Miriam Quevedo- Extreme Caviar Intensive Anti-Aging Hair Masque This luxurious, anti-aging hair masque was my second introduction to the Miriam Quevedo skin and haircare brand. (Here’s my feature on the Miriam Quevedo Black Baccara Weekend Peel Serum). Like her extraordinary exfoliating serum, this anti-aging hair…
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Miriam Quevedo- Black Baccara Dynamic Weekend Peel Booster There are so many skincare brands today, we could not be faulted for not having heard of some of them, even the best ones. Towards the end of 2017 and into 2018 now, I’ve been growing familiar…
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Kat Rudu Hydra Cell Bright Citrus Moisturizer Ever since I discovered Kat Rudu last year, I’ve been head over heels in love with her outstanding line of skincare products. My latest love- Rudu’s Hydra Cell Bright Citrus Moisturizer. Its silky texture dissipates quickly on the…
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ZenSense- The Best Non-Toxic Home Scenter Ever since I was six years old walking the halls of the Mandarin Orchard Hotel in Singapore, I’ve been increasingly obsessed with scents. There was a particular scent the Mandarin used in their hallways, a softly lingering entity I…
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Tempura Matsui- Best Tempura in New York Outside of Asia, I rarely go near Tempura, especially in most restaurants in the United States. In general, I rarely eat deep fried foods and on top of this, the off occasion when I decide to indulge, it…
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HanaCure- Believe the Hype About This Magical Mask If you’re on Instagram or Facebook and you follow any female celebrity or skincare brand, then you are very likely to have heard of the HanaCure craze. Actress Drew Barrymore did a home video of when she…
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Per Se New York- Best Restaurants in the World In its earliest days, Per Se was one of my favorite restaurants in the world, a place I was very fortunate to have frequented several times a month for a period of time. It was magical…
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Vikas Khanna: 2017 and Beyond It had been three years since I first interviewed Chef Vikas; three years since I had first been surprised by how kind, sweet and down to earth this growing worldwide phenomenon still was. In my first interview with him, I…
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Lady M Confections- One of the best bakeries in America, also home to the best Matcha Mille Crepe stateside Desserts- that sweet filled part of our world that so many of you skip main meals to get to, that many slave hours at the gym…
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May Lindstrom The Problem Solver- Warming Correcting Masque (Charcoal Mask for Perfect Skin) A few months ago I had my first experience with May Lindstrom skincare, testing an exfoliating product called The Clean Dirt. It was love at first application so I was excited to…
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Best Serums in the World- Kat Rudu Hydra Cell Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid Every summer without fail, I begin to step up my skincare routine (as if I weren’t already obsessed the rest of the year) for fear of the inevitably harsher sun’s…
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Tula Neck Cream- The Best Neck Cream Under $100 As a child I would watch my Mother with fascination as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror, slathering one magical potion after another onto her face and neck. As little girls often do, during…
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Dr. Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum If you have oily/combination skin, live in a tropical climate or are searching for the most powerful eye moisturizer that won’t smear your make-up in hot summer months, the Dr. Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction…
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Hullo Buckwheat Pillows- The Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Even when I’m exhausted, I’m not one of those lucky folks who can sleep on anything, anywhere. I’m a light sleeper, always have been and am unfortunately, very picky when it comes to pillows and bedding.…
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One Fur All Candles Candle lovers typically think of stocking up on these age-old light bearers from late fall through winter with a predictable surge around Valentine’s. It may seem out of place and out of season to consider purchasing and lighting candles during the…
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May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt Brightening Exfoliant Treatment One of the very best aspects of being at the helm of the AsianFusion brand is that I get to discover other fantastic brands across various industries, especially ones most people never hear about. Why don’t you…
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The Must Have Serum For Summer- Kat Rudu’s Liquid Lift Silk Amino Acid Peptides When it comes to skincare, I can divide my friends into two categories- the ones who are as obsessed as I am with following a regimented routine twice daily and…
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The Oxford Gastropub Sunnyvale is a small town that is home to many corporate titans of Silicon Valley yet most people in the world have never heard of it. On a smooth, traffic-free day it takes about 45 minutes from San Francisco proper. One would…
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Osmia Detox Exfoliating Mask- One of the best masks for oily combination skin. If you haven’t heard of skincare brand Osmia, it’s probably because it’s a fairly new brand (started in 2010, this is considered a child in skincare company years). Over the last year as…
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Caravaggio Italian Gelato- The Best Gelato in SF Bay Area It has been far too long since I’ve spent time in Italy roaming from gelateria to salumeria, engaging in culinary debauchery of the best kind. On sunny afternoons I often find myself missing those moments…
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PCA Skin Vitamin C Quench Antioxidant Serum In California we’re right in the middle of an odd spring season where the weather fluctuates from very warm one week to twenty five degrees cooler the next. I never know what to expect these days but one…
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Phyto Hair Masks There is a little known saying in the beauty world, “often the best brands are the ones you’ve never heard of.” Phyto is one such brand that is not ubiquitous in department stores and does not spend copious amounts on advertising campaigns.…
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Interview with World Renowned Cellist Isang Enders It was a little over a year ago when I first discovered a young cellist by the name of Isang Enders playing Bach’s Cello Suites and speaking about his relationship with these works. (Watch Isang Enders on Youtube). Certain…
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The Best Hotel in Atlanta- Mandarin Oriental Atlanta When one thinks of a Mandarin Oriental hotel, accordingly, images of Asian hospitality arise. It is after all, a hotel brand that has taken a unique approach to marketing, rallying the endorsements of globetrotting celebrities from Michelle…
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Sushi Nakazawa New York One of the best sushi restaurants in New York, really in all of America, Sushi Nakazawa is as good as it gets outside of Japan. Helmed by proprietor and Chef Daisuke Nakazawa who will forever be linked to the legendary Jiro…
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PortaBella Restaurant Carmel By The Sea- Best Italian Restaurant in Carmel As its name suggests, the best Italian restaurant in Carmel features a beautiful wooden door that transports you right into a Snow White fairy tale, complete with adorable flower pots, wrought iron trellises and…
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Farm House Fresh Hydrating Lip Balms It’s been about 3 years now since I’ve become an ardent fan of skincare brand Farm House Fresh- one of the leading “farm to skin” companies in America, if not the world. My latest love from FHF is their…
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Stemology Cell Revive Brightening Serum It was only a few months ago I first heard of a skincare brand called Stemology. Even with my years of research as both consumer and product reviewer, I inadvertently come across new brands and brands new to me. One…
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GM Collin Daily Ceramide Comfort- The Best Face Oil Meets Serum By now you’ve heard of all the wonders of face oil and why you should incorporate it into your daily skin regimen. I know many of you, especially those with combination/oily skin, are not…
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Meaningful Gifts – The Spirit of Giving in 2017 and Beyond For the first 20 years of my life, my family and I were very much into the major holiday celebrations around Christmastime, including the tradition of gift giving. It was a lot of fun…
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Garlic Bulgur with Brussels Sprouts and Tofu- Easy Bulgur Recipe In recent years I’ve adopted what many call a “part time vegetarian” diet, which essentially means we are eating about half of our meals as vegetarian. This was no big deal for me as my…
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Interview with Sweta Vikram Dina’s Thoughts It was late in 2013 when I was first introduced to award-winning writer Sweta Vikram, by another writer, Monica Bhide, who became someone I consider a dear friend. Monica and I had come to know each other as many…
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Best Moisturizers- Shiseido Bio-Performance Lift Dynamic Cream One of the many hats I wear in my businesses is product reviewer and with this fun but oft jeopardous job, I get to enjoy those moments of discovering a product that is a game changer. Shiseido’s Bio-Performance…
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The Plaza Food Hall- Best Places to Eat New York When thinking of the best places to eat in any city in the Western hemisphere, you probably wouldn’t think of a food hall nor would you think of a hotel. Unless you’re in Asia where…
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GM Collin Derm Renewal Cream 10% AHA Those of you who are faithful readers of my site (thank you!) probably noticed that over the past year I’ve been on a strong GM Collin kick. I began taking notice of this dermatologist recognized skincare brand after…
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Zojirushi Water Boiler & Warmer There’s a funny cliché that a household can only be considered an Asian household if there at least these 3 specific items- a rice cooker, a wok and an electric water boiler. Those of you familiar with my brand may…
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GM Collin Native Collagen Gel Anyone who is adamant about great skincare is usually also obsessed with how to get our bodies to regenerate “good skin,” that is, the firm, wrinkle-free skin we have when young. Collagen, being the main structural protein and most abundant…
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Soothe On Demand Massage Thanks to parents who were world travelers even before I was born, by the time I was 12 years old, I was well acquainted with hotels and spas. One of the best aspects of all the traveling was getting to indulge…
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Shiseido Rouge Rouge Lipsticks With the now many skincare and make-up product reviews I’ve been privileged to work on over the last few years, it surprises even me that this is my first one naming a lipstick to AsianFusion’s list of Best Products in the…
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Omakase Restaurant San Francisco The mere term ‘omakase’ elicits images of fine Japanese establishments with revered masters behind wooden counters determining exactly what experience guests will encounter in that one moment in time. In the Western world, for better or worse, ‘omakase’ has become synonymous…
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PurErb Purity Renewing Facial Oil If you’re passionate about skincare, by now you’ve heard all the rage about facial oils. For those of you with oily or combination skin like me, you may have shied away from using such oils in the belief that you…
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Shiseido Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector SPF 43 – Tinted Sunscreen As a serious skincare aficionado, I learned the hard way that sunscreen is by far the #1 most important skincare product we need to use anytime we leave the house. I have been extremely…
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Cuisinart Waffle Maker Apparently waffles are the not-so-secret brunch love of many of my friends and family, so much so that I decided to finally start making them at home. In paying close attention to the quality and taste of waffles in restaurants, I found…
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Tatcha Pore Perfecting Water Gel Moisturizer There was a day not so long ago, when I carried oil blotting papers wherever I went, as long as I left home. More than the annoyance of carrying the usually slim pouches containing those oil blotters, was the…
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Via Quadronno- Most Charming Cafe in New York New York and Italy have always had a special relationship. Since the early 1900’s Italian immigrants steadily poured into New York, bringing their hopes and dreams for a better life along with Grandma’s recipes. As is the case…
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Kimchi Fried Eggs This egg recipe is so easy, I debated whether to even post this or not as it seems barely a recipe. However, I have friends who are new in the kitchen and I want to keep encouraging them to discover the wonderful…
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Rum Cookies’n Cream No Churn Ice Cream As seems to be the case with a lot of recipes these days, the no churn ice cream recipes have made their rounds on trendy food sites, touted as the great new thing in desserts. While I agree…
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Buttery Herb Biscuits Everyone in my life from family to friends to colleagues is in love with biscuits. For the longest time I couldn’t figure out why because all except one experience I’ve had with biscuits is that they were hockey-puck hard, tasteless and dry.…
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Dr. Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Serum- Anti- Wrinkle Serums It’s no secret that since I discovered Dr. Gross’ skincare line a few years ago, I’ve been obsessed with several of his products. The latest one I’ve added to my nightly routine is the…
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Shiseido White Lucent MultiBright Night Cream I remember my Mother introducing me to Shiseido when I was a teenager and as most teenagers are, I was annoyed at her incessant nagging over keeping a good skincare regimen. Of course, years later now, I’m eternally grateful…
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Sprinkle Cookies I admit- I’m one of those people who gets easily attracted to fun colors when in a sweets shop, even though I know I’m likely not going to like the goods after I buy them. That’s because most shops make their cookies overly…
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The Easiest and Best Salt and Pepper Fish Recipe One of my all time favorite dish to order at Chinese restaurants is Salt and Pepper Fish. Generally, I try to avoid eating fried foods but every now and then, who can resist a crispy, salty…
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Overnight Oats a.k.a. Bircher Muesli Over the last few years, Overnight Oats has been a big thing on food blogs and picture-heavy social media site Pinterest. It seems like everyone who’s into breakfast has their own version of this nutritious, delicious dish and I’m throwing…
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Strawberry Water- Easy Flavored Waters While smoothies are a wonderful way to get the nutrients of fruits and vegetables in an easy and quick drink, sometimes you just don’t feel like drinking a thick consistency of a beverage. Sometimes you want a drink that’s as…
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Shrimp Tacos Nearly all my friends and family adore soft tacos, especially with seafood filling. These easy Shrimp Tacos are fun to make, simple and great for both simple everyday dinners or parties where guests can assemble their own tacos. I added a touch of…
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PurErb Soothing Bulgarian Rose Toner- Aromatherapy Skincare Wherever you live in the world, you’re dealing with a particular set of seasons and weather patterns that definitively effect your skin’s health. For me, I straddle the tropics of Southeast Asia with the more temperate weather of…
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Aurelia Refine & Polish Miracle Balm- Probiotic Skincare The term “probiotic” has been the it word in health and wellness for at least the last five years, with physicians, magazines and celebrities touting the benefits of adding probiotics to our regular diet. From yogurts to supplements…
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G.M. Collin Retinol Advanced + Matrixyl + Q10- Best Anti Aging Creams If you’ve never heard of the skincare brand GM Collin, you’re definitely not alone. GM Collin is one of those deeply loved brands used by aestheticians around the world but rarely receives its…
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Best Beauty Oils- Tatcha Camellia Beauty Oil It is no secret that I’ve been a staunch supporter of Tatcha Skincare since its inception in 2009. As a baby on the skincare scene, Tatcha’s products accomplish a remarkable thing- they feel like they’re steeped in the…
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PurErb Serenity Calming Moisturizer – Aromatherapy Skincare In my teenage years, there were moments I seriously contemplated becoming a surgeon of some kind. I’ve always been fascinated by physiology and the intersection of Western and Eastern medicine. I didn’t think I could go through losing…
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ScottEVest Women’s Trench Coat- The Best Coat Ever Once on the ever popular television show Shark Tank, the founder of ScottEVest, a real man named Scott, gave up his career as an attorney to pursue his passion for creating fashion that allows us to be…
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Best Serum 2016- Shiseido Bio-Performance Lift Dynamic Serum As a skincare-obsessed woman, I have encountered countless products throughout my life, especially during my time as a features-writer for AsianFusionGirl. There are quite a few products out there that are great at what they do and…
