Camino Inka...

They say that all roads lead to Rome. At one point, it did. Essential to the growth of the Roman Empire, the road system spanned some 53,000 miles and was considered an engineering marvel of its time.

Given that the Inca road system, or Qhapaq Nan, was equally advanced for its time, it is interesting to me that no one ever says: "all roads lead to Cuzco." If one thinks about the evolution of Peruvian vs. Italian cuisine however, than it becomes clear that in terms of food, all roads and influences do indeed lead to Peru (Improbable Fusion).

At Fresca in San Francisco, you can taste first hand the combinations of international flavors that make up Peruvian Cuisine. Here I am presenting better illustrations of the uniqueness of Peruvian food. The Lomo Saltado, a classic example of the influence by the Chinese, consists of tender slices of beef sauteed with french fries, onions, and tomatos. Delicious and colorful, this dish is something that always makes me feel better and think of home.

I am not really sure how the Aji de Gallina came about, but it is delicious! Shredded pieces of Chicken cooked with a cheese sauce... yummmm. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. Of course, a Peruvian meal would be incomplete without some Ceviche. I ordered the classic Ceviche 5 Elementos. In fact, I usually just stick to this classic, although I must point out that Fresca has a wide assortment of Ceviches such as the Ceviche Chino (ahi tuna tartare, guacamole, pisco-ponzu, aji verde, and lettuce cups).

I didn't order it this time, but I highly recommend the Seco de Cordero (braised lamb shank, white bean "tacu-tacu", butternut-cilantro sauce, pickled onions). At Fresca, dishes are simple and nicely executed. I only wish they made more traditional dishes... Where is my Cuy?

Lomo Saltado ($18)

Causa Tasting ($)

Aji de Gallina ($16)

Conchitas ($12)

Ceviche 5 Elementos ($12)

Fresca (4/5)

100 Individual Hits!

Enough Said.

In Search of Banh Mi!

For some reason, I had a huge craving for some Banh Mi. I think I was craving the sweet and sour deliciousness of the pickled turnip and carrots that are usually found in them.

On my quest, I discovered this hole in the wall in Sunnyvale named Cam Hung. I obviously need to work on restraining myself, but I got both the BBQ Chicken Rice Plate and a BBQ Pork Sandwich. The rice plate was okay. I think it would be a lot better early in the day when the Chicken comes fresh out of the oven. The BBQ Pork Sandwich on the other hand was delicious! The bread was soft, yet thick, and crispy. The pickled carrots and turnip were crisp and had the right amount of sweet and sour flavors. The best part was that it was only $2.85! AAAAANNNNNNNNDD they have Mangosteen juice!!!! It comes in a can, but c'mon where else can you get Mangosteen?

BBQ Chicken over Rice ($6)

BBQ Pork Banh Mi ($2.85)

Cam Hung (3.5/5)

South Bound

The weather and traffic suck like none other... but there are some things to be loved about LA! Below I present the delectable Din Tai Fung Dumpling House, located a mere five minute drive from my sister's place! They make some of the best Xiao Long Bao's I have ever tasted this side of the Pacific! (Close second to Richmond, BC's Shanghai River XLBs) Apparently, it has been selected as one of the top ten restaurants in the WORLD by the NYT. So I guess, I am a bit late to the game.

Classic XLB!

I'd like to think of myself as the one responsible for the success of Kogi Taco Truck (j/k), which I am patiently twitter stalking. Alas, I won't be able to take the same kind of credit for the discovery of DTF. Actually, much credit goes to fellow foodist KW.

I am kind of sad that they didn't steam my buns in bamboo steamers, which in my crazy world makes them taste just a tad much better. Nonetheless, I have no complaints. Feast your eyes on ten delicious XLB's!

Ding Tai Fung 5/5

Taqueria Showdown!

A couple of weeks ago, LM discovered the wonder that is Taqueria La Bamba. Soon after, she told me about it, and as sure as proteins are translated from RNA transcripts, I went and engorged myself on mexican and salvadorean treats!

