tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9354100431951262012024-03-14T00:18:18.852+08:00Let's Talk Food and Etc.let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.comBlogger407125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-2612039968484409752019-01-17T02:52:00.001+08:002019-01-17T02:52:42.860+08:002018 Highlights and Recap<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have been following my blog for a while, you would notice I have been inactive for most of 2018. I see it as a good thing - it means I've got too many things to do - and if you also follow my IG, you would easily see why... 17 trips, 10 countries, countless cities in a mere 52 weeks!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15,000 feet @ Airlie Beach</td></tr>
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Even though a frequent update is no longer feasible, I still think it's good to do a highlight post every year and January is usually the best time for me since I am usually less busy :)<br />
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Tokyo, Japan (Feb 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Slam Dunk scene @ Kamakurakoko-mae</td></tr>
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A personal trip with my college friend. It's her first trip to Asia. After spending a week in my hometown, we went to Tokyo together. A number of our college friends are from Japan so we are very fortunate to be able to catch up with a few of them. I also get to visit Lake Kawaguchi, Enoshima/Kamakura, and spend time with my friend and her family in Moriya. <br />
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<em>Shanghai/Shenzhen/Beijing, China (March 2018)</em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Wall @ Beijing, China</td></tr>
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While Shanghai and Shenzhen were planned, Beijing was added the last minute. No complains as I got to take a few personal days and saw the Great Wall in spring where it is covered with beautiful flowers (and it was cool enough that I can actually enjoyed the walk.)<br />
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Melbourne/Brisbane, Australia (June 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Twelve Apostles @ The Great Ocean Road</td></tr>
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Finally not Sydney for work! I have always hear good things about Melbourne and I am so excited to be able to see for myself. Produce in Australia is amazing as usual. The Great Ocean Road day trip with Go West Tour is lovely. Brisbane is great to visit in the Australian winter. Very "Aussie" compared to Sydney and Melbourne. I personally think it's a great base city to explore Australia. I also recommend an overnight trip (if you can spare it) to Moreton Island when you are in Brisbane.</div>
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Whitsundays, Australia (June 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Inlet @ Whitsundays</td></tr>
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Every friend of mine who went to Australia for working holiday recommended me Whitsundays. Beautiful white sand beach, almost perfect weather, it's hard not to fall in love with this place. I also finally tried skydiving! It is truly liberating!<br />
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Tropical North Queensland: Cairns / Port Douglas / Cape Tribulations, Australia (June 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nemo @ the Outer Reef</td></tr>
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Didn't spend much time in Cairns but I rented a car and drove up to Port Douglas. It is a short and beautiful drive. Drove further up to Cape Tribulations and enjoyed the rainforest up there. Also went snorkeling in the outer reef. <br />
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DC, USA (July 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Thoreau @ DC</td></tr>
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DC is hands down one of my favorite cities in the states. This time, in addition to downtown and Georgetown, I also discovered the Meadowlark Gardens and the neighborhood of Lake Thoreau. Beautiful! <br />
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NYC, USA (July 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manhattan Henge @ NYC</td></tr>
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The best part of my NYC trip this year was hanging out with my college friend and her friend over the weekend. We ate a lot, walked a lot, and laughed a lot. We even got a Saturday night table at the coveted the 3 Michelin Stars restaurant - La Bernardine. I also get to hang out with my Aussie co-worker and we walked the Brooklyn Bridge and watched Manhattan Henge 2018 together. Last but not least, I also met up with my other US friends. Seems like my social life is more exciting when I am on the road these days...<br />
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Tibet, China (August 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tibet Autonomous Region</td></tr>
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Finally checked this off my to-do list. I still got a lot on my bucket list but at least this one is done. It was a long vacation - 19 days in total (including weekends) - with a stopover in Chengdu. Long story short, the tour guide I found from Facebook is a scam so not only I would not recommend it, I constantly thought about reporting him to the authorities and writing a full scale bad review on major travel forums. The next 3 paragraphs are rants so you can skip them if you are not interested.<br />
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He was extremely disorganized and irresponsible. He kept on telling us to buy plane ticket via Skyscanner but there are actually a lot of restrictions if you are not a Chinese national. (The price is not even the same if you don't have a PRC ID card.) He simply let us struggle on our own. He claimed to be sick with a cold when we arrive but he kept on drinking alcohol while on cold meds. He claimed he was so sick and left us with the drivers as soon as we are out of Lhasa (after he collected the money of course). How could you charge a tour price when you are not taking the responsibility of a tour guide? He even asked us to tip our drivers upon returning to Lhasa but didn't want to tell us how much? This is not my first time hiring a driver in China and I know this is not the usual practice. In addition, we only found out after we arrived but 2 out of the 3 drivers he used did not have proper license. I doubt he has an operating license as a travel agency. (i.e., he and his illegal drivers do not have proper insurance coverage!!!) Btw, this is totally illegal and I would not wish the same upon even my worst enemy. If I knew earlier, I would have arranged for my own driver or even join a local tour after I arrived in Lhasa. Why pay this middleman who did nothing? <br />
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To add insult to the injury, we did not go to some of the places he listed in his itinerary and when we asked our drivers, they told us the place the guide listed in the itinerary is inaccessible by car. We would have to rent a motorcycle and it would take us 2 hours one way to get there. The other place was shut down by the government for restoration since the year before. *rolleyes*<br />
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Since we went for the "Great Northwest" line, we also spent a lot of time in the car. The roads are bad so it was not pleasant. Our driver later told us our itinerary is too long. His other group generally spends around 12 days on the same tour. Anyhow, I am so pissed at this guy and even though I meant for this post to be short, I wasted 3 paragraphs bitching about him. Karma is a bitch, I hope he gets what he deserves.<br />
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If you plan to go to Tibet and you are not a Chinese national, make sure you join a reputable tour agency. If you are a Chinese national or you are from HK/Macau and wanted to hire a driver, make sure your driver has the proper license plate ("藏A L ####").<br />
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London, UK (September 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stonehenge @ UK</td></tr>
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It was really refreshing to go back to the civilized world after Tibet. The toilets... *pukes* September is a nice month to visit London. Since I was there for 3 weeks, I got the time to really explore. Discovered a lot of nice restaurants and neighborhoods. And also, I finally visited Stonehenge!<br />
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Scotland (October 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isle of Skye @ Scotland</td></tr>
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If Tibet was a disappointment, Scotland more than made up for it. Skye is magical. I would rather revisit Scotland before I would return to Tibet. There are many beautiful place on earth, why torture yourself?<br />
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Taipei, Taiwan (October 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wulai @ Taiwan</td></tr>
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A short trip for work but always happy to be back for the food and more importantly, my trusted hair colorist is there!<br />
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Seoul, Korea (November 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buseoksa Temple @ South Korea</td></tr>
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My love-hate relationship with Korea continues. I am just glad that work gets smoother every time. Very blessed I got to go this time at the peak of the fall season so I saw a lot of beautiful leaves.<br />
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Kyoto, Japan (November 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arashiyama @ Japan</td></tr>
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The plane tickets are very cheap since I bought mine early 2018. Again, I went at the peak of the fall season so I am blessed with colors. I have probably seen 5 years worth of fall this year but I am not complaining. I can live in Kyoto if they let me.<br />
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Krabi, Thailand (December 2018)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pra Nang Beach @ Thailand</td></tr>
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A last minute decision. Air Asia just opened a direct flight route from Macau to Krabi and the promotional price was something I cannot refuse. What a beautiful way to wrap up the year!<br />
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I have a feeling 2019 is going to be just exciting! If you are interesting in keeping up with my schedule, follow my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theauditgirladventures/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>! For more photos of my trips in 2018, go check out my <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/heMjaPAHsonoNWsN8" target="_blank">Google+ Album</a>!.let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-65590673851482107172019-01-07T14:06:00.001+08:002019-01-08T16:12:38.295+08:00Nyonya Kuih Lapis SaguWhen I was making this recipe, I keep thinking to myself, these people must have a ton of time in their hands... The recipe is not difficult at all, it just took a lot of patience and patience is not one of my virtues... so it may be a long while before I will make this recipe again. (To be honest, I didn't even want to make this to begin with but I had leftover fresh pandan extract.) Next time you complain kuih is expensive, try making your own.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 layers @.@</td></tr>
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The recipe I followed is as follows:</div>
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The kid's face at 2:00 is totally my face when I was making this dessert. Anyways, below are the ingredients you will need.</div>
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For <u>each</u> color layer you want to make:</div>
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Tapioca Starch 115g</div>
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Rice Flour 20g</div>
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Coconut Milk 200ml (you can use fresh or boxed)</div>
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2 stalks of fresh Pandan leaves </div>
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Sugar 120g (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><em>the recipe called for rock sugar but I used cane sugar/片糖 instead. My mom actually wanted to persuade me to use raw palm sugar / <span style="color: red;">gula Melaka *rolleyes*</span>. You can use other types of sugar, it will change the color and the flavor of your mixture slightly</em></span>)</div>
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Water 100ml</div>
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(Optional) Pandan extract and any other artificial/natural food coloring</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Shw2YmfdaPo/XDLdwxe4BvI/AAAAAAABato/Snctq0FQZ3EzzVRtqBAVsDCH56eJqnwNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2851.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Shw2YmfdaPo/XDLdwxe4BvI/AAAAAAABato/Snctq0FQZ3EzzVRtqBAVsDCH56eJqnwNQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2851.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original recipe only has 2 layers so the measurements above are for 2 layers total.</td></tr>
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1. Boil the water and the sugar. You can do this process for all your layers together. Divide your syrup based on the number of layers you want to make. This will be your color base.</div>
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2. Add the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Again, you will need one bowl for each layer you are making.</div>
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3. Whisk in the coconut milk.</div>
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4. Cut your pandan leaves into strips and mulch your pandan leaves with a blender/mortar. Add one part of the syrup and squeeze out the extract using a cheesecloth or a sieve. Add artificial pandan extract for an extra boost of color. If you are making other color layers, you should do the same with the other syrup in this step. (<em><span style="color: red;">I actually have the pandan extract as a leftover from my pandan chiffon cake so I used my fresh made extract instead of water in this recipe.</span></em>)</div>
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5. Add #4 into #3. Since I am only making two layers, you can see the bowl to your left is the bowl with the pandan. The bowl to your right is just the plain syrup. My syrup has this disgusting brown color because I used raw cane sugar. As you can also tell, I added a dollop of artificial pandan extract to achieve that bright green result.</div>
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6. Most recipes I found online recommended to run #5 through sieve to remove any lumps. Since my tapioca starch and rice flour are fresh, I didn't have a lumpy batter but I did what was recommended anyway.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DULoMAMJy2A/XDLbAvklkBI/AAAAAAABasI/pN4dQRXa9ekiyfyw4tRMVQUsyurVrPYzACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DULoMAMJy2A/XDLbAvklkBI/AAAAAAABasI/pN4dQRXa9ekiyfyw4tRMVQUsyurVrPYzACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7475.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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7. Prepare your steamer. I used a wok so I boiled ~1.5L water using an electronic kettle (to conserve gas) and added the hot water gradually to my wok during the steaming process. For each layer, you will need to steam 2-3 minutes (or until the batter changes color) before adding the next. If you want to be precise, use a ladle. Just remember to grease your pan. The batter mixture should be enough for approximately 5 layers in an 8-inch pan. Once the last layer is added, steam for a total of 15 minutes to ensure the entire cake is cooked through.</div>
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Alternatively, you could also use an electronic range to steam but I find the results from steaming in a wok better.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz0oxNXuNFA/XDLbElN1y7I/AAAAAAABasg/_S7Nj_-A598pYDlV1ypN0M5P4AbMbs8PwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz0oxNXuNFA/XDLbElN1y7I/AAAAAAABasg/_S7Nj_-A598pYDlV1ypN0M5P4AbMbs8PwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7493.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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8. If you greased your pan, the kuih will be very easy to remove. I like my kuih thicker when sliced so I cheated and cut the kuih in the middle and stack them together while it was still relatively hot. (It is actually quite difficult to cut clean edges with a knife when the kuih is still hot. Much easier to handle with a pair of scissors.) Clean the edges with a pair of scissors and let it cool before slicing.</div>
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I think my kuih tastes nicer when warm but a bit too stiff after cooling. My mom loved it but she said it can use more sugar. If I ever have the urge to eat this again, I will probably use a little more water or less tapioca starch/skip the rice flour and a bit more sugar. </div>
let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-65621027461594238402019-01-07T11:33:00.000+08:002019-01-07T11:35:26.110+08:00How to Make Pandan Leaf Extract<div style="text-align: left;">
Boxed coconut milk was on sale at my local supermarket the other day so I went to the market and bought some fresh pandan leaves to make cake. The store owner asked what I am going to make with the leaves and I told him - Pandan Chiffon Cakes! He gave me a look of disbelief. Maybe I should treat him a slice. LOL! </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEL9r4G6LE8/XDLHVg9wS_I/AAAAAAABars/Eqex-dJ0vwI8S0Fl6I2LaBoNPuonCCpIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEL9r4G6LE8/XDLHVg9wS_I/AAAAAAABars/Eqex-dJ0vwI8S0Fl6I2LaBoNPuonCCpIwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In order to make Pandan Chiffon Cakes from fresh Pandan leaves, you will need to make pandan leaf extract. It's super quick and easy. All you need is a blender, a pair of scissors, and a cheesecloth.</div>
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Without further ado, here's the quick and easy recipe:</div>
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50g fresh pandan leaves</div>
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250ml water (I will probably reduce the water to 1:3 or 1:4 next time for a stronger extract)</div>
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1. Wash you pandan leaves</div>
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2. Cut them into strips. <br />
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3. Add the pandan strips and water into your blender. Blend till the pandan leaves become a mulch.<br />
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4. Strain the juice and put the mulch into your cheesecloth, squeeze out all liquids.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ySQ5QxXZUx8/XDLHWYQxjGI/AAAAAAABarw/-iLdsHFTzBwhE1lB3dQ7oo3BQTIpAHKYgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ySQ5QxXZUx8/XDLHWYQxjGI/AAAAAAABarw/-iLdsHFTzBwhE1lB3dQ7oo3BQTIpAHKYgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7462.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Besides <a href="https://letstalkfoodandetc.blogspot.com/2019/01/chiffon-cakes.html" target="_blank">chiffon cake</a>, you can also use the extract to make other SE Asian desserts, e.g. kueh lapis, kuih bika ambon, etc.let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-20167935364023453852019-01-04T18:53:00.001+08:002019-01-07T14:24:41.200+08:00Chiffon CakesLately, I have been addicted to baking chiffon cakes. My family has been very cooperative by eating the entire 9 inch cake per day for almost a week consecutively. So far, I have tried 5 different flavors - matcha, earl grey, pandan, mocha, orange. The ingredients are very simple - just eggs, oil, cake flour, and water/milk/juice/etc. The flavor combination is almost endless. Chiffon cakes very, very, versatile indeed! I just wonder how can I make this cake in a vegan version since this recipe relies so much on eggs!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pandan Chiffon Cake</td></tr>
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I got my recipe from <a href="https://www.justonecookbook.com/perfect-chiffon-cake/" target="_blank">Just One Cookbook</a>. Her chiffon cake recipes are very easy to follow and the cake comes out moist but not too sweet. I also loved the fact that she has measurements for 3 difference chiffon cake pan sizes. I got my 9 inch chiffon cake pan from IKEA years ago and mostly used it to bake cheesecake. Her 20 cm measurement was actually perfect for my pan.<br />
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I did make some tweaks to her recipe and my notes are in red for easy reference-<br />
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<u><strong>9 inch / 23 cm pan from </strong></u><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80256983/" target="_blank"><strong>IKEA</strong></a><br />
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<em>Basic ingredients - you will need these no matter what flavor you want to make</em><br />
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<u>wet:</u><br />
5 large eggs, separated (<em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">I use an egg separator to separate my yolks and the egg whites. You really don't want to get </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">any yokes in your whites and lately the eggs I get from the market is very fragile, i.e. the yolk membrane breaks easily.</span></em>) <br />