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Mina Test Kitchen- The Company Bar & Kitchen There are Indian entrepreneur-chefs and restaurateurs hell bent on changing the perception of Indian cuisine and the experience of dining in an Indian-centric establishment. I for one, am thrilled. Am I going to say “I told you…
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An Interview with Ajay Walia- Michelin Starred Indian Restaurateur Ajay Walia and I first met about five years ago while I dined at his restaurant in San Carlos, California, Saffron Indian Bistro but we didn’t realize we met. It was a simple, friendly greeting from…
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Milliken Creek Inn & Spa- The Most Romantic Getaway in Napa There is no more perfect a sanctuary than Milliken Creek Inn & Spa if you are searching for the ultimate in romantic luxury hideaways. Sprawled on several acres of pristine greenery in wine country along…
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Farm House Fresh Pudding Apeel- At Home Glycolic Peel I’ve been a longtime fan of skincare company Farm House Fresh and am always excited to share with you the newest products from them, including “Pudding Apeel,” an at home glycolic peel mask that aims to…
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Vital Proteins Collagen Supplement In this day and age, you’ve most likely read or heard about the importance of collagen in regards to both maintaining a youthful appearance and for many of our body functions to continue the way they’re supposed to into old age.…
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ALICIA YOON DOB: n/a Birthplace: Seoul, Korea Ethnicity: Korean Occupation: Founder/CEO of Peach & Lily Residence: United States Dina’s Thoughts Asian skincare, particularly Korean skincare, has been sweeping the beauty world in a dramatic manner the likes of which we haven’t seen since perhaps the Jennifer Aniston haircut back in the…
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Peach and Lily- The Best Korean Skincare Website If you’re a fan of good skin and good skincare, you’ll have heard by now the Korean skincare regimen that is sweeping the world, including America. As a predominantly Asian woman, I’ve been fortunate to have been…
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Svelta Coffee Raw Sugar Body Scrub- Best Body Scrub 2016 Through the years, I’ve been an ardent fan of a few body salt scrubs with good reason- they’re fantastic for our skin. Whenever possible (and nowadays, it almost always is possible), I love going…
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Shiseido Lash Serum & Mascara- long lashes with no side effects Every woman who is passionate about or has a barebones interest in make-up knows that the right mascara can often stand alone and/or greatly enhances your overall appearance. Nothing perks up a face like…
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Suki Foaming Cleanser & Clarifying Toner Duo As many of you know, I’m pretty OCD when it comes to skincare; my motto is ‘prevention and protection wins over plastic surgery.’ The basis of good skincare begins with cleansing and toning, two steps which aren’t…
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Delsey Honore+ Carry-On Luggage It is no secret that I’m a super fan of the Delsey luggage brand. I’ve been using Delsey nearly exclusively for years now and with excellent reason. The latest of the Delsey line to make it into my travel collection is…
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Samsung Note 5 with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 I remember my first cell phone from years ago; since then I’ve had probably close to 20 phones of all makes and models. It is with no lack of search and trial that I have finally settled…
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2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT Volante Review Ever since I saw my first James Bond movie as a kid (Goldeneye), I always wanted to drive an Aston Martin and go on adventures just like Bond. Throughout my 20’s and 30’s I had the awesome pleasure…
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Ling Skincare’s SparkLING Makeover Mask If you’re reading this feature, you’re likely a skincare aficionado who thinks of skincare as something far more important than just aesthetics and as steps that are part of a general healthy routine. You’re likely also familiar with many of…
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Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey To date, I am very fortunate to have visited and stayed at around 30 Ritz Carlton properties around the world, all of them with teams that strive to be the very best in hospitality. As someone who has traveled extensively…
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CHEF SRIJITH GOPINATHAN Dina’s Thoughts It’s been over four years since I first tasted Chef Sri’s cooking yet the memory of that first meal lingers in my mind as potently as spices permeating the air in an Indian kitchen. It was at Campton Place inside…
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Simbal- Best New Restaurant in LA It was one of my favorite chefs who told me to head to Simbal; James Beard Award winning Chef David Myers raved about his protegé Shawn Pham. Having long respected Myers’ palate and leadership at various restaurants, I made…
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MICHAEL CZARCINSKI DOB: n/a Birthplace: United States Occupation: Managing Director Residence: Los Angeles, CA Dina’s Thoughts As someone who has been on both sides of hospitality (having worked on hotel acquisitions and having been a lifelong patron of hotels worldwide), I am always deeply impressed when I come across…
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The 2 Best Sunscreens You’ll Ever Need I hate to admit but I didn’t start using sunscreen seriously until I reached my 30th birthday or so. I can hear some of you yelling at me for such a huge skincare gaffe and I can hear…
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Iced Matcha Latté a.k.a Iced Green Tea Latté It’s hard to tell by now whether Matcha Latté a.k.a. Green Tea Latté actually existed in Japan first and was brought around the world or vice versa. After all, dairy products traditionally were not consumed in large…
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Basil Shrimp Bites- Easy Shrimp Recipe Inspired by Thailand’s colloquial Miang Kum appetizer where fresh, vibrant raw ingredients are wrapped in a spinach leaf and served with a sweet and savory sauce, I created these Basil Shrimp Bites. Very easy to make, this quick and…
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Deconstructed No-Bake Banana Cream “Pie” Ever since I had my first Banana Cream Pie with my father when I was a little girl, I’ve always loved that lightly sweet, creamy dessert so famous across America. As much as I love baking, there are times when…
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Luce Restaurant- Best Restaurants in San Francisco One aspect of the business that even the most luxurious of hotels struggle with in America is sustaining a signature restaurant that serves consistently excellent food with warm, genuine service while still offering some kind of value without…
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Yoga Gives Back Bestows Mallika Chopra With First-Ever “Namaste Award” at Sept. 26th Annual Thank You Mother India Fundraiser in Malibu Los Angeles, CA–Yoga Gives Back (YGB) proudly announces that Mallika Chopra, author of Living with Intent, will receive the first-ever Yoga Gives Back Namaste…
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Raw Bok Choy Salad- Plant Based Recipes In Asia, the nutrient-rich vegetable Bok Choy, has been a staple in everyday meals for at least many centuries, likely longer. In the West, bok choy has become increasingly popular and easier to find even in American supermarkets…
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Popcorn Ice Cream One of my top ten favorite chefs in the world is Chef Srijith Gopithinan, who as of the creation of this recipe (summer 2015) is Executive Chef at Michelin starred Campton Place of the Taj Hotel in San Francisco. Several years ago I…
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Summer Greens Salad If you’ve had the chance to eat your way through California, you’ll notice that many restaurants heavily use a variety of micro-greens and small leafy vegetables that we don’t usually find in regular markets. It makes sense that chefs have access to…
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Chicken Lettuce Wraps For years I’ve avoided putting up a recipe for Chicken Lettuce Wraps mainly because I felt this is one of the most overrated dishes in Asian restaurants in the West. From Chinese to Thai restaurants, I found this dish to be overpriced…
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Gochujang Growing up partly in America, I learned to love Grilled Cheese sandwiches early on. It was a staple in school and at parties. As an adult, I developed a passion for many types of cheeses and occasionally still indulged in…
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Cultural Event for Families Promotes Global Awareness of Post-Earthquake Recovery in Tohoku, Japan Los Angeles – The Rising Tohoku Food Fair 2015, which celebrates the charms and cultural diversity of the Tohoku region of Japan, will take place August 20-23, 2015 at Mitsuwa Marketplace in…
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Turn Stale Bread to Delicious Croutons- Stale Bread Recipes I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve bought a baguette or bread of some type that I meant to serve and consume within days but ended up having it lay around until it was…
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The Lodge At Pebble Beach- Best Hotel in Carmel The Pebble Beach Lodge is one of those grand dames in the hotel world that upon walking through its infamous front doors flanked by pillars and jolly doormen sporting golf caps, you feel that you have…
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Mila Moursi pH Balancing Toner- Best Toners Contrary to popular belief, skin Toner is not the first skincare product that can or should go out the window when you’re trying to stick to a strict budget. Using toner and using the right toner can…
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Omorovicza Intensive HydraLifting Cream- Best Firming Face Cream Since the first time I discovered Omorovicza three years ago, I was in love at first use. I’ve tried close to a dozen of their products and so far, we’re batting at 100%. In my eyes, Omorovicza…
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The Conservatory Ritz Carlton- Best Restaurants SF Bay Area It’s no secret that I’m a staunch supporter of the Ritz Carlton brand; after all, I spent many of my best childhood moments at various Ritz Carlton hotels around the world. The emotional attachment to the…
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Dr. Hauschka Eye Balm- Best Eye Moisturizer for Dry Skin One of the easiest ways to tell someone’s age is by looking at their eye areas. Is it wrinkle and line free, soft and smooth or is it riddled with crow’s feet and other telltale…
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Honor MD Stimulate- Best Retinol Cream Ever since entering my 30’s, I’ve been obsessive about skincare. If you’re over 30, many of you can probably identify with my sentiments of better to be obsessive about prevention and maintenance than to later be obsessed with plastic…
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Sulwhasoo Ginseng Eye Cream- Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams What sets an eye cream apart from all others? As many of you know, I do beauty product features on a regular basis and have named several eye creams to my list of Best Products Around the…
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Ling Hi-Vitamin C 12%- Best Brightening Serums With as many skincare brands as there are all over the world, you couldn’t be faulted for not having heard of Ling Skincare. For years it went under even my radar and I do beauty reviews regularly. Ling…
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Delsey’s New StarckTrip Collection- Best Travel Bags As a globetrotting business woman, I am as obsessed with ergonomically correctly designed luggage as I am with skincare (which many of you already know). I’ve been a long time fan of Delsey Luggage (check out my review…
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Mandaloun Restaurant By now, we’ve all heard for years how the Mediterranean diet is healthy and the choice of so-called nutrition experts. Well, that may be true but when I go to Mandaloun Restaurant in Redwood City (in the San Francisco Bay Area), I’m not…
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Dosa Factory Restaurant- Best Indian Restaurant in Boston Anyone who has known me for over an hour would easily know that I have had a lifelong obsession and passion for India- the country, the food, the culture, the history. In my extensive travels in India…
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Timothy Adams Chocolates- Best Chocolates in SF Bay Area I know some of you may faint when I say this but there was a time long ago when I was not into chocolate. In general, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth and only…
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Equitance Brightening Toning Lotion Many of you have written in to me through these years asking me this question- why is a Toner necessary? There was a period of time during my mid-20’s when I was traveling a lot, doing some philanthropic work and frankly,…
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Liza Wong Elite Skin Care Day Spa Have you ever had a facial go horribly awry? I have and so have many of my girlfriends. You start off looking forward to a restorative spa hour or afternoon, looking forward to exiting with cleaned pores and…
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Hydropeptide Power Serum & Power Lift Duo I hate admitting this out loud or even to myself but a few months ago I was convinced I saw the beginnings of fine lines around my mouth- you know the ones I’m talking about, the ones some…
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Coppa Enoteca- Best Brunches in Boston Anyone familiar with my culinary background will know that since childhood, I have loved eating and cooking both Asian and Italian food. If I could split myself between Asia and Italy, I would do it in a second. While…
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Uni Sashimi Bar- Best Sashimi in Boston It is no secret that I’m a fan girl of Chef Ken Oringer’s. I think the man is one of the most brilliant chefs in America and I have yet to come across a restaurant of his that I…
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Ritz Carlton Boston Common- Best Hotels in Boston It’s taken for granted perhaps, the high expectations we have when staying at any Ritz Carlton property. In a city as large and metropolitan as Boston though, finding consistency in quality and service is not always an…
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Amayori- Luxurious Body Rituals in Japanese Skincare If you’ve ever had the immense pleasure of visiting Japan and in particular, experiencing a traditional Japanese bath or Onzen, you know that like much else of Japanese culture, baths are taken with deliberate and structured passion. Purifying…
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Sulwhasoo Hydro-Aid Moisturizing Lifting Serum The number one mistake that anyone can make with their skin is not moisturizing enough. No matter what type of skin you have- dry, normal, oily or combination, your skin needs ample moisture. Now, don’t confuse real moisture with oiliness.…
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Madame Tussaud’s Fan Bing Bing Statue Some of you might remember my piece from last year on Madame Tussaud’s Jeremy Lin unveiling when I got to interview the basketball star. This quarter, I was invited to witness the lifelike beauty of Chinese actress Fan Bing…
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Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask Sometimes, no matter how religious we are about good skincare habits and good eating habits, the grind of everyday life can take its toll on our facial skin. Maybe it was a few nights of mediocre sleep or a…
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Murad Essential-C Eye Cream- Best SPF Eye Cream Out of the dozens of skincare products we can use at any one time, if I had to pick one item to take with me on a deserted island, I’d have to pick eye cream. Not only…
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Citrus Zinger- Reusable Water Bottles Drinking a day’s worth of water has rarely been an issue for me though it has for my father and many of my male friends. Even some of my female friends find it a chore to drink the 2 liters…
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2015 Lunar New Year San Francisco Symphony THE SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CONCERT & CELEBRATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 IN DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL Mei-Ann Chen, Music Director of the Memphis Symphony and of the Chicago Sinfonietta, leads the San Francisco Symphony…
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Love Nature Candles NYC- Non-toxic Candles Since my college years, I’ve been a fan of candles. Between being enveloped by candles burning at Buddhist temples all over Asia and aromatherapy candles at spas, candles carry special memories for me. There’s something about the rustic feel…
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Winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin, causing ordinarily oily skin to become patchy and dry skin to become even drier. These are my personal picks for the skincare and beauty must-haves for Winter 2015. AmorePacific Time Response Skin Renewal Crème If you suffer from…
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Mitchell and Peach Shower Gel & Body Oil As a citizen of the world considered with water issues and as one who resides most of the time in California, saving water is always at the forefront of my mind. I love long hot baths as…
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UnBreakable Umbrella Rainy season is finally upon the west coast of America (and other parts of the world); some days have seen torrential downfalls amid years filled with drought. I’m sure many of you have experienced the exact same situation I have over and over…
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Big Congrats: Ritz Carlton Earns 13 Michelin Stars in 2015 As many of you know, I’ve long been an ardent fan of Ritz Carlton, both its hotels and hotel restaurants. I was excited to hear that some of my favorite restaurants in Ritz Carlton hotels…
