Mi Bella Mondo

    United States

    Dessert – Burmese Coco Mochi Cake (Semolina)

    California, Corte Madera, Food Guide Desserts, United States /

    Dessert – Burmese Coco Mochi Cake (Semolina) A very random change of plan led us to Burmatown Restaurant in Corte Madera. My husband and I wanted something different and thought to try something different. We had a light dinner, starting with a tea leaf salad and a few appetizers. Feeling satisfied, I said I didn’t want any dessert. But when my husband mentioned wanting to try the Coco Mochi Cake, I encouraged him to go ahead, without any intention of sharing. When the Burmese Coco Mochi Cake arrived, I decided to take a small bite, and wow—what a surprise! The cake was fresh from the oven, piping hot, and absolutely delicious. I wasn’t expecting it to be that good, or that hot! One bite turned into several, and soon enough, my husband insisted that I order another one. He didn’t want to share anymore and kept raving about how good it was. This dessert is similar to the traditional Semolina Cake, though the Semolina Mochi cakes I’ve had in the past were often chewy and dense. What I loved about this one was how light it was—nothing like a typical mochi.

    Dessert – Burmese Coco Mochi Cake (Semolina) Read More »

    Good Value – Gao Vietnamese Food

    California, Food Good Value, North America, San Francisco, United States /

    Good Value – Gao Vietnamese Food Gao Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco is a neighborhood favorite serving real Vietnamese food at a great price. The restaurant serves a wide range of traditional Vietnamese meals that are both filling and inexpensive, from hot bowls of pho to freshly made spring rolls. With care, each meal is made with fresh, high-quality products that bring out the best in Vietnamese food. Gao is a great place to get authentic, tasty food because the rich broths, soft meats, and crisp veggies make every dish taste great. Gao is a good value restaurant. It has big amounts without the high prices that are common in the city. The place is charming, and its casual, friendly vibe makes it great for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with friends. Gao is the best place to get tasty, high-quality Vietnamese food without spending a lot of money, whether you live in San Francisco or are just visiting.

    Good Value – Gao Vietnamese Food Read More »

    Cheap Eats – Saigon Sandwich

    California, Food Guide Cheap Eats, North America, San Francisco, United States /

    Cheap Eats – Saigon Sandwich We’ve been coming here for over 25 years, and this cash-only spot truly serves the best banh mi in San Francisco! The short menu features banh mi with various types of meat like roast pork, chicken, meatballs, special combinations, and tofu, all served on a French baguette spread with mayo and their signature house sauce. Each sandwich is garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped jalapeños, and pickled carrots and onions. If you’re not eating the sandwich right away, you can ask them to separate the garnish to keep it from getting soggy. And do not overlook the Vietnamese coffee—it is so robust and flavorful that it will provide you with an energy boost for days. Saigon Sandwich 560 Larkin Street, San Francisco, 94102

    Cheap Eats – Saigon Sandwich Read More »

    Good Value – Ichika Sushi Restaurant

    California, Food Good Value, North America, San Francisco, United States /

    Good Value – Ichika Sushi Restaurant Ichika in Brisbane, CA, has quickly become our go-to sushi spot in the Bay Area. It offers a perfect combination of fresh ingredients, expertly prepared dishes, and excellent value. Every visit is a delight, and the chirashi don is always my first choice. The beautifully arranged selection of fresh sashimi over sushi rice is consistently of the highest quality, with each piece of fish tender, flavorful, and impeccably fresh. Ichika’s Omakase is another standout experience. It showcases the chef’s skill and creativity with an array of the freshest sashimi and perfectly crafted rolls. The nigiri rolls are equally superb, offering a balanced mix of flavors and textures. And for those looking for a warm, comforting option, Ichika also serves up delicious ramen that rounds out their versatile menu. Overall, Ichika is a fantastic spot for sushi lovers seeking excellent value in the Bay Area, thanks to the quality of its food and its reasonable prices. Hush, this is the Bay Area’s best-kept secret for sushi lovers!  Ichika 118 Old County Road, Brisbane, California

    Good Value – Ichika Sushi Restaurant Read More »

    Good Value – Bravas Tapas

    California, Food Good Value, North America, San Francisco, United States /

    Good Value – Bravas Tapas Bravas in Healdsburg offers a delightful stop for lunch, especially if you’re looking for a flavorful, casual meal in the heart of wine country. Specializing in Spanish-inspired tapas, this charming restaurant delivers a lively and relaxed dining experience with a focus on shareable plates that are perfect for a midday break. The menu at Bravas features a wide variety of small plates, with highlights like the patatas bravas, which are crispy and paired with a smoky, spicy aioli, and the gambas al ajillo—succulent garlic shrimp cooked to perfection. The pork belly bocadillos are another must-try, offering a satisfying blend of crispy pork and fresh bread with bold flavors. It’s a great place to sample a variety of dishes while unwinding on the outdoor patio, contributing to the relaxed wine-country atmosphere. The combination of excellent food, friendly service, and the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere makes Bravas a wonderful lunch destination in Healdsburg. Whether you’re in town for wine tasting or just passing through, this tapas spot is a must-visit for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Bravas 420 Center St, Healdsburg, CA 95448

