thank you 2009, it's been good.
life changing experiences, clearer future, great friends, awesome opportunities, awesome God... so sad to see it go, but can't wait for the new year to come.
adieu 2009
Dec 31, 2009
Dec 24, 2009
50 first dates/operation 1
50 first dates
i watched 50 first dates today. interesting movie. kinda related to adam sandler.
someone once told me, after 2 years of dating, the dating itself gets pretty hard to do.
hate to admit it, but i'm slowly feeling it. possibly my own selfish motive wanting to impress over and over.
after the movie i began to think the whole idea of dating may be harder to do every single day. relationship shouldn't be based upon works nor should it be based upon emotions. if a relationship is based upon impression, events, and surprises, how long will a relationship last until one or the other burns out or runs out of ideas? and if its based upon emotions, how long until the feelings we once felt about another changes?
funny how i connect the gospel to dating. but this is me trying to live it in the center of my life.
operation 1
we had our first date at the hair saloon today. she got her hair cut, and i got mine. i always wanted to know how that felt like, and i was very nervous/excited about it. it felt whatevs. korean drama hyped it up way too much.
then we met up with my roommate and few of our friends and had coconut bay.
for those who are reading and not familiar with the name, it's the same exact thing as banana bay, just a few street down. those that still don't know, it's an american thai restaurant geared towards young people. of course it depends on the location. coconut bay has more adult atmosphere to it with their drinks and the setting, while banana bay has more teenage/college feel to it. you can tell by where they are located at. coconut bay located in the outskirt of the town near a popular chinese market and a hotel, while banana bay is located in the center where the major street cross, so its a bit more busy with more entertainment around it. the food is basically the same since it's owned by the same owner.
good thing about coconut bay is that they have lunch hours where you can order a dish from the menu and it comes with bottomless drinks and soup or salad as an appetizer. 5 people, 4 dishes to share, comes out with tax and tip included, 4o-42 dollars, depending on how generous you feel. that's roughly 10 dollars per person.
....
ANYWAY that's what we did and watched a movie back at her house.
tomorrow is christmas and i'm planning on taking soy to LA Live to go watch a movie and take her to el chato. for those who have not heard about it, it's a hidden gem i have been introduced to and dying to share with you all.
i watched 50 first dates today. interesting movie. kinda related to adam sandler.
someone once told me, after 2 years of dating, the dating itself gets pretty hard to do.
hate to admit it, but i'm slowly feeling it. possibly my own selfish motive wanting to impress over and over.
after the movie i began to think the whole idea of dating may be harder to do every single day. relationship shouldn't be based upon works nor should it be based upon emotions. if a relationship is based upon impression, events, and surprises, how long will a relationship last until one or the other burns out or runs out of ideas? and if its based upon emotions, how long until the feelings we once felt about another changes?
funny how i connect the gospel to dating. but this is me trying to live it in the center of my life.
operation 1
we had our first date at the hair saloon today. she got her hair cut, and i got mine. i always wanted to know how that felt like, and i was very nervous/excited about it. it felt whatevs. korean drama hyped it up way too much.
then we met up with my roommate and few of our friends and had coconut bay.
for those who are reading and not familiar with the name, it's the same exact thing as banana bay, just a few street down. those that still don't know, it's an american thai restaurant geared towards young people. of course it depends on the location. coconut bay has more adult atmosphere to it with their drinks and the setting, while banana bay has more teenage/college feel to it. you can tell by where they are located at. coconut bay located in the outskirt of the town near a popular chinese market and a hotel, while banana bay is located in the center where the major street cross, so its a bit more busy with more entertainment around it. the food is basically the same since it's owned by the same owner.
good thing about coconut bay is that they have lunch hours where you can order a dish from the menu and it comes with bottomless drinks and soup or salad as an appetizer. 5 people, 4 dishes to share, comes out with tax and tip included, 4o-42 dollars, depending on how generous you feel. that's roughly 10 dollars per person.
....
ANYWAY that's what we did and watched a movie back at her house.
tomorrow is christmas and i'm planning on taking soy to LA Live to go watch a movie and take her to el chato. for those who have not heard about it, it's a hidden gem i have been introduced to and dying to share with you all.
