January 22, 2013
Steak Bowl at ShopHouse in Washington, DC. Made my return to the lone location of Chipotle’s little brother today. Still a huge fan of the spicy corn. And I remembered from a previous visit that I did not like the noodles, so I went with Jasmine rice. [Previously: Chicken Bowl]

Steak Bowl at ShopHouse in Washington, DC.

Made my return to the lone location of Chipotle’s little brother today. Still a huge fan of the spicy corn. And I remembered from a previous visit that I did not like the noodles, so I went with Jasmine rice.

[Previously: Chicken Bowl]

4:10pm
Filed under: Food Asian ShopHouse Washington DC Dupont Circle Steak Beef Rice Curry Corn Out To Eat Chipotle 
November 4, 2012
Alaska Roll - Salmon x Avocado I used this to taunt Joey on Friday. He responded with “Damn I need food.” [Previously]

Alaska Roll - Salmon x Avocado

I used this to taunt Joey on Friday. He responded with “Damn I need food.”

[Previously]

6:22pm
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Sushi Salmon Rice Avocado Asian Food Cleveland 
November 1, 2012
Yellowtail Sashmi and Salmon & Avocado Roll at Sapporo Sushi in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio This, along with the Miso soup, was super legit. Free Green Tea, too. Thanks, Leah, for the suggestion.

Yellowtail Sashmi and Salmon & Avocado Roll at Sapporo Sushi in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio

This, along with the Miso soup, was super legit. Free Green Tea, too.

Thanks, Leah, for the suggestion.

Sapporo Sushi on Urbanspoon

10:20pm
(Notes: 11)
  
Filed under: Sushi Sashimi Salmon Tuna Food Asian Cleveland Downtown Cleveland Rice Avocado 
August 7, 2012
Paella Valenciana at Mallorca in Cleveland, Ohio Saffron rice, all sorts of shellfish (including heaps of shrimp and a lobster tail), roasted red peppers, sausage slices, and peas. Didn’t have the soccarat (explained here by the “Paella Professor”) that Paella is supposed to have; but it was still amazing. And when they said they have “generous portions”, they meant it. [Previously: The view from outside]

Paella Valenciana at Mallorca in Cleveland, Ohio

Saffron rice, all sorts of shellfish (including heaps of shrimp and a lobster tail), roasted red peppers, sausage slices, and peas.

Didn’t have the soccarat (explained here by the “Paella Professor”) that Paella is supposed to have; but it was still amazing. And when they said they have “generous portions”, they meant it.

[Previously: The view from outside]

10:25pm
(Notes: 3)
  
Filed under: Clams Lobster Paella Peppers Rice Sausage Seafood Shrimp Spanish Food Vegetables Food Cleveland Downtown Cleveland Out To Eat 
March 30, 2012
L-R: Spicy Yellowtail Roll, Alaska Roll (Fresh Salmon, Avocado, and Cucumber), and Salmon Roll at Samurai Sushi and Hibachi in Strongsville, Ohio. On nice days; I like to call in my order, pick it up after work, and head immediately to the Metroparks. The $11 lunch combination (three rolls; also includes soup and salad) is always a win. [Previously: Alaska Roll & Volcano Roll]

L-R: Spicy Yellowtail Roll, Alaska Roll (Fresh Salmon, Avocado, and Cucumber), and Salmon Roll at Samurai Sushi and Hibachi in Strongsville, Ohio.

On nice days; I like to call in my order, pick it up after work, and head immediately to the Metroparks. The $11 lunch combination (three rolls; also includes soup and salad) is always a win.

[Previously: Alaska Roll & Volcano Roll]

2:29pm
(Notes: 5)
  
Filed under: Sushi Asian Food Seafood Rice Tuna Salmon Out To Eat Strongsville 
December 11, 2011
Alaska Roll (Fresh Salmon, Avocado, and Cucumber) and Volcano Roll (Spicy Yellowtail and Salmon topped with Red Tobiko) at Samurai Sushi and Hibachi in Strongsville, Ohio. This place is relatively new in town, so I had to try it out. They currently run a half-price sushi special on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch. These two rolls and a bowl of Miso Soup came in at less than $10.

