Toguchi Travel Guide

I recently traveled to Venice for work and stayed over the weekend.  It is a very touristy place but there's such a laid-back culture that even as a tourists, I had a lot of fun getting lost in trying to locate the restaurants that were recommended by friends.   Here's a list of ones that I tried and loved: caffè centrale http://www.caffecentralevenezia.com/en/ it is close to La Fenice theatre Here are some advice and tips from my good friend, Anna the local thing to do is to eat "cicchetti". I looked at his article and I agree with All'Arco but I really don't like Alla Vedova. I'd add Al Sacro & Profano to the list of good cicchetti. (My advice: However, places are really hard to find and I end up just randomly walking into pubs. I tried to find the following places but again, addresses and locations are are hard to find on map even with Google Map.) Our favorite restaurants: Osteria La Bottega Ai Sposi Promessi Osteria Antico Giard...

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...

Roger and I lived in Tokyo, Japan for 18 months and although we don't miss working there, we truly miss the FOOD!  You haven't had REAL Japanese food until you've tasted them in Japan.   One of our favorite couple is heading to Tokyo and we compiled a list for them..here's to those who love to eat and shop! Manga/Toy Store There are two that we took most people to.  One is underground in Shibuya called Mandarake .  It has older more collectible toys.  The other is by Harajuku on Omotesando St called Kiddy Land and is like 4 stories tall.  It tends to have newer items.  Can also find a bunch more in Akihabara along with electronics and porn.    Food Tonki : In Meguro and is my favorite Tonkatsu place. Is a bit more out of the way though, but still in Tokyo Katsugin : In Ginza.  I think this is the other tonkatsu place a friend of ours liked.  Is menchi-katsu though which is a bit different, but they have ones w...

Roger and I traveled to Bangkok for a week in March and couldn't get enough of the street food.  If only it wasn't so hot!!  Here are some of our faves - special props to our friend, Henry, for providing us with the info: Kaiton Pratunam near Chitlom and a few blocks from the Pratunam Market - look for waiters with pink shirts Famous for their chicken rice (similar to Hainanese chicken), the sauce is to die for! Iron Chef Pad Thai Take BTS to Thong Lo station and get off near exit 4 where there's a street full of vendors Named the #1 best pad thai in Bangkok Pork Knuckle Rice Take BTS to Thong Lo station - this place is down the street from Iron Chef Pad Thai Get the pork knuckle rice which tastes similar to the Taiwanese version.  Even after getting two dishes from the pad thai place, I still managed to eat an entire place of this rice - it was heavenly!

I'm traveling to London for work in mid-June and have solicited advice from one of my friend, Stephen, who lived in London for 6 months.  Here's his list: RESTAURANTS * Indian: Punjab on 80 neal street.  this is my go to Indian restaurant.  it's not fancy.  really great Indian food.   https://plus.google.com/ 117244062086895614654/about? gl=US&hl=en-US    * thai: busaba eathai - very popular, great thai restaurant and affordable.  several around london:   https://plus.google.com/ 111996186387540813062/about? gl=US&hl=en-US * Indian pork chops: lahore kabob house.  it's about 15 min outside of central london but the best kabobs.  it's a BYOB.  get there early as it gets very crowded:   https://plus.google.com/ 114028664039953631027/about? gl=US&hl=en-US * Indian pork chops:  tayyabs is near lahore kabob house.  it's also very good although i prefer lahore.   https://plus.goo...