The Shanghai Life

I can not believe I've already been in Shanghai for more than 3 months already....
But more so I can't believe I haven't written on this blog since July (really you can blame all of hustle & bustle of any big city) especially with all the delicious food that's literally on every corner.
#fail#lazy#blameitonwork

But here I'm officially starting again!

Until next time I'll leave you with some of the delicious food I HAVE taken pictures of in the great foodie city of Shanghai

Monon Coffee Company

The best independent locally owned coffee shop in Indy - period.

So there's a reason my food blog is actually called Coco & Coffee... I love chocolate and I love coffee - chocolate and coffee together is even better. So it should come to no one's surprise I'm doing another entry on a locally owned coffee shop. I know that silly sign up there says it's the Best in Indy (2007) but really it should hold a special spot just for having some tasty coffee and cool interior designs. Monon Coffee Company (as said in the name) is in heart of Broad Ripple's trendy art and clothing boutiques. Right across from your drunk nights in the Red Room and after night cravings in Qdoba - sits spot you wouldn't have known was there if you only visit Broad Ripple in the evening (shame on you if that's all you've done!).

With 8 honor system coffee choices (yes it's a honor system so please pay), and some funky new coffee items on the menu it's sure to please any coffee junkie. Fortunately for me, Indianapolis weather has not been kind lately with the 103F degree weather with 53% humidity, I walked into Monon Coffee Company and ordered their Iced Mona Lisa. It was a delicious espresso based drink with a kick of real cinnamon and hints of nutmeg.

I don't know what it is about sea foam green/blue but the color makes any place look like royalty and what's palace like than a coffee shop?

Of course along with other cafes, including homemade rice crispies, brownies, danishes, and the like but let's be serious you're there for coffee! If you're ever in Broad Ripple during the daylight, check this place out. It's worth the visit and you're paying your $3 at a Starbucks anyway - it might as well be a local shop.

For more information on their latest adventures and newest location in downtown Indy checkout their website/blog! Monon Coffee

Wurstküche Exotic Sausage Grill

Austin Blues Sausage is smokey and spicy a delicious treat with their crunchy thick cut fries.

You didn't read wrong. Exotic. Sausages. Another awesome food experience in LA. Wurstkuche is in the heart of the art district - distinctively decorated with their bright yellow and red doors. With a lunch room setting on the inside (minus the pesky clique tables. Mean Girls anyone?) and outdoor seating by large brick walls with dainty white flowers. This once was a warehouse that probably would've gone to waste if it had not turned into a great eating facility.

So what's an exotic sausage? Does Duck & Rabbit with Jalapenos qualify? Sure! Uniquely German. Deliciously American.

What else is on their impressive menu? (selected items)

• Apricot Ginger - chicken & turkey in lamb casing
• Austin Blues - hot, spicy, and smokey hardwood grilled (I got this and it is pretty spicy but satisfied my cravings of what I imagined a sausage would taste like from Texas)
• Buffalo, Beef, & Pork with Chipotle Peppers
• Rattlesnack & Rabbit - with Jalapeno Peppers
• Alligator & Pork - beautifully smoked in hickory with Andouille sausage

Accompany any of those with their delicious french fries and wide variety of dipping sauces (please be smart and SKIP the ketchup they have way too many sauces to be dull!) I had their fries with sun dried tomato mayo and tried some of their chipotle aioli (skip the mayo try the aioli).

If you aren't looking into their beer no need to feel left out there are many drinks like Cucumber soda, ginger beer, and vanilla sodas to relieve your thirst.

What accompanies a German bratwurst better than beer? With 24 different beers on draft (only 3 of which are from the US) you'll stay way past your lunch hour (and quite possibly bed time - the bars are open until 2am). Most of their beers are imported from Germany, Belgium, and England and most of them come in their own unique glass. I was kindly informed to stay away from the Kwak beer (no not Korean Kwak - Belgian Kwak) even though it came in it's own hour shaped glass and wooden holder! Apparently it's a bad amber beer with a very strange after taste.

I opted for something a little more refreshing to cool down my Austin Blues - Mr Q Cumber soda was so good! I'm currently looking to see where I can buy this myself - it's so light and bubbly I could drink it all summer long.

