The Yellow Brick Road: June 2007

Friday, June 29, 2007

Food-ing in LA

Quite a delayed post but I just couldn't not write about the fantastic week I spent in LA with Ahia. We didn't do much by way of sights since he had to work and so did I. :) But wow, it was just a feast... meal after meal of the best restaurants the city had to offer. I think I must have gained at least 5 pounds after just 7 days!

First on the list was The Stinking Rose in Beverly Hills. Not on the list of the 50 best in America, but a must-go for the novelty factor.

Everything here is cooked in garlic which maybe isn't too novel for someone from Singapore. But can you imagine garlic ice cream (thank God it was covered in caramel)

or garlic martini (skip this if you know what's good for you)???

It was a good experience, the steak I had was cooked really well though it was nothing compared to Spago, #4 in the USA.

Ahia and I were both surprised that the interiors weren't swankier. We've both been to places in New York which were a lot more formal. You didn't have to dress up or wear a dinner jacket to this one, in fact we never had to. We didn't see any stars that night, though Wolfgang Puck did come by to the table TWICE. Haha... I'm such a gossip.

I had the best main course, caramelized organic veal chop which came with creamy parmesan polenta. The veal was tender, juicy and had just the right taste. The polenta left a lot more to be desired but the veal itself was worth the price of the meal ($66).

I had told Ahia that I rarely order the requisite Asian item on the menu, no matter how celebrated by the magazines. They can never beat the authentic thing, and in this case, I was right. The Cantonese style roast duck ($39) was disappointing despite promising ingredients like star anise and apricot.

We also had dessert though we were bordering on gluttony by this point. That's my chocolate cake with raspberry...

And Ahia's poufy creamy thingie...

Next night was even better. Cut was one of the newest Puck restaurants, where Ahia had seen Stevie Wonder and Paul Reiser dining there before. He made me try the bone marrow flan with mushroom marmalade for appetizer ($16). Trust me, share this with someone. It's good but terribly fatty and at some point, you need to eat something else.

We had really good food that night, Ahia just ordered a couple more appetizers for himself... the maple-glazed pork belly ($16),

the crispy Chesapeake Bay soft shell crab (yummy not oily),

while I of course, attacked the steak which is quite obvious since I forgot to take the picture until I had devoured half of it. But just look how the meat is so perfectly cooked!

For dessert, there was only one choice: bruleed baby banana cream pie with dark chocolate sorbet. Now that was worth carrying a food baby all the way back home.

The best of the lot though for me, was Providence, #35 on the list.

I thought it had the most inventive menu, with ingredients you never thought could mix well together such as our popcorn pineapple dessert. We had the tasting menu (5 courses for $80) and I enjoyed every second of it that I forgot to take pictures.

Our last stop was Lucques, easily the best value for their Sunday suppers at only $40 for three courses. This was really evidence of walang patalo: this was literally our last stop before I caught the red-eye to Cincinnati! This was where I saw Andy Dick, I know, how D-list can you go, but this is LA and at least I saw a celebrity before I left!

Monday, June 25, 2007

Food Tripping in San Francisco

**Some not-appropriate-for-work pics below
Just came back from a San Francisco weekend with Ahia before I suck it up and move to Cinci. It was really a nice break for both of us, a 6-hour drive from LA notwithstanding. I don't think we ever stopped talking, though mostly that was due to my motor mouth and the Starbucks sugar rush (thanks Caramel Frappucino!).

The drive is nice, passing through mountains, flatlands, orchards and even sand dunes. I got my first taste of driving on the freeway (thanks Papa for my international license!) and I gotta admit, this is one of the things me likey here.

I've been to San Fran twice before and though I was too young to remember the first time (I was only 7, thanks Mom!), I do remember really loving the city with its bohemian vibe and old-world feel. It's a city to wear out your shoes and and your calves walking up and down the hills, where you hug yourself because of the cold winds and because you feel so welcomed. Not much surprise that this is home to one of the biggest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride parades (that we were lucky enough to catch) and populations in the world.