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Taj Campton Place Restaurant One of the complaints I hear from some people who aren’t fond of fine dining is that everything starts to taste the same once you frequent too many top restaurants. I couldn’t disagree more vehemently. If we’re speaking of the “average”…
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How To Keep Your Manicure Perfect Longer This will probably be one of the shortest articles you’ll ever read because the key to keeping your manicure perfect longer really is that simple. You can, of course, use the same tip for your perfect pedicure as…
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Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Medi Spa Peel Few skincare products have the wherewithal to make me astounded with their potency and efficacy at all, let alone after just one application. Dr. Gross’ Alpha Beta Medi Spa Peel was such one product whose immediate results were…
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Crispy Chicken with Gnocchi Don’t be daunted by the number of ingredients or steps; this recipe is actually pretty simple and the incredible bursts of vibrant flavors is well worth the 20 or so minutes it takes to prepare. Shuttling back and forth between Asia…
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Equitance Foaming Cleanser The search for the best foaming facial cleanser is one that I continue to embark on every couple of years to see if there’s any new developments in skincare technology. I recently came across a brand called Equitance- new to the US…
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FarmHouse Fresh Body Lotions and Hand Lotions As a professional globe trotter, I am forever on the lookout for innovative skincare products that are multi-functional for traveling purposes. If you’re familiar with my reviews, you’ll know by now that I am obsessed with good skincare…
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AmorePacific Tinted Moisturizer By now you have most likely heard of BB and CC creams, possibly even DD creams (yes, it’s a real thing). The trend of these semi to full coverage creams started in Asia and was adopted in the last couple of years…
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Three Color Stir-fry This is one of my all time favorite one-dish stir-fries, especially during colder months. The sweetness of the butternut squash really warms you up and the complimentary flavors of earthy shiitake and fresh bok choy complete this super easy stir-fry recipe that…
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Le Mieux Brightening Serum Le Mieux states that they incorporate 8 brightening agents in this serum and while I don’t know what those agents are, I can attest to the palpable results. Incidentally, I began using Le Mieux’s Brightening Serum after an allergic bout to…
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Orlane Vivifying Lotion One of the perks of my job as CEO of AsianFusion and as a journalist is conducting skincare product reviews. Most of the time this is a fantastic perk that results in discovering powerful skincare products. Every now and then though, I…
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SACHAL VASANDANI DOB: n/a Birthplace: Chicago, IL Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: Jazz Singer and Songwriter Residence: New York Dina’s Thoughts When I first heard Sachal Vasandani, it was on my Frank Sinatra playlist on Pandora. His round tone and smooth voice caught my attention immediately, reminding me of a cross between…
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HydroPeptide Eye Authority If there’s one piece of skincare that I cannot live without, it would be eye cream. I know many of you might be surprised, thinking that moisturizer is more important. Considering I have oily/combination skin, in dire situations, I can get away…
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Alterna Caviar Shampoo Most of us are very aware that proper skincare is crucial to maintaining a youthful appearance. One part of the body that does get neglected often is our hair. Hair ages just like skin does but most people don’t realize that. We…
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The 2 Best Sous Vide Appliances Sous-vide cooking has been around technically for several hundred years though it’s resurgence with mainstream chefs came about in the mid-1900’s. Sous-vide, French for “under vacuum,” describes a method of cooking whereby food is sealed in a vacuum packed…
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Healthy Smoothies- Asian Pear & Almond Milkshake I’m officially obsessed with healthy smoothies and milkshakes. And why not? Just like real fruit and veggie smoothies, milkshakes made out of the right ingredients can be so good and good for you. This easy milkshake recipe calls…
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Soft Boiled Egg with Miso Crostini I’ve always been a huge fan of deviled eggs but sometimes it’s nice to have a completely different twist on similar components. Here, I turn heart-healthy avocado into a smooth paste by adding savory Miso paste and charred Poblano…
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Garlic Herb Brie En Croute with Asian Pear Some friends say I’m obsessed with Brie; I say I have a longstanding love affair with any cheese that is soft and creamy. While I do love the traditional pairing of baked cheeses with grapes or figs,…
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Purple Plant Blends If you’ve been following my writings for even a little while, you’ll know that smoothies are a major part of my life. I’ve loved them since I was a child and in adulthood, I feel strongly that they’re an important aspect of…
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Healthy Smoothies- Autumn Apple Smoothie What speaks more lusciously about autumn than sweet apples and spices? This healthy smoothies recipe results in a naturally sweet drink, making it perfect for breakfast time or an afternoon dessert. Talk about getting your day’s nutrients in one glass! If…
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7 Tips to Stay Healthy While Flying in America With the latest Ebola outbreak, everyone’s on edge and rightfully terrified of contracting this, or some other life threatening disease. As a lifelong traveler who has flown on over three dozen carriers around the world and…
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Le Mieux 4 In 1 Skin Perfecter It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with my skincare regimen. I would rather be compulsive about taking care of my skin with the appropriate products (in addition to an overall healthy lifestyle of course) than having to deal…
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The Ritz-Carlton Crafts Picture Perfect Memories as Largest Luxury Wedding Atelier in Asia Pacific Hong Kong, 16, Sept 2014: Wedding planners at The Ritz-Carlton are redefining the art of the wedding atelier by curating artisanal luxury wedding shows fuelling the dreams of couples looking for…
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Juara Jasmine Shower Gel & Body Lotion Duo It’s no secret that I’ve been obsessed with Asian skincare secrets and products since I was a teenager. It was during those formative years that I had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time in…
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Calphalon AccuCore Pans & Pre-Seasoned Griddles If you’re someone who is serious about cooking healthy, delicious meals at home as part of a lifelong commitment to healthy living, investing in the appropriate cookware is vital. Some of you have probably balked at how expensive some…
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Chantecaille Stress Repair Eye Cream- Best Eye Creams The first sign of our age is our eyes. This fact alone has turned eye care into a deep obsession for me. Those of you familiar with my skincare routine and beauty reviews have likely heard me…
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HYD For Men- Buffer Stick The HYD For Men Buffer Stick is the best way for men to enjoy the benefits of microdermabrasion, a skincare therapy usually reserved for women. Upon opening the Buffer Stick you’re greeted with a distinct but not overpowering musky, sandalwood…
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Crispy Lime Chicken This delicious, umami-inducing Crispy Lime Chicken has become one of my go-to recipes that is out of this world popular with family and friends. Whether you want to follow the recipe here using sous-vide cooking method, which results in a very juicy,…
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Farm House Fresh Green Tea Milk Cleanser Is there such a thing as being too young to start a good skincare regimen? The general consensus among our colleagues at AsianFusionGirl and among our family and friends is that once you hit puberty, that’s the right…
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Caviaroli- Elevate Home Cooking Ever since the Godfather of molecular gastronomy (Ferran Adria) changed the culinary world years ago, I’ve been a fan of this sector of gourmet cuisine in certain doses. The genius and technical skills it takes to create masterpieces of molecular gastronomy…
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Edamame Bruschetta An easy and healthy appetizer to add to your bruschetta repertoire is this Edamame Bruschetta which you’ll fall head over heels in love with at first bite. Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps here- this is a super easy recipe that…
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Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask with Rosemary and Honey There are some skincare products that you come across and immediately sense its potency and superior quality. Whether it’s from the packaging, which is neither cheap plastic nor so extravagant that it makes you wonder what you’re…
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Elemis Rehydrating Rose Petal Cleanser If you’re a fan of floral scents, particularly rose, you will fall in love with Elemis’ Rehydrating Rose Petal Cleanser. Packaged in a pump bottle, this creamy, off-white colored facial cleanser is ideal for dry, sensitive or mature skin and…
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Lime Mint Sorbet Popsicles The first time I made these for family and friends, they went crazy over these lollipop sized bursts of juiciness. It’s tangy, refreshing and minty with a tinge of savory. It’s summer dessert perfection and a respite from any warm day.…
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JEREMY LIN DOB: August 23, 1988 Birthplace: Torrance, CA Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: NBA Residence: USA Dina’s Thoughts What fascinates me about Jeremy Lin is not so much his stardom as a basketball phenomenon but that he has accomplished what only a handful of other Asians…
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Chocolate Strawberry Popsicles- Healthy Popsicle Recipes For all of my healthy popsicle recipes, I used one of my favorite kitchen gadgets- the Zoku Popsicle Maker, which makes 3 regular sized popsicles. If you’re not familiar with Zoku popsicle makers, you should definitely check them out as they…
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Lychee Creamsicles- Easy Popsicle Recipes There’s nothing quite like the delicious burst of juicy lychees, especially during hot summer months. This past year I’ve become obsessed with creating healthy and easy popsicle recipes to make eating dessert guilt-free. This is one of my very favorite easy…
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Best Healthy Desserts- Cantaloupe Popsicles It’s important to note that in this recipe, I used this nifty little tool for popsicles called Zoku Classic Popsicle Maker. If you’re not familiar with Zoku, I strongly urge you to check them out as making popsicles will not…
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Zoku Popsicle Makers-Best Popsicle Makers It’s not often that I start a product review with my conclusion but I must admit, I am officially declaring that I am insanely, irrevocably in love with Zoku’s Popsicle Makers. There are several versions of these nifty and innovative…
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Roasted Salmon & Green Mango Salad Serves 2 as Main Course (You can cut the salmon in halves for 4 pieces and divide the salad for 4 starter salads) Ingredients 1 cup heirloom tomatoes whole or halved (substitute regular tomatoes cut into bite sized chunks)…
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Govino Shatterproof Wine Glasses I adore hosting intimate dinner gatherings and larger parties; with playing hostess comes the inevitable task of dealing with broken wine glasses. I don’t recall the last party or gathering I’ve had when somebody didn’t spill a glass or knock it…
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Shiseido Face Color Enhancing Trio (Shiseido Face Color Enhancing Trio in Apple pictured to the left) Those of you familiar with me know that I’ve long stood staunchly against plastic surgery and have spoken out against it numerous occasions. World famous as the plastic surgery…
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Belmond La Residence d’Angkor Launches Luxury Fitness Retreat with Training Sessions Among the Temples As the travel trend for fitness fusion holidays gathers pace, Belmond has launched the ultimate wellness escape – a week-long luxury fitness retreat at Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor in Siem Reap,…
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American Cheese Society Festival 2014 As a cheese lover, you might be as biased as I was before I attended the American Cheese Festival in Sacramento this summer. With the extensive variety of cheeses from Italy, France, Denmark, Netherlands and really, all regions of Europe,…
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NELSON CHAN DOB: July 14, 1974 Birthplace: Hong Kong Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Hair Expert Residence: Los Angeles Dina’s Thoughts Nelson Chan is one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed hair gurus with A-list clients including Heather Graham and Lady Gaga. Prior to opening his now successful Nelson…
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HydroPeptide Redefining Serum- Best Acne Solution As much as I’d like to report that my skin is always at its best and consistently flawless, I just can’t do that. As much as I eat very well, take generally good care of myself and have an obsession…
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Eminence Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream- Best Night Creams Contained in a clear plastic jar with a convenient white plastic applicator (to prevent contamination from your fingers), the Eminence Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream has a lovely pastel yellow shade to it and is a…
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JENNIFER YEN DOB: October 8, 1978 Birthplace: Taiwan Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Actress, Entrepreneur Residence: Los Angeles, CA Dina’s Thoughts Fans of the ever popular Power Rangers will recognize the gorgeous Jennifer Yen as Vypra in the series’ 8th season, titled Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue. While…
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Skin Care Reviews- 4VOO Ultimate Age-Defying Serum While many men use our wives’ or girlfriends’ skincare products, there are differences in men and women’s skin that makes using the appropriate products that much more effective. For men over 40 who are serious about preventing and…
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Le Mieux TGF-B Firming Eye Mask If you love watching stars on the red carpet, you’ll have noticed their stellar make-up and how bright their eye zone is. While expert make-up application certainly goes a long way to create those bright eyes, there are other…
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Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot Anybody who cooks at home knows this scenario well…you’ve studiously chopped a bunch of ingredients and have them all over your cutting board. Now it’s time to put those perfectly chopped ingredients into your pot or wok and you’re going to have…
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SF Dungeons- San Francisco’s Newest Attraction Pictured Above: Colonel Jack Gamble tortures his victims in the San Francisco Dungeon in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday June 18, 2014. Pictured Below: “Scabby” the rat catcher demonstrates his surgical abilities to victims (guests) at the San Francisco…
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ARJUN DEV ARORA DOB: 1984 Birthplace: United States Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: Entrepreneur Residence: California Dina’s Thoughts I first met Arjun several years ago to discuss whether there was room in the Silicon Valley ecosystem for a multimedia startup. At the time, he was deep in…
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Pabu Restaurant- Best Sushi in San Francisco I have been to hundreds upon hundreds of restaurants in their early opening days. The two biggest noticeable problems facing new restaurants are typically that the wait staff is too flustered to be sincerely friendly and that food takes…
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Le Mieux Bio Cell Mask- Brightening Face Mask Those of you familiar with my skincare tips and product reviews know by now that I’m a big fan of great spas around the world but that I’m a bigger fan of powerful skincare products for home use.…
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ANDREW CHUNG DOB: 1981 Birthplace: Toronto, Canada Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Writer, Producer, Director Residence: Toronto, Canada “I’m extremely passionate about putting more Asian faces on screen in North America.” Dina’s Thoughts Passionate, relentless and focused- these are the three words that first come to mind…
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PARRY SHEN DOB: June 26, 1973 Birthplace: New York Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Actor Residence: California Dina’s Thoughts on Parry Breaking into Hollywood for an Asian actor is still incredibly difficult today, let alone ten years ago. Learning about Parry’s journey from the east coast moving…
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MAKOTO OZONE DOB: March 25, 1961 Birthplace: Kobe, Japan Ethnicity: Japanese Occupation: Pianist & Composer Residence: Japan “Music has the power to connect people regardless of origin.” Dina’s Thoughts I first met Ozone backstage in his dressing room at Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco) for…
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Melon Bowls with Overnight Oatmeal- Easy Breakfast Ideas The first time I remember having these adorable melon bowls with overnight oatmeal for breakfast was at a resort in Bali when I was a little girl. I wasn’t crazy about oatmeal back then (though I love…
