Friendly Toast

As its name implies, this place holds a very loving and warm personality. The Friendly Toast, located nearby Kendall Square and MIT, features traditional and creative breakfast foods. The place is designed with colorful vintage advertisements and bookcovers lined along the walls of the restaurant, and artifacts one would find in an antique shop. Everything about this shop is bright and filled with colors, including their dining ware.


The menu contains a lot of unique dishes that picking entrees can be difficult because you'll likely want to try about 70% of the menu. First of all, the Friendly Toast's speciality is the hearty cornmeal-molasses anadama, which is both filling and tasty. I'm not a big fan of cornmeal, but I did enjoy this toast. The tea selection (servings are in a teapot with a cup) was quite impressive with sweet, fruity aromas, cute names, and variations of common teas such as white ambrosia (white tea with coconut and pinenuts), napolean's dynamite (indian black tea and spicy as the man himself), caramel oolong (amber oolong with caramel), earl grey le cream (vanilla), and more. The traditional flapjacks, waffles, and eggs as well have their own original names and flavors. Pancake, french toast, and waffle variations include plain, fruits, chocolate chips, candy bars (heathbar and M&Ms), and mixed variations. One noteworthy entree is the hansel-and-gretel (shown below), featuring a gingerbread waffle overpowered by the sour and sweet taste of pomengranate. Based on the scrambled eggs dish, I can say that the eggs are cooked just right (not too runny nor too solid). The lunch menu has limited options in comparison to the breakfast menu, but the sandwiches and sides (potatoes/fries/sweet potato fries) all taste great. However, if I were to come here again, I'd definitely explore the breakfast menu more.


On a Saturday morning (around 8 AM) this place was just starting to get busy, but I can imagine that this place fills up around brunch time on the weekends. Even if I had to wait to sit, at least the service was friendly and quick unlike some other brunch places I know in the Bay Area. Pricing is around $8-$15 a person depending on the order. Although the pricing for breakfast can seem a bit high, it is definitely a great place to go if you've ever in Kendall Square/MIT.

One Kendall Sq
Building 300
Cambridge, MA 02139
Yelp Review

My Kind of Breakfast

When I was little, my mom and grandparents loved making congee (burmese - san byohk) with you tiao and scallion pancakes and eggs. I loved eating this as breakfast every morning. My parents have a highly mixed Asian heritage. Although they are Chinese, my parents reflect cultural traditions originating in Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. With my mother's native language being hokkien and mandarin and my dad's cantonese, it's kind of difficult for my family to find a universal language, which is probably why I picked up Burmese and English more easily than any of the others. Nevertheless, food has been one of the few things we've all been able to agree on. Unfortunately, the types of places in Norcal that sells this kind of food is limited with just fairly decent quality.


However, in Southern California, there are many great asian food places that are at affordable prices. Of these places, Four Sea, serves my ideal traditional breakfast. I love coming here for the food and of course the peanut soup drink. <3


Some dishes that are featured in Four Sea include: both salty and sweet soy milk, turnip cake, you tiao, dan bing, sticky rice with dried pork in the center, green onion pancake, peanut soup drink, beef noodle soup and many more traditional foods. All the foods taste pretty close to what you'd find in Asia. The soy milk is a bit rich and the peanut drink has just the right consistency. The texture of the sticky rice is wonderful, and all the other dishes are decent to great quality.

The price range is affordable ($2-$6) and the quality is top-notch and comparable to the food in Asia. If you're fortunate enough to be around the area and too lazy to make breakfast, it's a great place to sit or to-go breakfast. I usually go once whenever I'm down in the area. :)

Four Sea Restauant
2020 S Hacienda Blvd
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
Yelp Reivew

Bahston: Little Italy

So I failed to update on a day to day basis, but I couldn't help the fact that I had so much fun this weekend. Everything went by quickly and I tried to make the most of my trip. Since I had some good eats, I thought about other places I've visited outside California and decided to make this week's blogging about some restaurants I've come across while vacationing.


