They refer to themselves as “the dim-sum specialists,” and certainly, a meal here will give you the truest sense of Cantonese cooking. With five locations in the city, you can probably find one close to your hotel. Known for their baked BBQ pork bun, the vermicelli roll stuffed with pig’s liver, a pan-fried turnip cake … Continued
I realize shark fin is an irresponsible dish to carry, but it’s no use arguing with the 100% Chinese clientele. Skip it, and instead, order the delicate pouches of har gao (shrimp dumplings) or the lovely egg custard tarts. There are nearly a dozen teas to choose from, and if you get nothing else, at … Continued
While traipsing around Hong Kong, tweeting from every dim sum parlor I could find, I saw two important messages from friends: “Go to Kau Kee,” said Chicago Tribune food writer Kevin Pang. “Life-changing,” added “Bizarre Foods” Host Andrew Zimmern. So guess what? I cancelled dinner at some swanky place in Kowloon, and made my way … Continued
I rarely bother writing about opening days of restaurants, since whatever a publicist promises, in terms of actual dates, usually gets pushed back due to forces beyond their control. So take this with a few bags of Maldon. But the reason I’m letting you know about White Oak Tavern & Inn is not because of … Continued
There are less than 10 great Korean barbecues in Chicago, and while a lot of people rave about San Soo Gab San, I’ve always felt they could care less about the customer. Gogi sets a new standard: high-quality ingredients, everything made in-house (that means at least 12 banchan, or veggie side dishes) plus friendly, helpful … Continued
Filled with dozens of food vendors and produce hawkers, this lively, covered market in the the central part of Kyoto is tucked among countless shops and restaurants. I could walk these corridors all day long and never get tired of perusing manga comics, obscure toys and of course, street snacks. Nishiki Market +81 75-211-3882
One of the best breakfasts I had in 2014 was in the Silver Lake neighborhood in Los Angeles. It’s there where the tiny and unassuming Sqirl offers the most amazing jams, rice bowls and pastries. I spoke with owner Jessica Koslow about her training, and asked her advice for how to order from the beguiling … Continued
If you’re headed to Kyoto, chances are you’re taking the bullet train from Tokyo Station, riding one of the impressive Shinkansen trains. I know this sounds crazy coming from an American, but be sure to buy something to eat from the train station before you depart. They do sell food on the trains, but the … Continued
There are several tea shops in Kyoto, and just as many offering traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. But none have been around as long as Fukujuen, which has been in the business since 1790. Their five level store offers both a cafe, a retail store and private tea ceremony room, and I’d recommend stopping in for … Continued
San Diego doesn’t have the greatest eating, at least in the tourist-heavy areas of the Gaslamp and closer to downtown. But drive 10 to 15 minutes north of downtown, around Convoy Street or Clairemont Mesa, and you’ll be confronted with more Japanese, Korean and Thai joints than you could ever try in a week. My … Continued
There are only a handful of places I like for dim sum in Chicago’s Chinatown. Phoenix is the stalwart – and much-needed renovation in 2014 really brought them into the modern era. Cai, on the 2nd floor of the Chinatown Square Mall, is more elegant, but still, bustling on a weekend (which means plenty of … Continued