August 22nd is National Bao Bun Day: Celebration of a Delicious Tradition.

National Bao Bun Day was founded in 2017 by Wow Bao, a restaurant chain that specializes in bao. They chose August 22 because it was the day that their first restaurant opened in Chicago in 2003.

Bao buns are steamed bread-like dumplings that are filled with various savory or sweet ingredients. They are a popular snack or meal in many Asian cuisines, especially Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese.

Bao buns have a long history that dates back to the third century AD, when they were invented by a military strategist named Zhuge Liang. He used them to feed his soldiers during a campaign in southern China.

Bao buns are also known by different names, such as baozi, mantou, nikuman, hirata bun, and gua bao. They can be made with different types of dough, such as wheat flour, rice flour, or even purple yam. The fillings can vary from meat, vegetables, eggs, cheese, to fruits, nuts, chocolate, and ice cream.

Bao buns are not only tasty but also nutritious and easy to make, today I´ll share with you a home recipe to make Bao Buns:

Bao Bun Home Recipe

This recipe will yield about 12 buns. Feel free to customize the filling according to your preferences.

Ingredients for the dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F or 45°C)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Ingredients for the filling: Char siu (barbecued pork), vegetables, tofu, or other desired fillings.

Instructions for making the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.

Gradually pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring as you go.

Add the vegetable oil to the mixture and continue to knead until the dough comes together.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Assembling and Steaming:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.

Flatten each ball with your palm to create a circle about 4 inches in diameter. Leave the edges slightly thicker than the center.

Place a spoonful of your desired filling in the center of each circle.

Gather the edges of the circle and pinch them together to seal the bun, creating a pleated effect at the top.

Place each filled bun on a small square of parchment paper and arrange them on a steamer tray, leaving space between them to expand during steaming.

Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes to rise slightly.

Steam the buns over boiling water for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffy and cooked through.

Carefully remove the buns from the steamer and serve them warm.

Enjoy!

National Bao Bun Day is a great opportunity to appreciate and enjoy this amazing food that has been part of many cultures for centuries. Whether you are a fan of bao buns or want to try them for the first time, join the celebration and treat yourself to some bao buns today!

Savor Our City is happy to invite you to Join us on a 3-hour culinary tour through the heart of Orlando’s East Asian culinary scene in the crossroads of the Mills 50 district.

Guests on our brand-new Asian Street Foods tour will have an opportunity to sample a variety of tastings at 8 different stops including a delicious braised short rib, Bao Bun.

For more info on this tour, contact info@www.savorourcity.net.

Until we eat again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise

The post August 22nd – National Bao Bun Day! appeared first on Savor Our City.

This blog post comes courtesy of guest blogger Gillian Whitman of Tribounce.

You may or may not know this but we offer culinary experiences in NYC, so check out this article and if you are interested in booking a group event, let us know…

Pennsylvania Station, better known to locals as Penn Station, is New York’s main intercity railway station. As such, it’s also the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere, with more than 600,000 passengers traveling through the station each day. To say that Penn Station is a busy and bustling place is a drastic understatement.

And while New York is a city that you could spend a lifetime in and never run out of things to do, sometimes, it’s nice to escape the city and see what the region has to offer. That’s where Penn station comes in.

Drop off your bags at a Penn Station luggage storage, and you’ll have access to some of the best day trips around New York City. 

A trip to New York is always a good idea, but when combined with some of these fascinating day trips, it makes for an even more memorable holiday. So what are you waiting for? Ditch the bags and get ready to see more of what New York City’s surroundings have to offer.

Montauk

A Hamptons getaway doesn’t have to be all about spending money. Montauk is the perfect place to disconnect from city life and enjoy some rest and relaxation. And, best of all, it’s only a few hours away from Penn Station by train.

The journey out to Montauk is almost as enjoyable as the destination itself. You’ll pass through some of New York’s most scenic areas, including Long Island Sound and the Connecticut coastline. Once you arrive in Montauk, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and exploring the local shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking for a more low-key day trip from Penn Station, Montauk is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

The Hamptons

While Montauk is the perfect place for a relaxed day by the beach, The Hamptons are ideal if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious. The Hamptons are a group of villages and hamlets located on the South Fork of Long Island, and they’re known for their sprawling estates, pristine beaches, and high-end shops and restaurants.

