gordongrubs
Join me as I take you on a food journey and highlight all my favorite spots around the world!
Three years ago this week I launched on instagram with the goal to bring you my take on food from all around the world ! From Michelin to hole in the wall, my hope was to help you discover all the delicious places on earth . I also wanted to make sure you could feel like you had a seat at the table with us ,get a feel for the taste , vibe & ambiance & hopefully in the future try one of the many dishes or places we visited . While these last three years have been anything but ordinary the restaurants & places we have experienced have been extraordinary in adapting to the climate we are in . So as the world turned we made sure to continue to support incredible food. As we hit this milestone of three years & 9000 + followers on instagram,many thanks to our fans who consistently stay engaged with us , a big thank you to the chefs , waiters waitresses ,bussers & everyone who work hard to create unique & delicious experiences for their guests . Lastly a special thanks to my friends & family for joining me on so many scrumptious adventures . I look forward to many more dining & travel explorations with all of you . We may have just hit three years but the best is yet to come ! I cannot wait to share even more incredible food from every corner of this globe with all of you đ! Thank you for 9000 + followers ! Cheers đ»
Chef Claudette Zepeda , a native to San Diego brings her ingredients & inspiration to create the creative & curious palate that is . Vaga which stands for an affectionate nickname the Chefâs Grandmother gave them as they noticed how much the Chef loved to travel & explore . True to its spirit of its name the Restaurant Vaga which is set on a beautiful bluff within the keeps one hand in the ocean, one hand in the farm, and both eyes on the horizon. With that mantra in mind we were excited to experience Brunch at Vaga . Our highlights included an with a twist instead of the traditional meat featured a cured lamb thinly shaven & a rich & flavorful herb bearnaise.
This dish was a great example of the chef exploring & elevating as the lamb was tender & blended well with all the other ingredients. It was definitely our favorite dish . Next we tried the south ponto pancakes which featured house strawberry rhubarb jam, & a lemon almond crumble . The pancakes were light & airy & really allowed for the Jam & crumble to soak in as it tasted just right & not overly sweet . Our baked quiche which had caramelized onion, spinach, feta within was slightly underdone for our liking but the flavors were all there , hopefully on a future visit we will have a different outcome . No Brunch can be complete without delicious pastries & Vaga did not disappoint while the choices vary daily ours included guava infused muffins , scones & a delightful danish . Each one was baked with love .
With unparalleled views of the ocean & outstanding options for Brunch , Vaga is a great place to soak in the sun & flavor of California culture & cuisine. Reservations are required to experience VAGA & we hope you make your way to experience this elevated brunch soon .
If you are a at the you may want to check out the newly refreshed & elevated menu at the Magic Key Terrace inside . We started off & loved the Lobster Corn Dog ,an elegant take on a classic corn dog .
The Lobster Tail was dipped in a cornmeal batter & fried until golden brown , served with a mustard grain remoulade topped with salmon roe . Upon first bite I was pleasantly surprised how well this tasted & worked & was pleased with how the sauce enhanced the lobster corn dogs . We were also happy with the portion size as two fried lobster tails were a nice treat . are quite popular these days & the Bountiful valley , a nod to the old Bountiful valley farm area was nicely presented but the chefs selections of cheese & meats were a bit lackluster. we did love the cheese but wish the meats featured a wider variety & higher quality. Our last bite was a good one : The Bone Marrow Truffle Mac & Cheese was
gemelli pasta tossed in a truffle cheese sauce, topped with sourdough , it was served with a hearty roasted and sourdough crouton . When the reimagining of the magic key terrace was announced it was promised to be a âclub 33 â for keyholders while a dish like the bone marrow truffle Mac & cheese isnât quite club 33 Standards it certainly met the mark on being flavorful & fancy . All of the components together were downright delicious. We certainly commend Disney for taking risks outside of regular theme park food & creating a space for some of its most loyal guests . If you are a magic key holder, the best way to eat here is by making a reservation. If you donât have a magic key but know a friend who is you can accompany them as a guest to experience the magic key terrace . We hope you can try these magical dishes soon .
