Saturday, August 9, 2025

One of My Favorite Pinoy Dishes- Kare-Kare

KARE-KARE ISN’T JUST FILIPINO—IT’S A GLOBAL MASHUP OF MORO, SPANISH, AND INDIAN FLAVORS
Kare-Kare, the iconic peanut stew found on nearly every Filipino celebration table, actually has roots far beyond the Philippines.
Its earliest form came from pre-colonial Moro curry-style dishes introduced by Islamic traders. Then came the Spanish, who brought peanuts and annatto seeds from Mexico—transforming it into the thick, golden stew we know today.
But that’s not all—Indian Sepoys who stayed after the British occupation (1762–1764) also shaped the dish, modifying their native curries using local Filipino ingredients.
Across the country, Kare-Kare takes many forms:
In Luzon, it’s oxtail and tripe with bagoong.
In the Visayas, pork replaces beef and flavors get sweeter.
In Mindanao, Muslims stick to beef, goat, or seafood for halal-friendly versions.
What used to be a slow-cooked, labor-intensive dish made from roasted peanuts and toasted rice has evolved—modern kitchens use peanut butter, rice flour, and pressure cookers. Even vegetarian and seafood versions are rising in popularity.
Today, Kare-Kare is more than just food. It’s a symbol of cultural fusion, adaptation, and Filipino pride—a dish that tells the story of centuries of history in every bite.

Meanwhile, here's the stats on one of my blogs for July 22, 2025
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This blog, the Intellectual Migrants has 4 followers, 3,148 posts and 880 comments as of July 22, 2025

One of my other blogs has more than a million page views as of July 22, 2025
Lastly, Did know that....
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA – At least 18 Filipino seafarers were forcibly removed in handcuffs from the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship at the Port of Norfolk, Virginia, and deported back to the Philippines — triggering outrage from Filipino American communities and immigrant rights advocates.
According to a joint statement from the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), the workers were all holders of valid 10-year U.S. work visas and had not been charged with any crime. Yet, they now face a 10-year ban from re-entering the United States.
“These crew members are dedicated parents and spouses with exemplary backgrounds, having passed rigorous background checks to obtain their work visas,” the groups said. “Their abrupt removal, accompanied by the cancellation of their visas and a shocking 10-year ban from re-entry, has inflicted deep humiliation and plunged their families into financial hardship.”
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has acknowledged an ongoing operation but declined to provide specific details, according to a report by USA Today. Other cruise lines allegedly affected by similar actions include Viking and Pearl Seas Cruises.
The deportations have sparked fear among remaining crew members aboard the Carnival Sunshine, which is scheduled to dock again in Norfolk this Sunday. “They are left in fear of being the next victims of these aggressive actions,” PWC and NaFFAA added.

The groups denounced the raid as part of a “disturbing national trend” of deportations under “false pretenses,” despite visa validity and no criminal charges filed. Advocates are now demanding accountability from CBP, Carnival Corporation, and the Philippine Embassy to protect the rights of Filipino seafarers and cruise ship workers.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Tatsu Sushi-Highly Recommended Japanese Restaurant

Dinah and I had dinner at Tatsu Sushi yesterday, Saturday, July 26. We had a gastronomic experience that is unforgettable. The Tempura Dinner, the Fresh Oyster and the Dragon roll we ordered were delicious. Here some photos I took.




Love the Presentation and Food Styling of My Tempura Dinner
The Fresh Oyster was Yummy! 

