Oregon Coast Gem

Oregon coast is beautiful, and temperamental. On one hot summer day, as we approached the central coast, the temperature dropped some 20 degrees in less than an hour of driving. As we looked towards the ocean, another surprise awaits us. Under the glaring sun, a thick marine fog stares right back at us. We couldn't see much, but the limited view was quite mythical.

We explored the town of Newport, scrolling along its historic Bayfront which is a working fishing port and home to a variety of shops and restaurants. It was fun to watch fishing boats unloading their catch, and leisure crabbers at the dock. We even saw a crab pulled up!

Still waiting for the fog to lift, we decided to grab a bite. Luckily, we found Noodle Cafe. It may not be the obvious choice in a coastal town with half a dozen chowder and seafood places within a block of each other, but it was a wonderful delight. We only ordered a couple of items, but both were superb.

The steamed oyster were so fresh, with a sweet taste. The hand-made Jung Bong noodle came in a delicious seafood broth, it is a little spicy but not too overwhelming. The shrimps and scallops were among the best I have tasted. It was a quaint little place, the kind of place that makes you feel immediately comfortable with everybody around. The owners apparently decided to move their restaurant business here, while vacationing in Newport a few years ago. Their brought their culinary talent to Newport, to the delight of visitors like us.

As it turned out, the fog never lifted that day. But the surprise find at Noodle Cafe made the trip and wait worthwhile.

Lovely Carmel Belle

Carmel-by-the-sea, where rugged beauty of Monterey coast meets the charming ambiance of a European village, is perhaps the epitome of romance. Your heart will sing as you stroll around its shops, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful white-sand beach. 


Arnold was not the first Hollywood celebrity to indulge in politics, Clint Eastwood was Carmel's mayor in 1980s, probably a much better choice. It is said that he still lives in the area.

While visiting Carmel, we found Carmel Belle a perfect spot to relax. Situated centrally in downtown Carmel, its location inside a small shopping building may take a while to find. It is cafe style where you order and take your own seat, we found the environment comfortable and relaxing. Fresh ingredients and artistic preparation makes its food delicious. 


Mushroom melt is simply wonderful. The combination of truffle oil, delicious mushroom, cheese and perfect bread, makes every bite to treasure.

Carmel Belle is the kind of unassuming place that you don't think too much about. Yet when you remember good times, you remember wonderful spots and moments like that, and it reminds you of life's simple joy. 

The legend that is Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐传奇

Something wonderful happened in Seattle, judging from the hour line up, it is not a secret any more.

A new dumpling house in upscale Lincoln square, but Din Tai Fung is so much more. Its story is legendary, and its food delicious. Founded in Taiwan in the 70s by Bingyi Yang, a former army supplies officer. Yang was a kind man who fled the civil war in mainland China and settled in a civilian life. Yang and his wife initially sold steamed dumplings as a side business, in order to feed their five children. But the dumplings were so good, words got around, many celebrities became fans, and a legend was born.

Don't let the occasional crowd gathering at the door scare you. The friendly hostess will let you know approximate wait time, and provide some suggestions. You can also watch the magic of dumpling making, through glass window at the entrance, another Din Tai Fung trademark.

Once seated, you will likely find the menu to be rather simple. Steamed pork dumplings is the star here, they are work of art, and require extreme care. You don't want to break the skin and lose the delicious soup inside. The traditional way to consume them is by dipping in ginger vinegar. I like the crab variety even better, you should try both.

Surprisingly, I found several other dishes just as good, if not better, than the dumplings. The chicken soup, the real authentic kind, every drop was heavenly. I particularly like the noodle, great texture, not over cooked at all.  And who would think too much of fried port chop? It sure didn't look impressive, but was easily the best I've ever tasted. On subsequent trip I tried a few other dishes, beef and tofu soup are more on the average side, desserts are usually pretty good. I've read some not so great reviews on Yelp, maybe it had to do with the ordering? I'll also be reasonable with expectations. for the price, location, I have very little to complain about.

The waitresses are very well trained, and on one occasion, provided exceptional service. She always came back at the right time. Since I ordered a special dessert, red bean steamed rice cake, a dish that gets dry and inedible if sitting out for too long. She had the kitchen timed so that it came straight to our table, and the result was moist and delicious.

The story of Din Tai Fung is one with quality and care that is put into simple food.

The Seattle location is only its second in the US, the other one is in LA. Judging from its popularity, you really can't go wrong with it. The wait can be painful, but nearby Bellevue Square provides a convenient distraction. And when you finally get to taste the legend, it will be all worth it.