Al Gelato - BitterSweet

cappuccino ice cream with bits of coffee crunch. my favorite bitter/sweet gelato.

Enough with strawberries or orange ice cream that only tickles your mouth. In Al Gelato, the darkest in the ice cream color palette is the best of 'em all. The thing might look unappetizing but the taste is a blend of strong bitter coffee, little touch of sweet, and crunchy coffee bits. perfecto.

creme brule is super sweet by itself so a scoop of cappuccino perfectly tone it down.

Al Gelato
806 S Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 659-8069 

Aurora - Enchanted

Living up to its one Michelin star, Aurora is the go-to place to make you feel inevitably spoiled whenever you're in Macau. A serene atmosphere and wondrous Macau peninsula view created  a jaw-dropping impact, especially at night. Choice of high tables for tapas, poised dinning room, and Japanese-style rattan terrace for the ocean view are available. Just a flawless spot to celebrate our new year...

The exquisite eight courses cuisine were tantalizing our taste buds and the 500-strong wine list is no less impressive. The stellar service added touch of real class in the overall experience.

 

oysters in bellini jelly, oscietra caviar, lobster and sicilian blood orange mousse

pan-seared foie gras with black truffle, celeriac cream and rossano licorice flavored juice

scallop cappuccino with porcini mushroom, belgium endive and coffee emulsion

smoked scamorza and eggplant ravioli, orange duck ragout, five years old parmesan broth

wild smoked amadai with winter vegetables and herbs sauce

japanese beef tenderloin with purple potato puree and gaja sauce

italian cheese selection

manjari dark chocolate mousse with chesnut cream and hazelnut eclair

two sets of petit fours

the other companion. a glass of red.

As if the fascination of Aurora was not enough, we lounged at the terrace to enjoyed Macau skyline light up together with fireworks working its magic. Sealed with toasts, hugs, and kisses of new year.

Altira Hotel

10F Avenida de Kwong

Tung, Taipa

Macau

www.altiramacau.com

Quartino - Bon Appetito in Chicago

After months of anticipation, finally the days I've been waiting for had come - two of my dearest friends were getting hitch! To top it all off, the wedding reception was held in Chicago and most of my college buddies back from Michigan State University (yep, I'm a proud Spartan) were reunited... WOHOOO it felt so good to be back to Chi-town...

Windy city + friends reunion + exquisite wedding = FIESTA!!!

So, what should a hungry girl do after hours of flight from LAX-MDW? Eat, eat, eat...

Back in 2007, the wedded couple took me to Quartino, for a delightful Italian tapas and I just wanna relive the experience once again.

The minute I stepped into Quartino, we were warmly welcomed and seated in the outdoor patio.
Substantial marble tables and nice comfortable chairs makes it pretty, however the patio was too close to the walking pavements and streets which means loud noises, walking hobos and traffic.

Since we were in a small plates movements, so we ordered three dishes for the two of us to share.

Veal Meatballs Napolli - Meatballs will never be the same again! Served on a hot pan with sun dried tomatoes, sweet raisins, and MAGIC sauce. Melts in your mouth! I never knew meatballs can change my life. sweeter, meatier, juicier, and tastier! Ahhhh....Polenta Fries with red pepper sauce - I was trying so hard to like this dish after my first bite. To say the sauce was bland would be an understatement. Judging from the bold orange color I expected it to be spicy, or at least gimme some taste. Such a waste of my tummy space!
Steamed Clam with Pinot Grigio and red chili broth - it was lots of tasty clams and the broth was fantastic. The thin slices of garlic were the perfect compliment to the clams.It was a good way to kick start my Chicago trip. Bon Appetito!

Quartino
626 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 698-5000
www.quartinochicago.com

Bottega Louie - The Heart of Downtown

I was so excited to try what everyone has been buzzing about one of downtown finest, Bottega Louie. The hustle of this place reminds me of the Sopranos, American-Italian New Yorker down to business. All the pastries, desserts, sandwiches, and cold food to-go are right at front for ease and convenience. and I really like the decor of elegant white cleanse and uber high ceilings.

As I walk in, I immediately drool over those rainbow macaroons in neat row calling my name "rescue me!!"
And of course a massive desserts galore of cupcake, tarts, eclair, muffin, et cetera...

"I'm a sexy tart. what are you waiting for?"I bet the desserts are delicate and filling, however the brunch has failed to impress me. To say the least BL don't have the variety nor novelty on the brunch menu. The taste and quality just okay and I can't say I liked it.

Bagels, smoked salmon, cream cheese, sliced tomatoes, dill, capers & red onion.

Usual eggs benedict :poached eggs, Canadian bacon, spinach, English muffin & hollandaise sauce
French toast: brioche & maple syrup

Lemon ricotta pancakes served with house made blueberry syrup. Although I've had better, this will be my favorite among them all.
The complimentary warm bread and butter was a treat though, and we asked for more. and more.

Hopefully Bottega Louie won't let me down next time for a round of dinner or lunch. I'm not giving up on you yet!

Bottega Louie
700 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(866) 418-9162

www.bottegalouie.com