Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Lolita restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio

Roasted Pork Belly Sandwich, Lolita, Cleveland

Note: Since posting this review, the restaurant has closed. Being a Food Network nerd, I was excited to learn about Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Lolita restaurant in the Tremont neighborhood near downtown Cleveland. Tremont is the “go to” place for food in Cleveland. The historic area is trendy and hipster with a small town feeling …

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Brunch at Gastown’s Tuc Craft Kitchen in downtown Vancouver

Irish Stew Skillet with lamb and grass fed beef at Tuc Craft Kitchen, Vancouver

Note: Since posting this review, the restaurant has closed. If you are looking for a casual place in downtown Vancouver’s Gastown to have weekend brunch and great drinks, then you should stop by Tuc Craft Kitchen. The restaurant is located on West Cordova Street, just south of Water Street. If you aren’t familiar with Gastown, …

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Brunch at Jack Flaps in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood

This colorful and beautifully presented dish is the Cuyahoga Benedict

While on my flight to Cleveland, a local recommended that I eat breakfast at Jack Flaps, located in the historic Ohio City neighborhood. On the way to my hotel, my Uber driver once again recommended me to Jack Flaps. Being new to the Cleveland breakfast scene, I decided to trust the wisdom of the locals. …

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My first poutine at Fritz European Fry House in Vancouver

Medium poutine topped with MTL smoked meat

Vancouver may not be as well known for poutine as Montreal, but places like Fritz European Fry House off Granville Street still know how to make poutine. If you don’t know what poutine is, take some fries, gravy, and cheese and mix it. Where I live in California, poutine is the new and cool thing …

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Ocean views at Cafe Agua Azul in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Tuna tostadas piled high with ahi tuna, avocado, and cream sauce

After hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park, I visited Cafe Agua Azul for drinks and food without knowing much about the place. From the road, the building looked like it hung off a cliff with just air, jungle, and ocean below. After I parked out front, I walked up the stairs into a beautiful open-air …

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Twisted Fork: Scallops and shredded duck confit in Vancouver

The beautiful Marinated Scallops

It was my first day in Vancouver. After a long day of traveling, I was hungry and willing to eat anything within walking distance. Near my hotel on Vancouver’s Granville Street, I discovered Twisted Fork, a French-inspired bistro offering dishes with a Canadian twist. Twisted Fork is a no-fuss, non-pretentious bistro that prides itself on …

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