East Coast Tour – NYC to DC

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When asked if I had ever been to the east coast, I would typically respond with “Yes, Florida is super humid!” resulting in blank stares and blinking in quick succession. Now, I can confidently—and accurately—say that I’ve flown, walked, driven through, ate in, and survived the east coast! I could sum up my experience with one word: Direct. There are two buckets of people that exist on the east coast, people who know what they’re doing, and idiots. Safe to say, I spent most of my time in one of these buckets and the locals made sure to let me know!

CHAPTER 1: Welcome to New York

First, after an amazing experience flying biz class for the first time (with lay-flat seats!) into JFK, we took a cab ride over to our hotel and jumped on the subway to meet with my cousin Jon! Together, we walked through Chinatown and Little Italy as he and his husband helped guide us to the World Trade Center area.

Did you know? According to the architect, Michael Arad, the pools represent “absence made visible.” Although water flows into the voids, they can never be filled. 

Did you know? This pear tree may look ordinary, but its guard rails let you know that this is in fact The Survivor Tree, a tree found at ground zero that was rehabilitated and replanted at the memorial.

It’s hard to look around and even consider what it must have been like to be in these buildings, on this street, in this city, as the events of September 11, 2001 unfolded. 20-years-ago feels a lot closer here.

To lighten the mood after a rather somber experience, we walked over to the Hudson River for a glimpse at New Jersey and luckily for us, a dog costume competition was being held in a park looking over the river! By the way, NYC has no shortage of dogs—despite what you’ve heard about small living spaces, that is not enough to keep people from giving up precious personal space for their pooch!

After parting ways with both Jon and these costumed pets, we headed up to the One World Trade Center Observatory, which had a spectacular exhibit-like queue and 360-views of the city. Paired with a clear day, this was the ticket to get!

Back on the concrete, let’s take the subway and walk around!

Did you know? The building below is not the Empire State Building, it is the Chrysler Building—the world’s tallest building for 11 months before Empire State took the crown. Not gonna lie, I actually think this building is way cooler! #SizeDoesntMatter #ArtDeco

Central Park at this time of year was exceptionally colorful! Yellow, orange and red leaves filled the branches as well as the ground, and it took all of our will power to not gather a bunch of them and toss them in the air saying “Wee!”. Also a fun surprise, the statue of one of Jenny’s favorite animated movies exists here: Balto!

Times Square, the iconic center of Manhattan—big crowds but even bigger screens! We were able to catch Aladdin on Broadway, as well as eat at Joe’s Pizza, a local’s favorite slice!

Did you know? Pick pockets love this place, be careful!

New York is a very walkable and metro-able city, which means you can eat about twice as much as you normally would and not gain weight, right? Is that how this works?

Wah Fung Fast Food – Eat It

If you know Chinese BBQ, you will love this to-go joint that serves up all your favorites in single-portion-size containers. BBQ Pork and BBQ Duck are at the top of the list for me, and both of these were absolutely amazing, delicious and so portable! We went to the park across the street to munch on these. The sweet soy sauce they use drips over the meat and onto your bed of rice and cabbage (arguably the best part!)—a great primer for the rest of the day.

Joe’s Rice Roll – Eat It

These Hong Kong style rice rolls, otherwise known at dim sum as Cheung Fun 腸粉, are freshly made to order and by far the best I’ve ever had! A little chewy, gummy, saucy and no skimp on fillings (BBQ pork and plain for me), these rice rolls did not disappoint. Go for the sweet soy sauce, but don’t forget the sesame sauce, too!

Ess A Bagel – Eat It

I had heard a rumor that NYC bagels are especially good. That rumor is true. Check out this spooky Halloween-themed bagel with a NORMAL AMOUNT of strawberry cream cheese, and this BLTA (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado) with a NORMAL AMOUNT of bacon in an everything bagel!

Dominique Ansel Workshop – Eat It (Kinda)

Dominique Ansel is famous for inventing and selling Cronuts! Unfortunately, the Workshop is not the place to go to buy cronuts, this is where they are doing experimental recipes—I should have done more research! Needless to say, the brown butter kouign amma (DKA) was delicious, airy and flakey. As my friend John said, “That looks amazing, slap me with it.” A must-try!

Harry Potter New York – Drink It!

You’ve had it at the parks, but have you had it at the New York store? This version of Harry Potter’s butter beer is far superior than any theme park, store bought, or home brew! With a thick foam topping and a stein you get to keep, this butterbeer is worth the detour!

