Foodie Adventure, New York: Ippudo

If you’re searching for a place with excitement, noise, and maybe a bit of a taste of the Japanese hustle and bustle, Ippudo is undoubtely the place to go in New York. From the moment you walk through the door, the bar is filled with hungry people waiting to be seated. As with most places in New York, good food does not come without a wait (often waits up to an hour at this place).

Lucky for you if you decide to ever step foot into this place, the bar serves not only drinks (a selection of Japanese beers, sake, and my personal favorite Yuzu sake on the rocks), they also serve a limited selection of food (including what I like to call “fluffy buns of love”) while you wait. These are probably the most deliciously fluffy pork belly buns you’ll find in town. It’s very much the perfect balance of spice and savoury flavours, the crunch of fresh lettuce and unexpected tenderness of the pork belly melting in your mouth. As tempting as it will be to fill up on these, don’t forget to leave room for the rest of the goodness to come.


After you’ve been overwhelmed by the tenderness and flavour of the pork belly buns, and finally come back to reality realize that someone is calling your name to be seated, you walk through the restaurant with the sound of numerous wait staff greeting you in Japanese and cooks putting out steaming bowls of ramen. It’s time to fill our hungry bellies!



Although not for everyone, I enjoyed the nasal clearing spice of wasabi in this dish (baby octopus sashimi).


Who can resist a juicy, deep fried chicken wing? The fall off the bone wings were everything but disappointing. Tender, juicy, perfectly spiced.


Generally speaking, I’m not a fan when it comes to cooked fish. But miso black cod is definitely a whole other story. The salty, light soy flavour of miso, the fattiness of the fish, a slight touch of acidity, paired with the sweetness and mild heat of the ginger, it’s hard to enjoy cooked fish again once you’ve tried this.


Then came the steaming bowls of ramen. One spicy, the other was a clear broth. There is no better way to warm up on a cold winter day then a steaming bowl of ramen. Perfectly cooked (what Italians would refer to as “Al dente”) noodles with a bite to it, miso broth, with a perfect blend of spices, soft-boiled eggs with a bright orange soft yolk, tender slices of pork belly, and marinated bamboo. It makes the hour long wait seem worthwhile! After slurping up the noodles true Japanese styles, we were ready to head out and brave the cold again.



On a side note, the fluffy buns of love were so good that we couldn’t resist making a return trip in between the countless meals at Michelin rated restaurants that we had lined up the next 2 days.

Foodie Adventure, New York: Laduree

Anyone who knows French macaroons has undoubtedly heard the name Laduree. Previously, those who wanted a taste of these bite-sized decadences had to travel to Paris. But through modern day convenience, as of August 2011, they have officially arrived in, where else but New York!

Luckily, I was on the Upper East Side for brunch that morning. So after an abnormally large brunch, I was in dire need to walk it off, and what better then to go on a hunt for French macaroons! With all the excitement, I hurried down 5 city blocks and there it was, Laduree!...



With is massive line up that snakes through the store and out the door.


As you stand in line, you pass by window displays filled with beautiful macaroon boxes, and macaroon trees.


The excitement builds as you peek through the window (not much unlike a creeper), and anticipate your turn.





When you finally get out of the bitter winter cold and make it in the gates, you are in every little girl at heart’s dream (and I’m not a girlie girl by any means, but I will admit, it was hard to resist). A world filled with pastel colours, macaroons of varying colours, the sweet scent of vanilla, who could resist? By the time it came around to my turn, I was prepared to take the whole store home with me. Can’t say my wallet didn’t take a beating from this visit. Managed to walk out with a bill in the 3 figures range, and not much to show for it except some pretty pastels and an insane urge to eat through these like a fat kid with candy. But these delicacies are meant to be eaten with lady-like elegance, so we’ll refrain from acting otherwise.





The second I arrived home, the boxes were opened without hesitation. I had left with one of almost every flavour that was available that day.


In hindsight, after all the excitement had settled and inspecting the macaroons close up, I was slightly disappointed. Not all of the macaroons were as perfectly and precisely lined up as some of the small shops I had previously been to. Also, the "foots" were cracked on numerous macaroons. That’s the beauty of an art that you loose once you hit large-scale production. After eating my way through a significant number of these (not without damage to the waistline), I was yet again disappointed. The macaroons weren’t as fluffy and delicate as I would have expected. They were also often over sweetened, and some artificial tasting. Call me traditional, but my favorite out of the bunch was still Vanilla.


At the end of the day, Laduree is a shop whose macaroons would make a great gift that make people “Ooo” and “Ahh” when they see the pretty box. Are they the best macaroons that you’ll get in New York? Definitely not. But who can resist the temptation of marketing and beautiful packaging these days? My 2 cents and forewarnings:

1. Don’t go to Laduree if you plan on walking out empty handed, the temptation is hard to resist with all its beauty.
2. Beauty comes at a price! And at a price, I’m not only referring to the price of the macaroons. The pretty boxes on display don’t come without a price either. If you want a nice box (not the thin paper box), it will cost you.

