Pontian and Asian Gorilla Juice

Posted for January 25, 2012
After work, I had dinner at the Marina Parade Hawker center. It’s located directly across the street from the hotel. I went to a Stall called Pontian. It was Hella good. Chili and Black sauce with pork and Bok Choy, 2 fried wontons, and Asian egg noodles that had a bite like Italian pasta. It was also served with 2 more wontons in a clear vegetable broth on the side. Total cost for the meal.. $2.20 SGD. Next to the stall was a juice stand. I had Star Fruit Juice to go along with my meal. Star fruit – found in Asia - tastes similar to a green apple.



After dinner, I went back to the hotel. Not being able to find Ice Machines, I went to the Lobby bar and asked for a cup of ice. I still had my cup of Star Fruit Juice, but most of the ice had melted and it had diluted the last of my drink, which measured about 3 spoons. With the hamster wheel turning in my brain, I came up with an idea of creating a new variation of Gorilla Juice. For those who don’t know what Gorilla Juice is, it’s taking a new 40oz bottle of Olde English Malt Liquor Beer (OE) and topping it with Orange Juice. With the ice obtained from the bar at the lobby, I took a few cubes and put in the cup with the diluted Star Fruit Juice, then filled it with the OE. Baddah Bing, Asian Gorilla Juice.

Breaking In My New Flip Flops With Old Gawkers

Posted for January 24
Before I had arrived, I had set my mind on my first meal in Singapore - Hainanese Chicken Rice; and that’s exactly what I had last night for dinner. With the majority of all businesses closed, from the Lunar New Year celebrations, I was able to find a Hawker stand. It was ok, but good enough.

I woke up at 5 am and had breakfast at the hotel. After cruising the Internet, I got ready and walked the neighbor hood to the Geylang district. Not knowing how far of a walk didn’t concern me since I had the whole day to myself. I left the hotel at about 10:30 am.

After an hour of walking and with no map in hand, I reached the Geylang district with no issues. I saw a conjugation of old men and was curious to see what was going on. As I got closer to see what was going on, I quickly realized they were all gawking at the “working women” who were posted along the sidewalk adjacent to the main street. Just like the men who were ogling, the “working women” were old and dirty looking.

Feeling hungry from walking, I ate across the street. I had chicken rice and Tiger Beer. The chicken rice wasn’t that good, but it didn’t really matter as I was hungry and thirsty for a beer. After the meal I explored the area a bit more then headed back to the hotel.

I got back at about 3:30 pm. My feet were hurting and I had a small gash (strawberry) on top of my left foot caused from the sandals rubbing on my feet. I wanted to break in my new slippers/sandals, so I wore them and walked in them for a total of 10+ miles. The pain was so intense, that even walking bare footed in my hotel room caused pain. I sat in one of my chairs with my feet raised for half hour then decided to go swimming. I figured dunking my feet in the pool would help alleviate the pain, and cleansing my sweaty self in the pool would be refreshing.

After 2 hours in the pool, I cleaned up and had dinner at a place called Ajisen. I’ve never heard of it but found out they’re a global chain famous for their ramen. I was tired, thirsty, and was craving for Ramen. I ordered the Aso Volcano Ramen, which was a spicy soup base with pork, egg, and other good stuff. After dinner I walked for just a bit – with shoes this time - and ran into a bar next to my hotel. I took a peak inside and found it filled with old service girls. I closed the door right away and headed back to my to my room.

I went to bed at 9

Cravings

The area that I’m staying at must be posh. The reason why I have come to this assumption is because of the fact that I’ve seen more Ferraris, Porsches, and Maseratis in a 5 day span than in the past 3 years.

I noticed a Japanese restaurant tucked in a small plaza near my hotel while I was exploring yesterday. I’ve been craving for Sukiyaki in the past 3 months, so I decided to head over there and give it a shot. Prior to walking into the restaurant, I peeked around the plaza. There was an electronic store and several other restaurants- Korean, Filipino, and Churrascaria. Seeing the Churriscaria, with a huge sign in their front patio stating the pork knuckle was their specialty of the evening, I had to take a look. I spoke to the waiter. He explained the menu, their specials, and their happy hour. The happy hour consisted of a bottomless glass of wine with appetizers for $22 SGD. I had a huge smile on my face and was tempted, but because I was craving for Sukiyaki, I said thank you and I’ll return later.

