ramblings of a Seattle travel, food and photography hound
Here, in the Pacific Northwest, there is a vibrant chocolate culture that, while not as well known as the city's contribution to coffee drinking, is no less enthusiastic with a list of chocolatiers worthy of any important regional producer. By way of endorsement, Fran's salted caramels are reportedly President Obama's favorite chocolate. Of the local... Continue Reading →
In the sea of cookie-cutter Mexican restaurants in the Seattle area, one on the Eastside stands out for its great food and interior decor kitschiness. When you walk through La Cocina del Puerco's doors, it's refreshing to be surrounded by piñatas hanging from the ceiling, the turquoise- and pink-painted walls, rickety metal card tables doubling... Continue Reading →
I've eaten at Pestle Rock twice before, having come away impressed both times. The occasion of having lunch with my daughter marked my third visit. What caught my eye was a noodle soup dish called Guay Tiow Lao, which I presumed from its name was Laotian in style. How it's Laotian in influence I have no... Continue Reading →
There has been a lot of buzz lately about Red Lantern, a Chinese restaurant that also serves some Korean dishes, located along the edge of the International District. Unlike most restaurants in the area, the prices are on the high side and the ambience more upscale than one typically finds in the ID. In 2011,... Continue Reading →
The first time I had soon dubu jjigae was in Santa Clara in 2002. My daughter's roommate, when they were living in the San Jose area at the time, took us to So Gong Dong Tofu House. I recall what a revelation it was, a savory and spicy stew featuring soft dubu (tofu). Since then, I've... Continue Reading →
While I was getting my Hawaiian meal at Island Grill (see below), my wife was ordering tonkotsu ramen from Ai Sushi, also located in the Crossroads Mall food court. Let me first start off by saying that I'm always wary when a restaurant that does not specialize in it offers tonkotsu, a ramen that requires... Continue Reading →
One of nature's wondrous phenomena is the formation of ice crystals when temperatures outside get really cold. Moisture in the air freezes on grass, tree branches, whatever water droplets can grab onto, and form the most beautiful patterns. When water freezes, it has a crystalline structure. So, often you can see incredible hexagonal or feathery... Continue Reading →
We were excited to learn that a Hawaiian restaurant opened on the Eastside recently. When she was running an errand at Crossroads Mall last week, my wife first noticed it, now in the space previously occupied by Jones' BBQ and then Burney's BBQ. So far, I haven't found a satisfactory Hawaiian restaurant in the Greater... Continue Reading →
Beyond the pleasures of eating very well prepared xiao long bao (XLB) which established its reputation in Taiwan, Din Tai Fung does offer other things on its menu. Sandwiched between two movies at Lincoln Square Cinemas today, we were able to squeeze in an early dinner here. Sitting in the bar area is a way to avoid sometimes... Continue Reading →
Today is New Year's Day. Like every year, the family can relax and enjoy each other's company, watch some BCS bowl games and—let's get down to it—eat the food that we've labored all day yesterday to prepare. Somehow, in a small kitchen, everything gets made, the only things done elsewhere being teriyaki chicken wings and chashu (char... Continue Reading →
zoomeboshi 