Sushirrito

Sushirrito, Palo Alto, CA

Sumo Crunch

What an interesting concept?! who knew something like this would be an instant hit? I'll be honest, I didn't see this type of foodie-creation being invented.

I normally find myself having trouble deciding whether to eat sushi because of a couple factors: Price & Portion. Actually? now that I think of it, I don't even include sushi being part of my choices at all. I do love sushi but having to pay more than $12 for a roll of six is not cutting it for me. The only way I'll typically eat sushi is when I'm at a family gathering at a great Japanese/Asian buffet with quality sushi or when its a sushi house with "All-You-Can-Eat" because you're paying a fair price for handmade choices.

Sushirrito changed the game for people like me in many ways. They make about eight sushirritos which each contain a special meat, sauce, and veggie mix. Not to mention the burrito-like size and shape of the sushi roll. Everything is fresh and made at your order. The way the service is ran at Sushirrito is organized and quick. Now when I crave sushi, I can just pay $10-12 for the price of a burrito sized sushi roll that will not only get me full but will also end my sushi crave for a while. The most important thing I found was the taste of these sushirritos. I couldn't believe the authentic taste of them! it carried so much texture and maintained it's flavors. I could easily taste each topping as I chewed through.

I ordered their popular Sumo Crunch which has shrimp tempura, surimi crab, shaved cabbage, cucumber, avocado and red tempura flakes. The special sauce is their Sriracha aioli which coated most of the toppings inside. This Sushi roll has so much texture; the fresh crunchy bite from the veggies and the crispiness from the tempura. It tasted just like an authentic Japanese tempura shrimp sushi roll!! and the sauce provides a spicy bite and leaves a tiny bit of heat on the tip of the tongue. For only $10.50 the Sumo Crunch is well worth the deal.


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Sushirrito, Palo Alto, CA

Cici's Cafe

Cici's Cafe, Tarzana, CA

Tiramisu Pancake

Apple Crisp French Toast

Double Chocolate w/ bananas French Toast

It was Sunday morning and I wanted to eat a light breakfast/brunch that will last me throughout the day because it was my final stay and I had eaten so much already. My sister and her boyfriend suggested to go to this highly popular breakfast joint called Cici’s. I totally agreed since I’ve been hearing them talking about it and they couldn’t wait to take me. 

As we arrived, I noticed the restaurant wasn’t flashy whatsoever. I could've missed it while driving on Ventura; I wouldn't have even taken a glimpse at this spot. It was a simple restaurant joint that was covered with a brown curtain-type sheet saying Cici’s. It was inside this plaza/shopping center that was surrounded by an old vintage CD shop and abandoned looking Chinese restaurant. I noticed people forming a line outside so this gave me in indication that this place is no joke. Minutes passed and I started to notice more and more people come with their pajamas still worn and families from every ethnic background. I thought to myself, “This has got to be a great place”. 

Cici’s kind of reminded me of Berkeley, CA, a small intimate and family-friendly restaurant with dedicated customers. The place is spacious inside with lots of seating including some bar seating but the issue was the heavy crowd of people inside. There wasn’t much space between table to table which made it tight to fit through. This doesn't stop people from wanting more of their breakfast and trying the experience. 

The menu is filled with a list of unique-made pancakes, french toasts, omelets, bacon/sausage/ham, etc. The creations of each item has it’s own blend of flavors and mix of different ingredients. The prices ranged from $9-$16 to be satisfied. The portions are huge which matches the price as well as it’s taste. I could tell Cici’s is a top of the line restaurant in the breakfast/brunch category because this is all they serve; they dedicate their time and food towards breakfast only. This is also the only location so it is an in-demand spot to go to in the mornings. 