Waraku Restaurant has 3 locations in Singapore. The one I dined in is located near the Roxy Center in the Katong area – behind my hotel. Priced at $17.80 SGD, I ordered the Udon Sukiyaki with a bottomless cup of green tea that was priced at $1.30 SGD. The soup base was delicious. Not salty, nor too sweet. However, the meat was a bit tough. That was expected, as Singapore is not known for having top quality meat. Overall, I enjoyed the sukiyaki and would return if my craving returns.

Back in Spain

Posted for July 10, 2011
Back in Spain! And to be more specific, San Sebastian. It is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s the way of life, the food, and the wine is what I enjoy the most. If you watch Anthony Bourdain No Reservations on TV, then you’ll recognize the picture above. Haizea - the place where I’ve eaten one of the best Tapas (called Pinxtos in the Basque country) in my life, which is pictured below: A Foie Gras sandwich with the bread substituted with fried apples.

Chinatown in Singapore

A 3 hour flight from Thailand, I went to Singapore for a weekend. When people explain how clean Singapore is, they're not kidding. It's really, really, really clean. Every Chinatown that I've visited, I've found the streets to be dirty; but not in Singapore. It's spotless.

I headed over to the hawker stands in a quest to eat at Tian Tian. According to all the locals, they serve the best Hiananeese Chicken Rice. How good was it you may ask? After my first plate, I got another one. Tian Tian is located in the Maxwell food stalls in China Town.

Finding Some Good Food

Staying in Bangkok for 6 weeks, I was bound to find an everyday place to go to for my meals. Sure enough, a 15 min walk from my hotel is a little place called Ad Makers. I ate at this place at least 2 times a week. You’ve got mama handling the fryer in front with the rest of the family cooking in the back. The food is a traditional Thai home cooked meal at a bargain price. To feed 4 with beers: 15 dollars. You can even bring in your own hard liquor to enjoy with your meal: my preferance – Sam Song, known as Thai Whisky which actually is rum.

Pictures below: Snakehead fish with a mango salad, Fish cakes, Tom Yum Soup, Crab Fried Rice, and Tilapia with hot chili and sweet sauce

Back in Florence

Posted for December 27, 2010
Back in Florence again; my third visit here. Its a nice town that is centralized to everything. And not to forget to mention, it's a great region for wine - specifically Chianti and Sangiovese. Last night I met some people and went out for dinner at a restaurant that had a Jazz band playing. I had an Osso Bucco that was cooked in a bolognese sauce. It was good. After the meal, I had a Grappa as we watched the Band play.

Just another Friday

Off The Grid from RJ Atengco on Vimeo.

First things first

So I'm back in Montana for work. As soon as I got a chance to hit up the grocery store, this is the first thing I purchased. I'm trying to eat it in moderation, but it's just so damn good.

Breakfast at the Port

It feels good to sleep in. For me - sleeping in means getting up at 7:30am (I usually get up for work at 5am). As soon as I got up, I got ready and headed to the Ferry Building in SF for some breakfast. After scoping the scene, I chillaxed on a bench facing Treasure Island for about two hours enjoying a pastrami sandwich, coke, Salumi cone, and coffee. The eastern winds was blocked by the Ferry Building making it a nice and warm spot with a fantastic view overlooking the east bay.



The Pastrami sandwich was just ok (it definitely isn't comparable to Katz Deli in NY), but their homemade mustard made it tasty. The Salumi cone from Boccalone was overpriced, but delicious (the Salumi is a bunch of cured meats that range from prosciutto to salami). There were tons of tourists and locals hanging out. A great spot to people watch and soak in the morning rays and sea breeze. After lounging on the bench, I walked around a bit more and came across a cooking demo held by the Executive Chef from the Hyatt SF. He prepared scallops with a puree made from asparagus, fava beans, butter, and other vegetables. It smelled good and looked good.

After watching the cooking demo, I headed over to the Embarcadero where I parked my car. On my way I saw some kids on a skateboard getting excited as they approached the area. With San Francisco being a Mecca for Skateboarding I can understand their excitement. I got flashbacks of my high school years when my friends and I hung out at the Embarcadero to skate. Since then, citations are being giving for Skateboarding in the area.

Quail and Waffles

Chicken and Waffles - NAWT!!! Holy smokes, let me introduce to you Quail and Waffle. This is freakishly delicious! I'm still in Bozeman, Montana and ran into a this Tapas joint: Over the Tapas. After driving around trying to decide where to eat, I ended up here. Doesn't that make it more ironic - Quail and Waffle at a Tapas Restaurant. Who cares?! It was was their special of the night and it was to die for. I enjoyed it with a spanish wine Razon - a late harvest near the Rioja Region. If you ever end up in Bozeman, Montana, I highly suggest to hit up this restaurant and hope they've got it on their menu. By the way, the waffle is freshly made - THE ENTIRE MEAL IS MADE TO ORDER!