Since 2006 Granville has been known as a favorite neighborhood restaurant & bar in Los Angeles. With locations in West Hollywood, Pasadena , Studio City & Burbank you are always within distance of good times . prides themselves on globally inspired food that is gourmet quality without being pretentious that stays true to their mantra â Come as you areâ. For our entree we tried the Ahi filet which was sashimi grade & a sesame crusted Ahi . The dish came with a generous portion of Soba Noodles . The Ahi was tender, tasted fresh & we loved the drizzle of ponzu & wasabi aioli . Most of the dishes at Granville are shareable ;our entree could of easily been enjoyed by more than one . Also shareable if you choose is the berry patch shortcake dessert which featured fresh berries, sweet cream & almond buttermilk biscuits . The shortcake was the perfect summer dessert & was very refreshing. With Granvilleâs in various neighborhoods in Los Angeles we hope you can stop in & see why so many love this local favorite .
evokes the feeling of having a bbq in âs backyard .Citrin & Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo designed a menu of comfort foods that are shareable just as Citrinâs friends & family might experience when he hosts a BBQ on the weekend . True to its namesake Charcoal, everything is prepared live fire either over charcoal or in the coals . We loved the atmosphere of being in a neighborhood restaurant where you feel like family & want to return everyday to unwind & hang out . We began with a Yellowfin that had pickled cucumber, avocado & citrus vinaigrette. With smoked chips this was the perfect foray to what was next .We then devoured our way through the smoked mushroom & Beet, with artfully designed creme fraiche & currants . We experienced a burst of flavors on each dip . Next a gigantic grilled artichoke with a smoky aroma was outstanding & the sunflower seed hummus provided a nice balance .The ribs unexpectedly was our favorite protein .Smoked & seasoned to perfection it was juicy & tantalized our tastebuds . The whole grilled Maine with an emulsion of Yuzu butter also was a delicious delicacy. It was succulent & spectacular. The Prime while good wasnât as memorable as the other meats . We didnât go wrong with ordering the Yukon baked potato with salted butter as it brought a regular baked potato & really enhanced the flavor especially baked in the coals .Last but not least our desserts delighted as the chocolate peanut butter crunch cake with double peanut butter chip Ice Cream was decadent ,rich & the best kind of sweet , & our Yuzu curd with Albion strawberries ,Vanilla Ice Cream & Sorrel was light ,airy & a delightful way to end a hearty feast .While Citrin may be best known for Melisse & his namesake Citrin restaurants , Charcoal really showcased a different side of this very talented Chef. When in Venice, make sure to experience Charcoal.
When you enter Shabour in Paris France , you walk into Chef Assaf Granitâs kitchen & quickly immerse yourself in hearing & tasting the Chefs family story from Israel. Shabour opens every night for guests to sit around the marble countertop & witness a master performance , a synchronized orchestra of chefs working together as a family to showcase & Mediterranean cuisine that will bring your taste buds to new heights . Impressively thought so highly of Shabour it was awarded the restaurant just two months after opening .It was also the first time an Israeli Chef has held such an honor . As we sat down for Le Voyage Shabour we felt among family in a intimate setting enjoying a tasting menu that we could feel was innovative but also from the soul of Chef Our included eggplant zaalouk,a Moroccan bite with tsatziki , calamari & caviar which help set the tone for both a traditional & creative fusion .Some of our courses included :
-chanterelle mushrooms with lichen, chickpea emulsion with cumin, caviar lemon, & burnt onions .
-Scallops, shakshouka caramel, parsley gel, quail egg, tuile pita & caviar.
-Soft-boiled egg, tahini mousse, relish, mulukhiyah, bottarga, trout roe, & challah.
-Amberjack fish, gnocchi with agues, cilantro sauce , chawaij spice butter & potato .
-Green collar, baby onion maschi, duck heart, mandarin demi-glace and orange blossom.
