Tokyo, June 2016 – Mr. King and I made it a point to squeeze in an omakase dinner featuring yuba (湯葉) or tofu/bean curd skin. Yuba is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine, but a yuba course meal is only found in traditional Japanese restaurants or temples. Ume no Hana is one of the most famous yuba…
Category: Travel
Narisawa‘s Satoyama Cuisine
Tokyo, June 2016 – The culinary philosophy of 2-Michelin star Narisawa (#8 -World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016 & #2 – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016) is based on the lifestyle known as Satoyama. “Responding to the four seasons, the severe changes between them, understanding this environment, and living our lives taking only the most necessary…
Tempura Kondo
Tokyo, June 2016 – “If Tempura Kondo is good enough for Prime Minister Abe, it is good enough me!” – joked Mr. King. It was rumored the 2-Michelin star Tempura Kondo was in fact, Abe’s first choice restaurant for hosting American President Obama on his visit to Tokyo. We were curious and luckily got a…
Mrs. King Dreams of Jiro Sushi
Tokyo, June 2016 – I finally made it to the most famous sushi restaurant in the world – Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza. It was an experience of a lifetime: 1) Jiro’s omakase was exquisite, 2) Watching the masterful Chef Jiro Ono craft each sushi was a graceful performance in itself, 3) A privilege to eat sushi…
The Clifford Pier
Singapore – When dining, Mr. King & I prefer to explore places with a history. So it was pure nostalgia when we visited The Clifford Pier at The Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore. “A historic landmark, Clifford Pier was built in 1933 as the landing jetty for ships and marks the arrival point where our forefathers began…
Shinji at St. Regis
Singapore – Another sushi lunch with another sushi-addict friend! In my post “Shinji by Kanesaka” (#32 Asia’s Best Restaurants 2015), I mentioned that Shinji is my favorite sushiya in Singapore. Its sister sushiya – Shinji at St. Regis (newly minted One Michelin star in July 2016) – is another favorite of mine. We were lucky to…
L’Art de Vivre at Metropole Hanoi
Hanoi (post in French & English) – Mr. King took our son and me to Hanoi for a weekend. While Hanoi has become more developed over the past decade, the city still retains its charms. Our journey starts upon our arrival at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, which is a historic sight in itself. Numerous famous…
Old Bazaar Kitchen
Hong Kong – I was sad to learn that Old Bazaar Kitchen (“OBK”)– what I considered a gem – has closed. It was the ultimate “Hole in the Wall” – with modest décor and only 8 tables at its narrow premises in Wanchai. So I thought I would share some of my photos of their…
Luke’s Chophouse
Singapore – My craving for New England clams, Massachusetts oysters and USDA steaks, was cured…when we headed to Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse. The eatery is located inside an established department store, Robinsons at The Heeren and has an impeccable view of the city’s famous shopping district – Orchard Road. The décor is modern and stylish….
Mirabó de Valldemossa
Mallorca – On our first trip to Mallorca (also known as Majorca), part of the Balearic Islands in Spain, Mr. King & I stayed at Mirabó de Valldemossa, a rustic villa with an impeccable mountain view. For city people like us, it was the ideal spot to relax and unwind. “Mirabó, which dates from 1500, has…
Belmond La Residencia
Mallorca – After driving on winding roads through villages lined with ochre-color houses and Serra de Tramuntana mountains towering above, our car turned into a driveway lined with olive trees and red geranium flowers. Reaching the top of the hill, Mr. King & I were greeted by a majestic stone-mansion- La Residencia. Nestled in the small…
BINCHO: Underground Yakitori
Singapore – My BFF and foodie, Hilda never ceases to surprise me in her choices for our impromptu girls’ night out – BINCHO at Hua Bee. A hole in the wall – the entrance was a gray metallic door next to trash bins and under air conditioners. It was no ordinary “hole” – the yakitori was non-conventional….
Mrs. King LIFESTYLE 