Craving Robata Jinya

Has a server ever taken an order and asked if what we’re ordering is for the whole table when in fact it isn’t? Well, I guess that’s what happens when you put us in front of a menu from Robata Jinya, where my bf and I ended up ordering twice as many things than the two couples we had dinner with combined. Thanks to our Yelping friends and fellow food lovers, Marshall and Face, it has been proven, yet again, that a 4 stars or over rating on Yelp (with a significant number of reviewers of course) never fails. Despite not being a fan of driving through West Los Angeles traffic, the trek over the westside was well worth it for the good food and of course the good company. From the Robata-Yaki menu, I tried the Cherry Tomatoes, Shishito Peppers, Chilean Seabass, Maitake Mushrooms, and Eggplant. I tried the Yellowtail Sashimi Japapeno Citrus Soy from the list of Sashimi, the Jinya Mixed Green Salad, the Spicy Creamy Shrimp Tempura, and the Butter Lettuce Cup with Miso Black Cod from the list of Tapas, and the Crunch Roll and Baked Crab Roll (that we ordered again after finishing the first one) from the list of Roll Sushi. We also ordered the Shrimp Toast from the list of Specials after trying a bite from our friends’ order. If all of that didn’t sound like a lot of food, we also had Ramen, Japanese noodles in broth, which is what the restaurant is known for. I had the Vegetable Pottage Ramen: thick soups with mushed vegetables carrots, potatoes, onions, Soy beans, baby leaf, and I added all of the toppings: JIDORI Ni-Tamago (Free Cage Soft Cooked Egg), NORI Dried Seaweed, and Mushrooms. The Vegetable Ramen also happens to be the only type of Ramen that can’t be ordered in a half size; however, it turned out I didn’t need the half order since I finished the noodles. Maybe next time, we’ll save some room to try something from the list of Desserts, and there will definitely be a next time. Domo Arigato Mr. Robata (Jinya)!

Craving Café Madeleine

What’s better than your favorite meal at your favorite café, in your hometown? I flew to San Francisco Wednesday night to visit my family. In the famous Union Square, I had lunch with my brother and nephew at Café Madeleine on O’farrell St. and Market. Whenever I’m in the City, I usually always have an opportunity to grab a bite at this very familiar café that I often frequented when I used to live in SF, which is conveniently located across the street from the Four Seasons Hotel. This café has one of the best Cobb salads ever, with fresh blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a hard boiled egg. I ordered it with no chicken or bacon with a substitute of balsamic vinaigrette dressing instead of Ranch. This cafe also has the most amazing pastries and desserts, and the last time I visited my family the weekend after Thanksgiving, they ran out what I usually like to order, so I made up for lost times and got two of my favorite desserts: the Tiramisu, which is made fresh with Mascarpone cheese and coffee soaked ladyfingers and the triple chocolate mouse, which consists of layers of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate mouse topped with white chocolate shavings. Sooo good! This is the perfect meal before a day full of shopping for great after Christmas bargains.

Craving Japon Bistro and Pink Boba

Who loves Japanese food and Pink Boba? I do!

Tonight I had dinner at Japon Bistro in Pasadena. I ordered the house salad, shrimp dumplings, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, California hand roll on soy paper and cold soba noodles. Any one who loves Japanese food will not be disappointed while dining at this restaurant. I also hear they have a great sake selection.

After dinner, I skipped dessert at the restaurant and drove down Colorado to Au 79 Tea Express to get my most beloved Boba Drink. It’s not just any Boba drink, the tapioca balls are pink. Whatever magical ingredients in the pink tapioca balls that are different from the regular tapioca balls really set them apart, making this the best boba drink I’ve ever had. I crave it constantly. I usually order the Honey Green (Soy) Milk Tea with Pink Boba, with half of the normal quantity of both the boba and honey, with a ratio of 90% green tea to 10% soy milk. I also request that they don’t blend the ice. I know, I’m a little particular and sometimes it gets confusing, but it always turns out perfect. Not to mention, they always ask if the drinks need any adjustments. This boba is so good that I can no longer order boba from anywhere else. Yes, it has pretty much ruined any desire to ever order regular boba again. There are 2 other Au 79 locations close by, one in Arcadia and one in San Gabriel (both are open later than the Pasadena location, in case of any late night cravings). So if one location runs out of pink boba, which happens occasionally, there are two others not too far away. Like the sleeves on their cups say: “I HEART AU 79,” I’m sure you will too.