Eating and drinking the night away in Ichiza in Las Vegas

Thanks to The Strip, Las Vegas has solidified a place as one of America's best food cities.  But not all the best eats are on The Strip.  There are a good number that are not only Off The Strip, but also so deliciously affordable.

Ichiza in Las Vegas is one of my favorite restaurants.  There are so many well-rated restaurants on Yelp, but few are actually as good as reviewed.  Ichiza is better than good.  Even in an area full of Asian eats, this establishment is as great as places in Tokyo.

Every night the restaurant is full of locals and Japanese both young and in town for business.  There's always a wait and line, but it's worth it.  The place is boisterous for a reason.  And it's a reason your palate and stomach will happily understand at the end of the night.

There's a standard menu that doesn't change, and written all throughout the walls are the ever-changing daily specials.  The perfection of the regular menu and the constant introduction of new items brings you back again and again.  Plus, to make it more fun all this food is perfect for a long night of eating and drinking.  If you want to keep drinking, you can also keep ordering.  The plates come out in nice small portions for variety.  But save room for dessert!  Ichiza serves one of the best honey toasts around.  It's simple but so memorably good.

Toro sashimi

Toro salad

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

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

Summer Treats

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

A Todd English Classic

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

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.

Asian Burgers at Bachi Burger in Las Vegas

Asian fusion can totally be overused and overrated. But when it's done well, it's still a pretty awesome concept.

Bachi Burger, located off The Strip in Las Vegas, executes some awesome Asian fusion burgers. They combine a classic Asian staple into a burger. The flavors are authentic and, at the same time, you're also enjoying a quality burger.

The only critique I have is that the bun is too soft. The bottom bun gets so smashed from the weight of the burger. With only your first bite, the bun is already getting to be paper thin. Some people like that, but maybe they should also provide bun options for those that want wheat or heftier breads for their burgers.

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

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

KGB - Kerry's Gourmet Burgers in Las Vegas

When you're a celebrity chef there is extra pressure to really deliver a great all around product. So with Kerry Simon's name attached to this burger restaurant, I was anticipating a pretty tasty experience.

KGB - Kerry's Gourmet Burgers - Cool name.. but unfortunately the name can't carry the whole restaurant. The service wasn't attentive and the food was disappointing. There was creativity in the plating presentation of the appetizers and burgers. But that's where the celebrity chef factor ended. In the end, it just felt like we ate a mediocre meal at Harrah's. We could have spent the same amount of money at a cooler hotel on The Strip..

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

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

New York's Grimaldi's in Las Vegas

When I'm back in the states, I have specific cravings. Burritos, ramen, burgers, pizza, beers, bloody marys..My stomach just grumbled..

My pizza craving was totally satisfied. I enjoyed it in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and in New Haven. I love artisan and Neapolitan pizzas. The toppings are quality and the pie is chewy, yet fluffy, yet crispy and well baked. Just pure goodness.

In Las Vegas we visited the newly opened Grimaldi's Pizzeria. Yup, Grimaldi's from New York. The interior is very family oriented and welcoming. We went there twice. The food is hit and miss. The first time was a fantastic first impression. The pizzas were perfectly baked and delicious. The second time around, the wait for our pizzas was ridiculous and the pies came out overbaked and overly crisp. If you do go, hopefully you'll catch it on their better days.

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

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

Authentic Japanese Izakaya in Las Vegas

Back in the states! And, back in Las Vegas. Even though we just came from Asia, we still have cravings for Asian foods we don't easily find in Manila. One of those cravings is Japanese izakaya.

One of my favorite restaurants in Las Vegas is Ichiza. You get a variety of plates, fresh beer, and a great dessert all at a pretty good price. The atmosphere is very casual and fun. The menu is not just the lamented menu you're given at the table, but it's also all the additions all over the walls. A lot of the menu items change daily - which totally encourages you to keep coming back. A good place for a great dinner!

