Stop #30: Toronto, Canada

Black Camel

This place was a hole in the wall but offered great sandwiches. I wished I tasted the sandwich fresh, but I had to take it to go. It was still good but I probably missed out on the perfectly warm bun and juicy beef brisket. 

Pulled pork shoulder.

Pulled roasted chicken.

For more information, 

visit http://www.blackcamel.ca/about.htm.

Crown Princess Fine Dining

This place was hyped up. Food was good but not the best dim sum I had ever had. I wasn't sure if it was worth the price tag either. I supposed the food presentation and preparation were delicate. 

BBQ pork pastries; Beef and spinach noodle rolls.

The pumpkin and corn congee was a highlight. Sticky rice was mediocre.

Shrimp and chieve dumplings.

Sui mai (pork dumplings); Beef balls.

My first encounter with BBQ eel in flaky pastry and it was delicious.

The trio of sesame balls for dessert was unique and tasty.

For more information, 

visit http://crown-princess.ca/english/index.asp.

Kao Shan Road

This place offered authentic yet creative Thai food. I enjoyed every dish!

Garlic tofu - tofu, panko crust, garlic, fresh kaffir lime leaf, naam djeem dipping sauce.

Squash fritters - kabocha squash, wild ginger, lemongrass, shallot, fresh kaffir lime leaf, red curry, egg.

Spicy beef salad - beef, shallot, cilantro, scallion, ground toasted rice, mint.

Pad see ew - wide rice noodles, chinese broccoli, egg, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce.

Three flavours pad thai - rice noodles, tamarind, egg, tofu, bean sprout, fresh roasted peanuts, shallot, garlic, chive,dried chili, lime.

For more information, 

visit http://www.khaosanroad.ca.

Liberty Noodle

Tried this place at the Eaton Centre. Food was pretty good considering it was in the food court at a mall. 

Shoyu pork noodle soup - light savoury soup w/ bamboo, corn, nori, scallions, and egg.

Bacon kimchi fried rice - with edamame beans and a sriracha-honey drizzle.

For more information, 

visit http://www.libertynoodle.ca.

Urban Herbivore

Their specialty was vegan food. I tried the pineapple lemonade (pineapple, lemon, organic cane sugar, mint) and it was so refreshing!

For more information, 

visit http://www.herbivore.to.

Mother's Dumplings

Hands down my favorite restaurant in Toronto. These dumplings were gold. They were big, juicy and tasty. Every bite was a flavorful explosion in my mouth! 

Chicken and mushroom dumplings.

Scallion pancake.

Beef rolls.

Pork and bak choi pan fried dumplings.

For more information, 

visit http://www.mothersdumplings.com.

Rol San

This was an old school dim sum joint. They offered 24 hour dis sum and you just can't beat that.

Fried shrimp and chieve dumplings.

Sui mai (pork dumplings).

Beef noodle rolls.

Fried chicken wings.

Spring rolls.

Sweet sesame balls.

Stop #29: Upstate New York, USA

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Syracuse)

I was so excited to finally visit the birthplace of Dinosaur BBQ. The place was very happening on a weekday night. I tried the St. Louis ribs, brisket, chicken, homemade smoked sausage and some sides - all traditional BBQ goodness. 

However, I wished the menu was a little more extensive and experimental like the other locations. The branch in Newark NJ offered Korean ribs, gumbo and BBQ fried rice; and they were delicious! 

For more information,
visit http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com.


Rochester Public Market (Rochester)

So happy I stumbled into this place. Tasted breakfast empanada from Juan and Maria's. I read that Scott's II and Zimmerman's also offer great breakfast sandwiches. The produce here was fresh and  cheap. Couldn't get any better. 

I support local business whenever and wherever I can. If there is a local coffee shop, I would kick Starbucks to the side. Java's is the local coffee company since 1992. They roast their coffee in a turn-of-the-century style direct flame roaster. It smelt good in the coffee shop and the coffee was perfect. Right next door was the Cosimano e Ferrari Olive Oil Company, also based in Rochester. They had awesome olive oils and vinegars. 