Dec 23, 2009
operation californication
for the next following weeks i will carry out operation californication in order to "un-new-yorker-ize" soy and bring out her food loving, beach enjoying, mall craving, and other sterotype california-ing side out of her.
stay tuned for daily, if not hourly update operation cali, aka mission obesity.
stay tuned for daily, if not hourly update operation cali, aka mission obesity.
Nov 30, 2009
Steak
Thanksgiving is over, and I must say it has been one of the best thanksgivings I had in a while (food wise at least). I hope everybody's TG was great as mine.
On the subject of food, Kevin Han and I were talking about techniques on cooking meat without cutting to see the "doneness" of the meat. So I did some surfing and found a blog that explained exactly how K.Han explained it.
We found out with the Impossible Question this morning that women have taken over the Q-ing in 40% of Canadian households. Here is how to make the perfect steak without cutting into it. NEVER cut into your steak, it drains out all the flavour. Also, let it rest for 5 - 10 mins before you eat it. Enjoy!
(from http://huffpuffblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/honey-is-that-steak-done-yet.html)
1
Raw Steak Doneness
Poke your steak and remember how it feels. By "poke" I really mean gently press your finger on the steak. Take note of how squishy and how firm it is when you poke it. To get an idea of what raw meat feels like, poke the fleshy part of your hand below your thumb while it is relaxed and open.
Step 2
Rare Steak Doneness
Touch your thumb tip to the tip of your index finger. Now touch the fleshy part of your palm underneath your thumb. This will give you an idea of what rare steak feels like. It should feel pretty squishy. When you are doing this you don't want to squeeze your fingers, you just want to touch them together.
Step 3
Medium Rare Steak Doneness
Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your middle finger. Then touch the flesh underneath your thumb This will give you an idea of what medium rare steak feels like.
Step 4
Medium Steak Doneness
To see what medium feels like, touch your ring finger tip to the tip of your thumb. Touch the flesh below the thumb and take note of how it feels.
Step 5
Well Done Steak Doneness
Now with one hand touch your pinky fingertip to your thumbs tip. With the other hand poke the fleshy part of your palm underneath your thumb. This is how you tell if your steak is well-done. It should feel pretty firm.
On the subject of steak, if anybody is looking for a fancy, expensive, anniversary dinner type place, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is one of your choice. My dad introduced me to this last Christmas and paid for me and Soy. The ambiance of the place is very nice and relaxing, perfect for a quiet evening dinner. They have a very cool wine cooler on display with changing lights that helps create the mood. Servers are attentive and very friendly.
I think the best thing about this place is the atmosphere. The food is good, 4 star level, but nothing amazing. Something I have tried before. When I was there, Soy and I got the couple menu, which consisted of 3 course meal each costing around..$90 minus the wine she got. However, keep in mind that the menu is limited. I tried the seared tuna, the signature steak, and the chocolate cake, while soy got the same except she got artichoke dip, which was a minus for us. The cool thing about this place is that the steak comes out sizzling with butter still melting. They cook the meat, melt the butter, and just for the heck of it, add another chunk after it comes out of the oven.
So if you're in for some nice evening out and have 2hundred dollars laying around and some good wine, this is an option.
Quick Facts:
Ruth's Chris Steak House
website: http://www.ruthschris.com
cost: anywhere from 25-300 dollar depending on the menu and what you get
sitting: indoor and outdoor
food: steak and anything relating to steak
unique: very cool interior design
rating: 3.5 stars
recommendations: the couple menu
On the subject of food, Kevin Han and I were talking about techniques on cooking meat without cutting to see the "doneness" of the meat. So I did some surfing and found a blog that explained exactly how K.Han explained it.
We found out with the Impossible Question this morning that women have taken over the Q-ing in 40% of Canadian households. Here is how to make the perfect steak without cutting into it. NEVER cut into your steak, it drains out all the flavour. Also, let it rest for 5 - 10 mins before you eat it. Enjoy!
(from http://huffpuffblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/honey-is-that-steak-done-yet.html)
1
Raw Steak Doneness
Poke your steak and remember how it feels. By "poke" I really mean gently press your finger on the steak. Take note of how squishy and how firm it is when you poke it. To get an idea of what raw meat feels like, poke the fleshy part of your hand below your thumb while it is relaxed and open.
