Archive for April, 2008
Communist tipping:Cause of bad service
It’s rare that I rant and grunt about restaurants, this is one of those days. Constantly advocating that successful restaurant offer a complete dining experience, few owners have opened their eyes. As a result, a high percentage of restaurants go belly up. Complete experience means (great food) + (service) + (ambiance) On Monday, I dined [...]
Palencia:Filipino food in Castro San Francisco
(photos: Palencia owner,fresh lumpia,noodle,fried banana,guinataang) (video: YouTube with Bourdain eating duck Balut) Growing up in the San Francisco, a handful of my friends were Filipino. My virgin encounter tasting Filipino food was at Jason’s house. Roasted suckling pig created a double delight. Tender pork meat dipped in a tangy and full bodied Mamasita sauce. The [...]
Sea Urchin:Japanese for Viagra
(photos: fresh sea urchin from dive, sea urchin 1/2 shell, see urchin roll, video:Ironchef sea urchin battle) “Give me a damm chance, I muttered to myself!” During my college days, this phrase frequently transmitted through my brain waves. Not like the hunk I am today, during college I remember the desperate times. During my statistic [...]
Pinkberry:Just like Hollywood informercials
Read this blog for a preface about Pinkberry. If you have seen me recently, I am getting fat. Swimming at YMCA yesterday, I can see my beer belly protruding. Looking like I swallowed a football, I recently contemplated about get an ab belt. Watching late night television, I have seen a few ab belts. “Put [...]
Grace Bakery:Lady w/ character
After a grease feast at Jack in the Box, I quickly needed to tango with Californian gourmet. A few years ago, I traveled to Paris to play an anxious student. With open ears and mouth, I learned more about why the French cuisine reign amongst the culinary kings. Referred to as the “sandwich king,” my [...]
Jack in the Box: Franchise if you got Bling
(Photos: fried taco, bacon cheeseburger Jr.,stoner video:YouTube) A few years ago, I was stuck in the cubicle working for California Culinary Academy on Polk St. My life sucked. As an admissions rep, I had to call up high school students and try to get them to apply to our school. My management sucked. Whenever I [...]
Cravery: English Pies in SF
(source: video-Youtube.com) This week, I attended Web 2.0 Expo aka Nerd Fest. Yes, I had Nerd Orgasm. Don’t get me wrong, I love nerds. They out scored me in my SATs during high school and act as the pillar of innovation. During middle school, flocks of nerds chased after me. They hunted me down for [...]
Lime Tree: Cheap meal in Sunset San Francisco
60% off Gift Certificates at Restaurant.com. $25.00 Gift Certificates for $4.00 with code FLAVOR. (Ends Today Thursday 4/24/2008) (L-R:roti,corn fritter,beef rendang,Chef Ming,curry noodle) It’s 2am and I am craving Ming’s curry noodle. It’s true though, it is often said that quality food cannot be found at neighborhood prices. Lime Tree, where customers can expect exciting [...]
Bodega Bistro: Hidden Vietnamese Paradise
Now thru April 24th, 60% off Dinner of the Month Club purchase at Restaurant.com. Use code FLAVOR! When I worked for California Culinary Academy recruiting future student chefs, I mastered my way through the authentic eateries in the seedy Tenderloin district. Returning to Bodega Bistro last week, I found the food delicious and service attentive. [...]
Bistro LeZinc: French food in Noe Valley
Parisians are known to be snobby about art,fashion, and especially their food. Two year ago, I traveled to Paris and immersed myself into grand dior of life. To celebrate my birthday this year, I dined at a French bistro in Noe valley. Food. With dark mahogany walls and tables, created an elegant atmosphere. Bypassing their [...]
Nobu: Neo Sushi meets Hollywood Los Angeles
Recently, Justin sought my few cents on Sushi Bistro located on Balboa in San Francisco. On a leafy street in the Richmond district, Sushi Bistro serves Neo Sushi. A form of Japanese cuisine mixed with a modern twist. The hamachi (yellowtail) nigiri is buttery in text and melts in your mouth. Try the African Spider [...]
Berkeley Eats: From Rags to Riches
Yesterday, I took a trip down memory lane. Returned to a place where I once called home, Berkeley. Known for their nude street dancers and countless protests, many over look their culinary delights. Whether you’re a starving student (rags) or just closed a bling bling contract (riches), there is a great range of food. During [...]