There are plenty of ways to spend a day in the Hamptons, but some of our favorites include taking a stroll along Main Street in Southampton, browsing the art galleries in East Hampton, or enjoying lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants. No matter how you choose to spend your time, the Hamptons are a perfect day trip from Penn Station.

Bear Mountain State Park

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s a little more off the beaten path, Bear Mountain State Park is the perfect place to explore. The park is located in the Hudson Highlands, about an hour north of Penn Station, and it’s home to miles of hiking trails, a scenic lake, and stunning views of the Hudson River.

In the winter, the park is transformed into a snow-covered wonderland, making it the ideal spot for cross-country skiing, sledding, and other winter activities. And in the summer, the park comes alive with picnickers, swimmers, and kayakers taking advantage of the beautiful weather.

No matter what time of year you visit, Bear Mountain State Park is a great day trip from Penn Station.

Beacon

Just a short train ride from Penn Station, Beacon is a charming town located in the Hudson Valley. The town is home to a number of art galleries, antique shops, and independent businesses, making it the perfect place to spend a leisurely day exploring.

Beacon is also home to several parks and nature trails, so it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City and enjoy some time outdoors. And if you’re looking for a bite to eat, Beacon has no shortage of great restaurants, cafes, and bakeries.

The Adirondacks

The Adirondacks are a group of mountains located in northern New York State, and they offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. The area is home to countless hiking trails, pristine lakes, and stunning views. And, best of all, it’s only a few hours away from Penn Station by train.

Whether you’re looking to hike to the top of Mount Marcy or simply enjoy a scenic drive through Adirondack Park, there’s no shortage of things to do in this beautiful part of New York State.

Washington, DC

Although it’s not technically in New York, Washington, DC, is an easy day trip from Penn Station. The journey by train takes less than three hours, and there’s plenty to see and do once you arrive.

Some of our favorite things to do in DC include visiting the Smithsonian Museums, exploring the National Zoo, or taking a tour of the US Capitol Building. And if you’re looking for a bite to eat, DC has no shortage of great restaurants, cafes, and food trucks.

No matter what your interests are, Washington, DC, is a great place to spend a day (or two) exploring.

Philadelphia

For another city break, Philadelphia is a great day trip from Penn Station. The city is home to countless historic sites, museums, and other attractions, which makes it a fun day trip, especially for fans of US history.

Some of our favorite things to do in Philadelphia include visiting the Liberty Bell, taking a tour of Independence Hall, and exploring the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And if you’re looking for a bite to eat, Philly is home to some of the best cheesesteaks in the country. In fact, they’re famous for them!

Fire Island

Fire Island is a barrier island off the coast of Long Island, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a day of sun and sand. The island is home to several beaches, as well as a number of restaurants, bars, and shops.

And best of all, Fire Island is only a short train ride from Penn Station. So if you’re looking for a quick getaway, it’s the perfect place to go.

Conclusion

Is it possible to get bored in New York? That’s debatable. What’s not debatable is that there are so many great things to do in the region that it would be a shame not to enjoy them while you have the chance. 

Penn Station makes the ideal gateway to explore what the region has to offer. Drop off your bags at a luggage storage in Penn Station, and you’ll soon see just how much this part of the United States has to boast about.

For more inspiration on what to do while in New York City, check out all of Savor Our City’s unique experiences. Whether you are looking to do a group photo scavenger hunt, searching for the perfect culinary tour, or wanting to try your hand at cooking, Savor Our City can create the perfect custom itinerary. For more information or a custom proposal for your group, contact info@www.savorourcity.net.

Until we eat, drink and travel again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Best day trips from Penn Station appeared first on Savor Our City.

I was recently invited to attend the opening of Kasai & Koori in Boynton Beach and boy was I in for a fantastic and tasty surprise!!!

Kasai & Koori, an Asian-inspired dessert restaurant concept created by restaurateur co-founders Lee Goldberg and Taylor Levy, is taking traditional Asian desserts such as Japanese Kakigōri, Taiwanese shaved ice, Taiyaki waffles, and Korean Bingsu, and re-imagining them by giving them a distinct and delicious North American twist. The name Kasai & Koori is a derivative of the Japanese terms fire and ice, representative of polarizing forces coming together to deliver a truly unique experience in an upscale environment. According to Goldberg & Levy, “it’s all about dessert because dessert makes people smile.” Most of what they have here has not been available or tried in the US until now.

