Food

A belated Happy Anniversary (35 years old / 9 years together / 7 years married)

2/25/26

A wonderful (belated) anniversary dinner and celebration last night, at Tram 130, a place I’ve been wanting to go to since it opened two years ago!

Highlights included:

Also had a surprise visit from the boss Priscilla Tram herself :)

A person walks along a dimly lit street lined with parked cars and bicycles, passing by a storefront with a Trüm sign.A dimly lit dining table is set with glasses and cutlery against a backdrop of green tiled walls and a shelf lined with bottles.A beautifully plated dish featuring a bone marrow with colorful toppings is accompanied by sliced bread and surrounded by decorative stones on a wooden table setup.A person is sitting at a table in a restaurant, holding a glass of white wine, with plates of food and bread in front of them.A gourmet dish featuring a glazed vegetable topped with fine red strands is artfully presented alongside creamy sauce and bread on a textured plate.A dish featuring bone marrow topped with a savory minced mixture and garnished with edible flowers is served alongside a lime wedge and accompanied by slices of rustic bread.A table features a plate with cake, a glass of wine, a glass of water, and a dish, possibly crème brûlée, with a red-handled spoon beside it.

2/9/26 →

This is 35!

Sadly, started the week and my birthday battling a cold, but looking forward to more celebrations later this week!

Grateful to my wife for picking up a box from my favorite cookies spot in town in lieu of a birthday cake 😋 🍪

A person is holding a blue and cream-colored cookie tin labeled Fresh Baked Cookies with the brand Puffy on top. A hand holds an open rectangular tin containing several chocolate chip cookies.

11/22/25 →

Some great couple of days in Maryland after this first week:

A small child sits on an airplane seat, looking out the window while holding a container.A woman and a child are standing in front of a bakery display filled with various pastries and sweets.Three framed sports jerseys, one red, one blue, and one purple, are displayed on a wall above a door next to a sign for Corona Extra.A busy small-town street features American flags, historic-style buildings, and a bright, partly cloudy sky.A quaint street in a small town is lined with shops, American flags, and parked cars under a partly cloudy sky.A view of a historic-looking dome framed by brick buildings on either side under a cloudy sky.A charming brick building with colorful flags adorns a sunny street, flanked by a vibrant tree with autumn leaves.A person is pushing a shopping cart through a store aisle while a child in a red coat carries a plush toy.A person wearing a beanie and a fleece jacket is interacting with a child sitting in a shopping cart at a grocery store.A grove of vibrant autumn trees with red and orange leaves stands near a person walking along a path under a partly cloudy sky.A tranquil river reflects the dramatic sky and silhouetted trees at dusk.A child wearing a maroon top and beige pants is lying on a person's lap, with striped socks and a teddy bear in the background.A brick house is adorned with festive white lights and features illuminated reindeer decorations on the front lawn at night.A yellow school bus is parked in front of a large, historic-looking building with columns, while a group of people gather near the entrance.A wall inside a restaurant is decorated with various framed newspaper and magazine articles, alongside empty wooden tables.A man in a casual setting drinks from a plastic cup in a seafood restaurant with various decorations and a sign about oysters in the background.A person holds a cup of beer in front of a table with fried shrimp, sauce, and a plate of food with sides like coleslaw and corn.A plate featuring a crab cake, macaroni and cheese, and a container of spinach dip is served alongside a side of fried shrimp.A contrast of architectural styles is depicted with a modern white building and an older brick structure against a cloudy sky.A large photograph and banners with the words Legend and Legacy hang prominently in a spacious, ornate hall.A grand interior features an ornate hexagonal coffered ceiling, elegant light fixtures, and a wooden balcony railing.A display featuring Syracuse University basketball memorabilia, highlighting college hoops and honoring a prominent player.

