Mak's Noodles

Simple, cheap, delicious, efficient.

That's all there is to it, everything is made fresh, prepared quickly.Well recognized by the city so always expect a high turnout. Need not worry, they have such a high turnover rate you'll get seated quickly no matter what the crowd size, just be open to a new neighbor every time. It's a small shop like any other place in the city so expect communal seating. 

Wonton Noodle Soup: Thin, chewy noodles in a simple broth, perfection. Wontons  are stuffed with seasoned pork, savory and fulfilling, dip with a little red vinegar on the side. Note that bowls here are small, the mindset is slurp and go. Ideal for such a fast paced city. If one does feel like they need more there's a bunch of sides to choose from.  

There are a few more options on the menu, notables being the Brisket and the bitter veggies, but I'm stuck on the wontons.  It's my first love of this city, and I still can't get over them.

• G/F, 77 Wellington Street
  Central, Hong Kong Island

Afternoon stroll at Russian Hill

Recently I've been able to do a couple projects with Spottly, and just this week they opened up their new Submissions page with one my entries to kick it all off. Enjoy.

IL Dolce

I've been anticipating my upcoming trip to New York for over a month now, and the entire time what I've almost instantly been relating to that city is pizza. Don't get me wrong, that city has sooo much to offer aside from this classic staple, but ever since John Stewart's  brazen, if not ballsy professing of how superior NY pizza is over "Chicago-style", it was damn near impossible not to have it on my mind all the time.

Luckily J. Kao finally introduced me to a local shop that she claims is the best I can find anywhere around the OC. She's been talking about this place for so damn long I nearly felt that it was some old wives tale used to tease me, as it took her a couple years to finally bring me here! But I trust her in her claims, having she just been to Italy just a couple weeks ago, I was taken aback when she finally said she'd take me! 

The place is completely unsuspecting, being in the shadow of a strip mall, right off the turn of a freeway that leads straight to the beach. Inside had a very modern appeal despite it actually having a legit mom & pop kind of vibe. Our hostess (mom) was very delightful in taking care of us, and we could easily see pop get to work as soon as he got the orders in. Our orders where as followed.

-Prosciutto & Fig: Terrifically savory, the baked figs added only a nuance of sweetness that brought everything together, the cheese selected (I can't recall off the top of my head) was an excellent closer for the pallet. 

-Margarita: Had a bright, sweeter that expected sauce that rings in a balanced combination with basil. The delightfully chewy crust had that rustic charm as you picked up notes of the char from the wood oven. 

The place looked surprisingly empty for the lunch hour on a sunny Saturday in Newport Beach, we hoped it was some sort of off day for the business because it would truly be a tragedy to have lost such masterful  craftsmanship as a result of lacking a recognition. But I'm glad I was finally able to make an acquaintance with such a hidden gem. My cravings for good pie continues.

With that being said, I'm off to the east coast!

*Chicagoan discretion advised for the John Stewart link.

1902 Harbor Blvd.

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Portland Day 1- Hitting the ground running

  After what I can call a grueling 24 hour bus trip I finally arrived in Portland!!!!! Things to do? Find the hostel, drop off the bags and make it to walking tour all within the hour of arrival, . But most importantly, find a hot meal because I didn't exactly savor my opportunities to munch on gas station grub.

  Feeling rejuvenated after heaping plate of Kahlua Pork, because all the "breakfast" menu's stopped serving at 11am (what is this McDonalds??), I rush back to the hostel to finally make it in time for the introductions. Saying hi and hello to all the fellow hostel mates, we're lead buy our guide, who I swear looks William H. Macy, except a hell of a lot more quirkier.

  We make our way from our home base in the Northwest district onward to the Pearl, down through the Historic Waterfront, and circling back to the down town district . Picking up neat tid-bits such as the street signs in the Alphabet district, and how they contributed to a lot of the Simpsons characters names (Matt Groening is from here btw). Checked out Mills End Park, smallest park in the world (pictured below), got a little info on the infamous Zoobombers that come out every Sunday night, unchain the bikes shown below and simply haul major buns down the West Hills (something added to my bucket list). By the end I come to find that the city takes pride in being a little "weird", Portlandians will understand.
  Soon at the end of our tour, a few of the hostel mates decide to break off and have some lunch at a couple of the cities food carts, an estimated 500 of these stands are said to be scattered all over this city.