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

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

Jaleo - Tapas by Chef Jose Andres

To further my fangirl status for Chef Jose Andres, my family and I went to Chef Andres's other Las Vegas restaurant, Jaleo. Jaleo is also located in the new Cosmopolitan Hotel. It has traditional Spanish tapas with Chef Andres's touch.

The design of the restaurant is open and inviting. We were so fortunate to get the coolest table in the house - the foosball dining table! As soon as we were seated, we were given the ball to play throughout our meal. (Read more about the table in the pictures below.)

The food is delicious, inspiring, and awesome. Andres manages to retain the essence of traditional Spanish tapas while integrating his playfulness. The tapas become even tastier than the traditional ones because of how he can enhance flavors and textures and use excellent ingredients. Plus, his presentation of tapas makes you want to order more and more plates to see how they'll come out. Unfortunately, our one disappointment was the presentation of the paella (simply on a plate). The next time I'm back in Vegas, I need to go back to see if they'll improve on that. Plus, it's a great excuse to eat more of his food.

His playful personality really comes out in his food. What a cool, fun, chef! Really, let's be BFFs, Chef!

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

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

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.

Holsteins - Shakes & Buns

A new hotel on the Las Vegas Strip means there are new restaurants to try out! At The Cosmopolitan hotel the first restaurant I tried out was Holsteins - Shakes & Buns.

There were hits and misses throughout the meal, but the main star (the burger) shined. There were missing factors in the restaurant (as it just opened a few days ago), such as some beers on draft and the coffee not being hot enough (it wasn't even steaming). Our two orders of "Tiny Buns" were not completely satisfying - as in, it did not "wow" us. The appetizers are a fun list. That's definitely something I'd like to come back for. As for the burgers, it definitely satisfied our burger craving. I know I can come back here the next time I'm craving for a quality burger.

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

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

The New Restaurants at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas!

On December 15, the newest hotel on the Las Vegas strip, The Cosmopolitan, officially opened its doors. As soon as I came back from San Francisco, I eagerly toured the new restaurants of the hotel. More and more celebrity chefs are coming here to Las Vegas!

Here are some of the restaurants and food related places in The Cosmopolitan. I can't wait to try out a few of these, particularly both of Chef Jose Andres' restaurants!

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

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

Thanksgiving in Vegas

Thanksgiving in America! I flew into the states on Thanksgiving day - which meant dinner was my Thanksgiving feast. Because we were in transit for over 24 hours, we obviously had no time for a home-cooked meal. So, being in Las Vegas, we went to the Strip!

Several restaurants were advertising special menus, including Wolfgang Puck's restaurants. So we went to his Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at the MGM Grand Hotel. I chose his 3 course Thanksgiving menu. It was all so generous! I totally took home what I couldn't finish. The white turkey meat made for some great sandwiches for the next couple of days. The best part of the meal was definitely dessert - the lightest and creamiest pumpkin pie I've ever eaten! I want to go back to his restaurant to enjoy his classic Chinese Chicken Salad and more of Sherry Yard's desserts.

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

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

Neighborhood Korean Restaurant

About a month ago I watched a National Geographic special about the customs and traditions of Korean cuisine. There's a balance to the meal - that yin and yang. The food consist of a colorful and bountiful display. And the flavors play with all your taste perceptions - salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy.

I needed to eat some quality Korean food after seeing this show! So for one of our first meals here in Las Vegas, we tried a new Korean restaurant right in our neighborhood. I love it when there's a great restaurant so close to home!

Soyo Korean Barstaurant is such a fun place to get quality and authentic Korean cuisine! Just note, the portions are huge! Even if it's in the "Tapas" section of the menu, it's actually entree sized. The prices are really reasonable, too. I can't wait to go back to try more of their menu selections.

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

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

Ramen Craving - Totally Fulfilled!

When I'm in Asia for a few months at a time, I tend to crave for things I can't get. Earlier in the year it was Mexican food - a carnitas burrito to be exact. This time around, it was for authentic Japanese ramen. Unfortunately in Manila there isn't anything authentic, or even fresh. So I patiently waited..

