Randy F.

Favorite Lunch 💯 . I don’t get a chance to eat weekday lunch often but this is still my favorite weekday lunch . 📷 Oyakodon Tray $19 ~ miso soup, salad, small side dishes and runny chicken and egg rice . Sumika’s sister restaurant Orenchi ramen will be soon opening another branch at nearby State Street Market (former Bao Bei space) . 📍 Sumika (Los Altos, CA) . #losaltoseats #japanesefood #lunch #donburi #chickenandegg #eatersf #feedfeed #topfoodnews #topcitybites #foodsharinggroup (at Sumika Grill) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqL7vnmPfgi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Food Delivery 💯 . There’s no question that food and restaurant prices are rising with the rest of the economy . Whether due to shortages (eggs, anyone?), higher wages or simply inflation, it’s always nice to find a more economical way to eat more food . I’ve been a long time Foodie Earth (thanks to @siliconvalleyfoodie for the long ago red) and it makes even more sense now . By focusing on select restaurants each day and each meal, they lower delivery costs compared to DoorDash and Uber Eats . I also love their restaurant selection that focuses on both high quality, trending and ethnic restaurants . I’m not sure I’d order sushi from another delivery service but Rantei is stellar (and not available on most delivery apps) and I’d order any day . 📷 Chirashi Don Deluxe Combination $42.95 / Omakase Nigiri 8 piece Chef’s selection $42.95 . 📍Rantei (Santa Clara, CA) . #santaclaraeats #seafood #sushi #nigiri #japanesefood #chirashi #eatersf #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at Rantei Japanese Cuisine) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYdsQTvd6h/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Desert Sushi 💯 . Out in the Palm Desert, I did not have the highest expectations having visited the area previously . Musashi exceeds expectations and with a low-key dining room full with diners who appreciate and acknowledge quality sushi, delivers a great meal . The menu is broad without being excessive and everything we ordered hit the spot . The nigiri menu changes daily and though they were out of a few popular items like aji, the selection is indication enough of the authenticity . I also liked the sake selection and we enjoyed a quality Junmai Daiginjo in Kabuto . 📷 Seaweed Salad $9 / Tuna Carpaccio $31 / Hotategi ~ Scallop Nigiri / Saba $7.95 ~ Mackerel / Anago $9.5 ~ seawater eel / Ikura ~ salmon roll . 📍Musashi (Palm Desert, CA) . #palmspringseats #dinner #sushi #nigiri #palmdesert #eaterpalmsprings #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at Palm Desert, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnfJX1Evy8S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Hawaiian Brunch 💯 . Daddy O’s is the perfect brunch spot minutes away from the airport . With both an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, there’s definitely something for everyone . We sampled a broad array of items including loco moco, pancakes and more . It is rye perfect spot for Hawaiian style brunch that goes beyond the plate lunch . The oxtail soup is a pleasant surprise and full of flavor served alongside a scoop of ginger rice . A quick visit to the Farmers market to buy Sugarloaf pineapple capped a great morning . 📷 Oxtail Soup $22.95 ~ oxtail, vegetables, peanuts, and rice noodles. Served with a scoop of rice, cilantro and ginger / Regular Loco Moco $16.95 ~ 2 scoops of rice, 2 house made hamburger patties covered with our house made gravy topped with 2 eggs / Croissant Sandwich $10.95 ~ Served toasted/untoasted with your choice of Swiss or American cheese, 1 egg made to order, and your choice of meat / Mini Pancakes $3.95 / Bowl of Fruit $6.00 . 📍Daddy O’s (Kapaa, Kauai) . #kauaieats #brunch #breakfast #locomoco #pancakes #eaterhi #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at Daddy O's) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnMzIWWpB0L/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Kauai Shave Ice . There are more famous shave ice spots in Hawaii, but JoJo wins the Kauai market with several locations on all sides of the island and the best flavor and topping combinations . We enjoyed JoJo on the Waimea side, the Kapaa Side on the way to the Lighthouse . The Li Hing is only for hardcore li hing mui fans and I recommend the li hing powder vs the shave ice option with a very strong paste . 