TKettle

And so for an after dinner drink, thought it would be nice to go for some bubble tea. Apparently this place is rated as the best bubble tea in town, and of course would have to go try! Being a taiwanese store, I had some expectations.

TKettle

Can't miss the entrance...

TKettle

Nor could you miss the bright orange interior! True to its name and reputation, it is packed (and mainly taiwanese people).

Taiwanese Milk Tea

Being at a taiwanese store for bubble tea... only one thing to try, the taiwanese milk tea! I know and it mentions it uses cream powder in place of milk, but to see the undissolved powder was a little disturbing. However it only gives it an extra level of texture, and you could definitely taste the tea (as opposed to the crazy artificialness from the other stores).

Taiwanese Milk Tea

What you would have got if you opted for a hot taiwanese milk tea. Cute mug!

Red Bean Mochi Ice Cream

Can't only just have a drink, and so some red bean mochi ice cream. Nice chewy glutinous rice on the outside, with the cold frozen red bean ice cream on the inside. Wasn't a large serving which was perfect to sample!

Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream

As I couldn't decide between green tea or red bean (and they wouldn't do half half), had no other option than to order both! I seemed to prefer the red bean over the green tea - but it's always nice to have a hint of flavour in the glutinous rice.

Chocolate Bubble Waffle

Possibly over-ordering (but I was here to sample!), added the chocolate bubble waffle! Haven't really had these much - but it's usually a must have on when you're strolling the streets. Crispy, not too sweet... all good. Next time I'd probably go without the chocolate.

Definitely a place to go, probably a little on the higher side for bubble tea prices - but when you're sitting down inside, with these lovely snacks. It's definitely all worth it! I will be coming back =)

26 St. Marks Place
(Between 3rd Avenue and Astor Place)

Crepes Du Nord

Crepes... how can you say no to these? Especially when the place specialises in crepes!! Was interesting when I tried to call up to make a booking, especially when other reviews mentioned that it is a small place. They just said to turn up and that they didn't take bookings. Really hoping wouldn't have to be a queue...

Crepes Du Nord

No joke when they said this was small... definitely wouldn't even hold 15 people!!

Lingonberry Soda

Went for the lingonberry soda... only because I wasn't sure what lingonberry was. It's just a mountain cranberry and was quite refreshing. The berry taste and texture did give hints of pomegranates.

Crepes Du Nord

With too many choices, I opted for the Crepes Du Nord - smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and dill creme. All accompanied with a salad. Interesting combination, but it goes together well. The crepe is crispy enough but not too thick. Prices were relatively cheap, and it came with generous sized servings. More than I had hoped for, as that meant it would be hard to finish off a dessert crepe!

Blueberries and Ice Cream

But how can you say no to one of these... blueberries and icecream! Lots (and by lots I mean the inside was just ALL fresh blueberries) of blueberries with vanilla bean ice cream. Definitely a little too much to finish, but I just managed... Sweet, but not too sweet. The hints of sourness from blueberries balance it well on the warm crepe with the cold melting vanilla ice cream.

A little place, hidden in the financial district that's worth the find! Nothing spectacular, but it does stand out in the area and is worth going back for. Reminder to self to stay out front and watch them make it in front of you!

17 South William Street
(Between Beaver Street and Mill Lane)

Takahachi

And so with some more japanese... especially sushi! It's always nice to find a little sushi joint, as the best can usually be found in those small ones. As they say, good things come in small packages! But with little stores, it could be a hit or a miss...

Takahachi

This was a small place, few tables with some seating at the bar too. But it was nicely and cleanly set up.

Tsubugai

Started off with a daily special of tsubugai (wild whelk clam sushi). I've had some clams before, but I don't remember having it as sushi, especially not a whelk clam. It had this crunch and chewiness to it, that slowly grows on you. The flavour isn't too strong but enough to taste the freshness.

Pupu

The next daily special of pupu (poke sashimi hawaiian style). Wasn't sure what to expect but when it comes out in a cocktail glass?? But this was refreshingly nice... with seaweed and scallions to top it off. Interesting nonetheless

Hamachi Tartar

Hamachi tartar of chopped yellowtail and sea urchin marinated in tobasco. I've never been a great fan of tartar, not sure why given how nice it is. The texture is great and so flavoursome. Something that i'm sure will grow on me more and more.

