It’s rare that I rant and grunt about restaurants, this is one of those days. Constantly advocating that successful restaurant offer a complete dining experience, few owners have opened their eyes. As a result, a high percentage of restaurants go belly up. Complete experience means
(great food) + (service) + (ambiance)
On Monday, I [...]

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(photos: Palencia owner,fresh lumpia,noodle,fried banana,guinataang)
(video: YouTube with Bourdain eating duck Balut)
Growing up in the San Francisco, a handful of my friends were Filipino. My virgin encounter tasting Filipino food was at Jason’s house. Roasted suckling pig created a double delight. Tender pork meat dipped in a tangy and full bodied Mamasita sauce. [...]

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(photos: fresh sea urchin from dive, sea urchin 1/2 shell, see urchin roll, video:Ironchef sea urchin battle)
“Give me a damm chance, I muttered to myself!” During my college days, this phrase frequently transmitted through my brain waves. Not like the hunk I am today, during college I remember the desperate times. During [...]

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Read this blog for a preface about Pinkberry.
If you have seen me recently, I am getting fat. Swimming at YMCA yesterday, I can see my beer belly protruding. Looking like I swallowed a football, I recently contemplated about get an ab belt. Watching late night television, I have seen a few ab [...]

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After a grease feast at Jack in the Box, I quickly needed to tango with Californian gourmet. A few years ago, I traveled to Paris to play an anxious student. With open ears and mouth, I learned more about why the French cuisine reign amongst the culinary kings. Referred to as the “sandwich [...]

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(Photos: fried taco, bacon cheeseburger Jr.,stoner video:YouTube)
A few years ago, I was stuck in the cubicle working for California Culinary Academy on Polk St. My life sucked. As an admissions rep, I had to call up high school students and try to get them to apply to our school. My management sucked. Whenever [...]

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(source: video-Youtube.com)
This week, I attended Web 2.0 Expo aka Nerd Fest. Yes, I had Nerd Orgasm. Don’t get me wrong, I love nerds. They out scored me in my SATs during high school and act as the pillar of innovation. During middle school, flocks of nerds chased after me. They hunted [...]

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60% off Gift Certificates at Restaurant.com. $25.00 Gift Certificates for $4.00 with code FLAVOR.

(Ends Today Thursday 4/24/2008)

(L-R:roti,corn fritter,beef rendang,Chef Ming,curry noodle)
It’s 2am and I am craving Ming’s curry noodle. It’s true though, it is often said that quality food cannot be found at neighborhood prices. Lime Tree, where customers can expect exciting Southeast Asian [...]

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Now thru April 24th, 60% off Dinner of the Month Club purchase at Restaurant.com. Use code FLAVOR!

When I worked for California Culinary Academy recruiting future student chefs, I mastered my way through the authentic eateries in the seedy Tenderloin district. Returning to Bodega Bistro last week, I found the food delicious and service attentive.
Ambiance.
Dim [...]

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Parisians are known to be snobby about art,fashion, and especially their food. Two year ago, I traveled to Paris and immersed myself into grand dior of life. To celebrate my birthday this year, I dined at a French bistro in Noe valley.
Food.
With dark mahogany walls and tables, created an elegant atmosphere. Bypassing [...]

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