Bowl of Chili and Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Banana Cream Pie
Nice fresh chunks of banana!


Lori's Diner
I didn't mention this earlier, but my best friend lives in Hong Kong. That means his visits here are filled with traditional American comfort foods. His last meal was breakfast at another American diner.


Strawberry Milkshake
This is ONE order.

Reuben Sandwich

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich


Overall, it was a most memorable weekend. Great food and best friends. Here's to the next 10 years, Alvin!

Birthday in the Park

One of my girls joined the Quarter Century Club. We celebrated with La Vic's takeout and Asti in the park.

A glass of Asti with a Lengua Quesadilla


Ice Cream CupCakes from Cold Stone