Sarge’s Deli – Eat It

I didn’t make it to Katz’s only because I always root for the underdog. Sarge’s Deli has been a contender for the #1 spot for pastrami sandwiches, so I just had to give it a shot. These thin slices of Pastrami were stacked incredibly high on soft, delicious rye. Add some mustard—and if you dare, some of your side coleslaw—and you have a sandwich up to your eye brows. The pastrami was both soft and delicious, but the ratio of bark to meat left me wanting more seasoning. Enter mustard. Also, if you get the Arnold Palmer see if it tastes like the smell of horses. Weird, right? Despite its shortcomings, I think it’s still on the Eat It list… at least once.

Rubirosa’s – Eat It

The two-hour wait was worth it for this artisanal take on the New York slice. Arguably the best pizza we’ve ever had, the vodka tomato sauce was sweet, the dough chewy, and the additional basil swirl on top is a GENIUS move. This “Tie Dye” pizza is the crowd favorite here for good reason. Order with a side of meatballs!

Joe’s Pizza – Eat It

“The quintessential New York Slice”, the line moves fast and the dough flies even faster. Remember how I said Rubirosa’s pizza was arguably the best pizza ever? This is why it’s an argument. Keeping it real with a slice of pepperoni, these pizzas have all the cheese, the grease, the chewiness you’re looking for in a New York slice making you feel like one of the locals (Ayyyyye!). So nice, we had it twice! Avoid anything fancy (the White, the Fresh Mozze, etc.) and stick to the classics like cheese, pepperoni or supreme for maximum effect.

CHAPTER 2: For Love and Crab Cakes

With burning thighs and aching soles, our time in New York ended and we headed onto the next leg of our east-coast excursion. Check out these beautiful (and clean!) train terminals from NY to PA! It was also Halloween, so we dressed up—can you find us in all the pictures below?

We had a few landmarks to check out in our short time in the city of brotherly love (what about the sisters though?). Given the state of our legs, the Rocky steps were not considered when we arrived in Philly!

I know Philly has a lot more to offer, but time was of the essence—rentals aint cheap these days! We headed into Baltimore in our Hyundai Elantra. Luckily the rental came equipped with an EZ Pass (FasTrak equiv) so the toll roads were a breeze for us as we headed into Baltimore, Maryland. Why Baltimore? One thing and one thing only.

Crab Cakes.

Faidley’s Seafood – Eat It

Maryland blue crab makes up this giant “lump crab cake” from Faidley’s Seafood – rated one of the best crab cakes in the nation. Using locally sourced Maryland blue crab, this 20-something dollar ball of sea spider was worth the pit stop. I’ve never had a crab cake (allergy) but I’ve seen Jenny eat enough to know that this one had more crab than any fillers! Jenny’s only gripe: “Needs lemon.”

Chapter 3 – D.C., a True Marvel

The best part about renting a car? Unlimited pit stops and detours! As we were on the edge of Maryland and DC, we passed by this amazing trail that had everything Jenny was looking for in a fall backdrop. Breathtaking views into a deep forest of trees—it’s fall, y’all!

After a 2-hour trek, we made it to the Nation’s Capitol! Having a quick bite and checking into our hotel, we headed to the National Mall to check things out! I had never rented one of those Bird scooters or bicycles, but with daylight running low, a light drizzle, and our walking capacity limited… YOLO. Honestly, it made for one memorable night and an even better pictures!

Jenny also got to do some trick or treating (chocolate) and meet a samoyed (dog)—two of her favorite things in the world!

You might’ve guessed this, but D.C. is filled with monuments to some of your favorite American celebs like Abe Linc and G. Wash! It’s great to see at all times of the day, and lucky for us there were little to no crowds. Off-season maybe? Great metro, though!

Absolutely loved the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History! Why? Because science! Also check out cool display of live humans behind glass doing cool stuff with bones! Loved the addition of the screen that lets you see what they’re seeing. Not pictured is the National Archives Museum (no photos allowed) which houses the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights—all of which are hardly readable now due to aging, but very cool to judge their penmanship 246 years later.

Did you know? All Smithsonian museums in the National Mall are free!

More walking, more eating! Although I must say, D.C. was mediocre at best.

