Hokkaido Ramen Santouka - San Jose

4/5 stars

I felt like I was transported back to Japan!

Small and booth-like, Santouka lives inside a Japanese supermarket called Mitsuwa. We arrived 10 minutes before 11 AM and there was already a line. The menu was a delightful display of plastic food behind a window. Super easy to pick what you want. The ramen came in small, medium, or large bowls, with or without a rice accompaniment. You order at the counter, cash only, and then wait a little bit (15+ minutes) for them to call your number. You pick up the ramen yourself.

I decided on the tokusen toroniku, which is made from pork cheeks. The toppings were served separately. The medium bowl was plenty! Hubby went with the spicy miso and was pleased with the slow burn.

My ramen was a delicious sight! It looked uber rich and creamy - and tasted like it looked! Almost a touch too salty for me, but it was still mouthwatering. The ramen came with a generous serving of jowl and, my favorite ramen topping, wood ear mushrooms. I added an egg even though it was hard-boiled (I prefer soft-boiled). The noodles were neither thick or thin, but somewhere in the middle. I would have to say I like Orenchi's noodles better.

It was fun finally trying this place and we'll probably be making a stop every time I need a new bag of rice!

(2015)

The Grill At Forty 1 North - Newport, RI

3/5 stars

We came because of the view. Sitting outside, you're right there, seemingly _in_ the gorgeous, crystal blue water.

After ogling fantastic boats, we wanted to linger in Newport a little longer so we decided to give the bar here a try. Though we were underdressed, service did not turn us away. We detected no snobbery.

Prices were, no surprise, high, but the white, modern, Hamptons decor was relaxing. The white sangria was thoroughly well made. Hubby stuck with beer, mom stuck with wine.

A nice place to rest your feet.

(2015)

CREAM - Palo Alto

3/5 stars

Finally got to try the popular CREAM tonight with my sissy-poo. There was no line so 5 minutes and $2.99 later, we had warm cookies in our hands.

I went with half a red velvet white chocolate chip cookie with strawberry ice cream. Sissy-poo went white chocolate macademia nut cookie, green tea ice cream, and coffee ice cream.

The cookies were the best part: warm, soft, and chewy. The ice cream was only okay.

For only $2.99, a sweet treat with lots of combos to choose from!

(2015)

Scales & Shells - Newport, RI

5/5 stars

I don't think my mom or I will ever forget this place.

This place is where we had Lobster Fra Diavolo for the first time and it was everything we thought it'd be.

Homemade marinara that was slightly spicy. Al dente linguine. AND MORE SEAFOOD THAN WE COULD EAT.

It came with sweet, sweet clams, a mess of mussels and squid, and a whole lobster. *cries*

Pretty much slurpable Heaven.

Oh! And this place is the only time I've seen Fish House Punch on the menu. Oldest punch recipe in history. Lookit up.

(2015)

CabbyShack - Plymouth, MA

4/5 stars

I liked it here! Yes, it's touristy. But yes! It has a great view of the water. A view of the water makes everything better.

I liked this place so much we came here twice during our short visit to Plymouth. The first time, I ordered a 2lb lobster and a rum drink that was served in a little plastic bucket. Man, nothing makes you feel like you're on vacation than drinking rum in a bucket! The lobster was a beast and totally satisfying. Also, +1 to the whole-belly clams.

The 2nd time, I ordered the lobster scampi. The lobster:pasta ratio was awesome, as in, there was more lobster than pasta. The lobster came riding the pasta like a king on a throne. It was scrumptious.

Oh, and the clam chowder was really, really good. Beware, it comes with a pool of butter floating on top...

Service is super, place gets super busy.

(2015)

Blue Eyed Crab Caribbean Grill & Rum Bar - Plymouth, MA

3/5 stars

It's strange, but the mai tais are REALLY good here. I know, Plymouth is a wee bit far from the Caribbean, but the bartenders know how to make tropical refreshments. However, the food is only OK. We've tried the squid chili and the grilled fish tacos. They were mediocre. Corn bread is good. Overall, a chill place to chill.

(2015)

Sliderbar - Palo Alto

3/5 stars

For some reason, my family LOVES sliders. Me, I'm wondering where the rest of my burger is. Ha!

Anyway, since my mom loves sliders and Happy Mom = Happy Life, we went to Sliderbar. We were seated right away because it was just before 5 PM on a Saturday. There was only 1 waiter though so service was a bit slow. It was also kinda price-y. Remember, these are not whole burgers...

I started with the mint white sangria and regretted it. It was too sweet! It sounded like it would be refreshing, but it wasn't. It also wasn't very minty.

The rest of the meal was fine. Nothing spectacular, but it didn't suck either. I liked the sticky wings with its hint of lime. It had an Asian spin to it. The truffle fries with the garlic aioli and the sweet potato fries with the honey mustard were also decent.

I went with a regular ol' cheeseburger slider, my sissy-poo had the cheeseburger with bacon, and my mom did the Bravocado. The Bravocado was actually pretty unique! It was a ground, garlic chicken patty with avocado, gem lettuce, tomatoe, and chipotle sauce on a multigrain bun. It was pretty good!

Not my favorite place in Palo Alto, but it was worth a try.

(2015)