Stop #40: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Leonard’s Bakery
Leonard’s has been serving malasadas since 1953. A malasada is a Portugese doughnut without a hole. The dough had the right amount of chewiness. The custard filling was generous and not too sweet. I will miss this light, warm and sugary perfection.

For more information, visit https://www.leonardshawaii.com/home/.


Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Please don't wake me up; I am still dreaming about these short ribs. I saw rows and rows of beef short ribs hanging above the stove tops in the kitchen. These ribs were marinated and then hung to dry. They were then grilled to order. Short Ribs, Pipikaula Style, was the bomb. I loved everything about it. The outside was crispy but the meat was not dried out. It was delicious!

Kalua pig (cooked in an underground oven, called an imu) and Laulau (pork wrapped in banana leaf) were also tender and juicy.

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


Marukame Udon
Fresh noodle, you say? How could I turn away but wait in that ridiculously long line. It was almost like an assembly line—get on line, order and get what you want by following the stations, pay, sit and eat, and clean up. I got to assemble the perfect meal for me. Udon (thick wheat flour noodle) was done well. Broth was rich but not oily. It was big bowl of happiness. Their tempura selection was awesome. They even had fried chicken and a few sushi/musubi options.

For more information, visit http://www.toridollusa.com/menu-waikiki.php.

Stop #39: Tampa, Florida, USA

Bodega
Overall, I was not too impressed with the food scene in Tampa area but there were a few good places. Bodega served up great cuban sandwiches (roasted pork, ham, swiss, pickles, mayo) and made-to-order food. The location in St. Petersburg had laid back outdoor seating.

For more information, visit http://eatatbodega.com.

Paciugo Gelato Caffe

After chasing dolphins near the seawall at North Shore Park and Vinoy Park, this was a good place to cool down. Their gelato was light and smooth, very refreshing. 

For more information, visit https://paciugo.com.


The Krazy Greek
Believe or not, if you are stuck in Legoland in Winter Haven, you can still have hope for a good dinner! This unassuming little Greek resturant had really great food. This gyro platter was a heaping amount of deliciousness.

For more information, visit https://www.thekrazygreek.com/#/.


Oystercatchers
Looking for a fancy night out? This is the spot—beautiful sunset by the water, great seafood, nice ambiance, and friendly service.

Strawberry Salad—with warm corn bread, marcona almonds, soft goat cheese and strawberry dressing

Espresso Sea Salt Scallops—with black rice

Seafood mixed grill—cooked over hot pecan wood grill

For more information, visit https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/grand-hyatt-tampa-bay/tparw/dining.


West Tampa Sandwich Shop
I love a local family business. This place reminded me of home. Even though I was not from Cuba, the food gave me a sense of belonging. Honey Cuban sandwich was the bomb!

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


5 de Mayo Mexican Bakery
Found this place in a random search and it was the best surprise! The fresh baked goods smell made me insanely happy. Everything was delicious and reasonably priced.

For more information, visit http://5demayobakery.com/.

Stop #38: San Diego, California, USA

The Crack Shack
BEST FRIED CHICKEN EVER! They source Jidori Chicken from Southern California, only using humanely raised poultry from small, local farms, allowed to roam freely on pastures and eat preservative- and antibiotic-free food. And I could taste the difference. The chicken was healthy, nice-sized and juicy (even the white meat). There were 6 options for sauces: kimchi BBQ, Baja hot sauce, cracksup, ranch, mustard, and Sriracha 1000 island. So so good!

SPICY AND JUICY! Firebird—Spicy fried thigh, cool ranch, crispy onions, pickles, potato roll

BEST FRIED FRIES EVER! Mexican Poutine—Schmaltz fries, pollo asado, jalapeño cheese wiz

YUM! Mini biscuits—Miso-maple butter

One thing I loved about Southern California was the outdoor eating, casual but trendy.

For more information, visit http://www.crack-shack.com.



In-N-Out Burger
Maybe it's not healthy but who cares! I love their burger! It's simple and to the point when you just want a classic burger.

There are many items on their secret menu. I asked for "well done fries." They were just a little crispier. CRUNCH! 

For more information, visit http://www.in-n-out.com.



Carnitas' Snack Shack
I love pork and I am happy to see more and more places dedicating their love to pork. They gave so much carnitas on the taco! The house made guac was so refreshing. The pork belly fell apart and was so rich in flavor.

Snackshack Guacamole & Chips—Crispy chips, house made shack guacamole

Carnitas Tacos—Guacamole, pico, lime

Pork Belly App—Braised pork, sweet-spicy glaze, frisée salad, apples, radish, lemon vinaigrette

Look at this beautiful outdoor seating!

Next time I'd like to try the Triple Threat Pork Sandwich (pork loin schnitzel, pulled pork, bacon, pepperoncini relish, shack aioli). 

For more information, visit http://carnitassnackshack.com.

Extraordinary Desserts

I must have done something right in my life so whomever is in power up there led me to this dessert place. It was heaven. It was NOT cheap but it was WORTH every penny. The cakes were artistically made with passion.

Chocolate Tiramisu—A perfect blend of chocolate and coffee. Espresso soaked chocolate cake layers surround a dark chocolate mascarpone mousse. This handsome layer cake is finished with alternating stripes of chocolate ganache and espresso whipped cream. 

Apple Crostatas—The Crostata is a baked tart and a form of pie. Each is filled with almond cream, pastry cream, and fresh seasonal fruits. Yes, it was decorated with real flower petals and edible gold leaf. 

For more information, visit https://extraordinarydesserts.com.



The Taco Stand
The Taco Stand had a more modern take on tacos. Overall, it was good but I wished the fish was bigger on my Baja Taco. The Mar Y Tierra Fries was unique and insanely good!

Baja Taco—Battered fish, cabbage, cilantro, tomato, onions, chipotle sauce

Al Pastor—Rotisserie marinated pork, cilantro, onions, cilantro sauce, pineapple

Mar Y Tierra Fries—Grilled shrimp with flamed grilled angus steak (100% certified angus beef), fries, guacamole, sour cream, cheese

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



Oscars Mexican Seafood
There were so many taco places and I had a hard time deciding which ones to try given the limited time in San Diego. I was happy that I didn't skip Oscars. It was a local favorite and I could see why. The seafood was so fresh that I could almost taste the ocean. The freshness made a big difference when it came to seafood.

Taco Special (Smoked Fish, Shrimp, Scallops)—Served with Cabbage, Onion, Tomato, Cilantro, Avocado & Cheese

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




The Baked Bear
What an awesome and fun place for ice cream sandwiches! I smelled joy when I walked in.

1. Pick the cookie or brownie.

2. Pick the ice cream.

3. Warm up the ice cream sandwich (optional).

4. Happiness. Chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream.

Top cookie: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut; Bottom cookie: Snickerdoodle (Yes, you can mix and match!)
Ice cream: Salted Caramel Fudge

Life is short, eat cookies. :)

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



Shorehouse Kitchen
Brunch done right! I loved the food and atmosphere. They offered free self serve coffee while you waited for a table.

Coffe was smooth and strong. I asked for macadamia nut milk. What a nice treat!

Buttermilk Pancakes. At first, when I was pouring the syrup, I wondered why it was watery. The waiter informed me that it was pure organic maple syrup. The sweetness was prefect on the fluffy pancake. Delightful.

Angus Short Rib & Hash Brown Potato Cakes—Cabernet Braised Angus Beef with Eggs and Toast. That short rib hash brown was so flavorful.

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