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!