First visit to Kukai Ramen and Izakaya

An authentic ramen restaurant finally opened in Bellevue. Growing up on the eastside (Bellevue) and going to school at Newport High School, it's about time we're finally seeing some non-chainy type restaurants.

The restaurant has been officially open for 2 weeks now and has already grew in popularity and has formed lines out the door.  The original idea was started by co-franchisees Nuri Ayindel and Brandon Ting from the love of the Kukai ramen as they found something very special for its thin, salty tonkotsu gyoukai broth and chilled tsukemen dishes. After many conversations, the business was established.

“We are passionate about our ramen. Our philosophy is to serve the most traditional, authentic and delicious Japanese ramen that you can possibly have without actually flying to Japan. Come slurp a bowl and join us in our passion.” —Owners

The restaurant is situated in an area with ample parking but getting a seat will require some patience. With it’s recent launch, locals and ramen fanatics have lined up out the door to try the authentic Japanese noodles for themselves. After getting inside, the restaurant went with an open concept kitchen as guests can look straight into chefs prepping and cooking the dishes.

Overall, an amazing restaurant that lives up to the hype and is worth waiting for. Ingredients are fresh, dishes taste authentic, clean decor and great service.

The Yuzu Shio Ramen ($11) is cooked in a Japanese citrus base, giving it a light, “easy to drink with two hands,” tangy soup base that goes nicely with the French sea salt of the pork and vegetables. The noodles in this dish are slightly thinner than the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen dish.

Menu: French sea salt, kelp, Japanese citrus base.

The Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen is Kukai’s most popular ramen dish, its pork broth is comfortingly thick, rich in flavor, yet easy on the palate. The noodles are slightly thicker than the other ramen dishes and has the perfect slightly firm texture. The tonkotsu is grilled and placed in the soup to give it a salty and sweet combination with the soup. All the ingredients just come together really nicely.

Menu: Rich pork broth flavored with Yamaguchi soy sauce and topped with burnt garlic oil.

The Takoyaki Octopus Dumplings ($5) is my favorite item on the menu, it comes out beautifully plated and hot out of the oven. The texture of the dumpling is perfectly crusted and topped with Kezuribushi “bonito flakes,” Japanese mayo, Takoyaki sauce and a Powdered nori. As you bite inside, its creamy, salty, sweet all in one.

The KuKai Chicken Wings ($6.50) is another great dish to try as it’s cooked perfectly and soaked in a tangy, vinegar sauce that’s not overpowering and lightly coated. The wings are large in size, crispy, and go perfectly without any sauce.

Layover in Reykjavik Iceland at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon located in Iceland is among the most remarkable place in the world, according to National Geographic magazine.  “The steaming turquoise pools of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, trapped in volcanic rock represent an otherworldly vision,” (National Geographic).  I was fortunate enough to have a 6 hour layover in Reykjavík, Iceland from my flight back from Paris.

For those that are new to the Blue Lagoon, it is a geothermal spa built to help the health, wellness and skin care powered by geothermal energy.  The warm waters heat up to 98-102 degrees and are rich in minerals like silica and sulphur that promote softer skin and can help people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis.

My advice is to book your flight schedule accordingly so you have enough time in Iceland to go sightseeing before you make it back to the states.  Even though it's a small island, there are a ton of things you can do from The Golden Circle, Gullfoss Geysir Direct, Fontana Wellness & Pingvellir National Park, Snorkeling, Walk through Ice and Fire, Landmannalaugar & Saga Valley, Horse Riding, Meadows and Mountains, and Hot Springs Tour Reykjadalur to name a few.  Here are more details on each.

Tip: Purchase the Blue Lagoon and Transportation Package from the Reykjavik Excursions.  It's safe, affordable and has wifi on the bus.  You can either board the bus at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik or at Keflavik Airport.  The drive takes about 50 minutes from Reykjavik and 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport.  You can get tickets, here.  The total cost is 8000 ISK or $63 USD. 

So after landing at the Iceland airport, you can head over to the Reykjavik Excursions shuttle bus located downstairs by the destination and transportation area.  The shuttle bus will leave every 30 to 1 hour so you'll have plenty of flexibility to get to your destination.  

Once you arrive to the Blue Lagoon you'll check-in and have the option to pay around $10 to store all your belongings into private locker.  After a quick rince, you'll be ready to soak up in that warm water. I would also recommend visiting the restaurant located inside the center and try out their sushi buffet.

Shot from 40,000 feet in the air.

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First time visiting the White House

I had the great privilege this week to visit the beautiful White House in Washington DC.  The city is absolutely breathtaking.  It's clean with beautiful landscapes, eye-opening architecture, wide-array of restaurants and hole in the walls that have lasted for decades.  During the short stay, I got the opportunity to visit the U.S. Capitol Building, Georgetown, and the Washington Monument.

I'm still in shock how I was in Washington DC 24 hours ago and now all airports are closed and Hurricane Sandy is sweeping through the east coast. My prayers go out to my family in DC and everyone that's currently being affected by the hurricane.  If you want to see how the storm is moving live, you can use Google's Crisis Map.

Loeb's New York Deli in Washington DC

If you're visiting Washington, DC, make sure to stop by at Loeb's NY Deli. The historic kosher-style deli is located in downtown Washington, D.C. off 1712 I Street NW, which originally opened its doors in 1959 by Walter Loeb. The deli is known for their pastrami sandwiches served on their housemade rolls.

Photo above: Times Square: Pastrami, fried egg, American cheese, slaw of Russian dressing on onion roll $8.69






Dish: Filet of Fish Sub with french fries and coleslaw - $10.79



Dish: Wall Street: pastrami, roast beef, slaw of Russian dressing on lobster roll - $8.69




Have you been to Loeb's NY Deli or have any favorites in the DC area?  Recommend them and comment below.

HIKE | LAKE SERENE AND BRIDAL VEIL FALLS

Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls are in my top 10 must hikes in the Northwest. It's 7.2 miles roundtrip with 23 switchbacks, strong elevation gains and a picturesque view as you get to the top of the mountain. The trail beings quietly through a groomed trail and slowly increases elevation as you head closer to Lake Serene. After about 2-3 miles in, you'll come to a fork where you can either hike up to Bridal Veil Falls or continue towards Lake Serene. I highly recommend hiking up to the falls and cooling off by the mist coming off of the waterfall.

Tip: Make sure to bring you Northwest Forest Pass. If you don't have, you can visit a local shack located just up the street and you can get a day pass for $5.

Location: Lake Serene (#1068) Central Cascades, Stevens Pass
West Mount Baker Snoqualmie, N 47° 47.0520, W 121° 34.3320

Roundtrip: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2000 ft
Highest Point: 2521 ft
Features: Lakes, Waterfalls, Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views

Required Permit: Northwest Forest Pass

Driving Directions:
From Everett, follow US 2 east to the hamlet of Gold Bar. Continue on US 2 for 7 more miles to just before it crosses the Skykomish River (near milepost 35), and turn right onto Mount Index Road. Proceed on this dirt road 0.4 mile, turning right on the spur road signed "Lake Serene Trail 1068." The trailhead and large parking area are 500 feet farther (elev. 600 ft.). Privy available.

Difficulty Level: 4/5