I ordered their special tiramisu pancakes which was a stack of three. The thickness of the pancakes and the rich batter from the pancakes made me full after halfway through. There were chocolate chips melted inside each pancake that created a swirl. I enjoyed the taste of Kahlua liquor which is used as an alternative for rum or espresso The Kahlua wasn't over used either so the pancakes still maintained it’s batter taste to represent the taste of lady fingers. My favorite was the creamy mascarpone that mixed with the whipped cream. It was thick, rich, and mixed with cocoa powder. As I sliced a layer of the pancakes for a bite, I watched the mascarpone cream soak through each pancake like a sponge. I got every flavor from the ingredients used from the tiramisu pancake. This item was based at $11 which isn't bad at all because the portion is huge and packed with lots of the toppings. 

Cici’s guarantees to make you full and wanting more! This is one of those restaurants that deserve the upmost respect for what they create and deliver to their customers. They are a family-friendly restaurant that welcomes all and make sure people feel at home. This is a breakfast spot people shouldn't miss out on!

…. I’m still deciding on which French Toast flavor to get next time lol

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Cici's Cafe, Tarzana, CA

Philippe The Original

Philippe The Original, Los Angeles, CA

Roast Beef Sandwich, Potato Salad, Coleslaw

I remember watching the Travel Channel four years ago and watching episodes on historic restaurants in the U.S. The next restaurant up was Philippe The Original which was established in the early 1900s. The story tells about Philippe himself when he accidentally dropped the sliced french roll in the pan of sauce. The policeman who ordered, just accepted the way the sandwich was and returned the next day with his friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. This had become the beginning of  the “French Dipped Sandwich”. 

Well after waiting for years, I finally got to come with my sister and enjoy the experience of their dipped sandwich. As I walked inside, I noticed the restored look of the place. It seemed as if nothing was changed one bit. The furniture remained the same, the counters, telephone booths, uniforms of the employees, and of course the food. It was like re-living the 20’s all over again!

I ordered the original roast beef “double-dip” sandwich with a special side of their famous potato salad. They automatically make the sandwich from scratch as you pay and then hand it on a tray. The lines move quick and the food is handed off quick & fresh. My sister and I carried our trays as if we were kids in a school cafeteria and making our way to the community table. We sat on these low bar seats which were nice and comfy. The meat from the roast beef was tender and juicy; there were trimmings of light fatty ends and juice dripping. The bread still had it’s crunchy texture with a light covering from the juice. I squeezed a light amount of Philippe’s Hot Mustard which contained a creamy horseradish with spicy brown mustard. This topping is a must on the sandwich and should be used lightly due to the hotness of the mustard. Finally, their potato salad had a creamy texture with a sour pickle bite. It makes a great pair with the beef sandwich because it balances out the saltiness from the sandwich with the sweet & sour taste from the potato salad. 

I am thankful for having the opportunity to eat at historic establishment. This place has so much history and soul. Having the experience of trying the famous French Dipped Sandwich is something everyone should have; not because of the history of it but because their sandwiches are great tasting. The quality is all there from the way the beef is cooked, the freshly dripped jus, to the perfectly toasted roll. This deli spot is a must try for all!

- Thank you Mr. Officer for showcasing your palate. You just made history out of it.

Taken by: Allister de Vera

Philippe The Original, Los Angeles, CA

Pressed Juicery

Pressed Juicery, San Jose, CA

Brazil Nut

Earlier today, I decided to drop a couple of my plans to head straight to Pressed Juicery in Santana Row. First off, I think this is one of the best locations to hold a juicery. The atmosphere filled with people shopping & eating, just makes this shop an ideal fit.

As I walked inside the shop, I noticed how simple yet elegant the way this shop was designed. Most of the shops that cater to juicing almost all look identical. Their unorganized shops with health facts scribbled on the walls, hipster-like vibes, placement of merchandise, etc. Most of these shops are cluttered and make it overwhelming for customers to decide on what they want.

What I found most unique about this place was the simplicity of the shop. The clean white walls, smooth wooden finish on the counters, a huge freezer containing varieties of juices that contain interesting ingredients. Their drinks all look appealing to the eye; the colorful bottles with it's simple logo on the bottle, clear description of it's ingredients inside, etc. They are served cold straight of the freezer with only a simple shake to the bottle before that first sip.

