April 2013
1 post
15 tags
Black Hogg
After a few grueling runs around the Silverlake Reservoir, my friends and I headed off to Sunset Blvd to celebrate with some much needed carbs. Our stop? The highly touted gastropub, Black Hogg.We were given the option to wait a few minutes for a table to open or a spot immediately at the bar. I’m fat, hungry and just ran.. bar please.Ample seating? I think not!You know an amazing meal is...
February 2013
1 post
19 tags
Tokyo: Sushi Dai
After watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi, I made it an item on my bucket list. But due to the ridiculous barriers of entry, I amended that goal to just “Have life-changing sushi in Japan.” And you know what? It happened.. at Sushi Dai (寿司大).Sushi Dai is located in Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market and is often regarded as the best sushi spot inside. My friend’s and I got to the...
January 2013
1 post
22 tags
ink
Michael Voltaggio, the quintessential James Dean of the culinary world. Is it wrong to say that girls want him and guys want to be like him? Winner of Top Chef Season 6. What kind of bad ass would leave his Michelin Star restaurant to create something he truly loves. Respect.Ink is the manifestation of Voltaggio’s ingenious creativity. To be honest, I’ve been waiting ages to eat here,...
December 2012
1 post
20 tags
Blue Hill
Let’s continue on this Michelin Star highway and take an exit off Greenwich Village, New York to Blue Hill. The restaurant is completely inconspicuous, hiding itself in a small section of a dimly lit street. If this is your first time here, you’ll definitely be question yourself whether you’re in the right location or not. My friend and I were actually around an hour late to our...
November 2012
1 post
24 tags
Marea
Ahh.. New York. Has it really been nearly 2 years since I’ve left and last visited you? Well if that’s the case, I have to make every meal count in my short trip back and partake in my favorite past time, Michelin Star hunting. So how about we visit one of the fastest up and coming restaurants in the city? First up, Chef Michael White’s 2 Michelin Star restaurant, Marea.My...
October 2012
1 post
12 tags
Animal
Three Months ago, something terrible happened in California, foie gras was banned. SoCal was in a complete cluster fuck looking for that savory buttery avian organ. But lucky for me, I was able to score a walk-in seat on the very last day at one of the best and most innovative places for foie, Animal (But I totally failed at trying to walk in the night before, but that’s another story in...
August 2012
1 post
10 tags
San Francisco: Nopa
Nopa in San Francisco is pretty much one of those must try restaurants that every city has. Innovative food at reasonable prices, there’s a lot of things going for them. Embarrassingly, I had yet to go, until now. Luckily for me, I came during my favorite meal of the day, brunch.I actually absolutely love the decor of the restaurant. The high vaulted ceilings, the loft like 2nd floor, the...
July 2012
1 post
19 tags
A San Francisco Weekend
Traveling is always one of my favorite pastimes. And whenever I travel, the first thing that races through my mind is.. “by golly, what am I going to eat?” After a recent trip up north to San Francisco, I wanted to share with you guys some of my delicious quick bites.I actually came up north to rid the city of all of it’s foie gras (before the ban). But funny thing is, I...
June 2012
2 posts
12 tags
Ohshima
When some one tells you to conjure up an image of a great sushi restaurant, what do you see? I’m guessing none of you guys pictured an unassuming restaurant in a strip mall. Well that’s exactly what Oshima is.Seriously located in the middle of no where in the heart of Orange, if it’s your first time coming, you just might miss it.If you get the option, try nabbing a seat at the...
13 tags
SWSH Shabu Shabu
Shabu Shabu and hot pot restaurants have been the most recent craze. Inexpensive and easy to operate, they started sprouting up all over Southern California, and most of all in Orange County. SWSH Shabu Shabu is located inside the ever hustling and bustling Asian central Diamond Jamboree plaza. Just getting around the parking lot and avoiding all the Chinese moms is a victory in itself. SWSH...
April 2012
2 posts
13 tags
Church and State
I’ve once read that Church and State was the best up and coming restaurant in Los Angeles. But amidst all that hoop-la, they’ve received pretty average reviews from peer websites so far. So I decided to take it upon myself to make my own decision.The restaurant is located in an industrial parkway and occupies what was the old National Biscuit Company. Ooh, a biscuit sounds nice right...
8 tags
Umamicatessen
Boy these people at Umami Burger sure are expanding fast, with a handful of new locations set to open (including one right downstairs from me in the OC) and even a pizza spot! Do we really need that much of the 5th taste? I decided yes, yes I do. I found myself heading over to downtown LA to sample one of Umami’s newest venues, Umamicatessen.I guess it’s supposed to be some sort of...
