Momofuku UPDATE - Las Vegas, NV

We don't bother to sit down anywhere else. No food more satisfying than Momofuku at this point - why bother with all the others?

We've spent the years getting into our Vegas groove, and Pork Buns with every meal is part of the plan. The slab of belly is thick and melty, in a fluffy bun with a stripe of hoisin and a sprinkle of scallion. 

They still make the only Shoyu Ramen I would kill for, a thick, fatty broth that coats every ropy noodle.

Try the Shishito Peppers, or anything green from the market menu to take a break between the bites of pork fat. These are roasted with a thick dust of smoked salt, and the spicy ones will be your wake-up call. 

Chilled Shrimp Noodles are a lighter option if you're not in the mood for ramen. The green noodles are light and cheery under a layer of char-grilled shrimp.

The Confit Jidori Chicken is a juicy, flavor-packed bowl on vinegared crispy rice.

Again, a lighter option, the Chilled Spicy Buckwheat Noodles what mix like a carb salad. There's a perfect soft-boiled egg mixed with refreshing flavors of kimchi, kombu, and cukes.

Some of my love for Momofuku stems from New York nostalgia, and some of it stems from the enjoyment of watching David Chang evolve and grow his empire. He was one of the first east coast chefs who made Asian cuisine more accessible to the stuffed shirts of New England, and he is the undeniable master of all that is pork, fat, and pork fat. Whatever the reason, all that matters is that I keep going back to Vegas, and I keep going back to him in Vegas. 

Lardo - Las Vegas, NV

My friend Jeff once coined a term that I find most endearing. The word is "lardassio," used to describe a glutton, a person who just has all the fat and eats all the fat. 

Lardo is the lardassio's culinary spirit animal, fat-packed sandwiches executed with skill and class. You won't find glorified deli sandwiches behind this counter - they squeeze a lot of cohesive thought between two slices of bread. Each sandwich just screams of luxury, like these silky threads of Korean Pork Shoulder. The meat is marinated so far through you won't find a single thread not soaked. The house kimchi adds an acidic bite, and the chili mayo some spice and cream. It's heavy and it's rich, but few sandwiches complement a tall beer so well. 

The Pho'Rench Dip is a little lighter, a purse full of shaved beef with a dash of hoisin and mayo. Dipped in pho, the broth fills in all the nooks and crannies and soaks into the bread while clinging to the beef. 

If you're going to get dirty, Vegas is the place to do it. Try the Dirty Fries, crisp potato strips scrambled with pork scraps, pickled peppers, and plenty of parm. You don't need a side with sandwich portions like these, but I'm betting no one ever regretted these fries. 

Channel your inner lardassio at Lardo. They're all about the kind of gluttony that is so completely satisfying minus the grossness and regret. These sandwiches will get you through any hour of any day, and there's one for every mood.

Tekka Bar - Las Vegas, NV

Let's face it, affordable food in Vegas doesn't really exist. Unless you're hunting down McDonald's or Chipotle, even PF Chang's will set you back a Benjamin. 

But if you do want food with a bill that won't make you pass out harder than the booze, Block 16 at the Cosmo is a welcome new-ish addition to their repertoire. 

Hand rolls for here, cut rolls to go. The fish is fresh, and I had a nice time with the Lobster, Lump Blue Crab, and the Vegetable. The daily special was Spicy Shrimp with a creamy mayo and no objection here. 

Wash it own with Green Tea - they have it on nitro and the difference is clear. Sencha is lighter and matcha is darker and deep. It's sushi at its most basic but at least the prices aren't terrible. Detox at Tekka Bar if you're looking for a healthier choice.

Gar Woods Grill & Pier UPDATE - Carnelian Bay, CA

We're becoming creatures of habit in Reno, revisiting our favorites, establishing a lunch tradition. Tahoe isn't a habit just yet, but the drive is so beautiful, we used Gar Woods as an excuse on a fine fall day.

The sapphire waters gleam in the midday sun, and Gar Woods has a wall of tables both inside and out that overlook a peaceful pier that makes ripples along a tranquil shore. Nibble on some Housemade Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips as you dive into their all-American lunch menu and soak up the afternoon sun. These potato chips are ample and thick, warm vinegar cutting through the salt and creamy dip. 

Plenty of sandwiches like the Hawaiian Chicken to hit the spot if you're craving. The chicken is tender and not at all dry, and the pineapple and BBQ sauce add some fruitier notes. 

The Chicken & Waffles is where they get a little creative, and I love every bite. The chicken is crisply fried, and the fluffy waffles are stuffed with strips of bacon to add a little extra. The syrup is chipotle-blueberry so you get the gooey summer fruit with a spice that gives it a bite. This syrup is like crack on a plate of meat and carbs.   

