Aloha Spirit

Just got back to the mainland, and I am already dreaming about returning to Hawai'i to wake up to the energizing, sweet, and fresh smell of tropical flowers, the cool summer breeze, and breathtaking beauty that defines Hawai'i.

In true grubhunting fashion, my Hawaiian escape was filled with food and fun. But before I chronicle this week of gluttony... did you know that Aloha is more than a greeting, or farewell, or salution? Accordingly, Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. It is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for cellective existence. Simply put, Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

Neat yeah? Just thought I might throw in some trivia in there for you... Trivia aside, I am here to tell you about my grub hunting adventure in paradise! Though I did not receive a nickname (jjh's ocean wahine) during my travels; two t-shirts, several hundred pictures, and many thousands of calories later makes me more kama aina (local) than you could imagine.

I'll begin my chronicles by first telling you that I swear I thought I was in Asia!!

Byodo In Temple, Valley of the Temples

Shishimai, Young Okinawans of Hawii

Ewa Fukushima Bon Dance Club, Moiliili

Hawaii Plantation Village, Waipahu Garden Park

Kimchi Urns, HPV

Do you see what I mean? This is not the idyllic Hawai'i I had in mind! This was Asia! As they say, when in Asia have some Asian food, or to be more exact, Asia inspired food!

One of our first stops was for some Poke from Tanioka's.

Tanioka's, Waipahu

Poke selection

Spicy Mussel Poke

Sesame Tako Poke

Ahi with Limu Poke

Spicy Ahi on Sushi Rice

Tako on Sushi Rice

Clearly, no food stop would be complete without some fried stuff.... :D

Fish Patty, Fried Chicken, Fried Spicy Ahi Roll, and Fried Rice

I was floored by this fantastic meal. Fried stuff aside, this was one of the healthiest meals that I had on my entire trip! As a side note, don't be fooled by other Poke places... I am told that Tanioka's is often imitated but never EVER duplicated!

Tanioka's 4/5

Back and Hungry!

Contrary to popular belief... I have not stopped eating! Stay tuned for more adventures from the Grub Hunter.

XLB King

Feast your eyes on THE best XLB this side of the Pacific! I know there are some die hard DTF fans out there... But before you stone me to death, please do try and get yourself to Richmond, BC to enjoy the wonder that is Shanghai River. Here, similar to DTF, the buns are made in plain sight. They make so many in a single day that they have customized the bun making process into an assembly line of sorts. Its pretty extraordinary to watch these master chefs do what they do best. Without further ado, I present some of the best dim sum I have had a in a while.

Classic XLB

Crabmeat XLB
Goodness...Beef Stew Noodle Soup

Posting these makes me want to book a ticket to Vancouver NOW. Anybody up for an adventure?

Shanghai River 5/5

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