The Blue Fin

So just like I promised in an earlier blog (March 15) I'm back again at The Blue Fin to try out what they're known for: their teriyaki sauce. I personally dislike any establishment that advertises something of a different culture and it's not what you're used to or they just entirely tweak it beyond recognition. The blue Fin is not one of those places. The Blue Fin for those who haven't read any of my blogs, is a Japanese style express eatery (okazu) who doesn't skimp out on flavor for a cheap price. No, everything so far that I've had is flavorful, fresh and was served  decent portions.
  Which brings me back to why I decided to eat here once again. They have been advertised as one of the best places for a teriyaki meal and I can now see why. While some places consider it " authentic" by pouring warm sauce over grilled meats, the right way is to marinate it for at least a day before cooking it. I had the teriyaki beef and was not disappointed at all. Tender slice of beef marinated in teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. Just the right amount of sweet infused with the hint of char from grilling it was a perfect combo. Anyone a fan of Asian food, or teriyaki food will definitely like this place and I suggest you check it out for yourself
   

Long Wong's

There's just something about a well made delicious sandwich that I'm easily content with.   With so many variations on such a simple thing, it's tough choosing a favorite.. Except for one (in my opinion) : Pastrami. I think deep down for me it stems from the days of my mom slow cooking corned beef in a crockpot and then making sandwiches out of the leftovers. Some of my favorite memories of my childhood involves food

I decided to check out Long Wong's for lunch before I head off to work later on. Known especially for their chicken wings and pizza,they also have amazing subs and burgers as well ( from various sources I have read) nonetheless, with a small lunch rush crowd already inside, there was no way all those people could be wrong. After checking out the menu,I decided on a pastrami Rueben sandwich with garlic fries.
   A decent packed sandwich with pastrami corned beef grilled up and toasted with sauerkraut, and thousand island.. Amazing is the word that comes to mind. The flavor was unreal and for the added kick, garlic fries I chose for my side. One of the best garlic fries I've had,loaded with flavor and not soggy at all. I'll be back one day to check out their wings and maybe check out what game is on TV as I devour on some food..

Aloha kitchen

First off, there's 2 things I want to say, Thank you for all those that continue to follow along with me on my foodie adventures and enjoy my blogs and second I recommend downloading the app "foodspotting " to find new places to eat at whenever you're out and about in a new area or traveling.
     So I'm off of work today and tomorrow and decided to get out the house and explore around for a bit, this time in Mesa,  Arizona. While I was at Mesa Community College checking out their beautiful rose garden, which I must say is a beautiful place to see, I used my foodspotting app to see what places where nearby to eat at and one place definitely caught my attention.  Located in a small shopping center among other food joints, and about 10 minutes from MCC,  Aloha Kitchen was where I knew I had to check out.
   I'll do my very best to explain my meal and this place to those unfamiliar to this type of food establishment.  Majority of  favorite dishes and popular recipes from Hawaii are infused with many different cultures from around the world.  The atmosphere walking into this place already looked and smelled like home as I remember it and not in a cheesy way like some places who think they know about Hawaii and Polynesian culture. The smell of grilled teriyaki meats and smoky scents coming most likely from the kalua  pig ( pig cooked in an underground oven made of rocks and covered to let sit for a few days) hit Mr before I even entered inside.
   The owners  of Aloha Kitchen are originally from Hawaii and they brought out all the stops here in their little restaurant with many of the local favorites that mixes Hawaiian recipes with Korean, Chinese, and Japanese inspired dishes such as fried saimin (ramen noodles ), teriyaki chicken, kalua pig ( smoked pulled pork with cabbage ) and of course it's accompanied by 2 scoops of rice and mac salad.
I order the Hawaiian plate which included LomiLomi Salmon  (a side dishes of onions, green onions, salmon and rock salt) kalua pig and chicken long rice ( rices noodles mixed with chicken and broth ). Even though I'm thousands of miles of away from home, I now know where I can get my Hawaiian food fix on. The portion was great and the flavor was spot on.  And that leads me now with dessert which I also ordered lol.  I had a slice of chocolate haupia pie ( haupia is coconut dessert with the consistency between jello and custard )  I recommend to check out this place.  I have no complaints whatsoever so and everything I had was delicious and I know my belly is definitely content.. Time for a nap pretty soon haha.. Until next time, peace out,  Feastm0de!

Fractured Prune Doughnuts

I have a major sweet tooth and with that being said, let me tell you about one of my all time favorite desserts :doughnuts!
It's safe to say I've had my share of doughnuts throughout my life and although it doesn't matter where it's from, I honestly might have to change my mind from here on out.  Now I've been here just once before and I'm back again to get my doughnut fix on.  In the middle of downtown phoenix, sits one of the most unique places to put a spin on doughnuts.
From the unique variety of Pre-set choices to the fact you are able to customize your doughnut to your liking with the wildest of imaginations, everything here looks delicious and added to the fact your order is made in front of you and fresh and served hot out the fryer, hands down I've think this is the best doughnut spot I've been to.
  I ordered the caramel bliss, consisting of a warm caramel glaze and mini chocolate chips and then I got me a death by chocolate which has a chocolate glaze, chocolate sprinkles and Oreo cookie crumbles. Both definitely hit the spot and I recommend you to check it out if you're in the mood for doughnuts, got a sweet tooth addiction or something small for dessert.  Don't forget a cup of cold milk to rinse it all down.