Alaska Roll (Fresh Salmon, Avocado, and Cucumber) and Volcano Roll (Spicy Yellowtail and Salmon topped with Red Tobiko) at Samurai Sushi and Hibachi in Strongsville, Ohio.

This place is relatively new in town, so I had to try it out. They currently run a half-price sushi special on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch. These two rolls and a bowl of Miso Soup came in at less than $10.

11:24am
(Notes: 127)
  
Filed under: Sushi Asian Seafood Rice Salmon Tuna Food Strongsville Out To Eat 
November 29, 2011
Curry Turkey over White Rice Re-purposing Thanksgiving leftovers… much better than a sandwich.

Curry Turkey over White Rice

Re-purposing Thanksgiving leftovers… much better than a sandwich.

11:38pm
(Notes: 29)
  
Filed under: Rice Turkey Thanksgiving Curry Asian Indian Food Food Home Cooking Leftovers 
November 28, 2011
Phở Tái Nam at #1 Pho in Cleveland, Ohio Slices of Flank Steak and Brisket in a Beef Broth with Rice Noodles. I ended up adding a lot of Siracha, Been Sprouts, and Thai Basil after I took this picture. Here’s to hoping that this becomes a day-after-Thanksgiving tradition; because it was fantastic.

Phở Tái Nam at #1 Pho in Cleveland, Ohio

Slices of Flank Steak and Brisket in a Beef Broth with Rice Noodles.

I ended up adding a lot of Siracha, Been Sprouts, and Thai Basil after I took this picture. Here’s to hoping that this becomes a day-after-Thanksgiving tradition; because it was fantastic.

Number One Pho on Urbanspoon

7:36pm
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Asian Beef Cleveland Food Noodles Out To Eat Pho Rice Soup Steak Vietnamese Food 
November 12, 2011
Korean BBQ Pork Ribs topped with Green Onions Kogi BBQ style sauce (soy, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, green onions). Slow cooked for eight hours.

Korean BBQ Pork Ribs topped with Green Onions

Kogi BBQ style sauce (soy, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, green onions). Slow cooked for eight hours.

12:28pm
(Notes: 48)
  
Filed under: Asian BBQ Food Home Cooking Meat Pork Rice Rice Korean BBQ 
October 25, 2011
Chicken Bowl at ShopHouse in Washington, DC Rice Noodles topped with Grilled Chicken, spicy Charred Corn, Mild Curry, pickled Vegetables, Herbs (Cilantro, Mint, Thai Basil), and crispy Rice, Garlic, and Peanuts On this quick low-key trip to The District, I was most excited for this meal. Why? ShopHouse is Chipotle’s Asian spinoff whose name comes from the buildings (or row of buildings) that have restaurants in the bottom floor and living quarters up top. “Asia’s version of fast food.” I was impressed. It was really good. Not the portions of its big brother yet; but I was still full after it all. The chicken was great, the spicy corn was the best thing in the bowl, and the sauces and garnishes all added something. I just wish I got the spicier curry. Small misstep. Oh, and the noodles. They were cold - but apparently that’s on purpose. Haven’t caught on to that one yet. Maybe it’ll grow on me. Will it be the next big thing? It’s hard to say. I mean, I doubt it. Americans are a lot less familiar/comfortable with Southeast Asian food right now than they were with Mexican before Chipotle arrived about 10 years ago. However, I could definitely see Steve Ells propping a few of these up in the major cities. It’s not like he needs to make a ton of money with these; he’s already made enough for 10 or 12 lifetimes on the backs of overstuffed burritos and amazing guacamole. But we’ll see. I hope I’m wrong.

