“It is for the first time Japanese restaurant is bestowed upon Six Star Diamond Award. This is the result of hard, persistent work and we are proud to bring this message to Japanese people” – says Megu’s President Koichi Yokoyama.

In a way it recognizes that Japanese cuisine is on a ]]>

“It is for the first time Japanese restaurant is bestowed upon Six Star Diamond Award. This is the result of hard, persistent work and we are proud to bring this message to Japanese people” – says Megu’s President Koichi Yokoyama.

In a way it recognizes that Japanese cuisine is on a pare with the finest French. Isn’t it an occasion well worth celebrating?

Angolan beauty Leila Lopes – Miss Universe 2011 joined the celebration at Megu.

CiCi Li also joined the celebration. She thinks that Megu is best for delivering sophisticated Japanese dining experience. She loves Megu’s Kobe Beef on the Rock!

Thanks to Home Food: Taste the Italian Food at Home of Cesarine!! I was able to learn and make traditional Italian pasta from scratch. The learning experience was super interactive and informative. I enjoyed the true taste of Italian hospitality!

Home Food is with the Guardianship & Exploitation Association of the ]]>

Thanks to Home Food: Taste the Italian Food at Home of Cesarine!! I was able to learn and make traditional Italian pasta from scratch. The learning experience was super interactive and informative. I enjoyed the true taste of Italian hospitality!

Home Food is with the Guardianship & Exploitation Association of the Traditional Culinary Gastronomic Heritage of Italy. Home Food  is sponsored by the Ministry of Agricultural Politics, by various regions of Italy and the University of Bologna. The ladies of the house are affectionately called Cesarine; in praise of all the grandmothers, the carers, the aunts, that have enriched our childhoods.

Home Food has aimed to promote traditional recipes, the sense of Italian hospitality, and the emphasis on the local products. It has created a network of Cesarine across Italy, and now in the US, offering a welcoming table of traditional foods and love.

www.homefood.it

Today CiCi is exploring SOHO; a trendy and diverse area of Manhattan filled with shopping, fashion and food. CiCi’s getting an early start, before the street gets busy and crowded. First stop: “Loopy Mango.” Once plentiful in SOHO, now boutiques like this are rare. Under one roof, you’ll find everything ]]>  

Today CiCi is exploring SOHO; a trendy and diverse area of Manhattan filled with shopping, fashion and food. CiCi’s getting an early start, before the street gets busy and crowded. First stop: “Loopy Mango.” Once plentiful in SOHO, now boutiques like this are rare. Under one roof, you’ll find everything from jewelry to clothing to a working classic Harley Davidson motorcycle (not in the budget.)

For refueling, CiCi stopped at “Vive la Crepe.” She learned how to make crepes, even making her own with Nutella sauce. They have many choose from; sweet to savory, and specially folded for portability.

Keeping with this theme, CiCi’s next stop was “L’ecole,” a restaurant within the French Culinary Institute, where they teach the next generation of chefs in a real-world setting, preparing meals for discerning patrons. CiCi got to sample several dishes, while interviewing an Instructor.

Next, CiCi visited a little shop called “Yaso;” another SOHO boutique, filled with unique fashions, accessories, and a very friendly owner.

Outside, a light rain inspired CiCi to find “Sanctuary,” a very special teahouse, carrying more varieties than you can imagine, including some with a flower that “blooms” in your cup.

Next, CiCi’s instincts led her to an amazing bookstore café called, “Housing Works.” This is a non-profit volunteer run café. Beyond a gathering place to sip coffee, tea, or wine, and perhaps enjoy baked goodies while perusing books, their proceeds go to AIDS awareness and education.

For dinner, Yelp’s rave reviews inspired CiCi to visit Ed’s Lobster Bar. There she helped prepare the famous lobster rolls, and taste the new lobster meatballs. Ed is so committed, he wears a tattoo of his lobster logo proudly on his arm.

After a day in SOHO, CiCi reflected on her adventure: boutiques, crepes, the French Culinary Institute, a library with a social conscience, and lobster rolls. With all that diversity and creativity, the connecting thread was their passion to share their art, cultures, and food.

