Category Archives: Eating Out

Malaysia

Foodie Excursion to Ijok for Beggar’s Delights

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We arrived in Malaysia a few days ago from California and are currently staying in PJ (Petaling Jaya, a suburb of KL), Annie’s hometown. We have slowly been getting over the jet lag as well as getting used to the humidity. We’ve also been getting reacquainted with her family and friends.

One of those friends is Annie’s mentor Dr G, who had a big hand in helping Annie get to Hawaii for her graduate studies. Dr G is a big foodie. She introduced Annie to French food as well as sushi, and always has recommendations for any type of food you’d want to eat in Malaysia. On our last trip to Malaysia, Dr G took us for a huge seafood meal out in Kuala Selangor. This time, she wanted to take us on an excursion to a restaurant in Ijok which was famous for beggar’s delights.

What Are Beggar’s Delights Anyway?

beggar's chicken, duck, pork

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Bay Area

California Mangosteens at San Carlos Farmer’s Market

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We were at the San Carlos Farmer’s Market, buying salmon from our favorite fishmonger, Pat from Mission Fresh Fish.  This was the first time we’d been to this particular market.  San Carlos is about 40 minutes’ drive from where we live in San Jose.  But we needed to pick up some fresh salmon and frozen ahi (more on that later).

Pat mentioned to us that there was a vendor who was selling mangosteens and lychee, grown in Lancaster, California!  (Lancaster is in Southern California, between Los Angeles and Bakersfield.)  I couldn’t believe it. But as we made our way around, we actually found the stall.

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Bay Area

Alexander’s Steak House (Cupertino)

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Alexander's Steakhouse (Cupertino)

Back when we had FoodGal Carolyn Jung and her husband MeatBoy over for dinner for our FoodBuzz 24, 24, 24 Cioppino Hot Pot meal, we discussed many topics, including the best steaks. We were of the opinion that the Grill on the Alley has the best steaks in the South Bay. But MeatBoy prefers Alexander’s Steakhouse in Cupertino.

Alexander’s is a high-end, contemporary American steakhouse with Japanese influences (most notably, they serve real Japanese Kobe beef). Recently, we had the opportunity to go to Alexander’s for dinner with our friend Manuel and his family. This is the same Manuel who has eaten steaks all over the world and has concluded that steaks at The Grill on the Alley are the best he’s had. How does Alexander’s compare?

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Bay Area

Sensational Sushi at Sakae Sushi (Burlingame), Part 2

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We went to Sakae Sushi in Burlingame, CA to celebrate Annie’s birthday with some of the best sushi in the Bay Area. In Part 1, we talked about all the great sashimi we had. Now it’s time to talk sushi…nigiri sushi.

When most Americans think of sushi, they think of California rolls, Caterpillar rolls, Dragon rolls, etc. You know, a tube of rice and relatively small pieces of fish mixed with the likes of cucumber, avocado, fake crab, cream cheese, mayonnaise, you name it. Sometimes it’s even drizzled with a sweet sauce. It’s basically a way to avoid tasting raw fish, which I guess is not big with the Western palate. (No wonder I see a lot of people absolutely drown their sushi in soy sauce and horseradish!)

Japanese do eat rolled sushi (called maki) but they don’t tend to hide the fish. Nigiri sushi puts that fish right on top. And that’s the way we like it!

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