Kula Revolving Sushi Bar

19600 Vallco Pkwy Ste 160, Cupertino, CA 95014

http://www.kulausa.com/

Once you arrive, there is a tablet outside for you to type your information (phone/email, your preference) and choose whether you want a table/bar/first available seating and their system will automatically keep you updated on when your seat is ready. It's a no wonder there was a wait even on a weeknight (approx. 15min. for us), Kula Revolving Sushi Bar is a great concept for the Silicon Valley. 

Once seated, the host will ask if it's your first time, and if it is, they will send your waiter over to show you how everything works. There is a touchscreen that you can browse and order from. There are two belts - the top belt is for food you order (it's sent right to you) and the bottom belt has their endless revolving array of sushi, appetizers and desserts. There is a name card for each item so you know just what it is. Each plate has a covering; to open it, all you need to do is grab the plate and lift it gently, it will sense the motion and open it for you to take - how awesome is that? There is a plate disposal at your table and for every 5 plates you put in, you get to watch a little clip; for every 15 plates, you get a little prize (notepad, pen, etc.). The screen will also display how many plates you've consumed and what you've ordered. 

We tried their Tonkatsu Ramen to fill us up a bit so we wouldn't go too crazy on the sushi, it arrived on the top belt for us to open and enjoy. The chasu was cut a bit too thick for my liking, but the noodles and the broth were so hearty and flavorful. We also had 15 plates of their sushi and bites (ok, we had 14 and were just shy of 15 - give us a break). Each plate had either 1-4 pieces of sushi on them and they had a pretty good variety. Each plate is $2.25 and other items on the menu seemed pretty affordable, everything seemed to fall around $5 or less, including the ramen. To finish off, we tried their soy milk donut which came with ice cream, and it is a definite must try to end your meal - it was delicious to say the least. We clicked check-out on the touchscreen and our waitress was at our table instantly. Our water was constantly refilled and the speed of the waiters here was scary, but remarkable! The concept of this place, would probably attract a wide crowd, from families to couples to friends, etc.

Noodles Pho Me

377 Bancroft Ave. San Leandro, CA 94577

http://noodlesphome.weebly.com/

Noodles Pho Me is a Laotian cuisine restaurant. They have a nice comfy feel to them, their food is made fresh and nice and homey, they have an open kitchen and it's amazing how clean they keep it, and what tops it off is the staff that go around chatting with you and making sure you feel right at home. At the beginning of your meal, they offer for you to taste test their broth, which I thought was amazing because I've never experienced that at a restaurant. They brought out a cup of each broth on a tray for us each to taste test, which made deciding that much easier for us! 

Although they're called Noodles Pho Me, this is not your average Vietnamese pho; they are a Laotian cuisine and thus comparing the two are kind of irrelevant. My mother would actually make these type of noodle soups so I've personally had these dishes homemade and I love it. It's so much more savory and packed with such wonderful flavors. For starters, we had their egg rolls and chicken satay and they were both delicious. Billy had their Combo Pho and I had their Khao Soy. We both enjoyed our meals and hope to bring family by sometime, because how often do you come across a good Laotian restaurant in the bay?

Blurr Kitchen

2374 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050

http://www.blurrkitchen.com/

We ordered their BBQ Chicken and Roasted Pork Banh Mi, which came with the choice of either salad or fries, we chose fries and so glad we did, the fries are ridiculously delicious. Also ordered their Chicken Wings and Fresh Summer Rolls for appetizers. Our take on their theme was an Asian fusion, fast food take out kind of set up with their hot dishes that you could pick and choose from or you could order off their menu. 

We weren't expecting the fast food to go take on this restaurant until we entered, so we opted to order from their menu. Unfortunately, although with not many others in at the time, the wait for our meal was much longer than you'd find at most places; especially with their fast food to go theme going on. However, it seems the chef felt sorry for the wait as well, as he actually hand delivered our meal himself. Then again, perhaps that is a concept they have going on for people who order off the menu? We weren't quite sure, but nonetheless the gesture was greatly appreciated. The food was good, not the best Banh Mi we've had (again I've had plenty, growing up in an Asian household), felt a bit Americanized, but good. The fries stood out the most, and we'd probably go back for them again.

Jastea

2671 Cropley Ave, San Jose, CA 95132

Okay, so this venture was for their pandan egg puff ice cream cone. The closest location I've heard of that serves any type of egg puff ice cream cones would be in SoCal and I've yet to venture down for their take on it. 

First off, we came in close to closing time for them. Yes, I know, patience and cravings don't quite go well together. So it was kind of a long shot on whether we'd even get to order it. Luckily, they helped us with our order and didn't even rush us or the other guests as they were closing up. The egg puff itself isn't the original flavour you'd probably find at most places, however, it's actually pandan flavored. So if you've ever had one of those delicious green pandan waffles, then you know this is a must try. They also give you the option for unlimited toppings with your ice cream. 