February 2012
1 post
8 tags
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen
Something that I’ve reiterated numerous times in my blog is my undying love for ramen. To me, it’s comfort food. Don’t ask me why. So one night, I had this craving, a certain ramen craving. I’m pretty sure you guys know what I’m talking about. Since Santouka (in Mitsuwa) was closed for the night, I went for the next best thing. Shin-Sen-Gumi in Fountain Valley.Now the...
January 2012
1 post
15 tags
Angelini Osteria
Sorry guys, I know I’ve been slackin’ like crazy. I just haven’t had the time to go out and enjoy delish food. So it’s a loss for me too. But I’m going to try and get back into the groove of things. By the way, I haven’t used my cameras in months, and was a bit rusty. Any how, on with the food..
Before a showing of Wicked at the Pantages, where should one eat?...
November 2011
1 post
9 tags
G Burger
With all the talks of Father’s Office, Umami Burger, 25 Degrees, etc., the best burger spot in LA may have been right in your back yard all along. Head over to La Habra and walk into an inconspicuous restaurant, and you’ll find yourself in GBurger.Like I said, no need for flashy signs. The blacked out windows adds a bit of mystery.Each burger is made to order and handcrafted right in...
October 2011
1 post
13 tags
Tsuruhashi
Tsuruhashi? Anjin? Tsuruhashi? Anjin? The feud rages on. It’s time for me to put my stamp on this little food quarrel.I should actually rephrase, this feud is mainly fired by a certain group of friends that are true Tsuruhashi zealots. The Yakiniku concept is relatively similar to Anjin. The floor layout, the table setting presentation, and even the menu looks familiar (but how much can...
September 2011
2 posts
9 tags
Musha
After coming back from glorious San Francisco trip, my friend picked me up from LAX and asked what we should do? Well… we’re semi close to Santa Monica, so let’s head there and eat! When she brought up izakaya, I was sold. I know I’ve said this many times, but it’s definitely one of my favorite styles of cuisine. Located at the corner of 4th and Wilshire, Musha is a...
12 tags
San Francisco: Wayfare Tavern
One question I get asked a lot: “What’s your favorite restaurant?” I’d like to clarify that my favorite restaurant is not necessarily the best restaurant I’ve been to. Sounds a bit weird right? Let me try to explain. I’ve had my share of 3-star Michelin spots, best meals of my life? Abso-fucking-lutely. However, they don’t make my favorites list. Why?...
August 2011
2 posts
17 tags
San Francisco: Bistro Central Parc
One thing I absolutely love about SF? Don’t know what to eat? Flip open your phone… wait wait… actually I guess this day in age, it’s slide and unlock your iPhone. Open up your Yelp app, and search your little heart away. Chances are, it’s going to be a great restaurant. That’s exactly what I did, and I came across a gem.Enter Bistro Central Parc to my story, a...
10 tags
San Francisco: The House
I was really debating whether or not to create this post. Mainly because the photos are absolutely horrendous. Please don’t judge..this was after a 6 hour drive to San Francisco, after minimal sleep. Oh well, on with the show..Enter into this story.. The House. One of the most highly touted restaurants in eater friendly San Francisco. The actual restaurant is a bit tiny. On a side note...
July 2011
2 posts
10 tags
Sushi Komasa
Continuing my recent flood of DTLA posts, I’m going to include one of the most affordable yet delicious restaurants there, Sushi Komasa. Be sure to get their early and put your name down. The wait can be a bit long since the restaurant is absolutely tiny. But fear not! You can leave your phone number and roam around Little Tokyo, grab a drink, and come back when your table is ready.Grab a...
8 tags
Kokekokko
Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I’ve been really caught up between classes and work. During my little absence, I’ve ended up at a few restaurants, mostly in Little Tokyo. And one of my favorite things to eat is Japanese Izakaya, which includes Yakitori aka skewers. One spot to grab some delicious skewers is Kokekokko. Unique name for a restaurant that serves unique food. Izakaya...
June 2011
4 posts
6 tags
Forage
There’s a tiny restaurant down Sunset Blvd that takes being a locavore to the extreme. LA health inspectors once deemed it illegal for Forage to accept backyard grown produce and serve it at their restaurant. Although there have been a few tweaks to the original program, Forage is back to, well.. foraging. Forage has limited outside seating in addition to their tiny interior seating bench....
8 tags
California Shabu Shabu
I’ve recently noticed that I eat shabu shabu alot, and by a lot, I mean at least once a week a lot! Forget Ichikawa, Ichi Ichi, Jazz Cat or any other place you may think you enjoy. My two favorite spots hands down are Shabu Shabu Bar in Tustin and California Shabu Shabu in Costa Mesa. This post is about the latter.No matter when you go, it’s always going to be a packed house - so...
5 tags
Nook
A tiny entry, for a tiny hidden restaurant. The appeal of the restaurant Nook, is that well, it’s in a small nook.The only sign that you will see, is a nondistinctive blue arrow. Follow it and you’ll find yourself at a quaint little bistro. With only a few tables, and a minimalist feel, seating comes at a premium. Some complimentary classic Boiled Peanuts, and a cute petite shovel for...