This past weekend, I was in Boston. The one thing I love about Boston is probably the Italian food. The places in Little Italy, the North End of Boston, is filled with an endless cobblestone pathway of small, adorned Italian restaurants. The atmosphere was quite captivating and pleasant. Not only was there fine Italian food, but the desserts, pastry shops, and gelato looked appetizing. One of these restaurants, based on a couple of recommendations, was Giacomo's Ristorante. Giacomo's Italian food is pretty damn amazing; I've been there twice--the only two trips I've ever taken to Boston. I had no complaints about coming here a second time. All the food tastes legit and the people and service has some Italian charm. I couldn't get over some of the waiters and waitresses Italian/Bostonian accents, which I found quite interesting. This little shop tends to get busy even around 5 pm, where seating can be limited and cramped, but well-worth the wait. It's better to come in smaller groups as sitting is easier to accommodate. If you ever end up eating here, I highly recommend getting the calamari. I hate to admit that my friend was right but I think it's the best calamari I've ever had, with some sweet red peppers that make it extra enjoyable. A small is good for two-three people and a large is probably best for parties bigger than four (see picture on left). Their seafood pastas are tasty as well, and whenever I came here I always got the Giacomo's sauce over linguine, a marinara-based sauce infused with pepper and seafood broth. Their raviolis, both the lobster ravioli with garlic cream sauce and butternut squash (one of their favored dishes photo featured in this blog), are must-gets. The creaminess of the sauce works well with the supplied bread with balsamic vinegar. Just thinking about this place makes me want to come back again and I would if I could. Some things to know ahead of time is the pricing is around $20-$30 a person and cash only. Although it's a bit pricey, it's worth trying.

Giacomo's Restaurant
355 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113
Yelp Review

A block away from Giacomo's is Mike's Pastry. Both times I went to Giacomo's, I went to this pastry shop to pick up some huge cannolis. The cakes, pastries, desserts are all noteworthy, but they are known for their variety of cannolis. Notable ones are the chocolate chip and yellow cream. This place has a nice cafe along with some gelato. Mike's Pastry tends to be crowded and people are always bustling to the front of the counter to place their orders, but the service is pretty decent considering the mass of customers.

Mike's Pastry
300 Hanover Street
Boston, MA 02113
Yelp Review

So if you ever need a place to have fine dining in Boston, the North end features plenty of amazing Italian restaurants. Plus, this street has a magical charm worth venturing through. :)

Heathly Alternative

Done from a long week in school :). It feels good to be done and free. Today, a friend of mine brought me a Vietnamese sandwich, which for some reason I was craving. As a kid, I always thought having cilantro and shredded carrots were odd in a sandwich, but now I just seem to love it. The sandwich from Le Cheval can be a bit pricy and dry, but it's a nice healthy alternative when one has been sitting around for days. If I had to recommend a place, I'd say to check out Milpitas or Oakland's Chinatown. Sandwiches there cost a dollar or two less and they're very flavorful.


Le Cheval is known for their item selection as opposed to pho, sandwiches, and entrees. Although the food isn't the best Vietnamese food around, the food is still cooked well and taste fine. The place is spacious and pristine and seating is not an issue. So if you want a simple meal and wouldn't mind eating anything, Le Cheval is probably a reasonable place to head to. Be warned though, the place is cash only so be prepared.

2600 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
Yelp Review

Treat with Sweets: Speciality Ice Cream Shops

As a girl, it's very typical that I have developed a love for sweets, whether it is chocolate, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, candy, or any other form of sweets. Being a student at Berkeley, I am fortunate enough to have local specialty ice cream shops to get me through some tough days. After a long day at school and completing an exam, I'd normally like to go home and relax. However, this is one of those weeks where things just keep going on and on, and as much as I'd like to stop doing work I can't. I mean, I just got back from the library and it's already 12 in the morning. Being on campus since 9 AM, I'm am taking my break by sharing my favorite food to eat while I'm busy and stressed.