130g sugar (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><em>set approximately 1/3 of the sugar aside. </em></span><em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">I use caster sugar if it is available in my pantry but most of the time, I just use granulated sugar. When I make the pandan flavor, I also use my coconut sugar instead of regular sugar. The key point is, just make sure all the sugar crystal melted before you bake your cake.</span></em>)<br />
60ml neutral oil (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><em>neutral oil just makes oil with little or no flavor</em></span>)<br />
95-100ml water/milk/coffee/juice (<em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">if you live in a very dry climate, adjust your water content slightly. I live in Macau and the average humidity is >80% and I find 95-100ml comes out ok. The temperature during the last week averaged 15-18C.</span></em>)<br />
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<u>dry:</u><br />
120g cake flour (<em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">sift your dry ingredients together. If you don't have cake flour handy, you can make your own with All Purpose Flour + corn starch but I find the cakes comes out fluffier when proper cake flour is used</span></em>)<br />
5g baking powder<br />
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(optional) 3/4-1 tsp cream of tartare / a few drops of lemon juice / vinegar<br />
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<em>Process</em><br />
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1. Preheat oven to 170C.<br />
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2. Whisk egg yolks with 1/3 of the sugar. I saw some people whisking the yolks over steaming water to get the sugar to melt faster. Haven't tried myself yet.<br />
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3. Add oil into #1 and whisk, do the same thing with the water/milk/juice. Whisk till everything is incorporated and sugar all melted.<br />
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4. Sifted all the dry ingredients (including things like matcha / chocolate powder) and add into #2 by batch. Whisk till the mixture is smooth without any lumps.<br />
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5. Beat egg whites with the remaining 2/3 sugar by batch. Cream of tartar is optional but I find the egg whites much easier to beat when added. My mom bought the cream of tartar years ago to make some other cake so I thought I will put it into good use even though cream of tartar never expires. (Or else it will just sit in my pantry till eternity.) Beat till soft peaks are formed but do not overbeat the egg whites.<br />
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6. Whisk 1/3 of #4 into #3. Fold the remaining #4 into #4 using swift but gentle strokes until the egg whites are fully incorporated. <br />
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7. Pour #5 into the chiffon cake pan. (Remember: don't use non-stick pan and don't grease your pan! I don't even line mine and yes, washing the pan is a PITA.)<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaXDzYbYTFs/XDLvNf842RI/AAAAAAABauM/iyRnTNwYH-cZ1zGhX2lGqFl-Txx3WBmxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaXDzYbYTFs/XDLvNf842RI/AAAAAAABauM/iyRnTNwYH-cZ1zGhX2lGqFl-Txx3WBmxgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7473.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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8. Run a spatula in the batter a few times and gently tap the chiffon cake pan against the kitchen counter to get rid of large air bubbles that are trapped in the cake batter.<br />
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9. Bake at 170C for 40-45 minutes. (I don't like cracks in my cake so I changed to 160C for 45-50 minutes.)<br />
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10. Shock the cake when it's done baking by dropping it on the counter. Invert your cake pan immediately and let the cake fully cool before removing the cake from the pan.<br />
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11. Run a knife along the outer and inner ring of the pan, put the cake out, run the knife again along the bottom of the cake pan. Invert a cake over a serving plate. Decorate as you like and enjoy! (If you are really picky, you can invest in an offset spatula and a cake pan with a flat bottom.<br />
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<em>Flavors I have tried so far - to be updated as more flavors are attempted.</em><br />
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1. Matcha - 20g of matcha powder sifted with the dry ingredients. It was my first time so the cake came out less than ideal. Despite it's looks, it was a tasty cake. Lessons learned from this attempt - (1) my pan is too big so I can't use the original recipe; (2) don't line the pan; (3) must beat egg whites more; (4) must not open oven door to check on the cake and invert the cake immediately after baking.<br />
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2. Earl Grey - 4 sachets of Mariage Feres French Earl Grey tea bags. 2 was used to brew 120ml of tea and 2 was grinded. Yet, I still find the earl grey flavor very weak. My friend joked I should use a stronger tea (e.g. pu'er) next time. I think I might test out my black/chai/Thai tea next time. I also used the 6 eggs portion this time and found its too much for my pan. There were cracks in my cake which affected the cooling process and caused the cake to deflate too much in the middle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I gave my friend half of the cake and she decorated it.<br />
Looks much nicer, right?</td></tr>
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3. Pandan - I didn't have fresh coconut milk and pandan leaves so I used 95ml whole milk and pandan flavoring instead. This cake came out looking the best and a hint of pandan flavor can still be tasted. My mom said she will get some fresh coconut milk and pandan leaves from the market next time. But alas, I found the 5 eggs portion perfect for my tin. Still cracks but one step at a time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family average about 1 cake per day. <br />
Compared to store bought cakes, at least I know what I have put into these cakes.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><em>Update (1/7/2019): <span style="color: red;"><em>I made another pandan chiffon using fresh pandan leaves extract. Except for it less than perfect looks, I think it is perfect!</em></span></em></span></div>
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4. Mocha - some wanted chocolate and some wanted coffee so the compromise was mocha. I used my Delonghi to brew 4 shots of espresso (~120 ml) and added 20g of Vittoria Chocochino's drinking chocolate powder (it says "original Italian style" on the can. The can says the chocolate powder is already sweetened and contains milk solids. The cake came out moister and sweeter than normal so I probably should have reduced the amount of coffee liquid and sugar or baked slightly longer? My mom commented the coffee flavor can be stronger and the chocolate needs to be slightly weaker so this flavor has room for improvement and yet to be perfected. There are still cracks in the cake but at least I have narrow the problem down to oven temperature and time.</div>
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5. Orange - I used one Sunkist orange and its zest for flavoring. I got ~100ml of juice from this particular orange and did not discard/filtered out the pulp. I peel the zest and chopped it since the zester at home is too dull and needs to be replaced. I also turned down the oven temp by 10 degrees but increased the baking time by to 45 minutes. The cake finally turn out perfect without cracks but shrunk a bit too much for my liking in the cooling process. I just need to remember to drop the cake against a counter to shock it next time. The orange is also very sweet so I should have reduced the sugar.<br />
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Some other flavor I am planning to try: lemon, black/chai/Thai tea, <strike>pandan with the real stuff</strike>, lavender, salted sakura, coffee/chocolate stand alone or a black forest, black sesame, etc. Any other flavors you guys can think of?let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-4037570981740351882018-05-18T10:39:00.002+08:002018-05-18T10:39:48.960+08:002017 Highlights and Recap<span style="font-family: inherit;">What can I say? 2017 has been hectic (in a good way). Traveled to places beyond expectation for sure. Keeping the post short for the sake of both of us. Just some highlights. For more photos, you can check out my </span><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/Oc2GkellsmgWAgWq1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Google Album</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or follow me on my </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkfoodandetc/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instagram</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. :)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQBwNVZgqaQ/Wv42wwoS7rI/AAAAAAABZNg/H_zCKBl97bwORBTQt8VhZxVIbdjUUzTNwCKgBGAs/s1600/P1970118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQBwNVZgqaQ/Wv42wwoS7rI/AAAAAAABZNg/H_zCKBl97bwORBTQt8VhZxVIbdjUUzTNwCKgBGAs/s400/P1970118.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bedouin Camp @ Wadi Rum, Jordan</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-12 Shanxxi/Henan, China </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p>I FINALLY get to see the Terracotta army in Xian!!! It's been on my bucket list since I first learned about Emperor Qin. I also felt intimately connected with that Dynasty. Yet, I didn't feel anything when I was actually at the site. Oh well, I blame it on the power of Meng Po's soup. XD</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9OhvY0U7Y0/Wv43D_MC5UI/AAAAAAABZNo/odQgxh-ZEl87KatFCpxmnOlYpM4rb8wDACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9OhvY0U7Y0/Wv43D_MC5UI/AAAAAAABZNo/odQgxh-ZEl87KatFCpxmnOlYpM4rb8wDACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5972.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Terracotta Army @ Xian, China</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p>In fact, I was really impressed with Mount Hua (the fact that I managed to hike the entire day). The stretch between the Northern ropeway to 金鎖關 will be something I will forever talk about.</o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mount Hua @ Xian, China</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p>Food-wise, really loved the original Chinese hamburger and the lamb skewers. On the other hand, the Luoyang "banquet" (洛陽水席) was overrated but still glad I tried it!</o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-11 Taipei, Taiwan <o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mainly went for a friend's wedding. Was lovely to be a part of such an important day in their lives. It's my first time to attend a Taiwanese wedding :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017</em><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><em>-10 Lancaster/Baltimore, USA</em> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Work trip. Lancaster was lovelier than I expected. Went on a scooter tour in the Amish countryside as a spur of the moment decision. Took a side trip to Baltimore on the weekend and re-visited some of my favorite restaurants. Sad to find out Woodberry no longer makes my favorite cocktails.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scooter tour in Amish countryside @ Lancaster, PA, USA</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-10 Vermont, USA</em> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another one checked off from my bucket list. Only Connecticut and Rhode Island left on my East Coast map. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Waterbury Center State Park @ Waterbury, VT, USA</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-09 NYC, USA</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Work trip. Always good to be in NYC. Sometimes, I missed working in the States. The quality and professionalism are so much better here compared to Hong Kong / Macau (SORRY! It's the ugly truth!) Tried a bunch of new restaurants and visited a few museums. Life is good.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brooklyn Bridge Park @ Brooklyn, NYC, USA</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-08 Israel</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Work trip that felt more like a vacation to be honest. THANK YOU BOSS. Beach <u>everyday</u> after work. Ce la vie. And of course, the opportunity to visit Jerusalem and Bethlehem was priceless.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Church of the Holy Sepulchre @ Jerusalem, Israel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And just as I was thinking back in April, when will I ever get to float on the Dead Sea again. Well, August was the answer. Life likes to play pranks on you, just like that. I don't mind it one single bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-07 & 2017-05 Seoul, Korea</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Work, work. Well... Koreans businessmen are a difficult bunch. Even though my current celebrity crush is Korean and I loved the food, I would still say I don't like this country on a pure business level. Regardless, still thankful for the opportunity for an extended visit. Saw a lot and ate a lot. I can predict there will be more trips here in the future unless Corporate decides to shut the whole office down.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tea House @ Seoul, Korea</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-04 Greece & Jordan</em> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An extension of my work trip. Perks of flying Emirates. Santorini is lovely, even for a tourist town. Perhaps it was because I went there on the shoulder season? A rental car is a must. Food was the best in Mykonos.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Acropolis @ Athens, Greece</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jordan was a dream. If I must pick a favorite of 2017, it will be Wadi Rum. So raw, so peaceful. Once in a lifetime experience. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wadi Rum @ Jordan</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-03 Kuwait</em> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Work trip! If Jordan was a dream, Kuwait was beyond my wildest dream. (I keep on replaying that look on the guy's face checking me in at the ferry terminal. Hahaha!) Wilder yet, I have friends in Kuwait that I got to spend a full week with while I was there. Food was better than I have expected. Having friends there definitely made a difference. I honestly don't think I would have agreed if I didn't know anybody in the first place. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Date shop owner @ Kuwait</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kuwait is actually very safe. I walked to work one morning from my hotel (~15 minutes walk) in my suit. The road was not the best and was quite empty. But, other than sweating like crazy and get a few occasional looks from the taxi drivers (only trying to see if I needed a cab), I had no issues. My friends said I was brave but I just need to do what I gotta do.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2017-03 Dubai/Abu Dhabi, UAE</em> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Work trip! After bugging my boss saying my job was getting a little boring and I want new challenges, Middle East was the answer. I am telling you, I probably used up all my luck with my bosses. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Returning from work on the company van @ Dubai, UAE</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though the project was a beast, I LOVED it! Learning from different management styles and culture is truly amazing. I remember many years ago, a friend asked me what would my ideal career be and I said - something that would allow me to work in different cities? At the time, I was only thinking of the US but look where fate has taken me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">2017-01 Chicago, USA & <span style="font-family: "calibri";">Montreal, Canada</span></span></em></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Part work, part vacation. Still didn't visit Quebec City yet. Will try to do so the next time I go to Montreal. Ended up spending CNY in Chicago with my friend and her family. Her son is too cute! </span></span></div>
let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-54907801325753344232017-06-21T15:11:00.002+08:002017-08-11T14:15:14.444+08:00Surviving SeoulJust returned from Seoul for another business trip. Korea has to be one of the very few countries I constantly feel lost even after a few visits. So, I decided to put a few pointers that hopefully will help travelers who don't speak Korean to get around (outside the typical tourist spots).<br />
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1. SIM card or wifi egg</div>
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I have used both. SIM card could be tricky since you will need to call the service hotline to take your phone off their list every time you change providers. (Do this before you leave the country or hence you forget.) Wifi egg may not work outside of Seoul. Decide after you finalized your itinerary. Some places (e.g. Airbnb) offer wifi egg to travelers. Make sure you check. If you are really cheap, you may be able to survive on free wifi provided by the city, cafes, and restaurants. Korea has a very good internet network.</div>
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2. Seniority<br />
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I am not kidding. You will notice this the moment you land. Korean has a very deep respect for their seniors, to the point foreigners can find their older men (and women) <b>VERY RUDE</b>. They will cut you if you are queuing, push you if you are in their way, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVl3iw1jweN/?taken-by=100mosthk" target="_blank">they may even kick you if you are in their seat!</a><br />
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Most men go drink (and get drunk) after work and can cause a big scene on buses and subways. (I have seen this too often already.) It's very hard to imagine the "oppas" you see on TV and these men shared the same nationality. Understand it is part of their culture but I actually find those people very repulsive. (Unfortunately, I had to deal with them quite a bit because of work T_T)<br />
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3. Transportation </div>
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Google map does NOT always work. Your best friend is Naver or Kaokao map. Actually, I download the whole suite of Kaokao apps... kaokao map, kaokao metro, kaokao bus, kaokao talk, etc. <br />
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It is quite a hassle to try to use subway to get to all places. Forget taxi. Most of the taxi drivers do not speak English and dealing with some of them is just exhausting. (Have you watched any Korean drama? Koreans are very dramatic in real life as well.)</div>
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Bus is your best friend. The unfortunate part of Kaokao map is that you will need the Korean name or address of the place for the app to work. Otherwise, you need to know the proximity of where you need to go and search the map and find the nearest bus station to use the app to find out the bus number you need. So, I usually use a mix of Google and Kaokao.</div>
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3. Cash or Credit Card</div>
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The credit card rate is not as good as cash but I always prefer plastic. The best forex exchange shops I know of is in Myeongdong. I think a budget of KRW100K / week / person is sufficient to cover transportation, eating street food, and occasional spending at traditional markets. If you are a big shopper, you may need more. Many boutiques offer a better rate if you pay in cash. Credit cards, including AMEX, are widely accepted. Most duty free shop provides extra discounts to certain credit card holders. I always bring my Union Pay with me when visiting Korea because the department stores sometimes offer special rates to Union Pay holders.<br />
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4. Duty Free<br />
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Korea has one of the best tax refund system among all the countries I have visited. It's fast and convenient. Even so, I still prefer to do most of my shopping at Duty Free shops. Here are a list of benefits:<br />
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- True tax free. Tax refund is only a partial refund. E.g. you are eligible for tax refund if you spend more than KRW30K at any eligible shop. However, even though the VAT is 10%, you will only get KRW1.5K back for a KRW30K spending. So, you save more money shopping at duty free. <b>Bonus: </b>All transactions are in USD so you don't even have to worry about exchange rate if you are from the US.<br />
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- As mentioned above, you may be eligible for additional savings from your credit cards. <br />
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- You can pick up your shopping at the airport, after you passed customs. If you are flying certain airlines that are not very stingy with baggage limits, it means EXTRA stuff you can take home. I know I am a victim of this. Every time I go to Korea, I leave as if I live in a third world country.<br />
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5. Dinner for one<br />
