prenatal dining out | Newton

We had nested all we could nest. The nursery was ready. We were ready. My induction was scheduled. We worked hard wrapping up at the office. We also worked hard putting together all the baby gear. And then, we felt like dining out all the time. These were not planned "we must eat out everywhere before baby comes!!" dinners, they were actually somewhat spontaneous outings that happened to mark special prenatal events. 

Also posting the February occasions: Valentine's Day // my 35th Birthday // Bob's birthday // [how cool that our sons birthday is right in between ours? Pisces Fam!]

I'm glad we took advantage. Postpartum, I've never been so content to be at home 24/7. It has all been so lovely. We're lucky!

Little Big Diner - Newton Centre

When you have a Ramen craving LBD is the best of the best. I enjoyed the very filling Miso Ramen topped with chashu pork, bean sprouts, sweet corn, scallions, nori + an ajitama egg

Sweet Tomatoes Pizza - West Newton 

Lunch Date before my Non Stress Test @ NWH MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine).
This pizza is some of my favorite around. We had Garlic Spinach + Hawaiian.

COOK - Newtonville

Dinner date after getting the car seat inspected at the Newton City Police Dept.

Cook is an awesome neighborhood spot for an upscale casual meal. We shared Charred Broccoli with chimmichuri + Sticky Wings in a spicy soy glaze. A classic Burger with cheddar, LTO and crispy french fries hit the spot.

Rice Valley - Newtonville

The classic "lets go for spicy food" meal 

This was the night before my scheduled induction (Saturday 2/23). A little spicy never hurt the chances of going into labor naturally, right? 

We don't eat American Chinese food often. Rice Valley has a nice atmosphere to dine out in and the food is average. The Hot and Sour Soup was nice and spicy. We asked for the General Gao's Chicken (labeled as spicy) to actually come extra spicy. It did not, even though she assured it would, but it was still a tasty meal. The actual night of my induction (Sunday 2/24) we went for Spicy Buffalo Wings at Buffs Pub right before heading to NWH to get admitted. Talk about going all out. My water broke after one dose of the oral meds (which is considered lucky) so I honestly think the spicy wings helped me out!

West on Centre - West Roxbury

[I am postpartum now!]

Cam was still in the NICU and we were really not up for hanging out at home without him. This was another nice meal out that proved a welcome distraction. I had Pan Seared Sea Scallops in a citrus reduction over butternut squash puree + sautéed garlic spinach with roasted cauliflower. 

This neighborhood restaurant provided a terrific meal and swiftly paced (but not rushed) service. This was perfect for us as we did not want to linger, we were either eager to head back to NWH for Cam's bedtime feeding, or home to get that extra, much needed sleep! 

Saturday 3/2 ended up being Camden's last night in the hospital. On our way home we received a call from his nurse that he would likely be discharged the next day. He came home with us on his actual due date, Sunday, March 3rd! He is now 3 weeks old and I've never been happier! Being his Mom is the absolute best. 

Shōjō | Chinatown

Shōjō is one of my favorite restaurants. A Chinatown mainstay dishing offbeat takes on modern Asian fare in a funky space painted with elaborate murals, you absolutely have to go and get all of the lust worthy dishes and Japanese cocktails you can manage!!

Originally I had Shōjō on the docket in my latest and greatest round up post but then, I've done that before! So that did not seem fair. I think doing favorites justice in a full post is too much (self-inflicted) pressure to write well. Deep breaths. Just show the food.

To drink Bob and I love the Yakuza Old Fashioned featuring Nikka coffee grain whiskey, bitter caramel + angostura.

Pork Belly Dumplings ($15) bathe in a sake hoisin with cilantro, radish, and jalapeno

The Shojinator ($7) is their burger! A hamburger patty with smoked bacon and kimcheese is sandwiched on a house steamed bun. Please note KIMCHEESE.

Chicken + Waffles v3.0 ($16) features juicy thighs on a Hong Kong waffle (so on point!) with five-spice butter and sizurrp. 

Suckling Pig Bao with smoked bbq sauce, kimchi and pickled cucumbers is tender, juicy, crispy + fluffy. A perfectly done bao!