  First was the foodie cult phenom Nong's Khao Man Gai, Thai style chicken & rice. It's the one and only dish this place serves but they have perfected it to a T, simplicity was the key here, but it carried such a complex depth in its taste and aroma (from all the aromatics) that you can't judge it based off looks, you have to taste it.

  2nd up to bat was the aptly named Dump Truck. The story behind this little shack was that the couple that owns the place used to live in Beijing next to a restaurant owner who showed them the ropes. Once they came to Portland they refined their skills and created their own interpretations. Their selection is small but they each carry  their own unique punch of flavor and creativity. Order up Le Sampler, if your a fickle guy like me, and try Mr. Ma's Special (ginger pork), Down to Earth (vegi friendly), Potato Curry (Malaysian style), & finally the Bacon Cheeseburger (yeah seriously).
 Soon after sampling a couple flights over at the Rogue Ales Public House, my companions & I finally gave in to the idea of crossing town to wait in line for some Voodoo Doughnuts!!! Reported to have line waits as long as an hour, it was only a meager half hour+ wait till I was able to make my long awaited order of the legendary pink box. The selection process was overwhelming, since they had so many on display and the added pressure of a ton of people waiting in line behind you, I hated to be that one newb. But here's my picks, 0 regrets, all gluttonous joy. 

-Bacon Maple Bar: Easily my favorite of all time, it combines my number one fave doughnut with thick slices of crispy bacon. Pretty sure I had a big dumb smile after my first bite.
- Voodoo Doll: This one is chocolate little man filled with raspberry jelly (blood) doesn't boast anything out of the ordinary other than poking it with the pretzel stick hoping someone else feels it. Haha
- Old Dirty Bastard: A nod to the Wu, aesthetically it holds true to it's name and so does the mess it makes after you devour it.
- Memphis Mafia: Fried dough with banana chunks and cinnamon covered in a chocolate/peanut butter glaze covered with peanuts & chocolate chips. The King is somewhere blushing right now, 'nuff said. Just go and cancel all immediate appoints if your going to attempt this.
-Ain't that a Peach Fritter: A seriously massive Peach Fritter topped with cream cheese. Say F U to your diet because you're on vacation!
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: The one and only thing I can say that bares worthiness of claiming to resemble "mexican hot chocolate". By which I mean it's not the uber-sweetness most people tend to expect, but rather a dark semi bitter chocolate with some spice in the back end. I love it for that, just wish it wasn't so dry...  

  After trekking around all day I was finally able to get some rest and lay down on an actual bed! After a few hours of some shut eye I woke up to a roomie I met along the tour, thinking of heading out the Mission Theater down the street. The idea behind this place, and many other establishments like this around the city, is to enjoy classic films while drinking some of Portland's finest craft brews. The selection for the night, Woody Allen's 'Sleeper', kooky to say the least. Loving this city already. 

Nong's Khao Man Gai & The Dump Truck

SW 10th & Alder St

Portland, OR 97205

Voodoo Doughnut

22 SW 3rd Ave

Portland, OR 97204

Mission Theater 

1624 NW Glisan St.

Portland, OR 97204

Marilyn's Cafe

This place is a sanctuary after a long night on the town, because when the clock strikes 12am it’s time for $3.99 Steak and Eggs!!!!!!!

Seriously what can sound better than that? And if you’re thinking they’ll skimp at that price—oh no my friends you’re dead wrong! You’re getting a good sized slab (4oz?) with two eggs served your way, a heaping helping of hashbrowns, and glorious buttered toast (Eat it with jam or use it to sop up the yolk), it’s all the right components to absorb up all the booze in your system.

This place was so awesome, I try to come here every night I’m in town. I hear the wait for your food to be served here is pretty ridiculous, but most times I’m so far gone I can’t even tell. LMAO

(Photo Credit’s to J Kao)

The Tuscany Suites & Casino

255 E Flamingo Rd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

Le Diplomate Cafe

Awesome sandwiches (one of the best in the OC). The highlight of the this place has got to be the bread—because ultimately that’s what makes the sandwich. Although most would say it’s the garlic sauce, and don’t get me wrong, its awesome in its own right, but can be over whelming in excess. 