Bee Movie and Kiss of The Spider Woman

A bee movie sushi roll (japanese pumpkin tempura and eel roll with gold and black flying fish roe). This was full of contrasting flavours. Presentation was average, but the sweetness gave it a nice touch. The kiss of the spider woman is a modern twist on a spider roll. Consisting of deep fried soft shell crab, avocado, lettuce, smelt roe, radish and mayonnaise. The large leafs of lettuce give it a different touch.

Perfect Storm

Feeling that I could just squeeze in another little bit to test, the waiter recommended the perfect storm. A shrimp tempura, light cheese cream, cucumber, black tobiko and spicy onion-mayo on top. This was probably a bit over the top and unnecessary as it was really creamy and filling. But otherwise still a great custom sushi roll.

Takahachi... a small little joint that surpasses all expectations. Something that I know I can always fall back to, especially when it's not too far of a walk away (though with the current heat, not sure if I can do it). The price is the other thing, great value for money. There's definitely quite a few more items on the menu that I'd go back and finish off =)

145 Duane Street
(Between Church Street and West Broadway)

Dinosaur Barbeque

With the quality of the ribs at this so called dinosaur bbq been talked up so much, such that it appears as its the best bbq ribs ever... there was only one way to find out. Which was to go there and try it in person!! Only downside was that it's all the up in harlem and for dinner, that is definitely quite a trek...

Dinosaur Barbeque

This is the first time i've been there, and i've been told it has moved locations. It's now at a much larger location to accommodate more people. And even with this size, it is definitely packed out. I can so imagine being back here in summer, sitting outdoors!! Inside, they showcase the massive woodfire with the large amounts of log. I assume they don't really "clean" out the oven they use to keep all that great taste!

Swag Shared Platter

A swag shared platter to start... with wings, spicy shrimp boil, fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs. I've never heard of fried green tomatoes or deviled eggs but boy did they live up to expectations!!

Tres Hombre

I settled on a tres hombre plate consisting of bbq pork, texas beef brisket and ribs. Not to mention the grilled mac and cheese and fries, and corn bread as sides!! Unfortunately I failed to finish off the plate, and it would have taken an almighty effort. Possibly doable if I didn't have the starters!! The flavour... was so great that I could say this was one of the best ribs I've ever had. The sauce is where everything's at, and the variety of meat... was maybe just a little too much meat overload.

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut butter pie!! Just looks like an normal slice of cake, but no... More like a massive peanut butter hit. It's amazing how strong and filling this small slice is, and I'm definite there's no chance that I could finish it. Even with only a few bites, I was overwhelmed (in a good way).

Dinosaur bbq... something that is a definite must!! The hard bit is to decide what to eat, and how much of it...

700 West 125th Street
(Corner of 12th Avenue)

Johnny Rockets

When in a theme park, I guess it's only logical to go to one of those big chain stores. This is no different being at universal studios =) What's even better... they opened their first chain on my bday!!

Johnny Rocket

A famous chain with its branding everywhere...

Chilli Cheese Fries

Chilli cheese fries... all that healthy goodness...

Johnny Rocket Original

The johnny rocket original with american cheese. Quite a filling afternoon snack that's for sure. The bun was a bit oily (as with most burgers), and again, patty ordered at medium. This was actually pretty nice for a large chain burger place. There was enough lettuce and tomato to feel a balance.

Hamburger and Fries

The little touches on the kids menu... =)

Citywalk Hollywood
Universal Studios

Nem Nuong Ninh Hua

As one of my favourite viet noodles, I had to give it a shot when my auntie said this was the place to go. Don't know why and when, but the spiciness has always been one of the reasons i've loved bun bo hue, along with its thin vermicelli noodles.

Nem Nuong Ninh Hua

Luckily, getting there at opening time means a fairly empty place before the rest of the world packs in. Even better that the wait time for food should be less. Once inside, the place does give off that vietnamese feel with the decorations.

Iced Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee... can't really say no to that. But what I haven't figured out is, eating in and it's still served in take away cups?? I do wonder if having it served in these thin plastic cups takes away some of the flavour.

