Restaurant Cuisine
Yank Sing, San Francisco Rincon Center
Posted on May 29, 2018Best place for Dim Sum newbies plus the Best xiao long bao steamed dumpings in San Francisco?!?
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Restaurant Cuisine
Spruce Review, San Francisco
Posted on May 22, 2018
Elegant old school favorite. Why did we dine here? – Spruce is a popular American restaurant in San Francisco’s upper crust Laurel Heights neighborhood. This restaurant has one Michelin star and has been packed ever since it opened. This is our fourth visit, with our last meal here several years ago. The chef Mark Sullivan also oversees Village Pub in Woodside. We recently had one of the best duck dishes there, in a long time. Our last Visit was in 2018.
Hanoi Street Food Tour Review
Posted on April 24, 2018Hanoi Vietnam is known for its dynamic street food scene. The language and culture are definitely big barriers to going it on your own. A street food tour was definitely a must.
We took our hotel’s Street Food tour to sample the local restaurants in the Hanoi Old Quarter. This was a fun and useful tour. We dined at several places that we would have been scared to approach ourselves. The guide explained the different types of local food and asked us about specific items we wanted. It lasted about 3 hours, cost $30/per person and included all food and drinks. Cheaper than other tours we saw.
Duong’s Restaurant, Hanoi, Vietnam
Posted on April 17, 2018
Red Bean Trendy Restaurant, Hanoi Vietnam
Posted on April 4, 2018
Evvia Estiatorio, Palo Alto
Posted on March 28, 2018
Why did we dine here? – Evvia is the sister restaurant of popular Kokkari in San Francisco. Our last visit here was over 10 years ago, so it was time for a refresher. Reservations are not easy to come by at this small restaurant, just off University Avenue.
Conrad Hong Kong Brunch Buffet Brasserie on Eight
Posted on March 18, 2018Could this be one of the best Saturday – Sunday Brunch buffets?
Best buffet in Hong Kong? Conrad Hong Kong Buffet: Best buffet in the world? Also consider The Market buffet.
Shanghai Flavor Shop, Sunnyvale
Posted on March 9, 2018
Shanghai Flavor Shop is an inexpensive restaurant in a second rate strip mall. This diamond in the rough is located in sleepy Sunnyvale, and specializes in Shanghainese Chinese cuisine. To the right of this restaurant is the popular Indian Buffet: Sankranti
Californios, San Francisco
Posted on February 28, 2018Now Three Michelin stars in 2026!
Why did we dine here? – Californios is a Two Michelin Star (in 2017) Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, the highest rating of its type in the US. We were intrigued and hesitated to come here, but finally succumbed to all the positive accolades and were glad we did. ($177 for Mexican food?!) Chef Val M. Cantu crafts cuisine of the highest regard, having moved up from a popup years ago. Open the really heavy door and you will enter this fairly small restuarant. It almost seems like it should be twice the size, and a little less dark – hard edged.
LV Mar, Redwood City
Posted on February 21, 2018
Photo Courtesy LV Mar
Why did we dine here? – LV Mar is a Latin focus restaurant in downtown Redwood City that serves Elevated Latin tapas, platters & cocktails in a modern, comfortably upscale dining room and sidewalk patio. They also run the nearby La Viga, which is a more casual. We had a good experience at La Viga, so it was natural for us to try this restaurant. Last visit was for dinner in 2018
Parks BBQ, Los Angeles
Posted on February 20, 2018
Why did we dine here? – Parks BBQ has been packing in the crowds for a long time. Nice decor with a bar upstairs. Celeb pix line the entranceway. The diners came from all races unlike some of the more hardcore places, making this a nice place for new Korean BBQ fans to eat at. Last visit Summer 2019.
Foodnut.com’s Beginners Introduction to Chinese Dim Sum
Posted on February 12, 2018
Pearl’s Deluxe Burgers, San Francisco
Posted on February 11, 2018
Montesacro Pinseria-Enoteca, San Francisco
Posted on February 7, 2018
Why did we dine here? – Montesacro is a hidden Italian gem, located in an alley right off a hardcore scary block of 6th Street in downtown San Francisco. The name comes from a neighborhood in Roma. We were tipped off about this place from a friend. Gianluca Legrottaglie, who runs nearby 54 Mint, opened this stylish restaurant, that transports you back to Rome, in 2015.