In conclusion Fried Chicken + Waffles v 3.0 / The Shojinator / Dumplings / Bao / run to Chinatown, visit Shōjō and let me know if you love as much as Bob and I do!

Shōjō

9A Tyler Street

Boston, MA 02111

Hungry in Bali | Seminyak Dining

I purchased this fantastic book in advance of our trip called Hungry in Bali from The Asia Collective. This ultimate culinary island guide comes with a personal discount code; it became our trusted source for restaurant recommendations in not only Seminyak but Ubud and Bukit as well. Our little culinary bible! Dining out in Bali is inexpensive to begin with so the discounts are a fun perk of purchasing the guide. If you are going to Bali use my discount code stillhungry10 for 10% off your own copy.

In Ubud we used the book at what ended up being three of my favorite spots: Hujan Locale, Copper Kitchen + Bar and Folk Cafe Pool + Garden. In Bukit we used it for free access to Sunday's Beach Club ($25 per person) plus 10% off our total bill. 

In Seminyak we used it when dining at: Merah Putih, Tiger Palm and Kilo Kitchen. For drinks at: Motel Mexicola and Moonlight. And in Canggu at Strawberry Fields. Each of these dining experiences were so special to me, truly memorable nights out with my fiancé over inspired and impressive cuisine.

Merah Putih serves traditional and modern Indonesian in a mesmerizing space, where rainwater is captured in translucent roof columns and filtered into indoor rivers. The dining room is exquisite, sultry and romantic. The creative plates designed for sharing showcase a range of technique, spices and flavors. We had A LOT of food here and it was totally worth it to sample so many dishes. 

Bamboo Lobster Dumplings - shellfish bisque, tomato + kaffir lime 

Rujak Udang - tiger prawns with green papaya + banana blossom 

Chargrilled Lombok Octopus - watermelon radish, cauliflower, fern tip + sambal bajak*

Tongkol Gohu - manado yellowfin tuna, lemongrass + cassava

Buntut Makassar - chargrilled oxtail with soy, peanuts + leeks in kluwek* broth

Nasi Uduk - coconut + lemongrass pandan* steamed rice 

Coklat - chocolate bibka amon, mousse + banana ice cream 

Kelapa - young coconut panna cotta, hibiscus + pandan* granita

{The Hungry in Bali deal was a complimentary dessert per person}

Our first meal in Seminyak was a home run, Merah Putih is a beautiful, unique and delicious experience.

Post Dinner Drinks @ Motel Mexicola

A taqueria by day and one of the best parties in Seminyak by night; we showed up to a tequila infused crowd dancing on all the tables. I borrowed their website photos above to showcase the colorful, upbeat, retro Acapulco vibe - the interior is ridiculously awesome. 

{The Hungry in Bali Deal at Motel Mexicola is a complimentary taco per person} 

On our second evening out in Seminyak we enjoyed dishes inspired by Southeast Asian street food at Tiger Palm. The chefs inspiration plus high quality ingredients transcends to fragrant, spicy, rich and comforting dishes. 

Chinese Stuffed Prawn Wonton - homemade mayonnaise + chili salt 

Oxtail + Wild Mushroom Arancini - shredded slow cooked oxtail with basmati rice, chili, turmeric, mozzarella + parmesan 

Black Cod Teriyaki - char grilled with a radish, edamame, sweet corn + cherry tomato succotash 

Caramelized Duck Leg (probably my favorite entrée this trip!) - coriander, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, tea smoked egg, spring onion + lime dressing

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 10% off our total bill}

Post Dinner Drinks @ Moonlight 

A contemporary Asian rooftop space overlooking Double Six Beach where we sipped espresso martinis late into the evening. 

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 20% off our total bill}

On our third night we switched it up and ventured slightly north to soak in the boho vibes in Canggu at Strawberry Fields. This laid back jungle-canopy oasis lit by chandeliers and playing old school hip hop specializes in Australian breakfasts and gourmet burgers. I had the Royale with Cheese and Bob had a Big Mac alongside well made cocktails. 

