Category Archives: My Travels

Santouka Ramen Chicago

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Santouka Spicy-Miso Ramen

I can’t seem to get enough Japanese food of late—I blame Raku for reminding me just how delicious it can be. Corey and I recently went to Mitsuwa Marketplace, the largest Japanese grocery store in the Midwest. It’s located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

This market is a gem for Japanese food enthusiasts—chefs and diners alike. It boasts a wide selection of sushi-grade seafood, fresh produce, and dried goods and snacks, as well as a liquor store, bookstore, bakery, video store, and various food vendors. read more

Classic French Mussels in White Wine Broth

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Classic French Mussels in White Wine Broth

Oh France, how I miss thee! France was a decadent dream filled with delicious delights and exquisite sights. Whenever I start longing for Europe, I peruse my trip diary and re-create something we ate there.

We had these classic French mussels (moules marinières) on our second night in Noyon, following our wonderful dinner the night before. These classic French mussels are steamed with garlic, shallots, parsley, white wine, butter, and cream. As they cook, their shells open and they absorb the rich flavors of the broth. read more

Raku Las Vegas

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Agedashi Tofu Raku Las Vegas

Agedashi Tofu at Raku in Las Vegas

I’m so glad that Corey and I ventured off the Las Vegas strip on our recent vacation to try Raku—an authentic Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown. That day we had completed an 11.6-mile hike in the blazing desert sun at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and we were very tempted to lounge in our hotel room and get room service.  But I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to eat at Raku, especially after reading all the rave reviews. read more

The Two Best Buffets in Las Vegas

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It’s been a while since my last post . . . I blame vacationing in Las Vegas; after all Vegas isn’t conducive to productivity. Rather it’s a decadent city—a place to go to relax and unwind. There’s great entertainment, marvelous casinos, and fabulous food.

One of the best things about Las Vegas is the food and the sheer quantity of it! Normally buffets are all about quantity, but typically lack in quality. In Vegas, you get the best of both worlds: an unlimited amount of delicious gourmet food. read more

Spicy Moroccan Olives

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spicy Moroccan olives, Moroccan olives

When Corey and I were traveling in France, each day was a new adventure. The simple task of grocery shopping became an exciting expedition. What unknown treasures would we delight upon? What tasty morsels would we discover? One day we ventured into a Middle Eastern market and discovered barrels upon barrels of olives and at incredible prices. We were beyond thrilled and quickly purchased several varieties. My favorite by far were the Moroccan olives.

The spiciness of the Moroccan olives pairs well with refreshing white wines and mild cheeses. Tart lemons, spicy harissa, briny olives, and herb-infused tomato paste all contribute to making these Moroccan olives incredibly flavorful. Once the olives have been eaten, the leftover sauce tastes great on slices of baguette. Moroccan olives can be made ahead of time and in fact taste better with age. They’re great as an appetizer or as a snack. The vibrant red sauce, bright yellow lemon slices, and green olives make for a beautiful presentation. read more