If you're ever in LA - this line is worth waiting for. These sausages are certainly better than the fillers and byproducts (ewwww) that we usually grill on the Barbie in our backyards. Enjoy!

p.s. Want to see their menu? Visit their website at Wurstkuche.com

Cafe Korea - Fishers, Indiana

Whimsical plate settings

What is it about Korean food that I love - can't get enough of? Let me count the ways...tender marinated DYI BBQ? Hot/Spicy/Sweet at all the same time? Their metal chopsticks? Maybe. But something about the combination of sundubu, Korean seafood pancakes, and naengmyeon (or to my Korean friends 냉면) on a hot day that just hits the spot. 

With all that being said you can share my despair when I found there were no good Korean restaurants in Indianapolis. I see you guys around, I KNOW you're here, so where's the food?? Don't get me wrong Mama's is ok as it's one of the only two restaurants in all of Indy that has Korean BBQ (but it's old, overpriced, and quite honestly grimy). 

But where else can I get my Korean food fix? Thanks to my friend and now roommate who introduced me to Cafe Korea. A restaurant ran by a local family from Korea with about 30 years of experience in the restaurant business (17 years in Korea and 10 in the US). Although they previously had more restaurants in Indiana - they sold the rest and kept Cafe Korea to improve on their main goal: fresh and healthy ingredients; authentic enough to be Korean but "American" enough to not scare away first time patrons.

The original Korean pancake with one twist: Mama Hong puts mozzarella on top to add an extra creamy decadence.

Side dishes with each meal are homemade including their sauces and kimchi which means no MSG or pre-made bagged spices

 

 

Dol Sot Bi Bim Bap - made just right with extra crispy rice on the bottom of the stone bowl. Great lunch size and price (I wish there were more meat though)

My experience at Cafe Korea left me thinking, "why didn't I discover this earlier"? Their lunch portions are reasonably priced (although think Korean food - it's always a tad more expensive than Chinese takeout) and their meat was marinated and tender even without a private grill. This restaurant is cared for like a home; modernly decorated, cozy, with a bar that reminded me of Ikea display showcase. My server Li gave good recommendations and chatted with me like a friend instead of a patron (oh and she's from North Carolina ;).


Thank you to Eunice, who answered all of my questions and to everyone at Cafe Korea~ For more information on their Fishers location, menu, and hours please visit Cafe Korea's website.

Eating Adventures in Los Angeles, California

California Dreams - I haven't been back to the L.A. area since I was 10 (Does that even count? I followed my parents everywhere and I'm sure all I ate was Chinese food). This time, as a "grown up", I had the chance to explore the diversity and new aged food lovers of LA. Los Angeles' food scene is not to be missed!

Dim Sum Truck! One of the many reasons why SoCal is awesome - food trucks. Tasty. Cheap. Fast

Ruen Pair (Rrrrruen Pair as my Thai friend says) - Thai restaurant - spicy and sour Tom Yum Goong :)

Fish Sandwich on the Santa Monica Pier - better than Micky D's Filet'O'Fish 

In-N-Out ~ The sole reason Californians may have Type 1 Diabetes on their tiny frames

Yamazaki Bakery - a Japanese staple and a favorite across Asia (has great melon pan and chocolate croissant)

Beard Papa's - known all over for their famous Creme Puffs...but I thought this humorous (Strawberry or Mango Ice Showers anyone?)

Porto's Cuban Bakery & Cafe

Porto's (from T - B)  Their large array of bakery and cafe goodies, pastries case, potato ball, cakes case)

Porto's origins come from humble beginnings, like all great restaurants, from a family ambitious to make the American Dream in the US. Rosa and Raul Porto emigrated to the US from Cuba in the 1960's with Rosa's superb baking skills and Raul's strong ethic. Although their original store was in Southern California they've expanded their tasty bakery and cafe enterprise to 3 different locations. 

Walking into Porto's (in Glendale location) is like walking into and watching a perfect assembly line at work. We went during lunch time on a Saturday but you wouldn't have known by the wait time. You order  your sandwich/Potato Ball/Cheese Roll/etc yumminess sit down and they bring your order for you. I highly recommend their signature Potato Ball, tamales, and their dulce de lech or iced cappuccino. We also ordered their meat pie although the crust was nice and flaky it did not come out hot which made the whole thing kind of oily. But let me talk more about their Potato Ball...  

  

When my friend who currently lives in LA first told me about Porto's was talking about potato balls I was literally saying in my head "What the $#%*? Potato balls?" I thought - potato rolls? fried potatoes? But unexpectedly I got a mashed potato ball where every bite melted into my mouth - and then a surprise of seasoned ground beef is in the middle (it's like a tootsie roll pop just waiting for the actual candy!). 