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This is the single hardest thing visiting Korea as a solo traveler. The Korean portion rivals America and it's uncommon for anyone to eat alone at restaurants. (Locals here would rather eat ramen at convenient shop / at home than to be seen eating alone in restaurants.) The dining situation has improved over the years as more and more restaurants started catering to single diners. Yet, it's hard to eat proper Korea BBQ if you are alone. Even if you are willing to pay, the restaurant may refuse service. Or, chances are, you will be seated next to loud and drunk men, and that, could be unpleasant.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I normally go to Majang to get my hanwoo and eat at home.</td></tr>
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6. Supermarkets<br />
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Because of the aforementioned reason, I ended eating in my apartment a lot. (A reason I don't stay at hotels when I go to Korea.) However, the super/hypermarkets are very spread out. This is quite similar to the American's shopping style. Locals probably go to a hyper mart once a week/month or use delivery service. (Oh my god, online shopping is so convenient in Korea I am jealous!) Just be aware that on alternate Sundays, all super / hyper markets (i.e. Lotte mart, emart, Homeplus) are closed. Make sure you check the website before you go. (I just go on weekdays evenings or Saturdays.)<br />
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I will do a separate post on where I shop when I am in Korea. It includes both traditional markets and hyper marts :) I will also do separate posts on restaurants I love, regardless if I have to eat alone or not. However, I can't promise on timing because I have been ridiculously busy with work these days. For a food app, try Mangoplate. It's equivalent to Open Rice in HK, Tabelog in Japan, and Yelp in the US.<br />
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7. Day tours<br />
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Perhaps this is more for Chinese speakers but I love joining day tours in Korea. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/starwaytravel/" target="_blank"><b>Starway Travel</b></a> has well organized tours at a very attractive price. I have been to 2 of their tours now and I can't be more pleased. They take good care of you and everything is included in the price. And before you even ask, no I am not paid or affiliated with this travel agency. I paid for my tours both times.<br />
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8. Seoul is more than just Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.<br />
<br />
Get out and explore. I love Sinsa more than Myeongdong. Here's an in-comprehensive list of the districts I have explored and my one line description about it.<br />
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Myeongdong/Euljiro X-ga - Mongkok of Seoul. Congested with tourists and filled with mediocre food. Unavoidable because most duty free shops are here. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnBqr3kwMwM/WUoRbBwIHeI/AAAAAAABV10/D-TQG3hjD14gWjaU3U2msUccjke0_HakgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnBqr3kwMwM/WUoRbBwIHeI/AAAAAAABV10/D-TQG3hjD14gWjaU3U2msUccjke0_HakgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hongdae/Ewha/Konkuk - College town. Where uni-kids hang out, drink, and party. Great place for cheap food and shopping.<br />
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Hapjeong/Mangwon/Seongsu - old neighborhood undergoing urban revival. Lots of quality coffee shops.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfEk2eIZl4s/WUoIzB0LXHI/AAAAAAABV1M/3rWupkiGpzAueCn1-n-tKbjNqw115l_2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfEk2eIZl4s/WUoIzB0LXHI/AAAAAAABV1M/3rWupkiGpzAueCn1-n-tKbjNqw115l_2QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1704.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthracite @ Hapjeong</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5RAKvpqnoM/WUoIvo4x4QI/AAAAAAABV1M/OaZ-1HKQmaEFTG2ko8JMsDdXu1Vcn-akACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5RAKvpqnoM/WUoIvo4x4QI/AAAAAAABV1M/OaZ-1HKQmaEFTG2ko8JMsDdXu1Vcn-akACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_2368.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion @ Seongsu</td></tr>
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Dongdaemun - Sham Shui Po of Seoul. Great for wholesale Korean fashion. I go there for chicken and DDP.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPCZvnptOZ8/WUoTArz7YXI/AAAAAAABV2E/V1brOUDjl404KbPU73t1OkhVig6Q4K1VACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPCZvnptOZ8/WUoTArz7YXI/AAAAAAABV2E/V1brOUDjl404KbPU73t1OkhVig6Q4K1VACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari</span>(陳玉華一隻雞)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPoBBO9oW3Q/WUoS65xlbCI/AAAAAAABV2A/iDzFhqorJBMjFZJDTpXsIJmcP-1XR1dxQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1830301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPoBBO9oW3Q/WUoS65xlbCI/AAAAAAABV2A/iDzFhqorJBMjFZJDTpXsIJmcP-1XR1dxQCLcBGAs/s400/P1830301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The LED roses in front of DDP.<br />
Not sure if they are still there.</td></tr>
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Seoul Station - Lotte mart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZqFh_7wx2c/WUoRwpfbUfI/AAAAAAABV14/oT9nMM9_6YYIm7JuzlEG5krP6W4wR1KmwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZqFh_7wx2c/WUoRwpfbUfI/AAAAAAABV14/oT9nMM9_6YYIm7JuzlEG5krP6W4wR1KmwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2899.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Lotte Mart at Seoul Station in particular is filled with tourists.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meSuj35bctk/WUoI1Qkc65I/AAAAAAABV1M/-YtcIB-5oP8P7xYBAjdJjKB1i8rjFldWwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meSuj35bctk/WUoI1Qkc65I/AAAAAAABV1M/-YtcIB-5oP8P7xYBAjdJjKB1i8rjFldWwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3394.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seoulro 7017 is now opened!</td></tr>
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Gyeongbokgung/Anguk - where the palaces are. If you are a tourist, you will go here at least once. Don't miss Tosokchun. I love their radish kimchi.<br />
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Cheongdam - mid-levels of Seoul. Lots of really expensive shops and restaurants. Highest chance for you to see a k-pop star. (My office is nearby but I have yet to recognize one.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47pATjwJPio/WUoI8pjUfeI/AAAAAAABV1M/lfp5FhgQTU0mdKEtebH_gz2OqhzRIOwkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47pATjwJPio/WUoI8pjUfeI/AAAAAAABV1M/lfp5FhgQTU0mdKEtebH_gz2OqhzRIOwkwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_2942.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jungsik, a one-michelin star restaurant in Seoul.</td></tr>
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Samseong - dead after 6PM<br />
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Sinsa/Nonhyeon/Sinnonhyeon - Causeway Bay of Seoul. Great shopping and restaurants. Not as crowded compared to Myeongdong/Hongdae. Mostly locals.<br />
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Hangangjin/Itaewon/Noksapyeong - my recent favorite. Lots of cute shops/restaurants, very westernized.<br />
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Yeouido/Seoul Forest - picnics and people exercising.<br />
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Well, that's it for now. I will write more when I have time. /Peace :)</div>
let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-28486472883271769452017-02-26T18:09:00.003+08:002017-02-27T22:08:58.908+08:00My Best Bite: Sydney, Australia (November 2016)Seeing that my best nine photos of my IG account are all from Sydney, I can't help but wonder - am I giving this city too little credit? I guess going there on business really changes how you perceive the city. Sydney's dining scene gets better every time. You can tell some of these places showed up more than once in my IG feed. Disclaimer: I rarely return to the same restaurants unless they were really good and I couldn't get them off my mind. So, you get the gist :)<br />
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In no particular order, here's my best bites from Sydney from my last trip (November 2016):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yW9Gtx8I2FA/WLKd9l8P4yI/AAAAAAABVBM/-CHP5QV9Y8wOj7hbD-OTAsMdF8CJGZSOwCPcB/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yW9Gtx8I2FA/WLKd9l8P4yI/AAAAAAABVBM/-CHP5QV9Y8wOj7hbD-OTAsMdF8CJGZSOwCPcB/s400/IMG_8597.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brasato al Lambruco @ <a href="http://www.classicomodernorestaurant.com.au/" target="_blank">Classico Moderno Restaurant</a><br />
<br />
The texture is one of a kind and the sauce is so good!<br />
I had to savour every bite and the sticky aftertaste was awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-US2rZPkzrBs/WLKd9nYCYtI/AAAAAAABVBM/ALDbeyHKkjAgxVzZBQpA4yiFUFf3RMy_QCPcB/s1600/IMG_8655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-US2rZPkzrBs/WLKd9nYCYtI/AAAAAAABVBM/ALDbeyHKkjAgxVzZBQpA4yiFUFf3RMy_QCPcB/s400/IMG_8655.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterscotch & Spiced Apple Old Fashioned @ <a href="http://www.bennelong.com.au/" target="_blank">Bennelong</a><br />
<br />
The aesthetics of the drink itself and the million dollar view for only AUD28!<br />
Best part: you don't even need a reservation and the drink is absolutely delicious.<br />
<br />
The food is amazing too. I am a fan of Chef Peter Gilmore now.<br />
Now I need to find the right person + occasion to splurge at Quay!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sb1EfWmPdls/WLKd9kZsMuI/AAAAAAABVBM/0j_Z6QdoNbcsTrP46s2yIB21TzKVfAu4QCPcB/s1600/IMG_8818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sb1EfWmPdls/WLKd9kZsMuI/AAAAAAABVBM/0j_Z6QdoNbcsTrP46s2yIB21TzKVfAu4QCPcB/s400/IMG_8818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Fennel Sausage Roll @ <a href="http://bourkestreetbakery.com.au/" target="_blank">Bourke Street Bakery</a><br />
and latte @ <a href="http://artificercoffee.com/" target="_blank">Artificer Coffee</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Crown street, Surry Hills is my favorite place to go for breakfast/brunch on weekends.</span><br />
Best breakfast spots on one street.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9w5JLB48TDw/WLKd9nGd3SI/AAAAAAABVBM/aMD9cX0u7zkyEinhiCKja-v7Gql3846HACPcB/s1600/IMG_8702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9w5JLB48TDw/WLKd9nGd3SI/AAAAAAABVBM/aMD9cX0u7zkyEinhiCKja-v7Gql3846HACPcB/s400/IMG_8702.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latte @ Kingswood Coffee<br />
<br />
Even though I have plenty of choices around World Square, I keep returning.<br />
The coffee is good and the guys are cute :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RA_8TYyIu_I/WLKd9rEpYPI/AAAAAAABVBM/FWNVryxVIFYaforuIhC_YbrHqfJnghsfQCPcB/s1600/IMG_8711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RA_8TYyIu_I/WLKd9rEpYPI/AAAAAAABVBM/FWNVryxVIFYaforuIhC_YbrHqfJnghsfQCPcB/s400/IMG_8711.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofu Soft Serve @ Aqua S<br />
<br />
I found Aqua S's soft serve generally too sweet for my pallet but not the tofu.<br />
Perfect balance. Forget the sea salt, tofu is my favorite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--he-6pcDYno/WLKd9rmVIPI/AAAAAAABVBM/pRGpFB1Q0i0QvpMzxa8BOQtYtTXehEu2ACPcB/s1600/IMG_8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--he-6pcDYno/WLKd9rmVIPI/AAAAAAABVBM/pRGpFB1Q0i0QvpMzxa8BOQtYtTXehEu2ACPcB/s400/IMG_8858.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Octopus @ 10 William Street<br />
<br />
One of my following on IG absolutely raves about this cute place in Paddington.<br />
Wine is good, food is tasty, portion is just right.<br />
Can't wait to return and try more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKBdMKTFOd4/WLKd9qyL00I/AAAAAAABVBM/Kf4JjcOYg1MynPX-OUfNwjAdhnWq7uqRQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKBdMKTFOd4/WLKd9qyL00I/AAAAAAABVBM/Kf4JjcOYg1MynPX-OUfNwjAdhnWq7uqRQCPcB/s400/IMG_9042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs Blini @ Devon Cafe at Barangaroo<br />
<br />
A few years ago I went to their first cafe on Devon and was not impressed.<br />
I change my mind now. This is yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iko8GMTudKs/WLKd9ka8dCI/AAAAAAABVBM/AJ4q-FwE5NAAKn9_f3vyliz7fYylbcqNQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iko8GMTudKs/WLKd9ka8dCI/AAAAAAABVBM/AJ4q-FwE5NAAKn9_f3vyliz7fYylbcqNQCPcB/s400/IMG_9106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anything from Gelato Messina<br />
<br />
It's the institutional gelato place in <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sydney.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YDgaexAdeM/WLKd9p8fzkI/AAAAAAABVBM/yNPRvpoozXYqyb8F-rvP6GWKHoSTRHqGwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YDgaexAdeM/WLKd9p8fzkI/AAAAAAABVBM/yNPRvpoozXYqyb8F-rvP6GWKHoSTRHqGwCPcB/s400/IMG_9337.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Chicken Sandwish @ Down N' Out<br />
<br />
Australia's answer to California's In N' Out.<br />
Best served with OT >.<</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2rvw_p5LLA/WLKd9omuCbI/AAAAAAABVBM/5Hgu-g8LQfkD2yDp6T7TFPilGpCxrT50wCPcB/s1600/IMG_9345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2rvw_p5LLA/WLKd9omuCbI/AAAAAAABVBM/5Hgu-g8LQfkD2yDp6T7TFPilGpCxrT50wCPcB/s400/IMG_9345.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Xiao Long Bao @ Ding Tai Fung<br />
<br />
Limited time only but I loved it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlw-5LLqIbw/WLKd9p3ndgI/AAAAAAABVBM/8LlPIzPWZHoF25gN0-ZZf--gstF8CvMRgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlw-5LLqIbw/WLKd9p3ndgI/AAAAAAABVBM/8LlPIzPWZHoF25gN0-ZZf--gstF8CvMRgCPcB/s400/IMG_9390.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt Baked King Prawns @ <a href="http://www.ester-restaurant.com.au/eat-new/" target="_blank">Ester</a><br />
<br />
Cute wine bar in Chippendale<br />
Very delicious but also very buttery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-1P4Bjsyck/WLKd9rOWFAI/AAAAAAABVBM/uWef9Pxk_IoyC0vnFEN0XHt2IPOfEcegwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-1P4Bjsyck/WLKd9rOWFAI/AAAAAAABVBM/uWef9Pxk_IoyC0vnFEN0XHt2IPOfEcegwCPcB/s400/IMG_9509.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ipoh Sar Ho Fan @ Hawkers<br />
<br />
Easy, fast, reasonably delicious choice for lunch near the office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKmvi-tvvBM/WLKd9lrSyoI/AAAAAAABVBM/n1mB072g_4sIh9IHGmpHsfTIsXN_KZuNgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKmvi-tvvBM/WLKd9lrSyoI/AAAAAAABVBM/n1mB072g_4sIh9IHGmpHsfTIsXN_KZuNgCPcB/s400/IMG_9526.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud Crab w/ Vermicelli @ Marigold<br />
<br />
My mom's #1 dish in her recent memory.<br />
(Disclaimer: she's a crab-maniac)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVRo_tv1JTk/WLKd9nxSyfI/AAAAAAABVBM/UHdueloXFHArgAEI8teLYVsu0UAkhDrmQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVRo_tv1JTk/WLKd9nxSyfI/AAAAAAABVBM/UHdueloXFHArgAEI8teLYVsu0UAkhDrmQCPcB/s400/IMG_9743.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricotta Hotcakes @ Harry's Bondi<br />
<br />
Just looking at this colorful dish makes me happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRpDhoJ_uX4/WLKd9mEFIwI/AAAAAAABVBM/A0cSg_w-V5oMItGaHBrLSIRM7AylbWDAQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRpDhoJ_uX4/WLKd9mEFIwI/AAAAAAABVBM/A0cSg_w-V5oMItGaHBrLSIRM7AylbWDAQCPcB/s400/IMG_9801.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonkatsu w/ curry udon @ Dragon Boy<br />
<br />
I am an udon-maniac so I have to go here a few times every time I work in Sydney.<br />
I love chewy, bouncy udon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJFiKxFZRxQ/WLKd9sFIjuI/AAAAAAABVBM/JctWCayv2bEmYQccyI3ixip7x-c4W15UwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJFiKxFZRxQ/WLKd9sFIjuI/AAAAAAABVBM/JctWCayv2bEmYQccyI3ixip7x-c4W15UwCPcB/s400/IMG_9824.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled Southern Rock Lobster @ <a href="http://www.cirrusdining.com.au/" target="_blank">Cirrus Dining</a><br />
<br />
Finger licking goodness.<br />
We ate everything, the head, the legs, everything.<br />
Almost ordered more bread to wipe the plate clean.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGfoVn5srnc/WLKd9i_Av5I/AAAAAAABVBM/tfzBdn00njQtJFhwjNAG1Id5nvx5Xj0VgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGfoVn5srnc/WLKd9i_Av5I/AAAAAAABVBM/tfzBdn00njQtJFhwjNAG1Id5nvx5Xj0VgCPcB/s400/IMG_9902.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Khao Padt @ <a href="http://www.chatthai.com.au/" target="_blank">Chat Thai</a><br />
<br />
Very spicy but so delicious.<br />
My favorite dish to date at Chat Thai.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrMrVx4cItQ/WLKelhSoE8I/AAAAAAABVBw/pyzeYCY-Pew7E32XPhWQqUmrycH0M51NgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrMrVx4cItQ/WLKelhSoE8I/AAAAAAABVBw/pyzeYCY-Pew7E32XPhWQqUmrycH0M51NgCPcB/s400/IMG_9884.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted Coconut Gelato @ Cow and the Moon<br />
<br />
Coconut gelato I can't live without.<br />
Would endure the shady bus ride to get to Newtown just for this. LOL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I don't I'll have time to write about each of them separately but these are definitely places I will return my next trip to Sydney. Ask me in comments if there is something you would like to find out more about! Chances are, (1) I haven't been but heard about, or (2) I have been but unimpressed.<br />
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let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-1836358109995558512017-02-17T14:06:00.001+08:002017-02-17T14:06:31.091+08:00Trip to Middle Earth (aka New Zealand) - South Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Continuing on my post on New Zealand, focusing on the South Island this time~ As everyone else who has been to NZ will tell you, South Island is worth more of your time.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E805ZCW88Jo/WKZlYCJlRtI/AAAAAAABUvo/fH0eLcmEEz4iPcoHeEkvV0vyh0-E4b_CwCPcB/s1600/P1710568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E805ZCW88Jo/WKZlYCJlRtI/AAAAAAABUvo/fH0eLcmEEz4iPcoHeEkvV0vyh0-E4b_CwCPcB/s400/P1710568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Picton is where we spent the night after we arrived in the South Island. The hostel was one of my favorites the whole trip. The receptionist gave us a bowl of apple pie each at arrival and told us where to go in Blenheim.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76vd9mh-B64/WKZeJrpiyoI/AAAAAAABUpE/BfM4Xi0vpswz93x7L6smqrFTrHcyYV6mQCPcB/s1600/P1660492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76vd9mh-B64/WKZeJrpiyoI/AAAAAAABUpE/BfM4Xi0vpswz93x7L6smqrFTrHcyYV6mQCPcB/s400/P1660492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riIrI2GMsuY/WKZ8rHuja3I/AAAAAAABUyQ/OAjz1GoJFIc42Fv-NjGUrLrY_uE3K_mGgCPcB/s1600/P1660742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riIrI2GMsuY/WKZ8rHuja3I/AAAAAAABUyQ/OAjz1GoJFIc42Fv-NjGUrLrY_uE3K_mGgCPcB/s400/P1660742.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Queen Charlotte Drive despite it being windy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qop1nsw_8Vc/WKZ9Gj5U3FI/AAAAAAABUy8/CTtFKykWO400bCxW1d9_3KDKZvHnMw96QCPcB/s1600/P1660873-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qop1nsw_8Vc/WKZ9Gj5U3FI/AAAAAAABUy8/CTtFKykWO400bCxW1d9_3KDKZvHnMw96QCPcB/s320/P1660873-COLLAGE.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">New Zealand mussels are very famous<br />
If you are driving from Picton to Nelson, <br />
it maybe worthwhile to make a quick stop here at Havelock for some fresh mussels!</td></tr>
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Blenheim, the town for Sauvignon Blanc. Personally, I love it and if my brother end up going, I want him to pick up a few wines for me. But if you could care less about wine, better fly straight to Christchurch/Queenstown from Auckland.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-035ZzuAcyLA/WKZeUt2_qzI/AAAAAAABUpE/wyNxTMkr4VwvyNDYKS3RBk6QOAA2YSsCwCPcB/s1600/P1660553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-035ZzuAcyLA/WKZeUt2_qzI/AAAAAAABUpE/wyNxTMkr4VwvyNDYKS3RBk6QOAA2YSsCwCPcB/s320/P1660553.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wither Hills, love their Sauvignon Blanc,<br />
can buy almost everywhere in the world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh5Njscn-ds/WKZeXvvwOqI/AAAAAAABUpE/eaEN8bCJWzoSgzW-5MOEdROYGMqzup3PACPcB/s1600/P1660584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh5Njscn-ds/WKZeXvvwOqI/AAAAAAABUpE/eaEN8bCJWzoSgzW-5MOEdROYGMqzup3PACPcB/s320/P1660584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villa Maria, didn't buy any here as it's available anywhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEysq7hrflI/WKZee9ocQYI/AAAAAAABUpE/0vyvL6Y0-zsV8dAWQjLILHZ-NQNUxw48wCPcB/s1600/P1660605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEysq7hrflI/WKZee9ocQYI/AAAAAAABUpE/0vyvL6Y0-zsV8dAWQjLILHZ-NQNUxw48wCPcB/s320/P1660605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabel, stopped there to pick up a bottle for a friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eT1ltpZTLgE/WKZehh6g8TI/AAAAAAABUpE/BPiugwoQ5Y0I9Lkl8RovtYIaj8bSSkduwCPcB/s1600/P1660639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eT1ltpZTLgE/WKZehh6g8TI/AAAAAAABUpE/BPiugwoQ5Y0I9Lkl8RovtYIaj8bSSkduwCPcB/s320/P1660639.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framingham, my absolute favorite among the vineyards I visited that day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAeprUMUjGU/WKZelZogdBI/AAAAAAABUpE/F1cI2jniNecRvquyoYUyErR3iA56YS_HwCPcB/s1600/P1660645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAeprUMUjGU/WKZelZogdBI/AAAAAAABUpE/F1cI2jniNecRvquyoYUyErR3iA56YS_HwCPcB/s320/P1660645.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hans Herzog serves German style wine, quite different</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gr4u_AOhkQ/WKZelT8hyDI/AAAAAAABUpE/b-s8mP-qfQAr1coLhU101N81IOdOLx3GgCPcB/s1600/P1660646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gr4u_AOhkQ/WKZelT8hyDI/AAAAAAABUpE/b-s8mP-qfQAr1coLhU101N81IOdOLx3GgCPcB/s320/P1660646.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also make a red</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3t6aH0pAOw/WKZ7C5RGwKI/AAAAAAABUxs/XxpTNcSRatEASceRTFZBRO9Rc2QZ1pV7gCPcB/s1600/P1660642-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3t6aH0pAOw/WKZ7C5RGwKI/AAAAAAABUxs/XxpTNcSRatEASceRTFZBRO9Rc2QZ1pV7gCPcB/s320/P1660642-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The best part about Hans Herzog though was the vineyard gardens and food.</td></tr>
