Breakfast Gem in Mammoth

this is my first post, as recent dining experiences have been less than fruitful. we headed up to mammoth for a weekend of boarding. on the way back we stopped at a popular breakfast joint called breakfast club. yes it's a cute and punny name. kinda makes me wanna barf. fortunately, the food does not.

it's got all your basic breakfast fare- omelets and such, with a slight mexican bent. a pitcher of water awaited us as we sat down. i like that. coffee was served almost immediately. also good. they have what looks like very good bakery items in the front counter, none of which i've sampled. i was there for the corned beef hash.

first, a bit of background. i usually eat fairly healthily, but breakfast is a weakness. morning, afternoon and especially late night. i load up and file the guilt away for another meal. okay, back to the meal. now usually, corned beef hash is a greasy salty mess of some chewed up meat and potato substance that reminds me of dog food. here though is a hash from the gods. meaty chunks of real corned beef are mixed in with celery, onion, mashed up potatoes and who knows what else. i forced myself to eat it slowly so i can savor each bite. this place has truly ruined this dish for me as i can never order it anywhere else ever again.

the rest of the meal was not bad either. eggs are eggs. the home fries and hash browns were good but not spectacular. the chicken fried steak was disappointing. the meat was thin and chewy and the breading was a bit soggy. the biscuits and gravy were very good. the biscuit was fresh-baked and huge. the gravy was thick and hearty, with the requisite bits of ground pork in it. as a side dish it's a one way trip to coma-ville.

this place can get crowded, and the service is, umm, leisurely. still, i can't think of a better place to top off a weekend in mammoth.

Breakfast Club

2987 Main Street

Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Read more!

Sixes - Underrated Japanese Restaurants in Southern California

1. The Steak House - Kobe beef steaks. Omigosh, just take a look at the pictures on their site.
2. Ikko Japanese Restaurant - A hidden gem in OC. . . Japanese fusion with sushi.
3. Daichan - Unique Japanese/Hawaiian, their Poke bowls are great and healthy.
4. Musha Restaurant - Probably the best Izakaya in Los Angeles.
5. Santouka Ramen - Best sliced pork ramen. - http://www.santouka.co.jp/
6. Sushi Dokoro Ki Ra La - So underrated that no one knows about. Went there for my birthday a couple years ago.
Read more!

Mundo Cafe & Restaurant

What a nice little restaurant.

I had just arrived from the airport and my friends took me to Mundo. After a couple of imported beers, we got our appetizers - the Red Sonia, Beef Empanadas, and the Eggplant dip. The Red Sonia is one of the most unique dishes I have ever had. It says on the menu that it is their signature dish. I don't even know how to describe it. But it is different and tasty - and I would order it again. The Beef empanadas were good - I did like the mild sweetness from the raisons. The eggplant dip was really good. Wasn't your typical dip - like a cheesy spinach, this one felt quite healthy. The eggplant dip with the bread was also, like the red sonia, was something unique and original.

The entree I ordered - the chicken. . . . wasn't so good. It was a bit dry. I would have given Mundo's 4 stars for this alone. But all together, I think this place deserves 5. I did get a chance to try my friend's turkish meatballs. This, on the other hand, was tasty. I did think that I did choose unwisely.

I felt that the unique flavors from Argentina and Turkey blended well. I did enjoy the food. I would have liked to try other dishes. This is a place I would recommend as well.

I do also make one note - when the bill came from the credit card - it stated that the tips be in cash. It was the first time I had seen that. Mundos is a nice place away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan - one of hidden gems.

Mundo Cafe & Restaurant
3118E Broadway
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 777-2829

http://www.mundoastoria.com


This is Mundo's Red Sonia. It's a popular and interesting dish. From Flickr member mcotner.


Read more!

"This is the Place"

Nickel Diner opened on Main Street in Downtown Los Angeles last August. What used to be a hole-in-the-wall secret has now exploded with crowds and lines out the door since it was named Los Angeles Magazine's 3rd best new restaurant.

It's cute and funky and overflowing with character. The wait staff are friendly and definitely have a cool hipster style that add charm to the yummy comfort food they serve. Along with burgers, sandwiches, they serve breakfast all day long. I love their french fries! The "Smac and cheese" is worth trying and is one of their signature dishes.