10/26/25 →

This week’s shenanigans:

A cozy living room features a marble coffee table, a green velvet sofa, a wooden bookshelf, and decorative elements like a round mirror and framed art.A cozy corner features a wicker chair, a small wooden cabinet with a marble top, and wall-mounted decor with a hanging plant, against a backdrop of a white wall and adjacent kitchen space.A toddler sits in a high chair eating while a man prepares food at a kitchen counter filled with dishes and bottles.Two framed floral artworks are displayed on a wall with a curved dark green section in a softly lit room.A variety of pastries, including pralines, brownies, and other baked goods, are displayed on an antique wooden counter with handwritten price tags.A person is sitting on a bench, holding a thermos, with a child wearing pink shoes in a stroller nearby.A person is browsing through rolls of fabric in a store labeled Boutique des Velours.People are sitting outside a café called Dévotions, with scooters parked nearby.A Monocle magazine, a children's book titled Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park, small pumpkins, and a cloth are arranged on a surface.A croissant-style pastry sits on a decorative plate alongside silverware and a small glass, with a mini pumpkin in the background.A tranquil riverside path lined with autumn trees stretches into the distance under a clear blue sky.A man and a woman wearing sunglasses are smiling by a river with a bridge in the background.A laptop screen displays two split basketball game livestreams in a dimly lit room.

10/22/25 →

Loved reading about the people behind the movement. Been hearing about most of these places and have them all in my ever-expanding list of places to try :)

NYT: In Paris, More Restaurants Are Combining Cultures and Flavors

An article titled ‘In Paris, More Restaurants Are Combining Cultures and Flavors’ by Christy Choi and Joann Pai features images of diverse culinary dishes.

9/8/25 →

First couple of days back in the US for a while, for personal family-related matters

A cozy living room features a fireplace with toys scattered across a patterned rug, surrounded by a leather couch and armchairs.A person wearing glasses and a black T-shirt is seated at a table with a laptop and a Maryland-themed mug, making a peace sign.Shopping carts are lined up in a parking lot in front of a Target store under a cloudy sky.A person is pushing a child in a green shopping cart designed like a car, while another person walks beside them in a parking garage.A person is holding a bottle of Kevita Tart Cherry kombucha with another Health-Ade Cayenne Cleanse kombucha bottle in the background.A café with a mural featuring portraits above the counter and a display menu.A farmer's market stall displays an array of fresh vegetables and fruits under white tents, with colorful baskets and brick buildings in the background.People are enjoying a sunny day at an outdoor market with tents, food stalls, and picnic tables.Two people are sitting in a car, smiling, and holding McFlurry desserts.A large brick house is nestled among tall trees with a grassy lawn in the foreground.A person is grilling burger buns and chicken on a barbecue grill outside on a deck, with various grilling tools and dishes nearby.A small table holds various magazines, a heart-shaped dish, a pair of glasses in a case, and a wireless earbud case.A black pickup truck with a ‘YAKIMA’ logo has a colorful license plate reading ‘NOSUP4U’ at a traffic light, a popular reference to Seinfeld.A golf course with players is set against a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy blue sky.

8/24/25 →

A lovely summer weekend before the rain and the start of the ”rentrée”

A green park with tall trees is situated in front of a distinctive multi-story building.A person is holding two cans of Yeo's drinks, one lychee-flavored and the other soy bean, in front of a refrigerated display stocked with various beverages.A narrow street with modern, angular buildings on both sides and an arched structure at the end under a clear blue sky.A green iron bridge stretches over a canal beside modern buildings, with a mural and a café visible along the waterfront.A weathered brick wall features a wooden door and a street sign labeled ‘Rue de Crimée’ with a building in the background.A vibrant mural depicts a hand using chopsticks to pick up pieces of sushi, set against a graffiti-covered wall with barbed wire above.Two people wearing sunglasses are outdoors, with one pushing a stroller near wooden structures.A plate of fried appetizers with dipping sauce is set on a wooden table alongside glasses and someone preparing to eat with a knife and fork.A quiet street lined with classic European-style buildings basks in the bright sunlight under a clear blue sky.Urban landscape at sunset with buildings and trees against a colorful sky.

8/17/25 →

Final holiday pics before getting back to work tomorrow: a well deserved break and staycation!

A child in a red dress walks towards an ornate, historic building with statues and architectural details.A spacious art gallery features ornate ceiling, wooden floors, and walls adorned with large framed paintings, accompanied by plush seating for visitors.A majestic castle stands beside a serene lake under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by lush greenery.Two children in strollers are reaching out to hold hands.A street scene in a sunny city features a vintage advertisement on a building facade, lush greenery, and a small market or kiosk.People are gathered in a bright, modern café with a mirror displaying a decorative world map on the wall.Two women are sitting on a picnic blanket on a grassy area while a small child stands nearby.People are dining outdoors in a courtyard with historic architecture and ivy-covered walls.A young child in a checkered dress walks along a cobblestone path with an adult in the background.A table with a cappuccino, an empty espresso cup, a chocolate chip scone on a saucer with a spoon, a basket of bread, and two people's legs nearby.A cozy café features wooden flooring, modern chairs, round tables, and warm globe lights, with plants and framed art for decoration.A charming Parisian building with classic architecture is framed by lush trees under a blue sky.A plate of penne pasta is topped with mushrooms, cheese, and fresh basil, served on a decorative blue and white dish.

