travel zen on friday: riga, latvia

A view of Riga Latvia. Lots of history here, such as:

restaurant and dessert review: 4505 burgers & bbq with a bonus ice cream at bi-rite creamery

(San Francisco, CA).  I had my first taste of a 4505 burger at the Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building and I was hooked!  The burger is simple and straightforward but what else do you need than fresh, tasty ingredients that is expertly and lovingly prepared?  (Tip - They also serve a delectable breakfast sandwich at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays.)

On my recent trip to San Francisco, I went to the actual 4505 Burgers & BBQ restaurant located at 705 Divisadero.  We got there around 11:30am and there was already a line but it moved quickly.  The menu had several bbq options (pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, etc.), several burger options and some sides (cole slaw, baked beans, potato salad, etc.).   There is also a nice selection of soft drinks, craft beer and a lemonade (with tequila).  We ordered a nice variety of food and beverages and cleaned up!

restaurant review: biblioteka no. 1 in riga, latvia

Biblioteka No. 1.

During my short stay in Riga, there were a few places I wanted to visit. I also had to juggle where to eat and when. Biblioteka No. 1 was normally only open for dinner -- except on Sundays, when they served brunch. So, I decided to brunch it.

The Scene

Inside the restaurant.

travel zen on friday: would you travel for some kouign amann?

Some delectable desserts at b.patisserie in San Francisco, including their specialty pastry - the Kouign Amann.  Sometimes carb and butter overload can be zen - no?

terminal 2 at sfo (aka the virgin america terminal)

(San Francisco, CA).  I've always been a fan of flying Virgin America since they were one of the earliest airlines to give travelers their own TVs to watch regular TV, listen to music or watch movies (for a fee).  It made flying less dreary and more entertaining.  Usually if I'm going to San Francisco I will opt to fly on Virgin and it's always a pleasure to land in (or depart from) the Virgin terminal (Terminal 2) at SFO.  

What's so great about it?

restaurant review: moon in tallinn, estonia

Moon.

Once again, my buddy, Mel, had recommended a restaurant and he sent me to a place called, Moon. Located outside the old town in a residential area, it was a nice walk to see what was outside the old city walls. 

The Scene

Of all the restaurants I've visited, Moon had the most local diners I have ever seen during my stay in Tallinn. It was also the most lively. When I first arrived, there were already several diners there. Throughout the course of my meal, every single table became filled with people. People also came and went to pick up food.

Inside Moon when I first walked in.

travel zen on friday: vilnius, lithuania

Sunset over the Neris River in Vilnius, Lithuania.

hotel review: hilton san francisco financial district

(San Francisco, CA).  I have traveled so often to San Francisco and stayed at so many business hotels here that I was surprised when I actually arrived at the Hilton Financial District and discovered that it was new to me. It is located at the edge of Chinatown and the Financial District, which makes it convenient for work and close to tasty Chinese food!  Bonus points!  

So how was my experience?

restaurant review: ö in tallinn, estonia

Outside Ö.

Restaurant Ö, pronounced ou with lips pursed, apparently means "night" because the "O" has 2 dots. I suspect it's also called Ö because they only have dinner service. 

Anyway, I went to Ö while visiting Tallinn during a much needed holiday because my interwebs research revealed that this place served good food. My pal, Mel, a former resident and still frequent visitor of Tallinn also recommended the place. With a personal and Internet recommendation, I was more than happy to check it out.

travel zen on friday: dogs in san francisco

Amazing street art near North Beach in San Francisco.  Do you see the 'shadow' of the leash?

restaurant review: hog island oyster co (with the best grilled cheese sandwich ever!)

(San Francisco, CA).  Every single time I visit San Francisco – whether for work or play – I make it a point to visit Hog Island Oyster Co. because I truly believe it has THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH ever!  The seafood is also quite spectacular but the star of the show for me here will always be the grilled cheese.  In fact, this sandwich has made many a cameo in my dreams - literally.

restaurant review: leib in tallinn, estonia

Leib.

My interwebs research of good places to dine in Tallinn brought me to Leib. I heard many good things about the food and the chef so I thought it would be a good place to check out.

Below are my thoughts.

The Scene 

Located adjacent to a Scottish garden -- there were busts of Sean Connery and Robert Burns in the garden -- I suspect the place would have been a perfect place to dine during warm days and nights. Alas, I was there in the dead of winter and all I got was an icy, wet and muddy garden.

travel zen on friday: tallinn, estonia

The sign on the wall appears to say it all for travelers like me.