My personal favorite... the bacon donut! They give you a little sampler of their donuts, all of which are pretty yummy. The strawberry shortcake one is good too. Here is what the sampler plate looks like:





524 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 623-8301
www.5cdiner.com


jimmy - are you happy?!?! i posted!
Read more!

World's Best 海南雞飯 (Hainan Chicken Rice) - Savoy

I've had Hainan Chicken in the US, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Macau. I can tell you honesty, that the Best Hainan Chicken is from this little hole-in-the-wall in Alhambra - Savoy Kitchen. It's funny, i've been to Savoy dozens of times, though I have never ordered anything else. Nothing else matters. I've had friends in Taiwan tell me that Savoy's Hainan Chicken is the best in the world as well. We would order 10 at a time and have a little feast.

Hainan Chicken is a dish that is common in Malay and Singaporing Cuisines. Hainan Chicken is prepared with the chicken boiled in a chicken/pork broth. Another chicken broth is used to prepare the flavorful rice. There is a ginger and spicy sauce accompanied with the meal. Soy sauce is also available.

What makes Savoy a cut above others is the consistency in the rice and the boneless chicken. Most places that I've been to, overseas included, the rice is too oily and the chick might be too tough. Savoy's is just right tender and not too oily. The rice is just right.

I should also note, that the Hainan Chicken in the Hardrock cafe in Hong Kong, Kowloon side is also very good. If I see a Hainan Chicken on a menu. . anywhere. .I might be tempted to order it - just because I know what to expect.

Savoy Kitchen
138 E Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 308-9535
Hours:
Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.




Read more!

Southern California Farmers' Markets

With the trend of Organic food, farmer's markets have been more popular than ever. You can find the best produce and vegetables at these outdoor markets. In addition to strawberries and tomatoes, you can also find mushrooms, cheese, meats, and flowers.

This return to old country manners of markets, helps keeps communities connected with locally grown food. Lately, you'll find more and more restaurants striving to find suppliers and vendors providing goods that are closer in geographic vicinity.

Here is a list of the some farmer's markets in the area.

Santa Monica
Wednesday
Arizona Ave & 2nd St.
8:30am-1:30pm

Hollywood Farmers' Market
Sunday
8:00am-1:00pm

Pasadena Certified Farmers' Market
Saturdays,
8:30am-12:30pm

Here's a link for more farmers' markets.
http://www.farmernet.com
Read more!

Great hole in the wall meatball sandwich

Sorry but the picture just does not do the sandwich any justice. Just went surfing at Trestles and by buddy Truc tells me about this killer meatball sandwich place in South O.C. We roll up to this little strip mall at the corner of Marguerite Pky and Jeronimo and this little pizza/sandwich place has 2 tables in the joint...well it is a take out place. We order one whole meatball sandwich and split it. The picture is just my half and the thing just about covers the whole plate. They stuff it with large, delicious, moist meatballs with just the right hint up spiciness for some kick, smother it with marinara sauce and then cover it with 2 to 3 layers of sliced mozzarella. The whole thing is then baked in the pizza oven so it comes out hot with the cheese melted all over and the bread is slightly crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. The cheese also holds the sandwich together otherwise eating this thing could get real messy. So why the crappy picture? I took one bite, remembered to take a pic, and then went to town on this thing. I couldn't put it down it was so good. Why anyone other than Scott would be in South O.C. is beyond me but if you happen to make your way there, this place is great. A lot of people were picking up pizzas and they looked pretty damn good also.

Big O To Go

24501 Marguerite Pky, #1

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

949-586-6660

Read more!

Best Pastrami in the World - Katz

This is the place where Meg Ryan had the famous scene in When Harry Met Sally. Among other things, this place has a pretty good Pastrami and Corned Beef Sandwich. It is also New York's oldest deli. Not just good, but probably the best in the world.

When I first got there, there was a long line going out the door. Everyone was getting a ticket or something. I guess it was just an ordering ticket. Kinda weird. Then everyone - mostly tourists, stood behind 1 line to make an order. My friend drags me to a shorter line and says . . . those tourists don't know how this system works.

When you walk up and order, they give you a little plate to sample while they make your sandwich. Gosh, my mouth is watering while I type this. The meat is juicy and tender and flavorful. The meat is just a little flaky, but not too much. The meat is savory, but not too much.

