La Mar Cebicheria Perunana

La Mar Cebicheria, San Francisco, CA

Plantain Chips & Sauces

Cebiche Clasico & Mixto

La Mar is a special type of high end restaurant. The prices are still manageable and their portions are decent for what it is. This restaurant does an excellent job with keeping the place squeaky clean and making sure their guests are well taken care of.

Everyone is well groomed and their performance is up to par. This is officially my first high end Peruvian restaurant and my experience was tremendous. The menu contains dishes that are originally from the old country with fresh ingredients and classic taste. La Mar is highly known for their award winning Cebiches. They serve about seven different kinds of cebiches including a mix of three different kinds. Each one is $19 and it's portions are enough IF eaten properly and taken time. 

I ordered their cebiche classic which is fresh slices of cubed halibut that is literally butter texture. There is slices of red onion, habanero, cancha & camote. This cebiche is super fresh with chunks of corn and crispy corn-nuts. I scooped it with La Mar's famous plantain chips! It's excellent in every aspect. To drink I had their chica morada which is Peru's traditional purple corn juice/tea with spices of cardamom & cinnamon. I thought this was unique and totally refreshing. This costs $5 so it's well worth the try.

If there is a place where fresh fish should be served and given on a sleek plate with a view of the Pacific, it's La Mar. Thank you!


Photo by: Allister de Vera
La Mar, San Francisco, CA

Momofuku Milk Bar

Milk Bar, East Village, NY

Crack Pie

Cereal Milk Soft Serve

Everyone and I mean EVERYONE needs to come to Milk Bar in NY.  Period. Even if you don't have a sweet-tooth for desserts & pastries. Remove that old habit and come try something here!

For a couple years now I've been dying to come to Milk Bar to try their two well known items: Crack Pie & Cereal Milk soft serve. I finally got my hands on them and couldn't wait to blog about it.

First off, let's give a round of applause for Christina Tosi, a 2012 James Beard chef & pastry chef award winner who founded Milk Bar. Her craft with baking pastries and passion for what she does has influenced many young pastry chefs into stepping out of the box. Her desserts are original and here to stay. What an amazing talent she has!

What I love about Milk Bar is that the store doesn't give off a high-end, stuck up, snobbish atmosphere. Instead it's completely opposite from all that. There are young teens and young adults with lots of energy & urban-street attitude that creates a welcoming vibe with friendly interaction. The inside of the store is pretty random with lots going on; posters of dogs, toy/comical pics, a menu that has chalk-like writing, and loud music. It's awesome because the pastries are showcased in typical plastic containers rather than behind-the-glass type casing. 

Their famous Crack Pie is to die for! For about $5 you get this slice of pie that is enough to stuff a single person. The slice itself looks perfect with it's gooey texture core, dark chocolate top layer, stiffened appearance, etc. The first initial bite gave me this sweet & soft texture. As I swirled it around my mouth, I can taste the filling which reminded me of vanilla egg pie. I can feel a light crunchy texture as I chewed through; almost like rice crispies (from the toasted oats). The pie is lightly dusted with powdered sugar to add more texture and sweetness. This was purely crack and I couldn't stop eating it. If I had it my way, I'd eat five in a row. 

Finally I had their soft serve; the famous Cereal Milk. This here wasn't anything too special but it did taste like cereal milk. This was a simple cone with vanilla soft serve and poured-on toasted corn flakes. The unique thing about this dessert is that the cereal is actually blended with brown sugar and a pinch of salt to add this granola taste but still keeping it's cereal flavor. I love the idea of the salt because the blend of both sweet and salty just creates an amazing taste that is just addicting. What a great idea for a soft serve?! Love it. 

So when in New York, please go to Milk Bar and try what they have to offer. Christina does an amazing job drawing attention to her pastries and she backs it up 100%. 

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Milk Bar, East Village, NY

Queens Comfort

Queens Comfort, Astoria, NY

Banana Bread Donut (Fuzzy Pic, sorry)

Captain Crunch French Toast Balls & Fried Mac N' Cheese Balls

"South By Southwest" Benedict

Burrito

This has got to be one of the most outrageous eateries I've ever been to. EVER.