8/7/25 →

…because the American audience had not seen the original, they believed they were seeing something for the first time. Even though it already existed.

(…) To me, Baohaus and the gua bao was a vehicle to tell a story about where my family was from, but you could only say so much through a restaurant.

(…) if there’s one thing I learned the past decade it’s that perhaps the immigrant story was actually best told in a kitchen where the line is immediate, direct, and physically digestible.

[≠] | Feeding the Culture With Baos and Mixtapes

8/6/25 →

Our Parisian/home staycation continues…

Today started with a homemade brunch, before a visit to the Great Mosque of Paris, a delicious lunch, and a walk across town!

Stumbled upon the memorial of the November 13th, 2015 terrorist attacks — a stunning, well-designed square across City Hall

A breakfast setup with a plate of food and a glass of coffee on a table, featuring items like Tabasco sauce and seasoning.A quiet urban street lined with parked cars and scooters offers a view of a tall, ornate building in the background under a partly cloudy sky.A spacious, ornate courtyard features tall arches, decorative columns, and a central fountain.A lush garden with a central fountain is framed by an ornate archway and vibrant greenery.A woman stands near a decorative fountain surrounded by vibrant pink flowers and intricate architecture.A meal featuring a dish with octopus and garnishes is served on a white table alongside glasses of water and wine, with a person in the background.A street with classic European architecture leads to a grand domed building under a clear blue sky.A grand architectural scene features historic buildings with tall columns under a clear blue sky, alongside parked cars and a few people strolling nearby.A street market stall under large trees displays various art prints, books, and postcards on a sunny day.A hand is holding a cup of iced coffee in front of a stroller, where a child is sitting and eating.A simple storefront sign featuring a drawing of a hand is mounted on the corner of a building with blue and beige accents.A historic building with ornate architecture is surrounded by a lush garden and trees, with people walking and relaxing.

8/6/25 →

More holiday shenanigans

A cup of coffee sits on a patterned table outside near a grand building with a clock tower.A man wearing a floral shirt is seated on a couch, interacting with a young child standing beside a marble table with items on it.An adult and a child are walking on a decorative floor in an ornate room with large windows.A person is taking a photo of their reflection in a mirrored table with two cups of coffee on it.A man is helping a young child at a playground with a play structure nearby, while other people and trees are in the background.Appetizing flatbreads topped with vegetables are served on a table alongside two red drinks.A rooftop terrace features a closed umbrella, potted plants, and wrought-iron furniture, overlooking a cityscape under a clear blue sky.

8/5/25 →

Ah yes the only civil war I’m happy to watch from the sidelines…

Two cartoon figures, each holding a giant teacup, are depicted on a news cover about a matcha shortage.

8/3/25 →

Vacation Day 03: 🧋☕️🍦

#CongCaPhe #Paris

A Cộng Cà Phê coffee shop is situated on the corner of a street with beige buildings in the background.A group of people browse merchandise displayed on wooden shelves, with bags labeled ‘HA NÓI’ and ‘DA NANG’ prominently featured.People are standing in line inside a wooden-themed cafe with shelves displaying various products.A cozy café scene features people sitting at tables, engaging in conversation, with a wall decorated with colorful teapots.A park scene shows people walking and gathering near a large reflective sphere and a Ferris wheel under a partly cloudy sky.

Day 2 of our summer break ☀️🏞️🏙️

8/2/25

Went out to Musée de L’Homme for the exhibition on Wax Textile, and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in fashion, colonialism, ethnography, culture, and global trade.

Then had lunch at Schwartz’s Deli before enjoying the sight, and spending time with some of our friends living close to the Eiffel Tower on Rive Droite.

