Din Tai Fung – Silicon Valley

Din Tai Fung Finally comes to Northern California All the Asian Foodies have come out for this one. Ding Tai Fung (DTF) has finally opened an outpost in the Northern California. Opening day was met by long lines and lots of waiting. So much so that the Silicon Valley outpost was the first DTF to …

Skool – SF Asian “Fusion”

We decided to do a “play it by ear” day trip to San Francisco recently, and decided at the last minute to try Skool, which is sandwiched between Mission Bay and Potrero Hill in the Design District. The concept is best described as Asian Fusion Seafood. The decor is modern with elements of industrial, befitting …

The Grand Buffet, Hong Kong

On a recent trip to Hong Kong, Theresa’s research turned up a must go to buffet called The Grand Buffet(TGB), which is run by the same folks that run the buffet at the Grand Lisboa in Macau. TGB is located in Hopewell Center in Wan Chai and occupies the top floor with sweeping views of …

Review – Zola, Palo Alto

Zola in Palo Alto serves seasonal French cooking, which falls somewhere between bistro and super high end fine dining. The restaurant space is fairly small, seating around 50 people, with most tables being 2 or 4 toppers, with 2 larger tables able to accommodate 8 diners. Zola also only servers dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays.  Reservations …

State Bird Provisions, San Francisco

Michellin Stars tend to bring out the foodies and State Bird Provisions (SBP) is no exception. SBP has a somewhat “secret club” feel, with a very nondescript storefront with no marquee or identifying markings. The only indications of the restaurant (and its popularity) was the line that formed outside the door and the cooks furiously …

Bouchon, Yountville, CA

Continuing our tour of Thomas Keller restaurants, we decided to lunch at Bouchon, which is Keller’s take on the French bistro.  We had reservations for a late lunch and were promptly greeted and seated. Decor was typical bistro, with round marble top tables and Parisian style chairs. A small patio offers outdoor dining, although during …

Bouchon Bakery, Yountville, CA

No trip to Yountville would be complete without a visit to Bouchon Bakery, and would complete our Thomas Keller themed tour of Napa after Ad Hoc and Bouchon.  The bakery is known for its macarons but also has some other french style pastries and baked goods. The individual macarons are about 2 inches in diameter, …

Ad Hoc, Yountville, Ca

The Concept Ad Hoc is a more casual and more affordable counterpart to Thomas Keller’s high end French Laundry, showcasing contemporary American/Californian cuisine. The concept is the same as Wakuriya, with a daily prix fixe menu (in the case of Ad Hoc 4 courses: an appetizer/ salad, main protein dish, fruit/cheese, and dessert) that rotates …

Oysters at the Marshall Store, Marshall, CA

Tomales Bay near Point Reyes on California’s Pacific Coast highway (Hwy 1) is known for its oyster farms and The Marshall Store (TMS) sells fresh shucked oysters, chowder, and some BBQ items out of a building by the seashore. You order food at the counter and then sit outside on long hardwood tables set out …