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Writers: Ian Blei, Optimized Results Mark Levy, Overland

Today CiCi is exploring the East Village, a part of Greenwich Village containing a little Japantown area, and many hidden treasures to discover and share.

She began the day with “Cha-An,” ]]> A Gateway to Culture Through Food

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Writers:
Ian Blei, Optimized Results
Mark Levy, Overland

Today CiCi is exploring the East Village, a part of Greenwich Village containing a little Japantown area, and many hidden treasures to discover and share.

She began the day with “Cha-An,” a very special teahouse, where the traditional tea ceremony is performed with great care and artistry. Upstairs is a little oasis from the busy streets, so the spiritual nature of the tea ceremony can be enjoyed. CiCi’s new friend and neighborhood tour guide, Mr. Bon Yagi taught her about the ceremony.

Back on the busy street, CiCi’s visited “Luke’s Lobster” to try their Lobster Rolls. Luke’s family are lobster fishermen from Maine; a state famous for lobster. The rolls are packed with tons of fresh lobster, butter, and special sauce.

Afterward, CiCi walked with Mr. Yagi around the neighborhood learning about its history, including a memorial site for Commodore Perry one could easily pass without noticing.

For lunch, CiCi and Mr. Yagi went to his restaurant, “Shabu Tatsu” for shabu-shabu, which means “swish-swish.” This is a special kind of hot pot cooking where you swish thinly sliced meats and vegetables in a hot pot of water at the table, and then swish them again in sauces like sesame sauce for seasoning.

After lunch, CiCi walked around some more, and was drawn to a delicious aroma coming from the “Chikalicious Dessert Bar.” CiCi loves dessert, and along with the light and delicate green tea shaved ice, she sampled the chocolate mousse cake.

For dinner, CiCi and her friends joined Mr. Yagi once again at the “Hasaki” wine and sake bar. “Hasaki” is decorated in a unique Japanese Kitsch style, with masks, labels, and patron signatures on the walls. Mr. Yagi taught them about how sake is made.

After her day in the East Village, CiCi reflected on Japanese traditions and food, as well as the special dessert and lobster rolls. Once again, New York offered such diversity and cultural exploration.

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Writers: Ian Blei, Optimized Results Mark Levy, Overland

Today, CiCi explored the West Village section of Greenwich Village; famous for the “Beat Generation” of the 1950’s. Before getting started, CiCi wanted to fortify herself with a serious cup ]]> A Gateway to Culture Through Food

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Writers:
Ian Blei, Optimized Results
Mark Levy, Overland

Today, CiCi explored the West Village section of Greenwich Village; famous for the “Beat Generation” of the 1950’s. Before getting started, CiCi wanted to fortify herself with a serious cup of coffee. This meant a visit to Roasting Plant Coffee; a specialty coffee shop with high tech brewing techniques and unique flavors.

Appropriately charged, CiCi’s next stop was “AC Gears,” a fun, futuristic, gadget lifestyle boutique. What other toy and novelty shop has a backpack with built-in solar panels for charging your electronic devices, or a face bank that literally eats your money?

After her trip through gadgetland, CiCi was ready for lunch at “Ofrenda” Mexican Restaurant, with food and atmosphere offering the gift of authentic home-style cooking and warm tradition. CiCi even got an impromptu Samba dance lesson, and the background behind some of the artwork depicting stories of family and cooking. Of course CiCi was there for the food, and she was amazed by delicious dishes using Cactus; something she never would have thought was edible, much less delicious. Dance, music, art, and food all in one place; “Ofrenda” definitely illustrates the New York City aesthetic, especially the West Village.

After lunch, it was time for dessert, and CiCi wanted something cool and refreshing on that hot summer day. “Popbar;” gelato-on-a-stick was the perfect answer. Their all natural and hand-crafted gelato is lighter than ice cream, and with all the different flavors and toppings (or “poppings” as they like to call them) you can create a very personalized, sweet experience.

