Kato on the Westside

Since I was in Santa Monica for work, I ended up meeting up with siblings,Smooth Obturator, Triple T, Overworked and Sdho, for dinner.  Sdho had heard good things so she made a reservation for all of us at Kato.  It’s an Asian restaurant with a concept pulling together Californian, Japanese and Taiwanese flavors.  Without a…

A Table Rich in Flavors

I’ve been wanting to try Rich Table for some time now, and I managed to nab a reservation for my co-workers and I to check it out one evening after work.  The restaurant is the product of husband/wife team Evan and Sarah Rich and first came on to the SF scene in 2012.  It’s hard to…

Woo Has Canto Noodles?

When I first started coming to Sam Woo, it was like an oasis in the middle of an Asian restaurant desert known as Irvine.  I remember liking the food, but back then, my family usually ended up going to Westminster if we wanted to family style Chinese food.  Recently, every time I’ve come to eat, I find…

Udon Galore in the OC

I went to Shin Sen Gumi several years back, but I recall it being more of an izakaya place. Then a friend of mine in response to my search for udon options in the OC mentioned Shin Sen Gumi, and Overworked agreed that it was a relatively new place that was worth checking out.  It turns out…

Limon Expands Outside the City

I have been anxiously awaiting the opening of Limon Rotisserie ever since I saw that was coming to downtown Burlingame.  The original location is in the Mission, but when I last visited it was more ceviche without the rotisserie.  I also tried the second location which was the rotisserie incarnation that eventually took over all the…

Revisiting the Dojo of Ramen

Ramen Dojo is the one ramen place that consistently attracts unbearably long lines.  I’m sure the small space and very limited seats is a big reason, but I have to say their ramen is definitely one of the tastiest of all the ramen places in San Mateo.  There is a complex of interesting flavors including a spiciness…

Oh Oh So Good, Ohshima

Aside from spending time with family, one of the best things about visiting the OC is eating. There is so much too choose from, and although I live in the Bay Area which really represents one of the top food centric cities in the nation, what I really find lacking there is quite readily found…

Ramen’s Neglected Noodle Brother

I don’t think udon gets as much recognition or respect as ramen when it comes to the Japanese noodles.  Ramen has definitely had a coming of age in the past 10 or so years with so many ramen shops popping up across the United States and more than a few Japanese chains, like Ippudo and Ichiran,…

The Roosevelt in Richmond

I still think it’s hard to believe that Virginia is considered “the South”, but upon my recent trip to Richmond for work, I saw that the local accent and cuisine definitely leans toward the confederates than with the yankees.  The first dinner we had was pretty unimpressive and forgettable, but our last dinner at The Roosevelt…

Best Strawberry Croissant Ever

In the middle of a non descript strip mall near old town Tustin sits Cream Pan Bakery & Cafe which serves a variety of baked goods as well as Japanese savory eats such as katsu sandwiches and curries.  Although I haven’t had a chance to try any of their hot food, I doubt anyone would disagree…

Jū-Ni in NoPa

I heard about Jū-Ni from my hair stylist who’s sister supposedly taught the executive chef, Geoffrey Lee, everything he knows about sushi.  There were some good reviews that supported her recommendation so I immediately made a reservation.  It was so far in advance that I can’t even remember how I managed to nab one, but this…

Southern Fried Chicken in the Mission

After a recent trip to Richmond, Virginia, I had a really delicious fried chicken sandwich and have been hankering for some southern food ever since.  Upon seeing Buttermilk Southern Kitchen on my restaurant list and noticing that Yelp said it was good for kids, I thought it would be a great idea for a Saturday brunch….