San Sebastian, Spain Pintxos Reviews
Posted on January 31, 2018We visited San Sebastian (Donostia), Spain in 2017 and have some reviews for more casual restaurants in this review. If you are a foodie, you definitely need to visit this beautiful area.
Also checkout our reviews of legendary gastronomy temples:
Arzak Review, San Sebastian, Spain
Posted on January 24, 2018
Some call this place the Best in the world! San Sebastian is teeming with Michelin Stars, some of the higher number in one area. We chose two 3 star restaurants for our trip, Arzak and Martín Berasategui. This was primarily driven from research and recommendations from others. Mugaritz was one 3 star restaurant that many people discouraged us from dining at.
Martín Berasategui Review, San Sebastian, Spain
Posted on January 17, 2018
One of the Best Meals We’ve ever had! In Lasarte-Oria(Gipuzkoa) about 15 minutes from foodie heaven San Sebastian, Spain, Martín Berasategui has been awarded three Michelin stars since 2001. Most people think about Arzak or Mugaritz, but you need to dine HERE! The chef holds eight stars in total, more than any other Spanish chef with many restaurants around the world. He has 3 stars at this restaurant, 3 stars in Barcelona at Restaurante Lasarte, and 2 stars in the Canary Islands.
Xiringuito Escriba, Barcelona – Beachfront Paella
Posted on January 8, 2018
Xiringuito Escriba is a beachfront paella restaurant that several people recommended to us. The Yelp reviews are not good, so we were worried. To its credit, the restaurant was pretty full by 8pm, while others nearby where not. The posted hours show that it opens at 7pm, but we found people eating there before this. (No doubt foreigners like us!) Any restaurant that has such a good view is always red flagged by us.
Pizzeria Delfina, San Francisco – Burlingame
Posted on January 1, 2018Delicious Italian around the Bay. Pizzeria Delfina is the lower cost more casual eatery next to top rated Delfina. They do not take reservations and focus on ‘Neapolitan inspired’, thin crust pizzas and Antipasti. Delfina does not serve pizza. They use local, seasonal ingredients and have a lots of wines by the glass. There are 2 location in San Francisco – Mission and Pacific Heights. In 2026 we dined at the California St SF location.
Mon Ami Gabi Review, Las Vegas
Posted on January 1, 2018
Mon Ami Gabi is a classic French bistro style restaurant located at street level in the Paris casino at Las Vegas. How quaint that there is a French restaurant in a ‘French’ Casino? They specialize in Classic French Bistro Fare including crepes and quiches. “Mon Ami” means “My Friend” in French and “Gabi” is for renown Chef and Owner Gabino Sotelino. We dined at lunch time. This restaurant is rated 4 stars on Yelp.
Legal Seafood, Chestnut Hill
Posted on January 1, 2018
Does it deserve 3 Yelp stars? We had not eaten at a Legal Seafood for over 20 years and decided to try a Legal that was conveniently located at the mall we were at. This Chestnut Hill, Boston location has been in existence since 1975, and is now part of the posh ‘The Street’ mall. Be sure to check out the cool SuperLux movie theater here, it has great amenities.
Din Tai Fung, Arcadia, CA
Posted on January 1, 2018
Why did we dine here? – Din Tai Fung is a popular Xiao Long Bao (small bamboo steamer bun in Chinese) – Shanghai Steamed dumpling restaurant with locations in Bellevue, Los Angeles, Taipei, Japan, China, Singapore, and several other countries. We have dined at the location in Shanghai’s touristy Xintiandi, Bellevue, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The Los Angeles location is in Arcadia with Yelp reviews unfortunately indicating it is a step down from the ones abroad, although some say it is better than the original in Taiwan.
China Village Restaurant, Albany
Posted on January 1, 2018
China Village is a Chinese restaurant featured on the KQED public television program Check Please back in 2008. They specialize in Szechuan (Sichuan) Chinese food but serve other styles of Chinese Food. China Village is in the 2010 Michelin Guide as a listed restaurant. We were nearby and finally had an excuse to visit. Our last visit was in the summer of 2018, after they re-opened in July 2013 and remodeled the restaurant after a fire.