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Nelson - I love Nelson and Abel Tasman, the roads are very windy though. The owners at the hotel I stayed in Nelson even said "if you could drive from Nelson to Abel Tasman, you could drive anywhere in the world." Great seafood at Mapua too.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WnXfdwubUc/WKZfLio8R4I/AAAAAAABUpE/d5YNDh3z3rUxLA6gWaI1o8qTnB1nwbbsgCPcB/s1600/P1660946%252C%2BP1660947%252C%2BP1660948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WnXfdwubUc/WKZfLio8R4I/AAAAAAABUpE/d5YNDh3z3rUxLA6gWaI1o8qTnB1nwbbsgCPcB/s400/P1660946%252C%2BP1660947%252C%2BP1660948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGT_7bkbphc/WKZ9R4vmRTI/AAAAAAABUzA/hmpRwKFPVkYzqB445iZvNVCc-AXWXaxWACPcB/s1600/P1660979-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGT_7bkbphc/WKZ9R4vmRTI/AAAAAAABUzA/hmpRwKFPVkYzqB445iZvNVCc-AXWXaxWACPcB/s400/P1660979-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of the cleanest fresh water on the planet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVULI2yvufo/WKZ9U_3npdI/AAAAAAABUzE/etGth6WREggAKkYTnoA82ijgMeMJIYubwCPcB/s1600/P1670271-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVULI2yvufo/WKZ9U_3npdI/AAAAAAABUzE/etGth6WREggAKkYTnoA82ijgMeMJIYubwCPcB/s400/P1670271-COLLAGE.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also went salmon fishing.<br />
I also confirmed I love cold smoke more than hot smoke.<br />
You can also eat the salmon here sashimi style.<br />
If you want the bones for soup, be sure you let them know.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfqfXgmyEH8/WKZ9Y8-XNLI/AAAAAAABUzI/f9gdTTlMfNoThE4SkYQZabPhLZQFpB2dwCPcB/s1600/P1670500-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfqfXgmyEH8/WKZ9Y8-XNLI/AAAAAAABUzI/f9gdTTlMfNoThE4SkYQZabPhLZQFpB2dwCPcB/s320/P1670500-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great selection of smoked fish.<br />
There is also beer, fish & chips, ice cream, etc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good view also!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my best meal in New Zealand.<br />
Amazing grilled crayfish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nelson weekend market should not be missed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Promotional photo of the Abel Tasman I found when I was planning my trip.<br />
I would definitely spend more time there if I get to go to NZ again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw this when we make a health stop driving from Nelson to Franz Josef via Punakaiki</td></tr>
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Honestly though, I'd much rather have him fly directly to Christchurch from Auckland and do the <a href="http://www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/tranzalpine/" target="_blank">Alphine Rail</a> instead. Take the bus from Greymouth to Franz Josef and continue the journey to Queenstown. If you book early enough, you might even get the NZ$1 fare! (Two NZ bus companies that I am aware of: <a href="https://nakedbus.com/home" target="_blank">Nakedbus</a> and <a href="http://www.intercity.co.nz/travel-info/route-map/" target="_blank">InterCity Bus</a>.)<br />
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Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) - if you are driving through then it's worth a stop. Otherwise, nothing worth a special trip to.<br />
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Franz Josef / Fox Glacier is beautiful. I told him to take the bus to get there. Don't drive. Do the glacier walk. I was with mom last time so we didn't but he should.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glacier is retreating.<br />
Global warming is real.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter's Pond</td></tr>
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Wanaka is nice but he is not going for skydiving (praise the Lord) so skip.<br />
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Queenstown. Absolutely love the place. Great food, beautiful scenery. No need to drive to get around. Easy to spend a few days there.<br />
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Glenorchy. Go if you are a great hiker (it's one of the entrance for the Routeburn trail) or a LOTR fan. Food was good at the little café there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty soup at Glenorchy Cafe</td></tr>
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Arrowtown. Easy day trip. Easy drive and/or reachable by bus. Mom loves the croissant from the bakery there.<br />
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Milford Sound / Doubtful Sound. Pick one. Join a local <a href="https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/" target="_blank">tour</a>. Don't drive. We went to Doubtful Sound for an overnight experience at the Fiordlands. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First, you go on the bus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, you take a boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afterwards, you take another bus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, here's your boat!</td></tr>
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The Fiordland is different from everything I have experienced so far. It's very quiet at night, almost eerie, but very cool. Especially the following morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0I_uFZ2X2LI/WKZkeX00PVI/AAAAAAABUvo/0KRnkyBaH8sGriuMjqNkCG6FXwwaPTnswCPcB/s1600/P1700897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0I_uFZ2X2LI/WKZkeX00PVI/AAAAAAABUvo/0KRnkyBaH8sGriuMjqNkCG6FXwwaPTnswCPcB/s400/P1700897.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because it rains in the Fiordland all the time,<br />
there were these temporary waterfalls everywhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magic hour before/at sunrise the next morning.<br />
Remember to get up super early to see this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So mysterious~</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We arrived at the "waterfall of youth"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rumor has it that you will be forever young if you drink the spring water from here.</td></tr>
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The following are things I wanted to do but didn't have time last time. Of course NZ has plenty other places to see still. One trip is simply not enough.<br />
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Lake Tekapo / Church of Good Shepherd / Mt Cook<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000DozYaJz4uns/s/1000/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000DozYaJz4uns/s/1000/" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/locationscoutnet/images/2015-04/church-of-good-shepherd-lake-tekapo-new-zealand_l.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/locationscoutnet/images/2015-04/church-of-good-shepherd-lake-tekapo-new-zealand_l.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Alpine rail from Greymouth to Christchurch via the Arthur's Pass<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KYFoai2BzPA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KYFoai2BzPA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.newzealand.com/my/event/bluff-oyster-festival/" target="_blank">Bluff Oysters Festival</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/1a/4c/30/bowz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/1a/4c/30/bowz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope this post will help others who are also considering a trip to New Zealand. It's a beautiful country but I would be hesitant to drive as much as I did again.let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-15853455600429671122017-02-17T13:55:00.002+08:002017-02-17T14:08:05.218+08:00Trip to Middle-Earth (aka New Zealand) - North Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been over 2 years since I returned from New Zealand so why bother talking about it now. Well, my baby brother told me he wants to go there with his girlfriend after Easter 2017. You have no idea how worried my mom and I have been since he dropped the news! According to my brother, New Zealand went from a "10" to an "8" every time he comes and asks me for trip tips. (My mom never felt that way about me traveling and I am planning a trip to the Middle East... LOL)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auckland</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>Thinking back, I still get goose bumps on how on earth did I manage to drive around in New Zealand for 10 days, some days as long as 10+ hours! If I were to do it again, I would probably take the bus for the longer drives between cities/towns, especially in the South Island. It is a beautiful places and my eyes should not be wasted watching the roads instead of watching the scenery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bayov9mo2SI/WKZvRJRKp1I/AAAAAAABUvI/vkgFpjk25cwJl58xooc-Lytn5nuVxPFAwCPcB/s1600/IMG_4169.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bayov9mo2SI/WKZvRJRKp1I/AAAAAAABUvI/vkgFpjk25cwJl58xooc-Lytn5nuVxPFAwCPcB/s320/IMG_4169.PNG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yellow stars were roughly all the places I went my last trip</td></tr>
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Below are the places I told my brother about if he is determined to go. I am breaking the post into North and South Island for an easier read.<br />
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Auckland - Giapo sells great ice creams<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAHtChwt12s/WKZmpJYlMiI/AAAAAAABUtc/KbIkyjcTYv0XBYz2rlRut4h1mF8Y6b9EwCPcB/s1600/P1640176-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAHtChwt12s/WKZmpJYlMiI/AAAAAAABUtc/KbIkyjcTYv0XBYz2rlRut4h1mF8Y6b9EwCPcB/s400/P1640176-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be prepared to queue at Giapo</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.waiheke.co.nz/" target="_blank">Waiheke Island</a> - great oysters from Te Matuku Bay<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osb_ss9m3Bw/WKZm9oobE1I/AAAAAAABUtk/CCVB0Lv0k6IgPZP9xDzW0ORqxF44y6bsgCPcB/s1600/P1630889-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osb_ss9m3Bw/WKZm9oobE1I/AAAAAAABUtk/CCVB0Lv0k6IgPZP9xDzW0ORqxF44y6bsgCPcB/s400/P1630889-COLLAGE.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh, sweet, and delicious!</td></tr>
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While <a href="http://www.hobbitontours.com/" target="_blank">Hobbiton</a> is worth the drive, I will say the <a href="http://www.waitomo.com/Waitomo-Glowworm-Caves/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Waitomo Cave</a> is overrated. (Disclaimer: I have been to limestone caves in other places in the world before so that was nothing new to me. However, I do appreciate NZ keeping the caves as natural as it could be.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MY1xVhGHcrk/WKZadYVCxuI/AAAAAAABUg8/DfRd8PGc2ughvI1kCIvDnAxvLdZvB4eDwCPcB/s1600/P1640772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MY1xVhGHcrk/WKZadYVCxuI/AAAAAAABUg8/DfRd8PGc2ughvI1kCIvDnAxvLdZvB4eDwCPcB/s400/P1640772.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobbiton is built for a movie set so every where is great for pictures!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/e694db_a24153e11ae049f6ba61210a16955397.jpg_srz_549_188_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e694db_a24153e11ae049f6ba61210a16955397.jpg_srz_549_188_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't expect to see this when you go<br />
(This is the promotional picture I saw on the Internet which sold me in the first place)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-PrRCoNQtw/WKZZ1Zed0SI/AAAAAAABUg8/8v-SCMDk2pIeTQ5hh-tsZSWEI95xlgqwgCPcB/s1600/P1640291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-PrRCoNQtw/WKZZ1Zed0SI/AAAAAAABUg8/8v-SCMDk2pIeTQ5hh-tsZSWEI95xlgqwgCPcB/s400/P1640291.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is closer to what you will actually be and take a picture of.<br />
But first off, you need a good camera.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmztgj-SPVg/WKZZsg9jXdI/AAAAAAABUg8/8DOJSgIc12wb6hZqLgSCP3zewKhrDEO9gCPcB/s1600/P1640243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmztgj-SPVg/WKZZsg9jXdI/AAAAAAABUg8/8DOJSgIc12wb6hZqLgSCP3zewKhrDEO9gCPcB/s400/P1640243.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other cave (Ruakuri) was actually nicer, we did not go to Aranui.<br />
Reminds me of the staircase at the Vatican.<br />
If you are physically fit, you may want to consider the Blackwater Rafting instead.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OatXYpadKcA/WKZZ3hvOEiI/AAAAAAABUg8/THhE3syVpFgQ74mGxgeNoomoEOOcZHfmwCPcB/s1600/P1640316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OatXYpadKcA/WKZZ3hvOEiI/AAAAAAABUg8/THhE3syVpFgQ74mGxgeNoomoEOOcZHfmwCPcB/s400/P1640316.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Ruakuri Cave</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.tepuia.com/?gclid=CKfb1NedltICFY0KKgodSUgEfg" target="_blank">Te Puia</a> was a nice experience but don't waste your money at the <a href="http://www.polynesianspa.co.nz/" target="_blank">Polynesian Spa</a>. And you certainly don't need to make a special stop at the <a href="http://www.agrodome.co.nz/?gclid=CNXW36-eltICFYorvQodpKcHtA" target="_blank">Agrodome</a> for sheep. There are plenty of sheep at Hobbiton.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWp8aUSov6c/WKZnztl3yxI/AAAAAAABUuA/Dc6DgJeRzh80T9RP5KzNdHeJDQ5BWQI2ACPcB/s1600/P1650059-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWp8aUSov6c/WKZnztl3yxI/AAAAAAABUuA/Dc6DgJeRzh80T9RP5KzNdHeJDQ5BWQI2ACPcB/s400/P1650059-COLLAGE.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you've been to Yellowstone National Park (which I've been), <br />
this geyser will be mild compared to the Old Faithful</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyBcQrb9p1A/WKZoFDmeLFI/AAAAAAABUuI/FGucdUFEmNE8Omh8WpQ5V_nMEsbCLbdewCPcB/s1600/P1650173-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyBcQrb9p1A/WKZoFDmeLFI/AAAAAAABUuI/FGucdUFEmNE8Omh8WpQ5V_nMEsbCLbdewCPcB/s400/P1650173-COLLAGE.jpg" style="left: 289px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 4131px;" width="96" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyBcQrb9p1A/WKZoFDmeLFI/AAAAAAABUuI/FGucdUFEmNE8Omh8WpQ5V_nMEsbCLbdewCPcB/s1600/P1650173-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyBcQrb9p1A/WKZoFDmeLFI/AAAAAAABUuI/FGucdUFEmNE8Omh8WpQ5V_nMEsbCLbdewCPcB/s400/P1650173-COLLAGE.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did the Te Po Experience<br />
Dance was interesting and the food was good</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReV2IZpLvlM/WKZawB_dnJI/AAAAAAABUg8/V9jhPnbRTZMckL_Ll_lI3wBoWIe1IfRQACPcB/s1600/P1640959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReV2IZpLvlM/WKZawB_dnJI/AAAAAAABUg8/V9jhPnbRTZMckL_Ll_lI3wBoWIe1IfRQACPcB/s400/P1640959.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Polynesia Spa. Save your money for a real onsen in Japan.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNkXn6bmfgs/WKZatFEubwI/AAAAAAABUg8/bCYzG4i08dkTxU2c6ZZ75KiwX8T7FlIiACPcB/s1600/P1640940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNkXn6bmfgs/WKZatFEubwI/AAAAAAABUg8/bCYzG4i08dkTxU2c6ZZ75KiwX8T7FlIiACPcB/s400/P1640940.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was spring so baby sheep were everywhere when we went<br />
But they runaway from you if you try to get too close.<br />
So, don't think you will be able to take a selfie while hugging a sheep, mom or baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lake Taupo is a nice lake but not a must see in my opinion if you have the limited time. Go back to Auckland and take a flight down to the South Island. My co-worker would probably disagree with me since he went there with his family a while back and had a fabulous time relaxing at the resort. So again, everyone is different.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJeCw1SkeYw/WKZcMjrIy7I/AAAAAAABUpE/TPlHqC1blb4qceGkSb5TjVQb3ZlTQMSyQCPcB/s1600/P1650413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJeCw1SkeYw/WKZcMjrIy7I/AAAAAAABUpE/TPlHqC1blb4qceGkSb5TjVQb3ZlTQMSyQCPcB/s400/P1650413.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our close encounter with a black swan at Lake Taupo</td></tr>
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Martinborough is nice if the boutique wineries are open but the roads are windy. For non-wine enthusiast, aka my brother, skip. The Martinborough Hotel was very nice though.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHgCfmA8Lr8/WKZ7G0bXkVI/AAAAAAABUx8/XaayetZCf-UL-ytfegCc3caLY0D0DEjVACPcB/s1600/IMG_9637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHgCfmA8Lr8/WKZ7G0bXkVI/AAAAAAABUx8/XaayetZCf-UL-ytfegCc3caLY0D0DEjVACPcB/s400/IMG_9637.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice boutique hotel we stayed in Martinborough</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5arAMYWjRVI/WKZdU3POWhI/AAAAAAABUpE/qfoq6a5w3lMZAEZnYay_h3h1KnRkMWcZgCPcB/s1600/P1650873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5arAMYWjRVI/WKZdU3POWhI/AAAAAAABUpE/qfoq6a5w3lMZAEZnYay_h3h1KnRkMWcZgCPcB/s400/P1650873.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppies, a boutique winery recommended to us by many locals.<br />
Un<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">fortunately, it was closed when we went.</span></td></tr>
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Wellington is a nice town but driving there wasn't fun. It's very windy and lot of hills. If you are not a big LOTR or special effects fan, I say skip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tisbwVkF0U/WKZdp8O-d3I/AAAAAAABUpE/Qq-xASieBwgLkF2bVqSAL9jyCEJcWgwYACPcB/s1600/P1650903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tisbwVkF0U/WKZdp8O-d3I/AAAAAAABUpE/Qq-xASieBwgLkF2bVqSAL9jyCEJcWgwYACPcB/s400/P1650903.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No kidding</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dB8XmLsUftI/WKZdn_WHp1I/AAAAAAABUpE/STMMx5QP0vIXJ-pvISo7lAJ-AINXwd2bQCPcB/s1600/P1650888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dB8XmLsUftI/WKZdn_WHp1I/AAAAAAABUpE/STMMx5QP0vIXJ-pvISo7lAJ-AINXwd2bQCPcB/s400/P1650888.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather literally went from this...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VVTbqY3AIg/WKZde4ZIn0I/AAAAAAABUpE/VLBcLAm6csYYOtcbqEsxn1cExR36UEbsgCPcB/s1600/P1660012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VVTbqY3AIg/WKZde4ZIn0I/AAAAAAABUpE/VLBcLAm6csYYOtcbqEsxn1cExR36UEbsgCPcB/s400/P1660012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...to this in a matter of minutes...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHP5tGJIzk0/WKZd1raxpmI/AAAAAAABUpE/CfK9u_pENJMKFhq7RzrU7f_WJuXFaqHUACPcB/s1600/P1660073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHP5tGJIzk0/WKZd1raxpmI/AAAAAAABUpE/CfK9u_pENJMKFhq7RzrU7f_WJuXFaqHUACPcB/s400/P1660073.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@ the Weta Cave<br />
Book tickets ahead if you plan to visit</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.interislander.co.nz/" target="_blank">Interislander</a> - ferry from Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island). This ferry made my 2 island driving trip possible. We took a late afternoon ferry and saw one of the most beautiful sunsets in my life.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d88iVzel1qM/WKZd9EBlelI/AAAAAAABUpE/oL6w5NeGBfk_NPl_aWrmZqprweOV17g9QCPcB/s1600/P1660172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d88iVzel1qM/WKZd9EBlelI/AAAAAAABUpE/oL6w5NeGBfk_NPl_aWrmZqprweOV17g9QCPcB/s400/P1660172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go to the passenger deck after you park your car.<br />
It's not a bad idea to pick up dinner in Wellington and eat on the ferry.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YPoTy-pBIM/WKZd_U8MKYI/AAAAAAABUpE/kjitsT3fYtwQU0UtKAHPzBiPIV6J_vMlQCPcB/s1600/P1660191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YPoTy-pBIM/WKZd_U8MKYI/AAAAAAABUpE/kjitsT3fYtwQU0UtKAHPzBiPIV6J_vMlQCPcB/s400/P1660191.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deck is open to public.<br />
It's a 3 hours ride but the sunset made it worthwhile.</td></tr>
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Continue reading about my trip report on the South Island <a href="http://letstalkfoodandetc.blogspot.com/2017/02/trip-to-middle-earth-aka-new-zealand_17.html" target="_blank">here</a>.let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-72016015563961185832017-02-13T15:03:00.002+08:002017-02-13T15:03:49.267+08:00Nishimuraya Honkan Kinosaki Onsen (城崎溫泉 西村屋本館): the foodSo, here's the post on our dinner and breakfast at Nishimuraya Honkan. When I can still describe how the food taste after all this time, you know it is a very memorable meal!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh_lRFcIdVQ/WBiQHfuWAcI/AAAAAAABTso/lO4t-iFR-EQ_OiTrwMJ09oL6BeoVKKAMACPcB/s1600/IMG_9495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh_lRFcIdVQ/WBiQHfuWAcI/AAAAAAABTso/lO4t-iFR-EQ_OiTrwMJ09oL6BeoVKKAMACPcB/s400/IMG_9495.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most memorable of all~<br />
Grilled kani-miso!</td></tr>