I had the Brazil Nut: Brazil nut, kale, romaine, sea salt, dates, spinach, and vanilla bean. Most of these ingredients can be tasted! The pastel green with the texture of cream just does it. I love the bits of pieces of Brazil nuts that can be felt on the tongue. This special juice is thick with almost the texture of melted vanilla ice cream. It's simply delicious. 

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Pressed Juicery, San Jose, CA

Brenda's French Soul Food

Brenda's, San Francisco, CA

Crawfish Beignets

BFC: Three fried chickens, Jalapeño jelly, biscuit, collard greens

Beignet Flight: Apple, Ghirardelli, Plain

Away from the busy atmosphere, the fancy lifestyle, the walk up short hills through interesting shops, bumping into diverse crowds, etc. and BOOM! you've made it to Brenda's. This was my little adventure up to this restaurant and couldn't have done it any other way.

The first that came to me as I walked inside, was the scent of the spices from the Southern cooking. The entrees from the back kitchen give off a beautiful scent of peppers, fried chicken, and that sweet-buttery smell from the biscuits.

I had to start with Brenda's famous crawfish beignets. There was no doubt about this. The fluffy bread-like texture has this flaky texture with a sweet bite to it. The beignet itself was a fist-sized portion which was good enough for one person. The cheesy orange sauce with a blend of spice and broth has a rich & thick texture. The small pieces of meat from the crawfish is tender and has this crab-like texture. This appetizer creates a transition of tastes as you move onto the next entree. I totally recommend this as a first-timer.

My next dish was The BFC. Brenda's take on fried chicken is unique. She has a recipe for it that just draws attention to the community. The first thing I noticed was the crispy outer skin with it's dark mahagony color. The skin is glazed with a sweet marinade and topped with bits of parsley. The white meat is moist and cooked to perfection. Each bite is soft and easy to chew. I prefer pouring some Crystal hot sauce over the chicken enhance the spices and get that heat in. The white meat makes a great pair with the jalapeno jelly as well, but I wouldn't dip the skin only because it's already sweet by the glaze.

The collard greens ha a generous amount of greens and slices of tender pork meat and enough broth to dip the biscuit in. The biscuit is a hit! butttery, fluffy, flaky, lightly sweet, with a size of a toddler's fist. This is the best biscuit I've ever had. This recipe is a keeper for sure.

Finally, I had the Beignet Flight: Apple, Chocolate, and Plain. All three have a generous fist size shape with a nice amount of powdered sugar. The dough/batter isnt as sweet as I thought it'd be? I liked their sweet beignets but I wish they were more sweet and served with a variety of dipping sauces rather than keeping them plain. 

Brenda's is a gem and a French staple in SF/Bay Area. Their creations and take on Cajun food is on another level. The ingredients are pronounced which make their food that much better. The textures of the food are easily felt once in the mouth. This a great take on modernized French-Cajun style dishes. This has officially made it to my Bay Area staple restaurants list!

*Tip- I recommend using the butter and Crystal that is on the table. These are to enhance your taste buds! Also, order the flight rather than individuals! 

Photo by: Allister de Vera
Brenda' French Soul Food, San Francisco, CA

620 Jones

Jones, San Francisco, CA

Sazerac

Here at 620-Jones, the experience of having a cocktail and lounging is on a whole different level. The structural layout of the bar/restaurant is a unique one. The outdoor patio is designed to bring people together and mingle around at an intimate level. 

Once you enter through the tall gated entrance, the feeling of being in the middle of a crowded street, surrounded by tall buildings, light fixtures all around, all gives a city rooftop NY/SF vibe. This has got to be one of and if not, the best rooftop lounge in SF/Bay Area. 