Ted’s Bulletin – Eat It (or Drink It)

I ordered their pickle-brined fried chicken sandwich and was not impressed by the breading or seasoning. However, we really enjoyed this smore-inspired malt! We got it extra malty and you know it’s a great spot when they give you the metal cup along with the dressed up glass. I hear it’s the spot for breakfast, so I’m the problem—it’s me.

Daikaya Ramen – Eat It

If you’re looking for a solid bowl of ramen, Daikaya offers your traditional bases like Shio, Shoyu and Miso along with other specialties. This broth seems to use a really light chicken base and overall was a bit bland. The egg and the chashu were great along with nice chewy ramen noodles. Overall, a solid choice in Penn Quarter, but not memorable.

Succotash Prime – Beat It

Shocked that this was in the Michelin guide a couple of years ago, their specialty of fried chicken and waffles was under spiced and dry. The ribeye steak was somehow tough despite it being medium, and had a ham-like taste to it. The waiter said, “At least the grill marks are pretty!” The best thing we had there were deviled eggs with pickled green tomatoes at 1.50 a piece, but how many of those can you eat without getting gas? A money grab, an upscale restaurant disguise for mediocre food. Hot garbage.

Lincoln’s Waffle Shop – Beat It

I’m disappointed in this shop and I’m disappointed in Eater for advertising this as an essential place to go to for breakfast in D.C. I would have rather had hotel breakfast for this price and this quality. Hot garbage.

Well, that concludes our east coast tour! I kinda love the no-frills life style that exists on that side of the continent. I can also see how some people never learn how to drive because it’s sort of a useless skill when you live on grids as dense or well-connected as theirs. Overall, I’m excited to go back to other places (Boston? Vermont?) and I will be more equipped, knowledgable, and exercise both my legs and middle fingers to walk among the locals once more.

Until next time, GET OUTTA HEA’! #BadaBingBadaBoom

All photos in this entry were shot on the iPhone 14 Pro. This is not sponsored. Please sponsor me. I like free stuff.

Just Dropping By to Say “HI”

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We have not jumped on a plane since heading to New Orleans for our last anniversary, and to everyone who flew during the last two years—you are much braver than I! Even after analyzing surge trends of the last two years thinking I could time this right, COVID decided to have a surge while I was on an island 2,500 miles away. If that’s not a kick in the coconuts, I don’t know what is. I’m sure you’ve heard of someone traveling to Hawaii lately, and if you haven’t, then you’re probably that someone! To everyone reading, E Komo Mai to this blog post—let’s begin!

Of course, Jenny loving all things Disney, we had to stay a portion of our trip at Aulani Resort. At first, I was shocked at the price tag and the lack of its all-inclusivity. However, when you break down the experience it’s not so bad. An average room will cost about $650 a night, not including parking (don’t even get me started). However, given that you will receive Disney-quality guest rooms, customer service, entertainment and activities, beach access with chairs and umbrellas—it breaks down to the equivalent of a hotel stay with theme park admission (Lazy river all day!). It’s comfortable to say the least!

Along the beach there is a jogging path that connects 3 lagoons that several resorts share. It was a great way to start mornings at the resort and I officially became that guy that exercises on vacation.

After some character photos and eating over-priced, Disney-quality food (you know), we headed toward Waikiki for some of our favorite city eats and shopping!

Stumbled across this alleyway connecting the street to the beach—”Surfer’s Alley” is a place for dudes and dudettes to park and lock their surfboard. It makes for some cool touristy photos!

I don’t remember two Waiola Shave ice stands, but you bet Jenny wanted to go to both. I didn’t fight it. Also learned that “shave ice” is the proper name and not “shaved ice.” Grammar police does not exist in Hawaii.

Did you know: Waiola Shave Ice has a patented ice shaver—you will not find that ice texture anywhere else!

Somewhere in Hawaii Kai, waiting to dine at the original Roy’s restaurant, we saw some rowers practicing during an epic golden hour with an amazing cloudscape.

We also came across a lookout point that seemed very popular for wedding/engagement photos. There was a barrier with signage saying that entering the space was dangerous, but YOLO.

Checked out this place—I think this was called Sandy Beach. You know, cuz sand… beach… makes sense to me.

Honestly, I don’t even know where this is. Possibly Makapu’u Beach Park. Just keep driving and stopping and you’ll find some magic, like this person fishing using ocean rods and PVC pipe! Wherever this was, it was home to a lot of small tide pools and creatures like crab and small fish!