Then the sandwich arrives. This thing is hugh!. The bread is just right as it holds the meat with the slathered mustard. The sandwich is large enough to split for two people. I only wish I had a chance to try the other sandwiches, too.

This place is so good, that one of my friends, who recently moved to New York, went to Katz twice a week for a couple of months. I've had the thin sliced pastrami from the Hat, Johnnies, Tops in Los Angeles, and the New York style from Canters and Langers. . . but they all don't compare to Katz. Not at all. Hand down. A sandwich at Katz, means I win.

Katz's Deli
Lower East Side
205 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-2246
www.katzdeli.com




Read more!

Cocktail of the Week - Jack and Coke

I usually drink Jack & Coke's when I am at a bar or club with friends. When it is crowded and your want to get buzzed fast - this is my drink of choice. The Jack & Coke is easy to make and very hard to mess up. I don't mind it when it is strong or weak. The carbonation and sweetness of the coke with the whiskey gets your more buzzed faster. This drink/cocktail combination is so popular that Jack Daniels markets a Jack & Coke in a can. This Jack & Coke in a can is sort of like the 80's version of a wine cooler.

Anyways. . . Here is how you make it. . .

Old Fashion Glass or Collins Glass
* 1 part Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
* 3 parts Coca-Cola
* Ice



Read more!

Sixes - Hole in the Wall Mexican Food

1. Tacos Baja - Best Fish Tacos.
2. Yuca's - Great Tacos and Burritos.
3. Tacos Villa Corona - Awesome burritos and maybe the best breakfast burrito in LA.
4. El Tepeyac Cafe - Hugh portions
5. El Abajeno - Best Carnitas
6. King Taco - Quick, Dirty, Fast, and Easy. . .
Read more!

Pho To Chau Vietnamese Restaurant - Honolulu, HI

This is supposedly the best Pho place in Honolulu's Chinatown district. The restaurant is nestled in between 2 other Pho places, but clearly stands out from the rest. If you're having a hard time finding the place, look for the line outside. After a 45 minute wait outside and another 15 minutes to order, the pho finally arrived. I have to say that the clear broth lived up to its expectation, but not much different from the pho places in LA. After careful observation, I found out that the family restaurant is run by a 4-man crew (2 in the kitchen, 1 that takes the orders and serves the food, and 1 that cleans the tables and seats the customers). I couldn't figure out why there were so many empty seats while I was waiting outside only until I stepped inside where I realized the wow-wow-west style restaurant lacked employees and efficiency. The restaurant is open from 8:30am to 2:30pm daily. I've been told to expect to wait in line at all hours.

Pho To Chau Vietnamese Restaurant

1007 River St.

Honolulu, HI 96817

808.533.4549

Read more!

Honey Pig - Korean BBQ

I've been asked to write a little about this place. So, here it goes. . .

This is one of the more unique Korean BBQ places in the area. It features a domed cooking surface in which it allows the grease, juice, and oils - the basic GOODNESS, to drip toward the bottom. I guess it give people a sense of a more healthy meal. But for me, I liked to re-soak some of that goodness on the fried rice and some of the other meats. . . You see the kimchi and sprouts toward the bottom of the dome also soaking up some goodness as well.

For six people we had the large order of the pork, the beef, and the seasoned spicy pork. . . plus an octopus(ugh) and the great fried rice. The meats were sliced thin so that they cooked fast, since we were all starving and drooling as we walked in. The meats seem to be of a pretty good quality. And being that the place is called Honey Pig - make sure you get their famous pork slices (unseasoned). The dome is a great cooking surface, that cooks just as fast as the the regular flat grills. With the small square tables, Honey Pig offers an intimate and festive environment for smaller groups (less than 6). I would not suggest bring more than 6.

After we finished licking off the dome with meats, and just about full, the finals came. We got our customary raw Octopus . . . something I personally didn't like. Then we got this wonderful concoction of a pork soup. Omigosh! These are the times, I wish Koreans had bigger soups spoons. They ought to learn from the Chinese and have big scoops. Anyways. . . the soup was great. While we were busy drinking and downing the soup with these little spoons, the fried rice came. WOW! Make sure when you get the fried rice that you try to flatten it so that the rice becomes crispy on the grill - it just kicks it up a notch! Remember to save room for the fried rice. . .remember!

