Toguchi Travel Guide

Chicago is a place I've been to multiple times and each time I've had great experiences navigating the food culture (and shopping) of this fabulous city.  I received a list from Vicki, a good friend, and thought I would share here: Girl & the Goat - stephanie izard's restaurant, get the roasted pig face Avec - french with cool modern vibe, always packed, get the pork shoulder and bacon wrapped dates Publican - really good pork and shellfish dishes, communal seating Purple Pig - on the magnificent mile, mediteranean, small plates, charcuterie Xoco - one of Rick Bayless' restaurants, casual vibe, yummy sandwiches Bongo Room (in wicker park) - check out for brunch! Wildberry Pancakes & cafe - best brunch in chitown Portillo - for chicago style hot dogs Fat Rice - new, but heard great things, macau style cuisine Big Star - bar in wicker park, amazing cocktails and gauc.. where i used to hang out :)

Gramercy Tavern – elegant restaurant, New American.  My favorite place for special occasion Eleven Madison – elegant restaurant and always on top list of NY restaurants.   Pricey and for special occasion Katz’s Deli – pastrami sandwiches.  I have never been but Roger has and this is THE place to go for pastrami sandwich Grimaldi’s – favorite pizza joint, located in Brooklyn.  Most would say to go to Lombardi’s but Grimaldi’s is the real thing and very local Izakaya MEW – authentic Japanese izakaya.  I went here with some friends the last time I was in NYC and loved it.  Very authentic, located in midtown in the basement. Bo Ky Restaurant – located in Chinatown, their country duck is superb! I get this everytime I’m home.  Be wary though as this place is quite divvy (it is in Chinatown!) Joe Shanghai – it’s not as good as Din Tai Fong but it’s a staple in Chinatown and been around a long time.  Pretty decent Shanghainese food. Golde...

One of our favorite destination in the world is Hawaii.  We have family there and it's easy with kids.  Here are some of our favorite destinations based on the island: OAHU Places to visit: 1. Waikiki - they don't call it visitor's paradise for nothing.  This is the place to be if you have young kids, want easy access to beaches, shopping and food.  It's very touristy but worth the convenience.  There are lots of hotel choices (Starwood, Marriott, etc.) and restaurant chains. 2. Diamond Head - make sure to bring your hiking or walking shoes!  It's quite the hike but well worth the effort to get a grand view of Oahu.  On Saturdays, there is a fabulous farmer's market at the community college parking lot. 3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - a great place to snorkel and get up close with corrals and sea animals. 4. Polynesian Cultural Center - a wonderful place to learn about the different Polynesian islands and heritage.  It's fun for...