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

Harbor Fish & Chips

Harbor Fish & Chips, San Jose, CA

Fish N' Chips

Let me make it clear. Harbor is THE best Fish & Chips joint in the Bay Area. period. 

Located on the quiet edge of Bascom & Union Ave, this family owned shop serves only the freshest and most tastiest fish n chips around. The experience is a unique one. The food is prepared right when you order. The fish is dipped in their special batter and is hand rolled and fried as soon as the order is in. The crispy-golden shell of the batter gives a loud snap when taking that bite. The fish itself is full of meat and is thick all around. Forget the typical cod, Harbor's key to success is their special fish of choice (Unfortunately I cannot provide the secret).

I traveled to Seattle last year and ate some of their famous fish n chips but it clearly does not match Harbor's. The size of their fish is almost the size of my arm! their fries are crispy and golden as well so you can enjoy those at the same time. I suggest squeezing fresh lemon on the fish and dipping it with their creamy tartar and malt vinegar. Can't go wrong doing this.

Each family member & employee play their part which creates a 5-star atmosphere. I observed each member carefully and I'm truly impressed. Michael, a friendly member of the team, was wiping down tables, sauce bottles, and talking customers at the same time. He provides a strong bond with the local customers and regulars that come. I saw the owner of the shop and his brother working the fry station, their family members boxing and passing out the entrees, and his son Cody, which he was running the register. 

Harbor is the truth. The recipe never changed and the service is grade-A. This mom & pap shop deserves all the credit it deserves. I guarantee this place will have your moneys worth. Their signature choice of fish and batter is amazing and each fish/dish is cooked the same way and on time. The way things are done here is organized and strictly prepared the same way. This is why I love this place but most of all I can only eat their fish n chips! Cheers!

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Harbor Fish & Chips, San Jose, CA

Smitten

Smitten, San Francisco, CA

Blood Orange w/ Pistachio

Hands down to Robyn Fisher who created this San Francisco gem. One of the top ice cream shops in the Bay Area with unique flavors made using liquid nitrogen technique. 

The founder Robyn wanted to create a smoother texture by freezing ice cream at low temperatures while keeping a freshly packed product. The flavors come at 4-5 at a time/day which is great because they focus more on the flavors and taste without creating a disruption by making dozens of different flavors.

I ordered their blood orange w/ pistachio cookie bites and their homemade brown sugar caramel drizzled over the top for the price of $6.25. The process is something I've already seen before but Smitten serves unique and creative flavors with interesting toppings. Their friendly and exciting staff are full of joy and have a blast making one of the city's best ice cream destinations.

The ice cream was creamy and kept it's freezing content the whole time we were eating it. The flavors were all there! Smitten has become a local favorite to many and one of the most influential ice cream shops in the Bay Area with it's liquid nitrogen process. 

Photo by: Allister de Vera
Smitten, San Francisco, CA 

Miette

Miette, San Francisco, CA

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Miette has always been a charm to my eye. This pastry shop has got to be one of the best if not the best out there. It's definitely SF's most charming pastry shop. Everything is organized and kept clean. It's like an old fashioned candy shop with a modern twist of soft pastel colors. 

Miette is also like a jewelry shop with finely made pastries in the glass shelves. There are fresh chocolate bars and treats neatly placed in tables. There are recipe books and other things that are used in the kitchen or home. Its like an Anthropology apparel shop but instead a pastry one. Everything is pretty much unique and prices are decent. People can tell how much effort and detail come with these pastries just by the look of them. 

One thing they're known for is their famous ice cream sandwiches. The delicate packaging and flower-like sandwich is fresh and tasty. They come in a couple flavors which are sure to keep you hooked for more. For $5 these ice cream sandwiches are Miette's top must-try item. 

So when in San Fran, make sure to make a stop at Miette and enjoy what it has to offer. This is a great spot to come after lunches or early dinners to fulfill that sweet tooth. And lastly, I recommend trying the pastries that aren't common in pastry shops; the unique combinations, the imported ingredients, the popular must-haves, etc. 

Have fun!!