Step 2
Rare Steak Doneness
Touch your thumb tip to the tip of your index finger. Now touch the fleshy part of your palm underneath your thumb. This will give you an idea of what rare steak feels like. It should feel pretty squishy. When you are doing this you don't want to squeeze your fingers, you just want to touch them together.
Step 3
Medium Rare Steak Doneness
Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your middle finger. Then touch the flesh underneath your thumb This will give you an idea of what medium rare steak feels like.
Step 4
Medium Steak Doneness
To see what medium feels like, touch your ring finger tip to the tip of your thumb. Touch the flesh below the thumb and take note of how it feels.
Step 5
Well Done Steak Doneness
Now with one hand touch your pinky fingertip to your thumbs tip. With the other hand poke the fleshy part of your palm underneath your thumb. This is how you tell if your steak is well-done. It should feel pretty firm.
Step 6 
Steak
If you need to, touch the steak and then do the finger test again. It will take practice to get good at this. The finger test is a thermometer free way of checking steak doneness. When you are well practiced it is an easy and quick way to tell how well done your steak is.
Steak
If you need to, touch the steak and then do the finger test again. It will take practice to get good at this. The finger test is a thermometer free way of checking steak doneness. When you are well practiced it is an easy and quick way to tell how well done your steak is.
On the subject of steak, if anybody is looking for a fancy, expensive, anniversary dinner type place, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is one of your choice. My dad introduced me to this last Christmas and paid for me and Soy. The ambiance of the place is very nice and relaxing, perfect for a quiet evening dinner. They have a very cool wine cooler on display with changing lights that helps create the mood. Servers are attentive and very friendly.
I think the best thing about this place is the atmosphere. The food is good, 4 star level, but nothing amazing. Something I have tried before. When I was there, Soy and I got the couple menu, which consisted of 3 course meal each costing around..$90 minus the wine she got. However, keep in mind that the menu is limited. I tried the seared tuna, the signature steak, and the chocolate cake, while soy got the same except she got artichoke dip, which was a minus for us. The cool thing about this place is that the steak comes out sizzling with butter still melting. They cook the meat, melt the butter, and just for the heck of it, add another chunk after it comes out of the oven.
So if you're in for some nice evening out and have 2hundred dollars laying around and some good wine, this is an option.
Quick Facts:
Ruth's Chris Steak House
website: http://www.ruthschris.com
cost: anywhere from 25-300 dollar depending on the menu and what you get
sitting: indoor and outdoor
food: steak and anything relating to steak
unique: very cool interior design
rating: 3.5 stars
recommendations: the couple menu
Nov 20, 2009
Nov 11, 2009
Random blog 1
I felt like blogging but I don't know what to write about. So I guess I can write about what I'm going to do tomorrow and try to make it creative.
Tomorrow's Veterans day.
But that's not what I'm going to write about.
Tomorrow, I'm going to SD to meet up with some friends and catch up on them.
I like that idea.
Tomorrow, my roommates are going to SD to meet up with their friends.
Half the RSide KCM will be there as well
...
I like taking short trips. Whenever I get discouraged or in need of some motivation, short trips like these help. Jason wrote about a different type of trip on his blog the other day. I think that's the reason why I'm taking this trip once again.
.....
Today was a good day. Tomorrow will be better.
ps. I think my roommates and I have love and hate relationship with one another. Can't hate them because I love them too much.
I hope they don't read this.
Tomorrow's Veterans day.
But that's not what I'm going to write about.
Tomorrow, I'm going to SD to meet up with some friends and catch up on them.
I like that idea.
Tomorrow, my roommates are going to SD to meet up with their friends.
Half the RSide KCM will be there as well
...
I like taking short trips. Whenever I get discouraged or in need of some motivation, short trips like these help. Jason wrote about a different type of trip on his blog the other day. I think that's the reason why I'm taking this trip once again.
.....
Today was a good day. Tomorrow will be better.
ps. I think my roommates and I have love and hate relationship with one another. Can't hate them because I love them too much.
I hope they don't read this.
