Toguchi Travel Guide

We went to Rome for my mom's 70th birthday and stayed in a fabulous villa apartment in the middle of Rome walking distance to the Trevi Fountain.  Thank goodness it had AC because it was in the high 90's the whole week we were there (in July 2019).   Here are the highlights: Must see: 1. Trevi Fountain 2. Colosseum 3. Vatican (especially the Sistine Chapel but it was rough for the kids due to the heat and crowd) 4. Pantheon We loved our day trip to Ostia Antica in the Orvieto, Umbria region and Florence.   We end up staying two days in Florence because it was just that beautiful. Restaurants: 1. Colline: this was a recommendation from a friend and it was literally right behind our apartment.  The pasta was fresh with seasonal vegetables.   The butternut ravioli was unforgettable!  We loved it so much we end up going back again.  Must make reservation in advance as walk-ins are impossible.  Not kid friendly. 2. La Carbon...

Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island but I was underwhelmed by the food choices in the island, especially in the north coast near Princeville.   Here are just three of my favorite places: 1. Konohiki Seafood: amazing poke! First time I've tried clam poke and it was super delicious. 2. Hamura Saimin: famous divey saimin place with great fried wontons and fried mochi.    3. Saimin Dojo: new fusion twist to saimin staple.  Liked the oxtail saimin.

When one travels for work as much as I do, the first thing I do is look up good eats!  And I was not disappointed in Barcelona, meca of tapas and Catalana cooking.  Here are my picks: Restaurants (in no particular order): 1. Hisop - amazing food and would go back.  Get the prix fixe for $65 euro and if you can, get the wine pairing too.  Food was innovative without going over the top and services (provided by the 3 hostess) was entertaining. 2. Cuidad Condal  3. Dos Pebrots - food is a bit strange but very creative with lots of selection.  I sat at the kitchen bar and it was quite entertaining as there were a lot of sous chef and chef bustling around. 4. Quimet & Quimet - they are quite famous and get very packed.  But I'm not into cold food so this is not my top pick.  Caution - all food comes from a can.  The food was quite delicious though, especially the foie gras. 5. Pinotxo Bar - Barcelona's top tapas bar with grea...