China Diaries: Chen Mapo Tofu
Even though no one knows for sure if Chen Mapo Tofu in Chengdu is the originator of the dish, it's undeniable that it has become an institution.
Even though no one knows for sure if Chen Mapo Tofu in Chengdu is the originator of the dish, it's undeniable that it has become an institution.
Frozen housemade Chinese dumplings have been my #1 go-to lazyass meal for years now. Here's how I prepare and eat them when I'm feeling lazy and hungry.
My #1 tip for how to learn more about wine: spin the bottle around and look at the back label. See the name of the importer? If you liked the wine, you'll probably like the importer.
All day to do as I pleased, all night to gorge on cheese: this was my MLK weekend mantra. It was the start of the Winter Fancy Food Show at the Moscone Center, so Chris was away meeting luminaries of the gourmet world while...
When Old Man Winter's icy digit stops mercury from rising, I am reminded of a traveler I met in Argentina, a Canadian middle-school teacher who once ran sled dogs. It was so cold in Saskatchewan that when he and the dogs returned to their cabin...
Nestled deep in the OG fabric of San Francisco, Kingdom of Dumpling is the quintessential down to earth dumpling spot. I originally discovered this place a few years ago after a visit to my dentist, whose office is on Noriega Street in the Sunset district. After...
Ebi Chili is the best example of a dish that has been Japanified. It was originally created in the 1950s by a Chinese immigrant in Japan, taking cues from Sichuan-style cooking. It's a shrimp dish that has a little spice and a little sweetness, perfect...
Life is busy these days. With the shop in full holiday swing, it's hard to find time to cook. But Yoko and I are good about taking turns bringing bentos -- it's nice to take the time to plan out what to make next....
I woke up to an email this morning with the subject line: "You're so ahead of your time!" Bryan's good friend Rob was informing me that March is National Noodle Month, and forwarded me this article about the celebrations in LA. So what the...
My family and I went on a flying visit to Paris again to rendez-vous with my dad (since he managed not to get his UK visa in time--visa people suck). Last year I gave him a copy of Ernest Hemingway's memoir...
About a year ago, Dickson's Farm opened up a shop in Chelsea Market and I often go there to get my meat. It's fresh, and sometimes you can see the guys butchering huge chunks of cow. It's nice to buy meat where you can...