There is a fully stocked bar with highly experienced bartenders that specialize in classic to modernized cocktails. My experience of having a Sazerac was a good one for my first time. My bartender measured the proper amounts of bourbon, mixed the exact ingredients, gently shook it with light ice, lightly burned the fresh peel of the orange, and wiped the edge of the glass with a finishing touch. Having my cocktail as I walked around the patio or even sat by the edge of the roof, gave me a breath taking experience. It made me appreciate SF even more than I already do. 

To finish things off, my friend Wes and I lounged inside the dining area. Lights were dim, walls had a dark mahogany to red look, music was on point playing classic indy to light lounge tunes, the conversations between people were close and loud enough to hear, and more. Even the water that is served at your table comes in a used bourbon glass bottle (I think this is a great idea). We had a great time sipping our cocktails and eating small bites of their Jones-style pizza. The pizza was served with fresh cheese that has a melted texture, the light tomato sauce has a nice fresh-sour taste to the tongue, and the crust was soft but with a rustic oven crunch. 

After waiting over a year for this place, my expectations were met. From the warm-comfortable feeling, three large fully-stocked and modernized bars, dark and intimate atmosphere, outdoor patio city scene with people laughing and enjoying their evenings, etc. This all reached a different level of Bay Area lounging. 

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Taken by: iPhone 6+

Jones, San Francisco, CA

The Lexington House

The Lexington House, Los Gatos, CA

The Old Fashioned

Complimentary Bread

Baby Potatoes, Salmon Roe, Slow Egg

First off, I'd like to thank my best friend Weston for recommending this place. I remember him telling me about the bar experience and how their drinks are perfectly made. I've been anticipating to go for a few months now and well, we both finally came together a couple days ago and my experience was tremendous. 

We originally came for cocktails to start our evening so we left-out the dinner. As I entered inside, there was a dim setting with limited seating and a fully-stalked bar. The interior design of the bar was something out from another country. I noticed a rustic type setting with an old-western finish. There were barrels on top pouring fresh whiskey, scotch and fine whiskeys on the second shelf, and most of your vodkas, gins, tequilas, etc. on the bottom shelf. I can easily tell this cocktail bar was legit due to the layout of fresh fruits, cinnamon & spices, bitters/mixes, special cocktail instruments, and more!

Jimmy and Stephen are the owners of the restaurant and lead bartenders of The Lexington. They provided me and my friend with great info about their style, the history of their friendship, and The Lexington House itself. They showcased their skills in mixing and provided excellent customer service. They created our cocktails based on our taste and also recommended certain whiskeys to create the perfect cocktail. Jimmy was slick and organized with his work. He kept everything clean and still performed a show for us without spilling a single drop.

I ordered The Old Fashioned which is a go-to of mine. My cocktail had the perfect balance of sweetness & smokey/bitter all at the same time. The fresh orange peel was ripened and gave off this bitter citrus flavor that complimented each sip. The way Jimmy made my drink reminded me of The Old Fashioned from Rob Roy up in Seattle. It brought me memories from my trip! This is so far the best O.F. Ive had in the Bay Area.

Of course me and my friend had to get an appetizer to compliment the cocktails. We had the dry farmed baby potatoes, slow egg soubise, and salmon roe. This appetizer was unique in every way. It literally looked like a painting or sculpture on a plate. The salmon roe pops in your mouth with fresh salt juice bursting out, the egg is cooked to where the yolk breaks to make the dish runny, the potatoes were moist and tender, the potato chips were crispy and gave some texture. This was one of the best appetizers I've ever had!

My experience at The Lexington House was a great one. The owners really know what they're doing here with their employees and their service. The menu presents real quality dishes with rare ingredients and ideas. The cocktails are served fresh and given time to be made in order to create the best taste for your palate. It makes sense to have drinks at the best and ONLY the best. If you're looking for quality cocktails made from real bartenders who put their passion on the line, then I suggest coming here to sip. This is where the standard starts.


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Taken by: iPhone 5s
The Lexington House, Los Gatos, CA