Starting at a very young age, food has always been an important part of my life. Whether it was sitting down and eating a meal together as a family or helping mom and grandma in the kitchen, it was always about sharing experiences through food. As a food blogger, sometimes I forget that it’s not about taking that perfect picture but about the people you’re with and the memories you make.
Last year was one of the most exciting year for me, both in my personal and work life. As I was looking back at my pictures to write this blog post, the moments that really stuck out to me were meals that were shared with friends and memories of places I’ve traveled. So this year, I’ve mixed it up a little and added a few places from my travels as well as my favorites in Chicago.
Here are my “Top 10 Things I Ate in 2017” (Chicago and beyond)…
10. Breakfast at Berdena’s
But first coffee. My best friend (@mllastra) and I decided to head out to Scottsdale, Arizona for a girls’ spa weekend. On the first day, we planned to explore Camelback Mountain and needed some fuel before the excursion, especially coffee. After searching through Yelp, I randomly came across a café called Berdena’s. What a wonderful find!
The sophisticated décor, delightful food, and friendly management makes it a place that shouldn’t be missed. The owner is very personable and passionate about his craft. He even sat down and chatted with us. When I told him I was a food blogger from Chicago, he made sure our food came out photo perfect. The menu is limited (so obvi we ordered everything!) but the quality superb.
Needless to say, we were stuffed and only made it an hour into our hike. BTW, never attempt to hike in the middle of the day in Arizona for it’s blistering hot.
{Location}
Berdena’s
Scottsdale || 7051 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ || P: (480) 256-1403
9. Roman-style Pizza at Bonci
Gimme a pizza that. A couple of years ago, my husband took me to Italy for my birthday. We traveled through Milan, Modena (to check out Osteria Francescana), Florence, Siena, and Rome. I loved the distinctive personalities, history, and food in the various cities. We indulged in endless amounts of pasta, pizza, wine, and gelato. I literally ate gelato everyday, maybe even twice a day.
One of my fave things to eat was Roman pizza… thanks to my college friend (Lily) and her husband (Edoardo). They lived in Rome back then and showed us all the local favorites. Edoardo grew up in Rome and knew the best places the locals ate. Each dish was house-made with love using only the finest ingredients. It tasted like an Italian grandma was cooking in the kitchen.
So I was ecstatic when I found out that Roman-style pizza was coming to Chicago. Bonci, Italy’s acclaimed pizzeria, opened its first location in the US right here is Chicago. The thin crust pizza is cut with scissors, weighed, and sold by the slice.
{Location}
Bonci
West Loop || 161 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 243-4016
8. Korean BBQ at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
Seoul food. No one does Korean food better than L.A, outside of Korea. Dissatisfied with the Korean restaurant options here in Chicago, I make sure I hit as many of them when I am out there. One of my favorites, I keep going back to, is Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong for Korean BBQ.
I thought it would be gimmicky at first since it’s named after a Korean comedian but the quality and taste of the food is outstanding. Also, who can resist cheesy corn? It’s a little bit pricier than Korean BBQ in Chicago but it’s well worth the money. Expect long lines during peak hours so don’t go too hungry.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
Koreatown || 3465 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA || P: (213) 384-9678
7. Poke Bowl at San Diego Poke Company
Super bowl. If you follow my personal account (@fabsoopark) on Instagram, you will know I eat a lot of sushi, sashimi, and poké bowls. Whether in Chicago or traveling to other cities, I’m always on the hunt for a good bowl. So, what makes a good bowl? The number one thing for me is the freshness of the ingredients. If you’re serving raw fish, it’s imperative that it is fresh. Don’t you agree? What else makes a good bowl? The fish to rice ratio. Same as nigiri, too much rice takes away the flavor of the fish.
We recently went on a family trip to San Diego and yet, again, I was on a pursuit to get my poké bowl fix. I stumbled upon a place called San Diego Poke Company. This popular farmers market vendor opened its first brick-and-mortar in 2016 in Mission Valley. They also have a second location in Normal Heights.
The build-your-own poké bowls run about $10-$12 and you can choose from a variety of seafood, bases, toppings, and house-made sauces. I got mine in a pineapple bowl because YOLO.
San Diego Poke Company
Mission Valley || 10387 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA || P: (619) 584-4786
Normal Heights || 3533 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA || P: (619) 501-5960
6. BBQ at la Barbeque in Austin
Porkin’ good. If you’ve never had BBQ in Texas, have you lived at all? My two best friends live in Texas, one in San Antonio and one in Austin. When I was pregnant with @fabfoodbaby, we all met up in Austin for a girls’ weekend to eat, sleep, and visit the baby store for baby necessities (thank goodness, since I had no clue what I was doing). Before pregnancy, I rarely ate pork, let alone craved it. During pregnancy, all I wanted was pork… pork belly, ribs, spicy pork, and everything else porky.