-pumpkin seed ice cream, pumpkin custard, dukkah, meringue.
- traditional nuts & fruits with homemade chocolate frosting .
Each course & the wine pairing that went with it blended together harmoniously with a symphony of flavors devoured .We couldnât find one critique & could see why It takes weeks for guests to seek out reservations to this epicurean experience . We only hope when you are in France, you step into Shabour & be prepared to have your tastes & senses elevated to the next level.
Paris France may be home to countless Parisian bistros, however only one can be as esteemed & prestigious as . Benoit first opened its doors in 1912 & has been delighting & comforting guests for over 100 years . In 2005 the original owners the petit family sold to the incomparable . Chef Alain & his team have made sure that Benoit continues to house tasty stories & gourmet generosity in a comforting & warm atmosphere that maintains this bistro as a legendary experience. Our culinary adventure began with with mouthwatering & fine herbs . While we know eating snails may cause pause for many these were succulent & full of flavor . Our next appetizer was a en croute with pickled vegetables . The pate was smooth & we loved all the components of this French classic . For our main course we devoured the SautĂ©ed beef fillet, marrow bordelaise sauce, & a side of macaroni gratin . The beef was tender & the marrow sauce enhanced the flavor & experience. Our gratin macaroni had a nice presentation & wasnât to heavy as we were focused on how special the beef was . For dessert we experienced the Savarin Ă lâArmagnac, crĂšme fouettĂ©e which loosely translated is a moist sponge cake doused in liquor & topped with fresh whipped cream . We loved this dessert as it was a perfect end to wonderful bistro meal . If you are looking for a quintessential French experience head to Benoit Paris , you wonât be disappointed in this storied institution.
For a celebration as large as the 30th anniversary of , the food & beverage team wanted to go big in the snacks they created for guests to enjoy . Nothing was bigger than this behemoth anniversary shortbread cookie that was available for purchase across the resort . We found ours at the Popcorn Carts on . While huge & definitely Instagrammable, the shortbread cookie was a bit dry making this baked good fall to the bottom of our rankings of the many snacks we experienced. Set at almost 15 euros we recommend finding friends to share this treat or look for other options to enjoy , luckily Disneyland for its anniversary has no shortage of celebration treats .
Say hello to this magnificent Madeleine, the food & beverage team baked & created this delightful treat for guests to enjoy during the 30th anniversary of the ! This small sponge cake was packed with buttery & vanilla flavor & covered with purple glaze , best of all it was topped with an edible anniversary medallion . It was the perfect way to start our day at ! Available across the resort we found ours at Cable Car Bake Shop on ! What are your favorite ? Let us know in the comments .
Donât miss your chance : Turkey legs have finally arrived at the last chance cafe for the 30th anniversary of . Popular at around the world itâs now delighting guests in France. So how did the taste ? While they are significantly smaller than what you might be used to at & they still tasted great .We also felt the leg featured a different seasoning profile which offered a nice bbq kick . With so much to do , see & eat at Disneyland Paris for we hope you get to join in on the celebration !
As part of the 30th anniversary of , the food & beverage team wanted to bring some classics back to the park after a long absence. While known as to in the United States this pineapple whip comes close to the original but features a little more tart flavor . It was a perfect treat for a spring day but letâs be honest we would have this on a rainy day also . The pineapple whip is available at Cafe de la Brousse in Adventureland and is priced at a very reasonable $5 euros . What are some of your favorite ? Let us know in the comments .
has elevated itâs snacks for the 30th anniversary & we tried as many as we could to share our reviews with you . Up first is this adorable Mickey shaped shortbread cookie pop . We loved this cookie as it featured a creamy shortbread cookie on a stick with a purple glaze all over . Purple is the prominent color for all anniversary items . You can find the Mickey Biscuit pop on a stick at popcorn stands on Main Street USA & other locations around the park . A equally adorable Minnie biscuit pop is also available at the Boardwalk Candy Palace. With so much to do , see & eat we hope you make it to soon to experience the 30th celebration.