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Dinner was a 10-course kaiseki served in your room. A dedicated ryokan staff is assigned to each room for your entire stay. There was a lot of food so I recommend you to pick the earliest hour possible to start the feast, and skip lunch where possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q77B0i1IjVI/WBiPrENgsGI/AAAAAAABTqo/GSsFZoLYikk43QhevZQPEmhyfxvjaBdTACPcB/s1600/IMG_9439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q77B0i1IjVI/WBiPrENgsGI/AAAAAAABTqo/GSsFZoLYikk43QhevZQPEmhyfxvjaBdTACPcB/s400/IMG_9439.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese menu handwritten by the chef</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZf2gN7bdHg/WBi9j0s6_yI/AAAAAAABTyo/zYhDly4wNy8VszGT_BPg9P6GE6sE0J9zQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZf2gN7bdHg/WBi9j0s6_yI/AAAAAAABTyo/zYhDly4wNy8VszGT_BPg9P6GE6sE0J9zQCPcB/s400/IMG_0773.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I upgraded my dinner so that I could also try the Tajima beef. There is also more crabs in this set so it is not a bad idea if you are considering but just keep in mind their portion is very generous - quite different from my impression of traditional kaiseki. (Note: The pictures below are from the upgraded set unless otherwise noted.)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUJ5v0me36E/WBiPsl1Bo9I/AAAAAAABTqo/kZEXJ-x6z-47EwvsWPArtLpmdHAZc27ywCPcB/s1600/IMG_9442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUJ5v0me36E/WBiPsl1Bo9I/AAAAAAABTqo/kZEXJ-x6z-47EwvsWPArtLpmdHAZc27ywCPcB/s400/IMG_9442.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aperitif<br />
infused with crab shells<br />
served warm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sg7ojGpAiRM/WBiP010mLGI/AAAAAAABTso/ImVJuR7tNIUL3UaWrOV65x9fibygehxzgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sg7ojGpAiRM/WBiP010mLGI/AAAAAAABTso/ImVJuR7tNIUL3UaWrOV65x9fibygehxzgCPcB/s400/IMG_9448.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female matsuba crab with roe</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9_PqVe5CmA/WBi9jwsROtI/AAAAAAABTyo/mxnRvygJC7szSWkjO2rfhqixFfycoHU5gCPcB/s1600/IMG_0775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9_PqVe5CmA/WBi9jwsROtI/AAAAAAABTyo/mxnRvygJC7szSWkjO2rfhqixFfycoHU5gCPcB/s400/IMG_0775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzKZGBWCktA/WBiP4hkGEqI/AAAAAAABTyo/T8la0fSSoB0rF2JWFCXsiKzhiLuLqQ1NgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzKZGBWCktA/WBiP4hkGEqI/AAAAAAABTyo/T8la0fSSoB0rF2JWFCXsiKzhiLuLqQ1NgCPcB/s400/IMG_9455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qB3LRmxEwI/WBiP0252gfI/AAAAAAABTso/vrVWHXcqZDA7aYEYg2pYiTJ5bnpbtxydgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qB3LRmxEwI/WBiP0252gfI/AAAAAAABTso/vrVWHXcqZDA7aYEYg2pYiTJ5bnpbtxydgCPcB/s400/IMG_9450.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamed fresh matsuba</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz7s5_6pmq0/WBiP4gf4mgI/AAAAAAABTso/6RKepLhTA6gleHxbWHvcjLN0wUG7QED2ACPcB/s1600/IMG_9458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz7s5_6pmq0/WBiP4gf4mgI/AAAAAAABTso/6RKepLhTA6gleHxbWHvcjLN0wUG7QED2ACPcB/s400/IMG_9458.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jmL0yzracU/WBiP4rSp2WI/AAAAAAABTso/JeG8jq2xSqMpEwn5kkSjoIOjdkUTFJUjwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jmL0yzracU/WBiP4rSp2WI/AAAAAAABTso/JeG8jq2xSqMpEwn5kkSjoIOjdkUTFJUjwCPcB/s400/IMG_9459.jpg" width="400" /></a> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-7E4ZTyzkY/WBiP5lVdF2I/AAAAAAABTso/5iowfNSuaAEek7n7tYFjheG37xO-XEBDQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-7E4ZTyzkY/WBiP5lVdF2I/AAAAAAABTso/5iowfNSuaAEek7n7tYFjheG37xO-XEBDQCPcB/s400/IMG_9463.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">each crab comes with a tag of origin</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtRy95d1qL8/WBiPyw_VFII/AAAAAAABTso/3sybQc3UrEgxQPXP3RcoTb2NpSW0O-oyACPcB/s1600/IMG_9444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtRy95d1qL8/WBiPyw_VFII/AAAAAAABTso/3sybQc3UrEgxQPXP3RcoTb2NpSW0O-oyACPcB/s400/IMG_9444.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the same dish from the regular set<br />
Difference: the upgraded set has a fancier bowl and a tag of origin<br />
Taste: well, the crab was sweeter in the upgraded bowl <br />
Portion is same in both - 1/2 crab</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvio5B_tm1Q/WBiP8SqjjjI/AAAAAAABTso/AlQ34RqtBVs8aRpA4CqG5ndmc5zi7OxkwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvio5B_tm1Q/WBiP8SqjjjI/AAAAAAABTso/AlQ34RqtBVs8aRpA4CqG5ndmc5zi7OxkwCPcB/s400/IMG_9471.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab soup</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5J-dkeo8kLE/WBiP8c0exPI/AAAAAAABTso/8xqUihliYmQq9BLJzQqBOLn04Gp9V0__ACPcB/s1600/IMG_9472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5J-dkeo8kLE/WBiP8c0exPI/AAAAAAABTso/8xqUihliYmQq9BLJzQqBOLn04Gp9V0__ACPcB/s400/IMG_9472.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-No0SNWGzPgI/WBiQFIh7hzI/AAAAAAABTso/_VxqDPwU7Kc_ah7hl4MOsHhm7hJnF-gtACPcB/s1600/IMG_9489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-No0SNWGzPgI/WBiQFIh7hzI/AAAAAAABTso/_VxqDPwU7Kc_ah7hl4MOsHhm7hJnF-gtACPcB/s400/IMG_9489.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sashimi: very sweet<br />
Since my mom doesn't eat raw fish, I think I ate hers also.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6PEEIlSgJw/WBiQMXTv8EI/AAAAAAABTso/QNEup_JtREU9Rvkhp6I6AIFc6kRDtPyyACPcB/s1600/IMG_9507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6PEEIlSgJw/WBiQMXTv8EI/AAAAAAABTso/QNEup_JtREU9Rvkhp6I6AIFc6kRDtPyyACPcB/s400/IMG_9507.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tajima Beef. So good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ckw3ibswrtw/WBiP__76DAI/AAAAAAABTso/erLcIge0UNckGSp9niNKvszSle0RQD7fwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ckw3ibswrtw/WBiP__76DAI/AAAAAAABTso/erLcIge0UNckGSp9niNKvszSle0RQD7fwCPcB/s400/IMG_9486.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamed abalone with turnip, persimmon, and maitake mushrooms<br />
I was so busy eating / full at this point already.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcr58JkKMBE/WBiQFIvgsOI/AAAAAAABTso/jc_nEk2Q-nsOZGyVtrXUNHEKf3m3rTuvACPcB/s1600/IMG_9491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcr58JkKMBE/WBiQFIvgsOI/AAAAAAABTso/jc_nEk2Q-nsOZGyVtrXUNHEKf3m3rTuvACPcB/s400/IMG_9491.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No matter how full you are, save room for the grilled matsuba crab<br />
These were by far my favorites</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2VhI2-ikkk/WBiQHYOmd2I/AAAAAAABTso/3F3yrsrvX80MtlIb4N9hb6o7KMW-wxdnQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2VhI2-ikkk/WBiQHYOmd2I/AAAAAAABTso/3F3yrsrvX80MtlIb4N9hb6o7KMW-wxdnQCPcB/s400/IMG_9493.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh_lRFcIdVQ/WBiQHfuWAcI/AAAAAAABTso/lO4t-iFR-EQ_OiTrwMJ09oL6BeoVKKAMACPcB/s1600/IMG_9495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh_lRFcIdVQ/WBiQHfuWAcI/AAAAAAABTso/lO4t-iFR-EQ_OiTrwMJ09oL6BeoVKKAMACPcB/s400/IMG_9495.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most memorable of all~<br />
Grilled kani-miso!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a01S2ncDsM0/WBiQIzZDHSI/AAAAAAABTso/vSpZBnZeszM9F0jCNpKTlQ9hi6r6hNnJgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a01S2ncDsM0/WBiQIzZDHSI/AAAAAAABTso/vSpZBnZeszM9F0jCNpKTlQ9hi6r6hNnJgCPcB/s400/IMG_9498.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can I have 3 more bowls of these?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJdck_xd5tw/WBiQI5Hzw0I/AAAAAAABTso/J7JxBmpi8aAMvx_QwjUtScvuJnZsK3YewCPcB/s1600/IMG_9500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJdck_xd5tw/WBiQI5Hzw0I/AAAAAAABTso/J7JxBmpi8aAMvx_QwjUtScvuJnZsK3YewCPcB/s400/IMG_9500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcKTZoousos/WBiQKbbfZwI/AAAAAAABTso/X-oDlWqwKRg4LwwumIZwPSeoYVZ4gzCqgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcKTZoousos/WBiQKbbfZwI/AAAAAAABTso/X-oDlWqwKRg4LwwumIZwPSeoYVZ4gzCqgCPcB/s400/IMG_9502.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other item that you can't miss is the crab hotpot<br />
The very delicate broth goes very well with the delicate matsuba crab</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTZghr5nsdo/WBiQKSi66xI/AAAAAAABTso/ioJA70yQi_cNvV7skr7xfP4vqbB35xAFQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTZghr5nsdo/WBiQKSi66xI/AAAAAAABTso/ioJA70yQi_cNvV7skr7xfP4vqbB35xAFQCPcB/s400/IMG_9504.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maKHqQcGOUs/WBiQNQGPSjI/AAAAAAABTso/TTxnL44UPKwQCh6G2uy8cWq3vvg8rMUDgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maKHqQcGOUs/WBiQNQGPSjI/AAAAAAABTso/TTxnL44UPKwQCh6G2uy8cWq3vvg8rMUDgCPcB/s400/IMG_9509.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The congee is always the highlight of every Japanese hotpot<br />
Don't skip if all possible, no matter how full you already are.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k11TomCBniA/WBiQNc_1ToI/AAAAAAABTso/LMGrZUDVVEA5eCuqdsWXiaj8Wawl00g1QCPcB/s1600/IMG_9510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k11TomCBniA/WBiQNc_1ToI/AAAAAAABTso/LMGrZUDVVEA5eCuqdsWXiaj8Wawl00g1QCPcB/s400/IMG_9510.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Japanese rice. <br />
Those cooked in the Konotori kettle were even better!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAp3snIoIOg/WBiQO9dBGTI/AAAAAAABTso/uhXsQYGM1KESeLkM1eH_WvyLMcIz2Bn7gCPcB/s1600/IMG_9516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAp3snIoIOg/WBiQO9dBGTI/AAAAAAABTso/uhXsQYGM1KESeLkM1eH_WvyLMcIz2Bn7gCPcB/s400/IMG_9516.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other best dish in the meal.<br />
Japanese rice soaked with all the matsuba crab essence</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6WRcwwCowU/WBiQTkMO5jI/AAAAAAABTso/BMX-VNCg33onNv6ryjYY4agkGvVTS-KdQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6WRcwwCowU/WBiQTkMO5jI/AAAAAAABTso/BMX-VNCg33onNv6ryjYY4agkGvVTS-KdQCPcB/s400/IMG_9523.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bring some digestives.<br />
You will need them too.</td></tr>
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I think I might have missed a few dishes still just because I was too busy eating. I wish the portion was smaller on some dishes. Again, it is a feast so it was a little hard to finish eating everything within 2-3 hours. (Note: Keep in mind your dinner is served in your room and they need to clear the dinner table and plates before they can get your beds ready - it's a Japanese style room.)<br />
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I slept very well that night. Hard not to after such a big meal and another onsen soak. The bed was soft and comfortable :) And then you woke up to eat again! LOL! Trust me, you won't need lunch afterwards. Maybe even dinner!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XE-e-JXQ1xY/WBiQipeq7HI/AAAAAAABTso/s3wOENcwVVgK03OVqpuOCaB9LbgXTQCaQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XE-e-JXQ1xY/WBiQipeq7HI/AAAAAAABTso/s3wOENcwVVgK03OVqpuOCaB9LbgXTQCaQCPcB/s400/IMG_9614.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't seem a lot of food until you start working on it.<br />
Beautiful places for sure!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xCQM6RRgxkk/WBiQiuppn3I/AAAAAAABTso/0QYdOHa1X0ku6dP1MTxXGjSKKvnsjqO5ACPcB/s1600/IMG_9616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xCQM6RRgxkk/WBiQiuppn3I/AAAAAAABTso/0QYdOHa1X0ku6dP1MTxXGjSKKvnsjqO5ACPcB/s400/IMG_9616.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can heat the fish up on the small grill.<br />
Very thoughtful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8r1tqQYPcEE/WBiQkEr-l8I/AAAAAAABTso/jDWfpkYaBlg5UyWSsyCELavJtsRvh2FnACPcB/s1600/IMG_9617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8r1tqQYPcEE/WBiQkEr-l8I/AAAAAAABTso/jDWfpkYaBlg5UyWSsyCELavJtsRvh2FnACPcB/s400/IMG_9617.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up on some of the small plates</td></tr>
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The matsuba crab season is from November to March every year. Yet, Kinosaki Onsen is beautiful all seasons. (April is a high month because of the cherry blossoms!) I am not affiliated with the ryokan in any way but I always say this: book early if you want to go to avoid disappointments.<br />
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<a href="http://nishimuraya.ne.jp/honkan/english/index.php" target="_blank"><strong>Nishimuraya Honkan Kinosaki Onsen (城崎溫泉 西村屋本館)</strong></a><br />
<span class="_Xbe">469 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture 669-6101, Japan</span><br />
Tel: +81 796-32-2211<br />
<img height="72" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcr58JkKMBE/WBiQFIvgsOI/AAAAAAABTso/jc_nEk2Q-nsOZGyVtrXUNHEKf3m3rTuvACPcB/s320/IMG_9491.jpg" style="left: 349px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 5598.5px;" width="96" />let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-39398645207189117722016-12-14T14:13:00.001+08:002016-12-14T14:13:08.244+08:00Nishimuraya Honkan Kinosaki Onsen (城崎溫泉 西村屋本館): the ryokan and surroundings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another year, another crab season. Did you know the Matsuba Crab is only available from November to March every year? I had an unforgettable experience at Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki. It was a splurge but it is worth every penny! We were definitely spoiled by the food and the hospitality.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bskFq8760E/WBiQWzzLy4I/AAAAAAABTso/hKyIHDnPc0IetrAkYWcn_O7AwdZyZ9sAACPcB/s1600/IMG_9566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bskFq8760E/WBiQWzzLy4I/AAAAAAABTso/hKyIHDnPc0IetrAkYWcn_O7AwdZyZ9sAACPcB/s400/IMG_9566.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden view from main entrance at Nishimuraya Honkan</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Nishimuraya is the oldest ryokan in the area. If you want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality, look no further. Everything oozes with class and elegance here. You will wish to return year after year just like me. (I have been wanting to write about my experience but it got indefinitely pushed back due to one thing and another...) Since pictures speak a thousand words, I will just show you the pictures I took~<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uK5bk-wZEew/WBiPUSJ0oFI/AAAAAAABTqo/vU0TQ9h3BHoFrXuCUNRR9uOPoJPH3l04wCPcB/s1600/IMG_9337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uK5bk-wZEew/WBiPUSJ0oFI/AAAAAAABTqo/vU0TQ9h3BHoFrXuCUNRR9uOPoJPH3l04wCPcB/s400/IMG_9337.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the moment your car arrived, <br />
the ryokan's staff promptly come to assist you with your luggage,<br />
parking, check-in, etc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOI3yDd1hJ8/WBi9Z-5mZgI/AAAAAAABTwY/96_SO3uzOJAzOYGoDTYE6-ya_fXj5qfPgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOI3yDd1hJ8/WBi9Z-5mZgI/AAAAAAABTwY/96_SO3uzOJAzOYGoDTYE6-ya_fXj5qfPgCPcB/s400/IMG_0743.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at how neatly all the slippers were arranged.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bskFq8760E/WBiQWzzLy4I/AAAAAAABTso/hKyIHDnPc0IetrAkYWcn_O7AwdZyZ9sAACPcB/s1600/IMG_9566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bskFq8760E/WBiQWzzLy4I/AAAAAAABTso/hKyIHDnPc0IetrAkYWcn_O7AwdZyZ9sAACPcB/s400/IMG_9566.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You were immediately greeted with this gorgeous view of their garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wWJvtbkPz4/WBiQeaQ7MII/AAAAAAABTso/dmIM4SS-zZQN1Z7zvfAO-GvrKiEyhCyWACPcB/s1600/IMG_9593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wWJvtbkPz4/WBiQeaQ7MII/AAAAAAABTso/dmIM4SS-zZQN1Z7zvfAO-GvrKiEyhCyWACPcB/s400/IMG_9593.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even got lucky with the weather.<br />
It snowed the very next morning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVsBs0viiSQ/WBiQgP2Lb3I/AAAAAAABTso/CmRtsYVaf48B1XJOB8ebhvsZR12-NPF4wCPcB/s1600/IMG_9601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVsBs0viiSQ/WBiQgP2Lb3I/AAAAAAABTso/CmRtsYVaf48B1XJOB8ebhvsZR12-NPF4wCPcB/s400/IMG_9601.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole place felt like it's from a totally different era.<br />
well, it was built a hundred years ago... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gimcObYfyBE/WBiPWh_TG9I/AAAAAAABTqo/DveEPoQwEGApR4TyZ99xl8XOdpUbKI8FQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gimcObYfyBE/WBiPWh_TG9I/AAAAAAABTqo/DveEPoQwEGApR4TyZ99xl8XOdpUbKI8FQCPcB/s400/IMG_9345.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our room. Fall came a bit late that year.<br />
Could you imagine how gorgeous it would be if the leaves were more red?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wG8_PKVygyA/WBi9cy4ue_I/AAAAAAABTwk/lxgk5PFboJIXgnaJ2CqxLIt4r80vOPgqgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wG8_PKVygyA/WBi9cy4ue_I/AAAAAAABTwk/lxgk5PFboJIXgnaJ2CqxLIt4r80vOPgqgCPcB/s320/IMG_0746.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can literally sit here and sip tea all day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrTS5R4TSxc/WBiPecdJ0WI/AAAAAAABTqo/v43eXVhODn8vkQTxsMCm37LjOB3jUSfAwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrTS5R4TSxc/WBiPecdJ0WI/AAAAAAABTqo/v43eXVhODn8vkQTxsMCm37LjOB3jUSfAwCPcB/s400/IMG_9406.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nishimuraya even got their very own museum,<br />
displaying artifact through time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvSj9FWlbWE/WBiPY_LcNGI/AAAAAAABTqo/utK3XdS9iUMc0f1wSxB3HSNup6ZWcU71QCPcB/s1600/IMG_9353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvSj9FWlbWE/WBiPY_LcNGI/AAAAAAABTqo/utK3XdS9iUMc0f1wSxB3HSNup6ZWcU71QCPcB/s400/IMG_9353.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yukata is very traditional in colors.<br />
It does reflect the clientele here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J13Dij7xry4/WBiPYCU2O4I/AAAAAAABTqo/7TNeLuGWlkwTIAkM_BKtM7kH2awUOZsHACPcB/s1600/IMG_9350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J13Dij7xry4/WBiPYCU2O4I/AAAAAAABTqo/7TNeLuGWlkwTIAkM_BKtM7kH2awUOZsHACPcB/s400/IMG_9350.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our welcome tea and snack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
After we enjoyed our welcome snack and changed into our yukata (the staff will help you if you don't know how to wear it), we went out and explored the town. (FYI: the wooden slippers were really uncomfortable, especially in a rainy day.) Kinosaki Onsen is a great tourist town in my opinion. It is connected by JR, has 7 public hot springs, and offers delicious food. It is bound to make even the pickiest tourist happy :) </div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNUEPhGctss/WBi8qbbKYrI/AAAAAAABTvM/W1_wI94_ZPMb5iq3Lv5_NFj5hwelOjAWACPcB/s1600/IMG_9647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNUEPhGctss/WBi8qbbKYrI/AAAAAAABTvM/W1_wI94_ZPMb5iq3Lv5_NFj5hwelOjAWACPcB/s400/IMG_9647.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is even a JR station right at Kinosaki Onsen.<br />
So, you can come here even if you don't know how to drive!<br />
(However, the drive here from Kyoto is beautiful)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lS81DLnq7z4/WBi8qW6DkMI/AAAAAAABTvM/6F6MdTdlWSMDt1Qe4k4SonxlIuBbXIksACPcB/s1600/IMG_9651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lS81DLnq7z4/WBi8qW6DkMI/AAAAAAABTvM/6F6MdTdlWSMDt1Qe4k4SonxlIuBbXIksACPcB/s400/IMG_9651.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePNOvQXFtRg/WBi8wU7T8hI/AAAAAAABTvw/j662IygpJxswcMWUU-5m_7j6VnQEHZGsgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePNOvQXFtRg/WBi8wU7T8hI/AAAAAAABTvw/j662IygpJxswcMWUU-5m_7j6VnQEHZGsgCPcB/s320/IMG_9576.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite of the seven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8vxzPonRlQ/WBi8wcZ9UNI/AAAAAAABTvw/F1cvqbdV9x8G8Vpr4i5tVK05fyyHOfKLgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8vxzPonRlQ/WBi8wcZ9UNI/AAAAAAABTvw/F1cvqbdV9x8G8Vpr4i5tVK05fyyHOfKLgCPcB/s320/IMG_9577.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">if you are the first one to enter the onsen,<br />
they will give you a plague to prove it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgDthzIKThU/WBi8qQXxdjI/AAAAAAABTvM/jW_WzVEms1wW2QuKKkMQG3eMNT3zIcsAQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgDthzIKThU/WBi8qQXxdjI/AAAAAAABTvM/jW_WzVEms1wW2QuKKkMQG3eMNT3zIcsAQCPcB/s400/IMG_9648.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a Japanese lady cleaning the street, the proper way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MD3az9vDDLw/WBi8qXSgpZI/AAAAAAABTvM/-Rlk6gPRXPErzb9REDlk2BJmuPdPPTb9wCPcB/s1600/IMG_9646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MD3az9vDDLw/WBi8qXSgpZI/AAAAAAABTvM/-Rlk6gPRXPErzb9REDlk2BJmuPdPPTb9wCPcB/s400/IMG_9646.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you could buy local seafood here and bring home,<br />
or cook it yourself in Kinosaki!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw98-NUkB74/WBi9hVw446I/AAAAAAABTyo/vji50F-1_qkXUwKDl5AEVTmUgGzUOw6ZwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw98-NUkB74/WBi9hVw446I/AAAAAAABTyo/vji50F-1_qkXUwKDl5AEVTmUgGzUOw6ZwCPcB/s320/IMG_0767.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">look at this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQg4OT3Tdbo/WBi9eyrLAuI/AAAAAAABTww/K-TzY1Pb6j8gVG02TlV2mrM7di3c9OU4gCPcB/s1600/IMG_0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQg4OT3Tdbo/WBi9eyrLAuI/AAAAAAABTww/K-TzY1Pb6j8gVG02TlV2mrM7di3c9OU4gCPcB/s400/IMG_0762.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-3Q39Q2cZM/WBi9hXh228I/AAAAAAABTxA/fFD5ZqitATM4_7tqkY_YjVct5jG_o06QACPcB/s1600/IMG_0766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-3Q39Q2cZM/WBi9hXh228I/AAAAAAABTxA/fFD5ZqitATM4_7tqkY_YjVct5jG_o06QACPcB/s400/IMG_0766.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXu-7MUex1Y/WBi9Askmx0I/AAAAAAABTwE/ljg-L_hKtDscH2-r_2JSgYSfBqFXORhOACPcB/s1600/IMG_9409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXu-7MUex1Y/WBi9Askmx0I/AAAAAAABTwE/ljg-L_hKtDscH2-r_2JSgYSfBqFXORhOACPcB/s400/IMG_9409.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The custard at this place seemed to be quite famous<br />