📷 Locals North Shore $6.95 ~ Pineapple, Melona, Lychee with Macademia Nut Ice Cream and Haupia Coconut Cream / Li Hing Mui $6.45 ~ Li Hing Dry Plum with Vanilla Ice Cream / Various Other Combos . 📍JoJo Shave Ice (Waimea and Kapaa, Kauai) . #kauaieats #dessert #shaveice #noreservations #sweets #eaterhi #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at JoJo’s Shave Ice) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnKpSCZvt6E/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Ramen Oasis . Search for ramen in Kauai and the first result that pops up is Hamura Saimin . Searches for pho, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese food are similarly barren . That’s why the soft opening of Hapa Ramen & Whiskey is so welcome . With ramen options featuring shoyu and tonkatsu broth, it’s funny how comforting those items are after not having for a whole stay in paradise . Hapa has locations in Portland (!) and it’s not simply a case of absence making the heart grow fonder . The food is legit with the Karaage excellent and all ramen bowls flavorful and filling . The prices may be eye opening but there’s the cost of good flown to the island and nearby hotel dining only resets price guidelines . Their liquor license is coming next week and they plan to have full selection of all the top shelf whiskeys . 📷 Hapa G-Ramen Special $33 ~ Rich pork belly and chicken broth. Topped with belly nuggets, pickled shiitake, spicy sprouts, spinach, house chili crunch, nori, Negi and marinated egg / Kara-age $15 ~ Shoyu-ginger marinated, Japanese fried chicken . 📍Hapa Ramen & Whiskey (Poipu, Kauai) . #kauaieats #seafood #pasta #hoteldining #noreservations #seafood #eaterhi #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at The Shops at Kukui'ula) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnIVKd-yOfT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Kauai No Reservations . One of the more challenging aspects of Kauai dining is finding a suitable dining spot when casual plate lunch places have all closed and more formal sit-down dining is all booked, especially in the touristy Poipu area . Seaview Terrace takes over the space of Illima Terrace during dinner and offers an eclectic menu . There’s something for everyone and while the prices are a bit elevated reflecting the hotel location, it’s very convenient with plentiful space for walk ins and no reservations taken . 📷 Truffle Burger $25 / Caesar Salad $17 / Mentaiko Pasta $33 / Lobster Dynamite $37 . 📍Seaview Terrace (Poipu, Kauai) . #kauaieats #seafood #pasta #hoteldining #noreservations #seafood #eaterhi #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at Seaview Terrace Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnIU2OhShTo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Literary Fish . With its gorgeous sunset views and lush vegetation, Kauai more than makes up for its more limited culinary scene . Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese are harder to find than the ubiquitous plate lunch so it’s not surprising that Stevenson’s Sushi and Library is a hit . Reservations are booked for the entire month and they do dine-in only although limited bar seating is available . An extensive cocktail list accompanied the overall solid nigiri and tenaki selection . 📷 Sake Flight $22 / You Had Me at Othello $16 / Chutoro $16 / Ono $12 / Ikura Zuke $12 / Madai $12 / Saba $9 . 📍Stevenson’s Library Sushi and Spirits (Poipu, Kauai) . #kauaieats #seafood #subset #beach #seafood #eaterhi #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at Stevenson's Library Lounge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnIUdviSBnq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sunset Views 💯 . With a pristine location on the oceanfront, the Beach House is a very popular spot in Kauai . Sunset views are among the absolute in the Poipu area and the food is almost as good with excellent seafood options . We enjoyed cocktails alongside the gorgeous views and the sunset elicited applause…it is that beautiful and a great place to welcome the New Year . 