    

Want more incentives?? Most of their bakery goods are under $3.00 (i.e. Potato Ball $.90, Lemon Mousse Cake $2.95, Pineapple custard Cuban cake $2.50)

For more information on locations, full menu, and their story please visit their website at Porto's Bakery

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.

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!!

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!

Fustini's Oils & Vinegars - Ann Arbor, MI

Fustini's - specialty balsamic vinegars infused with natural flavors and oils that will be Rachel Ray's EVOO seem like McDonald's.

Have you ever tasted good balsamic vinegars? I mean so good that you almost feel like you're drinking wine? I haven't either until this past Saturday when my family and I were fortunate enough to discover Fustini's in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown Market after a delicious lunch at Zingerman's Deli (a deli deserving recognition of its own on another day). 

Fustini's carry over 21 different EVOO's and 20+ balsamic vinegars - each of which you can taste test!

When you first walk in you are captured by the bright lighting and little "kegs" that hold each vinegar and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). From traditional balsamics to others infused with natural flavors like Ginger & Honey (which we bought), Cinnamon Pear, and Lavender. It is a foodie and cooks (or chefs) dream!  Did you know that in order to be called a tradition balsamic vinegar (which all of Fustini's is) they MUST be imported from Modena, Italy? The others you may find in your local grocery store is only considered commercial vinegar. Each traditional vinegar must be barrel aged for at least 12 years, Fustini's carry a 18 year traditional balsamic and it is delicious! When tasting the 12 year vs 18 year - the longer aged balsamic was sweeter and smoother. Traditional balsamics must also be made from trebbiano grapes (fresh, fruity, & sweet). 

Fustini's carry over 40 different EVOO's and balsamic vinegars with 4 locations in MI, making cooking fun and gift giving easy!

I curious as to where and how Fustini's got started and was told that the store owner often visited Italy and wanted to bring back a taste of Italy with him. He wanted to share and help cooks incorporate the different oils and vinegars into lives of Michiganders while providing a fun and creative environment in the stores. The best part about the store is every oil and vinegar in there can be taste tested! So try your heart out!  Another neat thing is each "keg" has its own recipe on the bottom to give you ideas on where to start. 

Each "keg" comes with their own recipe (L to R - Specialty product: EVOO infused with white truffles, Ginger & Honey balsamic)

My family and I personally like (after trying about 10 different vinegars) Ginger & Honey balsamic vinegar. It's light, fresh, with a tad of sweetness. We've already tried it on sandwiches (rye bread, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, prosciutto, and ham) and salads. Their specialty product we tried was EVOO infused with white truffle oil, words cannot begin to describe the deliciousness inside that tiny bottle (and it is tiny - in a 1.3 fl oz bottle with its very own dropper meant for salads, on top of cheeses, and eggs). The flavor of the white truffle oil is so concentrated that you only need a couple of drops to make any food you're eating seem like you're eating at the finest restaurant. 

Interested in learning more? Please visit their website at Fustini's or better yet stop by one of their stores, it is definitely worth trying their delicately crafted oils/vinegars. (Ann Arbor, Holland, Petoskey, & Traverse City)

Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream (Home of the Big "Ugly Burger")

Bub's farm animals enjoying some ice cream (Murals painted by local Indy artist Mike Brown)

If you live in the North Indy area Bub's Burgers should not a be a secret, actually it's really not much of a secret to anyone, Bubs hosted an episode of Man v. Food with Adam Richman. Located in the heart of Carmel's Art District this whimsical restaurant is home of their famous "Ugly Burgers". Their menu is fantastic and simple - entrées including the original Ugly Burger, Ugly Elk Burger, their take on Hot Dogs, & Chili in a bread bowl (with an accompaniment of appetizers). By the way, "Big Ugly Burger" = BUBs (the owner and his brother in law's nickname). Ah, but don't forget this is Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream. Attached to the restaurant is an ice cream parlor serving up cold treats for those in the restaurant (in form of malts/shakes) or people passing by on the Monon Trail .

Light hearted atmosphere and the many pictures of "Big Ugly" champions

One of the first things I noticed as I walked into this restaurant is the smiling faces of all the "salesmen" (I was told by the manager, Mike, that the servers/host(ess) were not simply there to serve us food they are known as sales people providing the best customer service and make patrons excited about the food). The staff is younger, like straight out of Carmel H.S. young, but I was pleasantly surprised by their manners.