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Squash Salad with Soy Ginger Dressing The first time I bought pattypan and sunburst squash, I wasn’t sure what to do with them. They were such adorable little vegetables that they seemed almost too cute to eat. I knew I didn’t want to cook them…
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Blueberry Chia Pops- Healthy Popsicle Recipes With hot summer months, everybody loves a cold, refreshing popsicle so I spend a lot of time developing healthy popsicle recipes. What better way to indulge in a treat than to have a popsicle made of all good-for-you ingredients…
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Iced Mocha- Healthy Coffee Drinks Unbeknownst to many people, Mocha is not actually the blended coffee drink (typically with chocolate and milk) that has become ubiquitous across America and Asia. Mocha is in fact a type of coffee bean with a characteristic bold and slightly…
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How To Turn Any Shower Into An Aromatherapy Experience Rare is the creature that does not enjoy a hot, steamy shower, especially after a long day. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting any type of spas, you’ll probably have experienced proper steam rooms.…
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The Best Chocolate Cheesecake Ever You love cheesecake? You love chocolate? This is one of the best cheesecake recipes you’ll ever come across! This easy chocolate cheesecake will have family and friends begging you to tell them where you bought it and you can bask…
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Peach Ice Cream- Easy Summer Desserts I’ve had a peach tree a few times in my life in different homes and few things remind me of warm summer days more than fresh ripe peaches plucked from a tree. My favorite easy summer desserts are those…
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100% Pure Travel Kit With traveling constantly comes the need for finding the best travel accessories in existence and that includes the 100% Pure Travel Kit. For those of you who have not familiarized yourselves with the 100 Percent Pure brand, I strongly suggest…
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Dayna Decker Sierra Essence Body Moisturizer You get what you pay for is the first cliché that comes to mind when I think about Dayna Decker’s Sierra Essence Body Moisturizer. Decker’s luxury line of body lotions, cleansers and candles have long been a well kept…
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Shiseido Cream Eye Color I can’t speak for all you lovely ladies out there but personally, on an everyday basis, I don’t like using a ton of make-up. I’ve always believe that make-up is meant to enhance and highlight our best features- not make us…
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Makoto Ozone San Francisco Performance Summer 2014 Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. (Davies Symphony Hall) Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. (Stern Grove) Edwin Outwater, conductor Makoto Ozone, piano Mark Inouye, trumpet Scott Pingel, bass Jacob Nissly, percussion Straddling both classical…
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Swordfish Steak with Sweet Corn Salsa Swordfish is a little more expensive than tilapia or salmon, but it’s a great choice for a change in taste and texture. Here I’m fusing a very simple western pan-frying technique for the fish and twisting the traditional Mexican…
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Crispy Shrimp with Spicy Lemongrass Sauce I’ve made these crispy shrimps at so many gatherings and they are always among the first to go. People can’t resist the crisp, warm shrimp with this tangy, spicy dipping sauce. Whether you’re making this for a regular family dinner or a…
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Mushroom Consommé Traditionally, consommés are served as just clear broths. Here, I’ve kept the mushrooms in the consommé to serve. Why get rid of mushrooms that provide an endless array of cancer and other disease fighting nutrients? By weight, mushrooms are mainly water, lending to…
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Korean Chicken with Sugar Snap Pea Salad Korean grilled meats are a great way to get your protein without much added fat or calories. It’s all in the marinating. Here’s a traditionally flavored Korean chicken paired with tangy and savory Balsamic dressed Sugar Snap Peas.…
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Nelson J Hair Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Hair Mask Since spending many days in Bali and Thailand throughout my teenage years and 20’s, I became obsessed with traditional methods of hair care. That is, using nature’s most potent ingredients to keep my long hair…
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Natural and Non-toxic Floor Cleaner Whether you’re someone who has the privilege of having maids to clean your house or you do it yourself, using non-toxic floor cleaners should be of paramount concern to anyone who cares about health. Most of the floor cleaning products…
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Rainbow Raw Kale Salad In the culinary world, kale may be a passé ingredient but among my family and friends, kale will always remain a very popular vegetable. While trends may come and go, there is no arguing the numerous health benefits of this leafy…
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Natural Way to Keep Gray Hairs Away When you spend enough time in places like Bali and Thailand you pick up a few tricks from local women who’ve passed down beauty secrets from one generation to the next. How do you keep gray hair away?…
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Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie- Healthy Smoothie Recipes This Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie is perfect for rushed mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up. I have so many fond childhood memories of my parents getting me all kinds of frosty drinks and treats at various Disney parks around the world that…
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Hot and Sour Mushroom Soup Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, perfect for cold days and perfect for vegetarians- this easy mushroom soup is reminiscent of classic Chinese Hot and Sour soup but done simply and quickly. High in protein and fiber with a…
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Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Saketini- Chocolate Cocktails For those of you who adore chocolate and the divine combination with salted caramel, this easy chocolate saketini is for you. I use ZERO sugar in the actual cocktail to avoid an overly sweet concoction, instead allowing for the…
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Chilled Mango Custard with Chia Seeds Few things in life give me as much pleasure as creating recipes that are both good for my parents and that they will fall in love with. Believe me, given their recent propensity towards sugar-laden desserts, this is no…
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Easy Caramel Sauce This super easy caramel sauce is so versatile. You can use it as a drizzle on top of ice cream or as a dipping sauce for a fresh fruit dessert tray. You can even use this as part of a cocktail like…
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What is Agar-agar? Agar-agar is a gelatinous substance derived from specific species of algae. It is also known as Kanten (from its Japanese derivative as agar-agar was supposedly discovered in 17th Century Japan). What allows agar-agar to have its gelling abilities is a polysaccharide from…
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Lychee Ice Cream- Easy Ice Cream Recipes One of my all time favorite summer fruits is lychee, that sweet, aromatic fruit from Asia with a slightly rough reddish exterior. Since childhood Lychee Ice Cream has been a staple in my family’s household, a delicious, naturally…
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Farm House Fresh Sweet Tea Body Scrub Best Weekly Body Scrub Under US $35 The first time I laid eyes on Farm House Fresh’s Sweet Tea Body Scrub and got a whiff of its lightly sweet aroma, I was reminded of lazy afternoons in Savannah,…
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Coffee Grinds Body Scrub Recipe is for 1 time use (you can multiply the recipe and store in a clean, air-tight container in the refrigerator to use for later; keeps up to 1 month in fridge). Ingredients 1/2 cup leftover coffee grinds 1/2 tablespoon of…
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Coco Loco!- Easy Summer Cocktails Beat the summer heat with refreshing, easy summer cocktails like rum infused Coco Loco from my friends at Taste Nirvana, who produce one of the best coconut waters on the market. Love the taste of rum and a twist of…
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Coco Pod- Easy Summer Cocktails If you are a fan of coconut and rum, Coco Pod- one of the easy summer cocktails series courtesy of my friends at Taste Nirvana, is the cocktail for you. If memories of lounging on the white sand beaches of…
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Delsey Hyperlite Spinners Living life with an insatiable wanderlust has its pros and cons. I’m grateful that I was brought up by parents who were passionate about traveling around the world and instilled that same passion in me. I adore waking up in a different…
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Easy Piña Colada- Low Calorie Summer Cocktails This easy Piña Colada recipe comes from my friends at TasteNirvana, producers of one of the best coconut water lines in America. Contrary to popular belief, when done correctly, Piña Colada is not an unhealthy beverage. In fact,…
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Hammacher Schlemmer Oil-less Air Fryer To this day I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t love crispy, crunchy, finger-licking delicious fried food. I have of course, encountered numerous people who stay far away from fried foods, treating these diabolical temptresses like the black…
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Layered Coconut Cake- Best Coconut Cake Recipe This is the best coconut recipe derived from memories of a cake my mother used to buy for my sister and I when we were kids in Southeast Asia. The layered cake was perfectly moist laden with layer upon layer…
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Healthy Chocolate Milkshake I’ve always strongly believed in listening to our body’s natural cravings and satisfying them properly to avoid unhealthy binges. About a week before “that time of the month” I often find myself craving chocolate and milk- a signal that my body is…
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Eminence Green Tea & Guava Serum- Best Serums While most serums are intended to be used only at night, after toner and prior to moisturizing, one of my all time favorite serums- the Green Tea and Guava Fortifying Serum from Eminence- is perfect for morning/daytime…
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Shiseido Compact Foundation SPF 36 Whether you’ve got dry skin that tends to flake or oily/combination skin that shines like a full moon especially in hot climate zones, finding a compact foundation with built-in SPF is no easy task. Shiseido has recently unveiled their new…
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Butter Coffee- The Truth & A Simple Butter Coffee Recipe With this easy butter coffee recipe I want to set the record straight about this beverage’s origins because as of the writing of this (May 4, 2014), there is an enormous amount of misinformation circulating…
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Pear & Fennel Smoothie- Healthy Green Smoothies Out of all the green smoothies I’ve ever made, this is definitely one of the most powerful when it comes to adding a boost of fiber to your diet and clearing out skin problems. Admittedly, it’s not the…
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Easy No-Knead Herb Cheese Bread Just about one of the easiest no-knead breads I’ve ever created- so cheesy and delicious with a trio of herbs. This is one loaf of bread that will disappear as quickly as you slice it up! With the layers of…
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Basic Frozen Yogurt Recipe- Healthy Desserts Unlike when making ice cream, you might start with 4 cups of cream and milk and end up with 6 to 7 cups of ice cream because of churning and incorporating air into the mixture, when making frozen yogurt,…
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Apple & Asian Pear Sangria- Best Sangria Recipes A departure from the regular red wine with citrus fruits, this refreshing white wine sangria pulls extra crisp flavors from Granny Smith apples but has a touch of sweetness from Asian pears, making it one of the…
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Tri Color Popsicles It doesn’t get more refreshing, delicious or healthier than this easy fruit popsicle. Perfect for hot summer days when your body craves hydration, a touch of sweetness and something cold. With zero added sugar, your body will love the natural sweetness of…
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Bok Choy & Red Cabbage Slaw The best side dishes are the ones that pack huge flavor yet go easy on the calories. This bok choy and red cabbage slaw is super easy to put together with almost no prep time and goes perfectly with…
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Banana Coffee Ice Cream Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? In this case- have your ice cream and eat it! Using very ripe bananas in this recipe will give you a naturally sweet ice cream to yield a no added…
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Cinnamon Almond Milk- Spiced Milk Recipes Cinnamon has been shown to be a powerful fighter against many conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer. Paired together with calcium-rich milk and protein-rich almonds, you’ve got a healthy beverage for breakfast or an afternoon energy…
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Citrus Lentil Soup I created this Citrus Lentil Soup recipe for a close friend of mine who adores lentil soup but prefers it with a strong twist of lemon and lots of mint. Since everybody likes their lentil soup a bit differently, I figured a…
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Chicken & Green Bean Stir-Fry Serves 2 to 3 as a main course served with rice Ingredients 2 small to medium sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes 2 heaping cups green beans, ends trimmed and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces 1 tablespoon…
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Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream This ice cream flavor used to be one of my favorites as a child until I grew up and realized what awful ingredients big name ice cream brands put into it. Remember that weird green hue? It certainly wasn’t from…
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FarmHouse Fresh Sweet Cream Body Milk Best Body Moisturizer Under $30 If you aren’t already familiar with the Farm House Fresh brand, you need to get familiar pronto. As their name suggests, these fragrance-free skincare products are made with ingredients found on a farm- fresh…
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Citrus Fish Kabobs One of the best parts of hot summer months is marrying tangy citrus flavors with simple fish kabobs to create a simple but super flavorful appetizer. Put a bunch of these skewered fish on a plate with a side salad or a…
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Strawberry Cabbage Smoothie Don’t get turned off by the thought of drinking raw red cabbage in your smoothie. Red cabbage contains high levels of phytonutrients beneficial in fighting all types of inflammation in the human body, up to 8 times that of green cabbage. Coupled with…
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Pimples: To Pop Or Not The question of whether to pop a pimple or not has been widely debated probably for as long as people have cared about skincare. I’m going to add my advice on top of all the contradictory tips you’ve likely already…
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5 Tips on How to Fight Jet Lag Even when you fly on the world’s best airlines, (like my personal favorite pictured above- Singapore Airlines), you can still be susceptible to the woes of jet lag. From changing time zones to the general stress of…
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MAY KING TSANG DOB: November 13 Birthplace: Manchester, United Kingdom Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Tea Expert and Entrepreneur Residence: Brisbane, Australia Dina’s Thoughts For several years now, May King Tsang has built up a one-woman brand focused on all things tea. Coming from a Chinese background,…
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Spring Salad with Mustard Dressing Serves 2 to 3 as small side salad (or 1 as main course) Ingredients 2 medium sized celery sticks, roughly chopped 1 large Persian cucumber (substitute 1/2 large regular cucumber) 2 cups Romaine lettuce, thinly sliced For the Dressing: 2…
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Pevonia Intensifier d.n.a. & Diacetyle Boldine If you’re unfamiliar with using serums, it’s time to make them your best friend. Serums have wide ranging functions and are typically applied to the skin prior to an evening moisturizer. Pevonia’s Intensifier d.n.a. & Diacetyle Boldine is a…
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Spicy Lime Calamari- Easy Calamari Recipe I know a lot of people think they’re not crazy about calamari but many of my own friends who believed this were blown away when I introduced them to my Spicy Lime Calamari dish. Creating a delicious and non-rubbery calamari is…
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Kiwi Mint Smoothie- Healthy Green Smoothies The last few years have seen a huge surge in the popularity of healthy green smoothies but most of the smoothie recipes focus on incorporating green vegetables. Having studied Chinese medicine on and off through the years, I’ve come…
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Acupuncture and Fertility Article By: Yu Family Clinic Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have helped couples struggling with infertility for generations in Asia and more recently, here in the Western hemisphere. To achieve optimum results, it’s important to treat both the male and female parties involved…
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No Nut Butter- Peanut Butter Alternative Ever since my teenage years, I’ve had a near-immediate reaction to eating peanuts- not the life threatening kind so many of you out there experience. Just good old fashioned pimples. Anytime I ate peanuts or peanut butter, the next…
