Monday, June 20

Macau, China

So I thought I'd do a something little different this time - instead of placing an entire entry on just one restaurant I would highlight some adventures I had in Macau, China. Macau - has rich history of Portuguese influence which translates heavily into their food and culture. Some of my favorite "Cantonese style" dishes come in the form of tomato based pork chop baked on top of rice. You can find this dish anywhere from Hong Kong's Cafe de Coral (大家樂)  to more upscale Portuguese restaurants like Cozinha Pinocchio (pictured below - yes it's that Pinocchio). Another dish they are famous for is of course their Portuguese style "dan tai" or egg tart. But to native Hong Kong-ers, many of them savor their super smooth 薑汁撞奶 (ginger milk curd). Although most of the Portuguese authentic dishes have been lost through the years (but that's ok - you can go to Portugal) a bright spot shines through in the form of delicious and unique "Chinese" dishes known as Macanese food. I hope your eyes enjoy these pictures as much as my taste buds enjoyed eating them!

By the way - credit of these photographs belong to my cousin Kristen who was on this wonderful food journey with me. :)


Portuguese egg tart 蛋撻

Chinese style flan? That's the most accurate description I have for it's texture (and plus it sounds so much better than tofu curd haha) 豆腐花

Ginger milk 薑汁撞奶



At Cozhina Pinocchio or 木偶 - Portuguese style spare ribs

Portuguese Pork Chop Sandwiches

Portuguese baked chicken curry

A personal opinion on Cozinha Pinocchio: This delicately decorated restaurant has been serving fine Portuguese food for over 30 years (my parents talk about how luxurious the restaurant and food was in the 1970s) has lost its spunk. Blame it on being there on a a random weekday - but the restaurant itself was less than half filled which completely threw off since it was all the rage for years. Although the waitstaff is more than generous (speaking mainly Cantonese with a select few who spoke Portuguese) the food just couldn't compensate. It could've also been because I went in with high expectations but I definitely did not think it was worth the price (their pork sandwiches were dry and other Portuguese styled stir fry veggies were just ok). There are many other local joints around the streets of Macau that have more character, better food, and less echo from talking.  Funny fact: there is a competitor right across from Pinnocchio called Restaurante Jumbo (also known as "Little Elephant") that uses the image of Dumbo as their mascot. I guess Macau really likes their Disney.

Friday, June 10

Adobo Grill - Indianapolis, IN

If Mexican food had a younger, sexier, and more hip sister Adobo Grill would be it.





















It's no surprise, if you are a friend of mine, you know I love Chicago and its food. That's why I was so excited to hear that Adobo Grill has a second location in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The first time I went to Adobo Grill was 4 years ago in Old Town - Chicago and I still talk about the Plato Vegetariano today. It is by far one of the tastiest Mexican dishes I've ever had (there was about 4 different things on the plate, but my favorite by far was the fresh corn and epazote flan with salsa ranchera, it resembles a Mexican cornbread but filled with sweet golden corn).

Plato Vegetariano (L to R Plantain Chips, Fresh corn & epazote flan, baked zucchini stuffed with veggies, corn masa tamale stuffed w/ stewed veggies)
Unfortunately - their menu in Indianapolis is Mexican Food's older sister and not the younger hip sister. It consists of very typical 'Mexican' food however with their happy hour specials we were able to try Pescado and Al Pastor Tacos (at a $1 each during happy hour, we order 15 of each!). One thing I am consistently impressed with, aside from the price, Adobo does bring authentic and fresh ingredients that you will definitely NOT find at your local Taco Bell. Their Pescado (fish) tacos are beer battered tilapia with creamy chipotle salsa, a little pico, and get this pickled cabbage (who knew Mexican food had pickled cabbage). While their Al Pastor (pork) Tacos were equally delicious. The pork is tender to the bite because it's slow roasted topped with ancho salsa and crispy/sweet pieces of pineapple. Happy hour isn't happy hour with just food - we also ordered their 42oz pitcher of Sangria (enough to quench the thirst of 6 people, but if you're really looking for a good time probably 3 thirsty patrons). The neat thing about their sangria is they muddle pieces of fruit on the bottom of your cup before you ladle in your own drink. They also have any draft beer on special which includes domestic and imports. As an "appetizer" we ordered their fresh guacamole, I wasn't particularly a big fan - it tasted bland to me and didn't have that zip of lime, however most of my friends thought it was quite tasty.

Tacos during happy hour are only $1 each! Whose thinking outside the bun now?! (L to R Pescado Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Guacamole, Sangria)






















The decor in both locations are crowd pleasers. The one in Indianapolis is a trendy restaurant/bar downstairs (sans intimidation) while the second level is a lounge perfect for larger parties and those who want to kick up their feet and relax.

Let's do the math...

Tacos (30 x $1)   = $30
Guac (1 x $7.99) = $7.99
Sangria (1 x $12) = $12
Beer (2 x $10)     = $20
____________________
Total                   = $59.99  / 6 people
Grand Total        = $9.99 per person

I'm not sure I have to say this but - just make sure to go during happy hour. Those tacos are usually $12-$13 (if you're a girl, that's 92% off!) while Sangria is usually priced at $19.99. When was the last time you had that much fresh food for under $10??

For more information on their locations and for a  full menu please visit Adobo Grill

p.s. The happy hour in Indianapolis is from 4-6pm!!

Wednesday, June 1

Intelligentsia Fresh Roasted Coffee - Broadway, Chicago

Intelligentsia store front ...and the reflection of yours truly.

Ok - so I've become a sort of coffee snob. I technically shouldn't love coffee as much as I do (hello premature osteoporosis) however ever since Tokyo I was changed forever. After sipping on a cup of cappuccino and understanding what it should actually taste like - even Starbucks seemed mediocre to me. 

Intelligentsia, although not the best cup of joe I've ever tasted, sure is good (better and more worthy of the price than Starbucks). Thanks to some Chicagoan friends that recommended Intelligentsia I had some good coffee on a Sunday. Although the cafe has taken the minimalist approach (sort of pretentious) - their coffee is worth the hype. Each cup is carefully brewed to order (see picture below) with its own filter. So it is fresh, aromatic, plus it's just cool to see each drip of coffee painstakingly come down.. Their menu is short, sweet, and definitely to the point. The staff is knowledgeable considering they are well trained in "coffee school". They will be happy to tell you where their coffee comes from, including where it's grown, updates on the coffee industry, or how their taking fair trade to the next level.

My friend's coffee for her latte being pampered.


I ordered an iced latte (no sweetener/flavor) and the difference in Intelligencia between the green labeled big chain is the ability to actually taste the coffee. One caveat: 2 of my friends ordered the vanilla latte and another ordered the iced angeleno - both tasted exactly the same. Even the barista said it was almost the same ingredients however the catch is the angeleno is made of 4 shots of espresso and some agave nectar. So unless you are really wanting to stay awake for some late night working - save yourself the $1 and order a latte.




To find out more about Intelligentsia, including their direct trade, locations, and public tours visit their website at Intelligentsia. Cheers!