Next up was a remarkable shop with an appropriately quirky name: “Mxyplyzyk.” (pronounced Mix-ee-plitz-ik.) It’s packed with the most unique doodads and knickknacks you’ll ever find, using recycled materials and unlimited imagination. You could spend hours just looking at the wild creations.

For dinner CiCi found “Surya,” known for classic Indian food, much of which is prepared in a traditional Tandori clay oven. Once again the music and dance of the restaurant’s homeland was a connection point for CiCi and the restaurant staff, along with warm Naan bread and delicious Tandori lamb.

The West Village; once a center for rebellious poets and artists, has evolved into a sophisticated, but fun center for diverse people and ideas to come together. From traditional, home-style food and family vibes to unique, high-tech futuristic curios, the West Village once again illustrates more about our coming together than being different.

Writers:
Mark Stephen Levy is the author of the recently released adventure love story Overland. He would love for you to read it! http://www.overlandthebook.com

Ian Blei blends a diverse background from Design Engineering to Psychology to Physics, coach, and author, and has helped countless companies and individuals save millions of dollars while boosting productivity for over 30 years. http://www.optimized-results.com

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Writers: Ian Blei, Optimized Results Mark Levy, Overland

Today, Cici visited the theater District of New York: Times Square and Broadway, where the entertainment industry started in America. Her journey included a bowling alley, Bryant Park, two amazing French ]]> A Gateway to Culture Through Food

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Writers:
Ian Blei, Optimized Results
Mark Levy, Overland

Today, Cici visited the theater District of New York: Times Square and Broadway, where the entertainment industry started in America. Her journey included a bowling alley, Bryant Park, two amazing French restaurants, and of course a Broadway show.

For a truly unique experience, CiCi started her day at Leisure Time Bowling; below the depths of Port Authority. Surprisingly upscale, and boasting unique cocktails and a video game parlor, CiCi showed her prowess on the lanes.

Next was Le Perigord, named after a region in France known as a culinary Mecca, and as elegant and chic as its old world name suggests. Lunch Buffet doesn’t get fancier than this.

Afterward, CiCi went for a walk in Bryant Park, located between Times Square and Grand Central Station. If it had been evening, there would’ve been a concert happening, but the empty stage was still inviting.

After Bryant Park, CiCi went back to Times Square and was dazzled by the lights and marquees announcing all the shows, including “In the Heights,” the show she was going to see that evening. As a special surprise, CiCi got to meet with Shaun Taylor-Corbett, who plays Sonny in the show. “In the Heights” illustrates the real New York City, with its colorful characters bonding together to persevere.

CiCi fortified herself with another amazing meal before the show, with a stop at Le Bernardin; known for some of the best French seafood in New York. Chef Eric Ripert strives to create dishes that feature the fish as the star of the “show.” CiCi got an extra treat watching the creations take place in the kitchen, topping it off with CiCi’s favorite part of any meal: a beautiful dessert.

For the perfect ending to her Theater District adventure, CiCi went to see the Tony Award winning “In The Heights,” filled with all the passion and flavor of NYC. The Theater District is the embodiment of America’s entertainment birthplace. It’s filled with everything from arcades to fine dining to live music to theatrical performances. When you hear the word “Broadway,” you know exactly where you are. Even “In The Heights,” shines as the real New York City; all about sharing dance, music, food, and friendship.

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Ian Blei, Optimized Results Mark Levy, Overland

Today, CiCi visited the Uptown area of New York, including the amazing culinary delights of David Burke’s Townhouse, Geisha, and Lady M. Her journey started with an exploration of famous Central ]]> A Gateway to Culture Through Food

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Ian Blei, Optimized Results
Mark Levy, Overland

Today, CiCi visited the Uptown area of New York, including the amazing culinary delights of David Burke’s Townhouse, Geisha, and Lady M. Her journey started with an exploration of famous Central Park. Central Park is Manhattan’s own giant backyard, filled with music, dancing, and acres of scenic nature. After all that walking and exploring, CiCi was ready for a special lunch.

CiCi’s old friend Vittorio Assaf from Serafina has another restaurant called Geisha, and it’s a unique blend of Japanese cuisine with a French influence. They have many signature dishes only available at “Geisha,” and Cici got to sample them with Vittorio himself.