Back home near San Francisco, the Mission district is known to have some unique foods that is hard to compete with in creativity. Bi-rite Creamery in SF is one of them, with its handcrafted flavors made from organic ingredients with biodegradable materials. What I love about this place, as with many other ice cream shops is the original flavors that come with it. Bi-rite Creamery features flavors that cannot be found elsewhere, including orange cardamom, honey lavender, salted caramel, brown sugar with caramel ginger swirl, and many others. The taste is fresh and scrumptious. The price for a single (one or two flavors) on a cone or cup is fairly priced (at $3.25) and fulfills a wonderful afternoon snack by Dolores park or dessert.

3692 18th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
Yelp Review

Another noteworthy ice cream shop has already been featured in Pixar's Up when Russell tells Mr. Fredrickson about this ice cream shop his father would take him to. As a Berkeley student, almost everyone has heard of Fenton's Creamery. They are known for "the Challenge," indulging in 3 lbs of ice cream (of your choice) under 20 minutes to win a t-shirt as well as for the sake of pride. Many student groups like to come here to take on the challenge or just enjoy their gigantic serving of sundaes, whether it is petite or monstrous. Prices range from $6-$11, but the portions are grand and easily shared between two or three people. The type of ice cream that is served is more typically found in grocery stores, but the creaminess and taste makes this little cute shop with its 50's style layout a must-try place.


4226 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611
Yelp Review






A bit farther from campus, in Alameda, where many Berkeley alumni seem to bum around after graduation, another creamy ice cream shop is situated a block away from the shore. Tucker's ice cream shop is a charming, old-fashioned ice cream shop that serves super creamy ice cream, around the degree of creaminess of Fenton's Creamery. The type of flavors that are found in this shop are comparable to Fenton's but a slightly different. Example of flavors include pralines n cream, burgandy cherry, toasted almond, rainbow sorbet, marble black raspberry, and many typical creamy and fruity ice cream flavors. In my opinion, the best item to order is their sundae with your choice of flavors served with several toppings in a goblet cup. Prices are only slightly cheaper than Fenton's, but the quality is just as good. If you're ever in the area, such as eating at the Sushi House a block away near the shorce, you should definitely come and check this place out if you're a lover of creamy ice cream.


1349 Park St
Alameda, CA 94501
Yelp Review

Lastly, the closest place to which I live and one of the first speciality ice cream shops I've been to has always had a special place in my heart. Ici, located on College Ave in Berkeley, is a tiny ice cream shop that tends to attract a large number of customers. The shop is adorned with cute little signs in cursive script text with a simple classy feeling. Ici serves gourmet style ice cream with much smaller portions in comparison to the previous three ice cream shops. However, the place is always booming with business even on cold and uncommon ice cream days. The handicraft work of this prviately-owned creamery has quite a reputation, with the former Chez Panisse. The menu is different everyday with flavors freshly made the day of sale. Many people come here to try not only the ice cream, but also the unique treats they sell at the counter, which include their own cones, orange candies, brittles, and marshmallows (including an green tea flavor). So, if you can't afford a $100 meal at Chez Panisse, you can always come here and spend $3-$4 for a dessert that is at par to the owner's former workplace.

2948 College Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705
Yelp Review

Pho Me Now! at the Door

At this moment, I should probably go to bed soon, considering I have an exam tomorrow morning. However, I felt like today is the perfect time to post an alternative take-out meal during times of desperate need of food while studying on a cold rainy day.

During these kinds of weather, I have a tendency of wanting to have warm soup, and as a kid I loved eating a variety of asian noodle soups and hot pot with my family. Pho tends to satisfy this need whenever I have a craving, but I haven't found a good place for pho around Berkeley, only mediocre places (Pho Hua, Le Cheval, etc.). While looking at campusfoods.com, my friend and I decided to get pho at Pho Me Now because we've heard some good things about the place and the idea of pho delivered at your day was very appealing.