Colorful balloons everywhere

Colorful gays as well

Gender neutral, clothing optional

Coming out? Or just going in the loo?

As Ahia said, you really see the "full spectrum of humanity". For a while there, I felt I was in a parallel universe... Men walked around with holes in their butt and crotch area, everyone was gay and kissing, pot was smoked openly, dresses galore... on men! The world was a lot more interesting.

You gotta love them, if just for this.

We still did the tourist-y thing, though I need to add fabulous restaurants to what I love about SF now too:
1) San Francisco just wouldn't be the same without THE icon, Golden Gate Bridge

2) The fantastic ambience at Fisherman's Wharf by night -- the street painters,

fire dancers,

sax players. Yes, it's a tad commercial with loads of tourists, but there's a reason people come to visit.

The Clam Chowder!!!

3) The cable car -- a definite must-do!

4) Sunsets with backdrops like this...

5) The de Young museum for its modern art and significant collection of Teotihuacan and Peruvian works.

Museum facade

The view from the tower

Japanese garden just beside the museum... go to Japan instead

6) And last but not least, the FOOD, FOOD, FOOD!!! Ahia planned everything and I was just a more-than-willing gopher. First stop was Dottie's True Blue Cafe, arguably the best place for breakfast, famous for their original breads like Honey Zucchini or Pumpkin Cherry. Come ready to wait for a table.

That was just a snack since we had to make the drive right after to Berkeley (huuuge campus) to make our 615 reservation at Chez Panisse (the #2 restaurant in the US according to Gourmet magazine).

Overall assessment... slightly disappointing. Though the price wasn't exorbitant ($85++) for the 4-course degustation, I guess we had really high expectations given the praise. The magazine had said the food was "deceptively simple", which is true since I've had better mussel soup from Mom's kitchen. Thankfully, the lamb did make up for the poor starter with the complex flavors and tastes which was new, even for a lamb-lover like me. The dessert was also not bad though if I can't remember enough to write about it, that must mean something.

Thankfully, Zuni Cafe more than lived up to the hype. The $41 chicken for 2 is worth the 1-hour wait. I've never had white meat that tasted this soft!!! I'd be healthy and die at the ripe old age of 102 if I could cook like this all the time. Argh... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

And the best dessert in San Francisco has got to be in Chow. Actually, definitely part of the top 3 best desserts I've ever had -- ginger cake with caramel sauce and pumpkin ice cream. Droooool...

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Nara City: Todaiji Temple and Deer Park

After a long working week in Kobe, it’s always nice to take a quick train ride out of the city for some sightseeing. Since I’ve been to Kyoto and Osaka, both about 1.5 hours away by train, I decided to go to Nara for the weekend upon Linfred’s recommendation.

Nara brings back memories of my Japanese art class in Ateneo a long, long time ago (Don't laugh, I learned how to do ikebana!). Not really memories, since I only vaguely remember bits and pieces. What I do remember is that Nara was the first capital that was established in Japan and that it was thanks to Prince Shotoku (that I know from the guidebook) that Buddhism was brought in from China. So expect to see a lot of UNESCO-listed temples and Buddha statues, some of which are 1300 years old.

And deer. Lots and lots of deer. The sights in Nara itself are all within walking distance, flanking and surrounding huge Nara park (660 hectares), where tame deer are allowed to roam freely.

Vendors from whom you can buy biscuits to feed the deer

So it seems as if everywhere you turn, there’s deer for you to pat or stroke or feed or touch. This is one of the most unique things about Nara and also one of the most enjoyable. One could easily imagine spending quite a bit of time just lounging in the park amidst the deer.

You looking at me kid?

Still afraid to go near him...

About 300 meters from the train station is the first of the major sights, Kokufu-ji temple. Of course, it had to be nice considering this was THE temple of the Fujiwara clan, the most powerful clan in Japan for oh, just about 400 years.

