On my recent lunch time walk, my coworker introduced me to Molinari Delicatessen. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian deli, this is the place to go. It is the oldest Italian deli west of the Rockies. When I walked through the door, I was amazed by all the homemade Italian specialties ranging from olive oil to cured salami to focaccia. Just like any deli, grab a number and wait for your number be called out to be serviced.
At lunch time, they are known for their deli meat sandwiches. They offer a large variety from mortadella to coppa to proscuitto. Be careful. The picture below may cause drooling. Continue reading →
b. patisserie reminds me of the bakeries you find in Paris. It’s minimalistic designs and delicious pastries will instantly transport you to Paris.
It’s signature pastry, the kouign amann (pronounced “queen amman”), is a sweet, buttery, flaky croissant. I suggest you go early to snag one of these before they run out!
The blueberry, peach, almond croissant isn’t your normal croissant. It’s more dense than flaky but the flavor is there. The peach brings out the sweetness of the blueberry but also helps balance it out.
The passion fruit bostock reminded me of a dense coffee cake.
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.
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.
Locations:1545 Willow St, Oakland, CA 94607 (the Original) 4033 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122 1730 Yosemite Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
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.
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.
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.
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.
A hidden gem in Hawaii, this restaurant offers delicious meat varieties from Japan and the US for a wonderful yakiniku experience. We were able to call 30 minutes ahead and book reservations. The restaurant was not packed or loud so you get to enjoy your meal in peace. A personal touch to the restaurant were the walls, which are signed by famous people and past customers.
You have the option to order each cut of meat individually or from a set course. They have two course options: gold ($60/person) or premium ($123/person). We ordered the gold option and had no regrets.
The meal begins with kimchee (pickled cabbage), nori (seaweed), pickled sides (carrots, radishes, spinach, and bean sprouts), and salad. The house made salad was light and refreshing with the apples
Next came the juicy USDA prime ribeye.
The beef tongue was a thicker cut than I have had before but it was delicious.
The blue shrimp is cooked in a garlic butter sauce in a copper pot. If you cook it wrong, the staff will come over and correct the cooking method.
I LOVED their deep fried garlic. I even requested to box what I couldn’t finish to take home with me.
On the left is the toro kalbi (short rib) and on the right is the skirt steak. The skirt steak was juicy, tender and full of umami. Overall, all the meat just melted in your mouth.
The meal ended with frozen cream puffs, but at this point, I was too full to enjoy these.
YUMTRAVELS 