Nov 8, 2009
my evil plan to save the world
Someone asked me if I was a food critique.
My answer, no. I love food too much to critique it.
I know I'm not answering it in the context he asked me, but this is my best answer.
Everybody's a critique, I just happen to write my down for everybody to see.
But now I think I will take a different turn in this blogging business. I shall not critique food, but share my experience instead. In fact, not only on food but my life process in general.
This blog is about the life process of Samuel Sooin Lee.
He is a super hero and has an evil plan to save the world. (I love FIF.)
My answer, no. I love food too much to critique it.
I know I'm not answering it in the context he asked me, but this is my best answer.
Everybody's a critique, I just happen to write my down for everybody to see.
But now I think I will take a different turn in this blogging business. I shall not critique food, but share my experience instead. In fact, not only on food but my life process in general.
This blog is about the life process of Samuel Sooin Lee.
He is a super hero and has an evil plan to save the world. (I love FIF.)
Nov 2, 2009
Molecular Gastronomy
I've been drinking, eating, talking bio for the past few weeks because of midterms. I've been wondering how much carbohydrates are in the food I eat and how my body is going to use catabolic reaction to break these complex molecules apart into monomers and rebuild them through anabolic reactions into a necessary molecules that my body can use, which led me to gastronomy. I always wanted to learn how to use molecular gastronomy and create a totally new dish or incorporate it and create absorb food that tastes ridiculously great. Of course I need to learn how to poach an egg first before I do that, which I learned is is very scientific as well (something about the pH of water).
I apologize for the previous post about Johnny's Burger, didn't have the time to upload the pictures from my phone plus I've been eating hatban and kimchi for the past few days.
You can read about molecular gastronomy by the link below if you're interested.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_gastronomy
http://luxirare.com/parfait/
Sep 30, 2009
Johnny's Burger
I like burgers. I REALLY like burgers. What I like them most is that there are so many different types of burgers out there: Cajun burgers, Jalapeno burgers, double quarter pounder, 3x3...etc. If you want to try different variation of burgers in one place, I suggest you try Red Robins and get different ones with a bunch of friends and try them, cause how else are you going to try different types of food without hurting your health and your wallet.
Now I can write about the history of burgers.. but I won't do that right now. Instead I will suggest a burger joint only the locals know about, and asians.
Johnny's is a small burger joint owned by Koreans but don't seem like it. Know what I'm talking about? It's those small burger place where the burgers are very filling, the fries are the best, and very cheap. I found Johnny's my freshmen year at Riverside. I wanted to get some burgers but didn't want to go to Diamond Bar to get Colima burger (I'll write about this later). So I did some research and some asking and John Yi, a friend of mine and who has lived in Riverside most of his life, took me to Johnny's. I must say, for those who know what I'm talking about, beats Colima burger out of the water, at least in my opinion. I ordered a cheese burger combo and came out to somewhere around 5-6 dollars including a drink. Now, you know this place is good when it's filled with asians and it's competing against In-N-Out right across the street. Outside, it looks like a normal run-down burger joint, and inside isn't much to look out, but it has a drive-thru and the food is good and cheap, perfect for poor college students. So if you're in Riverside and craving for burgers, instead of carina asada fries at JB's, Johnny's is a must try.
I'll update with the address and pictures as soon as I come back from it tonight.
Now I can write about the history of burgers.. but I won't do that right now. Instead I will suggest a burger joint only the locals know about, and asians.
Johnny's is a small burger joint owned by Koreans but don't seem like it. Know what I'm talking about? It's those small burger place where the burgers are very filling, the fries are the best, and very cheap. I found Johnny's my freshmen year at Riverside. I wanted to get some burgers but didn't want to go to Diamond Bar to get Colima burger (I'll write about this later). So I did some research and some asking and John Yi, a friend of mine and who has lived in Riverside most of his life, took me to Johnny's. I must say, for those who know what I'm talking about, beats Colima burger out of the water, at least in my opinion. I ordered a cheese burger combo and came out to somewhere around 5-6 dollars including a drink. Now, you know this place is good when it's filled with asians and it's competing against In-N-Out right across the street. Outside, it looks like a normal run-down burger joint, and inside isn't much to look out, but it has a drive-thru and the food is good and cheap, perfect for poor college students. So if you're in Riverside and craving for burgers, instead of carina asada fries at JB's, Johnny's is a must try.