After her delicious lunch, CiCi went looking for equally amazing dessert. Her tastebuds and Yelp suggested the incomparable Lady M, where you find the most wonderful cakes on Earth. CiCi fell in love with the Mille Crepe; a surprisingly light stack of twenty crepes forming a single cake. For an extra treat, she got to meet up with one of CiCi’s NYC Diary writers: Mark Levy, who ordered the Green Tea Mousse cake. He probably knew the other writer Ian Blei would be equally green with envy back in San Francisco.

After CiCi’s sweet dessert break, she explored one of Uptown’s most famous sites; the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She had no idea it was so enormous, and housed so many beautiful exhibits. Once again, Manhattan was showing off with the best in food and art.

The next stop was another unique dining experience; David Burke’s Townhouse. The Townhouse is known as much for its wild art deco look as its wild, creative dishes. David is fearless when it comes to blending tastes and textures in the kitchen. His desserts are as much art deco designs as the décor.

To end the day, CiCi attended Summer Night Swing at Lincoln Center. Each evening features a different kind of music, and that night was Disco Night. Disco was before CiCi’s time, so luckily there were plenty of experts around to teach her the steps. CiCi learned the “Hustle,” just like in “Saturday Night Fever.”

Uptown Manhattan is like a playground, filled with everything you can imagine. From incredible food to cake as art, to art itself. Once again, we find different people who really aren’t all that different. This is the real New York City. Sharing dance, music, art, food, and friendship. This is our global culture.

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Ian Blei, Optimized Results Mark Levy, Overland

Today, CiCi visited the Union Square/Flat Iron and Gramercy neighborhoods; the trendy area of New York between downtown and midtown Manhattan.

Starting right at Union Square, CiCi saw that one side was ]]> A Gateway to Culture Through Food

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Ian Blei, Optimized Results
Mark Levy, Overland

Today, CiCi visited the Union Square/Flat Iron and Gramercy neighborhoods; the trendy area of New York between downtown and midtown Manhattan.

Starting right at Union Square, CiCi saw that one side was lined with artists selling their work, and the other was lined with fruit and vegetable markets, many of whom supply Manhattan’s restaurants. In the middle of the square there’s always something going on. Today, people were singing, dancing, and shooting a commercial for “Shrek.”Then Dr. Jeffrey Trask, a professor of history at NYU gave Cici an impromptu lesson about the statues, buildings, and history of the square.

CiCi met musicians and people dancing wherever she went at Union Square. This worked up her appetite, so she stopped at Maoz, famous for their Veggie Burgers and Falafel. Everything there is so fresh; the veggie bar is constantly being re-stocked.

After Maoz, CiCi headed for Gramercy Park; the only locked park in NYC and only available to the Gramercy Park residents. CiCi looked through the tall gates, and imagined what it would be like to be a real VIP.

Walking by the Flat Iron Building, CiCi noted that it’s quite a recognizable landmark, especially if you’ve seen the movies, “Godzilla” and “Spiderman.” Continuing her walk, CiCi arrived at Madison Square Park, filled with fountains, art, and another great place to eat: the “Shake Shack.” With a line going around the block, CiCi got to meet some locals and talk food and shows, (a very New York conversation.)

Next up was Tabla. Cici met with Chef Floyd Cardoz to talk about everything from “New Indian” Fusion to the Wazwan feast; an assortment of foods, Tandoori naan breads, and chutneys, with flavored and spiced sauces for everything.

CiCi finished her day with a unique show called, “Fuerza Bruta;” a multi-media show that is so much more. A feast for the senses; it touches you on many levels. The show is very interpretive, giving you the opportunity to take many different lessons and ideas from it.

The Union Square / Gramercy Park area is totally worth visiting. Once an intersection of major boulevards, and a center for labor demonstrations, now it’s a gathering place of social, artistic, and cultural movements.

