04.23.16
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Bringing Japan’s Ambrosia to Earth; Nakano’s Shuzo Ichigo No Osake

sakeSake lovers already know not all brands are alike. Everything comes from the purity of the water, type of rice used and how it’s brewed. But when it comes to additives, what can be added to transform this drink to become a holy nectar of the gods? Nakano’s Shuzo Ichigo No Osake is created using the natural waters flowing from Fujishiro Mountain Range and every time I sample this strawberry-infused delight, I believe I’m kissing Amaterasu’s smooth divine lips!

I discovered this delight when in Vancouver many months ago. As I drifted by Gyoza Bar, the harmonies I heard from within drew me inside and as I sat down, I eyed the drink menu over the food instead.

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04.20.16
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[Seattle, WA] Can You Be My Sansei?

Sansei-Horizontal-Logo-ReverseSansei
815 Pine St.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 402-4414

I figure Seattle, Washington has more truly upscale Japanese restaurants than Victoria, British Columbia. If that says something about finding a place to enjoy my meals and sample the unique, perhaps I should live in this State instead of the province to get my fusion-style cuisine on. I noticed this operation while here for my annual nerdvana. Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) and Star Trek Ultimate Voyage took place on the same weekend.

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When I arrived at the historic Paramount Theatre, I was more than gobsmacked. I was licking my lips at seeing Sansei, a seafood restaurant and sushi bar across the street. I seem to have a knack for wanting to visit well-established operations when in the States without knowing a lot about their reputation beforehand. Hitting Portland, Oregon blind years ago demonstrated that. I had little knowledge about Jakes Famous Crawfish and only heard a few stories about Voodoo Doughnuts. I rode through this city with my road trip buddy, and we lucked out in getting into two of this city’s most well-known operations.

I was not too sure about what to expect when I visited Sansei the next day to get a bite, a simple dinner — or so I hoped. I had no idea about this establishment’s excellent reputation in Hawaii until I read the literature. A quick chat with the waitress and search via Google revealed them as “one of America’s Best Sushi Bars” to which I could have spent my entire convention food allowance on or I could sit at the table for a ramen dish only to tease James from afar later. His only words over the phone were, “You’re despicable.”

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04.11.16
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[Seattle, WA] The Unicorn can Delight a Sweet Tooth & Hardly More

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The Unicorn
1118 E Pike St
Seattle, Washington
(206) 325-6492

Perhaps one of Seattle’s strangest operation is a cryptozoological pub is The Unicorn. This watering hole is good for its exotic sweets but the rest of the food is nothing too special. But where else can you say you ate narwhal balls? or had a phallic looking Deep Fried Snickers? Not since Voodoo Doughnut in Portland have I found some surgery Wunderbar goodness.

The food is decent but I can’t recommend this place for its service.

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04.08.16
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[Seattle, WA] How to Meditate at Wild Ginger

Wild_Ginger_alternateWild Ginger
1401 3rd Ave
Seattle, WA
(206) 623-4450

It’s easy to become lost in the decision-making process of what to eat at the Wild Ginger. The menu has a delectable smörgåsbord of South Asian-inspired delights and the cocktails are even more savoury. I needed a map to guide me along what I wanted to sample in the temple that I entered into. During the evening, the candle lights made the dining experience like that of going swami entering a pagoda to meditate in.

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03.26.16
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You Can Sate those Winter Blues with Cold Comfort!

cold-comfort1115 N Park St #2
Victoria, BC
(778) 433-5215

I miss being able to buy Cold Comfort Ice Cream at nearby outlets like The Root Cellar. This dessert is made in small batches and the unique flavour combinations are what makes this brand special. Ever since the Canadian Food Inspection Agency came in to say this product can not be sold elsewhere due to insufficient labelling (it did not conform to legislative standards), I have to visit the shop in the North Park neighbourhood of Downtown Victoria.

The issue came down last year in December and my craving for this local delicacy did not hit until recently. I discovered on their Facebook page photos showing rose water and lavender flavoured delights. I crossed my finger and hoped those were still available. I love the exotic flavours this local company offers! There’s a texture in their products not created by other brands. I love it when companies innovate. Ben and Jerry has competition!

The fact that Cold Comfort’s base of operations offers ice cream mashed in between cookies, graham crackers or a doughnut only cemented my need to visit sooner than later. I don’t want to wait for the Spring or Summer months to arrive to sate my taste buds.

Recently, they’ve been offering some unique flavours like Earl Grey and Blueberry Swirl. I wanted to savour every remaining bit off my plate. Anyone watching me would think I’m making love with the pottery. While those type of manners do not fly, is what I’m doing wrong? I ordered this cream sandwiched between a doughnut supplied by Empire Doughnuts.

On a cool night, even at the start of Spring, this company’s product certainly hits the spot. The store is open late on Fridays for the dating crowd, and who cares if I arrived alone. When I need to embrace Cold Comfort, I’m just there. With this place also selling Emile’s Organic Bread and Four Quarters Meats for sturdier meals, I may come here instead of hitting the grocery store for loading up on snacks for my trip to Seattle next month!

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03.21.16
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The 2016 Emerald City Comicon & Sakuracon Foodie Survival Guide

Emerald City ComiconThe best thing to know about Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) or Sakuracon at the Washington State Convention Center is that there are great nearby places to dine in before or after the show. People don’t have to go eat at the overpriced Cheesecake Cafe. I liked them once, but there are better options for the frugal con-goer.

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