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

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

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

Mexican Food in Nepal

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

China Poblano - Chinese & Mexican Cuisine Fused Together by Chef Jose Andres

You know a restaurant is pretty amazing when it instantly becomes one of your favorite places halfway through the meal. That's exactly the experience I had at Chef Jose Andres's new restaurant in Las Vegas, China Poblano.

China Poblano mixes Chinese cuisine and Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is brightly decorated with both cultures. There is a dumpling/steaming side of the restaurant, and a taco side of the restaurant. The menu has both Chinese and Mexican items, and a fusion of selections..including some extremely awesome tacos. Plus, I had one of the coolest and one of the tastiest margaritas I've come across. The price can get pretty high if you order a lot like my family, but you have to keep in mind this is a hotel restaurant and by a celebrity chef.

Jose Andres has skyrocketed to be my number one favorite chef at the moment. His food is vibrant, delicious, and fun. And, he has trained his staff to be friendly and personable, much like his TV and Twitter personality.

Does anyone know if there is an application form to petition to be Jose Andres's BFF (Best Friend Forever)?? If you know, please please let me in the know! I would like to petition my parents, brothers, and myself to all be his BFFs.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read more about each photo.

Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slide show here.

Mexican Night In

When you spend significant time, and/or your formative years, in California you develop an enjoyment for Mexican food. For most of 2009, I was on a quest in the Bay Area to find my favorite burrito. So far, that award goes to Sancho's Taqueria, which also has my favorite Fish Tacos.

Since I've been here in Asia, I have had several cravings for quality Mexican food. I have yet to find a place here that creates an authentic taste. So what can I do about? Make it at home! We had some Snake River steaks in the freezer, so I made Fajitas for dinner. Fajitas aren't authentically Mexican; it's actually a Tex-Mex cuisine. But it still hits the spot and fulfills that craving, especially when paired with a strong Margarita, or two or three...

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read more about each picture.

Unfortunately, this slideshow doesn't appear on Google Buzz/Reader (Click here) or on iPhones (Adobe...Check back when you're at a laptop or desktop)

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!

Mexican Bistro

Consuelo's Mexican Bistro, Santana Row, San Jose
Tequilito
Mojito with tequila instead of rum. They add their own twist by adding pomegranite juice. It was ok. A bit too sweet for my liking and a bit too watered down.

Ensalada de Jicama
Great presentation. Jicama is always nice and refreshing when served chilled like this.

Tacos de Salmon
Nicely grilled salmon wrapped with fresh flour tortillas

Tostadas de Tinga
Delicious stewed chicken on a crispy tortilla. Best dish of the night.

Tres Leches
Americanized tres leches with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. It was ok, but I wouldn't order it again. The tres leches tasted more like un leche, just the milk and not the evaporated and condensed milk.



Overall a decent meal. If I'm in Santana Row and I feel like Mexican food, I would come here again.

Go Giants!!

I have lived in the Bay Area for most of my life. That means, I will forever be a San Francisco Giants fan. That also means, I go to several ballgames every summer. Earlier this year I tasted the Crazy Crab Sandwich -- crab salad between two toasted garlic breads. It is definitely the best item they have in the park, but you do pay a price. Is it worth it? If you have the extra money to splurge, go for it! If not, there's plenty of other great choices all around the ball park. Every time I go, I try to have something new.

Giants Hot Dog
If you want a hot dog, go to the Doggie Diner Carts. Don't to the Doggie Diners themselves. The carts take effort to really grill the hot dogs so they have that grilled glaze on them.
While I loove ketchup, I always have just mustard and kraut on my hot dogs. I picked that up in high school during summers in Manhattan. I heard it's the local New Yorkers choice. I've also heard it's the "purist" choice.

Orlando's Burrachos Nachos
If you like the works, this is the nachos to get. It's filled with jalapenos, jalapeno-pickled carrots, black beans, onions, tomatoes, and so on. Pretty decent, but I don't know if I'd repeat this. Usually when I go to the Orlando's stand, I get the Cha Cha Bowl. That's a great choice is you want to eat something on the healthy side.

Ghiradelli Hot Fudge Sundae
A standard and solid hot fugdge sundae. Yum!

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!