The person who opened this place up has got to be a unique one. He/She is either a toy & comic collector or some memorabilia fan of random things. The moment I stepped foot inside, I noticed the half lit room, the christmas lights across the whole room, toys everywhere, comic books on shelves, movie and random posters on the walls, E.T. movie playing on the slideshow, a DJ spinning music, etc.

Most customers sit with others in random tables due to the space and possibly just because thats the way they do it here. The menu is pretty extensive too which is nice. Most of the entrees and sides were unique; there were different ingredients being made together to create a special dish.

Me and my friends decided to start with their famous fried mac n' cheese balls topped with Sriracha sauce. These were eye-popping good! The mac n' cheese filling was creamy and had the right amount of gooey texture. Next we had Captain Crunch French Toast Balls which were sweet and had a hush puppy texture (these were ok). For my main dish I had their Burrito: scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, tota, cheddars, Sriracha aioli, and scallions for just $12. The burrito is a pretty big size too so the money is totally worth it.

This place is a must-try. I think people visiting NY should definitely stop by and enjoy. I recommend coming here on Sundays because the atmosphere for brunch is great! Just be prepared for the long lines (come early), the wacky atmosphere (may feel uncomfortable), and for the amazing foods!


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Queens Comfort, Astoria, NY

Katz's Delicatessen

Katz's Deli, Lower East Side, NY

Original Pastrami Sandwich

One of the only places that create that "real" NY atmosphere. This is what I felt. I've witnessed and I've eaten it. It was an experience!

The moment I stepped foot inside Katz's I got this neighborhood-like welcome. The guys who were working during the opening were barely setting up for the new day so this gave me a different view of the mornings.

I am greeted by this security guard in the front entrance who then hands me a ticket and warns me not to lose it. I then walk up to the deli guy named Miguel, an experienced employee who took down my order and told me the instructions step by step on how to order. As I was waiting for my fresh hot pastrami to be made, I overheard conversations from the employees. They were yelling with their thick New Yawk accents lol! It was hilarious to me because they were cussing, arguing about nonsense, teasing each other, etc. This provided that real NY feel to me out of all the places I ate in NY. What better way to experience this vibe through a classic deli place?! It was legit.

Their famous pastrami sandwich is loaded with fresh buttery-textured meat that is thinly sliced from the loaf itself. Each slice is tender & moist with lots of peppery and spice flavor. All this meat packed into two thin sliced white bread. The sandwich is huge itself; it takes a lot of handling while trying to get a bite. Their house made mustard is off the hook too! it's not too spicy, but provides a rich vinegar bite. I personally like to pair the sandwich with their fresh cucumbers that are lightly salted and has a crispy snap to them. For $19 this famous pastrami sandwich truly deserves it's place in NY. This has got to be the best sandwich of all of NY in terms of originality, quality, simplicity, and taste. Because of the high demand for these, its right to have the price set at this much. 

After years of waiting and wondering, I've finally got my hands on these. This isn't just your typical must-have eateries. No, this is a bucket list mark-off, a sandwich to have before you die, a wonder to the food list. Katz's Deli is a one of a kind pastrami joint that will change your mind from purchasing another pastrami sandwich out there. 

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Katz's Deli, Lower East Side , NY

Ladurée

Ladurée, Manhattan, NY

Here it is. Finally. The moment I've been waiting for. For years I've been dreaming and wondering what this macaron heaven was like. This place embedded on my mind for years.

I've been on this macaron trail for about 6.5 years and only have been crawling through the Bay Area and LA for some good macaron. Theres a lot that is pretty good but this..this is the one.

Ladurée has only a few location in the U.S. and they're both in New York. I'm thankful I got to witness and finally get my hands on them.

First off, the store itself is like a jewelry store. A high end one. The setup was like something straight from Paris. There was a beautiful Italian-French style statue in the corner of the store, plush cafe style seating, and marble walls & floors. After examining the store, I finally dove in.

There are large selections of macarons which can either be bought individually for about $5 each or in a fancy box which price varies. I ended up buying the "cheapest" box of six which cost me exactly $25. I just had to do it! Here's what I purchased: Pistachio, Chocolate, Vanilla, Raspberry, Caramel, and Rose Petal. Each one tastes amazing. Each bite has this smooth-moist snap to it with the filling freshly tucked in. The flavors are all there period.

Not only were the macarons amazing on all aspects but the atmosphere of just being inside Ladurée was spectacular and breath taking. There can't be any other way of having a macaron but having it here.

