On our final night in the Bay Area, I tried to get us another fantastic dining experience. This was more difficult than I thought it would be, as San Jose actually has some great options. Eventually, I settled on checking out Luna Mexican Kitchen, which has a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation. … [Read more...] about Review: Luna Mexican Kitchen
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Review: Topogato
The very last thing we did in San Francisco was to hunt down Topogato - a boutique chocolate maker specializing in gourmet truffles, chocolate bars, and more. I had actually tried to order online from them and ship it home a while back, but shipping charges to Hawaii were so high that I decided to wait until we were in the area. … [Read more...] about Review: Topogato
Review: Restaurant Marlena
Our second and final dinner in San Francisco was at another Michelin-starred spot: Restaurant Marlena. Unfortunately, this SF hotspot closed this past July due to a dispute between the chef/owners and the landlord who owns the physical restaurant. But I loved the place so much I'm reviewing it anyway. … [Read more...] about Review: Restaurant Marlena
SF Ferry Building Marketplace
The primary reason I chose to stay at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco is its location. Specifically, its proximity to the SF Ferry Building Marketplace, which is an icon of the city and a fantastic place to shop and dine at. … [Read more...] about SF Ferry Building Marketplace
Review: Dim Sum at Yank Sing
During our last visit to the Bay Area, we checked out the phenomenal take on Chinese dim sum - Mister Jiu's. But as much as we loved that restaurant, we wanted to try something more traditional, so I booked a brunch reservation for dim sum at Yank Sing. … [Read more...] about Review: Dim Sum at Yank Sing
Review: The Progress SF
Do you know what's more difficult than choosing a hotel in San Francisco? Picking a dinner spot. With just two nights to play in the city, I had to pick carefully. As such, I decided to book a table at one of the hottest restaurants in the Bay Area: The Progress SF. … [Read more...] about Review: The Progress SF
Review: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
After our too-brief stay at the Alila Napa Valley, it was time for us to head into the city. I long vacillated over what hotel to stay at and eventually settled on the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on Embarcadero. … [Read more...] about Review: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Review: La Calenda Mexican
After our extravagant pre-dinner, it was time to head to the main event at another Thomas Keller establishment - La Calenda. His first ethnic concept, the restaurant serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in downtown Yountville. … [Read more...] about Review: La Calenda Mexican
Review: Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge
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
Wine Tasting at Schramsberg
The last time we were in Napa Valley, we didn't do any wine tastings at all. This time, though, I made doing at least one a priority. Being that we both enjoy The French Laundry's Modicum sparkling wine, I decided to book us a wine tasting at Schramsberg Vineyard. … [Read more...] about Wine Tasting at Schramsberg