The people of Southeast Asia have been harboring a sweet secret for years: delicious traditional desserts inspired by the ice caves of the famed active volcano, Mount Fuji. And now, for the very first time, Americans are able to experience these delectable delicacies including Japanese Kakigōri, Taiwanese shaved ribbon ice, and Korean Bingsu, re-imagined with the grand opening of Kasai & Koori.

Kasai & Koori made its official debut in South Florida this month in Boynton Beach with three more locations spread throughout Palm Beach and Broward Counties opening soon. The idea for the unique business venture came to life thanks to longtime friends and business partners, Lee Goldberg and Taylor Levy. Goldberg, an attorney and original co-founder of popular eatery chain BurgerFi, and Levy, running his family’s Golden Corral franchise stake with four locations, stumbled upon the discovery of Kakigori, a Japanese frozen dessert delicacy, on a recent trip to Asia where they initially intended to scout Asian street food prospects for a food hall they were looking to develop back home.

Having had their light bulb moment and knowing they had to be first to market what they discovered abroad, Kasai & Koori was born. The duo continued exploratory trips back and forth to Asia to seek out the best in frozen cultural desserts that neighboring countries had to offer. After a trek up Mount Fuji which produces ice year-round when the air meets water, Goldberg and Levy ever fascinated by their experience and immediately began collaborating on Kasai & Koori.

“Kasai & Koori encompasses a melting pot of traditional Asian flavors through a virtually-untouched concept here in the United States,” says Goldberg. “We wanted the brand to pay homage to their culture while bringing an American twist to the menu, offering concepts that are not only one-of-a-kind here in South Florida, but to the United States as a whole.”

“In Japan, we have watched locals form lines each and every day around the block just to taste these desserts, often ordering two or more at a time,” echoes Levy. “We know we are able to offer something so distinct with the opening of Kasai & Koori and look forward to bringing our menu all across the nation.”

On Kasai & Koori’s menu, standout items include six varieties of Kakigōri, a dessert historically presented to Japanese royalty and made from shaved blocks of ice, garnished with flavors and toppings. Choices include the Sleeping Dragon (Matcha) with Matcha, Azuki Bean, Koori whipped cream, dragon milk, golden powder and the Miyako Moon (Mango) with mango, dragon milk, Koori whipped cream, Belgian Butter cookie. Meanwhile, ribbon ice, a thin-shaved snow ice delicacy is considered a bold ice and cream dessert full of taste and customized to the guest’s desire. Menu selections include the Island on Ice (Coconut) with coconut, dulce de leche, Koori whipped cream and The Timid Tanuki which translates to “Japanese Raccoon” but will signify a Cookies & Cream creation with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, Oreo.

Those on the go can opt for a Taiyaki; a popular handheld treat often served at festivals and street markets in Japan and Korea. Resembling a fish-shaped waffle cone, (snapper is a good luck symbol in Asia) the baked pastry is stuffed with sweet or savory specialty fillings including Kasai & Koori’s Cheraoke with chocolate and cherry, The Castaway with dark chocolate banana and coconut and the Bean There with sweet Azuki bean and golden powder. Savory hot Taiyaki sandwiches, ideal for any time of day, will also be available with options such as The Break Fish with egg, sausage, cheese and The Laughing Fish with cheddar, mozzarella, tomato.

Other indulgences on Kasai and Koori’s menu include artisan-made Mochi and Spiked Dragon Beard, three flavors of flavored ice infused with alcoholic beverages.

KAKIGORI

Kakigori is a traditional Japanese treasure originally reserved for royalty, made from shaved blocks of ice and garnished with flavorings and toppings.