Sushi Lust: Top Sushi Places Ninjas Would Eat
{Photos: Daiwa sushi-Japan, Kabuto, Koo-assorted sushi, Koo-Spoonful of Happiness} “I was once blind, but now I can see.” This quote truly reflects my taste in sushi. Three years ago, I backpacked in Tokyo. I truly tasted the best sushi ever located next to the famous fish market. Good sushi is all about three main things: [...]
Kentucky Fried Chicken: Franchise One for $1.5 Million
(Source: YouTube – featuring Kimberly Joseph: Cindy on Lost) David Novak should thank me. Yesterday, I ordered KFC promotional special (9 dark pieces-$8.95). This added to his bottom line. As the CEO of Yum Brands, a recently Forbes article reported that he received $10.6 million in 2007. (Forbes – Full Article) Yum Brands include Quick [...]
Palace Korean BBQ Buffet in Sunnyvale
Starting up a conversation with someone you’re attracted to from the opposite sex is easy, just talk food experiences. Acting as a common denominator, food topics are intriguing and create conversation often leading to further discussion. A great setting to create conversation and community eating are dining at buffets. (note: In college, my food knowledge [...]
San Tung: Dry Fried Chicken King in Sunset San Francisco
Almost every night, you will find San Tung crowded inside and out. The patrons can be found anxiously waiting for the next open table. San Tung has been serving their famous dried fried chicken to local diners as well as out of town diners for almost a decade at their inner Sunset location. Despite the [...]
Chipotle:Eat What You Own
Campusfork blog combines (tasting food) + (food business). Many investors over look the money that can be made on a food related stock. Imagine that. “Eat What You Own.” Chipotle Mexican Grill is a great example. Each time you spend $7 bucks on their burrito, you’re adding to their revenue. Food. Chipotle targets a specific [...]
La Loteria:Farmer’s Market Gem
After a day venturing to Disneyland and Universal Studios, I was turn off by fancy theme signs and artificial characters. Sighting a breath of fresh air, I journey to the Farmer’s Market at the Grove. Walking through the different mom ‘n pops kiosks, my mouth watered. The French crepes, fish tacos, Brazillean BBQ, and countless [...]
Ding Tai Fung:Shao Lung Bao Dumplings
Ding Tai Fung, the name is tossed around countless times amongst the dumpling Gods. Unlike most dumpling houses, Ding Tai Fung makes a statement that Chinese dumpling house can feature mahogany floors, exceptional service, and interior design fit for the grand. Anxiously waiting for my seat, I reminisce about my past sha lung bao experiences. [...]
Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles: Los Angeles
Like a food snob guru skipping down the street, I was right. In last few posts, I have been taking readers along my journey through L.A. taste tour. Consistently, I have said that restaurants that produce EXPERIENCE will lead to success. Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles has buzz from being in Hollywood films to serving famous [...]
Piccomolo Pasadena:Sexy Italian Ice Cream
Walking along Old Town Pasadena, we craved a sweet treat after my taste buds has been going through a series of savory delights. With its bright tangerine logo, we stumbled into the Italian Ice Cream shop. Food. Italian ice cream, aka gelato is made form milk and sugar. Famous for its light texture, it contrast [...]
Santouka: Ramen Orgasm in Los Angeles
Ramen background. Backpacking in Tokyo a few years ago, changed my life. No, I was not attacked by Ninjas or lured by Japanese girls in Nurse outfits. I learned how to adopt food as a passionate art form. Otaku, a Japanese term meaning “being obsessed with a certain interest”, applies to ramen. Outside of food, [...]
Yung Ho: Master of Soy Bean Milk Los Angeles
Growing up in a food snob family, my dad (successful restaurateur) preached that Chinese food is the top cuisine. I respected his view, after all he has hosted several food festivals and has served Prince Charles. He explained that Chinese food has a large range and each region spotlights different dishes. To truly taste authentic [...]
1000 Hits: Clap-Clap
Actors perform for the applause. Writers type for the number of hits. According to our web programmer, Nick L, we have reached over 1000 hits. Btw, Nick L has been a great contributor to our grassroots site. His favorite dish, Portuguese rice. So I clap and do a robo dance, saluting all the readers. Our [...]
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{ Rayfil Wong | self development :: linbowing }
- New Sensation. Linbowing, not Tebowing.Jeremy Lin has been on fire. I noticed the other night Jeremy Lin bowing to Carmelo Anthony as a sign of celebration. Could this be a new sensation? No more Tebowing, Linbowing time. You heard it first here at rayfil.com, I am coining the term “Linbowing” A few years ago, I saw Jeremy Lin play […]
- Humans are Awesome, Training RequiredLimits are truly self imposed. Practice married with dedication and focus = amazing […]