it was creamy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzuOvpEdW4w/WBi8t5y9TjI/AAAAAAABTvk/nO6zfmvdm6UGOjLgaXSpP_ux5v4q7MzmwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzuOvpEdW4w/WBi8t5y9TjI/AAAAAAABTvk/nO6zfmvdm6UGOjLgaXSpP_ux5v4q7MzmwCPcB/s400/IMG_9640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can't miss onsen egg at an onsen, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1JYyNb_3Yo/WBi8t-HOcnI/AAAAAAABTvk/tTLrmTpplhEie1EzUPbVeldh1gtuiVFUgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1JYyNb_3Yo/WBi8t-HOcnI/AAAAAAABTvk/tTLrmTpplhEie1EzUPbVeldh1gtuiVFUgCPcB/s400/IMG_9634.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fjs2j2AsuU/WBi8t2JnFaI/AAAAAAABTvk/fqk8aeXOuGgeOoM9M12SoYJ8W_ppB-vdgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fjs2j2AsuU/WBi8t2JnFaI/AAAAAAABTvk/fqk8aeXOuGgeOoM9M12SoYJ8W_ppB-vdgCPcB/s400/IMG_9643.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG! they even provide you proper tools to cut your eggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OdbcXtCd3QM/WBi8t9D60xI/AAAAAAABTvk/gls-v9e2hvQpt-euuCF4VxSbmrANZM0mACPcB/s1600/IMG_9641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OdbcXtCd3QM/WBi8t9D60xI/AAAAAAABTvk/gls-v9e2hvQpt-euuCF4VxSbmrANZM0mACPcB/s400/IMG_9641.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guarantees perfection every time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UotwMZmDp4s/WBi8t1uxbYI/AAAAAAABTvk/-ZLIThylkDwN5gkPuLjf7usVmJ9TOjw6ACPcB/s1600/IMG_9644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UotwMZmDp4s/WBi8t1uxbYI/AAAAAAABTvk/-ZLIThylkDwN5gkPuLjf7usVmJ9TOjw6ACPcB/s400/IMG_9644.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After all that snacking and relaxation in the onsen, it's time to head back to the hotel for the dinner. For anyone staying with Nishimuraya Honkan, I hope you are very hungry because dinner was colossal! (It is probably wise to skip lunch to prep yourself for the meal.) But just before, look what the ryokan had for us - rice cakes!!! So wrong but I couldn't resist! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkpedZvnjcM/WBiPjxE3DLI/AAAAAAABTqo/RVkcjOFAugcOx__Y-xF6mUaFyrnbt3HDACPcB/s1600/IMG_9423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkpedZvnjcM/WBiPjxE3DLI/AAAAAAABTqo/RVkcjOFAugcOx__Y-xF6mUaFyrnbt3HDACPcB/s400/IMG_9423.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxxGusArZ0o/WBiPj0u05dI/AAAAAAABTqo/Anb7YiK1mz0-vOaAlbKLChKt3vwvhAQ8ACPcB/s1600/IMG_9424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxxGusArZ0o/WBiPj0u05dI/AAAAAAABTqo/Anb7YiK1mz0-vOaAlbKLChKt3vwvhAQ8ACPcB/s400/IMG_9424.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rice cake is comfort food,<br />
especially when it is cold outside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since the post is already getting very long and I really need to give due credit to the dinner here, I am going to split it into separate posts... so stay tuned...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nishimuraya.ne.jp/honkan/english/index.php" target="_blank"><strong>Nishimuraya Honkan Kinosaki Onsen (城崎溫泉 西村屋本館)</strong></a><br />
<span class="_Xbe">469 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture 669-6101, Japan</span><br />
Tel: +81 796-32-2211<br />
</div>
let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-52722648435228248332016-10-28T19:48:00.002+08:002016-10-28T19:48:19.904+08:00Kagiya (鍵屋) @ Ine-Cho ( 伊根町)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I really love something, my friends would hear me talking about it non-stop. </span>Kagiya (鍵屋) in Ine-cho is one of those places. <span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> It is not the easiest to get to but it was so worth it. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been keeping it hush-hush on the blog but I always think about my experience there every year around this time. If there is a next time, I will need to at least spend 2 nights there, with one day fully dedicated to fishing. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2nWiF2wuko9fC0LnLjOOtDfztdYz1DBl0DiR0Np7mMGUaQvG98Qrt6oaWOlJ7Z4tkLdpe9cP4aTh2Y_y_5a4ap5IBdKGg0TGt6BcIVcUvA5Vys0kFsywLAvDHawo3zjaSAbB6T0yRns/s1600/P1730827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2nWiF2wuko9fC0LnLjOOtDfztdYz1DBl0DiR0Np7mMGUaQvG98Qrt6oaWOlJ7Z4tkLdpe9cP4aTh2Y_y_5a4ap5IBdKGg0TGt6BcIVcUvA5Vys0kFsywLAvDHawo3zjaSAbB6T0yRns/s400/P1730827.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ine is sometimes referred to "Venice of Japan" but a lot less known and much quieter.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Kagiya </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">is one of those specialty </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">accommodation</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> converted from a traditional funaya. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Funaya is unique Ine buildings which have existed since the 1700s were at first storage houses for wooden boats built for hanging up fishing nets. Nowadays, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">most funaya are wooden 2 floor buildings, t</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">he first floor is a combined boat garage and workspace for fishermen, and the second floor is used as a living area </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">and/or guest room. There are also funaya which have been renovated as accommodation, like Kagiya</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">. (<i>Source: <a href="http://www.ine-kankou.jp/english/" target="_blank">Ine Tourism Association</a></i>)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the traditional funaya, this would be the garage for boats.<br />
Did you see the door? You could actually go out and squid<br />
we couldn't that night as the wind was too strong T_T</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">traditional Japanese sleeping arrangement<br />
very comfortable for us but may not be suitable for people who have back problems</td></tr>
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Kagiya is family owned and run. The owners are trained chef and had their own restaurant "Herbie" for many year before they opened Kagiya. I was so surprised when they told me Kagiya has been in business for over 6 years (as of 2014). The place literally looks and feels brand new!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52qlx7sZF2U/WAyh7riErVI/AAAAAAABTfE/Q8LyqOh5sbselWDS9ObbKRGvgzXKuvyuwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52qlx7sZF2U/WAyh7riErVI/AAAAAAABTfE/Q8LyqOh5sbselWDS9ObbKRGvgzXKuvyuwCPcB/s400/IMG_9157.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our welcome tea~</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had been driving all day...<br />
the coffee was refreshing :)</td></tr>
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Now you shouldn't be surprised when I tell you the food is to die for. Not only Ken is a skilled chef, the fish is also pristine. Come on, the fish is the morning's catch from the Japan sea!!! What a pity that my mom does not eat sashimi. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kI9Ii6Blzhc/WAyh7s4G_uI/AAAAAAABTfM/0jCItqA624QTg7PmqTetIB1nORSVHOBQgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kI9Ii6Blzhc/WAyh7s4G_uI/AAAAAAABTfM/0jCItqA624QTg7PmqTetIB1nORSVHOBQgCPcB/s400/IMG_9185.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sashimi platter for 3, 6 different kinds of fish!<br />
OMG... so fresh, so delicious...<br />
I could eat this everyday. I still remember how delicious the ishidai was!<br />
This platter is enough reason for me to return</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wwVAsgp8cI/WAyh7qFuaZI/AAAAAAABThk/mJo4n-RB6XwHjQaLH8z7pqjvrdBeWJbZwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wwVAsgp8cI/WAyh7qFuaZI/AAAAAAABThk/mJo4n-RB6XwHjQaLH8z7pqjvrdBeWJbZwCPcB/s400/IMG_9187.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">buri belly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3E9monPPSc/WAyh7vSkiYI/AAAAAAABTfM/CZoGjEZ9wM0y6PHIUf-10vvr29JaM5jhACPcB/s1600/IMG_9186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3E9monPPSc/WAyh7vSkiYI/AAAAAAABTfM/CZoGjEZ9wM0y6PHIUf-10vvr29JaM5jhACPcB/s400/IMG_9186.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">illustration drawn by Mina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-puGi_98_gSI/WAyh7uvy4cI/AAAAAAABTgE/n30JM-585tIqqxVoEdvSjBBuK39EnHybQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-puGi_98_gSI/WAyh7uvy4cI/AAAAAAABTgE/n30JM-585tIqqxVoEdvSjBBuK39EnHybQCPcB/s400/IMG_9175.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all the china used were so pretty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fp5srk_5PqM/WAyh7p_JC1I/AAAAAAABTfM/bXlh7pCYDPg6QWgGPvYcAy-l4GrqzDbvQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fp5srk_5PqM/WAyh7p_JC1I/AAAAAAABTfM/bXlh7pCYDPg6QWgGPvYcAy-l4GrqzDbvQCPcB/s400/IMG_9178.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I told the owners my mom does not eat sashimi,<br />
so the cooked these for her.<br />
Better yet, they didn't forget my brother and my portion! :D<br />
I wish they did though... LOL</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HI_kaEkyNI/WAyh7rLFGgI/AAAAAAABThs/XBnr9ydNHQEJwxP1ImN_hY-SVB6j-WicgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HI_kaEkyNI/WAyh7rLFGgI/AAAAAAABThs/XBnr9ydNHQEJwxP1ImN_hY-SVB6j-WicgCPcB/s400/IMG_9190.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">because... I ordered a buri shabu as an add on!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uu5JoQMBFrM/WAyh7uU_HkI/AAAAAAABTiM/xCZMx07qK7Ilb7CNPeihu13AsdyJm6sSACPcB/s1600/IMG_9198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uu5JoQMBFrM/WAyh7uU_HkI/AAAAAAABTiM/xCZMx07qK7Ilb7CNPeihu13AsdyJm6sSACPcB/s400/IMG_9198.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh man... it was so good!!!<br />
I want to return so badly...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y4Qwl_FUd4/WAyh7kTmBJI/AAAAAAABTis/fAkwducfNwAZhPd914Zyex4hjFescg0zwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y4Qwl_FUd4/WAyh7kTmBJI/AAAAAAABTis/fAkwducfNwAZhPd914Zyex4hjFescg0zwCPcB/s400/IMG_9204.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so much food I wish I skipped lunch earlier that day<br />
we even had to skip the congee in the end because we were just about to burst...<br />
so sad... because the broth was amazing and their rice was really good also!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upsSJdQbRP4/WAyh7lwKDTI/AAAAAAABTiE/SM_HrkA8a_k3LLLHpPYDp7ygsP6j-HzpQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upsSJdQbRP4/WAyh7lwKDTI/AAAAAAABTiE/SM_HrkA8a_k3LLLHpPYDp7ygsP6j-HzpQCPcB/s400/IMG_9197.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they use koshihikari from I-forgot-where <br />
but it was from a farmer who was a supplier to the Imperial family.<br />
(they showed me a picture)<br />
and yes, the rice was very delicious!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Too bad it was too cold and too dark after dinner, so we went to bed pretty early. But then, I also got up early to explore the town a bit (and work up an appetite because I know there is more food coming!)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3__0fe_uDc/WBMxnwCI8lI/AAAAAAABTk4/a8b1zsGDD_YWMpMpigIdv5DtILiQlX9YgCPcB/s1600/10929169_10152955482910977_8963347212717014038_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3__0fe_uDc/WBMxnwCI8lI/AAAAAAABTk4/a8b1zsGDD_YWMpMpigIdv5DtILiQlX9YgCPcB/s400/10929169_10152955482910977_8963347212717014038_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a very quiet fisherman town indeed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_68RGzs3AA/WAyh7qcWXzI/AAAAAAABTjM/-ByDFzL0GBscx0IECpoqYd9ol5T9FYgKgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_68RGzs3AA/WAyh7qcWXzI/AAAAAAABTjM/-ByDFzL0GBscx0IECpoqYd9ol5T9FYgKgCPcB/s400/IMG_9256.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely not Venice, but it got its own charm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mQP_Ww5yqM/WAyh7sxObCI/AAAAAAABTjc/GqVgJ60lExI1nU-4pJPs3vOUhfIa9OhFgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mQP_Ww5yqM/WAyh7sxObCI/AAAAAAABTjc/GqVgJ60lExI1nU-4pJPs3vOUhfIa9OhFgCPcB/s400/IMG_9273.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another gloomy day<br />
hopefully it will be a sunny day next time I visit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I asked the owners what would be their ideal vacation<br />
Ken said it would be a place he could fish all day.<br />
well, I think he has found that place!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I came back from my walk,<br />
table is already setup for breakfast!</td></tr>
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Breakfast surely did not disappoint. I am glad I went for a walk to work up my appetite because I needed it for sure! It was a simple yet super delicious breakfast! I especially loved the chawanmushi!</div>
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After breakfast, we noticed Ken was already cleaning the fish for the next guests. Running an bed and breakfast is so much work indeed. Could you imagine what will happen if the next guests didn't show up? They take all reservations via phone. No deposit is required. Everything is based on honor system. </div>
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I cannot stress enough that I hate people who take others' hospitality for granted. I was reading online yesterday again about how travelers who made reservation but ended up being a no-show. Not a phone call / email to explain or apologize and didn't even bother to honor the cancellation clause. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the houbou was eating its breakfast too!<br />
sorry fish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what a beautiful fish!</td></tr>
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While Ken is cleaning the fish, the guts went to feed the birds. Nothing goes to waste. Circle of life right here. :D I really hope I can return to this place... <br />
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<strong> <a href="http://www.ine-kagiya.net/" target="_blank">Kagiya (鍵屋)</a></strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<img height="72" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y4Qwl_FUd4/WAyh7kTmBJI/AAAAAAABTis/fAkwducfNwAZhPd914Zyex4hjFescg0zwCPcB/s400/IMG_9204.jpg" style="left: 347px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 7368px;" width="96" /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3241.3644755483!2d135.28918291468594!3d35.66802653830457!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x492a12cbcff9efb!2z6Iif5bGL44Gu5a6_IOmNteWxiw!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1477654771954" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="400"></iframe><br />let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-91509560242049756952016-07-17T00:55:00.000+08:002016-10-23T00:46:03.237+08:00[Taipei] Sushi Hui (鮨 蕙)Sushi Hui (鮨蕙) was one of my favorite meals in Taipei this recent trip. Located in a quiet alley, Sushi Hui is an Edo-mai style sushi restaurant that serves a limited number of customers every night.<br />
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Chef Yung works behind the bar while his sister assists during the entire service. It is not as fluid as some other sushi-ya but I love the whole concept and I think the whole experience will improve over time. (Sushi Hui was only opened in November 2015).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOBOUYqEIbo/V4USrlwyVfI/AAAAAAABSNk/9XGiv14N9kw_iwE9Pa012xVbr9P79lnegCLcB/s1600/IMG_2544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOBOUYqEIbo/V4USrlwyVfI/AAAAAAABSNk/9XGiv14N9kw_iwE9Pa012xVbr9P79lnegCLcB/s400/IMG_2544.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Yung is quiet and reserved at first, <br />
but willing to talk once warmed up :)</td></tr>
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Love the minimalistic decor. Even the plates (備前燒) were all purchased and hand-carried back from Japan by the chef. <i>Side note: thank you friend for making the reservation for me!</i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BaMcNquQDg/V3Mi6m61AuI/AAAAAAABRao/b-RZbmNnkHsPo6cvfaOOPTIMFs8pZvqSACLcB/s1600/P1910927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BaMcNquQDg/V3Mi6m61AuI/AAAAAAABRao/b-RZbmNnkHsPo6cvfaOOPTIMFs8pZvqSACLcB/s400/P1910927.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">abalone and octopus<br />
so tender and delicious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6urQo5QRPeQ/V3Mi6mlo7vI/AAAAAAABRas/qN3DNhx7jKoSqgfqkQoweH-G2EInbPbXACLcB/s1600/P1910930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6urQo5QRPeQ/V3Mi6mlo7vI/AAAAAAABRas/qN3DNhx7jKoSqgfqkQoweH-G2EInbPbXACLcB/s400/P1910930.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">squid<br />
again, very tender<br />
love the sauce!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMnfFFA7JAc/V3Mi8LdEecI/AAAAAAABRbA/UR4kUjc_pHQsoJIaFeuMMcVy5mOXhBNwwCLcB/s1600/P1910932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMnfFFA7JAc/V3Mi8LdEecI/AAAAAAABRbA/UR4kUjc_pHQsoJIaFeuMMcVy5mOXhBNwwCLcB/s400/P1910932.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oyster<br />
packed with flavor!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkIVziXgCEo/V3Mi8HHD_gI/AAAAAAABRa8/4OQvPPukApUXyuBl0m7mdxDkQkURXc7_wCLcB/s1600/P1910934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkIVziXgCEo/V3Mi8HHD_gI/AAAAAAABRa8/4OQvPPukApUXyuBl0m7mdxDkQkURXc7_wCLcB/s400/P1910934.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grilled scallops<br />
love the nori, warm and crispy<br />
can taste the ocean in a bite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Z6RQzDy_A/V3Mi9Qpw0VI/AAAAAAABRbM/Kr94UzmcFW4e-KKofhvpzSzzlORmSlsmgCLcB/s1600/P1910939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Z6RQzDy_A/V3Mi9Qpw0VI/AAAAAAABRbM/Kr94UzmcFW4e-KKofhvpzSzzlORmSlsmgCLcB/s400/P1910939.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amadai (tilefish)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEK_Yh4pX4g/V3Mi9mACtZI/AAAAAAABRbU/92lL5tZxA0QV512Im2LTNjCrUyydnyG8ACLcB/s1600/P1910940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEK_Yh4pX4g/V3Mi9mACtZI/AAAAAAABRbU/92lL5tZxA0QV512Im2LTNjCrUyydnyG8ACLcB/s400/P1910940.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kohada (gizzard shad)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4HMrmNNviM/V3Mi9jI0MkI/AAAAAAABRbQ/2OvPWdRXN3gkApeOA0dsD0YAE9OpE4alQCLcB/s1600/P1910943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4HMrmNNviM/V3Mi9jI0MkI/AAAAAAABRbQ/2OvPWdRXN3gkApeOA0dsD0YAE9OpE4alQCLcB/s400/P1910943.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ika (squid)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tIkWT2sQ6h8/V3Mi-hwVKsI/AAAAAAABRbg/WgivCXf04JQfQVAMQ4MwBt1tLswnGRVNwCLcB/s1600/P1910945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tIkWT2sQ6h8/V3Mi-hwVKsI/AAAAAAABRbg/WgivCXf04JQfQVAMQ4MwBt1tLswnGRVNwCLcB/s400/P1910945.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">akami (lean tuna)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq7ssJrrKLY/V3Mi-1u5KhI/AAAAAAABRbk/RiACMIuN6jIi6owHJp_M2Axvh95lWPhCQCLcB/s1600/P1910947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq7ssJrrKLY/V3Mi-1u5KhI/AAAAAAABRbk/RiACMIuN6jIi6owHJp_M2Axvh95lWPhCQCLcB/s400/P1910947.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chutoro (medium fatty tuna)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kJE9CeH5UA/V3Mi-9LeGLI/AAAAAAABRbo/-pq5AWh61N0pNEr5KQt6kRjN1C0tA_ZgwCLcB/s1600/P1910949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kJE9CeH5UA/V3Mi-9LeGLI/AAAAAAABRbo/-pq5AWh61N0pNEr5KQt6kRjN1C0tA_ZgwCLcB/s400/P1910949.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">otoro (premium fatty tuna)<br />
I normally prefer chutoro but tonight's otoro was very good</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHb4g6hSuG8/V3MjAP9NgAI/AAAAAAABRb0/lSMydNGyAgcpKXXh1I02gjfCUco8ZDY7ACLcB/s1600/P1910950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHb4g6hSuG8/V3MjAP9NgAI/AAAAAAABRb0/lSMydNGyAgcpKXXh1I02gjfCUco8ZDY7ACLcB/s400/P1910950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">uni</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6-z5knYgBw/V3MjAOKaOjI/AAAAAAABRb4/7IKCONTdH943nwWu8JKIz-RMZY-L3oW1QCLcB/s1600/P1910952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6-z5knYgBw/V3MjAOKaOjI/AAAAAAABRb4/7IKCONTdH943nwWu8JKIz-RMZY-L3oW1QCLcB/s400/P1910952.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shiro ebi (white shrimp)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WiNGxXETuyk/V3MjANJccyI/AAAAAAABRb8/tKK6xlN6dB4SveiWMoGhEe1-_OsbA-U_ACLcB/s1600/P1910954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WiNGxXETuyk/V3MjANJccyI/AAAAAAABRb8/tKK6xlN6dB4SveiWMoGhEe1-_OsbA-U_ACLcB/s400/P1910954.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aji (jack mackerel)<br />
did you know I used to dislike this fish?<br />
it all ended until I had it properly at Morimoto!<br />
now it is one of my favorite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYl-qUiwF6o/V3MjBcizZgI/AAAAAAABRcE/tI8VFO1iJ3U7VYZ7fAWRuQSl4IkgDdsTgCLcB/s1600/P1910955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYl-qUiwF6o/V3MjBcizZgI/AAAAAAABRcE/tI8VFO1iJ3U7VYZ7fAWRuQSl4IkgDdsTgCLcB/s400/P1910955.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hamaguri (clam)<br />
Chef Yung will ask for your hand and put this directly from his to yours!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ipU5K9BLyQ/V3MjBaT8p6I/AAAAAAABRcI/8kA5oyJr8Qw-fPdXJu2UfB3xAbZsECj4QCLcB/s1600/P1910958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ipU5K9BLyQ/V3MjBaT8p6I/AAAAAAABRcI/8kA5oyJr8Qw-fPdXJu2UfB3xAbZsECj4QCLcB/s400/P1910958.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">saba (mackerel)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DH_MkgWFQy8/V3MjBrOJzBI/AAAAAAABRcM/iAv1LSBcc-ImarYP_hccmhgXmlZY4u6igCLcB/s1600/P1910961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DH_MkgWFQy8/V3MjBrOJzBI/AAAAAAABRcM/iAv1LSBcc-ImarYP_hccmhgXmlZY4u6igCLcB/s400/P1910961.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ebi (shrimp)<br />
very sweet and flavorful,<br />
one of my favorites that evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsD6hdW6NVw/V3MjCgkWgUI/AAAAAAABRcU/-c-ghUI2RuQs8v3koAkttmamU6_3qawBwCLcB/s1600/P1910962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsD6hdW6NVw/V3MjCgkWgUI/AAAAAAABRcU/-c-ghUI2RuQs8v3koAkttmamU6_3qawBwCLcB/s400/P1910962.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">smoked fish (!?!?)<br />
sorry, I forgot which fish<br />