We chose the mint chocolate chip ice cream, drizzled with chocolate, covered in marshmallows, and served with cookies and creme pocky and it was wonderful! To be honest, I was worried that the egg puff waffle cone would be soggy on the bottom but they cooked it to the perfect consistency of soft and chewy on the inside with a nice and crispy outer shell. The wait wasn't long and I love how I could smell the pandan waffle as they were making it. I would definitely return to try another the next time my sweet cravings hit, and I absolutely love how there's a location that even serves this in the South Bay/Silicon Valley!

Eat Drink SF

http://eatdrink-sf.com/

Eat Drink SF is an amazing event hosted by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. This was our first year going and we're so happy we did! They had a four day event where you purchase your ticket for the Grand Tasting event, whether you chose the day or night pass; each included a variety of bay area local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and the like. The only price you pay is the ticket itself; once you're in, you have an unlimited array of food, drinks, and swag to go around! They even have cooking demonstrations and classes to further your knowledge. 

You're free to mingle with the vendors or even the foodies all around you. They made it even easier by offering a little backyard gaming section. If you do plan to go in the future, I'd definitely recommend you look into which businesses will be present during which event so you know what kind of food/drinks you can be looking forward to, or leave it a surprise, and it's totally your choice if you wish to spring for VIP access. It was a wonderful event and we hope more cities begin doing this as it spreads awareness of so many of our local establishments and we hope to return in the future!

Spa Palace

620 S Union Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017

http://spapalacela.com/main/

Relaxing in the Clay Sauna

Spa Palace is a Korean Spa that is open 24/7. They offer a day pass and an overnight pass. There is a separate changing room for men and women, where they actually have a relaxation room inside there, along with showers, jacuzzis, and other nice little amenities. Fare warning, this place is not recommended for the modest as most are walking around in the bare when in the changing rooms. Once you check-in, the staff give you a bath towel, a small towel, a uniform that is different for men and women, and a designated wristband that will be used for your locker and any purchases so you don't need to stress carrying anything around with you. 

Exterior of the sauna rooms

Spicy Ramen w/ Kimchi on the side

We like this spa because of how much of it is co-ed, a few other places we've researched has very limited co-ed facilities in the area at the moment. However, Spa Palace's changing rooms open up to their Jimjilbang (communal area) that some choose to rest in; they have different sauna rooms and each door tells you the temperature of the room, they even have an ice room which is really nice to cool off in; further along there's a nice juice bar and restaurant that you're welcome to give a try. They even have a co-ed pool area! The food was delicious, it felt homey and was perfect for relaxing. 

Mango Smoothie and relaxing in the Jimjilbang (Communal Area)

We visited during the day and loved it so much that we decided to come back later in the evening to stay overnight. Who can beat staying at a relaxing spa that you can literally sleep in overnight for practically $25 a person?! (Side Note: If you purchase any of their spa services, most of them will gain you free admission; they also offer discounts if you pay cash!)

Relaxed, rejuvenated, and Ready to go!

Rok Bistro

124 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
www.rokbistro.com

Bourbon Bramble & Bad Girl Roktails

We decided to try out Rok Bistro over in Sunnyvale for the first time. They specialize in fondues as well as their entrees served on either a 700 degree hot rok or even a cold rok for dessert! For my drink, I started off with one of their signature Roktails, the Bad Girl, which is a wonderfully sweet drink with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry and orange juice thrown in there, and you can't forget the sweet sugar crystals lining the rim. Billy on the otherhand started off with the Bourbon Bramble, which had bulleit bourbon mixed with some elderflower and black currant liquer. We both liked each of the roktails we tried.

Romancing the Stone

Moving on to the entrees, we went with their "Romancing the Stone" Entree for Two Special. Primarily because it was a wonderful way of sampling an array of meats and fish they offered. The meal included filet mignon, buffalo, ahi tuna, and chicken; along with the four sides we chose - rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, and seasonal sauteed vegetables. Our server brought the meal over on two separate platters, with the hot stone in the middle already sizzling up the meats (2 on each platter) and a side on each platter, with a sauce for each meat that was explained to us. Be careful, because the stone you cook your meat on stays hot enough to cook for a good 30-45mins. I loved how we were both able to cut our own pieces and cook it however way we each wanted. Plus if I felt I wanted it cooked some more I could just move it from my plate back onto the stone and voila, perfection!

Romancing the Stone

The portion size of the meat initially didn't feel up to par for the pricing. However, keep in mind we ordered more of a sampler platter. Once we finished the meats, we began sizzling up the veggies some more on the stone and finished up our sides, which ended up filling us up wonderfully!

Chocolate S'mores Fondue

Birthday Surprise on a Cold Rok

We really wanted to try the fondue, so we decided to order their Chocolate S'mores fondue for dessert. Our server brought the pot over with melting chocolate inside (Billy may have ate a few), we waited for it to melt, and she returned to making the special fondue in front of our eyes! There were an array of fruits and pastries included for dipping. You could even spice things up and have them add some liquer in your fondue, for an extra fee of course, we didn't bother since the Chocolate S'mores fondue is flambeed already. We finished that up and they surprised me with a Birthday Ice Cream on one of their cold stones! The Rok Bistro definitely thrives on providing a unique experience with your meal!