Toguchi Travel Guide

 We started to explore and appreciate wine when we moved to the Bay Area 16+ years ago after living in NYC and Tokyo.   Napa Valley at that time was still relatively small, unknown with no need for reservations and less than $25 tastings or even better, free tastings.   We still remember when we went to Trefethen and Alpha Omega when there were no tasting rooms and only the barrel room where you can taste for free.   Those days are long gone but there are still some areas in wine country such as Russian River Valley and Andersen Valley where it's not as touristy.   The following is a list of wineries that we have grown to love over the years and by no means complete.   I'll continue to update this list as we continue to explore new wines! Champagne - Schraemsburg: hidden in Calistoga, this is a bit far to get to but when we did a full tour for our anniversary a few years ago, I simply fell in love.   The sweet Cremant is s...

 I had a pleasure of traveling to Dubai, UAE for work in May 2022.   The flight time alone was 15+ hours so I took the opportunity (much thanks to Roger) to travel there early so that I can explore the city the weekend before my work events.   I flew Emirates for the first time and boy was it luxurious!  The big difference is the luxury chauffeur pickup and drop-off, the spacious business case pods, Bulgari travel bag, lounge with direct access to gate, and the 'bar' on the plane.   I would fly Emirates again in a heartbeat! So now to the exploration portion.   Dubai is a very cosmopolitan financial hub of UAE.  The city is still under development as there are numerous high-rises and construction cranes on every block.   It's well known for Dubai Mall (the largest mall in the world), Burj Kalifa (the tallest building in the world) and the Palm (self made island worth hundreds of million for the wealthy and fabulous). ...

 My first trip to Amsterdam was well over 15 years ago when I went to Europe with a few sorority sisters.  I now go for work and it's still one of my favorite city to explore because it's walkable with scenic canals.   Here's some great eats I've explored along the way: - The Seafood Bar :  a few franchise across the city, this is my go-to for both cold and grilled seafood platter displayed elegantly in platters.  Prices are quite reasonable and won't break the bank even if you don't share. - Restaurant Den Burgh : close to the Amsterdam airport, this modern restaurant on farm to table includes amazing service, excellent wine list, and beautifully crafted food. - Wilde Zwijnen : I came across this gem while researching for a reasonably priced Michelin-starred restaurant to take my boss and new hire.  Located in a residential neighborhood in Amsterdam, this prix fixe restaurant was vibrant with rustic charm and modern take on flavor profile.  Servi...

 Roger has been raving about Bend, Oregon since his milestone birthday boys trip in 2019.   We planned this trip with another Michigan family since we usually host our Michigan friend's trip around 4th of July every year.  We were fortunate that this other friend planned all the activities including tubing down the lake, ATV, hiking, and white water rafting.   Here's the top restaurants (and breweries) I would recommend: - Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails :  best restaurant in Bend!  Not only is their menu creative, diverse and locally sourced but their wine menu was equally impressive with little to no mark-up!  We got a 2018 Quintessa for less than $200 which is a solid deal.  We basically ordered everything on their menu so that we can taste the variety and it was an excellent start to the vacation. - Spork : it's posted as Mexican Thai but menu is more geared toward Thai with a slight Mexican twist.  Be ready to wait in long lines a...

We visited the Big Island as a family in Feb 2022 because Lani mentioned that this is the only Hawaiian island she hasn't been to (I know, she's spoiled since she's only 8 and hasn't missed a year of Hawaii even during the pandemic!).   We stayed at the Westin Hapuna Beach so stayed in the west side of the island and did not get a chance to visit the volcano.   We did take a trip to the Punalu'u (black island sand beach) and Akaka Falls.  We ate at the hotel plenty but here's a list of some restaurants we did enjoy: - Merriman's Big Island : elegant prix-fixe for farm to table island fare.  We went with our daughters as a special treat and they did not disappoint - excellent cocktails (and mocktails) and they can tailor options to be kid-friendly.   - Honokohua L&L Hawaiian : great plate lunch close to the Kona airport, perfect pit stop for before or after your flight. - Ippy's Hawaiian BBQ : local Waimea restaurant serving plate lunch and ope...