Favorite Restaurants
Tojo’s (Vancouver)
Their king crab maki is the most delicious roll I have ever eaten. The crab is raw, and is extremely fresh and sweet. It is not on the menu and must be ordered as a special request. I stop by Tojo’s every time I pass through Vancouver.
Shibuya (Las Vegas)
The omakase never disappoints! Presentation is beautiful, flavors are fresh and flavorful, the decor inside is artistically Japanese with modern influences. What I love most about this restaurant is the atmosphere. The partitions between each table are like intertwining branches, providing semi-private seating with enough visibility for people watching.
Olives (Las Vegas)
There are two things I absolutely love about Olives, the beef carpaccio, and the view of the dancing fountains. Savor a plate of thinly sliced beef decorated with shaved parmesan and creamy Roquefort while listening to Andrea Bocelli’s con te partiro, what else can you ask for?
Nobhill (Las Vegas)
This is one of the best meals I had ever experienced in my life. There is a possibility that the cost of our dinner, which was about $500 for two people, could have impacted my feelings, but never the less this was a night I would soon not forget. The Michael Mina Cookbook Tasting Menu (offered before it became Nobhill Tavern) was a phenomenal 5 course meal featuring his most infamous dishes: American caviar parfait, Maine lobster pot pie, Fried Sonoma Chicken, a trio of Kobe beef, banana tarte tatin. I have never enjoyed a tasting menu as much as I enjoyed this one. All the dishes were impressive, the wine pairings were perfect, and the service was impeccable. It was well worth every penny.
Anchor Oyster Bar (San Francisco)
Don’t let the size of this small 25 seater restaurant pass you by, it is the quaintest oyster bar I have ever been to. Everything on the menu is good. The oysters are fresh, the cocktails are delicious, the chowder is creamy and hearty, and the steamed shellfish are succulent.
Little Bangkok (Hong Kong)
If you are having trouble finding this small Thai gem within the crowded streets of Kowloon City, just look for a group of locals congregating on the street. The giant clams in yellow curry sauce are to die for, and is even better with a side of bread to mop up all the creamy leftover sauce. Save room for the fried pomfret which is served whole.
San Remo (Italy)
I cannot for the life of me remember the name of this restaurant. The best description I can give you is, if you walk from Hotel Maristella heading east along the coast line, in about 10 minutes cross the street and you will come across the best tasting clams with spaghetti ever. I can hardly begin to describe to you how a few simple ingredients can taste so phenomenal. This plate of clams, spaghetti and parsley was the most delicious thing I had ever eaten in my life. It was so darn good it even changed my philosophy on food. I used to believe the best cuisine was the type served at a fancy restaurant, cut into pretty uniform dices and juliennes, stacked high or shaped into molds, and presented on a fancy plate. I still enjoy that style of food, but eating this way is much better.