The wait was soo worth it! I usually get my ramen craving fulfilled in the Bay Area, either at Ryowa or Santa Ramen. Because I went straight to Las Vegas instead of the Bay, I eagerly wanted to taste the ramen of Monta - Raku's new ramen place.

Wow. This is the best tonkotsu ramen I've eaten so far. The broth was so deliciously rich and porky. The noodles were just right and cooked to a great chewy texture. This was the perfect bowl of ramen, and it complete fulfilled my ramen craving!

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

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

Todd English P.U.B.

When I think of pre-Food Network celebrity chefs, Todd English is one of the names that comes to mind. I mean, this guy was a guest chef on "MTV's Spring Break"! Shortly after City Center opened in Las Vegas, English's latest restaurant also opened in Crystals. Todd English P.U.B. is a fun place! They have a small outdoor eating area, a large bar area, and a back dining area next to the open kitchen. The place provides a great bar selection and a great menu with contemporary sports bar cuisine. Yum!

Beer Sampler
Ales of the United Kingdom: Bass Ale, Wexford Irish Cream Ale, Fuller's ESB Ale, Abbot Ale
Because we were in a "pub", I was in the mood for some British Ales. Smooth, mellow, caramel notes.

Dirty Chips
Kettle Chips with Bacon Bits, Blue Cheese Dressing, Scallions, Fried Chicken Livers. What a fun starter and a great take on nachos!

Corn Dog Puppies
Crispy Fried Mini Hot Dogs, With Fries, Ketchup, and Mustard. Yum! This took me back to my childhood. I love corn dogs!

Spicy Crispy Chicken Wings
Todd English Hot Sauce, Blue Cheese, Celery, and Carrots. Spicy! A tasty plate of classic sports bar food.

Grichebactom
The Workman's Grilled Cheese Sandwich. With Creamy Brie Cheese, Double Smoked Bacon, and Skinny Fries. Wow, this was such a hearty grilled cheese sandwich! I could only handle half because I was afraid for my arteries. What a way to go, though!

Pink's Hot Dogs

After a long night out on the Las Vegas Strip, my friends and I ventured to Pink's Hot Dogs...on the Strip - not the original Los Angeles location. We already sobered up, so we didn't have a crazy "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle" craving nor a "Hangover" adventure in the works.

Some of you may recognize Pink's. It's one of the classic LA backdrops seen in movies and television. This location is just outside the entrance of Planet Hollywood. The line out the door was constant during our lunch. A crowd is always a good sign of a tasty place. It's not the greatest food I've eaten, but it's a fun quick bite for a day time meal or snack to share.

Chili Cheese Fries
Good chili! Definitely an order to share with the table.

Spicy Mojave Dog
Polish Dog, Nacho Cheese, Jalapenos, Grilled Onions, Guacamole, and Tomatoes. Wow, what a filling hot dog! It kinda had too much condiments, but it was an enjoyable American-stacked kind of dish.

New Year's Brunch

We went out to brunch to celebrate the New Year and my brother's birthday. I've been curious about Kerry Simon's surf and turf tacos. Unfortunately, it's not on their brunch menu, but their brunch menu looked good so we tried it out.
The Inside
It's by the pool, so the windows are from floor to ceiling.

The Bar
Complete with a Bloody Mary Bar. They make the basic mix, then you get to add your spices and condiments.
The guy on the left is a waiter. Their brunch is themed, Pajama Brunch.

The Menu

Pancakes
Fluffy and generous!

French Toast
Brioche crusted with frosted flakes

Waffles and Chicken
The chicken was a tasty chicken tender. The waffles could have been better in terms of taste and crisp.

BBQ Ribs
Tasty little slap with a nice jalapeno corn muffin.

Dad's Grilled Cheese

My dad and brother's read about a new grilled cheese joint near our house, so we checked it out for lunch. It's a fun concept with decent prices. The main downside is that the wait for the food was kind of long.
The Inside

The Apprentice
The basic sandwich with American Cheddar and White Toast.

The DJ
A bit on the oily side because of the sauce. A decent sandwich, but I kept thinking I could have eaten something healthier elsewhere.