An experience so rare ,I still canât believe it was real . As I was boarding my flight to Paris in the fall, I got a call from that the chefs table had opened up . I immediately said yes because a reservation at the was tough enough but seats at was almost unheard of. Being in the kitchen of the chef was like seeing a conductor leading the orchestra in a beautiful rhythm .Tasting the food from the menu espirit felt true to chefs vision of facing tomorrow but respectful of yesterday .The meal so immaculate that you felt you were eating on the cutting edge of contemporary cuisine. A master of his craft with 12 to his name Chef is a titan in the industry. One of the most cherished moments of the night was being the only guest in the kitchen & the Chef coming by ever so often to chat & drink with you .The Chef was humble , & invited me to explore the kitchen & see & taste his craft in action. Pictures do not fully encapsulate just how delicious the meal was. Here are some of the highlights of of the countless dishes we tried :
1.Tin red - lacquered varnish , murex , cauliflower & chewed up beef jelly.
2.Parsnips with black mustard seeds, cod brandade.
3.Legris oyster, razor clams, cockles, squid,green peppers.
4.Headed cabbage leaf, wild seaweed tartar from the Croisic coasts.
5.Corolla of haddock & white truffle
6.Pascaline of scallops, tetragon, parmesan, & pink mushrooms.
7.Pumpkin whipped cream, veil & cuttlefish carpaccio.
8.Line-caught bass poached in clarified butter, gray shrimps.
9.Sea urchin bisque, crushed Jerusalem artichokes, radish.
10.Nettle soup | puntarella & absinthe
11.Thin strips of wild duck seasoned with peated whisky.
12.Bigorre black pig belly & sausage, suri-rava, bigarreau beetroot.
13.Autumn chutney, beetroot wind crystal. This was a meal where not enough accolades or praise exist for the experience. If you ever make your way to Paris , splurge & vivre ma meilleure vie
Bicyclette in Los Angeles is a Parisian-inspired restaurant from the magnificent minds of Chef Walter & Chef Margarita Manzke. This duo is also behind such LA culinary hotspots like the icon RĂ©publique , Petty Cash Taqueria & the Sari Sari store . Bicyclette features the best of Parisâs iconic bistro culture mixed with Californiaâs fresh ingredients. From the moment we walked into the bistro we felt like we were back in the city of lights experiencing the delights of . Our culinary experience began with a soft egg in the shell . This was a divine delicacy that featured smoked sturgeon & Kaluga caviar. While small, everything inside this egg was mighty & exquisite in flavor & we devoured each bite .
No is complete unless you have & our baguette was soft & accompanied with & mousse with a blackberry peppercorn gellee . Each slice spread with these elegant enhancements tingled all of our taste buds & left us yearning for more . Thankfully the carmelized onion tarte tatin ,baked with goat cheese, this tarte tatin was terrific & every ingredient complimented each other . With each Layer of this intricate delight we tried, the more we loved it . Our main course was a . We were impressed with how tender the beef was & loved how the components of baby carrots, bacon & potato spinach mousseline elevated the entire dish . We also appreciated that the flavor profile including the sauce didnât over power the star ,the beef . Our evening closed with a decadent & rich dark chocolate raspberry tart . It was a spectacular slice that shined a spotlight on how exceptional is . Since opening Bicyclette has been the talk of the town so reservations are a must . We hope you can make your way into Bicyclette soon as itâs a great gateway to enjoying .