Remember to cleanse properly before entering any temple in Japan. The "sinks" outside are provided especially for that purpose -- cleaning your hands and even for drinking. No gargling!

There is also a spot to hang your wishes, for a fee of course (100yen) and some of them can be quite strange... I'm so kyepo.

A museum on site has art inside which is worth a look, though without a guide, hard to appreciate on your own.

But this is just appetizer. The main highlight and grand-daddy of all Nara sights is the Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden structure in the world, despite being only two-thirds of its original size. The temple is quite amazing to see even just from the entrance.

Just the entrance

The temple!

Inside it houses the Daibutsu, a colossal statue of the Buddha, naturally the largest in Japan.

Another interesting thing to see is that they have a column with a small hole in the bottom. Apparently, if you can crawl through from one end to the other, you will have achieved enlightenment. There were a lot of very smart kids around that day. For grown-ups, some assistance may be required at the other end.

You can also get your fortune told at the entrance for about 100yen. Just shake a can, draw a number and voila, instant fortune. I got the "best of lucks" which is as good as it can get. :)

I’m not sure if it was a good thing that the sun was out on Saturday. Sure I was there at the beginning of the typhoon season, but I’m not sure a little cloud and rain wouldn’t have been better than the super-heat that day. As a result of that, I did skip Kasuga Grand Shrine. Though frankly, at the end of the day, I was getting quite a bit of temple fatigue as well.

Despite this, I trekked all the way to Horyuji temple, which is the 1st of any site in Japan to be listed in UNESCO. The site is 12km away and don't be fooled into taking a taxi -- this will force you into bankruptcy. There are buses and trains though travel time might take as long as 40minutes depending on the transport chosen.

These are the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, though I thought the ones I just saw were pretty old as well and roughly the same period.

Horyuji temple

The famous pagoda

This was a nice way to spend a lazy Saturday though I don't think serenity and peace really agrees with my type A personality. I was waiting for something more dramatic. :) If you're pressed for time, skip Horyuji and spend more time appreciating the grandeur of Todaiji.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Inggit Lang Kayo

Dahil ilang Pinoy lang naman talaga ang matatamaan sa post kong ito, naisipan kong magsulat sa sarili nating wika, kahit na medyo hirap na hirap ako. :)

Dumating sa aking atensyon na may ilang mga chismosa na walang magawa sa buhay kung di pag-usapan ang buhay ng iba. Napakalungkot isipin na dahil sa bago kong trabaho at sa mga oportunidad kong lumakbay sa iba't-ibang bansa, at dahil sa pagsusulat ng mga karanasan ko sa blog ko, pati ito ay ini-intriga at ginagawang isyu. Kakaiba talaga ang crab mentality ng ilang mga Pinoy.

Ang mga iba kong mga ka-opisina, ni-congratulate ako sa bago kong pwesto. Ang iba pa, naaliw sa pagsusulat ko. Pero ang ilang Pinoy? Walang ginawa kung hindi i-chismis na puros junket daw ang ginawa ko. Kulang na lang, ipakita ko sa kanila ang mga concept summaries na ginawa ko bilang ebidensya.

Sana kung marunong kayong mahiya. Pero kahit na hinde, grumaduate na nga kayo. Napaka-high school nito.

Ito na lang... for the record, ang pagpunta ko sa mga lugar na ito para sa pagliliwaliw ay naganap sa weekend. Ang pagbayad sa hotel tulad ng Burj (ulit, weekend ako natulog dito), ay lumabas sa sarili kong pitaka. At kung wala na kayong magawa kung hindi gumawa ng isyu sa wala, STOP READING MY BLOG! And get a life!

Friday, June 15, 2007

My Visual DNA

This is a really cool site (http://imagini.net/)... I had so much fun doing my visual DNA. Thanks to Leila for sharing on her blog.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

According to my visual DNA, this is my profile:
Easy rider
Always taking life as it comes, and living in the moment. They don't get fazed by life... they just breeze through.