As you all know, I suck at restrained ordering. In one sitting, I stuffed myself with a Carnitas Super Burritos, Pork Tamales, and Pork Pupusas, and Alfajores! All for about $12.

Carnitas Super Burrito

Pork TamalesPork Pupusa

I hear that there are more taquerias per capita in Redwood City than anywhere else in California. Only a fifteen minute drive, I have tried many a taqueria. La Bamba is definitely my favorite (in Mountain View) within a short drive. This unassuming whole in the wall is definitely worth a visit.

How these burritos compare to those from Taqueria la Victoria down in San Jose is still debatable. Below is AH enjoying a very tasty Super Burrito. As you all may or may not know, La Vic's is home to the "orange sauce." I have no idea what is in it or what is is made of. It doesn't matter really, because I love love LOVE the orange sauce! Did you know that you can buy a bottle for $6? Maybe I should buy some sauce and put it on a La Bamba Carnitas burrito... Tempting! Oh and they are open until 3AM. How ggrrrrrreeeeat is that? Nothing stays open that late down here... It's a bit of a drive, but definitely worth it.

Super Burrito ($5.95)Nachos ($3.5)

I am going to have to order both on the same night and do a real taste test soon! Any one down for the challenge?

Taqueria la Bamba 4/5
Taqueria la Victoria 4/5

Foodie Call

Foodie Call - [foo-dee | kawl] - noun

When a guy or girl calls you only for food, no strings attached. Not an invite to a movie and dinner, not a casual or formal get-together, just a plain old-fashioned "let's eat"

Jennifer: OMG Sharon, Ronny just texted me - I'm hungry, I wanna eat. You interested?
Sharon: Oh shit girl!!!! That be a foodie call
Jennifer: Shutup! It's only 5PM.

or

It's 2AM...
Jennifer: OMG Sharon, Ronny just texted me - I'm hungry, I wanna eat. You interested? Sharon: Oh shit girl!!!! That be a foodie call

King of Burgers

Every now and then, there are lists about the best burgers in America. See GQ's 20 hamburgers you must eat before you die. So far, I have eaten at #5 Barclay Prime and #4 Rouge. I don't know if the Kobe sliders and Rouge Burger were as to die for as GQ claims, but man would I love to eat one now.

Since I am not necessarily limiting myself to writing about Bay Area eateries, I might mention that the Shake Shack in New York is one place GQ's list omits. I think there are two or three locations in NYC now. I have only been to the stand in Madison Square Park, so I won't be able to tell you much about the other locations... However, since the MSP location is where all the magic began, I recommend you go there first. The line can be long, but the burgers and shakes are definitely worth the wait.

Shake Shack MSP

My favorite thing to get is the Shack Stack ($9.5): Two cheeseburgers and a 'shroom burger topped with lettuce, tomato and Shack sauce.

Togo BagShack Stack

My pictures clearly do not do this burger justice. But as you can see from my fat arm, the burger is doing its job. Go early and go hungry! As many of my readers know, I missed out on heading out east this weekend. I am doubly sad because I won't get to see my A list and because I won't get to grub hunt in the big apple. Roughing it in LA until we meet again!

Shake Shack 4.5/5

Fusion NOT

Fusion cuisine has taken America by storm. Predominantly in the form of "Asian Fusion." According to Stuff White People Like...

"While white people enjoy venturing to ethnic parts of town to satisfy their pallette, most would prefer to take their first dates and parents to a place with dimmer lights, less water tanks with crabs and lobsters wishing that they would die, less ducks hanging from the window and table cloths that aren’t plastic sheets. Some people caught on to this and decided to open Fusion Asian restaurants. These people are now very rich. Fusion restaurants offer a mix of all Asian foods (except Indian, but most don’t know that India is part of Asia) in an atmosphere that resembles a cocktail lounge in the West Village as opposed to Hong Kong. Basically you can eat exotic, in comfortable surroundings. Many are not shy to admit that the food is subpar and overpriced, but they still line up for hours to get in because they love the decor and the mix drinks. These places often have names with no Asian words or characters in them and are limited to two syllables. ie) Ginger, Spring Rolls, Wild Rice, Sumile. Sometimes the names are really clever like “Asiate”, get it?"