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Easter Exquisites at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place Experience truly delectable treats Jakarta, 10 March 2014 – Easter with the Ritz-Carlton is always special. The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place is offering a special Easter feast and kids’ activities for their guests. This is the ideal…
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6 Beauty Must-Haves To Stay Chic In The Heat Spring flowers are blooming and summer is just around the corner. What are 2014’s skincare essentials to stay chic in the heat? Here are 6 suggestions to combat an ugly meltdown. Stay hydrated and protected for…
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JAPANESE ROCK ICON YOSHIKI PLAYS HIS CLASSICAL COMPOSITIONS AT DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL, APRIL 28 San Francisco is the only Northern California stop on the “Yoshiki Classical” world tour. SAN FRANCISCO, March 12 – Japanese rock icon Yoshiki performs a concert of his own classical compositions…
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Mango Chardonnay Frost- Easy Summer Cocktails Ripe mangoes are one of the most divine aspects of spring and summer and what better way to celebrate the seasons than with easy summer cocktails like my Mango Chardonnay Frost. If you’re not a big fan of Chardonnay, you can…
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Tomato Berry Smoothie – Smoothies For Beautiful Skin There are few combinations of foods as powerful as that of tomatoes and berries to create smoothies for beautiful skin. The list of health benefits for both tomatoes and berries is too long to list here but…
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I’ve been fortunate to have met truly inspiring and thoughtful people along my journey, all of whom I’ve learned from immeasurably. Here are the 10 best pieces of advice for success I’ve picked up along the years. 1. If everyone is taking Highway 101, you better…
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Espresso Bean Ice Cream Those of you familiar with me know that I’m a coffee connoisseur who has had the fortune of traveling the world in search of the best cups of coffee. From coffee plantations in Indonesia to cafes in Brazil to coffee roasters…
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Easy Soup Recipes- 3 Minute Spinach Soup I came up with this idea one evening driving home from the gym, hungry and tired. I wasn’t in the mood to cook a full meal but still wanted something that would be healthy and quick. It was…
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Banana Blueberry Smoothie- Easy Breakfast Smoothies Drinks don’t get easier or more delicious than this Banana Blueberry Smoothie where in one glass, we get one day’s worth of antioxidants, probiotics and a good dose of fiber. I love the tartness of Greek yogurt in this smoothie…
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Signature restaurants at hotels tend to be very hit or miss but I had high hopes entering Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe’s Manzanita Restaurant. I had already sampled the hotel’s room service (run by Manzanita) and other eateries on property- all of which churned out excellent…
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Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe There are few in the world who don’t dream of owning a winter getaway, the kind that evokes images of cozy log cabins and fireplaces amidst a backdrop of newly fallen snow and forests of majestic trees cradling piles of snowflakes.…
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There are two reasons why someone may want to go to Chicago in March: Either they have a penchant for long and miserable winters, or they’re up for celebrating one of the biggest city-wide St. Patrick’s Day festivities held in the USA (did you know…
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KIND Snacks Navigating through the infinite number of choices we have today in every aspect of eating can be a daunting task. There are so many healthy eating buzz words that companies flail about while one article after another disrupts what we were originally…
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CHEF ALEXANDER ONG DOB: June 19 Birthplace: Malaysia Ethnicity: Chinese Malaysian Occupation: Chef & Restaurateur Residence: California, USA Dina’s Thoughts In a culinary era when the word “fusion” has become synonymous with directionless and tasteless cuisine, Chef Alex Ong breathes new life into this oft…
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Pentatonix Album Giveaway Contests are open to any fans of AsianFusion and Asian Fusion Girl. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for prize delivery. The winner chosen is at the sole discretion of AsianFusion LLC. Prizes cannot be changed, substituted, exchanged, or returned for cash…
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I love flowers as much as the next girl and while I don’t have a sweet tooth, I certainly appreciate a hunk of fine dark chocolate. What I don’t appreciate is someone giving me a gift because they felt obligated to do so rather than…
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Make Healthy Spa Water At Home I’ve heard a lot of family and friends complain about how they know they should drink plenty of water but that sometimes it’s just a chore because it’s a bore. There are several companies out there (who will…
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Kirstie Maldonado- Interview With Pentatonix’ Lead Singer I recently had the chance to chat with Kirstie Maldonado (bio below)- the female lead singer of the wildly popular acapella group Pentatonix. They’re about to launch a tour this February 2014 and I wanted to get Kirstie’s…
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ELA BLATT DOB: September 3, 1933 Birthplace: India Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: Business Woman & Philanthropist Residence: India Dina’s Thoughts Before I and many others of my generation were even born, there was a diminutive woman in newly independent India already single handedly paving the way…
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Serendipity 3- Best Restaurants in New York Serendipity- to make desirable discoveries by accident. It was over half a century ago when New York’s favorite café came to life and in all these years, Serendipity has evolved to become that place in the neighborhood where…
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Noodles are my absolute favorite food in the world and this is a dish that combines the best of everything- noodles, garlic and sweet soy sauce. Sweet garlic noodles are a great accompaniment to any seafood or meat main course, particularly as a side dish…
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Best Bruschetta Recipes- Brie & Asian Pear Bruschetta I’m a huge cheese lover, particularly of the soft, creamy kinds. I wanted to create an interesting twist that brought together my favorite elements from Italy, France and Asia using the simplest of ingredients and relatively no…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast or 6 to 8 thighs 2 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons honey 1 ½ tablespoons Gochujang pepper paste ¼ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons orange juice ½ cup olive oil + for cooking 1/3 cup cornstarch 1/3…
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The Noble Eightfold Path 1.Right View (Wisdom) – This is to understand existence as it truly is, to realize the Four Noble Truths. Understand the impermanent nature of all things in life and the laws of karma. Understand that all sentient beings experience suffering the…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 large (~ 2 medium) pomelo (substitute with 2 large grapefruits) 1 tablespoon dried tiny shrimp, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, drained & finely minced 3 red bird’s eye chili peppers, finely chopped (substitute ½ tablespoon ground red chili pepper)…
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For years now, I’ve instituted a no gift giving or receiving policy with family and friends. I’ve made it clear to everyone in my life that I just don’t do Christmas gifts and I don’t want anyone to buy anything for me either. Why? Because…
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Cuisinart Yogurt & Ice Cream Maker- Healthy Desserts All my life I’ve stood by the fact that I don’t have a sweet tooth the way many people I know do. That doesn’t mean however, that I don’t love desserts. What it does mean is that…
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DAVE LIANG DOB: January 6 Birthplace: Kansas Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Musician and Producer Residence: New York Photo Above by Zhuang Yan “My parents were paying lots and lots of money for my education. The least I could do was give consideration to their recommendation as…
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Being a guest at The Inn at Harbor Steps is like staying over at your best friend’s house but only better. The Inn exudes the familiar coziness you’d expect with family friends added to the luxury and service of a five diamond property. Unlike what…
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Four Seasons Mexico City There’s something about being a traveler in a steamy, crowded city like Mexico City that begs for a super cool haven to retreat to when work is done. In this city of 20 million people and in the heart of the…
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Cuisinart Combo Steam & Convection Oven If you’re short on kitchen space or don’t have an awesome oven, the Cuisinart Combo Steam & Convection Oven is one of the most nifty, multi-purpose and powerful kitchen appliances that you can get your food loving hands on. With a sleek design…
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10 Best Gifts For Food Lovers Foodie family members and friends are my favorite to buy gifts for. It’s fun; it’s easy and they always love what you get for them since it’s so hard to go wrong here. My list of 10 Best Gifts for Food Lovers…
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Aman i Khas- Glamping Like A Maharaja If you’re anything like me, you’ve constantly fantasized about going on a safari to be able to see nature’s wildest animals at their best but you cringed at the prospect of having to go camping, (mosquitoes, snakes, lack…
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The only note on these recipes is my dad’s “measurements” are super old-school — in that, there aren’t any. What I’ve found works well is to just play around with the spices and taste as you go. The recipe is really easy so you can’t…
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Lap Cheong is a fatty pork sausage originating from China. It has a distinctively sweet and smoky flavor, imparted from the typical addition of sugar, rose water, salt and rice wine. Sold in nearly every Asian market across the globe, Lap Cheong features a deep,…
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Serves 4-6 Ingredients 2 cups Arborio rice 3 tablespoons olive oil 8 cloves garlic, minced 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder 2 cups coconut milk 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock 3 cups white wine 2 teaspoons sea salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 2…
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Most people would think that women would be easy to shop for but the opposite can be true sometimes. There’s an endless array of possibilities to choose from- clothing, jewelry, kitchen tools, food related gifts, to name a few. The issue with clothing and jewelry is that even more…
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After chatting with a group of men I selected to get their thoughts on what gifts they love, I was surprised to find that regardless of age, race and profession, (I spoke to men between the ages of 30 to 70, all races and about a dozen different occupations),…
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An easy way to maintain clear, soft and youthful skin is to use the right facial scrub, like this 100% Pure Cherry Honey Scrub from my skin care reviews. Regardless of your gender or age (as long as you’re at least in puberty), you cannot skip…
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Lemon Bundt Cake with Mascarpone Frosting Makes 1 8-inch Bundt Cake Ingredients 2 sticks (1/2 lb, 225 grams) + for greasing unsalted butter at room temperature 2 cups sugar 4 eggs at room temperature 3 cups all purpose flour + 2 tablespoons for dusting 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking…
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Anyone driving by on Geary Street could well be forgiven for passing right by Kabuto. It’s a small hole in the wall but its diminutive size belies its gargantuan quality, freshness and creativity in the Japanese culinary arts. Though there are tables around the cozy…
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Native to China, Japan and Korea, Enoki mushroom are typically long and thin with tiny caps on one end. There are several varieties, the most widely known being that of the off-white, light brown and golden colors. Originally grown on Enoki or Chinese Hackberry trees,…
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Pevonia Power Repair Eye Contour- Best Eye Creams Where on your entire body does it show signs of aging the soonest and most dramatic? Your eyes. The eyes have it all. If you’ve been gentle to your eyes throughout your life, you’re steps ahead. If you’re one of…
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Tcho Chocolate Bars As an addendum to my original review of Tcho Chocolates naming this environmentally friendly company’s products to my list of Best Products Around the World, I strongly encourage each of you to try out Tcho’s new concoctions- 3 luscious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bars each featuring a unique infusion…
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Pevonia De-Aging Saltmousse Mango Passionfruit- Best Body Scrubs What do you do after a long day of hard work? How do you dissipate those daily stresses and get back to feeling like your best self? Take a long steamy shower with Pevonia’s Mango Passionfruit Mousse. I’ve lost count…
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Amanjiwo- Best Hotel Yogyakarta An unreal dream… this best describes the experience that is Amanjiwo, one of the most spectacular man made creations in the world. Nestled in rural central Java, the main island of Indonesia, Amanjiwo is about an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta and…
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Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to…
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Pandan Pandan, or commonly referred to as Pandan leaves, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Now rare in the wild but commonly grown for culinary purposes, Pandan is a vibrant green plant with fanning leaves that look like blades. Used all over Asia…
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The Mandarin Orchard is arguably Singapore’s most iconic hotel, standing imperiously over the famed shopping and business district of Orchard Road for well over thirty years. I’ve been accused of being ridiculously impartial to this hotel because of sentimental reasons- my family has been longtime…
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For a yummy, super fast and easy stir-fry, you can’t get better than this. You can even pre-marinate the chicken and keep it in a properly sealed container in the fridge for a few days, stir-frying only what you’ll eat that day. Serves 4 Ingredients…
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YUJA WANG DOB: February 10, 1987 Birthplace: Beijing, China Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Classical Pianist Residence: New York, NY Dina’s Thoughts In a world increasingly obsessed with pop and rap music, those of us who love and were trained in classical music worry that these spectacular…
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THE RITZ-CARLTON SAYS ‘NAMASTE’ AS IT BOWS TO THE DIVINE CITY OF BANGALORE Legendary Hotel Company Opens First Hotel in India BANGALORE, 31 October, 2013 – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., has officially opened the doors of its first luxury hotel in India. Located on Residency Road in the heart…
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I wish that with one article I could lay to rest one of the biggest misconceptions that people have about serums- that you’re going to see results after a day or a week. In my years of testing skincare products, I have yet to come…
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Having a mother who has always been tuned into the latest trends of global skincare, I was educated early on about the vital importance of moisturizing my skin. No matter how well we may eat, the fact is that we no longer live on an…
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A lot of people think science museums are boring and really, they couldn’t be further from the truth- at least when it comes to San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences. Under one glorious roof, you get to travel through dimensions of time, going back to…
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7 Easy Recipes for Tofu Tofu has come a long, long way from the days when most people thought it was a food relegated only to health obsessed hippies. Newer to the West, tofu has been a staple in Asian cuisine for 2000 years. Made…
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Brandy Hot Chocolate Ok, so I had a sip of this decadent brandy hot chocolate as a child. I didn’t know there was brandy in it and by the time my neck grew warm, my parents and grandparents were too late to stop me. Ok,…
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Chicken fingers are a classic childhood favorite but there’s no reason we can’t dress it up a bit to tantalize the child in every adult. In this easy recipe, I use Japanese panko bread crumbs, which gives the chicken tenders a beautiful crunchy texture that…
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Okra Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Some months I have an abundance of all types of mushrooms and one of those times I came up with these Okra Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms that incorporate other mushrooms and a salty, sweet sauce to drizzle on top. My kitchen is…
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My two favorite ingredients- garlic and chicken. This is a match made in heaven. Using classic Chinese ingredients, I take the traditional dish a step further by adding loads more fresh minced garlic at the end, rather than stir-frying the garlic at the onset of…
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Spicy Green Mango Salad- Easy Thai Salads Ever since childhood, I’ve loved spicy Thai food, especially dishes like this Green Mango Salad. I never get bored of eating dishes with fresh ingredients that have a full range of robust flavors from the tangy to the…