The bill came out to about 25 bucks/person including tip . . .well worth it. We even had some beer and some wine(as you can see from the pics). While you are at Honey Pig, make sure you get the Raspberry Wine - chicks dig it. Another note, right across the street - another Korean BBQ opened called Cow Country (translation from Chinese) - seems like a big place - maybe we will try that place, soon. Lastly, Honey Pig is a great place, but be prepared to smelly with a big tummy.

Honey Pig
Korea Town
3400 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 380-0256









Read more!

Omelet Ramen - Koraku

The Tenshin Ramen at Koraku Ramen in Little Tokyo is not the best dish, nor is the tastiest dish. . . it is just my favorite. I have a secret craving for eggs. . .any type of eggs. Anyways. . .This is my favorite at Koraku. Usually, the egg (omelet) includes shrimp, but i usually ask without shrimp. This is a simple ramen dish, that I know I can't go wrong with. With some white pepper, I am good to go. So, why order anything else?

For those that don't know what white pepper is. White pepper is one the ultimate condiments for Asian dishes.

The fried rice is also great as well. The fried rice is one of the more underrated menu items.

Koraku is one of the couple of late night restaurants in Little Tokyo. (Suehiro Cafe being the other) Koraku is great place to go after going to the bars, clubs, Laker games, USC games, and Dodger games. The unfortunate thing is that the parking in Little Tokyo kinda stinks.

Koraku Restaurant
314 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 687-4972






Read more!

The Thirsty Pig Forums

The Thirsty Pig Forums

Read more!

定食 8 - Japanese teishoku

I hardly write things in English, other than work related stuff. Since my uncle*, Thirsty Pig, invited me to post some restaurants in Taiwan, I tried my best to write something here for the restaurant "定食8 (Teishoku 8)" I have been yesterday and today.

You wouldn't believe I had lunch in 2 days at the same restaurant! (hmmm actually different branches) I am fascinated of the cheap Japanese teishoku and the rice.

This restaurant is a sub-business of Sushi Express Group (爭鮮). It has 8 different Japanese teishoku, each costs NT$200. Rice, miso soup, sauces and cabbage salad are all free to refill - ALL YOU CAN EAT.



Each teishoku (meal set) includes the main dish, rice, tsukemono (漬物: pickled vege), one side dish, desert and miso soup.



Tempura Teishoku 天ぷら定食 (炸蝦天婦羅定食)
Yesterday I had Roast Salmon Teishoku for lunch. I didn't really like the salmon. So today I invited some colleagues again, to try Tempura Teishoku.



The sauce for tempura shrimp was tasteless but didn't affect the taste of fresh, firm shrimp meat.

Salmon Oyako Don Teishoku サケ親子丼定食 (鮭魚親子定食)
One of my colleague had salmon oyako don teishoku. "OYAKO" in Japanese means the parent and the child - represents salmon and the pickled salmon eggs (イクラ). Generally the salmon oyako don has fresh salmon slices (sashimi). But this restaurant offers smoked salmon. I do like smoked salmon but I couldn't really stand smoked salmon in the bowel instead of fresh salmon sashimi!



Anyway, my colleague didn't like the taste of pickled salmon eggs. So I ate them all. But the taste of salmon eggs wasn't that good as I expected. The soy sauce taste was too light.



Rice
Yesterday I was in love with the rice - the strain of Koshihikari (越光米, コシヒカリ) was from Japan and bred in Chiayi, Taiwan.

I have to say 定食8 is not too good but tastes relatively great in that range of low price. If you have limited budget, yet insist to have Japanese teishoku in Taipei, find a brunch near you: http://www.sushi-express.com.tw/sayasearch.php

I have been to


1. 內湖店
Ph：(02)2794-3909
Ad：台北市成功路四段34號2樓（湖光市場對面）
AM 11:00~PM 09:30






2. 忠孝店
Ph：(02)2653-3479
Ad：台北市忠孝東路五段1000號2樓
AM 11:00~PM 09:30




NB*: Yes, Thirsty Pig is my uncle although he is only 3 or 4 years older than me. Let me cut it short to describe our relative relationship - Thirsty Pig's mother is my grandmum's youngest sister. My grandmum has 12 brothers and sisters (6 boys and 6 girls). She is the first girl....that's why Thirsty Pig is only a few years older than but I need to call him "UNCLE". Anyway, he hates me call him in that way which makes him too old. I don't really like to call him "UNCLE" either.....hahaha

=================================

Updated on 15/Jan/2009

can't resist not to drop by this restaurant and get another set of teishoku! So, here I am. Today I am having Chicken Curry Don, which is one of the recommended meal on the menu.