The last stop for us was Lanikai Beach, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. The sand here was pillowy soft, almost like that fake sand stuff for kids that you get at like Brookstone or whatever. Although the water is arguably more turquoise here, it looked just about the same as every other beach outside of Waikiki. However, being from the California coast, anything looks better.

Cute birb! Red Crested Cardinals were hanging out around Hawaii.

Has all of this visual walking and driving made you hungry yet? Here are some tasty eats we had on the Island!

Helena’s Hawaiian Food – Eat It

Open Tuesday through Friday only (weekend vacations please take note!), this place is no tourist trap! It looks to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, and the Pipikaula beef short ribs are the go-to. These ribs are dry-aged, giving them a jerky-like outside with a meaty, juicy texture that goes well with rice and Hawaiian mac salad. Pro tip: dip the meat in the Hawaiian pink salt to elevate that flavor! Other favs are the Chicken long rice. Laulau, which is like kalua pork mixed with some fish wrapped in a leaf, can be skipped.

The Original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai – Eat It

With the majority of this menu being seafood, I’m sure I am not one to say whether or not you should eat here. However, the braised short rib I had was nothing short of divine. In fact, I’d say it is the best I have ever had, topping the Obama Short rib recipe by chef Marcus Samuelsson. This short rib with a mustard sauce can’t be beat. Jenny also ordered crab cakes, which she says were also thee very best! The szechuan ribs were a great addition with a side of rice.

Liliha Bakery – Eat it

This bakery is famous for its cream puffs, particularly the coco puff, but I didn’t find that out until writing this blog post. Clearly, I am the coco puff in this situation. However, the ube mochi donut I had was chewy and light, far better than the ones at Mochinut! Yum!

Marugame Udon – Eat It

Classic! Don’t let the long lines deter you because this cafeteria-style noodery moves pretty quickly. Because of its popularity, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get freshly-made noodles and tempura here. I go for the cold version, especially on a hot tropical day! Los Angeles locations available (but nowhere near as good as this!). Also noodery isn’t a word, just made it up. Can we start a trend? #noodery

Waiola Shave Ice – Eat It

As mentioned above, we went to both locations in HNL and I can confirm that they are equally delicious. Whichever one you’re closer to, you can expect the same snowy texture and flavorful syrups. Jenny also noticed that they use a specific type of condensed milk, which she can identifiy by a picture of an old man on it. She called it “Condensed milk with the old man on it.” Branding at its finest.

Royal Hawaiian Center – Farmers Market – Beat It

The ultimate tourist trap—this farmers market inside the major shopping center in Waikiki got us. They had a variety of sliced fruits, meat on a stick, and knick knacks, but I would have probably ben better off with produce at a local grocery store. The assorted fruit cup that I purchased definitely had something sprayed onto it (probably to preserve its color or prevent oxidation) which changed the taste of the actual fruit. I did however try sugar cane for the first time which was a fun experience! Thankfully Jenny was there to tell me that you’re not supposed to eat it, just chew and suck—weird. I may need therapy.

Musubi Cafe Iyasume – Beat It

I SAID IT. This last time having the musubi here was such a disappointment that I dare say I will not be coming back. The rice was overpacked (not to mentioned overcooked and soggy), waited half an hour for the order—just overall a poor experience. Try it, try it somewhere else, don’t try it—do whatever you want. I would have rather had a Costco hot dog.

After all of that eating, a solo walk on the moonlit Waikiki beach was a great way to burn off some calories and take a cool night shot of course.

So after two years of not going anywhere, Hawaii was the ultimate de-stresser, pressure-relief valve, vacation we’ve had in a long time. In all of its tropical splendor, Hawaii has managed to become our most traveled-to destination (4 times between the two of us!). Thanks for letting us in, and here’s to hoping for more travel in the coming months. Bye!

YES To NOLA

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Apparently nobody calls it “Nawlins.” Glad I learned that well before I landed in The Big Easy. And what’s so “easy” about New Orleans? Is it the fact that on Bourbon Street, it’s easy to drink, listen to live music, eat some cajun food and have a good time? Can’t be. New Orleans was filled with an array of unique sights and smells–I can’t even compare it to any other place I’ve visited to date. It was filled with voodoo, ghostly vibes juxtaposed with beautiful art, architecture and a lively music and food scene. Flash, Bam, Alakazam–check out some snaps from our trip to NOLA!

A lot of the buildings had these metal balcony grates adorned with floral arrangements making for a pleasant stroll down the streets of the French Quarter.


 
 
People were not afraid to use vibrant colors on doors, shutters or just straight up the entire building!