📷 South Side Smash $18 / Monkeypod Mai Tai $18 / Lobster Deviled Eggs $23 / Scallops & Lobster $65 ~ sea scallops and half Kona lobster, burnt Orange butter, sweet corn leek risotto, lawai oyster & alili mushrooms, black garlic olive oil / Wasabi Buttered Fresh Island Fish $49 ~ fresh catch, lilokai lemongrass beurre blanc, bok choy and lawaii oyster mushrooms, cilantro sesame rice / Lemon Semolina Cake $13 . 📍The Beach House (Poipu, Kauai) . #kauaieats #seafood #subset #beach #seafood #eaterhi #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at Beach House Restaurant Kauai) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm7sXRrvan8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Pizza Worth Waiting For💯 . State of Mind Pizza has opened their 3RD location after successful spots in Palo Alto and Los Altos . Their freshly thin crust pies are among my favorite on the Peninsula and their newest location in Redwood City at Marsh Manor has many more options including a fried chicken sandwich, dirty fries and more . They don’t sell single slice pizza like they do at their Palo Alto location so I did what any logical person who had just eaten lunch would do: I ordered a whole pie! . From start to finish, it took 20 minutes to make the pepperoni pizza from scratch and I busied myself with the multiple large screen TVs as well as eyed the arcade games . To reward my patience, I decided to have a slice there, but one became two which become three! . I love the sauce to cheese ratio and the pepperoni cups and thin crust are quality . 📷 Pepperoni $20.5 ~ mozz, organic sauce, pepperoni . 📍State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria (Redwood City, CA) . #redwoodcityeats #weekday #lunch#pizza #peperoni #italianfood #eatersf #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #foodsharinggroup (at Marsh Manor) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmz_Zxdv3hS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Ramen Bliss 💯 . The SF Chronicle recently shared the Best Bay Area ramen shops and Ramen Champ was the sole SF and South Bay establishment I hasn’t tried . I made my way there post-haste and happily found a ramen gem . Serving ‘Jiro-style’ ramen, the signature dish is Buta Ramen . The broth is shoyu-based and enhanced with pork fat globules that showcase distinctive chunks of tender pork kakuni and bean sprouts . Tonkotsu broth is also available but the shoyu broth is both a refreshing change and super flavorful . The noodles (same vendor as @noodleinahaystack) are firm and fresh . I left Ramen Champ super happy and truly think the South Bay and Peninsula ramen scene surpasses SF . Our trifecta includes three very different styles with Taishoken (Tsukemen), Ramen Hajime (tonkotsu) and now Ramen Champ (buta ramen) all at the top of their game . We’ve come a long way from my first bowl of restaurant ramen at Santa Ramen in San Mateo! . 📷 Buta Ramen $14.80 ~ Pork based shoyu broth topped with kakuni pork chashu, umami fat, cabbage, bean sprouts, egg, garlic, black pepper / Tonkotsu Ramen $15.80 ~ Chicken and pork based broth topped with kakuni chashu pork, bean sprouts, cabbage, kikurage mushroom, pork back-fat, green onion, nori seaweed, and deep fried burdock chips / Cucumber Tataki Salad $5.00 ~ Cucumber with sweet soy sauce,shichimi pepper . 📍Ramen Champ (San Jose, CA) . #eatersf #sanjoseeats #noodles #ramen #soup #japanesefood #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #nomnom #feed feed #eeeeeats #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #eatnorthamerica #foodsharinggroup (at Ramen Champ) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClKyRGiNPZn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Tokyo Bites 💯 . Chef David Schlosser’s Shibumi is an unconventional choice serving set menus that are more izakaya and kaiseiki than seafood-centric omakase most Japanophiles may be familiar . I myself was intrigued by the menu’s addition of ‘Chinmi’ translated as rare tastes or small intensely flavored delicacies often paired with sake . One of my favorite chinmi is Bonito shuto from Hakone but I was excited to see what would be featured here . The set menu or Emperor’s Set started with four chimni served with a small glass of sake: ikura, uni shrimp, miso ginseng, and persimmon . The chinmi add-on had four more as well as another pouring of sake : aged scallop, seasoned mushroom, fermented tofu, and finally bottarga or karasumi (salted roe) . Appetite stimulated and taste buds awakened, the next five courses continued the feast and included Hokkaido snow crab, seared saba, sashimi Bonito, tempura, and Wagyu . Each portion size is modest but by the time the rich and unique desserts arrive, I was completely satiated . For many, the style, nature and especially the price point will make this meal a secondary choice but for the right clientele it’s absolutely sublime and I for one appreciated and savored Chef Schlosser’s vision and execution . 