Chicken Bowl at ShopHouse in Washington, DC

Rice Noodles topped with Grilled Chicken, spicy Charred Corn, Mild Curry, pickled Vegetables, Herbs (Cilantro, Mint, Thai Basil), and crispy Rice, Garlic, and Peanuts

On this quick low-key trip to The District, I was most excited for this meal. Why? ShopHouse is Chipotle’s Asian spinoff whose name comes from the buildings (or row of buildings) that have restaurants in the bottom floor and living quarters up top. “Asia’s version of fast food.”

I was impressed. It was really good. Not the portions of its big brother yet; but I was still full after it all. The chicken was great, the spicy corn was the best thing in the bowl, and the sauces and garnishes all added something. I just wish I got the spicier curry. Small misstep. Oh, and the noodles. They were cold - but apparently that’s on purpose. Haven’t caught on to that one yet. Maybe it’ll grow on me.

Will it be the next big thing? It’s hard to say. I mean, I doubt it. Americans are a lot less familiar/comfortable with Southeast Asian food right now than they were with Mexican before Chipotle arrived about 10 years ago. However, I could definitely see Steve Ells propping a few of these up in the major cities. It’s not like he needs to make a ton of money with these; he’s already made enough for 10 or 12 lifetimes on the backs of overstuffed burritos and amazing guacamole. But we’ll see. I hope I’m wrong.

ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen on Urbanspoon

10:54pm
(Notes: 47)
  
Filed under: Asian Chicken Corn Food Garlic Noodles Peanuts Rice ShopHouse Washington DC Out To Eat 
October 9, 2011
bacon-world: bacon & avocado sushi If I was an itamae, this is the kind of sushi I’d make.

bacon-world:

bacon & avocado sushi

If I was an itamae, this is the kind of sushi I’d make.

12:56pm
(Notes: 869)
  
Filed under: asian avocado bacon food rice sushi reblog 
October 8, 2011
Prik Pow Fried Rice at Sweet Mango in Berea, Ohio Pork, Rice, Bell Peppers, Onions, Scallions and Egg in Prik Pow sauce. Finally been trying things other than the Country Style Pad Thai here, and I’m yet to be disappointed. The Garlic Pork was also awesome. No picture, though.

Prik Pow Fried Rice at Sweet Mango in Berea, Ohio

Pork, Rice, Bell Peppers, Onions, Scallions and Egg in Prik Pow sauce.

Finally been trying things other than the Country Style Pad Thai here, and I’m yet to be disappointed. The Garlic Pork was also awesome. No picture, though.

Sweet Mango on Urbanspoon

12:46pm
(Notes: 7)
  
Filed under: Rice Asian Peppers Onions Pork Berea Cleveland Out To Eat Food 
September 29, 2011
life: A lot of time has passed since the only person who indulged in sushi was your unbelievably sophisticated globetrotting uncle. Yes, America has become a nation of sushi eaters. But do you really know how to eat sushi in a manner that would make an itamae proud? So you think you know? We’ll see about that — How to Eat Sushi Haven’t had sushi in a few weeks, and that’s way too long. Some of the pictures in this slideshow are pretty cool; and hey, you might learn a thing or two.

life:

A lot of time has passed since the only person who indulged in sushi was your unbelievably sophisticated globetrotting uncle.


Yes, America has become a nation of sushi eaters. But do you really know how to eat sushi in a manner that would make an itamae proud?

So you think you know? We’ll see about that — How to Eat Sushi

Haven’t had sushi in a few weeks, and that’s way too long. Some of the pictures in this slideshow are pretty cool; and hey, you might learn a thing or two.