I am not ashamed to admit that I too am a fan of Asian Fusion restaurants, even though I also think the food is often overpriced. I guess the way to my heart is a great atmosphere, company, and time. Having amazing drinks doesn't hurt either! This is why I love Buddakan, Morimoto, Roy's, Nobu, Bong Su, Tamarine, etc.

So here is a theorem for you....

1) I love Fusion Restaurants
2) I am an adventurous Foodie

Therefore, I like to try any new fusion restaurants

A corollary of this theorem is that sometimes, there will be fusion flops. Restaurants like Temptations in Mountain View should never exist. Seriously, Indian Chinese Fusion? It sounded interesting at first, but as soon as I went inside, I realized that this was a fusion NOT.

I must point out that the food here is not bad. The concept however, is horrible! First of all, they didn't have many dishes that tried to combine elements of both distinct cuisines. The entrees were either Indian or Chinese, and never both. It almost felt like going to eat at a food court.

Here is a sampling of the things we got... As you can see, most of the things here were Indian...


Food wasn't all that memorable... That is why I have no idea what it is that I ordered... I probably won't be going back, but you should definitely be adventurous and check it out.

Temptations 2.5/5

Death Sucks

I hate it when you can't decide how you feel. There has been a lot of death recently... Lehman Brothers, Bong Su, my Grandpa. At the same time, there has also been a lot to celebrate... the opening of Mayfield Bakery, DW's engagement, LM's birthday, my birthday. But when things come all at once, how are you supposed to feel? Why should one feeling win over the other?

One thing I do know is that I eat regardless of the occasion. Food has a magical quality and ability to bring together people. I think that is why I love food.

Battle Ramen

Since I moved here, I have been on the prowl for THE perfect bowl of Ramen. Some readers might wonder why a foodie may even crave Ramen in the first place. The unfortunate fact is that most people associate the word Ramen with the instant noodles of the same name. Clearly, I haven't been searching for said instant noodles. Rather, I am referring to the Japanese noodle dish that tends to be served in a meat-based broth, and uses toppings such as sliced pork, nori, kamaboko, green onions, and corn. I didn't grow up with Ramen, so to describe it as something that reminds me of home is rather misleading. But one cannot deny the homestyle essence/quality of a good old fashioned bowl of Ramen.

Today, I present you with the first of a series of Ramen Battles that will help you become acquainted with the world of Ramen.

Round 1: Ryowa Ramen House Vs. Kahoo Ramen

First we have the Buttercorn Ramen from Ryowa Ramen House in Mountain View. The Ramen is absolutely delicious! In the Buttercorn Ramen, one can find pork, two types of mushrooms, green onions, corn, and seaweed. Also, there is literally a tablespoon of butter that is melting in the broth. I especially like the Buttercorn Ramen because the addition of corn gives the dish a crisp texture and amazing color. Doesn't it look extra appetizing? They say that you eat first with your eyes and nose. Arg. I am getting hungry!

What makes Ryowa great is that it also has a dish called Special Fried Chicken. Everyone knows how I feel about fried chicken! The chicken pieces are tender and crisp and come with japanese mayo and a vinaigrette of some sort. YuMMM

Next we have the Spicy Miso Ramen with Vegetables from Kahoo Ramen. I am a bit partial to the broth here. It is a little thicker than the one at Ryowa and perfectly seasoned with a kick of spicyness. Normally I am not a fan of cabbage, but for some reason, I really enjoy the cabbage in this bowl of Ramen.

After multiple taste tests, Ryowa Wins! Although, this wasn't really a fair battle. The Fried Chicken is like a secret weapon.

Ryowa Ramen - 4.5/5
Kahoo Ramen - 4/5