Then there was the Union Street Bakery. Carb heaven and I wanted to buy and eat the entire store.

Hello, Duke's Donuts!!!

The donut was so moist and it almost tasted like a cake. YUMMY!

For more information,
visit http://www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmarket/.


Anchor Bar (Buffalo)

Home of the original buffalo chicken wings. Tourists visited the place and so did the locals. There was a wait on a weekday night but the turnover rate was fast. 

WINGS! I enjoyed every bite. Perhaps I would order them extra crispy as others had suggested.

For more information,
visit https://www.anchorbar.com.


Cracker Barrel (Binghamton)
I love Cracker Barrel. Fun environment, friendly service and great food; what's not to like? Look at this feast!

For more information,
visit http://www.crackerbarrel.com.

Stop #28: Taiwan

Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung, originated from Taiwan, is probably the most famous dumpling house in the world. It has locations all over Asia and has expanded to Australia and U.S.A. (west coast). People relate Din Tai Fung to its small and delicate steamed dumplings. These dumplings are not only juicy and delicious, they are also an art form, in my opinion.

Juicy Pork Dumplings

Juicy Pork & Crab Dumplings

Rice & Pork Shao Mai

Shrimp & Pork Dumplings

Besides the dumplings, their dishes are pretty decent as well.

Sautéed String Bean with Minced Pork

Shrimp & Pork Wonton with Spicy Sauce

Shrimp Fried Rice

Sweet Red Bean Rice Bun (dessert!)

Each restaurant has an army making the dumplings! And yes that is Tom Cruise on the strip of pictures at the bottom of the window. He was there making dumplings. Well, he tried.

For more information,
visit http://www.dintaifung.com.tw/en/.


Zhuji
Mmmm... Their beef pastry is so juicy and tasty. Every bite is an explosion of flavor in the mouth.

Pork Wonton Soup, Beef Rolls, Millet Porridge and Beef Pastry (clockwise)

For more information,
visit http://www.zhuji.com.tw/index.php.


Shinyeh
If you want traditional Taiwanese food, this is the place!

Sweet Potato Porridge

Lean Pork with Bamboo Shoots in Soya Sauce

Soft Spring Roll

Steamed Bun Sandwich with Lean Pork and Preserved Vegetables

Fried Eggs with Dried Turnip

Stewed Tofu with Pickled Mustard Green

Mochi coated with Ground Peanuts (dessert!)

For more information,
visit http://www.shinyeh.com.tw/.


Kao Shi
Overshadowed by Din Tai Fung and that may be a good thing. It is less crowded but the food is just as good! Their signature dish is the Pan Fried Pork Buns, served in a hot pan with a traditional wooden cover.

Pan Fried Pork Buns

Salty Crispy Pastries

Dried Shrimp Fried Rice

Sauteed Shredded Pork with Dried Tofu

Tofu Casserole

General Tso's Chicken

Sweet Pastries for dessert!

For more information,
visit http://www.kao-chi.com/.


Woolloomooloo
Italian food with Asian influence, yes! The combinations of ingredients are very creative and surprisingly tasty. The owner is an architect from Australia and interior feels very airy and open. I love the wooden furniture. They even have an area with toys for kids to play!

Salad

Miso Soup with Salmon, Tofu and Turnip

Pasta Bolognese

Risotto with Squash

Pasta Calamari

Pizza

Didn't get to try their coffee but surely tried some dessert!

Japanese Food
There is a great Japanese cultural influence in Taiwan, therefore tons of good Japanese food.

Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice), Fried Pork Cutlet and Japanese Curry

Ramen Noodles with Soy Sauce

Other Famous Taiwanese Dishes
Beef Noodle Soup

Fried Pork Chop over Rice