Tropical Fuji (Mango) shaved ice, mango sauce, condensed milk, koori whipped cream, fresh diced mango, Belgian butter cookie

Pale Mountain- (Lychee) shaved ice, lychee fruit sauce, purple taro crème, lychee fruit stars

The Red Fox (Strawberry) shaved ice, strawberry sauce, diced strawberries, condensed milk, koori whipped cream, rare cheese cream, chia seed sauce, cinnamon streusel

The Sleeping Dragon (Matcha) shaved ice, matcha tea sauce, azuki bean, koori whipped cream, condensed milk, golden dragon powder

True Romance (Peach) shaved ice, white chocolate mint sauce, peach jam, chopped fresh mint

Up all Night (Coffee) coffee shaved ice, coffee sauce, condensed milk, dolce de leche, koori whipped cream, toasted almonds

RIBBON ICE

Ribbon ice, a traditional thin-shaved ice delicacy from Southeast Asia, is a bold ice and cream dessert infused with flavorings and complemented with an assortment of toppings.

Tokashiki Moon ((Mango) ribbon ice, mango sauce, condensed milk, diced mango, koori whipped cream, Belgian butter cookie

Island on Ice (Coconut) ribbon ice, coconut sauce, dolce de leche, koori whipped cream, toasted coconut

The Dark Warrior (Coffee) ribbon ice, coffee sauce, dolce de leche, toasted almonds, koori whipped cream

The Timid Tanuki (Cookies & Cream) ribbon ice, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, Oreo® cookies &  crumbles, koori whipped cream

TAIYAKI

Taiyaki Waffle Cone shaped like a seabream is known in Japanese mythology as the “lucky fish” and confections made in its shape have been eaten as a snack since the Meiji period. Filling the “fish” with frozen cream was a luxury though, and typically saved for festivals—until now.

Toppings

Fruit Loops, Cap’n Crunch©, Fruity PEBBLES, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Frosted Flakes®, cookie dough, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, crushed Oreo’s ®, cinnamon streusel, M&M’S®, crushed KIT KAT®, crushed TWIX®, HEATH Bar, graham cracker crumbs, coconut flakes, toasted almonds, jelly doughnut, brownie pieces, crushed peppermint, fizzy cotton candy, diced strawberry, diced mango, pineapple, gold sprinkles,

Drizzles

Nutella sauce, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, coconut sauce, condensed milk, dolce de leche

Build Your Own – choice of 3 toppings and 1 drizzle, additional toppings $0.88 each

Shake Senora– chocolate Ice cream, Fruit Loops, Fruity PEBBLES, toasted coconut, pineapple, coconut sauce

Magically Suspicious- vanilla ice cream, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cap’n Crunch©, Frosted Flakes®, mini marshmallows, condensed milk, golden dragon powder

Tree hugger– vanilla ice cream, cinnamon streusel, strawberry, M&M’S®, graham cracker crumbs, Nutella drizzle

Mr. Powers – vanilla ice cream, HEATH Bar, Cap’n Crunch ©, cookie dough, caramel drizzle, gold sprinkles

Deep Woods– chocolate ice cream, Oreo® cookies, KIT KAT®, brownie pieces, fizzy cotton candy, chocolate sauce

Summer of 69 – vanilla ice cream, cookie dough, chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, M&M’s®, dulce de leche drizzle

HOT TAIYAKI

Hot Taiyaki, a popular hand-held treat during festivals and street markets of Korea and Japan. This fish-shaped baked pastry is stuffed with sweet or savory fillings.

SWEET

Bean There sweet azuki bean, golden dragon powder (this was my favorite of the hot savory taiyaki’s and the dragon powder was WOW!)

The Elevator  Nutella, WOWBUTTER

The Castaway  dark chocolate, banana, coconut

Cherry-oki  chocolate & cherry

SAVORY

The Break Fish egg, sausage, cheese, chili spice

The Glory Fish pepperoni & cheese

The Laughing Fish spinach, pesto, feta cheese

The Cheesy Fish cheddar, mozzarella, tomato

SPIKED DRAGON BEARD

Comprised of threads of flavored ice, our handmade Dragon Beard products are infused with alcoholic spirits —offering a sinful twist on an age-old indulgence. Must be 21 or older to order.

Morgan’s Spiced Rumble coffee-soaked ladyfinger biscuits, spiced rum cake milk ice, dulce de leche, cinnamon spiced cake crumble

Bananas on Bourbon  warm fish taiyaki waffle, vanilla bourbon and salted caramel milk ice, caramelized bananas, toasted almonds, caramel sauce

Rum for Your Life! koori pound cake, coconut rum and banana liqueur milk ice, pineapple-mint salsa, dulce de leche, toasted coconut

Smashed S’mores chocolate fudge cake, double chocolate whiskey milk ice, graham cracker crumbs, campfire marshmallow

MOCHI

Artisan Made Mochi by Mochidoki

Creamy ice cream wrapped in a thin layer of Japanese mochi rice dough. The resulting hand-held dessert is as playfully delicious as it is refined.

