Umami Mart

In Vegas, every other thing that came out of my mouth was, “Let’s go to Robuchon!” My parents were not so enthusiastic, as they are growing tired of overly rich french cuisine in their old age (ok fine, they’re not that old, but French Laundry totally ruined French food for them). But come on, he’s […]

This little Japanese izakaya was recommended to us by multiple people. It’s located in a neon-lit strip mall in the Chinatown area of Vegas, a good 10 minute cab ride from the Strip. Fully packed with a line out the door by the time we got there at 7:30pm. Luckily, we had a reservation- seriously, […]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Just got back from 3 nights in Vegas for a very rare family vacation- how old is too old to tag along on trips with our parents?? It’s an odd feeling, at least in my nutty family, where we all revert back to old habits and interactions as though the two children […]

There’s a little Korea-town in the Akasaka section of Tokyo, just a little side street filled with Korean-owned and operated restaurants. Here, my friend Maho took me to one of her favorite spots, Ton-chan. There are a few Ton-chan’s scattered all around Tokyo- it is bbq, but they specialize in pork (ton, in Japanese means […]

Besides okonimiyaki, Osaka is known for another genius culinary invention: kushikatsu (aka kushiage). It’s so dreamy. Various meat and seafood parts, sometimes utterly inappropriate but so delicious. All kinds of vegetables. All breaded, then fried. On a stick! Yippee!!! We went over to the Jan-Jan strip of the city (above neon sign), where the taxi […]

Here is quite possibly my most memorable meal in Japan. At least it’s one that I often have been contemplating, recalling the presentation and flavors of that mystical meal overlooking Kyoto (ahhhh). Famed Kyoto restaurant Wakuden has been around for something like a century, and recently opened another outlet on the 11th floor of the […]

One of my most memorable meals in Japan- okonomiyaki, negiyaki, omuyakisoba, and a luscious creation called “tonpei”, in Osaka. Wiki says that the okonomiyaki originated in Osaka, and has been interpreted in different ways throughout Japan. It’s basically a cabbage pancake filled with another meat or shellfish. In Osaka, we went to a reputable place […]

We splurged at one of the best restaurants in Cabo, which was conveniently located in the hotel we stayed at. We asked concierge to make a reservation, and I casually asked about dress code, and she said “elegant outfit”. WTF does that mean? It’s a beach vacation, and Nate only had a pair of jeans, […]

We made a recession trip to Cabo San Lucas over the weekend. How recession friendly? Airfare – Miles redeemedHotel – my bf is VERY travel savvy and found a crazy deal at Sheraton for $30 a night. Must be computer glitch, since regular price was $350 a night.. $120 for 4 nights, cheaper than YMCA!Booze […]

This place was good enough to spend both of my last two birthdays. Kigi is tucked in the heart of Setagaya-ku’s Sakurajosui. Its unpretentious service and earthy food is what I miss most about the Northern Californian food scene. Kigi is a perfect place to counter Tokyo restaurants’ tendencies to deliver over-the-top, fake service, and […]