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Miette, San Francisco, CA

Sam's Chowder House

Sam's Chowder House, Palo Alto, CA.

Fish N' Chips and Calamari

Sam's Lobster Roll

After waiting 2.5 years to dine inside Sam's, I finally had the opportunity today. Its so nice and convenient to have their highly popular restaurant placed in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. 

After work today, my friend and I came for an early dinner. The place itself is spacious with lots of seating. The tables are neatly arranged with crystal clear wine glasses, tightly folded napkins, silverware strictly coordinated, etc. The team does a great job maintaining the cleanliness of the restaurant. I can see each individual taking part in their roles. As I walked around the restaurant, I can smell the fresh scent of shellfish and the aroma from the chowders from the kitchen. It was as if I was walking through a pier in San Francisco!

I already knew what I wanted to order and that was Sam's famous lobster roll with a side of homemade thinly sliced potato chips and creamy coleslaw with a nice cajun kick. The buttered brioche roll was thin with a nice moistened inside and a light crunchy texture. The amount of lobster was more than generous for its handful size. The lobster meat was finger sized with a juicy & tender texture. The lobster meat is marinated or dipped in melted butter which is infused inside the meat. The meat is juicy period!! straight worth it! Sam's special lobster roll is truly special. This has got to be the most authentic lobster roll in the SF/Bay Area region. It doesn't get better than this.

* Sam's Lobster Roll - Selected Top Five "Best Sandwiches in America" by NBC's The Today Show

Photo by: Allister de Vera
Sam's Chowder House, Palo Alto, CA.

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Joe's KC BBQ, Kansas City, MO

The Famous Z-Man Sandwich

Burnt Ends Sandwich w/ Dirty Rice

My last stop of my bbq adventure here in KC. There was no better way to end it. I've heard so many great things about this BBQ joint. It's beloved and truly a gem to the city. 

Joe's is located in a neighborhood type area. It's actually a gas station as well which is unique! This looks like a restaurant attached/part of the gas station which is unique. It doesn't look appetizing from the outside and can be missed while driving if it's not spotted accurately. 

As me and my gf walked inside, I noticed the loud crowd of people eating and the smell of hickory smoke in the air. There are plaques and framed articles written about Joe's Kansas City BBQ. It's highly appraised and taken serious within the bbq culture. 

The lines started to curl short so it was our turn next to order. I had to get their world famous Z-man sandwich which is a toasted kaiser roll stuffed with tender slow cooked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, and two crispy fried onion rings. 

As I laid my hands on the sandwich and carefully took my first bite into it, I started to notice the textures from a crispy, gooey, tenderness bite. All in one. I had to squeeze their famous Joe's bbq sauce all over my sandwich to give it extra flavor and just soak in that Kansas City love. Joe's bbq classic bbq sauce ended up being my favorite out of all the bbq joints. 

Let me explain. Joe's bbq sauce has all the components of being what my taste of bbq sauce is suppose to taste like. It was smoky with a bold sweetness to it. The vinegars and brown sugars all played a perfect part. Theres just something about this sauce that sticks out from the rest. It's thick, buttery texture, smokey & sweet taste, just creates this magical blend. It's no wonder why many acclaimed this place to be the top location for BBQ heads. 

My experience at Joe's was great. The busy crowd inside this congested space with lines out the door, and food being called out just made things original. This is a place you have to take serious. You must come prepared and ready to eat what Kansas City has to offer. I personally think Joe's serves more of a modernized creation with their items. Sure you get the classic meats and traditional experience but their items have a better twist. They add little ingredients and toppings into their food that it becomes a fusion almost. For example: onion rings and provolone on beef brisket, pulled pork with sausage on a bun, smoked turkey with slaw, etc. These items aren't found in your typical bbq joint. Thats what makes Joe's stick out from the rest of them. 

* I am from the SF/Bay Area region in CA, and I have to say that Joe's takes the winner of bbq sauce and tasty creations. I definitely recommend tourists like me to come here and try their bbq. This and Arthur B's is a must try on the list of bbq joints. Top two to be exact!

Photo by: Allister de Vera
Joe's KC BBQ, Kansas City, MO