Each Kasai & Koori location will also be 100 percent committed to sustainability with bamboo cutlery, filtered Vero Water, reusable water bottles, and more. Kasai & Koori locations are peanut-free to create a safe environment for kids (and adults) with peanut allergies to be able to come in and enjoy.

Under Goldberg and Levy, Kasai & Koori will open four locations this fall in Fort Lauderdale (Sistrunk Market & Brewery), Boynton Beach (Canyon Town Center), Delray Beach (Pineapple Grove), and Pembroke Pines. The pair plans to open additional restaurants in Miami and Orlando before expanding further north and opening the doors to qualified franchisees.

I was super excited to learn that they will be opening a K & K store in Downtown Delray and will be added to our “Taste Atlantic Avenue”  culinary tour. Stay tuned for more info on this…

This Kasai & Koori is located at 8784 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33472  561-336-2211  KasaiAndKoori.com

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post ASIAN-INSPIRED DESSERT BAR, KASAI & KOORI LAUNCHED ITS FIRST US STORE IN SOUTH FLORIDA appeared first on Savor Our City.

They say to find unknown treasures, you have to leave the beaten path. In Boca Raton, areas like Mizner Park and Royal Palm Place are downtrodden with first-time visitors to our sea-kissed town. Yet, it’s a little spot just south of city central where you can find a foodie experience truly delectable and adventurous in Saiko-i Sushi Lounge & Hibachi.

Saiko-i (pronounced sigh-koi-ee) Sushi Lounge & Hibachi is the creation of husband and wife team, Jason Zheng & Tina Wang. A 7,000 sq.ft. – formerly home to the local favorite nightclub, Gatsby’s – offers guests a selection of dining experiences. For casual affairs and networking events, sit in the outdoor courtyard or spacious bar. To be entertained, 11 hibachi tables wait to amuse, as well as an open exhibition sushi bar. But if an intimate dinner for two is on the menu, a romantic row of private booths amongst hand-selected artworks can accommodate.

I had the honor of experiencing Saiko-i with a number of other bloggers, writers, and foodies for the restaurant’s media night. While familiar with the Zheng & Wang’s first Boca restaurant, Yakitori Sake House, I wasn’t aware of Saiko-i. I pulled into an unassuming shopping center on Military and SW 18th St. – shared with an Outback Steakhouse nonetheless – questioning whether or not I was in the right place. Yet, as soon as I walked in the doors, I was swept into another locale altogether.

Upon entering, I paid quick homage to a 10-foot tall Buddha before being whisked to my table. A rich color template and delicate tapestries with fine detail adorn the interior of the entire restaurant. No detail was left to chance.

The night began with Saiko-i’s signature cocktail, the lychee martini. Made with fresh lychee juice, it was a martini perfect for those looking for a crisp drink with just a hint of sweetness. Also offered were Japanese beers and whiskeys alongside the usual American counterparts.

First order of the night delivered the salmon carpaccio. I smelled this dish before I even saw it, something I can’t ever recall saying about a raw carpaccio. The truffle oil and fried garlic scents made my stomach rumble with anticipation. Saiko-i attains fresh sushi-grade fish daily, hailing from both Florida local fisheries and Japan alike. I make no exaggeration when I say the carpaccio melted on my tongue.

Next was the roasted duck wrap, a mix of tender duck and savory spices wrapped in a lightly-fried, crisp Singapore flatbread – perfectly offset by a mango sauce and balsamic glaze.

By the end of the duck, I had sipped through my lychee martini and mixed it up with a selection of Japanese whiskeys, settling on the Suntory 10 year and Hibiki 12 year. Rounds of appetizers kept appearing. Dumpling-ilke Spicy Tuna Gyoza, a crunchy UFO Roll and the refreshing fresh fish medley that is the Sexy Lady Roll.

Being a fan of curries, I had to try Saiko-i’s red curry with scallops for my main dish. I asked for a bit more kick and the chefs behind the scenes got it just right. The portion was easily enough for two and I was glad to have lunch for the next day.