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LEGENDARY LUXURY HOTEL COMPANY TAKES CHINA BY DIGITAL STORM WITH LAUNCH OF CHINESE WEBSITE AND PRESENCE ON SINA WEIBO The Ritz-Carlton President Underlines Importance of Talking to Chinese Luxury Consumers in Video CHEVY CHASE, MD, September 11, 2013 – Following a year of comprehensive research to deepen the understanding…
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There isn’t a man on this planet that doesn’t appreciate a good shave. It’s why the market is flooded with all kinds of shaving gels and foams, razors that have swiveling heads and a whole slew of other gimmicky products playing on a man’s desire for that most heavenly…
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Anyone who knows me knows that I’m an ardent coffee lover. After all, I hail from regions of the world that are the biggest coffee producers. More importantly though, drinking coffee has profound ties to my childhood- memories of stealing a sip from my father’s…
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Vietnam’s most versatile and popular sauce is something of an enigma to a lot of us. Its ingredients are so simple, yet mixed together, they create a sauce that goes well with everything from crisp spring rolls to noodle dishes, roast meats, rice dishes…the list…
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Pomegranate Greek Yogurt Pops- Healthy Desserts Healthy desserts don’t get any easier or yummier than these Pomegranate Greek Yogurt Pops. Sweetened with honey, this no processed sugar dessert incorporates antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds with one of the super foods of the decade- Greek yogurt. Makes 6…
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Most people who work full time jobs are well acquainted with the daily dilemma of how to eat a healthy lunch while being economical both financially and time-wise. Unless you work at a company that provides free and healthy lunches, you are probably struggling with how not to go…
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Best Asian Appetizers- Bacon Wrapped Mochi I kid you not when I say that you should make three times as much as you think will be eaten of this sweet and savory appetizer. Every single time I have made this for dinner parties or beach…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 ¾ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast chopped into chunks(substitute chicken thigh or combination) 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 8 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 shallots, finely minced 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely minced 1/3 white or yellow onion, diced 3…
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Being able to create delicious, healthy and beautifully presented dishes at home may seem like a daunting task to many but it’s certainly not the most difficult goal in the world. After having many of my own friends who are home cooks ask me questions that seemed to resound…
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Thai stir-fries is one of the most versatile, nutritious and flavorful of all stir-fries. Basil Chicken incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables, making this dish a beautiful feast for all the senses. With easy preparations, you can make a large batch of this dish and…
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Warm Potato & Brussels Sprouts Salad Brussels sprouts is one of those vegetables that I wasn’t crazy about as a child but as an adult, I can’t get enough of it. I’m always thinking of new recipes to incorporate these little green globes and recently,…
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Why Sea Salts Are a Staple of Top Chefs Like much else in the gourmet culinary world of modern generations, sea salts sold in pretty packages with all types of fancy monikers are not an absolute necessity in creating authentic, spectacular dishes at home. They…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 4 ounces mayonnaise 8 ounces cooked turkey 8 ounces shell pasta (cooked as per box directions) 1 small red bell pepper diced into small cubes 1 ounce dried cranberries 4 ounces green seedless grapes cut in half Pinch of salt Freshly ground…
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Seared Tuna with Sweet Potato & Sprouts Searing fish and pairing it with a light side of sauteed vegetables is one of my favorite go-to dishes for everyday healthy cooking. I know a lot of people aren’t crazy about tuna unless it’s in sashimi form…
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Gochujang Korean Chili Paste Gochujang is a thick, deep red chili paste from Korea. Pungent from the fermented soybeans, Gochujang is also salty, somewhat sweet depending on the manufacturer and has varying degrees of spiciness. This paste is an indispensable ingredient in Korean kitchens, serving…
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Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Cupcake It happens to me every summer without fail- a warm afternoon rolls around where restlessness sets in and nothing sits right. And then I realize that all I want to do is be in the kitchen and create something outrageously yummy.…
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Javanese Sugar & Mustard Chicken Many of my friends who are parents of young children are always asking me for recipe ideas that the entire family will love and that are easy to prepare. This roast chicken recipe is as easy as it gets with…
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Seaweed is a type of marine algae used in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cooking since millennia ago. There are many types of seaweed cultivated across Asia and Europe, the final products of which are most commonly used in sushi, soups and agar. Agar is a…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1/2 lb dried Korean glass noodles 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks 8 fresh shiitake mushrooms (substitute reconstituted dry shiitake), thinly sliced 1/2 lb fresh spinach leaves 1 small onion, sliced into thin strips 2…
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A desire arises in the mind. When satisfied, another immediately comes. In the minute interval that separates two desires, a perfect calm reigns in the mind. It is at this moment that we are free from all thought, love or hate. ~Swami Sivananda~ Moral values,…
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Mung Bean Sesame Noodle Soup It’s no secret that I have an obsession with noodle soups of all types. In my culinary adventures, I do spend perhaps an unfair amount of time dedicated to both creating recipes and discovering others’ recipes for amazing noodle soups.…
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Butter Toast with Condensed Milk All over Asia, people love their snacks and street food. One of my all time favorite indulgences is this Sweet Butter Toast drizzled with condensed milk. Thick, dense Asian white bread is so good on its own and in this…
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MIKE KIM DOB: December 11, 1976 Birthplace: Chicago, IL Ethnicity: Korean Occupation: Author & Consultant Residence: Los Angeles, CA Dina’s Thoughts Amidst a modern Asian culture that all too often prioritizes finances as the only measure of success, author, consultant, human rights activist and expert…
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DAPHNE PHUNG DOB: January 1975 Birthplace: Vietnam Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Activist Residence: San Diego, California Dina’s Thoughts In an era when child and human trafficking are at an all time high, few citizens of the world have the courage and dedication to tackle these horrifying issues. Child…
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One quick glance at a Monet and I am entranced for hours on end in a dreamy state of bliss. To say Impressionists art is my favorite genre of art is an understatement. I recently paid a visit to the Legion of Honor’s Impressionists on…
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I recently attended a screening of this martial arts epic based on the life of Wing Chun Master Ip Man- a must-see for every martial arts lover. Bringing together my personal dream team- the legendary Wong Kar Wai as producer, director and writer, Yuen Woo…
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Upcoming Thoughts Thoughts are never your enemy. So please don’t fight with them or try to push them away. When a series of thoughts come and take you away, notice that you are not experiencing the feeling of Loving Kindness and making a wish for…
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Makes 1 small bowl Ingredients 4 tablespoons apricot preserves/jam 2 tablespoons plum sauce 1 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons tamarind concentrate/paste 2 tablespoons sambal oelek (or your favorite Asian chili sauce) Sea salt to taste Method Mix all the ingredients in a small pot…
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Makes 1 small bowl Ingredients 1 cup soy sauce Juice of 2 lemon or lime 2 teaspoons sesame oil Method In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Place in a properly sealed container and this sesame soy dipping sauce can be…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 large leek, ends trimmed, chopped into ½ inch pieces and rinsed thoroughly under cold water 2 heaping cups thinly sliced fresh shiitake mushroom (substitute with Portobello or button mushroom) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter (optional) 8 cloves garlic finely…
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The basis of most Asian meals is the bowl of perfectly cooked white rice. While every Asian nation has its preferred type of rice and even the proportions of rice to water when cooking, most people today don’t have the time to break it down…
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Sweet & Spicy Beet Salad I was never crazy about beets but with friends who love it, I created this beet salad recipe to find a happy medium. This easy beet recipe allows the beautiful, vibrant color of the beet and its natural flavors to…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 2 – 2 1/2 lbs gnocchi 2 cups coconut milk 2 cups water 3/4 lb butternut squash chopped into chunks 10 cloves garlic 3 tablespoons fish sauce 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground…
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At the end of the day, life is a collection of experiences, most of them to do with people. Through my years of traveling, I’ve been privileged to encounter kindnesses in many forms from many people. Here, I’m sharing my 10 Best Customer Service Moments…
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At Asian Fusion, we are obsessed with drinking tea. Beyond the obvious fact that it is a profound part of our cultural heritage, tea is also a powerful method of cleansing and regulating our bodies. As we travel the world constantly in search of purveyors…
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This recipe comes straight from my friend’s mother in northern Thailand. I love the way she makes this Spicy Pork Laab (also spelled larb)- so good with just-made sticky rice. No matter where I am in the world, eating this dish makes me feel like…
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Many of my friends who are home cooks are afraid of wielding very sharp knives, backing off in terror when they visit my kitchen, which is decked with two sharp Asian butcher knives and two European style chef’s knives. Believing that a sharp knife is…
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With a little bit of patience and know-how, this relatively simple dish will have your family and friends completely wowed. It looks fancy, it smells fancy and it tastes out of this world. For those of you who love meat and cheese, this is a…
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Healthy Breakfast Recipes- Savory Salmon Roti In Asia, breakfast used to be a big deal. Nutritionists will say the same- that starting off your day with a powerful breakfast not only puts you in a better mood but it’s just the health-smart thing to do.…
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Tokyo –The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has confirmed The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto will officially open its doors on February 7, 2014, and unveiled the first images of the luxury urban resort that pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage. It also officially announced the appointment of Mr.…
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VIKAS KHANNA- MASTER CHEF & CULTURAL ICON DOB: November 14, 1971 Birthplace: Amritsar, India Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: Chef, Author & Television Host Residence: New York and India Dina’s Thoughts If one were to look at Vikas Khanna’s early life, it wouldn’t be illogical to presume that he would never have…
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Creamy Orange Blast Inspired By Orange Julius Some of my childhood years were spent in beautiful California where afternoons at local malls were a quintessential part of weekends. One of my favorite parts of going to the mall was getting a drink made by a company called…
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Easy Blueberry Scones When I think of England, I think of scones and the truly fantastic bakeries over there have long held secret recipes that are a little more complex than I’m willing to tackle for those times when I just feel like simple homemade…
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Mango Smoothie- Healthy Smoothie Recipes Having lived in Asia during different parts of my life, I miss a lot of aspects of those beautiful countries. One of them is easy access to healthy smoothies recipes like this Mango Smoothie. All metropolitan cities in Asia have…
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Spicy Seafood Curry I love fresh seafood in this light coconut milk infused with lemongrass and Kafir lime leaves. Using good quality seafood is imperative in this curry, otherwise the texture will be rubbery even without overcooking and of course, flavors will be compromised. My…
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Chino Latino is one of the most whimsical and fun places to eat in America’s mid-west. Its mod decor is just a hint of the innovative fusion of Asian and Latin cuisine the Chino Latino team has created. The flavors combined at Chino Latino are…
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Tatcha Silk Cream- Moisturizer For Combination Skin A blessing and a curse, having oily/combination skin requires pro-active skin care to avoid breakouts and shining like an oil rig spill. Contrary to the popular misconception that oily/combination skin does not need moisturizing- these skin types very much…
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Basic Buddhist Terminology A-khati: Wrong cause of behavior; prejudice. A-kusala-kamma: Unwholesome action; evil deed; bad deed. A-lopha: Non-greed; generosity. A-moha: Non-delusion; wisdom. Aphyapata-witaka: Thought free from hatred. A-riyasajja: The four noble truths. A-tosa: Non-hatred; love. Awihingsa-witaka: Thought of non-violence; thought free from cruelty. Buddha: The…
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Things can fall apart or threaten to, for many reasons and then there’s got to be a leap of faith. Ultimately when you’re at the edge, you have to go forward or backward. If you go forward, you have to jump higher. ~Yo Yo Ma~
Makes 1 small bowl Ingredients 1/3 cup grainy mustard 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce 2 tablespoons honey ¼ teaspoon salt 1/3 cup olive oil Method In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mustard, sweet chili sauce, honey and salt until smooth. Slowly drizzle…
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Blendtec- Best Blender In The World It is no exaggeration to state that life changes after you have a Blendtec- the world’s best blender extraordinaire. Forget those wimpy blenders whose motors sound like a 30 year old car wheezing its way up a San Francisco…
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Slow braising the chicken creates such a buttery tender texture which marries beautifully with the sweet and tangy mangos. Reduced balsamic vinegar adds just the perfect touch of acidity to contrast the warmth of the dish, along with the bright accents of fresh mint. This…
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Editor’s Note: Jeff Liu is a friend of mine who constantly amazes me with his almost always cheerful facebook posts that share his love for his beautiful wife, rapidly growing children and his passion for running. I asked him to share his tips on balancing fatherhood,…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 pound beef steak cut into strips 2 tablespoons Lee Kum Kee Oyster flavored sauce 2 teaspoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 ounces fresh asparagus cut into 2 inch pieces 1 teaspoon Lee Kum Kee chili garlic sauce Method In a…
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Tropical Fruit Smoothie Fruit smoothies are my favorite way to pack in daily essential nutrients and antioxidants in a quick and effective way. While there are many smoothie stores to choose from, I find that most of these stores add unnecessary syrups and preservatives to…
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Quinoa Pancakes with Papaya Salsa Always on the quest to create simple, delicious and nutritious breakfast dishes, I was thrilled when I stumbled upon this winning Quinoa pancakes after throwing a bunch of ingredients left over in my kitchen together. At first I wasn’t sure…
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Many people have asked me why I don’t do negative reviews on my website- AsianFusion. Simple- I only put up reviews of restaurants that make it to my global favorites list. When I started my company, I made the decision that I was not in…
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Makes ~15 cups of stock Ingredients 20 cups water 20 cloves garlic, smashed 10 shallots, peeled (substitute with 1 red onion, roughly chopped) 2 large white or yellow onions, roughly chopped 3 celery stalks, cut in halves 3 carrots, ends trimmed and cut in halves…
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Happy routines are small, easy-to-execute activities that you can do every day to add some sunshine to your regular mundane days. Several years ago, I discovered my happy routines and have been practicing them regularly since then. My first happy routine is to make my…
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A “no” uttered with the deepest conviction is far better than a “yes” uttered merely to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. ~Mohandas Gandhi~ An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind. ~Mohandas Gandhi~ Happiness is when what you think,…