I haven't been anywhere else in Tahoe, but I don't need to compare to know that Gar Woods has a good thing going. Whether it's a day-trip, a break from camping, or just a sweet family meal, Gar Woods is game.  

Pinky's Hot Box - Torrance

Hi Pinky's, welcome to Torrance! 

The OG Sando really hits the spot when I'm looking for something quick and hot. The fry is good, the mild is plenty hot because I'm weak, and the burn is balanced by the comeback sauce and slaw. I'll always ask about the chef's special - someone got it last time, and it was fantastic. 

I'll go for the Tenders when I'm not feeling the bread. Same stuff, filling portion, and all the sides are strong. I love the seasoning on the fries, and the mac n' cheese is alright. 

Fried chicken hits the spot, and it comes out fast. Say what you will about Howlin' Ray's and their 2-hour line, but I'm just happy to have a fast and tasty lunch place to add to my working weekends!

Badmaash - Los Angeles

Badmaash. The best restaurant I will never visit again. The food is a breath of fresh, spicy air, and their fusion items are touched by genius. It's impossible not to enjoy your food but you won’t have time to savor it. Their tables have a 45-60 minute time limit even WITH a reservation that starts before you open the menu so be prepared to scarf it all down. They’re not shy about asking you to leave.

Started with the street food, but these Crispy Yogurt Puffs leave an impact that is far from casual. Soft chickpeas make their bed in a rich but airy yogurt that softens a spicy sting. Crispy contrasts soft, and you're left with a lasting impression long after these little bites are gone. 

Try the Butter Chicken Samosas. They're exactly what the say they are, but that sweet, creamy  curry surrounding tenders shreds of chicken is probably the best butter chicken I've ever had.

The Chicken Tikka Poutine is a signature dish, and I love the creativity. It's fusion at it's finest; masala and chunks of chicken tikka spice up the fries, and cheese curds groove with a gooey gravy.

You don't get Indian food without naan, though their Chili Cheese Naan is too good to call a side. The naan is simultaneously crisp and soft, and cheddar chases the chilis to leave a delightful burn. 

The Spiced Lamb Burger. This is the best thing on the menu, maybe the best burger in LA. Maybe the best burger EVER. The lamb is so flavorful, the patty is so moist, the spice mix is so smooth yet so unforgettable. I ate this last, and I was so stuffed, but you can't stop eating something like this. It'll take you to another place... which seems to be where they want you anyway.

Desserts are where our meal falls apart. I actually recommend them, and it's quite rare for me to recommend dessert. The Rice Pudding is on the lighter side so you can have something sweet without feeling gross. This one is creamy with coconut milk and it’s almost as much of a relief as the mango lassi after the spicy burn.

Their Mango Mousse is light and more mango than mango itself. Beautiful and absolutely perfect...but we wouldn't know. It started tasting pretty sour when we were asked to leave. My friend was only halfway through that, and you do NOT interrupt a pregnant woman (due next month!) halfway through her dessert.

I don't care what your excuse is, Badmaash. You made my very pregnant friend to get up so someone else could sit down one hour and 15 minutes into our meal. I guess I should thank you for the extra 15 minutes considering your very unreasonable time limits on your tables (which you did NOT mention, ever), but I think you just got greedy. Instead of caring about your customers you started turning tables to turn your profits, and you really let a little Michelin get to your head.

Badmaash. It’s supposed to mean bad ass and I profoundly agree. The food is totally bad ass, but the restaurant is run by an ass.

Sam Wo Restaurant - San Francisco, CA

We got back late from the Alcatraz night tour, and we wanted to continue the prison theme with food. 

KIDDING. Well, not really. Apparently Alcatraz had excellent food, and you could do a lot worse than Sam Wo right before midnight. 

Their BBQ Pork Noodle Roll is a signature, light pieces of pork and veggie wrapped in a chewy roll. It’s served with a dish of spicy mustard that gives everything a kick. Ask for extra - you want to smear some everywhere. 

The Chop Suey is a light side, a stir-fried mix of greens to go between the mains.

The Kung Pao Chicken isn’t their strongest dish. The flavors don’t quite soak in, and the onions are barely cooked. 

The Duck Dry Mixed Noodle is probably my fave. The noodles are plump and savory, and the shredded duck and lettuce make a great mix.

If nothing else, it's worth saying you ate at the restaurant that employed the world's rudest waiter. He’s not there anymore but I consider it proof of authenticity. Service is swift and smiling these days, and I doubt you'll hear much complaint about the food, but at an hour where most eateries are closed for business, Sam Wo may be worth a visit for hot mustard and hangover prophylaxis.