In case you have not heard:Tatsu Sushi is a contemporary Japanese restaurant with a bright and cheery decor. They offer a wide variety of rolls, including the popular flaming dragon and spider roll. Customers enjoy the sashimi salad and the delicious miso soup served upon arrival. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and diverse drink options, from hot sake to frosted mugs of draft beer. Vegetarian options are available, and there are menu choices for kids as well. Located conveniently in Walnut Creek, Tatsu Sushi is a favorite spot for sushi lovers in the area. Here's information from their website: tatsu sushi

Customers' Favorites

Tatsu Sushi Reviews

4.7 
361 ratings
Restaurantji Rating
5
87%
4
5%
3
2%
2
4%


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Recent Reviews

Tatsu Sushi is hands down my favorite sushi spot in the Bay Area. My brother and I have been coming here for a while now, and it never disappoints. The quality is always top-notch—fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and well-balanced flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of place where you can taste the care that goes into each roll.
On top of that, the prices are more than fair, especially considering the quality. But what really makes Tatsu stand out are...
read full review
Amazing sushi and service! The quality is amazingly fresh and flavor combinations are exceptional. They have different Soju flavors including the best Green Grape. They even give you a free gyoza appetizer when you order food that totals $35 or more. I personally love their Spider Fantasy Roll. Carlos is always so friendly and knowledgeable. It is always a joy to come here. I’ll even wait during busy times to get in.
Amazing food, great variety of choices, very affordable and sushi chefs are extremely friendly - thank you Carlos for always welcoming us with a smile and delicious sushi rolls - try their spider roll or flaming dragon! FYI if you order $35 worth of food they send you a free basket of gyoza - very tasty app!

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Hours

Monday5 - 9PM
12 - 2:30PM
Tuesday12 - 2:30PM
5 - 9PM
Wednesday12 - 2:30PM
5 - 9PM
Thursday5 - 9PM
12 - 2:30PM
Friday12 - 2:30PM
5 - 9PM
Saturday12 - 2:30PM
5 - 9PM
SundayClosed

Friday, July 18, 2025

Top Rated Ethnic Restaurants in Walnut Creek- No Filipino Restaurant

This posting is inspired from my many meal time conversations about Filipino Food here at THD. I have resided here in Walnut Creek for 2 years and have been to several ethnic restaurants downtown. However, I was curious what ChatGPT has to say, and here it is...     

Downtown Walnut Creek is a vibrant melting pot of ethnic flavors—here’s a list and guide to some of the standout restaurants bringing delicious diversity to the neighborhood:

🍛 Indian

  • Methi (1251 S. California Blvd): A standout newcomer, Methi serves authentic North Indian fare—rich curries, fluffy naan, and flavorful biryanis. Described as a “hidden gem” with “good, authentic Desi food,” it’s become a go-to for Chicken Tikka Masala and veggie samosas theheritagedowntown.com+8Restaurantji+8Eater SF+8.

  • The Essence (1512 N. Main St): Opened in late 2023, this restaurant aims to modernize classic Indian dishes in a stylish downtown setting Beyond the Creek.


🍣 Japanese & Sushi

  • Tatsu Sushi (near Broadway Plaza): A local favorite adored for its top-tier sushi, free gyoza and miso soup, and fresh fish. Reviewers call it “hands down my favorite sushi spot in the Bay Area” Restaurantji.

  • Thai Thani Oishi (2892 Ygnacio Valley Rd): A hybrid Thai-Japanese eatery — patrons rave about its fresh sashimi, sticky rice with mango, and Red Curry. It holds a solid ~4.1 Google ratingSFGATE+8thaithanioishi.com+8RestaurantJump+8.


🍜 Thai

  • Kacha Thai Bistro (1665 Mt. Diablo Blvd): A sleek, modern Thai option downtown, known for creative takes on traditional dishes like Pad Thai and curries walnutcreekdowntown.com.

  • Andaman Thai (downtown): Praised for its robust menu—Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, yellow curry—and welcoming vibe. The mango sticky rice after dinner is a must-try .


🫒 Mediterranean / Middle Eastern


🇧🇷 Brazilian

  • Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse (just off Main): A churrasco-style gem with attentive service—rated 4.6/5 with “superb” reviews—and plenty of options for vegetarians, too Restaurantji.


🇵🇪 Peruvian

  • Parada (downtown): A popular Peruvian spot by Chef Carlos Altamirano, offering ceviche mixto, yucca fries, and standout lomo saltado—a flavorful escape from the usual fare Eater SF.