Thank you Louis Ernest Ladurée.

Photo by: Allister de Vera
Ladurée, Manhattan, NY

Willard Hicks

Willard Hicks, Campbell, CA

WH Iron Skillet Poblano Cornbread

Cesar Salad

Maple Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet & Sticky Chipotle Ribs

Loaded Baked Potato

NY Steak

Located in the heart of downtown Campbell, WH is a true gem to this dining block. Let's not mistaken this place for a high end steak house because it's not. Instead this is a modernized Texas-style steak house with a fancy atmosphere, laid back customer service, and high end quality food.

The menu consists of many items to choose from but I do recommend their grill section which contains their premium steaks and finger-licking ribs. I suggest ordering their 14 oz. NY strip which is thick and heavy to handle. This steak will leave you satisfied. There's multiple steak sauces to choose from but I recommend their WH spicy steak sauce because it's almost like a sweeter A1 sauce with more flavorful bite. Their loaded baked potato is also great to pair with because it comes with all the stuffings and served in a grill plate. If you're feeling something more exotic, I recommend having their wasabi mashed potatoes for a more flavorful experience or their maple sweet potatoes to balance out the saltiness.

WH serves a delightful cocktail menu that is based at only $11! There's plenty to choose from and if you're wanting to pair wine instead, they have a nice section for that too. I recommend their Mandarin tea: Ketel oranje, fresh squeezed OJ, fresh lemon juice, and iced tea. This pairs well with whatever you get because it's light and still provides a buzz. A few more of these and you'll retire for the night.

I just love WH and how well this restaurant is put together. This is truly one of those unique atmospheres that provides that sophisticated crowd along with a casual group. The food is served fresh, neatly plated, and packs incredible flavors. The customer service here is also on point; they are on top of their service with orders, refills, positive attitude, and professional care. WH is one of those places everyone needs to dine at. Simply that.

A special thank you to my bro in law Nate & my sister Kristine. You guys definitely showed me a restaurant where balance is key. Sophistication meets casual dining. Where food is cooked with care and where meat is fallen off the bones. Top to bottom, WH is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to and it's in my backyard. Thanks family!

Thanks Nate, Kris, and of course WH

Photo by: Allister de Vera
Willard Hicks, Campbell, CA

Usuluteco Restaurant

Usulutecto Restaurant, Wichita, KS

Original Papusas

A family ran restaurant with original recipes handed down from generation to generation. Usuluteco is a gem located in Wichita. It represents hardship and traditional Latin America dishes at it's best. The story of a family coming from Pasadena, CA and making their way to Kansas is a unique one. This family owned restaurant is making a huge name for themselves and holds one of the best restaurants in Wichita. 

German, the son of the owner, displays great customer service. He's in charge of taking down orders, serving, and ringing up the payments. He and I got to talk up a storm relating about both the West coast & Midwest. It's interesting how things work with people as far as their living situation and something so great can come about it! I love it.. anyway back to the food lol

First things first, their golden papusas. What a treasure these are! I haven't seen a price for them so low!! I mean come on for $1.95? as compared to our $3-5 ones?? this is night and day.

Papusas here in Usuluteco are made fresh from scratch so the wait is about 15 mins. You get what you definitely pay for and the taste is authentic. The masa corn tortilla is thick with a moist texture but still maintains it's grilled sides from the griddle. It's sides still have the crispy ends to complement the texture. The pork is cooked thoroughly to refried bean consistency. The chicharrón also maintains it's fresh crisp from the fry to have some snap in each bite. The cheese is melted all the way through and blends so perfect within the meat. The papusas are perfect! As a matter of fact, they were so good, I had to order five! They are addicting and will have you coming back for more. 

This is what a family owned restaurant should be all about. Team work and excellent quality are the keys to a successful business like this Usu is almost like a El Salvadorian diner to me with the style of one and the family-friendly atmosphere that comes with it. Each member of the family is doing their part by taking orders, serving, directing & entertaining, cleaning & cooking, etc. This is why Usu deserves so much credit for what and how they've been able to do here. 

So the next time you make a trip out to Wichita make sure you have a papusa from Usulutecto. Aside from the famous BBQ, these papusas are also a must-have! 

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Usuluteco Restaruant, Wichita, KS