Delicious, fall-off-the-bone curry goat and coconut-richened rice.

Jamaica pics finally coming up... First meal from a small hole-in-the-wall takeout counter near National Heroes Park.

Layover in Miami. Food was pretty food but pricey.

Another day, another poke bowl.

Cute bakery in Alameda with delicious, not-too-sweet pastries.

One of my favorite Eastern European places. The food is hearty and delicious and just like grandma made!

Yummy Chinese food. They specialize in Sichuan food but also have some milder dishes. I liked the fried rice; it was soft and flavorful and not oily at all.

Dim sum lunch, second round.

Roast chicken is my go-to for quick and easy weekday cooking.

My favorite take out dim sum spot in SF Chinatown

Trying the new February flavors

My favorite Ethiopian place in the Bay Area. Still good after all these years.

Catching up with an old friend at Chris Consentino’s nose-to-tail restaurant. He was there tonight; we sat at the chef’s counter and watched him work. The roast pig’s head was incredibly rich and over the top; there was more crunchy pig skin and fat than meat. It was a little too much and needed something like bland rice or potatoes to balance all the heaviness. It’s listed as a share plate and could easily feed four. The foie dish, which is a frequently recurring special, was my favorite of the night.

Made this in my Instant Pot; it’s great for cooking braises or stews on a busy week night. I was able to caramelize sugar on sauté mode, making this an easy one pot dish. Caramelized sugar is used in both Caribbean and Vietnamese cooking for both flavor and color. I also made maduros (fried ripe plantains).

I was in the mood for spice and offal... this hit the spot! It’s the only menu item that is listed by its Chinese name on the menu. The portion was gigantic — enough for two meals — and the spice and flavors were on point. Z&Y doesn’t hold back and Americanize their dishes. (Though on a side note, it’s very popular after shining reviews and a visit from Obama, so you’ll see tourists there ordering the blandest items.)

Second lunch to tide me over since I have to eat dinner after 9:30 pm... it’s good for the cost ($4.50) and the couple who runs the place is nice. Not gourmet but will hit the spot when you’re hungry and don’t want to hurt your wallet.

Food trend alert! I tried the tacro, a croissant/taco, and it was underwhelming. The slaw was too acidic and it dominated the flavor profile. The meat was fine and the croissant was the best part. You have to eat this one quickly or it will disintegrate on you. You also need utensils! It wasn’t that much food for $12 and I ended up getting a second lunch because I was going to do two workout classes after work.

My favorite poke spot in the city. Generous portions and good sauces.

Had to try the January flavors before they left!

Bollito misto, a Northern Italian dish of slow simmered meats, is only served here for one week a year in the winter. I had to come! The meat was tender and delicious (it did need a little salt) and came with the traditional sauces: salsa verde, mostarda, horseradish cream. The gnudi is always on the menu and a must order.

My local dim sum place. All this for only $6.85. And it’s tasty too!

I think I went a little too far with my breakfast burrito. I ordered the meat lover’s, which has a generous amount of bacon, ham, and sausage. This thing was heavy! And it took me a long time to finish it! Next time I’ll go back to my usual, the sausage chipotle breakfast burrito.

Best meal on Yummi, available very infrequently....

Coworker brought in delicious pastries from Arsicault. Their croissants and pain au chocolat are the closest thing to being in Paris.

A quick week night meal. I flavored the chicken with Gold Mountain sauce and added water chestnuts for crunch.