High Time Roller
They are only seen in the best, and the finest, they love top quality, high-end glamour. Always adding a touch of sophistication to the proceedings.

Escape Artist
They are forever slipping off, getting away from the rat race, recharging those batteries. Independent and thoughtful -- they know themselves well.

Touchy-Feely
Love for them is about human contact -- the nitty-gritty. They are very physical, a high sex drive demands plenty of attention.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Dubai Day 9: The Burj

Today is the day of the Burj Al Arab. After a lazy morning spent in bed and lounging by the rooftop pool and enjoying the view of Dubai while the rest of the group went shopping, Monique and I went to check in at the Burj. Security at the entrance was so tight it felt like we were entering another country. As we were driven closer to the hotel, my anticipation was at fever pitch – this is, after all, one of the world’s top hotels and an icon of modern Dubai. It is like staying at the Eiffel Tower.

A multiple-tiered fountain squirting jets of water greeted guests at the lobby, while the hotel floors rose up in tiers on either side.

Also on both sides were deep sea aquarium walls, and two front desks sheltered by giant golden scallop shells. There did seem to be a lot of gold inlay in use.

Our room had a second floor, and we had both a private butler and a floor manager. Just showing us all the amenities took 40 minutes. Everything was remote-controlled, including the giant flat screen television, lights and curtains.

Triple-layered glass prevents window-washers from seeing in, but still afforded us expansive views of the Persian Gulf.

Fresh fruit – including dragonfruit, kiwis, Indian mangoes, apples, pears, grapes, persimmons and oranges, were offered on the table along with preserved dates filled with figs, almonds, apricots and ground nuts, various cakes and delicacies.

When we came back from the beach, assorted chocolate and foot balm awaited us. In the marble bathrooms were his and hers Hermes soaps, cologne and bath products. Gifts for us included beach bags and suit protectors, and the hotel seemed to delight in providing us with little surprises. When I lifted up the hair dryer in its bag to move it, little chocolates fell out. Huge plasma screen televisions were on both floors.

We were supposed to join the others at the Mall of the Emirates, the largest mall in Arabia, but everything was so decadent and luxurious that we could not bear to leave. Instead, we took golf carts down to the beach. As we settled into our lounge chairs, we were welcomed with pina coladas, bottled water and Evian face spritzers.

The waters of the Persian Gulf were warm, albeit a little wild from the strong wind. Oil rigs dotted the horizon, but the Burj Al Arab dominated our view. Since we forgot our sunscreen, and since we did not let our valet unpack so we could not send for him to bring our sunscreen we were provided with Eveline tanning oil.

I must admit it is nice to be pampered. The staff kept track of not only our belongings but of us as well. When Monique was looking for me, they were able to provide her with every direction I had been. Most were Filipino, like a lot of the hotel and restaurant employees we have encountered. We did not see a lot of celebrities this time around – only Billy Zane who starred in “The Phantom” (Ed: The Titanic!!!) and some cricket players.

We all regrouped in our room and ordered room service – lobster bisque, wild mushroom soup, lobster risotto and Wagyu beef, and fresh fruit for dessert. We were supposed to visit the gold souk tonight, but everyone was so seduced by the luxury that no one wanted to leave.

There was a large Jacuzzi that I never even tried because I was so enjoying the best shower ever with three shower heads, a rainshower and a hand-held shower head.

Our valet had one of the hotel staff take us around the hotel, including most of the restaurants. The bar at the top of the hotel had a view of the Map of the World, still under construction. The Palm was so named because of its five points – it will not be finished for another 2 years.

Another restaurant below had a huge deep sea aquarium.

We also saw their many swimming pools. Monique spent some time there and said she saw dolphins silhouetted against the setting sun.

A perfect way to end the night was when we closed all the room lights and propped throw pillows by the windows. We talked in the dark, on the edge of forever, while Dubai twinkled beneath us.

For more pictures, click here.

The Yellow Brick Road