Tainan (台南) City of Eats

A peak at my trip to Tainan...

Battle wounds

My proud selection of battle wounds from my time in the kitchen

I decided to create some new "life" lines on my hands

Would you like some thumb with that cucumber?

Taipei-Deaflympics Parade

One of the best things about a big city like Taipei is that there is something always going on. I happened to be on Zhong Shiao Dong Lu ( 忠孝東路 ) one of the most happening streets in Taipei when I noticed that it was Closed-shut, no cars coming through. On a huge major thoroughfare such as this one, it is rare that this happens.
Taipei will by hosting the Deaflymics (yes, it is what it sounds like, Olympics for deaf people) this summer. To celebrate the release of tickets, they had a parade.. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the parade.


Ok really, I just think the chick posing off to the left is hillarious and thus had to post the photo...

Taiwan Night Market Street Food: Di Hoeh Koe 豬血糕 Pig Blood Cake

A night market or Ye Si(夜市) favorite, Taiwanese Pig Blood Cake is actually quite tasty. Mixed with glutinous rice, rolled in peanut powder and sprinkled with cilantro (香菜)and served on a stick to be eaten as you stroll to the next vendor

Taiwan street food: You Tiao- 油條 Chinese Donut

One very common breakfast food in Taiwan is the Chinese Donut or 油條 which literally means "Oil Stick" in chinese. It is said that the origins of the food came as a protest of a government official and his wife from the Song Dynasty. It is said that Qin Hui and his wife were responsible for slandering a famous patriotic general.
Originally, the 油條 was made in the shape of two humans- later to be turned into two sticks representing the two humans (Qin and his wife) joined together. Eating the joined pieces of bread represented eating the traitorous couple.

Keep checking in for more Taiwan Street Food or 路邊攤!!!

Kogi Truck FAIL

My brother and I made a quick trip down to LA to visit an old college buddy of his. With all the hype around the Kogi Truck, we knew we had to track it down.
After subscribing to their twitter feed, it was off to Korea town we went to find the truck. We arrived to find a 30 minute line and a photo shoot (I'm told the girls are twins and use to be christian singers????)

The smell of sweet korean bbq enticed our bellies- hopefully the food was going to stand up to the smell.
Nervous with anticipation, we finally reached the front of the line, carefully selecting different items from menu to ensure that we got to try everything.

I opted for the Korean Short Rib Tacos and the Kimchee Hot Dog.

Even though there was an $11 minimum, I somehow exceeded it- as an after thought only because the guy added an extra dollar onto all of our tabs. Tax? I'm not sure but with a huge line behind us, we didn't want to test the disgruntled hungry people behind us by arguing over a buck.

We all agreed that the best thing we had was the kimchee quesadilla
The hot dog was un-impressive. The dog itself was soft, tasteless and didn't work well with the bun or the kimchee that smothered it. I had a bite and somehow convinced my brother that he wanted the rest of it. I had a sudden craving for a costco $1.50 dog- at least that is always a sure bet.

the sliders were alright. A little on the mushy side with the kimchee overpowering and meat taste that one would hope to achieve with a slider.
the taco meat was tough and cold. I could see this being a good taco had the meat been straight off the grill and not sitting in a bus tub for the last god knows how long.

Overall, we were quite dissapointed with the entire meal. It wasn't cheap either,somehow our bill totaled $44. Perhaps we were to hyped up and our expectations were thus too high.
I've heard from other co-workers that before the whole Kogi scene erupted, the food actually was quite good. Recently when they have revisited the truck, the food quality in their opinion has diminished. I could easily agree with the comment that if the food quality was higher- the food might actually be good.
Let's hope that they head back in that direction- let's hope that the owners realize that if it's not about the food then they soon won't have any followers on twitter...

