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

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.