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Fried Garlic In Asian cuisine, fried garlic is one of the most ubiquitous condiments you can find. It’s delicious and adds an unmistakable depth of flavor to numerous dishes including Congee (also known as Porridge, Bubur and Juk), stir-fried noodles like Kuay Tiaw (Char Guay…
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Tamarind Crabs If you’ve ever had the chance to have a seafood meal on any of the beautiful beaches in Asia, you’ll likely have encountered some version of these Tamarind Crabs. This easy crab recipe embodies everything I love about Southeast Asian cuisine- it’s pungent,…
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2014 Audi R8- Car Reviews Most of you know me from my food, travel and product reviews but I recently had the chance to do a few car reviews, one of them being for the spectacular 2014 Audi R8. This is not the car that middle-aged…
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Mushroom Medley- Easy Mushroom Recipes Every few years, mushrooms make a comeback in the forefront of the culinary industry, finding their way into countless recipes with fancy names and an assortment of other fancy ingredients that home cooks generally can’t get their hands on. Given…
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Sweet & Spicy Calamari- Easy Calamari Recipe Unlike many people I know, I actually adore calamari. I’m on a constant crusade to show people that calamari done right is one of the most delicious foods ever. I’m convinced that people who don’t like calamari have…
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(Pictured above- Dina Yuen (aka AsianFusionGirl), Mayor Jean Quan and OCCC Board Member Steven Lee) Oakland Chinatown Spring Banquet 2013 On April 24, 2013, the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce celebrated their Spring Banquet with local bay area celebrities including keynote speaker Chef MartinYan, master…
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Easy Asian Appetizers- Chicken & Vegetable Skewers Maybe I’m biased but I think a party isn’t a party without Asian appetizers in the mix and skewering meats and veggies are one of the easiest ways to have fun flavors while still eating healthy. The spicy…
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Easy Almond Cake with Mango Buttercream Frosting It’s no secret that I have an obsession with incorporating fresh fruits into desserts, finding interesting ways however I can. This light and easy Almond cake is so addictive with its moist texture and fragrant aroma. Pairing it…
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MARGARET CHO DOB: December 5, 1968 Birthplace: California, United States Ethnicity: Korean Occupation: Comedian Residence: United States Dina’s Thoughts Margaret Cho was the first Asian American and Asian American female to blast through the obstacles in Hollywood for minority roles. The ABC network signed Cho…
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Tamarind Southeast Asian cuisine uses different types of tamarind in many dishes, primarily in soups. Back in the day and even still now in remote villages in Asia, fresh tamarind is still used to create the most deliciously piquant dishes, soups and stews. High in…
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Cilantro Lime Code on Mashed Squash- Easy Cod Recipe Cod is one of those white fish that is really overlooked in many parts of the world. The most frequent use is probably in Britain for traditional fish and chips but cod is an incredibly versatile…
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In the food capital of the west with sophisticated and often snobbish palates, it is excruciatingly difficult for a restaurant to stand out among countless competitors. In San Francisco, where there is an extraordinarily high concentration of Asian eateries, what is the new kid on…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 lb finely minced chicken 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 cloves garlic, finely minced 3 to 4 red bird’s eye chili peppers, finely chopped 1/3 large onion, thinly sliced Juice of 1 lime (~3 to 4 tablespoons) 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1/2…
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In elementary school I was bullied because I was Asian and a good student. In junior high I was bullied by a girl who was considered one of the queen bees of the school because she saw me as a threat to all the boys she wanted to “conquer,”…
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The term ‘Chakra’ has come to be defined and reinterpreted in Western cultures, losing much of its original meaning and the vast body of teachings that accompany this ancient meta-physical form. Based on Sanskrit, Chakra’s original definition is that of a wheel or rotation. In…
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Easy Asian Appetizers- Chef Chu’s Goat Cheese Wontons Glenn Chu is one of my favorite chefs of all time. While he was at Indigo Hawaii, he shared this Goat Cheese Wontons for my easy Asian appetizers collection. Chef Chu is famous for many of his Asian…
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Ole Henriksen Power Peel- At Home Microdermabrasion After years upon years of trying countless beauty products, I long ago became a very skeptical buyer. As someone with oily combination skin, one of my longtime skin care concerns has been maintaining healthy cell turnover to minimize…
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Salmon 8 Ways- The Best Salmon Recipes Salmon has long been my favorite fish when it comes to everyday home cooking. With antioxidants and nutrients too many to mention, salmon is one of the most powerful superfoods for healthy eating. It’s incredibly versatile and easy…
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Mahesh Restaurant Mumbai- Best Seafood in Mumbai Mahesh is one of Mumbai’s favorite eateries with authentic Manglorean (south Indian) cuisine. This is a great place for a casual business lunch or for a relaxed dinner. The restaurant transforms itself from daytime business rush to evening chic…
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For those blessed enough to have been to the original site of the first emperor of China’s Terracotta Warriors, the exhibit at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco might not hold as much magic as it does for others. Still, even for me (someone…
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Pictured above (left to right): Phil Jaber (founder of Philz Coffee, AsianFusionGirl, Mayor Edwin Lee) If you’re a coffee lover, if you’re a lover of small businesses or if you’re a supporter of great people growing great businesses, Philz Coffee should be at the top…
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Pandan Crepes with Raspberry Glaze- Asian Desserts These delicately flavored crepes find their origins in the tropical islands of Indonesia, where the Pandan plant’s vibrant and aromatic leaves are widely used in Asian desserts. Pandan leaves have a gentle but distinctive scent and flavor, often…
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Garam Masala Garam Masala is the most widely used blend of herbs and spices used in Indian and Pakistani cooking. Exact ingredients and blends vary quite a bit from one region to another but typically, Garam Masala includes cloves, peppercorns, star anise, coriander, nutmeg, cumin,…
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This Savory Noodle Salad is proof positive that eating light doesn’t require sacrificing intense flavors one bit. Great for a quick meal, it’s easy to pack up and bring on the go. So easy to prepare, these noodles can be made the day before with…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 4 teaspoons olive oil 2 teaspoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons Lee Kum Kee black bean garlic sauce 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 pound romaine lettuce, rinsed and roughly chopped 3 tablespoons oil 1/2 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced 1/2 red bell…
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SARAH CHANG Dina’s Thoughts Two decades ago a pint sized little Korean girl began wowing the world with her phenomenal talent and unwavering dedication to classical violin. The prodigy known as Sarah Chang was one of the first to show the world that Asian classical…
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Commune By The Great Wall- Best Hotels in China If you’ve ever wanted to take a time machine to become part of history, this is the hotel for you. The Commune by the Great Wall is an architectural wonder with none like it in the…
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I felt compelled to write this to you because Asian families don’t talk about emotions. It’s a foreign concept in our culture but I could not go another year without expressing what I have felt all my life. Where most of my friends get impatient…
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BRIAN HIRONO DOB: June 15 Birthplace: Los Angeles Ethnicity: Japanese Korean Occupation: Actor & Writer Residence: Los Angeles & Kona Dina’s Thoughts In a highly competitive industry that still seeks to stereotype and provides few leading roles for Asian actors, Brian C. Hirono is helping…
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Coffee Cupcakes with Mocha Buttercream Frosting Coffee and Mocha are hugely popular flavors in Asian desserts, particularly in variations of cakes. Here, I take those same aromatic flavors to create robust Coffee Cupcakes paired with a decadent Mocha Buttercream Frosting where the balance of sweetness…
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Ren Moroccan Rose Body Wash If you’ve ever wanted to know what it felt like to be Empress of China or Queen of Egypt, a viable cost effective method is to use Ren’s Moroccan Rose Body Wash. No matter what else may be going on…
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The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism 1.ALL LIFE IS SUFFERING. This is the most fundamental of all Buddhist teachings. In his journey to enlightenment, Buddha discovered that all life is indeed suffering. Suffering can be defined as physical, mental and/or emotional. All sentient beings born…
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Ku De Ta- Best Restaurants in Bali Words fall short in attempting to describe the spectacular magnificence that is Bali’s Ku De Ta. This is not just one of my favorite restaurants in Bali; it’s everybody’s. Ku De Ta is open for every meal of…
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Serves 4-6 Ingredients 2 heads romaine lettuce, roughly chopped 2 handfuls Arugula 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in halves 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/3 large red onion, finely diced 2 cups cooked Quinoa Sea salt for sprinkling 4 cups chopped boneless roast chicken (I use…
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Our fearless team of product testers at AsianFusion typically features individual skin care products on our list of Favorites but for the first time ever, we are listing one brand as a general Favorite due to the incredible consistency across every one of their products…
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The Imperial Delhi- Best Hotels in India The aptly named Imperial of Delhi, is a modern day hotel offering its distinguished guests an up close encounter with a level of luxury almost lost with the good old days of genuine hospitality and respect for high standards.…
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Easy Asian Snacks- Pork Sung Sandwich Some of my fondest childhood memories are of exploring the old establishments of Singapore with my family. In doing so, we came across tiny cafés that are rare treasures nowadays. No frothy coffee drinks made with fancy machines, no…
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Acclaimed Indian chef Monica Bhide, partners with artisan chocolate maker Co Co Sala to bring forth her new line of luxury spiced chocolates for Valentine’s Day. These gourmet chocolates are spiced with aphrodisiacs like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. One type is even spiced with…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 4 lbs chicken pieces, bone-in (mix of legs, thighs and breasts) 2 cups plain yogurt 4 cloves garlic, smashed and finely minced 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely minced 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons Garam Masala spice mix…
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Through the decades, Lefty’s has grown to become one of San Francisco’s most beloved restaurant bars. Named after Francis “Lefty” O’Doul of the New York Giants, the sports bar and restaurant is located in the very heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, across from the…
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Jakarta, 7 January 2013 – The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan welcomes Jordi Bernus as a part of the Ladies and Gentlemen as the new Chef de Cuisine for Lobo. The Catalan-born Chef ventured into gastronomic adventure that took him to some of the world’s most prestigious restaurant from…
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La Cachette Bistro- Best French Bistro Los Angeles French country romantic is what guests can expect at La Cachette Bistro, otherwise known as The Hideaway. Aptly named, this Southern California jewel transports diners into foodie heaven with exceptional service and French and fusion cuisine unlike…
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You’ll be hard pressed to find an older or more authentic Japanese confectionary store than Shushikian Osakaya. The business has been passed within the family for seventeen generations dating back to the late 1600’s. When it comes to Japanese sweets, they know their business. Here…
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There’s nobody who enjoys having or looking at ugly feet. In the modern world, numerous gadgets and lotions abound, promising the sought after appearance of healthy, soft feet. From the controversial callous shaver with its oft dreaded consequences of bloody accidents to pumice stones, foot…
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Tatcha Deep Rice Enzyme Cleanser- Best Travel Cleansers If it weren’t in a labeled package, you could easily mistake it for Matcha (green tea) powder. After adding a bit of water, the powder on my fingers formed a gorgeous deep green liquid with a touch…
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Makes 1 small bowl Ingredients 6 tablespoons plum sauce 2 tablespoons honey 1 1/2 tablespoon tamarind paste (substitute fresh lime juice) 2 tablespoons Sambal Oelek chili paste 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic Method In a small bowl, mix all the…
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RAY CHEN DOB: March 6, 1989 Birthplace: Taiwan Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Violinist Residence: n/a Dina’s Thoughts I first discovered violin virtuoso Ray Chen around 2010 and was floored by the beauty of his musicality. Some have called him the “Lang Lang of violin” and while…
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Since my teenage years when I lost several people I loved to various illnesses, I embarked on a quest to understand the effects of fruits and vegetables on our well being. I traveled all over the world and discovered fruits indigenous and found only in…
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TADASHI SHOJI DOB: n/a Birthplace: Sendai, Japan Ethnicity: Japanese Occupation: Designer Residence: Pasadena, CA Dina’s Thoughts Tadashi Shoji is an eminent couture designer of Japanese origin, who has steadily grown to become one of Hollywood’s most sought after fashion gurus. In a highly competitive field,…
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DR. KIT KA HUI DOB: n/a Birthplace: Hong Kong Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Physician Residence: Los Angeles, CA Dina’s Thoughts One of the most highly acclaimed Asian American doctors, Dr. Kit Ka Hui is a pioneer in the field of integrative East West medicine. In a…
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YOSHIDA BROTHERS DOB: 1977 and 1979 Birthplace: Hokkaido, Japan Ethnicity: Japanese Occupation: Musicians Residence: Japan Dina’s Thoughts In an era dominated by pop music, the Yoshida Brothers bring a new dimension of music to the world scene with their unique fusion of traditional Japanese shamisen…
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PRABAL GURUNG DOB: March 31, 1974 Birthplace: Singapore Ethnicity: Nepalese Occupation: Fashion Designer Residence: New York, NY Dina’s Thoughts With a name that is now synonymous with iconic style, avant-garde sophistication and leading ladies, Prabal Gurung has swept the fashion world by storm in recent…
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It’s freezing outside today. Well, freezing for Bay Area standards. I’ll happily admit that I’m a big baby when it comes to the weather being cold. My hubby, who’s from Chicago, always teases me about how the Bay Area doesn’t have “real” winter, how a…
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Dec. 20, 2012 to Jan. 6, 2013 Spend the night in opulence and experience a memorably unique stay with your loves ones this season. Grand Room Rp, 1,800,000++ per night Stay minimum two nights and get the third night complimentary. Complimentary breakfast buffet (exclusing the…
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Bring in New Year in style with a colorful celebration filled with joy accompanied by classic indulgence of cocktails, dinner and dancing. Asia Restaurant New Year’s Eve– December 31, 2012 6.00 p.m. to 10.45 p.m. Rp. 738,000++ per person, including free flow of juices, soft…
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Nobody in Jakarta ushers in the New Year as extravagantly and uniquely as the Ritz Carlton. The ladies and gentlemen of the gold standard hotel pull all the stops to provide Southeast Asia’s most glamorous trendsetters with an unforgettable evening. From world renowned gourmet tidbits…
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Do not overrate what you have received nor envy others. He who envies others cannot achieve peace of mind. ~Buddha~ Clinging to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else- you are the one who gets burned.…
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Samrat Mumbai Do not let the fact that Samrat serves only vegetarian food scare you off. This is not your typical vegetarian restaurant with boring, bland food. Even people who are ardently against vegetarian cuisine frequent Samrat often; it is very popular with local office…