I'll update with the address and pictures as soon as I come back from it tonight.
Sep 26, 2009
good bye newyork
I was thinking what I should write about for my last blog for restaurants in New York and I decided to write about what I always connected with New York when it comes to food, thin crust pizza. There are hundreds and hundreds of awesome pizza parlor in New York, and quiet honestly you'll find a pretty good one around the corner if you give it a try. But if you don't, go down another street and try their pizza, and continue until you find it.
When it comes to finding a good restaurant, a good research always help. But there are times when spontaneous decisions and courage will lead you to your all time favorite restaurant. So for this blog I will not tell you which pizza parlor is my favorite or which are good, but if you happen to find yourself in New York and craving some pizza (or just food in general), I highly encourage you to try it out and maybe even make a note about it and write your own blog one day.
So this will be my last blog for the foods in new york. There are much more to share, but it's time to branch out and write about foods in westcoast now.
When it comes to finding a good restaurant, a good research always help. But there are times when spontaneous decisions and courage will lead you to your all time favorite restaurant. So for this blog I will not tell you which pizza parlor is my favorite or which are good, but if you happen to find yourself in New York and craving some pizza (or just food in general), I highly encourage you to try it out and maybe even make a note about it and write your own blog one day.
So this will be my last blog for the foods in new york. There are much more to share, but it's time to branch out and write about foods in westcoast now.
Sep 15, 2009
serendipity 3
Frozen hot chocolate. Almost an oxymoron but it works. The first time I visited was a rainy day with Soy. This was one of our must place to go in NY. Quiet honestly I don't know why, but we did and ever since that day we kept going whenever I was in NY. I don't know too much about its history, but having a talk with the current owner, there was originally 3 owners to the restaurant. Or should I say 3 brothers. The current owner is the youngest of the 3 and last of his family.
The restaurant is very decorative, having souvenirs right by the door giving waiting customers something to look at and play with as they wait for their seat. The wait on a typical day is usually 10-25 minutes, but can get long as 2 hours on weekend nights. Despite the wait, the atmosphere is nice a friendly, perfect date place to go with your significant other. Personally, the restaurant seem a bit couple orientated, so if you're alone I wouldn't recommend it.
The restaurant it self had variety of food on their menu, and they are priced fairly except the fact that they have a minimum of 8 dollar a customer, probably because of the extensive wait. I would recommend the frozen hot chocolate because it's what they are known for. I haven't tried any of their food yet, except the one eyed jack (which I don't recommend), but I have tried their dessert and it isn't a disappointment.
Quick Facts
website:www.serendipity3.com
ccost: minimum of 8 dollar per guest
sitting: indoors, casual
recommended item: frozen hot chocolate and cheese cake
rating: B-
interesting fact: movie serendipity was filmed upstairs
Sep 8, 2009
fatwitch, billy's and Ronnybrook Dairy
Today's post will be a dessert galore. I'm not a big fan when it comes to dessert, but as I get older I seem to crave sweets more and more. So for my next blog, it's a combination of three of my favorite dessert place that is in the heart of Chelsea, NY. The first dessert place was found accidentally this past Spring Break with Soy. Her dorm was in Chelsea so it was only a matter of days that we'll end up finding this place. So for my first dessert, it is called the Fatwitch bakery. Fatwitch was is located in the Chelsea market on 9th street. Fatwitch are homemade brownies that range from original chocolate brownies to my favorite walnut brownies. They are a small shop, but they are delicious. In fact, they are so good they ship it to you personally if you order it. Of course you have to pre-order them because they have one or two days in a week where they ship, so if you miss the dead line, you have to wait till the next time they decide on a date.
