Tori no Ichi Festival at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Each November, the Tori no Ichi Festival takes place at Hanazono Shrine, a Shinto shrine located not far from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. At Tori no Ichi festivals, held all over Japan, lucky charms or rakes known as Kumade are available for sale. The festival held at Hanazono Shrine is one the most important in the Kantō region of Japan. In Tokyo, you can find these festivals at many other temples including Asakusa Temple and Chokoku Temple. 2023 Dates: …

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Basic Bar & Pizza 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

Basic Bar & Pizza, located in the East Village of downtown San Diego, is a restaurant known for its thin-crust brick oven pizzas. It is also popular with locals and visitors because of its one-page drink menu and happy hour specials. I first heard about Basic Bar & Pizza through a friend, who found out through a friend, who found out through another friend. He told me about a unique pizza with mashed potatoes and bacon. He got my attention …

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Everything you need to know when traveling to Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

In this guide, I will share with you everything I have learned from my visits to Seoul. This guide is perfect for anyone who is traveling to Seoul and needs practical information. This information includes where you should stay, what to eat, what to see, and how to get around. So why visit Seoul? In just a half century, Seoul has risen from the ashes of war and transformed itself into a modern day metropolis. The city is an interesting …

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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 a tradition whenever I drive 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. Since 1995, Firestone Grill has been a staple of downtown San Luis Obispo. Over the years, the restaurant …

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14 things I learned on my first trip to Singapore

One of the most recognizable buildings in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands

I just returned from my five day trip to Singapore. Since this was my first time visiting Singapore, I had no idea what to expect before leaving. Through my little research, I knew it was clean and tropical, and the best spot to eat in Singapore was at one of the many hawker centres. That’s about all I knew. But I went with an open mind as I love visiting new cities. And when I landed, I hit the ground …

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Den Noc in Prague, Czech Republic: Savory Salmon Pancakes

Savory Pancakes with Salmon, Sour Cream, and Dill, Den Noc, Prague, Czech Republic

Den Noc, meaning day and night, is a small and cozy bistro and wine bar located not far from the crowds of the Old Town in Prague, Czech Republic. After eating my fair share of potato dumplings and pork knuckles, I was ready for a change. Den Noc was started by a newly married couple with a dream to open their own business. That dream came true. Today, one handles the cooking and baking while the other focuses on wine. …

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Fuunji in the Shinjuku Ward of Tokyo, Japan: Tsukemen Ramen

Large Deluxe Tsukemen, Fuunji, Tokyo, Japan

The first time I tasted a bowl of tsukemen was at Fuunji, a small and unassuming ramen shop hidden on a quiet street near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. Fuunji is considered by many, including me, to serve the best bowl of tsukemen in Tokyo. Every time I return to Tokyo, I make sure to stop by Fuunji first. Even with its hidden location, Fuunji is no secret. You should always expect a line out the door. Even once inside, …

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Mak’s Noodle in Hong Kong: Beef Brisket Wonton Noodle Soup

Beef Brisket Wonton Noodle Soup

Mak’s noodle is an institution in Hong Kong. This no-frills restaurant is one of the most popular spots in the city for wonton noodles. Did I mention the restaurant even has its own Wikipedia page? In Hong Kong, wonton noodles is simple. At its most basic, you have a bowl of piping hot and savory broth filled with chewy yet firm egg noodles and delicate shrimp dumplings. Whatever else you choose to add, whether meat or vegetables, is up to …

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Blue’s Egg in Milwaukee: Brunch and Eggs Benedict

House made English muffins along with house cured pulled ham

Everyone that lives in Milwaukee seems to know that Blue’s Egg is one of the best spots in the city for breakfast and brunch. Even though the restaurant is hidden in a small strip mall off Interstate 94 near Wauwatosa, you can always expect there to be a wait for a table. Not surprisingly, when I arrived at Blue’s Egg, the place was packed. Did I mention it was a late Monday morning? Since I was dining alone, I was …

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