This unassuming, family-owned Thai restaurant in L.A. serves up superb traditional Northern Thai cuisine. Local Thai Chef/Ambassador Jet Tila introduced me to this place, and it was so good, I ate there on two consecutive visits, even though it was a 30 minute drive from where I was staying. One of the best holes-in-the-wall anywhere … Continued
Guests at Baco Mercat will be greeted by a vivid menu of dishes influenced by Western and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine; prepared with fresh Southern Californian produce. Their signature “baco” flatbread takes a prominent places on their menu. Working as a vessel for pork, beef, poultry, seafood, and vegetables, it’s served in its original sandwich form … Continued
Here’s a reference you don’t see very often when writing about Los Angeles: Ganda Siamese Cuisine is just a 5-minute walk from the Hollywood/Western subway stop. I discovered this place totally by accident, and it happens to be in the heart of Thai Town, in a densely-packed strip mall with a ton of delicious options. … Continued
Sometimes, curiosity gets the best of me. It’s one of the hazards of my job, driving around the city, rubber-necked, looking at interesting awnings and neon signs that beckon from beyond the sidewalk. What is it that makes someone pull over, pay the meter and walk into an unfamiliar space? Unless you’re going based on … Continued
This dim sum restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel is the only 3-star Michelin dim sum in the world. I think that rating (as I do with many of the Michelin-rated places in Asia) is a stretch. This is definitely power lunch time, with commanding views of the Harbor and the skyscrapers that surround it, … Continued
If you decide to take the leisurely, 40 minute ferry ride to Lamma Island, you’ll be struck by the number of seafood restaurants as soon as you walk ashore. Managers stand as hawkers, trying to get you to sit down and order a beer, then eventually, a full meal. Avoid them. Walk about 15 stalls … Continued
Known for one thing – the Hong Kong typhoon shelter crab, with mounds of chopped, roasted garlic and chilies – this casual restaurant, located in the Wan Chai District, isn’t cheap. But I had never seen this preparation before. The garlic and chilies serve as a dry rub of sorts, for the enormous crab that … Continued
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
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