Food is Life

27 May 2025

Memorial Day Brunch at Les Crêpes – A Taste of France in Carytown

Since my mom had the day off for Memorial Day, we decided to spend some quality time together and treat ourselves to a bit of brunch adventure. We ended up at Les Crêpes in Carytown, a charming French-inspired spot known for its unique crêpes and cozy atmosphere.

When you first walk up, you’ll notice the building has a bit of history—it looks like it used to be a bank. Inside, the space is cleverly divided to feel more intimate, with different sections that give you a semi-private dining experience. We were seated in the area near the bar. The decor is elegant and straightforward, but one thing that stood out (not in the best way) was the music—it was just a little too loud for the kind of relaxed vibe we were looking for. It would make a big difference if they lowered the volume a bit.

24 May 2025

Southern Nights & Sips: A Visit to Industrial Taphouse West in Goochland, VA

Something about a casual night out with your mom hits differently. No special occasion, no big plans—just the two of us looking for good food, better drinks, and a laid-back vibe. That’s precisely how we ended up at Industrial Taphouse West in Goochland, Virginia.

I’d heard of this spot a few times through word-of-mouth—friends who said it was great for drinks, with a fun, upbeat atmosphere, and solid comfort food. Goochland isn’t too far of a drive, so we figured we’d give it a shot. I’m always looking for hidden gems outside the Richmond city limits, and this one has been on my radar for a while.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

As soon as we walked in, I noticed how cool the space felt. Think rustic meets industrial chic—exposed beams, high ceilings, and wood everywhere. It’s the kind of place that feels welcoming right off the bat like it wants you to relax, laugh a little louder than usual, and stay awhile.

But with all that wood and open space comes noise—and lots of it. The place doesn’t have many sound-absorbing materials, so once it fills up (which it did while we were there), it gets loud. Not uncomfortably so, but if you’re hoping for an intimate, low-volume dinner, you may want to snag a patio table or visit during a quieter time.

We were seated at a high-top table near the bar, which I loved. It gave us a great view of the whole place, and the energy was infectious. Laughter, clinking glasses, good music—just the Friday night vibe I hoped for.

Cocktails Worth Writing Home About

Let me start by saying this: they know what they’re doing behind that bar. I ordered the Dragon Berry Mojito, which is made with Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, simple syrup, fresh lime, mint leaves, and soda. It was perfectlybalanced—light, refreshing, and not too sweet- exactly how I like my cocktails. What surprised me most was how smooth it was. You could barely taste the alcohol but in a good way. It was the kind of drink that could sneak up on you, especially if you're hanging out with friends on a summer night.

My mom got the Cherry Limeade Crush, a mix of Smirnoff Cherry Vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, Sprite, and grenadine. It tasted like a grown-up version of a Sonic cherry limeade (and I mean that in the best way possible). Tart, sweet, bubbly, and fun—just like my mom. She loved it.

I couldn’t help but think: I would've been in trouble if I had been here with friends just out for drinks. These cocktails are dangerously drinkable, and the bartenders know how to mix them right—major points for the drink menu.

18 May 2025

🎓 Graduated & Grateful – Dinner at The Bowl Vietnamese Cuisine (Richmond, VA)

Hi everyone! I know it’s been a little while since I last posted—and for a great reason: I graduated from college!🎉 After all the hard work, late nights, and unforgettable memories, I finally walked across that stage. Before stepping into this next chapter, I’ve been taking time to unwind, recharge, and enjoy being home with family.

Now that I’ve caught my breath, I’m excited to return to something I love: sharing food adventures with you. And what better way to kick it off than with a celebratory dinner at The Bowl Vietnamese Cuisine in Richmond, VA?

🥢 About The Bowl Vietnamese Cuisine

Located in the heart of Westchester Commons, Richmond, The Bowl blends traditional Vietnamese recipes with a modern twist. Their menu offers a variety of comforting, flavorful dishes—pho, vermicelli bowls, rice plates, banh mi, garlic noodles, and more. It’s casual, stylish, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner.

You can check out their full menu here: thebowlrva.com

👀 First Impressions

The restaurant itself was super clean and nicely organized. The ambiance is modern, with simple decor and cozy lighting, but I noticed the noise immediately. It was so loud that we almost didn’t hear the host when they said we’d have to wait for a table, even though a section was open.

Thankfully, we were seated less than two minutes later, so it wasn’t a problem. From there, things went smoothly!

4 May 2025

Celebrating My Graduation at iAlive Restaurant: A Cozy Night of Portuguese-Inspired Comfort Food in Rehoboth, MA

After years of hard work, countless classes, late nights studying (and probably too much coffee), I finally graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor of Science in Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship. It’s been a journey, and what better way to celebrate this milestone than with the people who have supported me every step of the way—my mom, dad, sister, her husband, and my grandma?

To mark the occasion, we made a reservation at iAlive Restaurant in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. I’d heard a lot of good things about the place, especially how it blends Portuguese-inspired cuisine with hearty comfort food staples. It seemed like the perfect choice for a family dinner, with something on the menu for everyone—from seafood lovers to meat-and-potatoes traditionalists.

When we arrived, the place was buzzing. It was packed—a good sign in my book. That always says people like the food enough to keep coming back. The interior had a casual but contemporary feel. It wasn’t overly fancy but still had a warm and cozy atmosphere that made us feel right at home. Despite the crowd, the restaurant was clean and well-kept, and the ambiance felt lively but not overwhelming.