A vibrant red wall features digital displays with various colorful patterns and the bold word "wax" in the center.A gallery exhibit showcases vibrant, colorful artworks and patterned clothing on mannequins against a white wall.A plate of food featuring a sandwich with pickles, fries, and coleslaw is accompanied by condiments, a glass of beer, and a water bottle on a table.A person is standing on a sidewalk taking a photo of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, surrounded by trees and urban scenery.A chalkboard outside a deli humorously references loss of hope, cash, jobs, and bacon, while a person works inside.Two people are taking a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower on a sunny day.

Day 1 of our summer break ☀️ 🍪 🥃 😘

8/1/25

Including delicious cookies and affogatos from Crème and a visit to the National Archives and seeing the official handwritten “Appeal of June 18th” from General Charles De Gaulle, which he broadcast on the BBC from London while in exile, on June 18th 1940, trying to inspire the French to resist their invaders.

Also: Happy International Spritz Day! Grateful that we have a lovely big Eataly here in Paris 🇮🇹

7/30/25 →

Work lunches with visiting coworkers 😊

7/28/25 →

Mail day 📚 🗞️ 📰 🥃

7/28/25 →

Family weekend fun at the Buttes Chaumont

7/25/25 →

Lunch is the Thanksgiving of meals, neither underwhelming nor extra luxurious, adapting easily to various contingencies and configurations. It is what you make of it.

[≠]

7/24/25 →

2022-2025 RIP 🪦 👼 🌾 🍚

7/21/25 →

Solo for lunch today and had to run an errand so stopped by my local café for a delicious lunch.

Auto-generated description: A plate with steak, fries, and salad is on a table alongside a glass of beer, water bottle, and a basket of bread.

7/20/25 →

A lovely lovely weekend

A narrow cobblestone street is lined with Parisian buildings and a café with glowing lights, creating a cozy atmosphere.

7/17/25 →

In a world of food fads, this is why the real French baguette reigns supreme | @monocle.com A person is holding several baguettes in front of a decorative door, accompanied by a text about the supremacy of French baguettes in travel and restaurants

7/13/25 →

Very wholesome afternoon with close friends at the #FondationLouisVuitton for the David #Hockney exhibition yesterday!

A modern architectural structure with curved glass and metal elements stands against a blue sky.A large, golden, flower-shaped sculpture is displayed in a landscaped park setting, with trees and buildings in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.A group of people is sitting in a dark room with vibrant, colorful digital art projections on the walls.People are viewing colorful landscape paintings showcased in an art gallery.People are sitting on benches and the floor inside a room with blue lighting and star-like projections on the walls.A group of people stands in front of a modern, angular glass building under a partly cloudy sky.A person takes a photo of a seated individual against a blue backdrop, with natural light streaming in through large windows.People are walking around and observing artwork in a spacious, modern gallery with lit display tables and large paintings on the walls.Two people walk down a sunlit path surrounded by lush trees.Holding a partially eaten sandwich wrapped in foil, a person stands near a stroller with a child inside at a playground.A fast food restaurant counter displays various menu options featuring smoked meats and sandwiches.

Last week’s shenanigans

7/7/25

The end to another eventful week and weekend…

A glass of beer with the label 'L.B.F.' is placed on a bright yellow table in a lively bar setting.A group of people are socializing in a lively venue, with a colorful background featuring the words 'BOMB SQUAD.' Auto-generated description: A table displays a variety of dishes including a bowl of thinly sliced fish garnished with herbs, a plate of cubed sesame snacks, and a bowl of fried appetizers with dipping sauce. Auto-generated description: A pan with sliced steak and mixed greens accompanied by a small bowl of sauce, served alongside a plate of crispy potatoes topped with grated cheese and a bowl of dipping sauce. Auto-generated description: A dish featuring a roasted stuffed poblano pepper topped with cheese, nuts, and greens is served on a plate. Auto-generated description: A table with a variety of dishes including sliced steak with greens, bread cubes, vinegared chicharrones, a dish wrapped in a leaf with a fresh topping, and glasses of red wine. Auto-generated description: Pink flowers and a cactus are in the foreground with trees and a building in the background. Auto-generated description: A delicious pizza topped with cheese, sliced mushrooms, olives, and herbs is served on a wooden board, accompanied by a glass of red wine. Auto-generated description: A rooftop terrace features vibrant pink flowers, a white umbrella, green plants, and overlooks a cityscape with a large residential building. Auto-generated description: A person holds a can with a graphic design of a fish, standing on a balcony with plants and two people in the background. Auto-generated description: A street food stall offers pita falafels and kefta with various toppings under green and white striped tents. Auto-generated description: Two people are serving plates of food at an outdoor stall with a green and white striped tablecloth. Auto-generated description: A bustling street scene shows people gathered at long wooden tables enjoying food and drinks in an urban setting. Auto-generated description: A toddler in a yellow dress is holding an adult's hand while walking through a supermarket with black and white tiled flooring. Auto-generated description: A retail store display features a variety of products such as bottles and jars arranged on a large, wheeled counter in a well-lit shopping area. Auto-generated description: Bottles of wine and small jars are displayed on a wooden counter in a store with shelves stocked with various products in the background. Auto-generated description: People walk and cycle along a street lined with historical buildings and a French flag visible in the background under a cloudy sky. Auto-generated description: A large balloon and a Ferris wheel are situated in a park with colorful flowers, against a backdrop of architectural buildings. Auto-generated description: A large balloon hovers above a garden with colorful flowers, surrounded by people and historical architecture in the background.Auto-generated description: A child in a pink raincoat and yellow boots walks along a paved path near a building with a garden to the side. Auto-generated description: Sunlight illuminates a bookshelf with books, a blue soccer ball, and bags on a wooden floor.