Before I begin with other desserts, I think it's a good idea I give some background history on the Chelsea market. Originally, Chelsea market used to be a Oreo factory, but as soon as they moved out, what is known as Chelsea market today, has been there since. Unlike California, New York markets are not chains, but independently owned. Many have their own vegetable or meat companies that ship their own into the market. Some have shops like the Chelsea market. Now we know a little more about New York, don't we :) The second is Roonybrook Dairy. Roonybrooke Dairy is family owned, organic milk shop. They sell from nonfat milk to homemade icecream which sadly enough I haven't tried. The shop as well is located in Chelsea Market. Milk is a little costly, but they are considered a luxury so a little bit more isn't too bad, especially the quality of the milk you receive. I'm not a fan of milk, but if someone gives me this milk with my rice, I will eat my rice like cereal, which apparently some people do..
The third is my favorite Billy's. Billy's is your homemade dessert bakery that gives a feeling of being in a traditional American kitchen. They started by a group of business students who had a passion for baking and a couple of sweet tooth. They have pies, cookies, brownies, cakes, muffins, cupcakes and AHH!! SO MUCH GOODNESS!! Billy's isn't inside Chelsea market but it's on the same street and it's hard to miss because of its cutsy exterior design and a line of people waiting to get some of its delicious goodness. I personally fell in love with their red velvet cake. You have to ask for it because they are in the back and not many people know about them.
So if you are in Chelsea and your sweet tooth is aching for some sweets, you know exactly where to go. 9th street.
Quick Facts:
Fatwitch
website: www.fatwitch.com
Cost: between 1-3 for a brownie
Sitting: They have sitting outside the market
Food: Brownies
Unique: Homemade brownies and they ship!
Rating: 3 stars
Roonybrook Dairy
website: www.ronnybrook.com
cost: under 10 dollars for 2 milk product
unique: have a cereal bar and homemade icecream
rating: 3.5 stars
Billy's
website: www.billysbakerynyc.com/
cost: 2-8 dollar depending on what you get. slice and whole are available.
sitting: few seats inside, but takeout recommended.
food: dessert. pie, cake, muffin, cookies,...
unique: BEST TASTING DESSERTS EVER
recommended item: red velvet cake
rating: 5 stars
Chelsea Market
website: www.chelseamarket.com/
Before I begin with other desserts, I think it's a good idea I give some background history on the Chelsea market. Originally, Chelsea market used to be a Oreo factory, but as soon as they moved out, what is known as Chelsea market today, has been there since. Unlike California, New York markets are not chains, but independently owned. Many have their own vegetable or meat companies that ship their own into the market. Some have shops like the Chelsea market. Now we know a little more about New York, don't we :) The second is Roonybrook Dairy. Roonybrooke Dairy is family owned, organic milk shop. They sell from nonfat milk to homemade icecream which sadly enough I haven't tried. The shop as well is located in Chelsea Market. Milk is a little costly, but they are considered a luxury so a little bit more isn't too bad, especially the quality of the milk you receive. I'm not a fan of milk, but if someone gives me this milk with my rice, I will eat my rice like cereal, which apparently some people do..
The third is my favorite Billy's. Billy's is your homemade dessert bakery that gives a feeling of being in a traditional American kitchen. They started by a group of business students who had a passion for baking and a couple of sweet tooth. They have pies, cookies, brownies, cakes, muffins, cupcakes and AHH!! SO MUCH GOODNESS!! Billy's isn't inside Chelsea market but it's on the same street and it's hard to miss because of its cutsy exterior design and a line of people waiting to get some of its delicious goodness. I personally fell in love with their red velvet cake. You have to ask for it because they are in the back and not many people know about them.
So if you are in Chelsea and your sweet tooth is aching for some sweets, you know exactly where to go. 9th street.
Quick Facts:
Fatwitch
website: www.fatwitch.com
Cost: between 1-3 for a brownie
Sitting: They have sitting outside the market
Food: Brownies
Unique: Homemade brownies and they ship!