Mister Donut FAIL

Still obsessed with Donuts, I had to find out where in Taiwan, I could get a great donut. I was told that Mister Donut, a donut chain from japan was the winner. No Krispy Kreme's I inquired? No- it's all about Mister Donut. People use to line up for hours I was told to have one of their French Cruellers.
Off I went. Dad and I happened to walk to Yong Kang Street. No sweet smell of Donuts greeted me. Bummer i thought. They must not make their donuts here. We asked the lady what the best selling donut was. her response was " all of these" pointing to the Cruellers. Maybe she didn't understand. Which taste is the most popular " all of these" and " these are new flavors". We were getting no where. Precious time was being wasted.
Not understanding half the flavors, the red bean, sugar dusted crueller seemed like a good choice. Oh, by the way, the lady wouldn't let me take pictures inside the store.
Feeling the dense, cold donut in my hand, I knew I was going to be disappointed.

"The packaging is pretty though" I thought to myself as we headed out of the store.
I bit into the donut. Chewy, pasty... too sweet. *sigh* I've been spoiled by stans. I have to remember that asians are obsessed with the idea of Q- and the chewy resistent texture of the donut was suppose to resemble that of Q.. at least that's what I'm using to try to justify the craze for Mister Donut as... Krispy Kreme needs to "yi ming" over here quickly so that the poor people of Taiwan can experience a REAL donut...

More Taiwan Eats! Mister Donut FAIL:
Numerous locations all over Taipei and Kao shiong

Somewhere over the rainbow

Sometimes, we all just need to abscond. I chose to go to CKS memorial on a rainy day (who doesn't love the feeling of soft rain drops on their noggin that help to soothe the soul?)
Despite everyone's best effort to persuade me not to go there (in fear that I would be bored out of my mind or beaten to death with all protests going on), I decided that some alone time was in order.
I arrived just in time to view the changing of the guards ( I tried to refrain my laughter at the choreography)
After the changing of the guards, a quick pelting of rain left a nice gift- and a soothing memory to help me release the stress of the day.
A moment in time, captured and mine forever.

It's Voodoo baby

I had the pleasure of taking a short trip up to Portland Oregon to visit one of my best friends and his soon to be beautiful wife. After a little researching, one of my co workers scrounged up a list of must go- Portland favorites for me to visit. On the list was Voodoo Doughnuts. Donuts? did someone say Donuts? I of course, put this on the top of my list (first was Le Pigeon where Gabe Rucker was shortlisted for th James Beard Award- Rising New Chef).
Our first stop was the 3rd street store. We were greeted by the sweet scent of glazed doughuts and a sign hanging on the door indicated that sadly, they were closed for fryer repairs. But alas! there as a solution, the NE Davis store was open! We scrambled into the car, drove over the bridge and were greated by a funky, refurbished diner with mis matching chairs and chotchskies- Voodoo Style. Walking in, I was overwhelmed by the menu.Unsure about the $5.00 bucket, we later found out that they were "a day old" meaning they were made a few hours ago but had fresh one rolling out. The whole bucket was for $5.00. funnily enough, they loaded up another $5.00 bucked from the donuts that we paid full price from about 2 minutes after we bought them.... Shoulda, woulda, coulda.
I finally settled on a bacon, maple glazed bar. I knew that the combination wouldn't disappoint but would the donut itself hold up to Stan's? being that it wasn't fresh out of the fryer, I knew that Voodoo already had a disadvantage. I gobbled down the donut- the bacon and maple glazed saved the donut itself. The bacon and maple glazed worked wonderfully together and was everything I expected it to taste like.
This gal ordered the "texas" donut- its bigger then her head. She finished it in about 3 minutes. I wonder if she could eat her head in 3 minutes...

Voodoo Donuts is fun- eclectic and holds it's own charm. Definitely worth a trip even for just one funky donut if you happen to be in the area.

Vood Donuts:
22 SW 3rd Avenue,
Portland, Oregon 97204
open 24 hours ( except for when the fryer needs to be replaced)

1501 NE Davis
Portland, Oregon 97232
closed 3am to 6 am

The most amazing thing I've ever eaten.. EVER.