📷 Chinmi $40 - rare delicacies, 4 types: aged scallop, seasoned mushroom, fermented tofu, and bottarga or karasumi (salted roe) / Emperor’s Meal $225 per person ~ hassun: fresh ginseng miso, 1 year aged smoked persimmon “hoshigaki,” cured salmon eggs “sujiko” first of the season, Santa Barbara spot prawn served with uni, served with sake / pike mackerel bo-zushi, wrapped in boterra konbu / silky egg with “dancing” maitake mushrooms / tempura - shrimp cake “satsuma age” / sashimi - Japanese bonito “modori katsuo” and 4 year aged “shoyu koji” / grilled sanuki olive wagyu fresh wasabi / green fig, white bean manju rolled with kinako - roasted soybean powder / koji ice cream / roasted green tea . 📍Shibumi (Los Angeles, CA) . #eaterla #losangeleseats #japanesefood #michelin #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #nomnom #feed feed #eeeeeats #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #eatnorthamerica #foodsharinggroup (at Shibumi) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckr2mGTj65T/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Porkilicious 💯 . I always enjoy the opportunity to head down to LA to check out their diverse Koreatown eats . This visit we chose a pork specialist Ham Ji Park . Ham Ji Park is open for both lunch and dinner (except on Sunday lunch) and is known for their grilled pork ribs and pork neck stew . It’s a hearty meal and includes plentiful banchan, salad, rice and cold tea . I loved the slightly sweet pork ribs and think the pork neck stew requires work to get all the meaty parts but is great for cold weather . 📷 Pork Spare Ribs $33.99 / Pork Neck Stew with Potato $33.99 / Stir-Fried Squid with Noodles $30.99 . 📍Ham Ji Park (Los Angeles, CA) . #eaterla #losangeleseats #koreatown #koreanfood #pork #spareribs #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #nomnom #feed feed #eeeeeats #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #eatnorthamerica #foodsharinggroup (at Ham Ji Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckq326GP2dn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Artsy DTLA 💯 . The downtown Los Angeles and Arts District has seen a resurgence with restaurants and nightlife revitalizing the area . One of the most popular spots is Bestia specializing in Italian cuisine . With a great vibe, a busy bar area, and a bustling dining room, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner with a view of the kitchen . Everything is perfect for sharing with portion sizes made so you can sample a wide variety of the menu . I loved the bone marrow appetizer, squid ink pasta, and apple cider donuts the most but everything is fantastic . 📷 Beef Tartar Crostino $24 ~ dry aged beef, tonnato, dill, chervil, and radishes / Roasted Marrow Bone $24 ~ spinach gnocchetti, crispy breadcrumbs, aged balsalmic / Margherita Pizze $20 ~ san marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, sea salt / Chestnut and Mushroom Agnolloti $25 ~ marscapone, fried sage, fennel pollen / Cavatelli alla Norcina $45 ~ ricotta dumplings, shaved black truffles, pork sausage, grana padano / Squid Ink Chitarra $35 ~ poached lobster, citrus, calabrian chili, thai basil / Buttermilk Panna Cotta $12 ~ roasted huckleberries, whole wheat buttermilk cookies / Whole Wheat Apple Cider Donuts $15 ~ maple ice cream, whipped cream . 