Tickets, Barcelona
Posted on January 1, 2018
Tickets is top rated part of Albert Adria’s group of restaurants, across the street from his other restaurant Bodega 1900. This restaurant was ranked number 25 in the world. It features a whimsical interior with offbeat decor, lights and furniture. It has 1 Michelin star.
Una Pizza Napoletana, San Francisco
Posted on December 21, 2017They moved back to NYC and closed 12/30/2017! They will be missed. Long lines before they even opened.
McDonalds, Barcelona
Posted on December 4, 2017
We like dining at McDonalds at different countries around the world. What interesting items will we find. Our last trip was to Spain. We checked out the local McDonalds in Barcelona and found some interesting items.
J. Zhou Oriental Cuisine
Posted on November 27, 2017
J. Zhou in Tustin, Orange County, California is an upscale Chinese Cantonese restaurant in The District Mall. After a meal you can hit Whole Foods or the mall next door! The restaurant has been here since 2014.
Sichuan Impression, Tustin
Posted on November 20, 2017Great Sichuan Spicy food in the OC.
Sichuan Impression in Tustin, Orange County is the second outpost of the spicy restaurant, the others are in Alhambra and Los Angeles. We at in the LA one near UCLA in 2019. This location is located in a plain jane strip mall near Highway 5. It was recommended to us as probably the top Sichuan restaurant in the OC. Also checkout our review of nearby J Zhou, Tustin for dim sum.
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza, Oakland – Berkeley
Posted on November 15, 2017
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza is a popular pizza restaurant in the San Francisco East Bay that serves Chicago style pizza. They have been packing them in for over thirty years. They serve select individual slices (Sausage, Pepperoni, Vegetarian) and whole pizzas, both thin and stuffed (thick) crust. The thick crust has filling between the layers. They also have half-baked pies and gluten free pies for sale. Our last visit was in Fall 2018.
Tim Ho Wan, New York City
Posted on November 13, 2017
Mercado de Santa Caterina, Barcelona
Posted on October 23, 2017Where the locals go in Barcelona!
Mercado de Santa Caterina is a food market in Central Barcelona where mostly locals go to do their everyday shopping.
The market is not very large and focuses on locals. There is not a lot of ready to eat food or Restaurants, unlike the other main market. After walking around, we found it very different than La Boqueria of Barcelona. Not very crowded which allowed for more interaction especially with Jamon sellers.
La Boqueria, Barcelona
Posted on October 9, 2017The must go to food market in Barcelona!
La Boqueria is the food market in Central Barcelona, right off the touristy Las Ramblas boulevard. This is a must visit spot for all folks vacationing here. Prices of course are not cheap.
The locals have slowly been pushed away. Santa Caterina’s Market in Barcelona is much more focused on the locals.
La Viga, Redwood City
Posted on September 29, 2017
Why did we dine here? – Wonderful food at great prices. La Viga derives from the massive central seafood market in Mexico City where our chef Manuel Martinez (Left Bank, Reposado) comes from. They focus food with local sustainable ingredients and draw a huge crowd. This restaurant has a high 4.5 rating on Yelp from almost 1000 reviewers. A friend tipped us off.
A.O.C., Los Angeles
Posted on September 11, 2017
Boston Restaurant Recommendations
Posted on September 4, 2017Last Update: 7/20/2017
Travelling? Here is a Foodie research into Boston.. A list at the bottom shows other restaurants we would try next.
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Mercado laBretxa, San Sebastian
Posted on August 27, 2017Where the locals go in San Sebastian!
Mercado laBretxa, San Sebastian is a food market in the old town of San Sebastian where mostly locals go to do their everyday shopping.
The market is not very large and focuses on locals. There is not a lot of ready to eat food or Restaurants, unlike the other main market.
Osteria Morini, New York City
Posted on August 21, 2017
Why did we dine here? – Really good Italian in SoHo. Osteria Morini is Michael White’s Soho more casual Italian restaurant (Marea, Alto, Vaucluse, Convivio and Ai Fiori) was near our hotel. We debated coming here, as our experience at 2 Michelin Star Marea was not good. Lucikly this spot was not only way cheaper, but way better. Really good starters, pasta and dessert.