So if it's your first time go for the Chicken Eggplant or the Chicken Broccoli & Mushroom. With such a variety here I haven't picked anything I didn't like so you cannot go wrong here.

4237 Campus Dr

Irvine, CA 92612

Mama D's Italian Kitchen

After coming back here several times I have narrowed possibly their best dish, Roma (w. angel hair), Alfredo, and Chicken. This dish will blow you away!!!! I always bring my friends here and introduce them to this dish and they are just struck dumb with the first bite every time. Normally you would expect the Alfredo to be heavy and over bearing but its so light and creamy. It combines well with the taste of the chicken and the bits of artichoke in the Roma. But enjoy the soft chewy texture of the angel hair and veggies just melts in your mouth. I cannot help but drool every time I think about it. Haha

I recommend their pizzas too. So far the Veggie and the Margarita has won me over. I’ve heardthat people have complained that the crust comes out soggy, but they must’ve had a bad stroke of luck, because the crust for me comes out light and crispy every time. The Veggie’s highlights are the shear amount of produce that provide the fresh crunch you would expect and the Margarita is yummy buffalo cheese and basil enough said.

Btw their Garlic Bread & Oil is irresistible! Try making it to your main course without filling up on these..I dare you.

(Photo Credit’s to Jamie Kao)

3012 Newport Blvd

Newport Beach, CA 92663

Cream Pan

We all, hopefully, have that local bakery that serves great coffee. An establishment where you can sit down and enjoy yourself, or in the company of others, for an hour or two. This one is mine. 

Jamie and I have started to frequent here more often for the past several weeks, as her warm up for the cafe's she'll be visiting in Paris (envious).

But we've been coming here for years, regardless of the practice needed for Europe, because it's just that good. What got us and anyone else hooked to this place is their legendary Strawberry Croissants. Simply put, it has a flaky little buttery crust that oozes sweet cream and strawberries with every bite that makes your mouth project thoughts of a golden choir between bites.

Putting the star attraction to side, you got to respect every single one of their sweet and savory confections ranging from their equally good Azuki Cream Puff all the way over to their Chicken Curry Pan & Soki Soba Sandwich.

As for their coffee's they keep in simple and modest, none of those 5 word concoctions you see at Starbucks. It's simple, tasty, and soul warming. You can never go wrong with a Cafe Au Lait.

602 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92780

Felix Continental Café

I've been to this place a couple times already and ever single time I'm blown away, the food here is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the Felix Continental combination to anyone that comes here for their first time because it brings together all of their best dishes in an absolute harmony. But for those who know Cuban / Spanish cuisine should definitely get the Paella (although they have been skimping on the seafood recently) or the Arroz a la Cubana. If you still can manage some room, try the Tres Leches cake {its so rich, creamy and fatty}

The service here is great; the waiters are polite and quick on the order {although this is a small place so it can get a little crowded during the lunch rush}.

Probably the best thing about this place is that you get what you pay for plus more! The portions are generous,well worth it, and take advantage of the Lunch Special menu if your a little low on cash. 

To anybody around this area this place is a must! For breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food is to die for.

- Photos courtesy of J Kao 

36 Plaza Sq
Orange, CA 92866

Forage

There's a wonderful ambiance that makes it feel so familiar and communal. It took me a while and a friend to point out that it almost takes you back to the cafeteria days in school, what with all the trays you carry  to a table that has an open spot (no "savsies" on the tables, someone is bound to remind you). 

 Aside from the cafeteria feel, their food is way beyond that point. Everything is fresh, flavorful and, I must say, beautiful to look at (straight out of Kinfolk Magazine). My first try was the Pork Belly, when you utter those words you expect something, so be ready! Plus what I find the most delightful about their menu is the variety of sides that you cannot go wrong in choosing, (baked carrots or the chickpeas,kale, & quinoa).

After my first and only try, it's now among my top places to go eat. A must try!

- Photos courtesy of J Kao 

3823 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026