but it was very delicious as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4VpXdgcA8M/V3MjC70NDTI/AAAAAAABRcc/z6mBv7RGXLg1CmzTVvRnDg0Sa6gotPavgCLcB/s1600/P1910964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4VpXdgcA8M/V3MjC70NDTI/AAAAAAABRcc/z6mBv7RGXLg1CmzTVvRnDg0Sa6gotPavgCLcB/s400/P1910964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kM9qGhvx-4M/V3MjC6q3eOI/AAAAAAABRcY/ovfXbMxScq44mgCOTajEm1HbAD-mdc4fACLcB/s1600/P1910967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kM9qGhvx-4M/V3MjC6q3eOI/AAAAAAABRcY/ovfXbMxScq44mgCOTajEm1HbAD-mdc4fACLcB/s400/P1910967.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">uni (sea urchin)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stnL1n0Cj7s/V3MjD0EVV_I/AAAAAAABRcs/qeYO3x1tXJYpZqm3Bm7x4zFT71sn5n5_ACLcB/s1600/P1910970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stnL1n0Cj7s/V3MjD0EVV_I/AAAAAAABRcs/qeYO3x1tXJYpZqm3Bm7x4zFT71sn5n5_ACLcB/s400/P1910970.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">anago (conger eel)<br />
very tender</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPvyFmPkIvY/V3MjEGku2II/AAAAAAABRcw/aCytOF9fbd8UCGuUL2Dtu9RaHFkmeg_ugCLcB/s1600/P1910973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPvyFmPkIvY/V3MjEGku2II/AAAAAAABRcw/aCytOF9fbd8UCGuUL2Dtu9RaHFkmeg_ugCLcB/s400/P1910973.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tamago (egg custard)<br />
it looks like cake but taste like cold custard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAI8lTYN2TY/V3MjEDORw9I/AAAAAAABRc0/x_1CNEmsxKEnz4RBa3o1nXXcC0W6nEBKwCLcB/s1600/P1910974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAI8lTYN2TY/V3MjEDORw9I/AAAAAAABRc0/x_1CNEmsxKEnz4RBa3o1nXXcC0W6nEBKwCLcB/s400/P1910974.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kuzukiri (kudzu starch noodles)<br />
I heard this is very difficult to make <br />
so even though i've had better,<br />
I still praise the chef for serving this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.12px;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.12px;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">I love Chef Yung's dedication to his arts. There are things that can be improved. Yet, I would not hesitate to return to witness him grow into his full potential :) Definitely one of the best upscale sushi restaurant Taipei has to over right now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.12px;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.12px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.12px;"><b>Sushi Hui (鮨 蕙)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No. 110 Lane 155 Dunhua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">+886 922 222 775</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reservations only</span></div>
let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-40317345929677824572016-06-20T10:29:00.001+08:002016-06-20T10:32:15.093+08:00[Taipei] RAW RAW has been on my bucket list since the day it opened but reservations has been extremely difficult. After pulling some strings, I finally got a reservation! As one of Asia's best restaurant, RAW did not disappoint! The ambiance, service, and flow were great!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBqdKcv1pVA/V2abVwfir_I/AAAAAAABRTY/PciBB3uw0r89avtE_JikjGWGTFqNQQMtACLcB/s1600/IMG_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBqdKcv1pVA/V2abVwfir_I/AAAAAAABRTY/PciBB3uw0r89avtE_JikjGWGTFqNQQMtACLcB/s400/IMG_2678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The menu is a 8-course menu at NTD1,850 + 10% service charge each. Bread is a la carte but highly recommended. Wine is additional of course and that evening we ordered a bottle of Sancerre, which was very refreshing and went well with the food.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdDinhwaC8E/V2abJomqXiI/AAAAAAABRTQ/XuPVAI5JB187q6vRNzp8hDGUawLG75pZQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdDinhwaC8E/V2abJomqXiI/AAAAAAABRTQ/XuPVAI5JB187q6vRNzp8hDGUawLG75pZQCLcB/s400/IMG_2643.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPx4GaKmmjk/V2EeH7LT7pI/AAAAAAABRQg/RymX1PjWytkNLskMFH5fLkgfZ47a-LOHACLcB/s1600/P1910982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPx4GaKmmjk/V2EeH7LT7pI/AAAAAAABRQg/RymX1PjWytkNLskMFH5fLkgfZ47a-LOHACLcB/s400/P1910982.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">porridge (in the porcelain cup) (清粥) / turnip (大頭菜) / fermented tofu (腐乳)<br />
<br />
the turnip was very refreshing and i love the fermented tofu<br />
the porridge was quite sweet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKyO93wlFYI/V2EeGsrxwOI/AAAAAAABRQU/RJJku02BSPgXigXWallnMGssHHq7KMy5gCLcB/s1600/P1910986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKyO93wlFYI/V2EeGsrxwOI/AAAAAAABRQU/RJJku02BSPgXigXWallnMGssHHq7KMy5gCLcB/s400/P1910986.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">whipped butter with chocolate chips and pepper (not included in set)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13es8LHUycg/V2EeIUUZgDI/AAAAAAABRQo/DRbZWirnRN0Y8EFNd-KSbfEo4lG3_UpHACLcB/s1600/P1910989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13es8LHUycg/V2EeIUUZgDI/AAAAAAABRQo/DRbZWirnRN0Y8EFNd-KSbfEo4lG3_UpHACLcB/s400/P1910989.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scallop / cauliflower couscous / spicy ponzu<br />
<br />
The scallop is cooked medium well and tasty~</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2tPywQKAM4/V2EeI5jPaYI/AAAAAAABRQw/dxy3qusEqSo6ElU2I8ezUn-NZGTflA6ggCLcB/s1600/P1910993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2tPywQKAM4/V2EeI5jPaYI/AAAAAAABRQw/dxy3qusEqSo6ElU2I8ezUn-NZGTflA6ggCLcB/s400/P1910993.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRMY6LxPFmg/V2EeL_OPf2I/AAAAAAABRRE/Kpj4Nh-EsJAKwB8GvSwJLFtlHgK1qupxACLcB/s1600/P1920001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRMY6LxPFmg/V2EeL_OPf2I/AAAAAAABRRE/Kpj4Nh-EsJAKwB8GvSwJLFtlHgK1qupxACLcB/s400/P1920001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beef / tongue / cracker<br />
<br />
a playful twist on the beef tongue cracker.<br />
the caramelized onion was very delicious but overpowered the beef tongue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1esXIRXms0/V2EeOrfUQVI/AAAAAAABRRc/97RgN58b324dC92GD3qUYcPIWPtiXHjSACLcB/s1600/P1920002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1esXIRXms0/V2EeOrfUQVI/AAAAAAABRRc/97RgN58b324dC92GD3qUYcPIWPtiXHjSACLcB/s400/P1920002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">buttermilk / remoulade / gamberoni<br />
<br />
the prawn underneath the shredded veggies was very, very delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZgAG4wSHHE/V2EeOePngCI/AAAAAAABRRQ/mIAbhzs7Gn4_4sPwxr55loxE9y89kvm2gCLcB/s1600/P1920003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZgAG4wSHHE/V2EeOePngCI/AAAAAAABRRQ/mIAbhzs7Gn4_4sPwxr55loxE9y89kvm2gCLcB/s400/P1920003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIgE4T7mqMM/V2EeOFlU6JI/AAAAAAABRRM/eOxmDlRt-_cRnBohO2XmjjucXv5jq6x1wCLcB/s1600/P1920008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIgE4T7mqMM/V2EeOFlU6JI/AAAAAAABRRM/eOxmDlRt-_cRnBohO2XmjjucXv5jq6x1wCLcB/s400/P1920008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leek oil / daikon / spring vegetables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfDYBz63rnI/V2EeRNbkLLI/AAAAAAABRRs/jjsqOKR97rslI5TpoELMsjVAWFRpNnj5wCLcB/s1600/P1920012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfDYBz63rnI/V2EeRNbkLLI/AAAAAAABRRs/jjsqOKR97rslI5TpoELMsjVAWFRpNnj5wCLcB/s400/P1920012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crmHHelc574/V2EeQRh827I/AAAAAAABRRk/jjhydWPCW0YatJ5n-xSh2yE1cK_4LWAUwCLcB/s1600/P1920015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crmHHelc574/V2EeQRh827I/AAAAAAABRRk/jjhydWPCW0YatJ5n-xSh2yE1cK_4LWAUwCLcB/s400/P1920015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hirame skirt / pickled jus / meuniere<br />
<br />
the hirame is very "fat" and the clams are plump and juicy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtA0HM_JHsQ/V2EeRmGjhwI/AAAAAAABRR0/1rJHnDivWnUoEEmKLyMxGDx33oqa0GbWQCLcB/s1600/P1920017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtA0HM_JHsQ/V2EeRmGjhwI/AAAAAAABRR0/1rJHnDivWnUoEEmKLyMxGDx33oqa0GbWQCLcB/s400/P1920017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">red quinoa / oyster béarnaise / smoked cabbage<br />
<br />
main course, can upgrade to beef with supplement<br />
Personally, I think the chicken was perfect. Light, juicy, and flavorful.<br />
The quinoa almost taste like the Sichuan pepper, very interesting.<br />
and the cabbage chip was so delicious!<br />
if they sell it as chips, I would stockpile them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlW2ZYzJSWo/V2EeSAkAYtI/AAAAAAABRR8/BiaSpTjYQUggAaBJSLcUh3bxEjZef1TkQCLcB/s1600/P1920021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlW2ZYzJSWo/V2EeSAkAYtI/AAAAAAABRR8/BiaSpTjYQUggAaBJSLcUh3bxEjZef1TkQCLcB/s400/P1920021.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWmTyVkXt6c/V2EeTFGWFGI/AAAAAAABRSE/mTEwjbDzMCoWA6QsrrAqxHfSYA43dOeDQCLcB/s1600/P1920024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWmTyVkXt6c/V2EeTFGWFGI/AAAAAAABRSE/mTEwjbDzMCoWA6QsrrAqxHfSYA43dOeDQCLcB/s400/P1920024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thunder tea / almond mocha / shaved bean curd<br />
<br />
I have never had traditional thunder tea so I could be bias.<br />
my Taiwanese friend liked it but it's just not my cup of tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MifuAxFB3U/V2EeTS97B0I/AAAAAAABRSI/fJowzEgBRXovzIm7NzmmQsqcnN4RJs_JwCLcB/s1600/P1920028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MifuAxFB3U/V2EeTS97B0I/AAAAAAABRSI/fJowzEgBRXovzIm7NzmmQsqcnN4RJs_JwCLcB/s400/P1920028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cannelés<br />
<br />
a bit dry. I have had better elsewhere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Overall, the meal is very light and refreshing. I was worried I would end up hungry but the portion ended up being just right. The dishes showcased the various local ingredients and the cooking techniques have transcended the everyday dish into a different level. Definitely recommended if you can get a reservation.</div>
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<a href="http://www.raw.com.tw/indexContent.aspx" target="_blank"><b>RAW</b></a></div>
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Addy: No.301, Le Qun 3rd Road, Taipei City, Taiwan </div>
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Tel: +886-2-8501-5800 </div>
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Hours: (Wed - Sun) Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm / Dinner: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm </div>
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Closed on Monday & Tuesday</div>
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let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-1268169842692827612016-06-02T20:57:00.003+08:002016-06-04T00:59:13.394+08:00[Sydney] four.ate.five<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's not that I don't write about my experiences with the restaurants in Sydney but I guess I never knew where to start... Sydney does get old after four business trips within 2 consecutive years, with each trip lasting longer than the last... Food is awesome here but I do find myself eating in, a lot! (Service apartment with full kitchen spoils me.) The produce is super fresh here so looking for good restaurants that won't break the bank became too much work! LOL! (I'd rather dine in and save up the money and go to a few high end restaurants.)</div>
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With that said, I love Sydney's brunch culture. Every trip I discover new café and brunch places and everyone of them is so creative. Personally, I love going to Crown Street in Surry Hills on the weekends. It's not easy to get me to go to the same place twice these days and four.ate.five successfully lured me back. So, they deserve my time to type up a blog post :) (Be warned: This place is very crowded over the weekends!)</div>
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I went there on two occasions, two different trips. One time alone, the other time with my brother, when he tagged along for a week. I am equally impressed both times and would not hesitate to go back for a third, fourth, and fifth time... The croissant benedict is a weekend special and do sell out fast. Make sure you go early if that's what you wanted!<br />
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<b><a href="http://four.ate.five/">four.ate.five</a></b><br />
Add: 485 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia<br />
Tel: 61 2 9698 6485<br />
Hours: (M-S) 7AM–3:30PM (Sunday)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>9AM–2:30PM<br />
<br />let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-20977100950751892292016-06-02T20:36:00.002+08:002016-06-04T00:58:36.029+08:00Seoul Impression<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seoul
is the perfect mash up of the old and the new, divided by the Han River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work brought me here earlier this year and because of the
complexity and issues encountered on the project, I felt like I was here a very
long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Indeed, I was working and
living here for a total of 5 weeks… in the dead on winter no less!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgx750Q3_t4/V1AgbYpjDTI/AAAAAAABRLg/28-G47hPh34GGgb8zEfVcUgvJDYV5ObdACLcB/s1600/P1830035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgx750Q3_t4/V1AgbYpjDTI/AAAAAAABRLg/28-G47hPh34GGgb8zEfVcUgvJDYV5ObdACLcB/s400/P1830035.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The winter
in Seoul is excruciating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At -17C, I don’t
even want to leave the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily,
Koreans have great design in heated floors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found myself hugging the floor in my apartment when it was too
cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(After so many years of traveling
and the increasing popularity of Airbnb, I found myself opting for apartments
in residential neighbourhood near my office rather than staying at expensive hotels.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How I convince my boss?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I told him I need laundry and I am
tired of eating out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But first, you need
an understanding boss, which I am so blessed in having not one, but two! (One of them retired.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you are adverse to colder climate,
like you will actually get sick if it is too cold. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DO NOT COME in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was painful (and I used to live in Chicago
for almost 10 years.)</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VfjlW2G2cc/V1AhWKvRnXI/AAAAAAABRL0/7fLzl6pLWogmf23jlZmNLT0aWAevcmh3ACLcB/s1600/P1830301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VfjlW2G2cc/V1AhWKvRnXI/AAAAAAABRL0/7fLzl6pLWogmf23jlZmNLT0aWAevcmh3ACLcB/s400/P1830301.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Living
in Gangnam-gu is very, very different compared to areas like Myeongdong,
Hongdae, and Dongdaemun, which are flooded by tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to experience the real Seoul,
live south of the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A curious
observation I have made about Koreans is that most of them are fascinated with brands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance,
independent coffee shops are very rare and I hate to buy my coffee from big
names, such as Star**** and Dun*** Donuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">And
then there is the street fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Koreans are meticulous about their looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hey, this is the city famous for plastic
surgery after-all!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their hair looks
perfect, their make-up natural, and their fashion style is polished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to imagine the shouting ah-jum-ma (</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: "simsun"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">아줌마</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">) and
the drunken a-jus-shi (</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: "simsun"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">아저씨</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">) are of the same nationalities… the transformation… is
more amazing than plastic surgery itself… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beauty shops are like adult candy
stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love shopping in
Sinsa-dong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only place I could
actually find some independent coffee shops…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">the infamous crazy pant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">imo, if you can fit in these, you don't need them to begin with</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One
thing I do love about Korea is their FOOD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I never leave a restaurant hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am usually half full by the time my main arrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Korean food is a lot of stews, rice, and
kimchi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the contrary, BBQ was not as
common as I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes BBQ restaurants
are everywhere and it is a national favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, real Korean beef is pricey (KRW13K/100g at Majang market) and it
is not something Koreans eat every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s considered a treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
most Korean food is not solo travelers friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The situation has improved but still I have a
hard time finding restaurants that I can go alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(More reason to stay in an apartment with a
full kitchen!) Luckily, a few groups of my friends happened to be in Seoul at various time during my stay so I still got to go out and experience the bbq, seafood pots, etc. Below were some of the of the places I went (some were good, others were disappointing... I will leave you with the suspense.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally,
don’t leave Korea without some makeup and skincare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many brands out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are guaranteed to find something you will
enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a skincare and makeup junkie,
I found myself trying an new brand all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The free samples culture have somewhat dwindled
– I miss the days where I buy a product and leave with 10 more – but still, you
will be getting some. The brands I purchased this time were:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">belif - the true tincture of chamomile, moisture binder, ultimate brightening cream (I wanted to try the aqua bomb but the sales urge me to try this instead) *using these now - luckily they are not too greasy for hot and humid weather here, quite like them!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Premera - super sprout serum, super sprout cream </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mediheal - the masks (really like using the P.D.F then follow up with the N.M.F when I was in Seoul)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">too cool for school - discovered and loving the rice scrub. also bought the pink girl jelly base, which I adore.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">banila - well, the cc cream, what else?</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So far, I am liking them all!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyways, apologies for the lack of updates again... I am still here, just don't have the time to do frequent posts like I used to before. :P</span>let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-3781877675431974122016-03-20T12:41:00.000+08:002018-06-14T08:18:57.370+08:00[Macau] The Eight @ Grand Lisboa <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Eight @ Grand Lisboa was a Chinese restaurant I have been wanting to try for a long time. Finally, I took my family there on New Year's Day. Contrary to what my friend told me, reservation was surprising easy to secure.</div>
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Unlike most Chinese restaurant, the interior is quite dark but grand and delicate. Service is as expected from a Michelin 2-star restaurant - very courteous. I specifically went there for dim-sum so I didn't order any main from the menu. So, to me, it wasn't outrageously expensive, especially for the level of culinary skills involved to create some of the dim-sum. Taste-wise, there were some hits and misses but overall a very enjoyable experience. Definitely will recommend for special occasions.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amuse bouche</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really really like the combination of the abalone and the pomelo<br />
refreshing and interesting all at the same time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">even the XO sauce is very refined</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the goldfish shrimp dumplings<br />
too cute to eat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite of the meal<br />
porcupine BBQ pork bun<br />
must-try item!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">presentation is exquisite but unfortunately, the crab claw didn't have a lot of flavor.<br />
we suspect frozen claws were used...<br />
the steamed eggs were smooth and delicious</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cashew Nut Sweet Soup (腰果露) <br />
Not seen very often at restaurants.<br />
