Kingdom Dim Sum: Hidden Gem in Los Angeles’ Thai Town

Baked BBQ Pork Bun with Puff Pastry, Kingdom Dim Sum, Los Angeles, California

Kingdom Dim Sum is a casual restaurant popular for its affordable dim sum in Thai Town, located in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, CA. The restaurant sits in a small strip mall along Hollywood Boulevard, a short walk from the Walk of Fame. Inspired by his father, who owned a dim sum restaurant, the …

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Prontos’ Gourmet Market & Eatery: Sandwiches in Carlsbad, California

Super Italian Sub with a side of Pasta Salad, Prontos’ Gourmet Market & Eatery, Carlsbad, California

Prontos’ Gourmet Market & Eatery is a family-owned and operated restaurant in the heart of Carlsbad Village, California. Since 1995, they have been serving their community by offering a variety of gourmet hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, salads, pasta, and more, all prepared fresh. In their market, I found a selection of meats, cheeses, breads, …

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Pakwan Restaurant: Pakistani Indian in San Francisco

Chicken Tikka Masala, Pakwan Restaurant, San Francisco, California

Pakwan is a Pakistani Indian restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for blends of Indian spices and traditional cooking techniques. When it opened in 1991, its mission was to use authentic recipes from the Indian subcontinent. Thanks to their tireless efforts and devotion, Pakwan swiftly gained a reputation as the go-to destination for …

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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, …

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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 in San Francisco known for 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 …

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The EATery at Mammoth Brewing Company in Mammoth Lakes

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, Whiskey Creek was one of the most popular restaurants and happy hours in Mammoth Lakes. 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 …

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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 …

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Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo: Jalapeño Burger and Fries

Halopeño Burger, named after the General Manager of Firestone Grill, San Luis Obispo, California

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 …

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