After our wine tasting and tour at Schramsberg Vineyard, we decided to pre-game (food) before dinner at one of Thomas Keller's many establishments in Yountville - the Regiis Ova Lounge. And why not? A couple of snacks couldn't hurt, and actually served us well, given how the rest of the night went. But more on that later. … [Read more...] about Review: Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge
Meals
Review: Press Napa Valley
After checking into the Alila Napa Valley and settling in, it was time to head to dinner. On this night, I chose Press Napa Valley as our dining destination. And, boy, this was one of the best eating experiences of our whole trip. … [Read more...] about Review: Press Napa Valley
Review: Utage Restaurant
People often think of Japan as a homogeneous society - it is not. There are two major minorities in Japan, including the Ainu in the North and Okinawans down in, well, Okinawa. Each has its own, unique cuisines, which are often difficult to experience. Luckily, in Honolulu, we have places like Utage Restaurant serving up Okinawan fare. … [Read more...] about Review: Utage Restaurant
Disappointing: La Bicyclette Carmel
For our final dinner in Carmel by the Sea, I decided to reserve us a table at La Bicyclette Carmel. This little French Bistro looked promising, with an intriguing, rustic menu built around a wood-burning oven. Too bad it ended up being a massive disapointment. … [Read more...] about Disappointing: La Bicyclette Carmel
Review: Stationaery Carmel
On our second day in Carmel, I decided to take us off property for brunch. While I think brunch at our hotel is quite good, I really wanted to check out Stationaery Carmel, which is a really popular neighborhood restaurant in Carmel by the Sea. … [Read more...] about Review: Stationaery Carmel
Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel
You know that I'm always on the lookout for great eats where ever I go. So, in Carmel, I knew from early on that I wanted to check out the iconic Aubergine Carmel. Yeah, our previous dinner in the area was an utter disappointment, though that was NOT the case at Auberge Carmel - quite the opposite, actually. … [Read more...] about Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel
Disappointing: Chez Noir Carmel
Hailed as one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2022, I was so excited to find out that Chez Noir Carmel would open not long before. Better yet, I was able to secure a reservation on our first night in Carmel. Unfortunately, my experience with them was a complete letdown. … [Read more...] about Disappointing: Chez Noir Carmel
Review: Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki
I've been on a bit of a ramen bender lately, seeking redemption for my disappointing experience at STIX Asia. The latest stop on my ramen adventure is Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki - someplace I've actually been eyeing for a while now. … [Read more...] about Review: Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki
Breakfast at Pacific’s Edge (Hyatt Carmel Highlands)
While I don't typically like eating at hotel restaurants, we ended up eating breakfast at Pacific's Edge twice during our three-night stay at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. While expensive, Iʻd say that the restaurant wasnʻt bad. Mostly. … [Read more...] about Breakfast at Pacific’s Edge (Hyatt Carmel Highlands)
Review: An Di Dzo Hawaii
I love a good Pho spot, so I've had An Di Dzo Hawaii on my list for a while now. After all, it's an upscale Pho restaurant in the luxurious Ward Village neighborhood by the old local standby Cuu Long II in Chinatown. … [Read more...] about Review: An Di Dzo Hawaii