Bun Bo Hue

My favourite bun bo hue. It actually tasted really nice - not the best I've had, but pretty good. Given that I've yet to find any decent vietnamese food in nyc - I guess LA is much better. The soup wasn't spicy enough, but had the flavours essential to bun bo hue. They also had the mint leaves, which many places seem to leave out. Even better was the blood jelly thats included.

Banh Beo Chen

One of their famous dishes, banh beo chen. These are steamed little rice cakes in individual plates! Served with fish sauce and fresh chilli. I've never been a great fan of rice cakes in general, but the toppings definitely balance everything out!

Definitely one of the places I would go back to for viet food. Nice, comfortable and enjoyable. Best thing is the food isn't a disappointment!

9016 Mission Drive
Rosemead

Tofu King

I've never actually had stinky tofu before, and with my lovely cousin a great fan... no better way than to go on a trip for some!

Tofu King

Located on the edge of a local shopping centre, this is apparently the best place to go to. So i've been told that before it got moved inside an actual shop front, it used to be served out of carts in the alley. With the breeze blowing down, it would carry the flavour around the whole area. Due to health regulations, it's now indoors but there was only ever a slight hint of the smelly-ness.

Stinky Tofu

Each serving comes with some chilli dipping sauce, and what surprised me was... I didn't actually even find it smelly at all. Great afternoon snack, and I'm sure I can go back for more! Definitely worth it!

18414 Colima Road
Rowland Heights

Ajisen Ramen

It's been many years since i've been to ajisen, back in 07. Not surprisingly, the chains started to expand widely around the world. It was decent ramen, not overly priced - especially in shanghai. Had the opportunity to try it again in hk, and then when it finally hit home. But each chain I went to afterwards, it just didn't taste the same - nor was it worth the money anymore.

Ramune

Straight off the plane, calls for a refreshing ramune! Didn't like this packaging as much, as it was annoying to pop the top.

Agedashi Tofu

Lunch specials are great, and agedashi tofu it is. Definitely brings back memories of when I first tried it, wasn't the best but nice way to start.

Gyoza

Some gyoza's to go with it. Doesn't look all that appealing in terms of appearance, and it was only pretty average.

Corn with BBQ Pork Ramen

Corn with bbq pork ramen. Haven't had ramen for a while, and as part of a fast food chain - this does reasonably well. The soup did taste with a little too much msg, but overall did ok.

Ajisen is much cheaper here in the states compared to back home, but still doesn't compare against china. For a nice simple meal, worth going to.

227 West Valley Boulevard
San Gabriel

Vito's By The Park

After a long day (probably too long) spent in hartford, the last thing to do was to grab a final bite before heading home for some much needed sleep. I guess I over estimated what's actually in hartford...

Vito's by The Park

Across from the main park was vito's. It actually had quite a few people inside (compared to those in the city), so I thought this might be a good place to try. Appearance wise, felt classier than expected.

Vito's by The Park

Complimentary bread with some dipping sauce. Nice that there was a selection of bread and the sauce was a highlight. Kept going back and finishing off the bread!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A pineapple upside down cake martini. Not sure which bits are upside down, nor could I taste anything to do with cake??

Proscuitto and Sopressata

To drag out some time before the bus, started with some proscuitto and sopressata antipasti. Nothing really to rave about, but this was the first time I had tried sopressata (that I know of anyway). It's meant to contain some hot peppers, but I couldn't actually taste it.

Grilled Sea Bass with Butternut Squash and Fig Risotto

One of the specials of the day. Grilled sea bass served with butternut squash, soaked fig risotto with a herb sauce. Something very different I must say... Never thought of combining a grilled fish with a risotto like that, especially with butternut squash. Lots of different flavours and textures hit you. Something worth trying, but not something I'd go for again. And serving size overall - was extremely filling.

Tiramisu

After a bit of time to rest, to end the night was a tiramisu. Still not a fan of whipped cream, and I avoided that. I felt it could of been done lighter, and I've had better.

Surprisingly at what felt like an little isolated location, vito's is a pretty well done restaurant. Apart from the fact that is no ny, the prices were the same. Extremely surprising!