Pho Me Now is a great alternative to late night eats. Delivery is free if the total price for food exceeds $15 dollars, which is do-able for two people, although I admit the price of pho can be expensive. They keep the noodles fresh in plastic baggies, like in Asia, which is what I loved about doing noodle soup take-out. I love my beef in pho, so I chose the variety combination, which includes rare steak, well-done flank, tripe, and beef balls.


The portions were fair, in huge plastic containers (enough to fill me for two meals), but it's not the best pho I've had (go down to the South Bay for more authentic dishes :]). The flavor was good and acceptable, and it did satisfy my pho craving as well as made up for a very wet and cold day while waiting for the 51 AC Transit bus twice today.

Pho Me Now does the job in satisfying late-night cravings (delivery up to 4 AM), relatively prompt and good service, and decent quality food. Since I love the concept of having pho delivered to my door, I'd definitely consider it again if I ever have a late night study session.

1725 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
Yelp Review

New China: Delish in the South Bay

Growing up in the neighborhood near San Francisco, I've always felt like I had the ability to at least differentiate between relatively authentic and poorly represented Chinese food. You can usually find a decent restaurant in the residential areas of the Richmond and Sunset district of San Francisco, such as Geary Blvd., Irving St., Noriega St., Taraval Ave., Clement Ave., and the more popular streets bustling with asians for produce and meals.

Ironically, one of my favorite Chinese restaurants I've grown to love is situated in the South Bay --Union City. New China may not appear impressive at first glance, being that it's a tiny store in the middle of an asian shopping center, but once you enter the shop the tables are usually fully occupied and people are waiting in line either for seats or for their to-go meals. This place is one of those litte hole-in-a-wall restaurants, but it's actually quite amazing and well-maintained. Even though this place is hectic, once you sit down get ready for good quality Chinese food.

The menu consist of typical dishes seen in many Mandarin cuisine style restaurants. Typical dishes include the hand-wavy stinky tofu, beef noodle soup (variety such as braised, tendon, stewed), pan fried noodles, ho fun, clay pots, fish fillets, spare ribs, 3 cup chicken, sizzling meats, as well as szechuan dishes. In addition, customers have a choice between free soup in a family-sized bowl or milk tea with tapioca as well as free refills.

The price range falls between $3.99 (mostly appetizers) to $6.99 (generally beef, lamb, and seafood). What I love about this place is not only do they have a reasonable lunch special, but their dinner a la carte does not exceed $6.99 a plate. The menu is generally set at prices of $5.99, $6.49, and $6.99. With these kinds of prices, one may think the portions are small, but in fact they are relatively huge. For 7 people, my family ordered 7 dishes and the total came out to $65 including tax and tip.

A noteworthy dish to mention is one of the many popular dishes customers seem to order while eating here, the string bean with dry bean curd. The flavor of this dish was just right and is a great vegeterian alternative for those who are conscious of meat. The red bell peppers make the dish more savory in comparison to other restaurants with a similar dish.


Another unique dish is the 6 gigantic meatballs with vegetables. These meatful joys have an extremely tasteful sauce that can be used to marinade your rice and give a great juicy beef flavor. The dish also includes several pieces of black mushrooms and bamboo shoots. A good alternative to this dish is their beef stew, which also has a great effect in rice.

Walnut prawns is a guilty pleasure that I've always loved to devour at traditional wedding and Chinese banquets, which is why I was thoroughly excited to order this dish at New China. The portions of the prawns are ample, with a mountain full of shrimp just waiting to be eaten with the creamy mayonnaise sauce. It is the one time I would not feel guilty about shoving a spoonful of mayonnaise into my mouth because I know it's worth it, and at New China it definitely is. For the number of prawns you get for the price ($6.99), it makes me wonder if there is an excess of shrimp roaming the sea.


So if you're ever in Union City or Fremont, I highly recommend stopping by here and trying out their dishes. They have a huge selection in their menu waiting to be discovered and to satisfy your needs. I know I will whenever I'm around the area and feel like having some good Chinese food. :)

1743 Decoto Rd
Union City, CA 94587
Yelp Review