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!

Carmel Valley Ranch

The Property & Our Room
Carmel Valley Ranch is a beautiful 500 acres of land with bundles of fun all around. This place is so huge that they offer an on-property shuttle to bring you around their 500 acres of land. You may also spot a few deers, birds, and other wildlife around the ranch. There are lots of exciting and fun things you can do at Carmel Valley Ranch; unfortunately, we didn't have time to do everything as we only had the chance to stay the one night. Where should I begin to describe how great this place was. We stayed in the Vineyard Oak Studio with an amazing bathtub located in the bathroom as well as another on the patio deck outside. The room was open and inviting and oh so cozy.

The Experience
We had a rather interesting stay as we were lucky enough to stay the night of the peninsula power outage - which also happened to rain the same night. So yes, this meant no electricity (aside from the phones), no hot water - other than what the generator could handle onsite. Luckily the main lodge seemed to be operating fine, which also meant food was available! With the limited power on property, the staff ensured our safety throughout by checking on us and were very courteous and kind. There was a flashlight in the room but they offered us a lantern as well. This added on to our romantic getaway as well as give us the opportunity to explore all their playground had to offer - rather than stay in the room watching tv, as we probably would've if not for our luck! Let me begin with the service, as that is the most important aspect of hospitality. The service was great everywhere, from the front desk to all of their event staff. Wonderful communication from booking our stay and everything on our itinerary to having a folio emailed to us after we've departed! We were also able to make amazing s'mores by the poolside campfire, which even the rain of that night couldn't ruin.

Food & Beverage
Dinner - We had the following brought up to our room via room service: Honey Chili Chicken Wings, Truffle Fries, Seasonal P.E.I. Mussels, Ceviche, and Mary's Free Range Chicken Breast. The mussels were a bit strong on the wine for our tastes that evening but the ceviche was definitely a crowd pleaser. The chicken wings were sweet and delicious, whereas the chicken breast was easy to slice through and was savory to taste.

Breakfast - We chose to go off of their Hot Buffet Style Option as we were in a hurry at the time. They offered smoked salmon, so I even got to make my own smoked salmon bagel. Loved the all-you-can-eat buffet option with the variety of hot and fresh options available.


Amenities & Extras
Tennis - We were able to play on a clay court for the very first time. I was probably more excited than I should have been. If you're a tennis athlete I would highly suggest playing on a clay court. The ball absorbs into the court, leaving a mark on the court showing where the ball had landed and making it more difficult to hit an ace, and much easier to call it in or out.
Gym - We also went to work out at the gym located at the hotel to burn off all the great food we had at their restaurant and room service located on property. They have more equipment available to use than we're used to in a resort. They also offer different fitness classes, many lovely pools throughout, an adults only pool area, as well as an infinity hot tub!
Organic Garden - Where they have fresh fruit and plants as well as their chickens and bees. Yes, I said bees; they do have a bee experience class as well.
Horseback Riding - We initially had planned for their Chaparral Loop Trail Ride however, due to the rain we had to take a raincheck on that. So hopefully another day! However, the days leading up they do ask you experience level as well as height and weight to give to the trainer, so they're very thorough with their information, which we appreciated much.
Golf - As you stroll throughout the property, you may see many partaking in golfing all around the property. There's even golf carts onsite!
Spa Aiyana - We ended our stay with a relaxing 110 minute Couples Massage. From the spacious locker rooms to the array of drinks and snacks offered, it was everything we needed to complete our little getaway.