May 8, 2011

la taqueria (downtown)


I can count the number of times I've eaten at a Taco Bell/Times/Del Mar/Hell on 1 hand. 2 fingers actually. Once was to figure out what the heck "mexi-fries" were (tater tots? really?). The second, I was with a large group of people and it would've been gauche to cross the street to the Jack In The Box by myself. The commercials have never interested me, and quite honestly - downright horrified me. It just didn't look like food, and the very concept of combining violently-neon "cheese" to lettuce has always been wrong to me. Actually, it's just the "cheese" really. And don't get me started on refried beans *shudder* (not a bean fan in general, but I have had great refried beans at a REAL restaurant).

May 2, 2011

sun sui wah alaskan king crab dinner (main st)


What does springtime mean to you? Rain? A burst of sunshine through the heavy clouds? Fresh sprouts coming through the ground? To me, my friends, and thousands of Chinese food enthusiasts - it means Alaskan king crab season!

The season lasts a few weeks (and sometimes not even if you've ever watched Deadliest Catch) - and during those brief weeks, prices plummet from a peak of $30 per pound, down to an average of $10 per pound! These are market prices of course, each restaurant will top it up a few points. It's not unheard of for people to go for a king crab meal 2~3 times a week! It's mostly the older generation - who don't really care about cholesterol build-up at this point in their lives - and more power to them for it!

April 11, 2011

aria brunch buffet (aria, vegas)


Is there any other word in the culinary dictionary so closely attached to Las Vegas than "buffet"? To some, a visit to Vegas wouldn't be complete without strapping on a feedbag, waiting in a cattle line, then gorging the hours away in a hall of never-ending food product. Fiery discussions are held on who has the best buffet, who has the largest lobsters, who has the most varied cuisines and so on.

April 10, 2011

in-n-out burger (vegas)


It's odd to say this, but I've had a love-hate relationship with In-N-Out Burger. The first time I had one was at the Bairstow Outlets in California, and I remember it being a d*mn tasty burger worthy of its hype. Was it the greatest burger ever? No. Was it one of the best fast food burgers I've had? Certainly in the running.

That was all the way back in 2000.