12 tags
Son of a Gun
Like everybody else’s post, I’m here to tell you that Son of a Gun is a spinoff of Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook’s highly successful restaurant, Animal. Now instead of the carnivorous offerings at Animal, Son of a Gun serves a more delicate seafood fare. Whenever you go to either of the restaurants, keep in mind that they’re actually tapas restaurants.The restaurant is...
May 2011
3 posts
7 tags
Little Next Door
A quick preface.. My friends and I were enjoying a simple dinner at Son of a Gun (will be posted later). Unfortunately, since it’s basically a tapas restaurant, we didn’t get much food. Instead of ordering more, we decided, hey why not just eat a second dinner? A brilliant idea! We headed down Third Street and stumbled in Little Next Door. I’ve always heard great things about...
6 tags
M&M Donuts
Let me take you on a journey of how I ate the best donut in the world, the Blueberry Glazed Donut at M&M Donuts in Anaheim.
Disclaimer: There are no M&Ms in the donuts!! Get over it!
This tiny operation is surprisingly run by a little old asian couple, bonus points there. They start serving customers from 9:00pm and slave throughout the entire night to create their tiny rings of...
9 tags
Sushi Gen
Although LA may be trailing SF, NY and Chicago in the dining race. It’s second to none with the amount of quality sushi restaurants. One of the leaders of the LA sushi pack would inarguably be Sushi Gen. Be sure to either arrive early or make prior reservations, or else you’ll be scouring the neighborhood for other sushi spots. And although they’re plentiful, they’re most...
April 2011
3 posts
17 tags
Night + Market
I was invited to a food blogger event at Food+Market in West Hollywood, thanks to my friend Janice. After returning from his journey in Thailand, Chef Kris Yenbamroong offers Thai Street Food at Night+Market, which is adjacent to his father’s more formal restaurant, Talesai. I came to this event expecting a few dishes here and there, and basically a moderate sampling. Little did I know what...
10 tags
Akasaka
My friends and I arrived at Akasaka on a Saturday night to luckily find out that there was nobody waiting for a table. We gleefully rushed in and asked for a table for 4.
“There’s going to be a wait, about an hour.” What?! There’s nobody else here and tables are wide open.
“There’s a wait list.” Everybody’s name on the list was crossed out.
To...
12 tags
Ichikawa Shabu
I used to remember when Chino Hills was the bad end of a poor joke. Known for its plentiful cows and green grassy knolls, it was the epitome of the 909 (never quite understood those KROQ jokes back then). Enter present day Chino Hills, a place which has metamorphosed into somewhere you want to go, to shop, and most of all to dine. A sister to Rowland Height’s Ichi Ichi, Ichikawa has...
March 2011
3 posts
8 tags
Wurstküche
Strange hodgepodges of meats stuffed inside a tube, grilled, and eaten. What’s not to like? After devouring an Ahi Burger at Umami, my friends and I jetted over to Wurstküche for lunch part 2!Now this industrial looking building is the entrance to the now infamous Wurstküche. Where you can get exotic types of meats that include rattlesnake, rabbit and alligator in sausage form. The grilling...
6 tags
Lazy Ox Canteen
Situated in the skirts of Little Tokyo is a tiny, yet growing gastropub by the name of Lazy Ox Canteen. The food is fun and innovative, and if you asked me to categorize it, I would say it’s more like an Asian-Mediterranean fusion. Already earning rave reviews in the culinary world, I knew it was something I had to try for myself.I did read that service was a bit slacking at times, and I got...
11 tags
Taiwan: Tian Tian
I apologize for my lack of entries. I’ve recently spent the past month and a half on an amazing dream vacation all over Asia. I’ll try to see if I can put up a few giant megaposts of the countries that I visited. But let’s get started..
So being a food blogger has finally paid off. A comped meal!
Not just at any restaurant though, one of the hottest restaurants in all of...
January 2011
2 posts
9 tags
Umami Burger
After a failed attempt to sample the delicious dogs at Wurstkuche, my friends and I decided to turn the corner and grab a quick bite at Umami Burger.Lucky for us, not only were they open on Christmas-eve-eve (unlike Wurstkuche), but getting there at an obscure hour meant no waiting.The decor is an awesome hybrid of an American Tavern with a bit of Japanese flair.
Beer can be served by the mother...
Le Bernardin
Happy New Years!
Au Revoir New York! Now how do I celebrate an end of an era? I’ve got the perfect answer…
By dining at one of New York’s most prestigious restaurants, Le Bernardin by Chef Eric Ripert. Often regarded as the world’s best seafood restaurant, Le Bernardin currently resides at #15 of the best restaurants in the world. Did I mention the 3 Michelin Stars and...
