All posts tagged: Food

Poke Poke in Venice Beach

Published by

I have always been a Hawaiian at heart. My mom was born in the Philippines and moved to Hawaii at the age 9 on the island of Oahu. Growing up I went to Hawaii frequently, my first trip being at the age 3. My Asian culture growing up was therefore a blend of both Hawaiian and Filipino. One of my all-time favorite Hawaiian dishes is Poke. Traditional Poke (if you are not familiar) is usually referred to as fresh Ahi ‘yellowfin’ Tuna seasoned with sea salt, soy sauce, green onions, maui onions, chili pepper and sesame oil. Of course, there are other variations and combinations of seasonings.  If you are a fan of sashimi or nigiri, this dish is right up your alley.  The sesame oil is the most prominent seasoning in Poke and is really what gives it a unique flavor. Poke is usually best served cold and with rice. I was so excited when I finally stumbled upon a place to get fresh Hawaiian style Poke in Los Angeles.  Right off of Ocean Walk …

Crispy Chicken Sandwich at Honor Bar in Beverly Hills

Published by

 Sometimes you just feel like a good sandwich and a cold drink…I stumbled across this delicious bar in Beverly Hills one day while Yelping lunch spots. The raving reviews of Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich is what reeled me in. Tucked away on the corner of Beverly and Wilshire Blvd., the Honor Bar is a great local hide-a-way. The menu is simple, gourmet and to the point. I have been here a few different times and tried a few items on the menu. The burger is my second favorite to the chicken sandwich. It is large and very juicy. This place is small so you may have to wait depending on the time of day you go, but it is well worth it! Menu Here Emerald Kale Salad Honor Burger   Bon Apetit!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Published by

Hey everyone, One of my new ventures in 2015 is stepping into the world of YouTube. I have always been a big fan of social media and the opportunities it can create. It is a great creative outlet and way to showcase the things that you are passionate about. Please take a look at a short trailer I’ve created and help support me by subscribing to my channel. It’s quick and would mean the world to me! Also, if you have a YouTube channel or Blog, please leave the link in my comments section and I would be happy to return the favor.

Shanghai Travel Guide

Published by

Shanghai is by far one of the best cities I’ve traveled to, especially throughout Asia. Located in East China, the city is the perfect combination of old and new. The modern architecture makes you feel like you’re in a city of the future and the buildings are the most impressive I’ve seen throughout my travels. With over 24 million people, Shanghai is the largest city in China by population. I stayed in the financial district of Shanghai at the beautiful Grand Hyatt hotel. I highly recommend this hotel to first time visitors of Shanghai for its incredible 360° views of the city during both the day and night. There is an observation deck in this hotel called the “Jin Mao Tower” and also a popular bar at the top of the hotel. Finally, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai is in a central location and close to the metro station making it very easy to get around. View from the Grand Hyatt Restaurant Hotel Room ViewShanghai Center (brand new building) Nanjing Road – If you Google “Top 10 Things …

Dumplings at Din Tai Fung

Published by

My favorite meal in Shanghai was simple, authentic and at a chain restaurant. Din Tai Fung, a restaurant that started in Taiwan is most famously known for their xiaolongboa, also known as “soup dumplings.”  I have always been a fan of dim sum, but have yet to find a place in the states that I love. When researching where and what to eat in Shanghai, dumplings repeatedly came up. I was on a mission to find the best Shanghai had to offer. To my surprise, our friend traveling with us, who had been to Shanghai multiple times took us here! This actually wasn’t the first time I heard of this chain. Since I live Los Angeles, I had been invited to the Pasadena location once before. Now that I have tried it, I am so glad  we have one close by and I can say I’ve found my soup dumpling place in the states. Check out what we ordered below: Juicy Pork Dumplings – These are served steaming hot and fresh! The best and ONLY way to …

Toasted Coconut Chia Seed Pudding with Bananas and Raspberries

Published by

“CHIA” in ancient Mayan language means strength and that’s exactly what these tiny black seeds are! They are strong in nutrients. They are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, good fat, calcium and they’re low in calories! Also for extreme health nuts, you will appreciate that they are whole grain, non-GMO (genetically modified organism), are usually grown organic and are gluten-free! This is a great recipe for breakfast, mid-afternoon snack or a healthy dessert after dinner. It’s simple and can be easily prepped. Ingredients (all from Trader Joes): 1/4 cup Chia seeds 1 cup coconut milk (I got vanilla flavored) 1 tablespoon organic coconut sugar Roasted coconut chips to taste Sliced bananas Fresh Raspberries Directions: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup Chia seeds and 1 tablespoon organic coconut sugar with 1 cup of coconut milk and stir. Let sit over night OR a minimum of 4 hours. The seeds need time to absorb the milk and expand. Once pudding is to desired consistency, add toasted coconut chips, fresh bananas slices and raspberries to taste! I go …

Eating Gold at Hakkasan

Published by

Hakkasan Shanghai, is luxurious Cantonese Cuisine. The restaurant located on “The Bund” in Shanghai was so incredibly chic and delicious! A friend of mine recommended this restaurant to me after seeing that I was visiting the magical city on Facebook. I love restaurant recommendations when I’m traveling by the way! I always make my best effort to try them. The upscale restaurant is located in Bund 18 on the 5th Floor, right across from the famous Peace Hotel. The doors are tall, dark and mysterious. You’re not really sure what to expect when you slowly start to pry them open. All of a sudden, you will be greeted with the friendly receptionists in what seems like the entrance to a private club. We went on a Thursday night and did not have trouble getting seated, but it’s best to make reservations in advanced even if it’s the same day. Once we checked in, the waiter walked us through the restaurant bar area pictured below and to our table. There are a couple of different dining areas …

Salted Carmel Latte at Lamill Coffee Boutique

Published by

One area of LA that I don’t explore often enough, but fall in love every time I visit is Silverlake. Silverlake is the “hipster/indie” part of Los Angeles. It’s slightly trendy in a “non-want-to-be-trendy” kind of way. There is a lot of character in the shops that align the streets. Thankfully my dear friend who lives in this area invited me to her neck of the woods for a coffee date at Lamill Coffee Boutique. It was easy to find right off of Sunset Blvd. and a HAD parking lot. If you live in LA, you know this is a rarity and a premium. Right when I walked in, I was surprised at how urban glam the decor was. It was very posh and welcoming including the staff. If you are ordering coffee inside the shop, they have full table  service and a full breakfast and lunch menu. There’s also available outdoor patio seating. I asked our waiter what drinks were most popular and he recommended the Salted Caramel Latte and that is exactly what …

Shrimp and Grits at My Two Cents

Published by

Looking for some good Soul Food in LA and a random chance to see Denzel Washington or Pharell?…than you should definitely try “My Two Cents.” The restaurant located off of Pico Blvd. and Fairfax Ave. includes southern traditions and then some! The cuisine also has its own LA twist to it with items on the menu like egg rolls filled with macaroni and cheese or barbecue chicken. I love a chef that’s not afraid to play around with food and cross cultures on the palette! The day we went I decided to try the shrimp & grits which is one of the most popular items on the menu and my fiancé got their daily special, the fried catfish sandwich. Both were so good and filling! I’m actually craving the shrimp & grits again as I write this. When you’re finished with all of the salty goodness, there’s plenty of cobblers, pies, cakes and cookies to top of the meal. Leave me a comment on what I should try next time I go. #STAYCLASSY Barbecue Chicken Egg Rolls …