[Pool table photo credit]

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 2 for 1 - buy one main dish to receive one complimentary}

Post Dinner Drinks this evening were @ Char Char

Char Char in Seminyak Square is one of those places you spot and can't help but want to be a part of the scene. Their front wall features a set of steps creating a tired terrace that overlooks the buzzing street front. (Blurry photo taken from a moving taxi...)

Travel Tip: Speaking of taxis, Seminyak was the first place we encountered where taxi drivers tried to rip us off. (Our first encounter entirely with anyone being rude in Bali!!) Always ask them to run the meter. If they refuse just find another cab as they are required by law to run them. There is no way a taxi ride across town should cost almost as much as a car to get to the airport. 

Kilo Bali was the encore meal in a string of hits, proving Seminyak's food scene absolutely kills it. The sleek and hard angled concrete space with slanted floor to ceiling windows feels ultra modern. Leafy green potted plants and woven rugs add a touch of cozy to the otherwise minimalist vibe. They serve soul nourishing Asian-Western fusion cuisine.

Sake Sangria - Kiki-Masamune Sake, ginger, orange, mint

Crispy Soft Shell Crab - compressed watermelon, Thai red curry gravy

Black + White Prawn Ravioli - sake butter sauce, rocket, parmesan

Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks - mashed potato, shimeji*, hot and sweet thai glaze, kemangi*

Coconut Tembleque - chocolate cinnamon, pineapple, oat crumbs

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 15% off our total bill}

Post Dinner Drinks @ Moet + Chandon Champagne Bar

Back in the hustle and bustle of Seminyak Square this rowdy bar was the perfect spot to celebrate on our final evening of the trip. This entire adventure has truly been an eye opening travel experience, not to mention engagement-moon bliss!

Travel is meaningful - not only because almost every trip you take will move you outside your comfort zone, but also because every interaction is a chance to contribute a mutual understanding between people. The power of hospitality allows citizens to find common ground and to discover the beauty that lies across borders. (source)

*sambal bajak = multi chili relish

*kluwek = nut from the Pangium, a tall native mangrove tree

*pandan = herbaceous fragrant tropical plant

shimeji = mushrooms native to east Asia

*kemangi = lemon basil

Newport - Laguna - Huntington | California

Behold the laid back, surfer cool, palm tree lined, wide sandy beaches of Southern California.  It was my first time here!

We were staying in Santa Ana for a wedding and on the day of decided to spend the morning in Newport. We walked the pier and the beach, feeling invigorated by the suns warmth and salt water. Then we headed south to Laguna Beach. Downtown Laguna is bustling with fine art galleries and beachy shops; it is very picturesque and artsy. The landscape is essentially a canyon surrounded by rolling hills with wide arched beachfront coves. We had lunch at Nick's (440 South Coast Hwy) - a go to spot of the bride and groom. It was packed but we managed to snag seats at the bar next to the breezy open windows and street front patio. We loved the California comfort food menu: the Asparagus Fries ($11), Shrimp Taquitos ($13) and Spicy Thai Soba Noodle Salad ($18) were all terrific. The fun pink cocktail is a Spicy Paloma ($14) made with milagro reposado tequila, jalapeño, basil and grapefruit. 

After the wedding we road tripped east and spent time in the desert. On the return prior to our flight out of LGB we hung out in Huntington Beach. We had an early dinner at Duke's (317 Pacific Coast Hwy) located right at the pier - it was recommended by locals in the surf shop across the street and turned out to be a great meal. We started with Moana Margaritas ($11) and the Crispy Coconut Shrimp ($12) with lilikoi chili water + green papaya slaw. I had Sautéed Macadamia Nut + Herb Crusted Ono ($18) - a Hawaiian white fish dusted in parmesan panko with tomato lemon caper butter, house rice, bok choy + macadamia nut slaw. Bob went with the Chef's Cheeseburger ($16) - an angus chuck, brisket + hanger grind with smoked cheddar, black pepper bacon aioli, pickled Maui onions + arugula on a brioche bun with a side of grilled asparagus.  A pretty west coast sunset later and it was off to catch our red eye. 

While the beaches are nice, no doubt relaxed and sunny and beautiful, the desert was life changing and easily my favorite part of Southern California. Can't wait to share more!