Our waitress was friendly and welcoming. Although she was clearly handling several tables at once, she still managed to keep things running smoothly for our group. Service was a little slower at times due to how busy it was, but she stayed attentive, made great recommendations, and never let our drinks go empty—which is always a win in my book.

15 Apr 2025

Hidden Gem in Plain Sight: A Visit to Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli

If you're like me and love discovering little places with great food and real ambiance, then you must visit Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli. It's tucked away but full of personality, and it pleasantly surprised me.

Let's start with the food—trust me, that's what brought me here and will bring me back. I ordered the shrimp tempura udon and beef for $17 and was highly impressed. The broth was rich and comforting, and the full flavor of every bite made it satisfying and hearty. The noodles were chewed to perfection, and the shrimp tempura was excellent. Light, crispy, and not even greasy—it was just perfect. The beef was tender and savory, lending the dish its heartiness and making it complete. It was like something made with love that wasn't tossed together quickly. In short, it was comfort food presented to perfection.

Kaiseki: A Culinary Journey Through Japan’s Finest Dining

26 Mar 2025

Ryokan Wanderings- Kaikeki

If there’s one dining experience in Japan that will make you feel like royalty, it’s kaiseki (懐石). Imagine a beautifully orchestrated multi-course meal where every dish tells a seasonal story, each bite is a work of art, and the service makes you feel like a VIP. Kaiseki isn’t just a fancy meal—it’s an experience, a tradition, and a deep dive into Japan’s love for precision and beauty in food.

And honestly, I need to try this. I’m moving to Japan in October and want to experience as much of the food culture as possible. Kaiseki seems like the perfect way to immerse myself in Japan’s culinary artistry—and maybe even make some friends to go with me! Or when my parents are helping me move in they can try it with me! The possibilities are endless!

What’s the Deal with Kaiseki?

Kaiseki is Japan’s version of haute cuisine, a meticulously crafted multi-course meal that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients. It started humbly as a small meal during traditional tea ceremonies but evolved into an elaborate fine dining experience. Think of it as a culinary symphony—each course plays its part in a perfectly harmonized meal.

The goal? Balance. Every dish is thoughtfully designed to highlight different textures, temperatures, colors, and flavors. And yes, it’s as Instagram-worthy as it sounds!

The Kaiseki Philosophy: More Than Just Pretty Food

Kaiseki isn’t just about making food look and taste amazing (though it definitely does). It’s built on five key principles:

1. Seasonality (Shun - 旬) – Only the freshest, in-season ingredients make the cut.

2. Balance (Go-mi, Go-shoku, Go-ho - 五味五色五法) – A mix of five flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami), five colors (red, yellow, green, black, white), and five cooking methods (raw, simmered, grilled, fried, steamed).

3. Presentation (Shitsurai - しつらい) – Every dish is a visual masterpiece, often inspired by nature.

4. Hospitality (Omotenashi - おもてなし) – This is next-level hospitality where the chef tailors the experience just for you.

5. Minimalism (Wabi-sabi - 侘寂) – Beauty in simplicity—every detail, from the plate to the garnish, has a purpose.

What’s on the Menu?

A kaiseki meal isn’t a free-for-all; it follows a specific flow. Here’s what you can expect:

- Sakizuke (先附) – A small appetizer, like a fancy amuse-bouche.

- Hassun (八寸) – A seasonal platter that sets the theme for the meal.

- Mukozuke (向付) – Fresh sashimi that’s almost too pretty to eat (but you’ll eat it anyway).

- Takiawase (炊合せ) – Simmered veggies and proteins in a delicate broth.

- Futamono (蓋物) – A lidded dish, usually a soul-warming soup.

- Yakimono (焼物) – A grilled dish, often an expertly prepared fish or meat.

- Su-zakat (酢肴) – A palate-cleansing vinegar-based dish.

- Shiizakana (強肴) – A bolder, heartier dish like hotpot or tempura.

- Gohan, Miso Soup, and Tsukemono (御飯・味噌汁・漬物) – The essentials: rice, miso soup, and pickles.

- Mizumono (水物) – A seasonal dessert because no meal is complete without a sweet treat.

Where to Experience Kaiseki in Japan

Now that you’re drooling, let’s talk about where you can experience this edible masterpiece:

Kyoto – The OG Kaiseki Destination

Kyoto is the birthplace of kaiseki and home to some of the best spots:

- Kikunoi (菊乃井) – Michelin-starred perfection with a side of Kyoto charm.

- Hyotei (瓢亭) – A 400-year-old restaurant where tradition reigns supreme.

Ryokan Kaiseki – Food + Hot Springs = Perfection

Some of the best kaiseki meals include an overnight stay at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan). If you want the ultimate experience, check out:

- Gora Kadan (Hakone) – A luxurious kaiseki and onsen relaxation blend.

- Hoshinoya Kyoto – Dine on a riverside while soaking in the scenery.

- Takaragawa Onsen (Gunma) – Kaiseki + a dip in a dreamy mountain onsen? Yes, please.

Final Thoughts: Is Kaiseki Worth It?

Absolutely! Kaiseki isn’t just a meal—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives you a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, flavors, and culinary artistry. I seriously can’t wait to try it when I move to Japan. Maybe I’ll even find new friends to accompany me and make it an unforgettable night!

Have you ever had a kaiseki meal? If so, what was your favorite dish? Please comment below—I’d love to hear about your experience!