Despite being stuffed with the night’s appetizing creations, the team at Saiko-i wasn’t done with us yet. They had one more surprise. We had a birthday in the group and before we knew it a panda bear came to our table with a plate full of mochi – the perfect ending to an enchanting evening.

Saiko-i Sushi Lounge & Hibachi
5970 SW 18th Street, Suite E4
Boca Raton, FL 33433
www.saikoiboca.com
Reservations: 561-393-5888

Social Media:
Facebook.com/Saikoi
Instagram – @saikoiboca #saikoiboca

The post Saiko-i appeared first on Savor Our City.

Head Chef and co-owner Monique Buchbinder (the name MoBu is derived from the first two letters of her first and last name), earned her degree from the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan prior to working as a chef at Per Se (the sixth highlest Michelin rated restaurant) and at the famed Nobu in Miami (yes, you might say there might have been a tad bit of influence behind her restaurant’s chosen name) before deciding to become a private chef taking on catering jobs and hosting dinner parties in Manhattan, Naples and Miami. She began cooking for a gentleman named Bruce who moved to South Florida from New York. When Chef Monique expressed her interest in opening her own restaurant one day to Bruce, he realized her talent in the kitchen was too good to keep all to himself and decided to help back her. Bruce’s daughter, Brooke, MoBu’s General Manager and Marketing Director, handles the front of house and community events, while Chef Monique makes magic in the kitchen. In addition to making dishes that are filled with flavor, Chef Monique makes dishes that are sensitive to healthy diets and food allergies, including nut-free and gluten-conscious (gc) items in addition to vegan, organic, vegetarian diets. Seasonally inspired, beautifully plated, and sourced from some of the world’s most vibrant cultures, Mobu’s dishes leave guests filled with a revitalized love for cuisine and community.

Sourcing foodie favorites from Asian, French, and Caribbean cultures, MoBu Fusion Cafe in Boca Raton is where folks come to enjoy international cuisine in an elegant local atmosphere. Using fresh ingredients as her brushes and plates as her palettes, Chef Monique only works with the best food suppliers so you can expect to always enjoy the most delicious and freshest ingredients. From beautifully presented appetizers and main dishes, to tantalizing desserts, you will be in food heaven.

Relax and unwind in their beautiful patio dining area, where you will be surrounded by nature & water. This is where our group of bloggers gathered for a brunch tasting. Every dish that was brought out had a flare to it and each was exceptional. We started out with an Amuse Bouche of Tuna Poke (gc) artfully plated on a black slate. Next was the Banana Bread French Toast, which was my personal favorite. On top of this most wonderful gluten-conscious French toast (which I still can’t get over had little to no gluten) was bananas foster, Marsala wine, whipped cream and berries. I believe I am drooling as I am writing this now. lol! Our next course was a Crab Egg Benedict which featured lovely lump crab cakes topped with poached cage-free eggs and a delicious hollandaise sauce. The final tasting of the day was the Tuna Poke Bowl which was made with sushi grade tuna loin, on top of quinoa, brown rice, avocado, sesame seeds and cucumbers.

In addition to their wonderfully yummy brunch menu, they have a simple yet well thought out dinner menu as well with wonderful selections from land to sea. MoBu’s first 5 course Chef’s Table dinner is scheduled for this Friday evening, April 20th. For details, click here.

MoBu Fusion Cafe is located at 1159 South Federal Highway in Boca Raton.  Delivery is available through Delivery Dudes. Catering is also available.

Hours of Operation: Tue, Wed, Thu: 5-9pm;  Fri: 5-9:30pm; Sat: 11am-3pm & 5 – 9:30pm; Sun: 11am -3pm & 5 – 9pm

Brunch is served on Saturdays & Sundays from 11am – 3pm

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Experience A Unique Fusion of Asian, Caribbean & French Cuisine at MoBu Fusion Cafe appeared first on Savor Our City.

I am sorry for the big lapse between blog posts. So much has been happening with the expansion of Savor Our City. We are getting very close to rolling out our new website and are super excited to make the big reveal. Stay tuned to that…

I had the chance to go into the new Paris Morning Bakery in Boca, located on Powerline in the plaza between Camino Real and Palmetto Park Rd. We’ve been following each other for a little while on Instagram and I was excited to receive an invitation from them to come in for a tasting.