 
 
Getting around was easy, whether by walking or street car. Uber was readily available for excursions outside of the French Quarter


 
 
Over in the Garden District were blocks of old victorian-style mansions. Haunted? Sure hope so.

 
 
Speaking of old stuff, check out the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States! Haunted? Maybe.

 
 
As the sun goes down, Bourbon street is lit up with bar lights, street signs and cigarette butts. Seemingly the most happening place to be, locals will tell you to check out Frenchman Street for a taste of what NOLA used to be like. It’s hard to describe the difference–you have to experience it. The art is more colorful, the bass goes way down low, and the bars got more swank than Hilary. Could be haunted.

 
 
Escaping the city, we took an after-rain stroll through Audubon Park which is home to some gigantic oak trees dressed with beautiful hanging Spanish moss. Sort of like a dream. A haunted dream.


 
 
One thing that I certainly did NOT think I would find in New Orleans is the National WWII Museum, which was extremely comprehensive with exhibits for both Pacific and European campaigns. I even managed to find some info about my Grandfather’s squad, The Flying Tigers. Though only a single display was dedicated to this info, it was pretty great to see this integral unit of the air corps recognized in a national museum. Likeliness of being haunted: likely.


 
 
Of course, staying in NOLA for 2 days, we had to eat something! Although we weren’t adventurous enough to try gator or rabbit, we got in our fair share of non-seafood, creole dishes–some of which I would gladly flash my breasts to get more of.

Cafe Du Monde
 
Beignets! A must-have when going to New Orleans. Don’t be fooled by similar venues or deterred by a long line, Cafe Du Monde serves one thing and one thing only: A fried piece of dough covered in powdered sugar. Depending on who you’re with, you can split an order of three (any normal human being) or get one order for each person (Jenny).


 
 
Parkway Bakery and Tavern
 
On the list for having an amazing roast beef po’ boy, Parkway is favored by locals and tourists alike. Take a look at this glistening masterpiece! Although I could eat po’ boys for the rest of my life and never think twice, I must say that the flavor and taste was nothing extraordinary–but that is the beauty of it! A basic sandwich that’s sure to get your belly full and your heart working double time.

 
 
Gumbo Shop
 
The only place in the French Quarter that Eater NOLA recommends, Gumbo Shop was yards away from our hotel and an easy choice on Tuesday morning before our flight. Though I don’t have anything to compare it to, the gumbo trio here let our taste buds explore. The trio had z’herb, hot turkey, and chicken with andouille sausage gumbos topped with rice, each one delicious in its own right. My favorite was actually the hot turkey with some garlic hot sauce sprinkled over it.

 
The Gumbo Shop also served Boudin sausage, a pork and rice sausage specific to cajun cooking. I liked it, but it is not my favorite sausage ever (see Taiwan). Inside the snappy casing, the rice and pork create a crumbly, grainy texture similar to eating cornmeal. Though tasty and well seasoned, it was not a sausage I can see myself craving more of.

 
 
Cochon
 
If you’re looking for some cajun eats that aren’t prepared by a guy named Fred in a hot sweaty shack, stop by Cochon outside the French Quarter. This restaurant owned by James Beard award winning chef Stephen Stryjewski serves up southern dishes in an upscale atmosphere. Check out this braised beef short rib. That thing on top? Butter with cajun spices. What’s it doing? Melting. Oh yeah. Don’t forget to peep that Bargs rootbeer making a cameo in the background. You don’t know Bargs until you’ve had it out of a bottle!

 
Check out this spicy vinegar with chilis inside. I just thought it was cool. Also, HOT SAUCE ON EVERYTHING!

 
 
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
 
You’re about to take a long look at some fried chicken that is ranked as one of the best in the United States. Crispy, juicy, the right amount of kick–everything I like in a woman, I found in this chicken. I would compare the skin to a potato chip: it’s not thick or overly greasy, the crunch is there at the first bite and then dissipates into flavor crystals as you eat the juiciest chicken you ever did have. Red beans and rice, sweet yams–you gotta be kidding me.

 
 
Hey, thanks, New Orleans. You’ve got some life to you and I didn’t get harassed by a single homeless or crazy person which is a big win in my book! Cajun food has officially entered my body and it says, “Welcome to the club.” Listening to live jazz in a bar while middle-aged women do a jig was an experience I won’t soon forget, either, as I think to myself, “What a wonderful world.”