Ramen Seas

Ramen Seas, Sunnyvale, CA

#1, Clam Ramen

This little Ramen house is located in the heart of Sunnyvale, CA. This mom & pop shop is a great spot to enjoy authentic Ramen. They take their time putting together a wonderful blend of seafood, vegetables, ramen noodles, and their base soup all in a bowl. Their Tonkotsu broth isn't too salty here, so the taste of its natural blend sticks out. I ordered the #1 which is their famous clam ramen. My sister purchased the #2 seafood ramen which contains clams and shrimp. I suggest ordering more ramen noodles inside your soup. The portions are decent here too but I do suggest getting the size large. The clams are freshly picked and tossed with the ramen noodles that are bundled inside. Their ramen noodles are cooked to perfection which isn't stiff but is moist and has a pasta al dente type texture. Bottom line, this Ramen house is perfect and the cooks take their time putting together the ramen dish. This new Ramen house is soon to blow up and be well known around the community. Great and clean ramen house! The ramen here is on top of it all.

Photo by: Allister de Vera
Ramen Seas, Sunnyvale, CA.

Kono Grill

Kono Grill, Hayward, CA

Korean Style Burrito

Korean Style Tacos

Spam Musubi

This Korean/Hawaiian 'hole-in-the-wall' type taqueria is one of a kind. Right on the border of Hayward and Union City, this spot draws attention to new foodies like me. I've personally haven't seen a Korean joint like this before. It resembles a taqueria in every way, even selling their popular Korean style burritos with an orange sauce! I ordered the Burrito that contains: Kimchee fried rice, an egg, bbq pork, some veggies, etc. Just pour in the spicy orange sauce on top and wala! This ultimately beats MoGo for sure! Plus, this place is damn cheap! at just $12 you could get their famous Korean style tacos, this burrito, and a musubi! Great spot and I suggest everybody coming here! Also their workers are pure Koreans which is legit and they cook from scratch!!


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Kono Grill, Hayward, CA

A Taste Of Ethiopia

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine, San Jose, CA

Ethiopian Coffee

Meat Combo

Injera

Craving for Ethiopian food? Come here to Walia's where the service is friendly, the restaurant is spotless, and the food is tremendous. The smell of the spices are in the air; sweet tamarind chili powder,  the aroma of freshly made curry, and the scent of lamb racks, accumulate the air. The experience with ripping off a piece of injera, creates an experience when scooping the lentil beans or meat with the bread. The texture of the injera is spongy with a sour taste to it. The Ethiopian coffee is sweet and chocolaty with a hint of nutty flavors to it. Having to stir the coffee with this herb plant,  gave the coffee citrus taste to it. Walia carries a team full of kind employees and maintains a great experience for new comers like me.

Top of It All

Top of The Mark, San Francisco, CA

Ahi Tuna Melt

Smoked Duck Pastrami

Chandon Rosé

Cab Red Wine

Top of The Mark is the definition of class and luxury. From walking in, dining, to walking out; makes you feel accomplished. It's the feeling of visiting a wonder of the world. The service is efficient and swift on their feet. The food is excellent and the taste is even better! Their ahi tuna melt is fresh and crisp and the honey pastrami dutch crunch sandwich is right on the money. After eating, head to the full service bar and grab a martini or champagne to clean the palate. While drinking down, look at the astonishing views of San Francisco; there's nothing like it. You know you're at the top when only heavens right above it! 

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Top of The Mark, San Francisco, CA

Afternoon Delight

Tea Time, Palo Alto, CA.

Masala Cocoa Chai

They say the influence truly came from the British empire. Yes, this is tea time also known as low tea in which it is traditionally held between 4-6 pm. In this case, most people break the law and attend early noon. With the freshly baked scones and spreads, the tiny cake bites, and well...the milk and sugar. The perfect thing about modern tea time is that you can just have it your way. This is what Tea Time in Palo Alto CA. allows you to do. Now it could be a bit uncomfortable knowing that you're not doing it right BUT hey, why not just enjoy the tea rather than spending money on the tiers. Your tea will be poured in by an employee and is neatly served with a Biscoff cookie. You'll be within an old-fashioned vintage type atmosphere, Mozart-like music in the background, and the feeling of being inside a modern victorian home. It's a great way to enjoy a conversation with a friend or family member here at the tea house. Students also come for the calm environment and do work. If you want to experience a whole different scene and sip on some imported tea, come to Tea Time!

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Tea Time, Palo Alto, CA.

CREAM NATION

CREAM, Palo Alto, CA.

White Chocolate Macadamia cookie w/ Butter Pecan ice cream

CREAM has finally arrived in downtown Palo Alto and already has become an opening sensation. This location is much more organized and clean compared to the original spot in Berkeley. There seems to be more flavors of cookies and ice cream at this location too. I enjoy the friendly service here a lot! With this type of business, you need a group that can work as a team and get through the task. The ice cream is rich and perfectly made while the cookies are warm and made to the right consistency. The ice cream has a fluffy texture to it with it's true color presented all around. The cookies are pretty moist but stiff to the right texture where it holds the ice cream together. The idea of choosing a cookie and ice cream to have has your ice cream sandwich is a great one! For $2.50 you can get your self one! If you want to switch it up, you could also get a brownie or taco shell fill up with ice cream too. Everything here is freshly made. Get ready because the lines can build up quick so prepare yourself! 

Photo by: Allister de Vera

CREAM, Palo Alto, CA.

East Bay Spice Company

East Bay Spice Company, Berkeley, CA.

Honey Saison IPA

The Royal Charter

New discovery has been made here in Berkeley, CA. Once again, another bar opened up right across from the UC Berkeley campus. This gem has a space inside but can accommodate a larger group upstairs. This bar is a great spot for social hours and gatherings. The bittered slings here are the star of the show. They have about 6 different cocktails that integrate different ingredients. Their cocktails are a one of a kind. From coconut chai syrups, bourbons from different regions, to even sugar cane juice! It’s all in the mix here and the bartenders don’t play. Come grab a seat at the bar or at the high tables before 5pm hits. It can get a bit crowded here so make sure you reserve your seat. Also, start off with their Indian a la carte menu and top it off with a beer from the local area! I recommend the Honey Saison straight out of San jose, CA. Great IPA with a honey finish. This bar is my favorite so far and I still need to catch up and order all of their slingers! 

Photo by: Allister de Vera
East Bay Spice Company, Berkeley, CA.
Taken by: iPhone 5