Weekend Shenanigans

6/29/25

6/25/25 →

Coworkers went out and brought me a Viet Avocado Shake (Sinh To Bo) 😋🥑🥤#heatwave

A person wearing glasses and a basketball jersey is sipping a drink through a straw while sitting indoors.A bobblehead figure holding a basketball stands next to a cup containing a green drink with a straw on a wooden desk.

Some recent food highlights…

6/13/25

Recent food highlights from the past few weeks, mostly at home for these ones:

A table is set with a blue and white patterned bowl containing a dish of chicken, cherry tomatoes, and crispy toppings, accompanied by glasses of red wine and sliced bread.A round green table set with two plates of pasta and a salad, surrounded by outdoor seating.A table is set with a meal featuring salmon and egg open-faced bagels, a green salad, various sauces, and drinks.A round table on a balcony holds two plates of grilled chicken salad, a glass pitcher, a tumbler, and cutlery on napkins.Slices of gourmet pizza topped with cheese sit on a decorative blue and white plate with glasses of dark beverages beside them on a teal, perforated table.A person is holding a cup of coffee from ‘The Hood’ and a partially eaten piece of green cake on a street with people walking by.A stack of pancakes topped with blueberry compote and dusted with powdered sugar.Two plates of pasta with sauce are served on a blue table, accompanied by glasses, a carafe of water, orange napkins, and cutlery.A table set with a blue and white plate containing skewered food drizzled with sauce, a pink plate with a sliced flatbread, and a dark glass.A dining table is set with plates of food, glasses of orange juice, a small pitcher, and a person using a phone.A person wearing a cap and sunglasses stands on a balcony next to a table set with plates of food, drinks, and condiments, under a sunny sky.A decorative, patterned ceramic bowl with a lid sits on a wooden table, flanked by two glasses and surrounded by other household items.Two servings of couscous with vegetables are on a wooden table, accompanied by a person's arm, a glass, and napkins.

5/26/25 →

French food / French lunch in a Bistro is truly undefeated, if I do say so myself…

A meal is served on a red table, featuring a plate of fries, a steak with pepper sauce, and drinks.

5/25/25 →

A great time at the #ParisBeerFestival yesterday! Will definitely plan to be back next year :) 🍻

A raised glass of beer is held up in a lively festival setting with colorful decorations and a crowd in the background.A hand holds a craft beer glass at a lively beer festival with people and colorful stalls in the background.A person holds a glass of beer in front of a Sudden Death brewery stand, featuring a T-shirt with a horror-themed design, at the Paris Beer Festival.A hand holding a glass filled with dark beer marked with "Paris Beer Festival" while people sit in the background.A glass filled with dark beer rests on a table, displaying the text "Beer Festival" on its surface.A hand is holding a glass of beer with "Paris Beer Festival" written on it, surrounded by people and colorful lights in a festive setting.A hand is holding a blue wristband labeled "PARIS BEER FESTIVAL SAMEDI" on a dark surface next to some clothing.A person wearing a Spurs basketball jersey, cap, and dark pants takes a selfie in a full-length mirror.