Tao Restaurant is a Asian fusion restaurant located in Las Vegas’ Venetian Resort. It opened in 2005 and is the #1 grossing restaurant in the United States. Tao has an outpost in New York City. This place is home to lots of celebrities. They focus on Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines. Read the rest of this entry »

Since 2006, Bistro Luneta has been serving modern Filipino cuisine in downtown San Mateo, not far from Highway 101. It is named after a famous park in the country’s capital, Manila. We have passed by this place many times and decided it was time for a visit. Read the rest of this entry »

Prime Rib Shabu is a new hot pot or fondue restaurant in San Francisco’s inner Richmond district. You cook raw meats and veggies by dipping them in a boiling pot of chicken broth. It is run by Luke Sung, who also runs Isa and Domo. All you can eat meals are available. Read the rest of this entry »

Himawari is a Japanese Ramen Noodle house in downtown San Mateo. Every block down here has a Japanese restaurant. Their chief rival a couple miles away is the legendary Santa Ramen. They have a broader menu than Santa Ramen, with Rice Bowls, lots of appetizers, and many ramen options. We came on hot day and noted no air conditioning, just ceiling fans cranked up. Read the rest of this entry »

Hokkaido Seafood Buffet is a popular buffet in San Mateo’s Bridgepoint shopping center, next door to the ice rink. They charge $21.99 – $23.99 for dinner, depending on the day. There is a $5 Mon – Thur discount coupon in some Ranch 99 flyers. Lobster with egg topping is 1 per customer using a card. You can omit it and get a $2 discount. Read the rest of this entry »

Chinese Name: 官府菜

Taiwan Hotel Imperial Restaurant is situated in the Wangfujing area, a busy downtown district, a block away from a popular shopping street and the Dong Huamen Specialty Food Market. It is situated in the basement of the Taiwan Hotel. This restaurant specializes in the cuisine eaten by royalty, Imperial Chinese Cuisine.

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Chinese Name: 南门涮肉

Nan Men Hot Pot is a popular Islamic hot pot restaurant in Beijing, with 8 locations. We ate at the Chaoyang District location that is across the street from Embassy row and a couple blocks from the Silk Market and subway station Guomao. The specialize in individualized ornate blue hot pots used to cook meat, seafood, and vegetables. They like to emphasize the health benefits of particular items and love to show off their ISO certifications. Read the rest of this entry »

Lei Garden is a Cantonese Chinese restaurant based in Hong Kong, with serveral locations in China and Singapore. We loved their Hong Kong IFC location and had to visit them when in Beijing. They opened in 2006 and are located next to the Regent Hotel, on the 3rd floor right above a Ferrari dealer. They serve dim sum on the weekends and have waiters that understand English. We found the menu lacking some dishes present at their Hong Kong location like squab. There were some dishes missing from the menu that our server alerted us to. Read the rest of this entry »

Chinese name: 后海16号美食会所

No. 16 Courtyard Restaurant is a quaint little restaurant hidden in the touristy Hutong area most people tour on bike coaches. It is near Shisha Houhai lake, north of the Yundian bridge. The specialize in Imperial Chinese Cuisine, the best of all China. Tiny restaurant with only a couple tables, so reservations are a must. Be warned that tables usually have a minimum food charge. Our large table had a huge 3000RMB minimum. We happened to strolling at lunchtime without a reservation and lucked out in finding a table available. They host many private banquets. Read the rest of this entry »

Chinese name: 锦江苑餐厅

Jinjiang Palace Chinese Restaurant is located in Taiyuan’s 5 star World Trade Hotel, about 400km from Beijing. They focus on traditional Shanghai cuisine.

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Chinese Name: 苏浙汇

Jade Garden Restaurant serves Shanghai cuisine and has locations in Macau, Shanghai, and Beijing. We visited a Beijing location which was located in the Raycom Info Tech Park that is home to many technology companies. A nice 88 ¥ lunch special was available but the entire table needs to order it. They have an extensive menu with lots of expensive shark’s fin, abalone, and fresh seafood. Read the rest of this entry »

Chinese name: 全聚德烤鸭店

Quan Jude Roast Duck is the oldest Peking Duck restaurant, having been started in 1864 and has many branches. Quanjude together implies perfection, union, and benevolence. The location we ate at, is one of the newest and is located in North-Sanhuan Haidian District of Beijing. We have been told that other locations are not as good. They have over 60 company-owned and franchised restaurants in China, Hong Kong, and Australia. The chain is closely affiliated with the government. Read the rest of this entry »