    Good Value – Bravas Tapas Read More »

    Good Value – Coqueta Spanish Tapas

    California, Food Good Value, San Francisco, United States /

    Good Value – Coqueta Spanish Tapas Coqueta offers a vibrant and enjoyable tapas experience in San Francisco. This lively tapas bar stands out for its excellent value and delectable Spanish-inspired dishes, making it a top choice for anyone craving authentic tapas. The menu at Coqueta features a diverse array of tapas that highlight both traditional and innovative flavors. Dishes like patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) are particularly noteworthy. The attention to detail on each plate ensures that every bite bursts with flavor and texture. The croquetas are also a must-try, offering a crispy exterior with a creamy, flavorful filling. In addition to the outstanding food, Coqueta delivers excellent value, offering high-quality tapas at reasonable prices. The ambiance is lively and welcoming, making it a wonderful spot for sharing a meal with friends or enjoying a casual dinner. If you’re in the area seeking a satisfying and enjoyable tapas meal, we highly recommend Coqueta. Coqueta Pier 5, The Embarcadero

    Good Value – Coqueta Spanish Tapas Read More »

    Good Value – Che Fico Italian Restaurant

    California, Food Good Value, San Francisco, United States /

    Good Value – Che Fico Italian Restaurant Che Fico in San Francisco is a local gem that offers excellent value and mouthwatering Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu is impressive, and it’s no wonder we returned multiple times to savor its offerings. A highlight of one of our visits was the roasted eggplant, a seasonal dish that is a true standout. When available, this dish features perfectly roasted eggplant seasoned with a fusion of spices that enhance its natural flavors. Given its seasonal nature, it’s worth checking if it’s available during your visit. Beyond the exceptional eggplant, Che Fico offers a range of delicious dishes that contribute to its reputation for outstanding value and quality. The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and consistently excellent food make it a favorite spot for both regular diners and newcomers. If you’re in San Francisco and looking for flavorful Italian cuisine, Che Fico is a top choice that promises a satisfying dining experience. Che Fico Two Locations: 838 Divisadero Street, San Francisco; 1302 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

    Good Value – Che Fico Italian Restaurant Read More »

    Cheap Eats – Otomisan Japanese Comfort Food

    California, Food Guide Cheap Eats, Los Angeles, North America, United States /

    Cheap Eats – Otomisan Japanese Comfort Food I first heard about this restaurant on “Take Out with Lisa Ling.“ I made a note to myself to visit the next time I am in Los Angeles. This is a homestyle Japanese cooking restaurant in the Boyle Heights area, established in 1956, and now listed as a historic cultural monument. There is always a long line, so be prepared to wait. Because the space is small, lunch and dinner are always full. Fortunately, I sat at the bar by myself without having to wait. Otomisan is known for its tempura, but they also serve pork katsu curry, oyakodon, and udon noodles. Occasionally, they serve dishes that are not listed on the menu. Unagi donburi was the highlight of the day, and I ordered it right away. When the individual following me attempted to place a similar order, I informed them that I had the final one.   I have to tell you that the Unagi Donburi was out of this world! It just melts in your mouth. The experience brought me back to the time I was in Japan! Otomisan 2506 ½ East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003

    Cheap Eats – Otomisan Japanese Comfort Food Read More »

    Cheap Eats – Good Mongkok Bakery

    California, Food Guide Cheap Eats, North America, San Francisco, United States /

    Cheap Eats – Good Mongkok Bakery If you are craving authentic, delicious, and affordable dim sum, Good Mongkok Bakery in San Francisco is the place to visit. This spot is a popular Chinese bakery where there’s always a line, even before they open at 7:00 a.m. I’ve been here early to beat the morning rush, but I still wait in line most of the time. One time, I tried a different approach and arrived in the afternoon, only to discover that everything had disappeared. The selection here is consistently fresh and flavorful, and you can’t beat the price. Whether you’re a dim sum enthusiast or just curious to try, Good Mongkok Bakery is worth the wait in line. You can’t go wrong with anything you buy here. They don’t speak English, so I usually just point to what I like.    Good Mong Kok  Bakery 1039 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

    Cheap Eats – Good Mongkok Bakery Read More »

    Cheap Eats – Truly Med

    Food Guide Cheap Eats, San Francisco, United States /

    Cheap Eats – Truly Med Truly, this is one of our favorite ‘Cheap Eats’ and falafel spots in San Francisco. We’ve been to Truly Med for 30 years and have tried everything on the menu. Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern highly recommend this restaurant. The falafel deluxe wrap is a delectable combination of falafel, hummus, fried eggplant, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and tahini. The taste has remained similar over the years. The rest of the menu is just as good. Shawarma, kabob, baba ghanoush, and dolmas are all must-haves. Our trips to San Francisco usually involve a falafel!  If you choose to visit Truly Med, head two blocks to Clarion Alley to view stunning street art by talented San Francisco-based artists.     Truly Med 3109 16th Street, San Francisco 94103

    Cheap Eats – Truly Med Read More »

    Scroll to Top