2 Year Anniversaire!

I have officially passed the two year mark living in Hong Kong. I never thought that the time would fly by so quickly. I'm still mildly surprised by all that I have managed to accomplish in this short period and am happy about all of life's trials and tribulations, professionally and personally. Fast forward 2 years later, I'm far along the path of becoming a lawyer and am fully immersed as a local Hong Kong-er. It truly feels more like home for me here than anywhere else. My recent trip back to Boston/NYC made me realize that I probably couldn't live in the US right now and most likely, not for the next few years. What would I do without my 24hr Tsui Wah, junk trips, octopus card, and quarterly visits to Thailand?

Sitting in Newark Airport, watching the people of America walk by made me miss very little of the formerly once proud and loud country. What I did miss was the fresher air in Weston, my dysfunctionally close family, our dog Hiro, a few of my closest friends and of course, the FOOD! However, it's probably for the best that I don't eat American sized portions anymore as I now realized why I was 15lbs heavier when I lived in NYC. But, man oh man did I miss the food!

I must admit, one thing that America does well is STEAK. I probably had enough red meat intake during my 3 week visit to last me through the next two years. Everywhere we ate seemed to offer a decent steak on its menu, full of flavour, naturally and humanely raised, and definitely at a much more reasonable price point. I also noticed that eggs tasted more fresh, with distinct flavor between the yolk and the white and whilst at home, they whipped up fluffy and light. Perhaps it's all the US hormones that make them taste better but regardless, it made my omelette this morning (from organic New Zealand eggs) appear a lot less sexy.

Seared sirloin over mixed green bean salad at Stefanie's, Newbury Street


Delicious eggs benedict served over hashbrowns with bacon and cheddar at Mel's, Framingham

To further the cholesterol extravaganza, I clearly overindulged in SEAFOOD. Lobster, oysters, clams, shrimp: you name it, I ate it (in mass quantities). The freshness again and the price point made it hard for me to say no to another round of raw cherrystones and Cape Cod oysters, arrived just that day.

Some highlights from my stay in Boston:

Homemade cavatelli pasta in Giacomo's lobster sauce with lobster meat and giant prawns, Giacomo's, North End

Just barely cooked cod with a diaphanous bernaise sauce topped with caviar, Jo's Brasserie

Tempura Soft Shell Crab at Legal Seafood's, Boston

As I only had four days in NYC, I had to make most of my limited time to eat till my belly physically could no longer store any food. I got off to a good start, stopping by Saigon Bakery for my beloved Banh mi as soon as I arrived to Chinatown.

The #1 BBQ Pork Banh Mi, only $4.25!

My favorite viet sub was followed by a strawberry frasier at the Financier on Wall St which probably wasn't the best idea considering dinner was at 8:30 at another great latin fusion outlet, Yerba Buena:

Tangy, citrus-y and spicy clams ceviche at Yerba Buena

I was lucky to get a table with my good friend from college, Carrie, at Clinton Street Baking in a mere 30 minutes (shortest wait ever!). Of course, I had the pancakes and of course, it was just as glorious as I remember: spongey cake saucers, lightly powdered in sugar, covered in summer blueberry compote, and all dipped in maple buttery goodness.

The meal that remains most salient from my short trip to NYC was to Salinas, a nouveau Spanish eatery, opened only months ago. Located on 9th avenue, b/w 18th and 19th street, I highly recommend making a reservation at Salinas for an intimate dinner with friends. I guarantee, you won't be disappointed.

Each dish was thoughtfully plated and presented with slight artistic flare. The portions tended to be on the slim-side but this made it easier to order a variety of starters and entrees.

Brussels sprouts and cauliflower with smoked paprika at Salinas

Ceviche canario, simple & fresh, but bursting with flavor

A sublime salad of baby romaine with garlic ajili and anchovies,

Grilled Dorade, served with a watercress salad

Other delicious plates included a trio of charcuterie and the steak entree. Even the patatas bravas were amazing, perfectly crisp and seasoned liberally with their signature smoked paprika. Not only was the food excellent, their wine list was equally impressive. Both Rioja's sampled were of top quality, incredibly complex, full bodied, but not in your face.

Lastly, Salina's as as space is quite lovely as well. The main eating area has walls of exposed limestone while the eating area in the back is reminiscent of a posh green house. The front of the house touts a cozy bar area that would make any wait reasonably comfortable. A special thank you is in order to my friend Renaud for the wonderful recommendation.

I must admit, after all this fine dining, I'm blessed to not have gained too much weight (emphasis on the too ). Now that I'm back in Hong Kong, the gym regime has resumed! That doesn't mean however, I'll be forsaking my constantly hungry tumm tumm. Stay tuned for reviews of Yardbird, Al Molo, and Cantopop.

Love, peace, and grease,

Renee