The second thing I noticed? The massive amount of pictures that covered the walls of this place! If you finish their "Big Ugly" (1 lb burger AFTER cooking) your recognition comes in form of your very own 4x6 picture! The more you finish the bigger the picture. If you can finish 4 "Uglies" you get your very own life sized cut out (Adam Richman only finished 2 but my friend Sally and I sat next to his life sized cut out..I guess being a celebrity with your own TV show helps).

I highly recommend this place - it's fun (especially on your birthday, they make the whole restaurant sing to you, case in point on the child pictured up top) and the food is pretty tasty. I would recommend the elk burger (less fat, more protein) and their delicious sweet potato waffle fries with marshmallow dipping sauce! We also had their hot wings - but ask for the sauce on the side, it got a little too salty for us.

Unfortunately, the owner Matt, was at their new location in Bloomginton so I didn't get to meet him last night. However, for a local burger joint it speaks highly of the food and concept for multiple locations. For more information on Bub's and their sister cafe please visit their website.

Happy Eating~!

Ghyslain Richmond Bistro

Ghyslain Maurais, a Quebec native, found his culinary passion in architectural education. He changed career paths in pursuit of his passion. Ghyslain is now certified in French pastries, chocolate décor, candy making, blown/pulled sugar and bread making. After meeting his wife while working in Ohio - they relocated to her home town of Union City, IN. Since then they have made wonderful gourmet chocolates & fine French pastries. A true gem in Indiana - hence I've dedicated my first blog to them. Cheers!

An array of French Pastries on display. (L to R Caramel Cheescake, Soleil Levant, Charlemagne, Tiramisu)

Impressive handmade & hand panted chocolates. My personal favorite is the Japanese Yuzu Dark Chocolate

Their lunch menu (from the Richmond location) is also delicious and affordable ($9-$12) while their dinner menu is chef's choice and changes daily (a bit pricer). Because it's a locally owned restaurant I find that many times the staff is also more willing to accommodate and are friendlier. They opened on a Monday to serve our large party (with a minimum charge of course) when they're usually not open.

 Neat little team time depending on how strong you'd like your tea (also available in their store for ~$15)


For more information on their story, their locations, and their menu please visit:
Ghyslain Homepage

The Pour House - Cambridge City, IN

Store Front

Denise and John have moved across the United States 48 times, yes I said 48 times (!),with their two daughters for the past 30 years. With John's work always needing to move around - they've finally settled down in Indiana. This is longest they've stayed put in one place and that was about 10 years back. Around 4 years ago Denise took her two favorite "past times" (meeting new people and antiques) and merged them together to form the Pour House. Think... Cracker Barrel but a lot more intimate with furniture you can sit on and buy.  Which actually happened; as we were talking about all the antique furniture around her store, a gentleman a couple weeks back liked the chairs he was sitting on so much he bought all 4 of them!

Neat Knick Knacks on sale, stuff your momma would've told you growing up.

Now that her daughters are fully grown, she has expressed some hardship over maintaining a business. She admitted it turned out to be a lot more work than she expected. Their tagline was "Antiques and Sweets" - where the original concept was to sell a couple of homemade pastries along with the antiques but The Pour House became quite popular in the small town of Cambridge City. One can imagine why Denise would think it's a tad difficult - however with that being said they are now a full cafe with WiFi (Yes it may seem strange I added that tid bit in there... You must be thinking, "Cheryl this is a cafe of course it has WiFi". On the contrary my friend, for a small town like Cambridge City, The Pour House maybe the only  place that has it). The Pour House now serves homemade soups, sandwiches, and fresh pastries/cakes daily. When asked where her culinary traits came from - Denise happily replied: "My mother's kitchen!". The red velvet cake, cherry turnovers, and even homemade fudge are all within the family recipes (even Denise's dad had a recipe to give: the fudge).

Some Sweets (L to R Amaretto & Maple Nut Fudge, Petite Turnovers, Orange Cream Fudge, Frozen Chai Frappé)

The dining area and "store"

p.s. Cambridge City is a town with less than 1,900 people but are a part of the Richmond/Wayne County "Antique Alley" comprising of over 900 dealers from Richmond to Knightstown (which really is only a couple miles apart from each other). Read more about it on the Wayne County Website

Until next time~ Happy Eating!