Foodie Adventure, New York: David Burke Townhouse

After arriving in New York the previous night for an unplanned trip, it was time to search for a great place for morning brunch. Although New York is filled with countless great restaurants, it’s just as easy to accidentally pick a bad apple as it is a good. Thanks to Open Table, phone calls were unnecessary. I was able to find restaurant reservations for all the available seatings online. Oh, the conveniences of the modern day world. Now, if you know New York, you’ll know that it’s nearly impossible to get a last minute reservation at any half decent restaurant in town. David Burke Townhouse was one of the few names that rang a bell that we were fortunate enough to squeeze in to.



Located in the quaint neighbourhoods of the upper east side of Manhattan, we arrived at the doors of a beautiful townhouse with a sparkling Christmas tree in the window to mark the holiday season. On this occasion, the restaurant was beautifully decorated with an abundance of red, radiating the whimsical feel of Christmas and all it’s festivities.



Seated comfortably in a corner table, our tummies were begging for food. Let’s Begin.



The smell of freshly baked bread is always an amazing way to start of a meal, and David Burke did not disappoint. A warm, fresh out of the oven, oversized portion of what much resembled a Yorkshire pudding arrived at the table for each of us. This beautiful warm scent came with an accompaniment of a visually intriguing butter rose. One of my undeniably favorite things about bread is breaking it open and seeing the steam slowly float out, and with it, carrying its amazing smell. This didn’t disappoint.



Appetizers soon followed.

Although salads are not normally my first choice in items on a menu, the concept of pear textures was intriguing enough. As the menu would like to have it, the salad was described as Pear Textures. By pear textures, they had meant a combination of pear chips as well as slices of pears “au naturale”. Over all, a well-balanced salad with the richness of blue cheese and the acidity from the pomegranate-cider bubble to balance. The textures involved in the dish were also wide ranged, from the soft gelee of the bubble, to the crisp pear chip, down to the crunch of the hazelnuts, it’s no wonder they used the word “textures” in the name of the dish.



Next came the Parfait of Big Eye Tuna and Salmon Tartare. The parfait was light and balanced in flavours, beautifully presented, and was one of my favorite dishes of the day. The chive puree and spicy mayonnaise also complemented the flavours of the dish.



I also could not resist ordering an extra appetizer, the Salmon Pastrami. Reminded me a little of a cream cheese bagel with smoked salmon. It contained all the components, although deconstructed. Broken bagel, cream cheese smears and mustard textures. The salmon was near perfect in both flavour and texture, although, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the broken bagel.



Not one to normally order chicken at a restaurant, I chose to order this only because it was a confit of chicken leg. However, it did turn out to be a disappointment. Slightly overcooked and dry, as well as slightly over salted. The “warm faro trail mix” that accompanied this dish was quite interesting though. The mixture of grains, nuts and dried berries complemented each other in both flavour and texture. I will admit, I was a little disappointed with this dish as I felt like I was eating warm granola instead of delicious confit as I was hoping for.



The Monkfish definitely won over the chicken as a main course. Light, simple flavours displayed through the combination of Tokyo turnips, beach mushrooms, and bok choy in a sake broth. Simple but done well, just the way I like it.



Before dessert, I finally caved to trying the oyster shooters. I love oysters, but this definitely was a mistake. It was 4 shooters filled with oysters and a mini Caesar. Not only was this a disappointment, it left a bad fishy taste in your mouth. Until this shooter, I have never been previously served a warm oyster, and I surely hope it never happens again.



Lastly, came dessert. Although stuffed at this point, I had to try one of these adorable little cheesecake lollipops (also to help remove the after taste of the warm oyster). The cheesecake lollipop tree contains more then 2 can finish. Flavours weren’t especially memorable, tasted like an average cheesecake, but the presentation was adorable. And, you can take any leftovers home for a mid-night snack. Not wowing, but definitely not disappointing either.



By the time I walked out, I was ready to keel over and die from the amount of food we just ate. Overall, I would say David Burke Townhouse should be visited as a cozy spot with great ambiance if that’s what you’re looking for. As for food, I can’t say that I would recommend it, although not bad considering the prefix menu price.



And like any girl with a sweet tooth, no matter how full I am, there’s always room for more sweets. Off in search of Laduree. Rumored a God sent of macaroons by some. We’ll soon find out!

Foodie Adventure, New York: Element by Westin and The Spotted Pig

For weeks before new years, coworkers had been trying to convince me to take the long drive down to New York with them for 4 days after new years, as our restaurant would be closed for a week. Knowing that I used to live in New York for culinary school, they were hoping that I could show them around town a little in between the planned stops at highly rated restaurants. Normally, this would’ve been a no brainer. Who says no to New York? But, I kept resisting the temptation because I knew how painfully long that drive would be. Then came new years eve. My new years resolution? Be more responsible, less spontaneous. But as we all know, new years resolutions are made to be broken. After working a 12 hr shift in the restaurant on new years eve, and making it through the last busy dinner service of the year, we downed glasses of champagne in sweaty chefs coats, and I said “screw it, I’m going to New York!” So much for a new years resolution, it was broken in record time (25 minutes to be more exact). Drove home with all the excitement in the world, booked a hotel, return flight, and by 6AM, was on my way to New York!

