Brite Spot

Brite Spot, Los Angeles, CA

Belgium Waffle: Pecans, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream

Plain Belgium Waffle

Brite Spot is a diner that has an upscale feel to it. The diner is busy with late-night crowds coming in for food to cure their hangovers. As I sat on the bar, I noticed the different crowds coming too; different age groups and different style types.

The food is prepared fresh and right from the grill/kitchen and is served in bulk. I ordered the Belgium waffle with pecans, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. The size of the waffle is about the same size of the plate itself so that is great. The texture was caky; it has this moist and thick bite to it. Each bite is sweet and has the griddle crunch to it. The batter is thick and rich so it may take a while to put down a bite-size portion. What I find to be unique is the melted butter inside a tin cup on the side. It's a must to pour this over the ice cream and waffle along with drizzled maple syrup all over. Here you have a fully-stacked dessert that'll wake you up and fulfill your late-night sweet cravings!



Photo by: Allister de Vera
Brite Spot, Los Angeles, CA

Bäco Mercat

bäco mercat, Los Angeles, CA

"the toron" bäco

The term “bäco” is derived from the signature flatbread sandwich that was created by chef Josef Centeno. This invention later became a staple for poultry, pork, and seafood sandwiches. 

As I walked inside the restaurant, I automatically get this busy LA nightlife vibe. People are having a great time talking and eating. The bar from the front entrance is packed full of young adults taking on unique cocktails, servers are busy walking around the floor, and the lighting of this place fits the mood. I noticed the modern rustic Tuscan furniture that were set up for eating which gives off this LA loft look.

I ordered “the toron” which is this fluffy breaded chalupa-shaped sandwich that contained oxtail hash, cheddar tater, and horseradish-yogurt. The portion was just right! it took two hands to grasp it. As you pick up the bäco, the juices from the meat and yogurt mixed and dripped off to the tip of the sandwich. The aroma was fresh and had this roast-pork scent to it with a hint of sweet pepper. Each bite was smooth due to the moist and creamy-like texture. The flavors are all there for sure! 

I definitely recommend coming here with a group of friends for a nice dinner and ordering their cocktails along with their famous bäco. The menu has variety so theres lots to choose from with a description of what’s in it. I also suggest asking the waiter/waitress what the special is. 



Photo by: Allister de Vera
Bäco Mercat, Los Angeles, CA

Scoop Microcreamery

Scoop Microcreamery, Palo Alto, CA.

Biscoff, Turkish Coffee, and Bourbon Vanilla Caramel 

Right in the heart of downtown Palo Alto is an ice cream shop that is one of it's own category in the game. Scoop is a mom & pop shop that opened about 4.5 months ago and is already making noise in the downtown region. The unique idea of using liquid Nitrogen to make their ice cream is a one-of-a-kind experience. The texture is much different than your typical grocery store or local chain ice cream shop (ex. Baskin Robbins). It's much more creamier, richer with a dense weight. This is the key to their secret! and guess what??? It works! I haven't seen or tasted anything like this.

Another unique part of this shop are the flavors of the ice cream. They serve creations such as: Biscoff cookie, Bourbon vanilla caramel, Turkish Coffee, Cardamon, and more! Their toppings are great too and not like the usual boring type stuff at Cold Stone. A couple toppings include Biscoff crumbles and Caramelized cocoa nibs. Oh they also make their own waffle cones inside the shop! Most of everything is made directly within the shop. Scoop sells its own homemade sauce for ice cream at home.

My experience was truly amazing. I am so happy the downtown area now has a dessert spot for everybody. Its not just a typical ice cream shop; like mentioned above, it is a category of it's own. Please come and visit the shop and enjoy all the wonderful and unique creations they have to offer. The Bourbon Vanilla Caramel is the most popular flavor as of right now*

Please go visit Sara and Vanessa too! They are amazing and outgoing employees that will give you a sample of whatever your want to try and they have great knowledge of the way their ice cream is made. Also, let them know Allister sent you! I am honestly trying to push more customers to visit Scoop and have real good ice cream like never before. Satisfaction guaranteed!!


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Scoop Microcreamery, Palo Alto, CA,
Taken from: iPhone 5s

La Colombe

La Colombe, Philadelphia, PA

Philly, 1994, Todd Carmichael and Jean Philippe Iberti introduced what they called "Culinary Coffee" in New York and Philadelphia. Ever since then, their coffee brand has made it to the finest establishments within the two major cities. This coffee isn't being advertised as just a local brand name but more importantly serving the culinary kitchens within each home.