As I have become obsessed with finding the perfect Donut, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the best thing I've ever eaten in my entire life is a.. Donut!

Stan's Donut is located off of Homestead and San Tomas Expressway in San Clara, California. It all started when my brother and his fiance were going to come down and visit me for a quick breakfast. I yelped Donut shops and found.. Stan's! After consulting my executive chef (whose eyes lit up like a kid in a candy shop when I mentioned thinking about going to Stan's), I knew I found the right place to go get these delectable morning treats. I also knew that I had to wake up bright and early in the morning to get a fresh, just fried morsel.
I drove by the plaza 3 times before finding the tucked away shop. Pulling up at 7am, I saw the old Donut master, dressed as he does everyday in all white, with a white cap at his work bench through the window.
The smell of fried goodness covered in a crispy thin sweet coating of sugar wafted through the air as I got out of my car. I opened the door to the store and the smell hit me like a brick wall. Instantly my mouth began to water. Beautiful, fluffy piles of yeast dough rest on his work bench as he punched out buttermilk donuts. Looking at how elastic the dough was, I could see that these were going to be really fluffy donuts.. but would it be a pocket of air or real fluffiness?

I patiently waited as a batch of yeast Donuts were just being turned over to finish frying. I sat down at the counter and ordered a hot chocolate. The fried beauties came out of the fryer and onto the glazing station. A minute to cool and a quick glaze and the Donuts were ready to go. A piping hot Donut was placed in front of me. I quickly ripped into the Donut and found.. Heaven.
The Donut was so crisp on the outside by so fluffy in the middle. Steam billowed out of the donut as the soft, cotton candy like dough melted in my mouth. It was bliss. I instantly took another piece and and let it melt in my mouth.
I understood. I understood why when I asked JP if anything else in San Francisco was a must go eat like Stan's Donut's were and he said no. This was more then amazing. This was the best thing I've ever eaten. I bought a dozen more.

I have a confession. I bought a dozen +1. I had to have another in the car on the way home..Shhh don't tell anyone!!!

The best Donut EVER:
Stan's Donut
2628 Homestead Rd
Santa Clara, CA 95051, United States
Hours are 6am to 3pm.

Get there early. Chocolate donuts can be called in and ordered ahead of time. You will never see them sitting out on the rack. Expect to wait for yeast donuts. It is worth it it wait 15 minutes for a fresh batch up just fried donuts- I promise your expectations will not be failed.

*sigh* I want Stan's now!!!

Taiwan Street Food: Cong You Bing - 蔥油餅 Scallion Pancakes

On my walk from Chong Shiao over to Ren Ai Lu in Taipei, Taiwan, I always pass this old man who has been around for 10 years. Friendly Taiwanese chap who told me that american kids like me always stop to have his infamous Cong You Bing or Scallion (蔥) Pancake (油餅- oil cake).
His Cong You Bing are flaky and crispy, light and not overly greasy. He said that lots of wai guo rhen (foriengners) will stop and bring some frozen dough back with them!!! it's never the same though.

For the life of me, I can't figure out how that thin sheet of dough turns into such a light and fluffy pancake!!!

Taiwan street fooD (路邊攤)! Location: Between Chong Shiao and Ren Ai Lu, just past Eslite closer to Ren Ai Lu between 1pm to 5pm monday through friday. Each Pancake will run you about 25NT

Taiwan Street Food: Shao Bing You Tiao -燒餅油條 Sesame Seed Cake with Chinese Donut

Taiwan always has a nostalgic place in my heart, especially when it comes to food. The greasy smell of fried foods wafts through the air and makes your mouth water.