26 Trumbull Street
Hartford

Murasaki Cafe

During the visit to Mark Twain's house, the first stop was obviously some food. This japanese cafe was located at the mark twain house (though I still haven't figured out the reason why a japanese restaurant was placed there).

Murasaki Cafe

Given that this is located on the outskirts of hartford, I didn't expect there to be many people and sure enough, it was pretty empty. Mainly all just tourists like myself

Ramune

A refreshing ramune after a relatively tiring bus ride. This was one of the better ones when you pop the top, at least it doesn't require too much force =)

Shrimp Shumai

Started off with some shrimp shumai to ease off the hunger... but it just didn't have the texture that I was expecting. It felt over cooked and a little soggy. Disappointing, but it did have enough flavour.

Gyoza

Gyozas =) Probably a little on the burnt side for a few pieces, but reasonable. Wasn't a fan of having the sauce in bowl like that to dip however

Nabeyaki Udon

Nabeyaki udon. Poached egg, shrimp tempura and assorted veges. Was actually impressed with how it was served up, and the soup flavour was great. Surprising given the quality of the starters. The poached egg wasn't done too well, but given everything else I was satisfied.

Tempura Twinkies

It's not really an adventure without having to try the tempura twinkies is it? I've never had a twinkie, and what better way to start than to have it deep fried? Definitely an interesting experience.

The food was reasonable, probably over-priced given it is at a tourist destination. The service was a little lacking - especially to attention when you're trying to get hold of them. The main courses are much better than the starters. I guess you wouldn't just come here for the food, but when you're at the mark twain house, there's not really any other options.

65 Forest Street
Hartford

Inakaya

Back onto my continual indulgence and search of japanese food, came across this robata-yaki style japanese restaurant. I didn't know this restaurant was of this traditional style at the time, but the grilling and cooking of the food in such close proximity was definitely a highlight! The best thing though, was that they serve the grilled food to you via one massively long serving stick! And then you grab it yourself...

Inakaya

Facing right into the ingredients and one of the chef's in front of me.

Inakaya

More fresh seafood ingredients and wine =) Unfortunately, they weren't all for me...

Ume-Shu

A nice chilled glass of ume-shu to start the night. Although on a chilly evening, the sweetness was actually quite warming. I've also never had this in a wine glass, and it was definitely a generous sized serving.

Japanese Sweet Potato

Grilled japanese sweet potato, cut into generous chunks. The butter provided some extra flavour melting away into the potato. Grilled hot food somehow always tastes better on a cold evening.

Tsukune

Ground chicken skewers... full of sweetness with their tare sauce. What's so great about them cooking right in front of you (although you can't see it directly), is that you know it's hot off the grill and cooked to the right point. Not overdone and still tender, definitely a recommendation.

Egg Custard

I haven't been much of a fan of egg custard much previously, but during the time here it has grown on me. Probably helps too given that this was done great! So far, everything has just gone better than I could imagine with the wonderful flavours

Chazuke

Rice in tea broth topped with salmon. Funnily enough, I've never had much of this before... sometimes I wonder why. It does remind me of congee, yet this provides such a different contrast in flavours. The tea broth itself provides enough flavour when you attempt to appreciate it.

Roasted Rice Balls with Miso

Another typical japanese staple of grilled rice balls. It may look a little deceiving with its small looking size, but it's actually really filling with all the rice inside. The miso sauce over it provides it with all the flavour, and you must remember to ration it across the whole ball!

Nigiri Sushi

Assorted sushi off the menu. With toro, sea urchin and kobe beef on this... definitely can't go wrong. The sea urchin was good, but not the best I've had - but it was clean and sweet. Definitely value for money here, especially when everything was so fresh.

Yellowtail

Having felt like just a little more, some yellowtail sashimi. The presentations just seemed to be wonderful here with its generous sized portions.

Toro

And of course the much loved toro. Always melts in your mouth!

Grilled Tofu

And some grilled tofu to end off the night. The lovely grilled patterns on the tofu give it a nice finish - and although tofu doesn't have much flavour itself, it really does all come from the grill and sauce.

Inakaya was definitely a surprise. Wasn't what I expected, and it exceeded all expectations. Definitely one of the places to go, and one place that I know I can fall back to. Great value and atmosphere too.

231 West 40th Street
(Between 7th and 8th Avenue)