Very smooth and fragrant, very good. </td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.grandlisboa.com/en/food_and_beverage/index_id_1.html" target="_blank">The Eight @ Grand Lisboa</a></b></div>
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2/F, Grand Lisboa</div>
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Tel: +853 8803 7788</div>
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Hours: Lunch 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm / Dinner 6:30 pm ~ 10:30 pm</div>
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<br />let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-85823398019953803942016-03-02T00:36:00.004+08:002016-03-20T12:43:08.931+08:00[Taipei] Woolloomooloo Xin Yi (WXY)This is the most "O" I have seen in a word and it's actually a real place in Australia. This little Australian cafe/bar is a rare find in Taipei. It has that industrial touch that is uncommon even in Taipei.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cafe culture is very different in Australia and Taiwan. While you can barely find a sit in Sydney mid-morning, no one is even awake in Taipei...</span></span></td></tr>
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I have been there twice - once for brunch and once for dinner. I have enjoyed both of my experience. Their pecan pie here is a must-try for me. <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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For brunch, I opted for the small breakfast - which turned out to be everything but small - perhaps except for the slice of avocado XD<br />
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Coffee is at par. No complain there.<br />
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For dinner, I ordered a beer, a mushroom appetizer, and a risotto. Can't remember much about the food but I recalled my server was quite good looking! XD<br />
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The wine and beer rack was very impressive though and I will leave it for yourself to check it out :)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/woolloomoolooTaipei" target="_blank">Woolloomooloo Xin Yi (WXY) 信義店</a></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">379 Sec 4 XinYi Rd. Taipei Taiwan </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">台北市信義區信義路四段379號</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Tel: +886 (02) 8789-0128</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Hours: (Sun-Thur) 07:30 - 0:00; (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Fri, Sat & eve of public holiday) 07:30 - 01:00</span>let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-74889009045922107882016-02-01T23:15:00.000+08:002016-03-20T12:43:28.344+08:00[Taipei] Old Sichuan (老四川巴蜀麻辣燙 南京東路店)It is so cold in Hong Kong / Macau this week. Only 9C!!! True, it's warmer than Seoul but remember, we got no central heat here so it's the indoor temperature!!! /shivers Winter is the most popular weather for hotpot. As I am counting down the days to the year of the Monkey, I find all my gathering this week (reunion dinners) are hotpot related. Speaking of hotpot, I miss the Sichuan spicy hotpot in Taipei. It was recommended by one of my friends and it did not disappoint!<br />
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Nice interior here. Your guests will be impressed. <br />
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Interior is nothing if the food didn't impress. Glad to report the food is good here as well! Spicy just the way I like it. (I find Sichuan hotpot is too mild in general in Taipei but this one got a kick!) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were offered a complimentary starter. The spice level in this one told me we are off to a good start! </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the thick creamy broth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afYxZkA7cOs/Vq8yI7CJMXI/AAAAAAABP_k/cXgBuZs1JYo/s1600/P1790244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afYxZkA7cOs/Vq8yI7CJMXI/AAAAAAABP_k/cXgBuZs1JYo/s400/P1790244.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't even think we got ultra high-end with the sliced beef but as you can see with the marbelization here,<br />
it was worth every penny.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since there were only the two of us, we didn't go crazy with the ingredients but only ordered the must-haves.<br />
The cabbage is one of them. Taiwanese cabbage is just so good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If cantonese love our fried bean curd (嚮鈴), Taiwanese love their old fried dough (老油條).<br />
I still think ours are better. LOL!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for some complimentary desserts to cool our tongues.<br />
Service in Taiwan is generally better compared to Hong Kong<br />
but sometimes the extra good service give me goose bumps.<br />
You know what I mean? haha~</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shaved ice with plum sauce</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shaved ice with passionfruit</td></tr>
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There are two branch in Taipei and a few other branches all over Taiwan. It is quite a famous chain so reservation is recommended.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.oldsichuan.com.tw/" target="_blank">Old Sichuan (老四川巴蜀麻辣燙 南京東路店)</a></b></div>
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No. 45, Section 2, Nanjing E Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei, Taiwan </div>
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台北市中山區南京東路二段45號 </div>
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Tel: +886 (02) 2522 3333 </div>
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Hours: 11:30AM ~ 01:30AM </div>
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Starting from 2015/03/13, the hours will be extended to 05:00AM </div>
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(This is why I love Asia. Nobody sleeps and there is always something to eat.)</div>
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let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-65684725834038134162016-01-31T18:52:00.006+08:002016-03-20T12:44:29.312+08:00[Taipei] Melange Cafe (米朗琪咖啡館) Happy 2016. 2015 has been a whirlwind for me. I expect no less in 2016. Thank you for the likes, comments, and shares on my blog posts. I would have stopped blogging if not for you. I still takes lots of photos when I visit restaurants but I rarely find time to write about them much anymore. The best way to keep up with me these days is Instagram. I will still try my best to keep this blog going but I can't really promise more than 1 post a month... So since my Taiwan collection remains the most popular of all, I will continue with this series even though I live in Macau and work in Hong Kong but travel around APAC most of the time. LOL.<br />
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Anyways, this post is about Melange, which is quite famous for its waffles. My first visit was for exactly that. <br />
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My last visit, I actually brought my co-worker (from Sydney) not because we wanted waffles but he wanted salad (and a good coffee) for lunch. The place is within walkable distance from our office and easy enough to find, even for a foreigner. Plus, there are a number of cafes nearby so if Melange is full, there is always an alternative.</div>
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My co-worker said it has been a challenge for him to find good restaurants for sandwiches and salads as most Asians eat rice / noodles for lunch so. He actually said this was the best salad he had in Asia and went there two days in a row! (I didn't accompany him the second day as I wanted rice... LOL!) But, next time you have a Western colleague visiting, you will know where to take him/her :)<br />
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I didn't take photos of the sandwiches as they look quite normal but I did take some photos of the coffee.<br />
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And here are the other photos I took of my waffle from my other visit. It actually take more like cake to me than waffle and very filling. Best if you have a friend to share.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.melangecafe.com.tw/" target="_blank">Melange Cafe (米朗琪咖啡館)</a></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.12px;">No. 23, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.12px;">Lane 16, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.12px;">Zhongshan District, Taipei, Taiwan</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.12px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Tel: +886 2 2567 3787</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.12px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hours: (</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.12px;">Mon-Thu) 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm; (Fri) 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm; (Sat) 9:30 am - 11:00 pm; (Sun) 9:30 am - 10:00 pm</span></span></div>
let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-25191468099859654282015-12-13T00:34:00.002+08:002016-03-20T12:44:44.574+08:00[Hong Kong] La Vache!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you like steak, la vache! is a decent option in Central, Hong Kong. The price is fair and the quality is good. </div>
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Reservations are accepted for parties of 5 or more. Otherwise, it's first-come, first-serve. So, I like to come here early. 6:45pm and I guarantee you will be seated in no time.<br />
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The menu is simple. Bread, salad, steak, and all-you-can-eat fries. Lovely to take people who can never make up their minds. *smirk*</div>
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I think putting the steak on the candle warmer is a brilliant idea. On one hand, the steak is warm; on the other hand, the restaurant ensured the customers are eating at a good pace (the steak will get overcooked otherwise). My only complaint? The cut of the steak can sometimes be too fatty - and they won't trim it for you. (We were lucky, our cut was perfect. However, the customers next to us were not as lucky.) Perhaps it's something that can be avoided if you tell your servers up front? Anyhow, <span style="text-align: center;">for <hk extremely="" good="" it="" per="" person="" s="" span="" value.=""></hk></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://lavache.com.hk/" target="_blank">la vache!</a></b></div>
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48 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong</div>
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Hours: (M-S) 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM; 6:00 PM till late / (Sunday) 6:00 PM till late</div>
Tel: +852 2880 0248<br />
Walk-ins welcome, reservations are accepted for parties of 5 or more. <br />
HK$278 minimum charge per person.<br />
<br />let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-87351994516378329972015-11-22T10:08:00.005+08:002015-11-22T10:08:47.729+08:00Spring Scream (春吶), Kenting, Taiwan (April 2015) For some reason, attending Spring Scream in Kenting (墾丁) has always been on my bucket list. It's like <span style="color: #6a6a6a;">Lollapalooza<strong> </strong></span>in the US, Clockenflap in HK. It so happened Spring Scream was happening the same week as Easter, which means, I only need to take 1 or 2 days off to enjoy a short trip! Found cheap plane tickets with Cathay, booked my hostels, and off I went! (Not to mention Yayoi Kusama was having an exhibition at the Kaohsiung Cultural Centre at the time!) Taiwan is always a no brainer for me when I only have 4 or 5 days of vacation.<br />
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Spring Scream is a multiday event happening in the Kenting National Park near the Eluanbi Lighthouse (鵝鑾鼻灯塔). You can buy the multiday ticket which allows you to camp inside the park. Since I just want to experience the music, I only got a 1-day ticket. Don't confuse it with the Spring Wave Music and Art Festival (春浪音樂節), which is performed by the mainstream Taiwanese singers (although I also really like some of the singers there, the Spring Scream is the original music festival in Kenting).<br />
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Needless to say, with two festivals happening on the same weekend (and a holiday weekend) in a normally small and laidback beach town, this is one of the busiest time of the year in Kenting. Hotels are expensive and hard to come by. The popular ones are usually fully booked months in advance. The main streets of Kenting is busy and crowded. Not the best time to visit if you are not interested in the music festival in my opinion. Yet, it is also another way to enjoy Kenting :) Personally, I love Kenting and I can't wait to return. People are extremely friendly here with their southern hospitality.<br />
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So back to Spring Scream itself. There are 5 stages setup in the different areas of the park. Each of them is far enough to hear what each group is performing but close enough to walk. There is a food and bar area. Shower area as well as bathrooms. There is even bubble volley if you needed a workout!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiwanese sausage is indeed a must-try, especially the ones made with boar</td></tr>
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In addition to music, there was also talent shows. Even though it was not my first time seeing something like this, I was still very impressed! If you enjoyed the show, just remember to tip them generously. No matter how many times they have done it, it's still dangerous work and accidents can happen.</div>
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I didn't know most of the bands but you can still recognize good music when you hear one. These guys are really good and you can really tell they are very passionate with their music. A very fun experience indeed and I would recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation to rock and alternative music. Just remember to bring mosquito repellent! For more info, you can check out their official website <a href="http://www.springscream.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-35198507803388623062015-11-21T23:01:00.003+08:002016-03-20T12:44:59.106+08:00[Taipei] Mita Seimen (三田製麵所 阪急台北店)Mita Seimen (三田製麵所) is a well known tsukemen restaurants from Japan. They recently opened a new branch in Hong Kong (February 2015). With the even more recent addition of Tsukemen Tetsu, the line should not be horrible these days. Luckily, I tried it when I was in Taipei and there was no queue!<br />
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The signature item here is their tsukemen. The broth is made of tonkatsu and fish powder and is very thick. It reminds me of a thicker version of the mohinga - the Burmese national dish - both of which is fish broth based. As it was my first time visit, I like to order the "normal" version. The menu even has a illustrated guide as to how you should enjoy this noodle!<br />
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The wait is pretty short. Perfect for a quick lunch / dinner. Solo diner welcomed :) To me, I like it more than ramen (probably because I like udon type noodles better). However, the broth is really salty so I did find myself drinking a lot of water. </div>
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I got an gyoza on the side, just because... (I am a dumpling monster or rather, a vinegar lover...)</div>
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Would I say this noodle is so extra-ordinary that it is a must try? Probably not. I could never understand the ramen craze... but I still queue 90 minutes occasionally for a bowl of ramen... XD So who am I to judge? </div>
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<strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mitaseimentw/" target="_blank">Mita Seimen (Hankyu Branch) (三田製麵所 阪急台北店)</a></strong><br />
No. 8, Section 5, Zhongxiao E Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan<br />
台北市信義區忠孝東路五段8號B2 <br />
Tel: +86 02 2723 7390<br />
Hours: (Sun to Thurs) 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM; (Fri / Sat) 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMlet's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-80482279674540857612015-10-10T20:35:00.000+08:002016-03-20T12:51:08.267+08:00Night Markets of Taipei (4): Raohe Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市)Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市) is a very lively night market located towards the northeastern part of Taipei. It used to be the easiest to get to via taxi u. Now, it's super convenient to go to Raohe Night Market by metro: just get off at Songshan Station (Xindian/Songshan line).<br />
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The most popular item at Raohe is probably the Pepper Buns from <span jstcache="336">福州世祖胡椒餅. The queue is always long. They are not bad but I actually prefer to buy them from one of their many branches near Taipei Station, which is very close to my hotel and office. My mom actually prefers the pepper buns made by another shop <span jstcache="336">福州元祖胡椒餅 </span>near Longshan Temple Station. To which I say, taste is a very personal matter and the only number 1 is the one you like best.</span><br />
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</span> <span jstcache="336">Raohe's setup is pretty much the same as all the other night markets in Taipei. It's a narrow pedestrian street filled with stores on each side. The stores are very similar to the other night markets as well. That is why, I only go to the ones closest to where I stay... </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FYI: I preferred the fish skin from 秀蘭姨 @ 華西街夜市 so much better<br />
I ended up trashing this after a few bites...</td></tr>
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</span> <span jstcache="336">However, I did take my co-worker here this past trip and he enjoyed it a lot. Raohe just has the aesthetics that would charm a foreign tourist. In fact, he loved the squid so much he had three of them!</span><br />
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</span> <span jstcache="336">Plus, I was always curious about the face threading shop here and wanted to check it out. I actually get my face threaded once a month but I am just curious of how it is done here. Verdict: the owner is very, very fast. But don't expect uninterrupted and attentive service... she is the boss after all so she takes care of all facets of the business but she is good.</span><br />
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People may tell you "but it's one of the oldest night markets in Taipei!" Well, it depends if you are just going there to eat or if you are going there as a point of interest (sight-seeing). To me, you see one, you sort of see them all. There maybe more stores at the bigger night markets and each night market will have 1 or 2 must-haves that are unique to that market but other than that, they are very similar. So if you have never been / live close-by, it's surely one of the better night markets in Taipei so I would recommend it but I wouldn't travel an hour just to come here. <span jstcache="336"></span><br />
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</span> <span jstcache="336">Nevertheless, I do have to mention Raohe is the closest night market to the Rainbow Bridge (which is really where locals come to work-out or have a stroll with their date and there is not much to see).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">should have went earlier...<br />
the lights were already out.</td></tr>
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<span jstcache="336"><strong>Raohe Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市)</strong></span><br />
<span jstcache="171">Section 4, Bade Rd, Songshan District, </span><span jstcache="171">Taipei City, Taiwan 105</span><br />
<span jstcache="171">Go after 6pm for the full night market experience.</span>let's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935410043195126201.post-12383911006981378892015-10-05T21:06:00.000+08:002016-03-20T12:45:25.663+08:00[Paris] Le Laurent <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some of you know, the main purpose of my recent Paris trip was to attend one of my best friends' wedding. The venue she chose to have her wedding reception was Le Laurent. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>A little history or background if you will on Le Laurent. It's a Michelin 1 star restaurant headed by Chef Alain Pégouret. The setting is elegant but chic, relaxed but sophisticated. The cuisine is described as "classic and contemporary". The following pictures are the official photos my friends received.<br />
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I am not going to describe the food we had in details because everything was delicious and all of us had a great time. The service was impeccable as well. The only downside about this place is that if you reserve one of the private rooms, everyone needs to eat the same thing. My friend said it's one of the ways the kitchen ensures the quality of the dishes. After all the considerations, we all ended up with foie gras as our entree and chicken as our main. A little variety would be nice, just saying. </div>
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I think you can tell from these photos that we had an amazing time. I always love it when I can be there for my friends when they reach a milestone in life, though work makes it difficult sometimes but I am very glad that I was there for my friend and witness a beautiful ceremony.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.le-laurent.com/uk/index.php" target="_blank">Le Laurent</a></b><br />
41 avenue Gabriel, Paris, France, 75008<br />
Tel. : +33 (0)1 42 25 00 39<br />
Fax : +33 (0)1 45 62 45 21<br />
Email: info@le-laurent.comlet's talk food and etchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130908140906721140noreply@blogger.com0