Triangle Trip

Captain G and Statusmonger made a follow up visit to Maikobe in Pasadena over the weekend. We noticed Maikobe had changed the format of its menu since our last visit from a month ago. The new menu is now simplified. Instead of a booklet type menu, it is on a laminated two sided sheet of plastic. Given the price on the menu, we think the new menu format devalues the Maikobe brand.

We also noticed the “Trust Me” meal was removed from the new menu. We wanted to try the “Trust Me” Omakase when we first visited Maikobe but didn’t really trust the chef at that point. We asked the manager, who was very attentive to us that evening, about the “Trust Me” menu and he promptly offered us to meet Chef Kengo, whose resume includes Masa in New York.

Chef Kengo greeted us and offered three “Trust Me” Omakase meals: $45, $55 and $75. Chef Kengo said $45 is the low end menu where you will get normal salad and rolls vs $55 and $75 where you will get a seafood salad and sashimi. There was also a sake pairing for $50 but we opted to just ask Chef Kengo for a sake recommendation.

Statusmonger and Captain G took the $55 which was extremely filling. We had seafood salad, top sirloin filet as well as the awesome Chilean seabass. Dessert was really delicious as well. Captain G opted for the Bavarian Cake which is a flan like cake with red beans. Statusmonger took the tofu cheesecake which was amazing.

We have dined at many Pasadena restaurants over the past four months and found Maikobe to be on the top end of the places we have visited. However, the Maikobe Omakase cannot be compared to Geisha House’s Omakase. Regardless, we believe Maikobe is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Pasadena — although there isn’t much competition. We will need to return for the Maikobe Tappanyaki next time.

Here’s a link to our previous post with other Pasadena restaurant reviews.

Statusmonger + Captain G

Let me preface this post by telling everyone that I really despise Avis for its poor customer service. I have not rented from Avis in over 10 years due to a really horrible experience at Newark Liberty International (EWR). Ironically this post is about renting from Avis’s Newark facility. I won’t get into the details on my horrible experience; I will save it for another post… Given the latest Avis offer, I may actually consider going back to them to give it a go.

As one of the options to go from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to NYC, I used to recommend National Car Rental with their one-way rental program. However, National Car Rental has ended its one-way car rental offer between Newark and NYC for $25 a day – which was an awesome deal. Avis has recently picked up the one-way car rental promotion. This means you can rent an Avis car from Newark Liberty International (EWR) and drop it off in New York City for $25 plus taxes or rent the car from an Avis location in NYC and return it to EWR. Here’s the link to reserve at Avis. You can also call Avis and mention AWD #K462601.

The Avis offer only works if you’re going from EWR to NYC on Thursday or Friday and from NYC to EWR on Sunday or Monday. The reason for this offer is Avis needs to get its cars from EWR to NYC for the weekend rentals. As a renter, you’re essentially doing the driving for Avis.

You should also be aware of the following restrictions:

• One-way rental from EWR to NYC can only be picked up from Thursday after 1PM to Friday 10PM and it must be dropped off by Friday.
• One-way rental from NYC to EWR can only be picked up from Sunday after 3PM to Monday 10PM. The car must be dropped off by mid-night on Monday.

Also read the fine prints from the link.

We all know that Vancouver is know for having good authentic Chinese food with famous chefs from Hong Kong. In addition, I think Vancouver has the best food selection in the world. All of restaurants (from French to Italian to Japanese) in Vancouver are authentic and fresh. I love the food so much, I visit Vancouver twice a year (well I also do some skiing while I am there).

Aside from falling into the typical tourist traps or overpriced meals or chain restaurants, below is a list of the restaurants (broken out by cuisine) I highly recommend you check out. Some of these restaurants are only known by locals.

Chinese:

Sun Sui Wah – Ok… this is quite commercial since they’ve an ad at the airport (YVR). There are two Sun Sui Wah locations: one in Richmond right by the airport and another near downtown. They are famous for their quails, Peking Duck and shark fin soup. They also have good Dim Sum as well. Definitely give them a try!

Fisherman’s Terrace – One of my favorite Chinese restaurants. Fisherman’s Terrace is located inside Aberdeen Place in Richmond (by the airport). Great Chinese food served family style. It is a bit pricey but definitely worth the price. It may be the best Chinese restaurant on this list.

Kirin Restaurant – There are 4 locations, I think the one in Richmond is the best. However, the one downtown has the best service. You can have Dim Sum in the afternoon and fine dining in the evening.

Lok’s Chinese Restaurant – Located in Kerrisdale, Vancouver. This restaurant could be a bit too north and west for travelers without a car. Lok’s offer casual to fine dining. I personally like the food here. Definitely worth a try if you’ve a car with you.

Victoria Chinese Seafood Restaurant – Located in downtown Vancouver off Melville Street. They serve Dim Sum in the afternoon and wide variety of dining specials in the evening. Victoria isn’t too expensive compared to the rest of the Chinese restaurants stated above.

French:

Le Gavroche – It is one of my favorites for fine dining. Le Gavroche has excellent food and good service.

Le Crocodile – It is one of the fine dining places in Vancouver. It has 20+ years of history. Definitely worth trying if you’re in a mood to spend some money for real French fine dining!

Chambar – Well… Not quite a French restaurant, more of a Belgium restaurant (but close enough). Chambar has great food, excellent wine selection and dessert.

Italian:

Amacord Restaurant – A fine dining place at Yaletown (one of my favorite areas for good food in Vancouver). Amacord offers fine dining and their lobster pasta is delicious – you must order it when you are there.

CinCin – Great Italian restaurant located in downtown Vancouver. It offers fine dining with great wine selection. It is located on Robson, Vancouver’s busiest and most touristy street.

Provence Marinaside – It is located in Yaletown which is fairly close to downtown. Great place for brunch and fine dining. Restaurant also offer a great view of the harbor.

Japanese:

Guu – An awesome place for Japanese Tapas and one of my favorite restaurants. There are multiple Guu locations. The Guu on Robson is the best but it’s packed from 6pm. The Guu on Thurlow is the original. The third Guu restaurant is in Richmond which is so-so. I usually show up at 5:30PM at Guu on Robson whenever I am in Vancouver!

Gyoza King – located on Robson as well, a few doors down from Guu. Gyoza King opens late. I recalled going there after 1AM and the place was still packed. Very similiar to Guu, Gyoza King has more alcohol (sake) selection. Their Gyoza is good too – hence the name.

Miko Sushi Restaurant – Located on Robson and offers a full Japanese menu. Miko Sushi has fresh fish and is one of my favorites.

Steakhouse & Fish

Blue Water Cafe – This is a place for great raw oysters! Blue Water Cafe is located in Yaletown and offers a great view of the marina. I highly recommend you sit outside on a sunny day. They also have good white wine pairing with the raw bar.

Hy’s Encore – A steakhouse located at the heart of downtown. Hy’s is on Hornby and looks like a cigar shop from the outside. The setting is dark and old – looks like an old church. Steak and garlic bread are great. We only had lunch at Hy’s but I am sure they are great for dinner as well. Hy’s Encore is also a place for power lunch!