Avengers campus is an area at where heroes from across the multiverse can come together & team up.But before fighting the latest villain, superheroes need to refuel & Pym test kitchen is just the spot . Utilizing the revolutionary shrink-and-grow technology of Pym Particles, Ant-Man & The Wasp lead a team of research chefs as they whipped up a menu stacked with larger than life dishes, tiny treats & shareable snacks that provide the perfect meal for avengers of all sizes . We began with the not so little chicken sandwich which featured a gigantic fried chicken breast , colorful & flavorful teriyaki & red chili sauces, & pickled cabbage slaw with a tiny brioche bun , served with crispy potato bites .This dish was not only whimsical but the breast reminded us of a large chicken schnitzel with its size & taste, the entree Is definitely shareable so you can split it with another hero or sidekick .The & colossal crouton featured large hearts of romaine , kalamata olives, pickled onions , dressing , garlic crouton & parmesan crisps. Our biggest critique of the salad was that it needed more dressing to balance the dryness of the croutons & crisps . We loved the wow factor of the Quantum pretzel & were surprised at how soft it was, the beer cheese sauce however was uninspiring. The epic finale was a Celestial-sized Candy Bar: âChoco smash â
The candy bar had dark chocolate , peanuts , caramel , nougat & chocolate brownie . It was epic in size & the taste was out of this world .We applaud the creativity & ingenuity of this restaurant . From the decor of gigantic soda cans & humongous condiment bottles to the spectacular size-defying tasty fare just like the avengers we will definitely be assembling again soon at Pym Test Kitchen. Reservations not offered so mobile order is highly recommended.
recently celebrated 100 years but wouldnât be the theme park it is today without the popularity of Mrs Knotts Chicken Dinner Restaurant . While Cordelia Knott was selling Sandwiches ,jams & pies since 1927, in 1934 Cordelia brilliantly thought to experiment with selling dinners . This quite literally saved the farm after a tough few years in the Great Depression. The dinners were so popular waits would often hit 3 hours . To entertain the guests while they waited, first a gift shop was built then antiques added & ambitiously places like Ghost town & eventually rides & attractions were built & is known as Americaâs 1st theme park . Without Cordeliaâs cooking skills & Walters ingenuity not only would Knotts & the restaurant wouldnât exist but the creation of the wouldnât have come to fruition either . We Visited the classic restaurant & are happy that the original recipes remain . Our meal â the traditional favorite â consisted of 3 pieces of the famous fried chicken . The chicken was a perfect golden brown with a nice crunch & moist on the inside . We loved how all dinner entreĂ©s included buttermilk biscuits & preserves which with the boysenberry butter melted in your mouth. A hearty house salad topped with boysenberry dressing
and a slice of the incomparable . To quench our thirst we had the boysenberry float which was sweet but not overwhelming. It was quite the feast for around $25 a far difference from the original 65 cents but still worth every penny . Reservations are highly recommended & we hope you can experience this piece of Americana soon .
What was once founded by James Beard foundation award winner Chef Roy Yamaguchi is now known as a classy restaurant that brings a mix of Japanese & Hawaiian cuisine with a spotlight on sushi , seafood & steak . While Chef Roy is no longer involved in this concept his presence & culture is still felt in the five remaining domestic locations & we were happy to hear Chef is still proprietor of all his Hawaiian locations . When we arrived to the Anaheim location we loved the modern bright steakhouse vibes & were excited to try fusion food with Chef Spencer Kim now at the helm . Our first dish was Lobster with spicy Togarashi miso butter sauce & while we felt the potstickers lacked the spice factor we were anticipating it was still a very delicious bite especially the butter sauce . Next we tried the Auntie Leiâs Aloha Roll which featured , , , cucumber, avocado & garlic ponzu . The Sushi hit all the right notes of being fresh , well cut & flavorful. the garlic ponzu really added just the right amount of zest to make this roll one of our favorites of the night . Our main course was a special with three proteins : the macadamia nut crusted , the miyosaki & braised of beef . While the butterfish melted in our mouth & the mahi-mahi crust really elevated the course , the short rib of beef was unfortunately overdone . We didnât let that dampen our good spirits & enjoyed both of the fishes tremendously. Last but certainly not least the sweets & the glorious Royâs melting hot , a chocolate that was accompanied with a perfect partner vanilla bean ice cream . The dessert was decadent, delightful & the perfect way to end the night . Despite some minor problems we will eagerly return to Royâs in the future & recommend if you get a chance to visit Anaheim to add it to your dining rotation . Reservations recommended