Just another Sat

After Delivering Orchids for my mom, I headed over to the Home of Chicken and Waffles located at Jack London Square in Oakland. This is the second weekend in a row that I've headed over there.

Breakfast

Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day. Actually, let me rephrase that. I like to eat all day. Anyhow, I had to run errands in Downtown SF today and finished up at about 10 am. As soon as I finished, I headed over to Rocco's located at 1131 Folsom St between 7th and 8th. I was greeted properly and was seated on the counter. I looked at the menu and decided on one of 2 items. The Spinach Egg Florentine or the Crab Cakes Benedict. I asked the server how the Crabs Cakes are and she replied, "AWESOME." That sealed the deal for me, so I went ahead and ordered the Crab Cakes Benedict. As soon as I got my food, I dug in. My reaction - BONER TIME! Not only was it AWESOME, it was TOTALLY AWESOME! I'd definitely would order it again when I return for breakfast at a future date. It's got a nice crispy texture with a poached egg that compliments the sauce and Crab Cakes. And as far as the potatoes - delicious as well!

Food for 5

I was craving for Korean food a few weeks ago so a couple friends and I went to a known spot called Brothers in SF. Do you think there's enough food for 5 people?

I Got Grapes

After a hard night of drinking, I found a way to get up this morning to meet up with my family for a lunch at Mustards in Napa. I enjoyed a Faro Soup, Duck with an Almond Onion reduction, a bottle of Cakebread Syrah, 2 glasses of Mimosas, and an espresso. After lunch we headed off to Opus and V.Sattui.

More at the Westin

Night life in Maui does not exist, in Kaanapali that is. The bars in and around the resort close down at about 11. In addition, the drinks are way over priced. But, I guess you’re paying for the atmosphere: a beach side resort with Tiki Torches strategically placed, a large man made pond with Flamingoes, Cocktail birds, Coy Fish , and man made waterfalls, located on an island with mild weathered ocean sea breezes, swaying palm trees, and clean ocean blue waters, with Hawaiian music softly playing in the PA system.

I went to bed early last night after having a long drinking day. I got up this morning at 6:30 and headed for the pool. I relaxed all morning drowning my self in my headphones poolside while reading up on my next trip scheduled for Thursday Sept 10: Argentina. I then met up with a couple folks and went to the beach for a quick swim. After swimming we headed to the Whaler's Mall Food Court next to the hotel we're staying and picked up a Hawaiian Panini.

I headed for the room at about 1:30 and got ready for my sisters wedding. After getting ready I took pictures with my family in my sister’s Room Suite. Located on the 10th floor (1 below the Penthouse), it’s got an awesome view of the resort and beach. One side of the suite overlooks the ocean in which it looks like the water is entering the room. After a few pictures I headed to the church for the ceremony located in Lahaina.

The ceremony started at 3 and ended at 4. After a several photos I headed back to the hotel for the Reception. Looking for the room where the Reception was to take place was a challenge. After asking around and meandering through the hotel, the exact rooms for the Cocktails and Ball Room was identified. I spoke to the host and she said there was a sign in the front lobby. I took a look at it, and it was a tiny sign that can be easily overlooked.

I met up with the DJ before joining my family in the Cocktail Area to set up my netbook for the Slideshow/montage. I forgot his name, but he’s originally from the bay and was going back to SF for a gig at MILK on Haight St., scheduled for Tuesday night. I completed my set up and met up with my family. I had a blast in the wedding. It ended at 11:30 pm.

New Promo

Jack in the Box Mini Sirloin Burgers.

510 Sighting

My Family and I had dinner in the city for Mothers Day. We ate at Hana Zen for the second year in a row. They’ve got excellent Japanese food and I very much enjoyed the extra fatty tuna sashimi style which was named O-Toro and the Foie Gras.
A Datsun 510 was parked in front of the restaurant which caught my eye. The body appeared to be in excellent condition and the paint appeared to be original. I’m heavily considering a 510 to be my project car in the future.

Breakfast

I ate at Southern Kitchen this morning which is located on Monterey Ave in San Jose. I had Chicken Fried Steak, 3 Eggs, Hash Browns, 2 Swedish Pancakes, and 2 Biscuits with Gravy. Saying that I am full is an absolute understatement.

Ramen

I ate at a Ramen spot in San Mateo near Burlingame Ave the other day and discovered Ramen with bacon and butter. Good Stuff!!