Chicken Curry Don


The chicken was soft and BBQ-ed before pouring on the curry sauce. The curry sauce was not good as I expected though.

But I had a good time by myself.......after visiting my dentist.


Read more!

Cocktail of the Week - Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic

Tanqueray Rangpur Gin, Hendrick's, Bombay Sapphire are, in my opinion, the best Gins. I do not and cannot drink Gin straight. Nor do I like Gin Martini's. I only like my Gin's with Tonic. I guess I need that little sweetener.

In the song "Piano Man" by Billy Joel, there is a lyric, "Making love to his Tonic and Gin"



Preferred Gin
Tanqueray Rampur
Bombay Sapphire
Hendrik's

Alternative Gins
Bombay
Tanqueray
Tanqueray Ten
Beefeater



Low Ball or Old Fashion or Rocks Glass
* One part Gin
* One to three parts tonic water, to taste
Garnish with a Lime Wedge
Read more!

Best Fish Tacos Hands Down

Ok, so a lot of place make fish tacos...some chains and even a place on Hillhurst called something like "World's Best Tacos" but the best fish taco place is in East L.A called Tacos Baja. The crazy thing is that their shrimp tacos are even better than their fish. These are Baja style tacos with a white fish deep fried with an amazing golden batter topped with shredded cabbage, salsa, finely diced red onion, cilantro and some crema. The fish tacos I actually had in Baja don't even come close to these. FYI, Wednesday is 99 cent taco day which is ridiculous for tacos this large and delicious. It's already a bargain at $1.59. I'm glad Chris suggested we go there tonite.

Tacos Baja

5385 Whittier Blvd.

L.A. (323) 887-1980

www.tacosbaja.com

Read more!

Magic Dumplings - Din Tai Fung

Steamed Pork Dumplings (known as Shaio Long Bao or Xiao Long Bao) is perfected at this mini-mall restaurant in Arcadia. This gem, Din Tai Fung, has the world's best steamed dumplings. . . bar none. I've had steamed dumplings in Taipei, Hong Kong, the US, and even Shanghai. Though, arguably, people will say the original Din Tai Fung, in Taipei has the best. Everything here is made fresh and never frozen. You can see all the dumplings being made from the large glass window in the front. Anyways. . .


One Friday, I went with my friend to have lunch, before sneaking off to an afternoon matinee. After about a 1/2 hour wait, sometime more on weekends, we were finally seated. My suggestions is to get there early on the weekends - before 11am. We ordered steam pork & crab dumplings, rice & pork shaumai, and Shanghai rice cake. The dumplings were quite tasty, but I prefer the regular steamed pork dumplings. The meat inside the pork & crab dumplings tasted well, but the texture was not to my liking. The rice & pork shaumai was filling and was not that good, taste was lacking. The rice cake is a favorite of my friend as well as mine was expectedably good.

In the past, I have ordered the wholesome steamed chicken soup. I like soups and this one is one of my all time favorites. I prefer soups that are not hearty, not thick, and flavorful . . . but I will save that for another day. . . In addition, as I said before, I really like the regular steam pork dumplings. On one occasion, we, a party of four, ordered 4 orders of the pork variety, among other things.. . . hmm so good. One thing I have never been able to order and that I have always wanted to try is the soup dumplings. These rare treats are only made on weekends and when I usually go, they are always out. I need to go on a Saturday night, when it is less crowded to get my order in. My mom is partial to the fish dumplings as well.

You see my pictures of the fried pork on rice, the steam dumplings, and the peanut sauce noodles.

Pork & Crab Dumplings - not recommended (get the pork dumplings)
Pork & Rice Sha long bao - recommended (get the soup dumplings)
Pork Steam Dumplings - recommended
Shanghai Rice Cake - recommended
Chicken Soup - recommended

(Last posted from my previous blog)

Din Tai Fung
1108 S. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 574-7068
http://www.dintaifungusa.com/






Read more!