🇮🇹 Italian

  • Montesacro Pinseria (downtown): A stylish dining experience focusing on Roman-style pinsa and Italian cocktails. Highlighted as one of Walnut Creek's best new restaurants in 2025 San Fran Secrets+1Restaurantji+1.


📊 Culinary Pulse

  • Walnut Creek’s downtown/dining district hosts 150+ restaurants, with an uptick in foot traffic—around 6 million visitors annually at Broadway Plaza alone—prompting a surge of new openings like Lokanta, The Essence, and more SFGATE.


🍴 Why Downtown Walnut Creek Shines

  1. Walkable & Diverse – You can hop between Indian, Japanese, Thai, Mediterranean, and Brazilian all in one evening on foot.

  2. New & Noteworthy – The dining scene keeps evolving—newcomers like Methi and Lokanta keep it fresh.

  3. Community Vibes – Many spots, like Lokanta’s community table and cozy bistros, invite lingering conversations over good food.


Pro Tips for Your Tour

  • Make reservations on weekends, especially at newer, buzzed-about places.

  • Look for lunch and happy-hour deals, like Lokanta’s half-price wine on Mondays.

  • Try shared plates in places like Parada and Methi to sample multiple dishes and flavors.


In summary, downtown Walnut Creek is a small but mighty hub for global cuisine—each restaurant adding its own spice to the culinary landscape. Whether you're craving saffron-rich curries, sushi artistry, Peruvian tang, or Roman pinsa, you'll find a delicious adventure just steps from Broadway Plaza.

Personal Note: As mentioned above, there are more than 150 restaurants in the downtown area dining district, but not a single Filipino restaurant. I know there are several Filipino restaurants nearby, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton and of course Oakland.    

Here’s a guide to some of the top Filipino restaurants and spots across the East Bay—places worth visiting whether you're craving comforting homestyle dishes or innovative Filipino-inspired bites:


🍽️ Oakland & Berkeley

FOB Kitchen (Oakland, Temescal)

Located on Telegraph Avenue, FOB Kitchen—founded by chef Janice Dulce—delivers vibrant, island-inspired Filipino food in a welcoming, queer women–owned space. Their silog brunch, pancit, lumpia, and pork adobo are crowd favorites—served with warmth and style KQED+15Eater SF+15Eater SF+15.

Lucky 37 (Oakland)

A local gem spotlighted by the SF Chronicle, Lucky 37 offers crowd-pleasing dishes like sticky-sweet wings and chicken adobo. The spot is praised for making Filipino flavors feel both comforting and accessible San Francisco Chronicle.

🎉 East Bay Suburbs

Isla Grand Restaurant & Bar (Pleasant Hill)

Opened in Oct 2024, Isla Grand embraces Filipino Pampangan traditions with festive service and live entertainment. It’s known for big family gatherings, celebratory atmospheres, and vibrant late‑night crowds Eater SF.


🍞 Bakery & Take‑Out Favorites

Starbread (San Pablo, near East Bay)

A beloved Filipino bakery chain, Starbread is famous for its señorita bread—sweet, buttery rolls with a custardy center that steal the show at gatherings Eater SF+1Food & Wine+1.


🍽️ Culinary Range Across the East Bay

According to Eater San Francisco, the Bay Area hosts a full spectrum of Filipino dining: from turo‑turo steam‑table joints and food‑truck flavors to upscale, modern adaptations. Oakland and the East Bay are increasingly recognized for sizzling sisig, crispy lechon, comforting silogs, savory sinigang, and more The Infatuation+2Eater SF+2San Francisco Chronicle+2.


🌟 East Bay Filipino Food Highlights

StyleRecommended Spot(s)What to Order
Casual homestyleFOB Kitchen, Lucky 37Adobo, pancit, silog
Family-style feastIsla GrandPampangan specialties & live music
Bakery & snacksStarbreadSeñorita bread, ube treats

✅ Tips for Exploring

  • Brunch & silogs: Seek out spots like FOB Kitchen for hearty breakfast-style plates ($10–$15).

  • Large gatherings: Isla Grand is the go-to for festive Filipino-style family dinners.

