Kimchi Dog

I want to say, Korean food is new hot Asian food right now.  Korean food has been around for a long time in America and everyone that I know that tired Korean food loves it, but it didn't hit mainstream until now.  Started with Korea tacos, people that haven't even tried real Korean food know about Korean tacos and Kimchi. 

Chris, who always loves mixing cultures in his kitchen, made Kimchi dog for 4th of July.  And it was yummy.  He also added his green onion salad. 

Tokyo, Japan

Chris was in Tokyo, Japan (without me) to hang out with friends, eat some sushi, and drink some sake.  And if those things were his mission, his mission was a success.  Last time he was in Tokyo was in 2002, so he had a packed schedule for 3 days while he was there.

His main objective was to eat some awesome sushi.  Last time we were in Tokyo together (more than 10 years ago), we couldn't afford good sushi, so we only had Kaiten sushi.  So this time he was determined to eat some serious sushi.  He chose Sushi Dai in Tsukiji Market.  Look at these photos!!!  I just want to lick my computer screen.  

It was 3,500 yen during lunch for 9 pieces of chef's choice plus two rolls & miso.  If you want to get the same quality of fish, it will cost 25,000 yen in Ginza.

I have to disclose the information that he waited 2 and half hours for this.  This is coming from a guy who hates waiting, which is a big problem in New York, and he said it was worth the wait.

Another thing, we both don't like Uni that much - actually refuse to eat it, but he said it tasted like butter.

So if you are in Tokyo next time and have a few hours to kill, check out Sushi Dai. 

Sushi Dai
Tsukiji Market Part 6 Bldg. 5-2-1 Tsukiji-shijo, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

81-(0)3547-6797

Dominican Republic

My friend, Christina, and I were in Dominican Republic for a long weekend.  January is a busy time at work, so I needed a break from it all.  It was a nice get away and it was nice to be in a warm place with good food and lots of spa time.  Casa Colonial was beautiful and service was wonderful.  Thanks to my friend for a relaxing vacation.

Casa Colonial
http://www.casacolonialhotel.com/

ChikaLicious

We walked by this place many times.  We never knew what it was.  It didn't look inviting from outside until we saw ChikaLicious on TV.  Yes, I admit it, I saw it on TV, but even after watching on TV, we still didn't put it together, until we walked by again.  It's right by our favorite restaurants - Curry Ya and Rai Rai Ken.

ChikaLicious is a dessert bar.  They offer 3 course menu or you can order a la carte.  You can also pair your dessert with wine.  Cheese cake, which looks like a white dome above is my favorite thing on the menu.

Also the chef prepares everything right in front of you, which is exciting to watch.
ChikaLicious also has a smaller and cheaper version right across street for quick bites. 

ChikaLicious
203 East 10th Street  New York, NY 10009

(212) 475-0929

www.chikalicious.com/

US swimmer Nyad begins swim across Florida Straits

This Olympic swimmer is swimming from Cuba to Florida. 103-mile (166-kilometer), which is supposed to take 60 hours. This sounds crazy to me.

I just started swimming from the fall last year. I started with a beginners class.
I was always swimming when I was little but never learned it properly, so I thought better late than never. I just finished my last class. Even though I won't be able to take a class starting this fall, I will still be swimming once or twice a week.

So this story of a 61 year old woman swimming for 60 hours is absolutely inspiring. Even though, that's not my goal - is that even humanly possible??? - it would be nice to have a goal. Once I graduate next year, I would like to take a scuba diving class. This is a huge goal for a girl who freaked out with a scuba gear in a 2 feet deep water. Let's see... Maybe after scuba lesson, I may have a reason to go to Australia!!! Now that's a goal!!!


Here is more story.

Kimchi Chronicles

Those of you who follow my blog or know me at all know that I am far from typical Korean; however, as far as food is concerned, I can't stay away from Korean food too long. I love all different cuisines, but Korean food is still my comfort food. So when I heard that one of my favorite chefs, Jean-Georges' wife has a TV show and book about Korean food, I was very much interested. TV show is on PBS. I was lucky enough to catch end of one episode last Sunday. Look for your local listing.

Today, I went to her book signing event and cooking demo. I was very inspired. I was hoping to meet her husband as well but he wasn't present.

I am happy to see that Korean food is finally getting the attention it deserves. Even though I am still a traditionalist as far as my Korean food is concerned, but I am happy to see more people are adventurous, like David Chang and food truck like Korilla that serves Korean tacos.

Yes, I am inspired and I will try my best to update my blog more often. I still owe you updates from Spain and Puerto Rico (we were just in Puerto Rico a few weeks ago - our lazy vacation).

del Posto Prix Fixe lunch for $29

Those of you who follow this blog know how much I love Mario Batali, especially del Posto.
So as soon as I found out that del Posto has Prix Fixe lunch for $29, I had to go. Right after I came back from Spain, I still had a few days off from work, so Chris and I went for lunch (early lunch at noon, because it's still hard to get a reservation).

It's a three course menu, even though some of the dishes have extra charge, most of the courses don't. Plus it was good to know that you still get bread & lardo (my favorite). Portions were good enough for lunch and dessert was good size too.

Apparently, the lunch menu started to get people in and hope they would come back for more expensive dinner. But you know I would go back to del Posto any time.

http://www.delposto.com/menu.cfm?restaurantid=1&id=4

***UPDATE***  Price has gone up to $39.  But it's still a great deal!  (update: 9/1/12)

Pinotxo Bar

Michelle's friend recommended Pinotxo Bar, so we had to check it out. It's right inside of Boqueria market. We were lucky enough to grab two seats, because after us sitting down, people were waiting.

They have small dishes that they serve. It's perfect before/after shopping. We were there for later breakfast.



