California

Pakwan: Pakistani Indian Restaurant in San Francisco

Chicken Tikka Masala, Pakwan Restaurant, San Francisco, California

Pakwan is an authentic Pakistani Indian restaurant with locations in the San Francisco Bay area. When opened in 1991, Pakwan’s mission was to use authentic recipes of the Indian subcontinent, featuring unique blends of Indian spices and traditional cooking techniques. Thanks to their tireless efforts and devotion, Pakwan swiftly gained a reputation as the go-to destination for authentic and traditional Pakistani Indian cuisine in the Bay Area. The restaurant attracts locals, tourists, families, and business workers alike. Today, Pakwan operates …

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Sweet Maple: Bacon and Brunch in San Francisco

Savory Soufflegg Skillet, Sweet Maple, San Francisco, California

Sweet Maple is a casual and inviting restaurant, coffeehouse, and gathering spot nestled in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood. After opening in 2010, Sweet Maple quickly gained popularity as a top brunch spot in San Francisco. Over the years, the spot has gained a following with locals, tourists, and culinary enthusiasts. At Sweet Maple, simplicity is key when it comes to their menu. They opt for high-quality, locally-sourced organic ingredients to create uncomplicated yet delicious dishes. Sweet Maple is …

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The Bird: Fried Chicken Sandwiches in San Francisco

The beautiful and delicious Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, The Bird, San Francisco

The Bird is a fried chicken sandwich shop with two locations in San Francisco, California. This fast-casual restaurant is famous for its cage-free chicken, freshly baked buns, homemade slaw, and craft beers. While San Francisco can be an expensive city to eat in, The Bird somehow doesn’t break the bank. They pride themselves on affordability without sacrificing quality. Almost every item on the menu is around $10 or less, almost unheard of in San Francisco. Since opening in 2016, The …

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The EATery at Mammoth Brewing Company in Mammoth Lakes, CA

The Philly Steak Sandwich, officially known as the It's Not a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, The EATery, Mammoth Lakes, California

Before Mammoth Brewing Company and The EATery, there was Whiskey Creek, one of the most popular restaurants and happy hours in Mammoth Lakes, CA. When I found out Whiskey Creek would be closing, I almost cried. For years, I stopped by Whiskey Creek for a drink or bite to eat after a long day of snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain in the winter or fishing in the summer. Luckily, the torch was passed on to Mammoth Brewing Company which continued the …

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Basic Urban Kitchen and Bar in San Diego, CA: Brick Oven Pizza

The Mashed Pizza with white sauce, mashed potatoes, and bacon, Basic Urban Kitchen and Bar, San Diego, California

Not far from the walls of Petco Park is Basic Urban Kitchen and Bar, a casual restaurant and bar famous for a pizza with mashed potatoes and bacon. I first found out about this “mashed” pizza through a friend, who found out through a friend, who found out through another friend. Everyone seemed to know about this magical pizza at Basic but me. When I happened to be down in San Diego for a baseball game, I knew exactly where …

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7 must see sights along the Big Sur coast you should not miss

Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur

Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This stretch of coastline, located between Carmel and San Simeon, is best known for its dramatic scenery and terrain. It is here where the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean crash into rugged cliffs and mountains which rise from the sea. It doesn’t make sense how something so beautiful can remain mostly untouched for so long. Whether you visit for one day or one year, there will always be …

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Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo: Jalapeño Burger and Fries

Halopeño Burger, named after the General Manager of Firestone Grill

Stopping by Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo for a meal has become somewhat of a tradition for me anytime I find myself driving along Highway 101. This past week was no different. After a long day driving down the beautiful California coast through Big Sur from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I had one thing in mind, stopping at Firestone Grill for a burger and a beer. Even on a late Monday night, Firestone Grill was packed with everyone …

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Copper Top BBQ off Highway 395 in Big Pine, California

When I read that Copper Top BBQ off Highway 395 in Big Pine, California was first in Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2015, I was surprised. Out of all the places in the world, I would least expect a restaurant in the tiny town of Big Pine to be ranked one of the top in the country. I am quite familiar with Big Pine as I often find myself driving along Highway 395 on the …

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6 Things I Learned On My Rainbow Falls Hike

I’ll start my story out with letting you know that I am a novice hiker. I hike a few times every year and luckily I have never had any issues or gotten lost, until somewhat today. Today, I decided to hike a quick 3 mile round trip trail to Rainbow Falls in the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The hike out to the waterfall was easy, but on the way back I got lazy, made a few mistakes, and got …

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