Philadelphia | Barbuzzo

No doubt one of my favorite restaurants in Philly because they have standout choices in every course (sadly, pastas are slightly weaker). This is my go-to for a good pizza but sometimes I actively resist eating at Barbuzzo because their salted caramel budino is so decadent and it is a sin not to order one at the end. Their bread and sheep's milk ricotta is also quite phenomenal. The thick-crusted country bread is surprisingly versatile in complementing dips.

pumpkin soup was not too creamy but extremely flavorful.

A salad platter: healthy mediterranean blend of farro, beets, grilled peppers and their heavenly grilled bread.

my favorite appetizer - sheep's milk ricotta is not like your usual feta-like, crumbly ricotta but silky smooth and drizzled with balsamic. Their bread is lightly buttered and grilled and goes perfectly with the dip.

Simple grilled branzino with artichoke-mushroom farro and sicilian tomato pesto. Perfectly composed.

Salsiccia pizza

Arugula and prosciutto

The Tiramisu was light and sponge-cake like. 

This has to be one of the most decadent desserts ever made. The Salted Caramel Budino. A coma-inducing parfait of ground chocolate cookie crumbs, rich whole milk egg-yolk budino, drizzled with salted caramel sauce and topped with light whipped cream. I love how they serve it in a mason jar too!

Philadelphia | Kanella

Kanella's a must for anyone who loves Greek.

Authentic atmosphere, very friendly service and home-style Greek food.

Pumpkin-feta, Lentil hummus, Potato and fish dips

The Cyprus Breakfast: eggs fried in olive oil, halloumi, lounza and bread

Pan fried homemade lamb merguez sausage with organic duck egg, pita and spicy yogurt. Was hesitant about ordering this at first because I am not a big fan of lamb nor sausages, but this turned out to be very flavorful and not heavy. It was complemented perfectly by the fried onions and the runny egg.

Shakshouka: two Eggs poached in a cumin scented tomato and pepper stew served with grilled bread. Can't go wrong with tomato stews. This was amazing and we cleaned up the plate with our pita bread.

Washington DC | Brunch at Zaytinya

Wanted to go to Zaytinya for a while now and finally got the chance to visit with my gal pals during Cherry Blossoms weekend. The restaurant's decor is spot on - it features a Santorini Blue and a lot of natural light which reminds me of the good times I had in Greece last November! 

Phenomenal fusion of Mediterranean, Turkish and Lebanese food and definitely one of the best brunches I've had in the States.

Just made me fall in love with the cuisine more and would definitely visit if I'm in DC again...

amazing puffy laffah/pita bread

the hummus - they pureed it so well - simple & smooth just like it should be

Bantijan Bil Laban: Crispy eggplant, roasted garlic-yogurt sauce

Patata Harra: fried egg, loucaniko sausage, potato, cilantro, allepo pepper.

This was one of my favorites. An amazing twist to your normal chorizo, potatoes and egg scramble.

Arayes: Grilled ground lamb and tahini stuffed pita, garlic-yogurt sauce

Sautéed shrimp, dill, shallots, 

mustard, lemon juice

I definitely underestimated how good a Chicken Kebab could be.

Ashta - traditional Lebanese french toast - bananas, orange blossom honey. This was somewhere between a chiffon cake and brioche toast. Caramelised and crunchy on the outside, soaked and soft in what tasted like condensed milk inside - heavenly.

Tiganites: Greek style pancake, Greek Yogurt, berry compote.

These were good but nothing too different from your normal pancakes. 

London | Nordic Bakery

Nordic Bakery in London has this rustic, no-frills ambience that I love for spending a peaceful afternoon. You'll see Japanese women chatting away softly and bohemians on their laptops. Their pastry case is nothing like your usual pain au chocolat or biscotti - think lox sandwiches, rye bread and curious savory pies. Would love to try their cinnamon buns and other Scandinavian goodies when I return.

I tried their rustic oatmeal cookie that was sticky and crunchy with nuts and raisins. Accompanied with a short latte. Also love the mellow blue tray they served it on.

Went back recently in March and had a good mocha. Also featuring Lola's cupcakes (red velvet, peanut butter, oreo and vanilla) which we sneaked in from Selfridges :P 

New York | Boulud Sud

The girls and I dined at Boulud Sud for Restaurant Week - we were all rather underwhelmed by the food and the service. Having been to Maison Boulud and other Daniel Boulud establishments, we held our expectations too high. Maybe it was due to Restaurant Week, but nonetheless, would not be going back any time soon.

Chocolate macarons tasted more like fudge cookies. Friend gave up after a bite or two.

Grapefruit mousse. Nicely presented and light.

We had room for Lady M afterwards...Green Tea, Chocolate Banana and Original.

Why not end with a macchiato from Tarallucci e Vino?

Modena | Osteria Francescana

Modena, Italy

30 November 2012

Grissini, foccaccia and other Italian breads

Aulla with frozen Carpione

Risotto where the river meets the sea

Saba lacquered Adriatic eel

Tortellini in brodo five ways

Think Green

Hunting the pidgeon

Camouflage: a hare in the woods

Leaves

Oops! Broken Fruit pie

Petit fours

Philly | White Dog Cafe

Whole Wheat Pancakes - Meyer Lemon Curd, Blood Orange Syrup, Toasted Almonds