📍Bestia (Los Angeles, CA) . #eaterla #losangeleseats #dtla #artsdistrict #italianfood #pasta #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #nomnom #feed feed #eeeeeats #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #eatnorthamerica #foodsharinggroup (at Bestia DTLA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkoI3GbJEa7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Bay Area BBQ 💯 . The Bay Area isn’t well known for traditional BBQ with Oakland’s Horn Barbecue perhaps receiving the most respect of those from other states . Those of us on the Peninsula have even less choices, but after a shout out from SF Chronicle, I decided to stop by nearby Capelo’s BBQ . Located in a new location in Redwood City, Capelo’s BBQ is a clean and bright space with plentiful convenient parking . The indoor space feature a bar and dining area as well as outdoor seating that is definitely a step up from their food truck beginnings . I stopped by to sample all their signature meats and everything is solid with my favorites meats being the brisket and pork ribs. The sides are the star of the show with the Mac ‘N Cheese and baked beans deserving a shout-out . Capelo’s is legit Q and while it may not compete with Texas, it’s a great option for those of us on the Peninsula . 📷 3 Meat Plate $26 ~ USDA Prime Beef Beef Brisket, St. Louis Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork Shoulder with Mac N Cheese and Baked Beans / Texas Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage $6 / Corn Muffin $2 . 📍Capelo’s BBQ (Redwood City, CA) . #eatersf #redwoodcityears #meat #bbq #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #nomnom #feed feed #eeeeeats #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #eatnorthamerica #foodsharinggroup (at Capelo's Barbecue) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkbsSwPS9iy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Cutting Edge Cuisine 💯 . Ethel’s Fancy is the latest restaurant opening in downtown Palo Alto and Chef Scott Nishiyama’s pedigree from NYC’s Daniel and Napa’s French Laundry ensures that reservations have been popular . The bright and open space has numerous table tops including a private space as well as bar seating . The menu is very accessible and reminds me of State Bird Provisions where the various dish size categories are all meant to be shared . We loved the Japanese-influenced flavors and tried a wide array of items that are all modern, creative and novel more than stereotypical Asian fusion: in many ways, reflective of California cuisine . 📷 Full Belly Farms Cucumbers $8 ~nori caper dressing, horseradish / Toasted Coconut Fritters $16 ~ Wagyu beef, grilled peppercorn / Pears $8.00 / Milk Bread from the Hearth $12 ~ sweet potato & brown butter dip / Crispy Pork Belly $19 ~ burrata, Brussel sprouts, miso caramel / Duck & Crystallized Ginger Dumplings $20 ~ braised Swiss chard / Koshikari Rice $22 ~ hokkaido scallops, schmaltz pesto, beech mushroooms / Five Dot Ranch New York Strip $70 ~ salt & pepper maitake mushrooms, basil oyster vinaigrette / Almond Cookie Soft Serve $12 /Malted Milk Chocolate Fondue $18 . 📍Ethel’s Fancy (Palo Alto, CA) . #eatersf #paloaltoeats #sharedplates #michelin #downtownPA #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #nomnom #feed feed #eeeeeats #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #eatnorthamerica #foodsharinggroup (at Ethel's Fancy) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkHjTCsJqQC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

California Que . Located at the entrance of Alila Ventana, Big Sur Smokehouse is a convenient and resort guest and public accessible stop in beautiful Big Sur . Serving an array of classic barbecue choices like smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken and more . The smoke from the smoker can be seen along Highway 1 and the aroma of BBQ greets you once you enter . We sampled an assortment of smoked meats and sides and while it ain’t Texas ‘Q (is anything in Cali?), the modest portions hit the spot, especially the ribs . 📷 Meat Plate $30 ~ St. Louis Ribs, Five Cheese Mac N’ Cheese, Cider Coleslaw / Smoked Brisket, Five Cheese Mac N’ Cheese, Collard Greens with Hamhock / Tri Tip $22 / Seasonal Cobbler $8 / Bread Pudding $8 . 📍Big Sur Smokehouse (Big Sur, CA) . #eatersf #bigsur #california #meat #barbeque #bbq #smokedmeats #topcitybites #sffoodie #foodie #nomnom #feed feed #eeeeeats #foodpics #foodgasm #dailyfoodfeed #foodphotography #eatnorthamerica #foodsharinggroup (at Big Sur Smokehouse) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj4BCOAv9nv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=