Rating: 3 stars
Roonybrook Dairy
website: www.ronnybrook.com
cost: under 10 dollars for 2 milk product
unique: have a cereal bar and homemade icecream
rating: 3.5 stars
Billy's
website: www.billysbakerynyc.com/
cost: 2-8 dollar depending on what you get. slice and whole are available.
sitting: few seats inside, but takeout recommended.
food: dessert. pie, cake, muffin, cookies,...
unique: BEST TASTING DESSERTS EVER
recommended item: red velvet cake
rating: 5 stars
Chelsea Market
website: www.chelseamarket.com/
Sep 2, 2009
Pommes Frites
One of my favorite food I can't resist are potatoes. I love potatoes. So when I saw a food joint specializing in French Fries I had to try it. Pommes Frites is a restaurant located on 2nd Ave in New York, so somewhere around SoHo. They specialize in Belgium fries. Not much different from other fries except they fry them twice and have variety of sauces. The sauce is what makes this type of fries unique. They have about 25-30 different types of sauces you never imaged trying with your fries. My favorite was the mango ketchup and the pomegranate teriyaki mayo. But of course they're are some I haven't tried yet, so when you visit try other ones and tell me about it!
The store is fairly small, and the interior isn't much to look at, which I'm guessing the reason majority of the customers takes their fries To-Go in a cone shaped package, almost like an ice cream cone. So if you happened to be in NY and are dying for some fries, you now know where to go get some.
Quick Facts
Website: http://www.pommesfrites.ws/default.htm
Cost: 4.50 for a regular, 6.25 for a large, 7.75 for a double. Each comes with one sauce and a dollar after that.
Sitting: Indoor sitting available, but togo is preferred
Food: Belgium Fries
Recommended Item: Regular fries with Mango ketchup
Rating: 4 stars
The store is fairly small, and the interior isn't much to look at, which I'm guessing the reason majority of the customers takes their fries To-Go in a cone shaped package, almost like an ice cream cone. So if you happened to be in NY and are dying for some fries, you now know where to go get some.
Quick Facts
Website: http://www.pommesfrites.ws/default.htm
Cost: 4.50 for a regular, 6.25 for a large, 7.75 for a double. Each comes with one sauce and a dollar after that.
Sitting: Indoor sitting available, but togo is preferred
Food: Belgium Fries
Recommended Item: Regular fries with Mango ketchup
Rating: 4 stars
Sep 1, 2009
Shake Shack
Continuing with the foods from New York, my next restaurant isn't a restaurant but a small shack located in middle of Madison Square Park. This food joint was recently featured on Food Network and have to be one of my FAVORITE place to eat at New York. I was first introduced by Soy during Spring Break where she basically dragged me down to Madison Square in the cold. They have various menus, but they are best known for their burgers and shakes. However, personally I love the Shroom Burger, which is a ball of deep fried mushrooms with cheese. This is a must try.
Shake Shack I visited is in middle of Madison Square Park. The sittings is outdoors. The only negative part about this restaurant is that the wait for this is VERY long, especially during lunch time, so make sure to get their early!
Quick Facts
Website: http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/
Cost: 5-10 dollar a meal
Sitting: Outdoors
Food: Burgers
Recommended item: Shroom Burger with Milkshake
Rating: 5 Stars
Shake Shack I visited is in middle of Madison Square Park. The sittings is outdoors. The only negative part about this restaurant is that the wait for this is VERY long, especially during lunch time, so make sure to get their early!
Quick Facts
Website: http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/
Cost: 5-10 dollar a meal
Sitting: Outdoors
Food: Burgers
Recommended item: Shroom Burger with Milkshake
Rating: 5 Stars
Aug 24, 2009
CaraCas, New York
I decided for the next few posts it will be about the restaurant in New York. This is because I began to fall in love with food when I came to New York. It was after the New York trip that I began appreciating food more and started cooking. I guess you can say this is where I started my hobby of cooking and searching for restaurants to share.
So for my second restaurant it is CaraCas. I was first introduced by Albert and his sister Leslie who lives in New York. This small restaurant is located in East Village on 7th street between 1st and Ave A. Its relatively small but I keep coming back to it whenever I'm in New York.
They have two locations, one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn. The one I went to was in Manhattan. The feel of the restaurant is very traditional Venezuela. It's decorated with paintings, artwork, models, souvenirs, etc. The place is relatively small, but its usually these kind of places that lets you know it's worth the wait.
CaraCas is an Arepa bar. For those who don't know what arepa is, arepa is a traditional Venezuelan food. If you can image a stuffed corn-flower bread filled with all sorts of ingredients, you got it. It's cheap and it's good. Everything on the menu is good because I tried every single one of them. Which to tell you they don't have much to offer, but then again I did come here often. Their fried plantins(?) are good. Yoyos are my favorite in that section.