Pizza patron

Here's a question.. Honestly, who doesn't like pizza? I think that answer is one you rarely hear.  Here in Arizona, there's a bunch of pizza joints and of course there's the typical big time establishments  to choose from as well so then where do you pick from? I guess it boils down to preference and taste.  If you're a simple person and looking for a tasty pizza at an affordable price I suggest trying pizza patron then. First off they have their every day price of $3.99 for a large cheese or pepperoni pizza and what separates them from some some of their competition is their dough is made onsite and in store daily as well as their sauce and I prefer quality over quantity.
Pizza patron is based out of Texas with 12 franchise locations throughout Arizona . Their menu is pretty simple consisting of just pizza, chicken wings, bread and cheese sticks and drinks and of course churros for dessert. Their 2 best sellers,  which I do enjoy ,Is their patrona ( their version of a supreme pizza consisting of pepperoni, ham, beef, sausage and veggies ) and the Hawaiana (a gooey pile of ham, pineapples and cheese ).  For under $11 you can't go wrong with the size or portions. If you need a side With pizza I recommend their lime pepper chicken wings too.  Go check out one near you and tell me what you think..  Until next time, remember god is good and food is great..feastmode!
 

Teriyaki sauce recipe

So for those who have been following me since the beginning of my blog and food adventures that follow, are well aware of two things; that I'm Asian and that I have a passion for food ( whether I'm seeking new spots to pig out on or throwing down in the kitchen ). I'm going to teach you a very simple and basic recipe of mine that is versatile and can be used with just about any ingredient to create a tasty dish.
Teriyaki sauce is a major staple in most Asian cuisine and it doesn't matter if you're a meat eater or vegetarian or even just health conscience, it's uses are endless.  Tonight I used it to make teriyaki chicken, so here's the recipe :
( I'm just going to give the ingredients to make this.  All measurements are up to your discretion and how you eventually cook your dish is entirely up to you.  Grilling or lightly pan fry is usually the top choice but baking, broiling and steamed works just as well)
     Soy sauce
      Ginger
      Garlic
      Green onions (for garnish and flavor )
       Sugar

If used as a marinade, especially with meat, at least one hour is recommended .

The other thing I made for dinner, in case you were wondering is Japanese style curry with shrimp and vegetables. It's really another simple recipe. I bought the Golden curry sauce mix which you should be able to find at most Walmart's in the Asian section,local markets or if you're lucky, at most Asian markets near you. The procedure is simple,all you do is boil your vegetables in water first, which I used potatoes and carrots. Once the vegatables are soft to your liking (which should only take about 10 minutes or so),drain some of the water until it looks like you have at least 2 or 3 cups of water and just slowly mix in the curry which looks like a hard brick but it'll eventually melt away as you slowly mix it. Since I used shrimp, I just left it to slow simmer for about 5 minutes. If you ever decide to use beef, pork or chicken, it'll taste a bit better if you cook your choice of meat first instead of adding it in later ( almost as if you were making a stew or soup)
     

Blue Fin

I was raised to always try new things and experience the most out of life, whether it's food related, sights and views , or even the simplest things such as watching a sunset or sunrise. I'm a very down to earth person and I get satisfied easily (that's your perception on if that's a good or bad thing ) and so when it comes to eating especially, the establishment doesn't have to be fancy, a well known place or get a 5 star ratings but if it's highly recommended,  the portions  and price is reasonable or they have good service, then I'm open to check it out. 

Just a few blocks from downtown phoenix, on the corner sits a tiny hole in the wall establishment that I have seen before but have yet to stop in until today and I'm glad I did. Blue fin is a small place that specializes in teriyaki, seafood and Japanese entrees. I definitely have to check out their teriyaki chicken the next time I dine in, this time though I ordered the pork katsu ( tender pork cutlet breaded with Japanese Panko breadcrumbs  and mixed with steamed eggs and garnish )with a side of shrimp tempura all served with a plate of rice and fresh tossed salad with a ginger glazed dressing. I can say with all honesty, this tastes exactly like the way my grandma cooks it and in my opinion it was prepared and made really well. Of course I had to order dessert as well and so I picked up a small order of Mochi ice cream; green tea, strawberry and chocolate ice cream wrapped and rolled into Mochi flour.  The sweetness and coldness helped with cooling me off on this warm day. And if you need a place to take a breather after eating, cross the street and check out the Burton Barr library and head to the fifth floor and check out the downtown phoenix skyline. Hopefully your foodcoma doesn't kick in right away haha. Until next time, Feastm0de!