7:07pm
(Notes: 1,183)
  
Filed under: food sushi asian seafood rice reblog 
September 13, 2011
Puffy Tacos at The Mad Cactus in Strongsville, Ohio Fried Tortillas, BBQ Glazed Mahi, Tomatillo Verde, Onions, Lettuce with Rice and Beans A month ago, The Mad Cactus was revamped from head to toe by chef Robert Irvine. It’s set to be featured on the November 2nd episode of Restaurant: Impossible. Having never been to the “old” version, I can’t say anything about the changes that were made. But I will say that I really enjoyed my experience here. Ever since I saw the Puffy Taco Throwdown episode a while back, I always wanted to give them a try. We’re quite a ways from San Antonio (one of the only places you can find a puffy taco); so when I finally saw them on the menu, there was no way I was getting anything else. While we were waiting for our food; we tried out the salsa bar that was stocked with at least 10 fresh salsas. My favorite was the chimmi churri. My least favorite was the chips. Why? Because you had to pay for them by the basket. What? Are you kidding me? As my friend Joey tweeted: “I want to live in a world where all Mexican restaurants give free chips and salsa.” The salsas were really good though, so I’d say it was worth the extra dollar or two. The main dishes came and the puffy tacos were amazing. The caramelized BBQ sauce on the fish was great, and the tortillas were crispy but still had a good chew. Perfect mix between a hard and soft taco. As I said, I can’t talk about where this place has come from (and I’m sure they don’t want to talk about it either), but I can definitely say that I like where it’s going.

Puffy Tacos at The Mad Cactus in Strongsville, Ohio

Fried Tortillas, BBQ Glazed Mahi, Tomatillo Verde, Onions, Lettuce with Rice and Beans

A month ago, The Mad Cactus was revamped from head to toe by chef Robert Irvine. It’s set to be featured on the November 2nd episode of Restaurant: Impossible. Having never been to the “old” version, I can’t say anything about the changes that were made. But I will say that I really enjoyed my experience here.

Ever since I saw the Puffy Taco Throwdown episode a while back, I always wanted to give them a try. We’re quite a ways from San Antonio (one of the only places you can find a puffy taco); so when I finally saw them on the menu, there was no way I was getting anything else.

While we were waiting for our food; we tried out the salsa bar that was stocked with at least 10 fresh salsas. My favorite was the chimmi churri. My least favorite was the chips. Why? Because you had to pay for them by the basket. What? Are you kidding me? As my friend Joey tweeted: “I want to live in a world where all Mexican restaurants give free chips and salsa.” The salsas were really good though, so I’d say it was worth the extra dollar or two.

The main dishes came and the puffy tacos were amazing. The caramelized BBQ sauce on the fish was great, and the tortillas were crispy but still had a good chew. Perfect mix between a hard and soft taco.

As I said, I can’t talk about where this place has come from (and I’m sure they don’t want to talk about it either), but I can definitely say that I like where it’s going.

8:20pm
(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: BBQ Cleveland Fish Mexican Mexican Onions Out To Eat Rice Seafood Strongsville Tacos Food Mexican Food 
July 18, 2011
Yellowtail Roll at Ichiban Sushi in Bally’s; Las Vegas, Nevada I liked this place a lot because of the location, the great sushi, and the low prices (which isn’t always the best combination); so I had to double-post about this place. Didn’t like this one as much as the California Roll here (I know that’s the “boring” or “classic” roll, but it’s classic for a reason), but the green onions added good flavor and the Yellowtail was amazing on its own. Definitely impressed.

Yellowtail Roll at Ichiban Sushi in Bally’s; Las Vegas, Nevada

I liked this place a lot because of the location, the great sushi, and the low prices (which isn’t always the best combination); so I had to double-post about this place.

Didn’t like this one as much as the California Roll here (I know that’s the “boring” or “classic” roll, but it’s classic for a reason), but the green onions added good flavor and the Yellowtail was amazing on its own. Definitely impressed.

Ichiban Sushi (Bally's) on Urbanspoon

9:04pm
Filed under: Sushi Out To Eat Food Asian Seafood Tuna Rice Las Vegas 
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