Asian « The Wandering Eater

A Quinoa-Centered Meal

I am very excited to be part of Foodbuzz’s 24×24!

Bowl of uncooked quinoa and The table setting

My family dinner was focused on quinoa. Quinoa is sort of like couscous except it’s a protein-rich grain (not a pasta like couscous) and it tastes nutty when eaten alone. The quinoa I used [...]

Chinese New Year Eve 2012 with Pat LaFrieda’s Whole Pig, Roasted

Chinese New Year tray of togetherness, chocolates, tangerines; Pistachios from Wonderful Pistachios; Oolong tea and pistachios on the side

Happy Lunar New Year, everyone! 恭喜發財! In Cantonese, Gong Hay Fat Choy! I wish you all much prosperity and happiness in the new year of the Dragon!

One of the most important days [...]

Chef Hiroyuki Sakai at Benihana’s Private Event

Benihana: Exterior, one of its large dining rooms, Portrait of its founder Rocky Aoki, Large fortune cat, The Rocky Room

Last week I was invited to Benihana‘s private lunch to celebrate their relaunch of their newly renovated space and their 48 years in the restaurant business. I took my mother along since [...]

During my vacation/stay in Chicago, Arami was one of my dinner stops here. After some research, this was considered one of the good Japanese spots to have sushi. As a sushi fanatic, I’m excited to eat here and booked a reservation.

What surprised me was that [...]

Ramen at Misoya (Before I Head Out to Chicago)

A few days ago, I had a very filling lunch at Misoya Ramen with a friend. I’ve read around Chowhound that this ramen newcomer might be comparable to my favorite ramen restaurant Ippudo. Since I love to eat a soul warming bowl of ramen during the chilly Monday we had here, it [...]

New Year’s Day 2012 Brunch

New Year dumplings topped with Beluga Kaluga caviar & Homemade turnip cake “lo bak gao”

Happy New Year! Admittedly two days late from posting but better than never. I celebrated the new year with family and as usual, cooking and baking up a storm.

The traditional Chinese dishes my family always had, [...]

Best Meals and Moments in 2011

2011 have been a whirlwind for me (in a good way).

A few trips outside of New York City. Many food events that I never imagine I could ever eat my way through. The many people I’ve met through the year – familiar faces, new acquaintances and partnerships.

I am very close to finishing graduate [...]

Sharing Sunday Lunch at Momofuku Ssäm Bar with My Parents and Another Contest

Momofuku Ssäm Bar: Front door, weekend lunch menu, the open kitchen

My past week was relatively stressful with final papers for grad school and work. Since the holidays were coming very soon and I’m finished with my semester’s work, I thought of taking my parents out for Sunday lunch to Momofuku Ssäm [...]

Matsuri Restaurant: Preview of the Seven Deadly Sins Menu

Matsuri: At the bar, my yuzu cosmopolitan, and the dining room

Matsuri is a Japanese restaurant located at The Maritime Hotel in Chelsea, under the helm of Chef Tadashi Ono. I do like Chef Ono’s style of traditional Japanese cooking, as I do cook out of his book The Japanese Grill, co-written [...]

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