One of the most common things to eat for breakfast here in Taiwan is Shao Bing You Tiao(燒餅油條) with Dou Jiang (豆漿)- Scallion cookie oil stick with soy bean sauce (literal translation) or scallion pancake with chinese donut and soy bean milk.

the first pit stop the morning after arrival here to Taipei was to get a big bowl of Tien Dou Jiang (甜豆漿)(sweet soybean milk, warmed, no vanilla essence) and Shao Bing You Tiao. This paricular road side stall happens to be one of the most famous You Tiao makers in Taipei. Many of other restaurants like the one in Taipei 101 will come and buy their You Tiao because they are crispy, flaky, airy, and not overly greesy feeling You Tiaos.

Most people opt to eat the You Tiao ( if with sweet soy bean milk) wrapped in a Sao Bing or Scallion Pancake with a fried egg in between. As many calories as this breakfast was, I devoured the whole thing, savoring each crunchy flaky bite.


The salty sweet combination creates a taste known in Minnan (Taiwanese dialect) as "Gam gam"- an essential taste like salty is to western cooking and umami is to japanese cooking.

Location: Between Dun Hua North Road Section 1 , Lane 190 and Daa Ann Road, Section 1, lane 51.

Over the next few weeks, join me on my journey as I eat through Taiwan!!!

Le Donut

Recently, I've become obsessed with finding the perfect Donut (also known as a Doughnut).
Where did these tasty fried morsels come from- and why do they have that hole in the middle of them?

It is believed that the origins of the Donut came from Holland in the form of sweet dough balls fried in pork fat and called olykoeks. These fried dough balls were usually filled with some sort of dried fruit in the middle. The balls were referred to as "nuts of dough" hence where the name dough- nut comes from .

It is said that the Donut got its hole in the middle shape when a sea captain whose mother made these dough nuts with nuts in the middle of the sweet dough ball decided he didn't like the nuts in the middle and used a cutter to remove all the nuts from the middle of the fried ball of dough yielding us with the donut with the hole that we have today. Another possible theory is that the middle of the dough ball would not cook so they simply eliminated the under cooked problem but removing the middle when cooking the dough ball.

Every country has their version of a Donut- though not always in a ring form with a hole missing from the middle. Every country has a version of a starch based, fried, tasty morsel- sometimes savory and some times sweet. Some countries use a yeast starter- much like we see with krispy Kremes in America and others use a traditional cake based (egg as the levening agent).

In America, donut shops are a dime a dozen- what's the difference between a mediorce donut and an outrageously good donut? is it the frosting? is it the dough? These fried morsels are so simple but are often some of the best foods representing a country.

It's Donut hunting time!

Pandemic Really?

On a recent flight to Taipei, we had a lay over in Narita, Japan. In order to debark, each passenger was required to fill out a Quarantine survey to be given to Quarantine agents who boarded the plane and spoke with each passenger (thank god my flight was not full) and handed them the below sheet of paper once deemed safe to enter the country. Another few Quarantine agents were walking around with heat cameras to see if anyone had a temperature above normal.

I couldn't help but to laugh out loud at the word Pandemic ( followed by the flight attended passing me a mask to wear.. I think the last time I wore one was in 1999 with vick vapor rub in it)
The definition of a Pandemic can be broken down to it's greek origins-
Pan-demos or pan- all; demos- people.
From this definition- the FDA defines pandemic as a global outbreak.
This differs from an Epidemic (also in greek origins)
epi- amongt; demos- people
where the later is restricted to a certain area rather then the whole world.

So when was the last Pandemic in history? What does the swine flu look like in comparison to the last real epedemic?
After a little digging on the web, a consensus was formed that the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920 killing 80 million was the last recorded pandemic in history. Ok ok, so the swine flu is a form of a flu, i'll give you that much but Pandemic? How many people have actually died of the swine flu? Last I checked there were about 900 cases reported. That's .001% of the number of people who DIED from the last real pandemic.

Pandemic would also imply that people everywhere, every corner have the disease. 900 is hardly justifiable for the real definition of Pandemic- all people. It doesn't even fulfill the definition of epidemic...

I can't help to chuckle to myself when I see the hype spreading. The real pandemic at hand is the hype and fear of the flu.