The Bar Downstairs, Andaz 5th Avenue (New York, NY)

Checked out this drinks/tapas place in Midtown. My favorite was the chorizo croquette.

Chicken Empanadas with Cilantro Garlic Sauce

Pork Belly Morsels with Achiote, Cumin and Citrus

Croquetas with Latin-style Chorizo and Manchego Cheese

James Hook & Co Lobsters (Boston, MA)

Wanted to have a quick lunch in Boston, so stopped at this seafood shack by the waterfront. The lobster roll was excellent!

Large Lobster Roll

Sportello (Boston, MA)

Discovered a great Italian place around the Waterfront. Looking forward to re-visiting during a future trip to Boston!

Strozzapreti (Braised Rabbit, Picholine Olives, Rosemary)


Affogato

Orenchi Ramen (Santa Clara, CA)

I heard good reviews about this place and so decided to pay it a visit. The reputation is well-deserved! The signature Orenchi ramen is very chewy, has a very tasty pork broth, and comes with a soft-boiled egg.

Tako Wasa



Orenchi Ramen (Tonkotsu Broth, Soft-Boiled Egg, Pork, Green Onion, Bamboo Shoots, Mushrooms, Sesame, Seaweed)

Suzu Noodle House (San Francisco, CA)

Went to another ramen place in San Francisco's Japantown. The food is worth checking out if you're already in the area.

Agedashi Tofu


Suzu Ramen (Chicken Karaage, Fried Dumplings, BBQ Pork)

Mayo Family Winery Reserve Tasting Room (Kenwood, CA)

Finally got to visit the Reserve Tasting Room of Mayo Family Winery. Pretty interesting concept -- it combines wine tasting with actual food servings from a trained chef. I'd recommend a visit to this place if you want to add a slight twist to your regular Sonoma Valley experience.

Black Cod, Goat Cheese and Apple Doughnut, Red Miso Jus
(Pairing: 2008 Chardonnay, Laurel Hill Estate "Reserve" / Sonoma Valley)


Cucumber, Peach and Lychee Timbale

(Pairing: 2008 Viognier, Saralee's Vineyard / Russian River Valley)

Salad of Sweetbreads, Wakame and Tomato

(Pairing: 2007 Pinot Noir, La Cruz Vineyard / Sonoma Coast)

Summer Soba Noodles and Shiitake Mushrooms

(Pairing: 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Random Ridge "Reserve" / Alexander Valley)

Wagyu Flat Iron Steak, Trumpet Royales and Blueberry Demi Glace

(Pairing: 2006 Petit Verdot, Bellisimo Vineyard "Reserve" / Napa Valley)

Rib Loin of Kurobuta Pork, Vanilla Sweet Potato Puree and Plum Sauce

(Pairing: 2007 Zinfandel, Ricci Vineyard / Russian River Valley)

Tropical Fruit Shortcake
(Pairing: 2008 L.H. Gewurztraminer, Kunde Ranch "Reserve" / Sonoma Valley)

Wuji Mala House (San Jose, CA)

Checked out Wuji Mala House (吳記麻辣) today. I think it's one of the better mala ("tongue-numbing spicy") hot pot restaurants in the area.

Lamb Hot Pot Set


Wuji Beef (side order)