Cupcakes are overrated...

I don't know if its just me, but I have yet to discover a one of a kind cupcake. There's this huge hype about cupcakes and yes, I'll admit that they taste good and they're fun to eat, but what's the big deal? I stopped by a local cupcake place near my house, and I would have to say it was nothing special. Of course they were delicious, but it wasn't worth $4.00 per cupcake. The cupcakes compared to the pre-made box you buy at the grocery store, you know... the ones with the extra sweet frosting that no one really knows what's in them and the ones your mom buys for your 3rd grade class when its your birthday? Those. They taste pretty much the same, its all relative...nonetheless I'm still on the lookout for a cupcake that has yet to "wow" my tastebuds.

Shots shots shots! Everybody!!

Austin Baby!! I always manage to have a fun and crazy time when I visit this place... its so relaxing and chill at the same time its also party central. I was also enamored with the cool bars that were lit up from underneath, which really adds a neat ambience to the place. Dear Austin, I'll be back soon! Love, Pam

Goodbye Boston

My attempt at the rainbow cake...Failed at the meringue frosting so ended up with a buttercream. Topped with gummy frogs.

Chicken Katsu Curry Rice from Wagamama = Delish =)

He's eating my tortilla chip from the Barking Crab

The original Boston Creme Pie from the Omni Parker House. I liked the toasted almonds on the outside =)

Our reflection in the John Hancock Building and the obvious wind tunnel...I wonder if the people inside get a laugh from people like us. hehe

Tribeca Grill

My favorite cousin just moved into the Financial District/ Tribeca/ Battery City area of New York, and decided to treat us to some fine dining in her area at Robert DeNiro's place called Tribeca Grill. I must say, the food was exquisite! I had the Dinner Prix Fixe which is three courses for $35 bucks...not bad at all

First Course: Red Wine Braised Octopus

This was my second time having tried octopus, but this time it tasted more like dense tuna and less chewy like calamari.

Second Course: Goat Cheese Ravioli

If you're a goat cheese fan, then you're going to LOVE this dish...I have to admit I'm not a huge goat cheese fan since the smell of goat cheese is really pungent and it has such a strong distinct taste, but the fresh pasta paired with vegetables mitigated the strong goat cheese flavor.

Second Course (Tabi) : Pan Roasted Atlantic Salmon (cooked well done!)

I was able to steal a couple of bites from my cousin's dish who was generous enough to share some with me. The salmon when paired with the caramelized beet and apple chutney create a balanced sweet/salty hybrid.

Third Course: Tribeca Chocolate Cake

its chocolate, its good, nothing more, nothing less. always end on a good note. Thanks Tabi!! <3 xoxox

Its up to you New York, New York

One of New York's finest bakeries/ restaurants! Located in SOHO, its French therefore its good. Tres bon!

Stop 2: Dean & Deluca's cheese kingdom. Can I be a little mouse in your cheese kingdom?

Stop 3: Bouchon Bakery in the Time Warner Center, best macaroons in New York around $3.00 a piece. worth it!

Some pop art from the MoMA

Sweet Caroline, Fenway Park, beer, and curbside sausages... it must be baseball season

You know its baseball season when the streets of Boston are filled with rowdy fans sporting their best Red Sox gear. Landsdowne emits a smell of  a blend of beer and sausages, while large crowds shuffle into the stadium. Its hard to be impartial walking down these streets, how can you take part in such a legendary rivalry without picking a side?

I finally had my first curbside sausage in Boston, and I have to admit, it was worth it. A little overpriced, but something everyone needs right after a night of drinking and celebrating. 

I'm glad baseball season is back into the swing of things, but I will miss the aura and the character that Fenway Park brings to Boston. I will miss the essence of the rivalry, because I've discovered in rivalry we find unity, and that is what the Red Sox fans have kept strong since the emergence of baseball. (pretty much since they won the first world series in 1903) 

Home is where the food is

Houston, TX

I got a nice break from the muggy rainy Boston spring weather and went home to sunny Houston, TX for a weekend. People say that Houston is one of most diverse cities in the U.S. which is something I can definitely vouch for, given the food that I consumed throughout my weekend there.

Day 1: Chinese, King Bo II restaurant in Sugar Land, TX 

Local chinese food around the corner from my house...I've never been their for lunch, but my parents wanted to wine and dine, so... no complaints! So, this meal is $6.50 and let me tell you what you get....1. soup or salad 2. crab rangoon or egg rolls 3. white rice or fried rice 4. choice of an entree. ALL FOR $6.50! Pictured above fried rice, crab rangoon, and sesame chicken. Slightly pictured: jasmine tea. Not pictured: egg drop soup = so yummy.

Day 2: Italian, Brio in Memorial area Houston, TX

A little background on the city of Houston: its a little mix of everything... you have suburbia, the city, the country, all in one big city. They recently developed this placed called Town and Country in Memorial where my mom looooooves to have lunch with her other desperate housewives (ok only 50% true), but its super chic and posh and filled with great food!

We went to this place called Brio I ordered the Pasta Carbonara, and after just coming back from Rome... this pasta felt just like Italy! You can really tell when a restaurant uses fresh pasta and fresh ingredients in their dishes, it makes a big difference, and its really worth it! Not pictured: the great dessert trio we devoured because it was just so delectable and my stomach was thinking for me at the time, but it consisted of  2 nutella cannolis (um.. SO GOOD), bread pudding, and creme brulee. Each had an Italian twist to it, molto buono!

Day 3: TEX MEX the last day... Pappasitos- Sugar Land, TX 

 Living in Boston, a girl doesn't get much Tex Mex... or she gets really bad Tex Mex. Its not the same in Boston, they can't replicate it, never have, never will, but its fine because I still love Boston and their fabulous lobsters.
 Anyways, pictured above was my brother's meal - or remnants of his meal, because my stomach thinks before my brain does and I forget to capture the fabulous fajitas my mom and I split (sizzling on a platter, with grilled onions, and a side of melted butter *droool*) Ok, so I believe he had a quesadilla platter with a taco and extra filling...um, all for like $7.50 (p.s. you can tell my parents live for lunch specials, and this place had lunch specials on a Sunday! Its rare to find Sunday lunch specials so... cure that hang over, and after church get some tex mex at Pappasitos! worth. it. ) 

Houston is worth visiting y'all!