For those who have yet to make it to New York, New York is a dream for any foodie’s palette. Manhattan is a 59 square kilometer island, which manages to hold over 23,000 restaurants. Whether it’s food trucks, dive bars, taquerias, or Michelin rated restaurants, you name it, you got it when it comes to food in Manhattan. Manhattan alone holds 52 Michelin rated restaurants, 7 of which have achieved 3-star ratings. In their 3 days in New York, my coworkers had planned to dine at 7 of those Michelin rated restaurants, amongst visits to numerous patisseries and chocolatiers.

My plan was to be in New York for 2 days, and fly home a day earlier then my coworkers had planned to. As with most good restaurants in New York, reservations are generally required weeks, if not a month ahead of the given date. Hence, we were slightly worried about making last minute changes to reservations and if I’d be able to tag along to all these great places. But as always, the food Gods never fail me, and thus began our food adventure.

I was fortunate enough at 2AM new years day to be able to book Element by Westin (part of Starwood Group), just a couple blocks from Times Square and Port Authority Bus Terminal. Newly renovated, lounge, free wifi in the lobby, the hotel offered more than just comfort. Not to mention, if you’ve ever stayed in a Westin Hotel, you’ll know of the heavenly beds. You may never want to sleep in another bed again after sleeping in one of these! The rooms also had rainfall showers and kitchenettes (although, you ARE in Manhattan with over 23 thousand restaurants, there is no reason to stay in and cook).





After a quick shower and snapping a picture of the beautiful night view of the New York Times building outside the hotel, it was off to dinner, the Spotted Pig.



The Spotted Pig, a gastro pub located in the West Village of New York City, is rated as a 1 Michelin star restaurant. Being the first of our party to arrive at the crowded cozy little restaurant, squeezing into the bar was a challenge in itself. My group soon arrived, and before I had a chance to order a drink, we were escorted upstairs to a cozy little corner table.



Some may say, a small menu equates to a lack of options, but my personal favorite was the small, simple, straightforward selection on the 1-paged menu.



Let’s start with the Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Gnudi with Brown Butter and Sage.

The gnudi, a simple stuffed pasta, not much unlike a ravioli. The ingredients of this dish were incredibly simple, yet all the flavours perfectly balanced. The creaminess of the warm ricotta flowing out with each bite with the slight nutty flavour of the brown butter is not a unheard of combination. I must admit though, having tried ricotta raviolis numerous times, I’ve never had anything quite the same as this. Quite unforgettable.



Next, came the pig. We were at the Spotted Pig after all. Being Asian, marinated pig’s ears are a fairly common dish, but never have I seen or tried deep fried pig’s ears. The crispy pig’s ears, was paired with parsley and radicchio rosso and a lemon caper dressing. It was quite refreshing to taste such a common Asian ingredient done in a very different manner. The acidity from the lemon caper dressing was a great balance to the potential grease from a fried dish.



And there was more piggy to come. Pork belly with borlotti beans and salsa verde. Tender pork belly with crisp skin, and perfectly rendered fat. What more could you ask for? Everyone loves a big fatty piece of pork belly (as long as just enough fat is rendered out so that it doesn’t feel like you’re eating one giant piece of fat), and this dish did not disappoint.



As if that wasn’t enough meat for one meal, I snuck in a bite of the perfectly medium rare and juicy burger. All I can say is, I couldn’t say no to the rest of that half of a burger. This was definitely worth every additional pound and minute of calorie burning exercise that I’d have to do to follow.

By this point, I was ready to explode. Must say, this was a great start to the next 2 days of gluttony to follow. Goodnight New York! We’ll see you in the morning.

It's Been Too Long Since I've Done a.... ROAD TRIP!

New York, here I come!! 6AM new years day!


On the road through someone else's perspective.


Are we there yet?

Toulon. A Tease to Your Culinary Senses.

Arriving in Toulon, I took one glimpse and my heart skipped a beat. No, I did not lay my eyes on a beautiful French man. Instead, before my eyes was a morning marketplace filled with vibrant colours, loud noises, beautiful Parisian French, and only some of the freshest and best produce I've ever tasted in my life. I just couldn't peel my eyes off the beauty of it all, and my tongue was tingling with excitement from all the indescribable yumminess.

It all started with this...



The most beautiful, vibrant coloured, tender, juicy, delicious figs that I had ever tasted. Nothing like any of the figs that I had ever tasted before. And the further I walked into the market, the deeper I was in love. Everything was fresh, stunningly presented in the rustic simplicity that all food should be, and locally produced.

















I must admit, Toulon stole a piece of my heart. I definitely hope to one day return to spend a summer with mornings roaming the markets, afternoons cooking in a quaint little kitchen, and evenings with a glass of French wine and the results of my day's work.