The Eating Places

20/08/2026

Coupeville WA
Right on Penn Cove: Front Street Grill.

It's a very busy place...a sign that the food has to be good!

They have at least a dozen different preparations of mussels and clams in addition to cioppino. The green curry and saffron mussels are excellent! If you want something a bit different and with some sweetness, give the Whidbey mussels a try...garlic, shallots, Whidbey's port, Whidbey blackberry liqueur and red wine. A real taste explosion!.

Right on Penn Cove: Front Street Grill. It's a very busy place...a sign that the food has to be good! They have at least a dozen different preparations of

13/08/2026

Montreal
Vietnamese-Laotian fusion: Restaurant HÀ.

Originally Vietnamese in focus but with a second Chef taking the helm, they brought a Laotian mix. In the Old City and don't be concerned if it takes a few minutes to find it.

Food was fresh and very good. Started with the Espresso cocktail followed by a delicious spicy green papaya salad. As usual, I had the bún thıt with the imperial roll add. Had room for dessert and went for the chocolate crémeux which was very interesting.

31/07/2026

San Francisco
Japantown Korean: Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup.

One of several locations, primarily in the Bay Area but, note a location near Seattle just across the lake in Bellevue.

Story is that the family entered the restaurant business in 1957 in Incheon, South Korea. The family immigrated to the US in 1990 and opened this location in 2019. So, they've been at this for decades which speaks to their persistence and expertise.

Japantown Korean: Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup. One of several locations, primarily in the Bay Area but, note a location near Seattle just across the lake

24/07/2026

Seattle
Multiple locations of this Vietnamese restaurant: Ba Bar.

The menu is the same as the Capitol Hill location and is described as Vietnamese street food. It isn't as extensive as your typical Vietnamese menu but has the typical bún and phó choices. An interesting offering was bánh cuõn which is apparently not always available.

Multiple locations of this Vietnamese restaurant: Ba Bar. The menu is the same as the Capitol Hill location and is described as Vietnamese street food. It is

23/07/2026

Philadelphia
Dinner for 20 in the Old City: Panorama Wine Bar.

Usually don't post when dining with a group but we were able to choose our main course. I'd describe the cuisine as classic Italian with a twist. The Tiaramisu says it all..for sure, not what I expected.

Actually ate in the basement "cellar" which was a nice place to get together with colleagues. The food was good but the star was the space.



Visit Website

07/05/2026

Galapagos
All about marine iguanas but: Eloise Restaurant.

Local food sustainably obtained with a focus on local seafood. Spanish influenced fusion cuisine.

Started with one of the best Old Fashions I've ever had and downed the rest with a a sauvignon blanc from Argentina. Highlights of the night included the grilled shrimp...delicious and the tuna tartar. Vegetarian dishes also available.

Beautiful place to have dinner with friends. Right on the water and you arrive by water taxi...a new experience!

02/04/2026

Seattle
Jensen Marina Project Group: The Wayland Mill.

Excellent, as expected, considering it's the group that includes Saint Bread. Owned by Yasuaki Saito. The food is described as Yoshoku which is the Japanese word for Western food with a Japanese influence. Similar to Sain Bread in that what's on the menu will reflect a Japanese twist; in this case, with an American influence. James Beard nomination in 2026 as Best New Restaurant in America. Ultimately not named as a finalist...next year for sure!

12/03/2026

San Francisco
Lunch in Hayes Valley: Arbor.

Think salads, burgers (beef and vegan), fried chicken and fish sandwiches. The chicken sandwich was very good served on a house made brioche bun. Be warned it's spicy...hot honey, chipotle aioli and pickled jalapeño!

Beer and wines on tap as well as bottle choices from the adjoining Arlequin Wine Merchant. Or, get a bottle to go...large selection of both New and Old World choices.

Dine in or outside with outside the place to be if it's a nice day.

06/03/2026

San Francisco
SoMa neighborhood: Montesacro.

Not your typical pizza joint. Pinsa is Rome style pizza which is "soft and cloud like" on the inside and made from a special flour sourced from Italy. Touted as the very first pinseria in the US when it opened in 2015.

Very good pizza and the space is rustic which gives it an interesting vibe.



Visit website

SoMa neighborhood: Montesacro. Not your typical pizza joint. Pinsa is Rome style pizza which is "soft and cloud like" on the inside and made from a special f

27/02/2026

San Francisco
Third Wheel Coffee: Lucinda's Deli & More.

Don't be misled by the street view...this is a great spot for coffee and a pastry. It can be busy but the line moves quickly especially considering everyone wants a coffee in the morning. While it's located inside Lucinda's the coffee stand is brought to you by Three Wheel Coffee. For their unique story check out the website below.

Pastry choices are very good but a bit limited so another reason to arrive early.