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Today, CiCi visited the Midtown area of New York, the vibrant center of Manhattan. CiCi’s starting point was the world famous Times Square, where the whole world stops to watch the crystal ball drop on New ]]> A Gateway to Culture Through Food

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Today, CiCi visited the Midtown area of New York, the vibrant center of Manhattan. CiCi’s starting point was the world famous Times Square, where the whole world stops to watch the crystal ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Ah, the bright lights in the big city…even during the day, the lights of the Broadway Marquees and corporate logos flash for your attention. Wherever you go, the people are the magic ingredient making it exciting.

CiCi loved visiting Times Square, but it was nearing CiCi’s favorite time, food! CiCi walked past MOMA, Museum of Modern Art, and found her destination, the China Grill, walked in and immediately loved the Chinese fusion restaurant. It has an open kitchen in the middle, and words inscribed in the beautiful floor tile describing Marco Polo’s adventures leading to China. And the food was incredible!

CiCi took a Hansom Horse ride around Central Park and on the way to meet her unofficial tour guide, Jennifer Maeng, a former Miss Korea of NYC, who knows her way around Korea Town and delicious Korean Barbeque. After a brief tour of Korea Town, Jennifer and CiCi ate so many different Korean BBQ foods and topped it off with a shaved ice desert.

After CiCi’s Korea Town adventure, she went back to Central Park to walk around and chill a little bit and see some more sights before dinner. CiCi had a portrait drawn of her by one of Central Park’s portrait artists and looked exactly like her!

The last stop of CiCi’s busy eating day is the seafood restaurant Oceana Seafood. On the way, there are some more must-see sights to visit. There is the famous Radio City Music Hall, nicknamed the Showplace of the Nation. Also, right here is Rockefeller Center where NBC TV lives. Back to Oceana Seafood, the restaurant offers bold American seafood in a modern and elegant space. One of their specialties is a blue lobster!

Ah, the end of the day. Once again, we find different people, who really aren’t all that different. We share similar dreams, hopes, and ambitions. And of course we all love to share meals. This seems to be the most Universal and Global tradition we have as humans everywhere.

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Today’s adventure: the Lower East Side of Manhattan; filled with diversity, food, and shopping. CiCi started at the beautiful Thompson Hotel; its unique look the collaboration of some of the world’s most famous designers.

Looking on her ]]> A Gateway to Culture Through Food

Let’s eat our way through NYC with Foodie CiCi Li

Today’s adventure: the Lower East Side of Manhattan; filled with diversity, food, and shopping. CiCi started at the beautiful Thompson Hotel; its unique look the collaboration of some of the world’s most famous designers.

Looking on her iPhone for where to eat breakfast, Yelp recommended the “Dessert Truck.” It used to be a truck, before getting converted into a restaurant. As the saying goes, “Life is short; have dessert first!” CiCi helped in the kitchen making their signature chocolate bread pudding with bacon custard sauce for breakfast. With that in hand, CiCi headed to the Tenement Museum.

The Tenement Museum is dedicated to the immigrants who used to live in that very building. Walking through the tiny rooms, CiCi thought about their hard lives; starting with so little and sacrificing so much for a better life.

 
Walking back to the Thompson Hotel for lunch at the Shang Restaurant, CiCi met two guys painting a huge NYC style mural, appropriately including a Big Apple.

The Shang Restaurant is beautiful and posh, and CiCi enjoyed a fabulous appetizer; a mountain of noodles, shredded vegetables, and salted plum sauce Chef Susar Lee calls a Singapore Slaw. After lunch, CiCi was looking for something light and cool. She discovered Il Labratorio del Gelato; where they mix up amazing flavor experiments.

Next, CiCi had shopping in mind at a famous jeans and clothing shop called Earnest Sewn. With such a variety of clothing and so many interesting things to look at, CiCi could spend days there, but she had more places to visit. After seeing Economy Candy on Yelp, she had to check it out. Like a kid in a candy store, CiCi left with enough for a year.

Next it was on to La Vie; a restaurant highlighting French Mediterranean food served Moroccan style. CiCi was invited to their grand reopening party. Cozy and chic, with music, cocktails, and great food, La Vie is amazing fun; epitomizing the Lower East Side.