By the recommendation of Hayden from Austin Food Magazine (@austinfoodmagazine), we decided to venture out to la Barbeque. Even though we got there right before it opened, a line was already forming while our anticipation and hunger were growing. We analyzed the menu several times and decided… LET’S GET EVERYTHING!!! My friends know the key to my heart. Brisket, beef rib, pork ribs, and sides… we got it all. Best. Damn. BBQ.
la Barbeque
East Austin || 2027 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX || P: (512) 605-9696
5. Acai Bowl at Hilo Ono Kine Ice Shave
You’re one fine-apple. One of my favorite places to visit is Hawaii because nothing beats the warm weather, sandy beaches, and beautiful rainbows. I need to move there ASAP. Anyone with me?
On a recent trip to the Big Islands, I discovered a place called Hilo Ono Kine Ice Shave. After having brain freeze from eating shave ice for several days in a row, I opted for the açaí bowl. When I saw that you can get in a pineapple bowl, I couldn’t resist. It did take a minute for it to come out but everything’s on island time in Hawaii. What a beauty!
Hilo Ono Kine Ice Shave || 57 Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720 || P: (808) 339-0951
4. Shave Ice at Matcha Café Maiko
I love you so matcha. I’m a little obsessed with matcha. If it has matcha, I will order it. From matcha lattes to matcha ice cream to matcha cakes, we’re matcha made in heaven. While hubby and I were eating lunch at Marukame Udon (highly recommended) in Honolulu, I spotted, from the corner of my eye, a place called Matcha Café Maiko. Mid slurp, I immediately stopped and researched it on my phone. I read “tasty matcha treats” and “straight from japan” and I was instantly sold. The menu consists of shaved ice, teas, frappes, soft serve ice cream, parfaits, floats, and more, all made with matcha. I got the mixed matcha shaved ice with matcha and vanilla ice cream, matcha syrup, homemade adzuki beans (red beans), and shiratama (almost like mochi). I might have to just fly to Honolulu for udon, shopping, and this treat. Who’s in?
3. Sushi Donut at Project Poke
Donut want to try? I love sushi and I love donuts so it was a no-brainer I HAD to try the Sushi Donut that was popping up all over Instagram. Project Poke is a fast-casual restaurant located in a strip mall in Fountain Valley, California. Besides the sushi donut, they also offer poké bowls, sushi burrito, Spam musubi, pork belly corn dog, and other snacks.
As I was standing in line to order the Sushi Donut, I had a moment of skepticism. Is it really going to be good? Did they just create it for the gram? I put in my order and it came out really fast since it was pre-made and prepackaged. It was still gorgeous but at this point, my skepticism was growing even more. Hmmm…
After I took my photos (camera eats first), I finally sunk my teeth into one of these bad boys. I must say… it was fantastic. I loved how the rice was filled with crab salad, which gave it an extra layer of texture. The fish and veggies were fresh and the rice cooked perfectly. May I have a dozen, please?
Project Poke
Fountain Valley || 16051 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 || P: (714) 486-3809
2. Omakase at Raisu
U-N-I are meant to be. Tucked away in a corner of Irving Park Road is an unassuming restaurant, Raisu Japanese Fine Dining, that serves fine quality sushi and sashimi at reasonable prices. Thanks to my friend, Karen (@chicagofoodstories), I have a new favorite sushi spot.
Chef Simon Liew has been working in the restaurant industry for many years and has perfected his craft. I recommend leaving it up to the chef and getting the omakase. The fish is flown directly from Japan to ensure the best quality. My favorite bite was the Hokkaido uni. The uni had a sweet and buttery taste and melts in your mouth.
Raisu Japanese Fine Dining
Irving Park || 2958 W Irving Park, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 961-7299
1. Alinea
A work of art. Alinea was awarded three stars (highest accolade) from Michelin Guide back in 2010 and still remains a three star today. It’s the only restaurant in Chicago to retain that status throughout the years and undoubtedly one of the most unique experiences here in Chicago. All your senses will be stimulated with beautiful presentations, aromatic smells, interesting textures, lively music, and a warm space.
Last month a couple of friends were visiting from Singapore, so a group of us snagged the Kitchen Table (best decision ever!) at Alinea. The Kitchen Table is a private room with a kitchen view so you’re seated away from other diners but have a clear view of everything going on in the kitchen. Oh BTW, the kitchen is immaculate.
I won’t ruin it for anyone who will be visiting soon but expect the unexpected. If you haven’t watched the episode of Chef Grant Achatz on the Chef’s Table on Netflix, I highly recommend it.
Alinea
Lincoln Park || 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 867-0110
What are some of your favorite things you ate in 2017? Share with me below.
Do you want more travel eats? Fab Food Travels coming soon.
Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