Caracas
http://www.caracasarepabar.com/
93 1/2 E 7th St.
NY, NY 10009
So, if you're in New York or planning a visit, make sure you stop by.
Aug 21, 2009
Craft New York
Now, my first introduction.
Besides the very first post, I believe the very first restaurant introduced should be the most important one. Logically speaking, the very first restaurant introduced should be my favorite restaurant. HOWEVER...I don't know if I can pick only one restaurant. The restaurants I have visited and accumulated over the past 20 years of my life cannot be counted in my 10 fingers (nor my 10 toes). So..after a long and hard thinking, (if you haven't noticed, I have been thinking a lot in the past few hours. My head hurts.) I have decided I would introduce you to the one I remember the most, Craft Restaurant in New York City.
Craft is located at 43 East 19th Street in New York. The restaurant is located near Union Square. Unlike the city itself, the restaurant is located in a quiet street where not many cars pass by, at least that was the atmosphere of it when I visited.
I found Craft when I first visited New York with Soy the summer of '08, the summer before college started. I always wanted to eat at a celebrity che
f restaurant, and being the last dinner it was for us, I wanted to go somewhere fancy with great food and atmosphere, and surely it didn't disappoint. The restaurant was owned by Tom Colicchio. If you know anything about Top Chef on Bravo, he is the main judge.The atmosphere of the restaurant was amazing, very modern and slick, perfect place to impress your lady friend. As I was looking through the menu, the only thing that came into my view was the tasting menu they had. A note to those who are wondering what a tasting menu is, a tasting menu is a sample of their most prized dished separated into different courses. Usually theses courses gives you one or two choices in case you are allergic or do not find the food appealing. Craft's tasting menu was divided into a 7 course meal. They had Fresh Ruby Shrimp with water melon and cucumber for 1st course and Colorado Lamb Loin with corn, Purslane and Chanterelles as their main just to name a few. Of course, when I looked at the price I panicked a little. 110 per person. Being new to this, I decided not to get the tasting menu, but instead decided to get a 3 course dinner instead.
For our 1st course we ordered quail and I believe Porcini Mezzaluna. For 2nd 28-Day Dry-Aged Sirloin and lamb, which they don't sell anymore. For our side, Baby Shiitake mushroom and potato Puree. The first course was ok. I didn't know what I was eating because I couldn't understand what the name of the dish meant, hence the sirloin and lamb for our second course. The
mushroom was a bit bitter because the nature of shiitake mushroom. Meat was very tender and juicy. The lamb was perfectly cooked and the sauce that came with it was perfect. But the best dish was the potato puree. It was soft and very flavorful. I couldn't stop eating it. This was the dish I know I would never forget. It felt as if I was in heaven. People say it's rare to find a dish that makes you cry, but when you find it you know its worth it. I found it and it was worth it. There's a saying in Korean dul do mugk a doh han myung juk uh do mol lun da, what it basically means is, when you eat this you wouldn't 
know the other person dying. I never understood it until I ate the puree. Now everything makes sense. The heavenly food, the best thing I ever ate, the dish that changed my life, the one food, etc..this was it.We finished the dinner with a sorbet and a dish compliment of the chef. I give it a 5 star because the evening was perfect. The food was amazing, the waiter was professional and attentive and funny. The service was perfect and the atmosphere great. So if you find your self in New York and have 200 dollar to spend on
food, this is it.
*There are more pictures on my facebook album
New concept
After a long and hard thinking, I have decided that my blog would be about food and restaurants I have personally visited and ate. I realized many people search and look for a good restaurants to visit, whether it be on a date or wanting to try something new. I personally have done so. I have used Yelp, Citysearch, Zagat, and many other internet sources out there to try new and different restaurants. I'm not saying they do not help because they have been very useful to me, but I thought it would be nice for those who know me to hear from my very own opinion.
So this is my rendition of it, in a much more simpler, personal side of it.
So this is my rendition of it, in a much more simpler, personal side of it.
Jun 10, 2009
Apr 28, 2009
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