I hadn’t had a chance to thoroughly look over the menu in advance and didn’t know much about the restaurant prior to my arrival. I did know they served Bubble Tea and I also knew they had pastries. I assumed with a name like Paris in the title that they’d be French pastries. To my surprise, I learned that the food inspiration comes from Korea, where the company’s corporate team are from.

I had the opportunity to meet James the Manager of the Boca location. We had a nice long chat as I got to sample some of the menu offerings. Had to start with the Bubble Tea. They had soooooo many wonderful flavors that it was hard to make a decision. Well, that’s not entirely true. It wasn’t such a hard decision to make once I saw “Passion fruit” listed. For those of you who have been reading my posts for some time, you know that I have an obsession for all things truffle: truffle Parm fries, truffle honey, truffle aioli and the list goes on and on. Well here’s another something that I’m totally “passionate” about – it’s Passion fruit. I just adore this fruit juice. So, once I saw it on the Bubble Tea menu, it was a no brainer. It was every bit as good as I hoped! I sampled several of their pastries which they have packaged so nicely with little samples and descriptions found beside each one. Smart and Yummy!

James took me up to the counter and introduced me to Zipbop, (pronounced Jeep Bop) authentic Korean Dishes served with rice in a 24oz cup with different fresh ingredients. There were several zipbop dishes to choose from. I tried the eel and the Korean beef.

While both dishes were served warm and had nice flavor and texture, the eel was my favorite. I felt like I was eating a deconstructed eel sushi roll. It was amazing. I couldn’t stop eating it.

You can find zipbop and bingsoo at Paris Morning Bakery at any of their 3 South Florida locations:

The post Have you ZipBopped & Bingsoo’d yet? appeared first on Savor Our City.

Today’s feature is on Boon’s Asian Bistro in West Delray Beach, FL.  (W. Atlantic Avenue and just east of the Turnpike) There is another Boon’s (related) in West Boca on 441, however, this one has a completely different menu. Boon’s Asian Bistro features cuisines from all over Asia, including Japan, China, Thailand and the Philippines.

Boon’s embodies Buddha’s philosophy to seek happiness through peaceful harmony with themselves and the environment. In this respect, they strive to provide sustainable, antibiotic & hormone-free food where guests’ complete satisfaction is their mission. They strive to be a place where even the unexpressed wishes or needs of their guests are fulfilled. Their pledge is to provide a dining atmosphere where guests will not only enjoy the highest quality of fresh, locally sourced foods from farms and artisans from around the world but provide a fun, relaxed environment where traditional dining norms are ignored and/or broken.

I was recently invited to dine as a guest of the restaurant during their soft opening. My companion and I had the opportunity to sample a nice cross section of the menu.

Tuna tartare with Casava Chips. This appetizer was very light and fresh and each component of the dish complemented each other. I especially loved using the Casava chips to scoop up each bite.

The Tom Kha Gai soup was outstanding. Full of flavor and mushrooms that have been cooked, as compared to most places that serve this dish with uncooked mushrooms. I believe the cooked mushrooms added another layer of depth and flavor.

Lobster roll. Most lobster rolls I have had contain battered & fried lobster inside the roll; this one utilized Maine lobster that had been poached in its shell and was very light. It was a lovely presentation, and I liked it, but it wasn’t a stand out item for me.

Tofu Tempura with a peanut dipping sauce. Nice and light.

I thought my favorite fish was Chilean Sea Bass until I met this beauty. May I introduce to you North Atlantic Black Cod. Have you ever had this fish? Well, it has now catapulted to first place in the category of my favorite fish dishes, thanks to Boon’s. I especially loved the glaze that coated the fish. Yummo!

The filet mignon was cooked to a perfect medium rare. It was wonderful.

The fried rice was excellent! I especially liked the grilled pineapple pieces that were included.

The Crispy Duck was seasoned and cooked to perfection!

This delicious dessert concoction is called the Buddha’s Candy ice cream sundae. It has all kinds of whimsical things thrown in for fun such as cotton candy, marshmallows and pop rocks.

Boon’s Asian Bistro Delray is located at 7959 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33446

Phone: (561) 501-6391  Website (still under construction) www.BoonsAsian.com.

Call for hours of operation. Grand Opening coming in June…

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

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