  • Sweet fix: Starbread’s pastries make a great grab-and-go contrast to savory meals.


Why East Bay Stands Out

  • Cultural diversity: With a significant Filipino-American presence, communities in Oakland, Pleasant Hill, and beyond support eateries rooted in authenticity.

  • Growing scene: From traditional turo-turo counters to buzzy restaurant bars, the Filipino food scene in the East Bay is evolving rapidly.

  • Something for everyone: Whether you're craving casual or celebratory, the options span comforting to creative.


🚗 Planning a Filipino Food Crawl?

Start in Oakland (FOB Kitchen → Lucky 37 ), then head out to Pleasant Hill for a festive evening at Isla Grand. Finish with a stop at Starbread for a sweet end!

Here’s a detailed breakdown of pricing and special menus at two standout Filipino restaurants in the East Bay: I have been to the following two restaurants and I highly recommend these 2 places if you have the desire for Filipino food. 

🌴 FOB Kitchen (Telegraph Ave, Oakland)

Pricing Highlights DoorDash+3FOB Kitchen+3FOB Kitchen+3:

  • Small plates (“Pulutan”): Shanghai Lumpia and Veggie Lumpia are $13 each; Ensalada Talong at $12.

  • Pulutan entrees: Lechon Kawali is $13; Sticky Wings are $15.

  • Brunch & silog: Tocino Silog $17, Tortang Talong Brunch $16, Longanisa Hash $18.

  • Mains: Pork Adobo $20; Sinigang Baboy $26; Bistek Steak $32.

  • Vegetarian & vegan sides: Pancit and Tolang Talong around $15; Kabocha and Brussels Sprouts $8–$10.

  • Desserts: Turon and Suman each $12; Affogato $9.

  • Bar drinks/cocktails: Non-alcoholic mocktails $6–$10; cocktails $15 each Uber Eats+8Restaurant Guru+8FOB Kitchen+8Allmenus+3fob-kitchen.cuba-cafe.com+3Seamless+3.

Key notes:

  • Brunch/silog plates are hearty and range $16–$20.

  • Full bar menu includes vibrant island-style cocktails.

  • Laid-back mid-price range (small plates ~$12–15, mains ~$18–32).


🎉 Isla Grand Restaurant & Bar (Pleasant Hill)

Pricing Overview Zmenu:

  • Appetizers: Pancit Bihun Guisadu ~$25; Kari-Karing Beef Brisket ~$40.

  • Signature dishes: Chicken Inasal ~$22; Boneless Bangus Sinigang $31.

  • Seafood, soups, and stews: Tinola ~$27; Oxtail or beef brisket soups ~$36 each.

  • Party trays / Bilao: “Sulit Bilao” family bundles (price varies by size; group serving).

  • Silog plates & rice dishes: Served with garlic rice, egg, soup, soda — typically $22–$30+DoorDash+11postmates.com+11Uber Eats+11.

Specials & Deals:

  • Birthday Month Free Offer: One-month birthday treat.

  • All‑Day Happy Hour & Early Bird specials (details available in-store) islafilipinorestaurant.com+1Uber Eats+1.

  • “Sulit” deals: Portion-special combos listed on menu (“Sulit Bilao,” “Ala Carte”).


📝 Compare & Choose

FeatureFOB KitchenIsla Grand
StyleCasual, small plates & brunchFamily-style, larger communal meals
Price Range$12–$32 per person$25–$40+ per entrée, group platters
Bar ProgramCocktails & mocktails availableBar and banquet setups
Deals & SpecialsBrunch-focusedBirthday freebies, happy hour, bundles

✅ Tips for Dining

  • FOB Kitchen: Ideal for date brunches or small group bites. Try their brunch silogs ($16–$18) and cocktails ($15).

  • Isla Grand: Great for dinners with friends/family—book for shared "Sulit Bilao" or order hearty solo platters like sinigang or beef brisket ($27–$40).

    I have been to the two restaurants above. If you love Filipino Food, these 2 places are a must for your dining pleasure.

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