Address : La Rambla, 91
Zip code : 08001
City : Barcelona - Spain
Area : Ciutat Vella
Opening hours : 6am-4pm Monday to Saturday
Prices : From 3 to 10€
Phone : +34 93 317 17 31
Metro/Bus : Ramblas

La Boqueria Market

Since I wanted to go to Spain for food, we couldn't miss La Boqueria Market. And it was definitely more than my eye can handle. We were surrounded by meat, vegetable, and seafood and the color and smell were incredible. Photos don't do any justice, so I won't even bother posting more photos than three. You just have to see and smell it yourself. I just wanted to pick up a leg of jamon and a case of tomatoes and get on a plane.




http://www.boqueria.info/index.php

Ohla - Gastonomic

Michelle and I both had a list of restaurants to check out but Barcelona turned out to be (as you would expect) a kind of city that you can just walk into any place and have an incredible meal.

Ohla hotel was one of places. Ohla hotel's restaurant on ground floor was not too far from our hotel (walking distance). So one day we were walking by and said we would come back for dinner.

Our Venezuelan waiter with American accent was very helpful and food was fantastic.
We ended up going back for second time.

Iberco ham and sardine

The most amazing shrimp I have ever had. I can't remember the name now, but they were from local bay

Dublin Bay shrimp - it looked more like spiny lobster to me and this was the reason why we went back the second time because first time we went there, they didn't have this

Ohla Hotel, Barcelona

Via Laietana, 49 - 08003 Barcelona - Spain

Phone: (+34) 933 415 050

Jamonisimo

Jamonisimo - was on my list. My search online made me believe that Jamonisimo was a restaurant with selling jamon on the side. Boy, was I surprised. It was actually the opposite. It was s jamon shop with two tables in the back.

And there was only one lady who was working there and she didn't speak any English. Because we were not having any issues with not speaking Spanish, we didn't have a phrase book with us either. Don't ask me how and why. We waited a while but got to sit down and had some salad and some jamon.

The lady cut jamons right at the spot - just with knife, no machine.
If you are in Barcelona, it's a stop you must make, but don't expect a good service, just stop by for some unbelievable meat that you come to Spain for.





http://www.jamonisimo.com/
Provenza, 85
Barcelona

Cava Sangria

I like the idea of drinking sangria, but most of the time, it's made of red wine. Since I don't really drink red wine (don't ask me why), I always have to find something else to drink. I know there is white wine sangria, but not that many places to make that.

So when I saw cava sangria on the menu at this restaurant, I couldn't wait to try. Sorry, I can't find the name of the restaurant. It was part of a hotel... I will keep trying to go through my receipts.

It was so refreshing and a perfect glass for a perfect afternoon. I was looking online for recipe online and it seems like everyone knew about cava sangria except for me. So if you can't find a restaurant or bar that make it, you can make it yourself!!!

Cervecería Catalana

One restaurant that was recommended to us was: Cervecería Catalana. It's a tapas bar but also with outdoor tables. It was known was one of the best tapas place and it definitely didn't disappoint.

Here are just a few photos and every dish we ordered was delicious. I still dream about them.... especially cuttlefish...




Cervecería Catalana
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 236 (Barcelona)
Between Rambla de Catalunya and Balmes.

Danish Open-Face Sandwich

NPR website has recipes online. Making me hungry...
(I didn't make them. Picture is from NPR)

Roberta's

Roberta's is a well-known pizza restaurant in Bushwick. Even the ones that don't know where Bushwick is, they know Roberta's. We recently discovered that Roberta's has brunch menu. A place where brunch is hard to come by, it's a good option.


Roberta's
261 Moore Street
NY 11206-3816
(718) 417-1118
http://www.robertaspizza.com/

Crab / Lobster night!

We decided to have a crab night and invite a friend and his girlfriend over. Then when I was buying live crab, I couldn't say no to lobsters. So we ended up having crab / lobster night!

Between four of us, we had two crabs and two lobsters.
By end of night, we were crab/lobster'ed out!!!

Chris made crab roll a day after... Better than lobster roll!!!

Momo Sushi Shack

Our new neighborhood, Bushwick, Brooklyn, is a "food wasteland." But more restaurants are opening (not as fast as I would like) and Momo Sushi Shack opened recently on Bogart.

It's not a normal sushi restaurant, so don't expect a big menu, but it's definitely a nice change. Plus it's around the corner from Roberta's. So while you are waiting for a spot at Roberta's, you can grab a bite here.




43 Bogart Street
Brooklyn NY 11206-3820
(718) 418-6666
http://www.momosushishack.com/

Nepal - Trekking

  

Chris, my sister, and a group of guys went to Nepal for trekking.  The whole experience changed everyone.  I can't explain the experience because I wasn't there, but Chris definitely came back a changed man - more active.  

Last time we were in Nepal together was in 2006.  I would like to go back and see the children at the orphanage.  Chris also worked at the orphanage for a few days after trekking.  They sent me letters...  I really have to go back.  

Joya Dorado Restaurant

You know... I am not the adventurous one in my household, Chris is. He's been venturing out to find restaurants and grocery markets in our new neighborhood, Bushwick, Brooklyn. Considering I was in Italy for 2 weeks, I am still new to the neighborhood, but Chris knows his way around this neighborhood already. He went out by himself today and tried chicken soup at Joya Dorado. He said it was good and was only $3. Can't complain about this price!


Joya Dorado Restaurant
132 Wyckoff Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11237

More photos from Italy, then after...

Italians know how to do breakfast. Sugar and chocolate!!!

Ok. This was the breakfast bar at our hotel in Sorrento. You can imagine my shock when I walked in with messy hair and PJ's...

Look at all the stuff I brought from Italy. 23.5kg of my bag was filled with mostly food...