Sushi Maruyama, San Mateo
Posted on August 14, 2017
Why did we dine here? – Sushi Maruyama is the latest Japanese spot to give this corner a go. They are not related to the last place. The last 2 came and went over the years. This Japanese restaurant joins a ton of others on virtually every block of downtown San Mateo. The town is now home to some top spots including Wakuriya, Sushi Sam, and Sushi Yoshizumi.
Le Bernardin, New York
Posted on August 7, 2017
Why did we dine here? – Eating Cheaply at NYC’s #1 Restaurant. We did the same at Eleven Madison Park. Le Bernardin is a famous 3 Michelin star restaurant in New York City. Ranked #17 in 2017 on the Top 50 in the world list. It has been on the top of our must visit list for a while. Star chef Eric Ripert has been featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show several times. He seems to really know how to cook.
Row 34, Boston
Posted on July 31, 2017
Why did we dine here? – Great Seafood in Boston. Row 34 is a popular New American Seafood restaurant in South Boston’s busy waterfront area. This restaurant is owned by the folks who run Island Creek Oyster Bar. Part of the restaurant group that also owns Island Creek Oyster Bar. They even farm their own oysters. Need to reserve in advance or come early for walk tables. The food is very good and not cheap, making a busy top spot in Boston for afterwork get togethers.
Bouchon, Yountville
Posted on June 26, 2017
Classic French done right. Bouchon is a French bistro that is part of the Thomas Keller French Laundry empire. They have locations in Yountville and Las Vegas, we have been to both and finally had a chance to return to the Napa Valley location after 8 years.
Mission Chinese, San Francisco
Posted on June 5, 2017Mission Hipster heaven. Modern Fusion Chinese.
Mission Chinese Food is a restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District that used to be a popup in the Lung Shan restaurant. Mission Chinese Food has basically taken over the place with its success!
Chez Maman, San Francisco
Posted on May 22, 2017
Why did we dine here? – Quaint French Bistro with very good food. Chez Mama is a French Bistro with 2 locations in San Francisco, Potrero Hill and Hayes Valley. We have dined at both restaurants. The downside of this restaurant is the wait. They do not take reservations, so put your name down and chill.
Ben Tre Restaurant, Millbrae – San Mateo
Posted on May 9, 2017
Why did we dine here? – Ben Tre (A city in Vietnam) has three locations on the San Francisco Peninsula.
China Live, San Francisco
Posted on May 8, 2017
Why did we dine here? – China Live is a $20 million Chinese food extravaganza from Chef George Chen and crew. (Shanghai 1930, Betelnut, etc) Very ambitious, this complex seeks to help put Chinatown back on the map along with Mister Jiu. Billed as an Eataly of Chinese Food, we were chomping at the bit to try it, but waited 3 weeks for things to settle down. The food was still marginal at that point. We returned about 2 months after it opened and found things a lot better. They focus on high quality ingredients: organic, local, etc…
Parada, Walnut Creek
Posted on April 10, 2017
Why did we dine here? – Parada is a Peruvian restaurant in downtown Walnut Creek, just a block from the BART station.
Carlos Altamirano, best known for La Costanera in Half Moon Bay, is the chef. His track record made selecting this place, a no brainer. They also run Piqueos, Mochica, and Sanguchon.
Mensho Tokyo, San Francisco
Posted on March 20, 2017
Best Ramen in San Francisco. Why did we dine here? – Mensho Tokyo SF is first USA outpost of Mensho, an acclaimed Tokyo ramen chain. They have 7 locations in Tokyo and are usually on the short list for top ramen in Tokyo. We waited for the 2-hour lines to die down, before dining here.
Chili House, San Francisco
Posted on February 27, 2017
Hot Stuff! Why did we dine here? – Chili House is a Chinese restaurant in the SF Richmond district. It is special because in November 2015, Tong Gang Wang became the chef at Chili House. He has cooked for several Presidents in China. This is a sister restaurant to Z&Y Sichuan restaurant in SF’s Chinatown. With the new chef, there is more Beijing food on the menu, like hand-pulled noodles, Beijing pot stickers and lamb hot pot. This restaurant reminds us of China Village in Albany.