Author Archives: yumtravels

Trouble Coffee Co

Posted in East Bay Area, San Francisco by

Trouble Coffee Co comes off like a hipster coffee joint because it sells $4 toast. However, it all started when Giulietta Carrelli opened up shop selling her personal comforts like coffee, toast, coconuts, and grapefruit juice to help keep stability in her schizophrenic life. The menu simply consists of the four items listed above but you better know how you like your coffee and toast because this place doesn’t have a defined menu. From the looks of it they seem to offer everything possible: espresso, drip coffee, chocolate toast, butter toast, etc.

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I got my usual soy latte and was pleased. The infamous cinnamon butter toast was a child’s dream breakfast. Sugary, cinnamony, and crunchy. Next time, I’m will try the nutella toast.

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Locations: 1545 Willow St, Oakland, CA 94607 (the Original)
4033 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122
1730 Yosemite Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124

John Mueller Meat Co.

Posted in Austin by

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The one thing on my Texas bucket list was BBQ. I was starving and drooling while reading reviews of the best BBQ in Austin. They all said to be prepared to wait in line for hours. Not one or two but FIVE. Luckily, but not really, most BBQ joints were closed on Mondays. The only one with good reviews and open on Monday was John Mueller Meat Co. I soon came to learn John Mueller is the heir of BBQ.

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When I arrived, the wait was only 20 mins. For those who have never ordered BBQ in Texas, the cooked meat is sold by the half pound. This can be a pro or con depending on if you order ribs. I followed suit of those in front of me and grabbed an empty tray when I got up to the window. The guy threw down a piece of butcher paper on the tray. He plopped my order of beef rib, brisket, and siracha coleslaw on my tray, and I headed to the next window to pay.

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Texas State Capitol

Posted in Austin by

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I was in Austin for the weekend to attend Austin City Limits. I had a blast at the music festival but had little time to explore Austin. It was my first time visiting Austin so I decided to make the most of the little time I had. I decided to check out the Texas State Capitol since it was only a few blocks from my hotel. I made my way up Congress street and ended up at the capitol. As they say, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” this capitol was huge.

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When I walked in, I didn’t know where to start. There were free tours available but I had just missed the one that just started and didn’t have time to wait for the next.

After I passed through security, I found myself standing under the dome of the capitol. Its intricate detailing especially the spiral staircase makes it breathtaking in person.

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Frank

Posted in Austin by

I first tried Frank, Austin’s famous sausage joint, at Austin City Limits. They had a limited menu so I ordered their only sausage item: grilled bratwurst sammie.   

 The bratwurst, topped with grilled onions and sauerkraut, was juicy and delicious. I loved the Frank bun, which is a sliced white bread bun, that they used to hold the sausage.  

 One night, I stopped by the brick and mortar store, as this was one of the few places open after 11 pm in downtown Austin. My friends and I shared the chili cheese waffle fries. The chili was hearty but the waffle fries left a lot to be desired.  

 From their specialty sausages, I ordered the Creole Gator. It is an alligator sausage topped with crawfish popcorn, crystal slaw, scallions, and Creole remoulade on a Frank bun. It was a hefty sausage but tasty. Left me in a food coma shortly afterwards. 

(407 Colorado St., Austin, Texas 78701)

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Posted in Austin by

I was only in Austin for a few days to attend the Austin City Limits music festival but I needed to fuel up before starting on day 2. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill was a few blocks away from my hotel so I decided to try it out despite the hour wait. Tip: Try to make reservations in advance if possible.

I needed coffee after a late night partying the night before. I wanted a soy latte but barista stared at me when I asked if they had soy milk. So I opted for black coffee instead during our wait

When we got seated, they had delicious chili flavored popcorn set on the table. It was difficult to stop munching on it while waiting for my food.  My friend’s one year old couldn’t stop grabbing for the popcorn either.

 I was happy when my dish of chicken and waffles arrived. The chicken was perfectly fried and the waffle was crisp. Sadly, the dish was so large that I couldn’t finish it all.

 303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Salt Lick BBQ

Posted in Austin by


BBQ was high on my list of food to try in Texas. When Austin City Limits (ACL) decided to cater their food from local eateries, I was stoked to be able to try the local food while enjoying the music festival. The lines were long but moved quickly. Salt Lick BBQ is a famous BBQ chain originated from Dallas. I tried the pork ribs and was very pleased. The ribs were meaty, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor from the dry rub. Finger lickin’ good BBQ.

Pike Place Public Market


When in Seattle, it is a must to check out Pike Place Public Market. This large open farmer’s market is like no other.

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On the far left side at Pike Place Fish Co., check out the flying fish thrown at high speed by the guys transferring fish from counter to the slicers.

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In front of Pike Place Place Fish Co. is Rachel the piggy bank donated by Fratelli’s Ice Cream in 1986. Feel free to feed the pig.

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As you move along the market, you will come across the large, beautiful flower shop. Be sure to stop and smell the roses.

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Once you reach the end of the flower market, don’t think it’s the end. Keep walking along Pike Place and start your foodie adventure at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. One block further, stop by Piroshky, Piroshky and the original Starbucks for more eats.

(Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA)

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

Known to the world as one of Oprah’s favorite things, the “world’s best” mac and cheese from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese lives up to its hype. The intense depth of flavor comes from aging the cheese for 18 months. On display at the window, you can witness the cheese making process. Be sure to sample the cheese ranging from the curd to the aged cheese. On your way out, grab a bowl of the mac and cheese or order it online to enjoy when you like.

(1600 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101)

Piroshky, Piroshky


I didn’t learn of pirozhkies until this trip to Seattle. They are Russian baked buns with a meat or vegetable filing. They remind me of Spanish empanadas. You can find Piroshky, Piroshky a few stores down from the original Starbucks. Be sure to stop by and grab a mid-day snack. You won’t regret it. 

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There will be small line but it moves quickly. They offer sweet, meat or vegetable pirozhkies. I went twice, and each time, I got a savory pirozhki.

The salmon pate is adorably shaped like a fish. The bread was amazing. Its sweetness balanced the smoked salmon and cream cheese filling.

The beef and onion reminded me of Porto’s potato balls but with a flaky crust.

(Pike Place Market, 1908 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101)

The Original Starbucks


You may see Starbucks on nearly every corner around the world but if you didn’t already know, it all started in Seattle. Located at Pikes Place Market, you won’t won’t easily bypass this place considering there is always a long line to enter the original Starbucks.

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If you find the wait too long to order a drink, don’t worry. You can easily go to the next Starbucks, since it won’t be the only Starbucks you see in Seattle. There is nearly one on every corner.

(Pike Place Market, 1912 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101)