The first time I visited La Colombe I was impressed. The shop gives this friendly community vibe with aromas of rich espresso and chocolate scent drip. People are dressed in winter coats and their scarves having conversations and drinking coffee. This was a pleasant visit for sure.

I ordered their famous espresso which I didn't know exactly which blend but it was great all the way. From the scent, hints of chocolate, nuts, caramel, and orange give out. The arrival of the sip is smooth from start to finish. The smoky barrel taste is light and creamy so it gave me an idea of a medium roast blend. The after taste isn't so bitter either which is pleasant in the mouth. This espresso is The best I've ever had so far!

I also enjoy the coffee bottle machine inside the cafe along with other merchandise such as: Clothing, coffee bags, Coffee Caramel which is mixed into coffee, etc. The service was pretty decent too, nothing special. Overall, La Colombe is a great establishment that serves top of the line roasts. I missed the chance of trying their drips BUT I shall come back for more! I definitely recommend La Colombe coffee to the coffee heads like me. It really is something special.

Photo by: Allister de Vera

La Colombe Torrefaction, Philadelphia, PA 

House of Pho

House of Pho, Santa Clara, CA.

Bón bò Huê

Located on El Camino between Sunnyvale & Santa Clara, this Pho house serves authentic style Pho from the old country. Their broth is straight from the bones of the meat; not some cheap stock from the grocery store. The ingredients inside each dish is plenty. They serve lots of meat, veggies, the right amount of spices, etc. bottom line your money is well worth it here. The service is quick too! You sit down, they take your order, and boom! your entree is served within 10-15 mins. The menu contains lots of items too! Don't forget to start with their egg rolls which are crispy, their fried chicken, and of course the Pho! This restaurant is not only great tasting, it's also super cheap! max $9!

Photo by: Allister de Vera

House of Pho, Santa Clara, CA.

Réveille Coffee Co.

Réveille Coffee Co; San Francisco, CA

This small independent coffee co. deserves it's respect. The corner coffee shop right off Columbus ave. is an upscale drip house that serves Four Barrel Coffee and delicate espressos from different regions. You can't forget the pastries here also. They have a range of baked goods! The baristas here are well trained and professional at what they do. Once you order and finish the payment from their iPad, the barista is already finishing up your beverage and calling your name for pickup! I like this simple coffee shop because the menu isn't complicated. Everything print is clear of where the coffee came from and how it tastes. The baristas are helpful too so don't forget to ask your questions.

I ordered the Ethiopia drip which had a lemon zing to it with chocolate notes. My friend ordered the mocha which tasted very light and hints of caramel/vanilla. Next time you visit "Little Italy", make sure to pay a visit to Réveille and support the movement.

* Tip: Make sure to sit at the bar facing the pyramid building..Great view to sip while enjoying the beautiful architecture of the buildings.

Photo by: Allister de Vera
Réveille Coffee Co.; San Francisco, CA

Tartine Bakery

Tartine Bakery, San Francisco, CA.

Bread Pudding, Morning Bun, Hazelnut Tart

Egg & Ham Quiche

The drive to San Francisco for this bakery is worth every gallon of gas. I suggest arriving early in the morning because this shop can get packed...lines out the door! The smell of fresh bread and pastries float across the shop as well as outside. Every scent from this bakery makes you want to just purchase almost everything. I ordered their famous bread pudding which is unique. The pudding is moist with a nice honey texture and a hint of orange marmalade. The fresh berries on top still has it's crunch too. It's like a creamy-cinnamon oatmeal but thicker and with fresh tart fruits all over. Their egg & ham quiche has a great eggy moist texture to it. The flavors aren't too strong here, just the thick scrambled egg within sticks out for this item. My sister ordered the hazelnut tart which is very sweet and rich. I suggest just ordering this and nothing else accept some water IF you're planning on purchasing this item.

The atmosphere here is a one-of-a-kind. I enjoy the busy traffic inside and what I appreciate the most is how the pastry chefs make everything from scratch. The employees work hard here. They put in 100% into customer service and making the food. Tartine is a famous establishment that is here to stay in SF and I hope more people discover the true taste of what pastries are suppose to be.


Tartine Bakery, San Francisco, CA.
Photo by: Allister de Vera