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Singapore – 19 October 2012 – Guests looking for a private getaway for two or the family during the school holidays can create their very own stay-cation with All I Want This Season (16 November to 29 December 2012). A total of six Dine and…
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For millennia all over Asia, women have created all natural body scrubs to soften, smoothen and stimulate their skin. This “Awakening” body scrub is one of my all time favorites, originating in Bali, the island paradise world renowned for its luxury spas. The inclusion of…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 6 oz brown mushroom 6 oz woodear mushroom 6 oz oyster mushroom 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter (optional) 8 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 heaping tablespoons Miso paste 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 to 4 tablespoons water Cilantro sprig for garnish…
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Hiragiya Ryokan- Best Ryokan in Kyoto In a country as profoundly filled with juxtaposition of opposites as Japan, it can be most difficult in choosing accommodations. In Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, the choice is made definitively easy by the proprietors of Hiragiya Ryokan, a two…
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Long after colonial occupiers have left their subjects as independent states, their influences continue to surface as part of colloquial life. Such has been the relationship between Indonesia and its previous occupants- the Dutch. Banjar Chicken Steak is as easy as they come, also as…
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Orange Miso Glazed Salmon- Easy Salmon Recipe With super busy schedules these days, everybody is in a constant rush with little time to devote to cooking nutritious meals at home. This easy Salmon recipe is as quick as they come. With basic ingredients and just…
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Cloves Cloves are native to the Maluku islands of Indonesia, though are currently produced and exported by Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Madagascar. Of the evergreen tree family, cloves are the tree’s dried flower buds, used in Asian cooking and western desserts. Cloves possess a…
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In America, both Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays that have become synonymous with turkey. Most people who host holiday dinners inevitably are left with turkey leftovers for what feels like forever. What to do with these leftovers once you’ve gone through the typical gamut of…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into ½ inch slices (1 large breast should yield about 6 to 8 slices) 12 to 16 pieces bacon (1 bacon per slice of chicken) 12 cloves garlic, thinly sliced For the Sauce 2 tablespoons…
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Serves 4 as main course Ingredients 2 lb raw shrimp, tails-on and deveined 1 cup tamarind concentrate or paste 4 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon sea salt 4 to 6 Kafir lime leaves, finely sliced (substitute with finely grated lime zest) Method…
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San Francisco Auto Show 2012 Every year the auto show rolls into different metropolitan cities showing off the latest and greatest in automobiles as well as gleaming classics from an era long passed. This year at the San Francisco Auto Show 2012, I was privileged…
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – November 15, 2012 – The world’s most premium culinary ingredient is making a return to Shanghai, the white truffle from Alba, Italy is now presented to all diners in Palladio Italian Restaurant at The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai. The white Alba truffle or…
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Lychee Mozzarella Salad At first glance, you might think lychee and mozzarella to be a strange combination. However, once you taste this amazingly simple recipe that can serve as either an appetizer or light salad, you’ll be hooked. The creaminess of the mozzarella contrasts the…
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Korean Bean Sprouts Some may argue that Korean bean sprouts are not a condiment but rather a side dish or a vegetable dish. In my opinion, having spent time in Korea, it’s all of these. That’s one of the best parts of Korean food- many…
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SEATTLE—October 11, 2012— Take the stress out of your holiday shopping with glassybaby, a festive signature cocktail and the beautiful backdrop of the Space Needle at Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle in South Lake Union. Pan Pacific is teaming up with glassybaby for three very special…
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Le Creuset Since childhood days, I watched my mother cook and I watched top chefs such as Julia and Jacque on television- all of them passionately concocting some delectable dish in easily recognizable cookware. It would be years later before I realized why the greatest…
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In the West, fried rice has long been butchered into a bland dish that has become unrecognizable to its original creators in Asia. Every nation in Asia has its unique version of this world favorite dish and the key to making authentic fried rice is…
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Healthy Smoothies- Antioxidant Berry Blast Drinking your way to a healthy existence has never been easier than with healthy smoothies. Packed with antioxidants, this water based strawberry smoothie is light, refreshing and frothy. Perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon boost, this healthy smoothies recipe is great…
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Sriracha Chili Sauce Originally named after the town of Si Racha in Chonburi province of Thailand, Sriracha chili sauce has become somewhat of an iconic condiment, spawning a variety of fan-based and comedic websites lauding its multi-use virtues. While the original Thai versions of Sriracha…
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The Blue Palace Hotel- Best Hotels in Greece There are moments in life when you are standing somewhere, looking at the sheer beauty around you and it seems like a dream that could disappear. Blue Palace, so aptly named, is one of those glorious places…
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I think of you now and recognize how precious you are, how young your heart is and I long to wrap you in my safe embrace. The world seems exciting and terrifying to you, a life ahead filled with great ambitions and even greater uncertainties.…
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Nyonya Ali- Authentic Indonesian Restaurant in Jakarta In countries with long histories, eating is always a major part of the culture and we can expect to find fantastic dining experiences aplenty. Jakarta has its shares of the world’s culinary greats but we must dare to…
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The only note on these recipes is my dad’s “measurements” are super old-school — in that, there aren’t any. What I’ve found works well is to just play around with the spices and taste as you go. The recipe is really easy so you can’t…
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The Importance of Water Temperatures For Brewing Tea Article By: @MayKingTea If you’re a big tea drinker then you’ve probably heard that there are optimum and “correct” water temperatures for brewing different kinds of teas. This is true due to the different properties of each…
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In metropolitan cities, it is said that the most authentic cuisine is found on local streets in small, family run restaurants. While some of the best food in the world can be found in street stalls, there are still a few establishments that, while they…
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These days it seems that every Southeast Asian nation has produced its own version of dried shrimp paste, each with an individual texture, odor and flavor. In general, they can be interchanged in recipes, though it is of course best to use the version pertinent…
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Dashi stock is a widely used base in Japanese cuisine for all types of soups and sauces. Authentic Dashi stock takes days to prepare so for the purposes of an easy to make dipping sauce, this recipe can use Dashi stock that is prepared by…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 package firm tofu (~ 16 oz) 8 oz pumpkin or butternut squash, chopped into bite sized chunks 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped into bite sized chunks 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped into bite sized chunks 2 cups…
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Grandpa’s Almond French Toast French Toast was one of my grandfather’s favorite breakfast dishes so this recipe always brings back fond memories for me. Grandpa’s Almond French Toast is also one of the very first recipes I ever learned as a child. There’s something so…
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This is an amazingly addictive sauce that can be paired with all types of dishes, including fried appetizers, sashimi salads and even roasted meats. It’s very important to start with good quality ripe avocados. Using avocados that aren’t completely ripe won’t result in a smooth…
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SANYA, CHINA – September 4, 2012 – Featuring blue sea and white sandy beach, Sanya always can touch romantic chords of people’s hearts and this is why more and more couples come to Sanya for vacation. How to be impressive on your holiday? Walking on…
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In a food meccah like Singapore, there is no shortage of great eateries that provide discerning palates with culinary delights that tickle the taste buds. There is however, one oasis in the tiny island nation, that surpasses all expectations of what beautifully presented, authentic Chinese…
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Fu Jia Lou- Best Restaurants in Beijing Fu Jia Lou is somewhat of an institution in Beijing and depending on which local you ask, opinions will be varied but definitely strong. Its specialty is old style Pekinese cuisine, the likes of which used to be…
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Everybody has long known the health benefits of drinking green tea, including its powerful antioxidant fighters against many types of cancers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, digestive issues, skin disorders, to name a few. There are physicians across Asia that have for centuries treated patients…
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Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a low-grade bacterial infection of the gum, supporting tissues and surrounding bone which act as the foundation of the teeth. As a result of this chronic, slow progressing and painless infection, the supporting tissues that hold the…
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A good, sharp knife, preferably butcher style if you’re comfortable handling it. Home cooks really need to understand that a dull blade is far more dangerous than a sharp one. While dull blades may not be cutting or chopping your ingredients the way they should,…
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Asian Fusion Guacamole This is the most addictive guacamole ever and I thank the culinary Gods for allowing me to accidentally create this on a day when I was desperately craving a particular flavor and nothing else satisfied me. I kept mixing and mixing until…
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Agedashi Tofu- Easy Tofu Recipes Authentic Agedashi Tofu like it’s made in Japan is difficult to find even in the best Japanese restaurants outside of Japan. In Japan, the best Agedashi Tofu is made with silken tofu and has a perfectly light crisp exterior but a chewy…
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Molasses Chicken Wings Every time I make this dish I rarely get a chance to eat it myself. Everybody grabs at them before I can even get from the kitchen to the dining room. Slow baking the wings in the oven allows for a lot…
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Herbed Mini Pancakes with Smoked Salmon Okay, maybe I’m a tad obsessed with making party-style finger foods. They’re just so fun to make and eat and everybody loves them! These Herbed Mini Pancakes are delicious on their own but get elevated to a whole new…
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Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa I fall in love with hotels that linger in my mind and heart long after I’ve left. Having had the blessing to travel the world extensively, I can usually tell early on when a hotel is going to be…
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Spicy Soy Avocado Appetizer When I reached my late 20’s, I reached a period of life where my hatred for avocado turned into passionate love. I now can’t recall why I would ever have hated this heart-healthy fruit that is mellow flavored and super creamy.…
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Banana Bite Fritters aka Asian Fried Banana Every Asian nation seems to have its version of this classic dessert and who wouldn’t love warm bananas wrapped in a crisp exterior drizzled with sweet condensed milk? Here’s my twist on this ever popular banana fritter, aka…
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Harmless Harvest- The Best Coconut Water in America Most people who know me know I’m obsessed with coconut water and no, my obsession didn’t arise with the recent popular trend in America. I am after all, from Asia and since childhood have been drinking coconut…
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Pillitteri Ice Wines- The World’s Best Ice Wines If you haven’t heard of Ice Wine, you’re not alone. When I recently referred to Ice Wine at a group dinner, people look puzzled, questioning why we would put ice in our wine- an understandable misconception if…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 20 large prawns, head and tail on, deveined 8 tablespoons olive oil 1 large heart of Romaine lettuce, rinsed and chopped into bite size chunks 1/2 cucumber peeled and thinly sliced 3 green onions (scallions) thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced…
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Grand Hyatt Sao Paolo- Best Hotels in Sao Paolo In a city as steamy and busy as Sao Paulo, whether you’re here for pleasure or business, you’ll definitely need a respite from the heat and the Grand Hyatt is just the place. Modern lines and…
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Crispy Pork Belly It’s a well known fact that Chinese people love their pork and this crispy skinned, tender pork belly gives credence to the other white meat addiction. I’ve searched the world for great pork belly dishes and recipes, finding but a handful of…
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Indonesia is well known for dishes and sauces that feature peanuts. This Peanut Dipping Sauce is used as an accompaniment to Saté (grilled meats on skewers) as well as on several types of salads. The recipe is quite simple but requires a little more time…
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One Coconut Water Modern society has split into two major groups- one that is devoted to a health conscious way of living and one that is, well, not so much. In this gross divide, there are a lot of false pieces of information that gets…
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I’m a huge fan of DIY home spa treatments considering the sky high prices of designer products that rarely deliver the results the promise. This brown sugar honey scrub has been popular for quite a while now but I give it an extra special ingredient…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon garlic powder Olive oil to coat the bottom of a skillet For the Squash Sauce 1 cup coconut milk 1 cup water 1/3…
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Makes ~15 cups of stock Ingredients 20 cups water 2 lbs chicken, skinless, bone-in 20 cloves garlic, smashed 5 shallots, peeled and cut in half 2 large onions, roughly chopped 2 celery stalks, cut in halves 2 carrots, ends trimmed and cut in halves 4…
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Buddhism is the teachings of One who Knows: this is the aspect of his Great Wisdom (Pannaguna). Such is the One who has been awakened, who has been delivered from defilements. This is his Great Purity (Parisuddhiguna). Thereafter he also took pains to teach others,…
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Philanthropy should not be an afterthought in a corporation but instead, integrated into the very foundation of its vision and mission. We all understand that every corporation’s goal is to make money but as in human life, a corporation’s life should possess an altruistic attitude…
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Honeydew Soybean Smoothie- Healthy Asian Smoothies One of the best aspects of living in Asia is having easy and plentiful access to juice and smoothie bars that serve up healthy Asian smoothies like my Honeydew Soybean Smoothie where no sugars or syrups or added and…
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Mango Coconut Ice Cream- Easy Ice Cream Recipes Like most other Asian countries, Thailand integrates a lot of fruit into its national desserts. Mango is of course one of Thailand’s greatest exports. Numerous types of the juicy fruit abound in Thailand. For easy ice cream…
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Pandan Cupcakes with Lychee Buttercream Frosting If you’re familiar with Southeast Asian desserts, you might have heard of an ingredient called Pandan- an aromatic green leaf that lends a distinctive flavor and sweet scent. When I think of Pandan I automatically think of Indonesia and…
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Benu Restaurant- Best Restaurants San Francisco I had heard all the hype about Corey Lee from his days working as Thomas Keller’s right hand man at French Laundry. Call me a food snob but I’m never one to just believe what other critics and self-proclaimed…
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Afternoon Tea Etiquette Article By: @MayKingTea Whilst I have had unforgettable experiences with afternoon tea, I have also had experiences I’d rather forget! If you’re a café, restaurant or hotel that wants to provide a fabulous experience for your customers, these are just a tea…
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Winter Hair Care- DIY Deep Conditioner Our bodies change with the seasons and so should our hair care methods. The same shampoo and conditioner you use during hot summer months shouldn’t be used for harsh, cold winters. If, like me, your hair feels parched and…
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This is one of those dishes that both grown-ups and kids love. Preparation couldn’t be easier or quicker. I love this dish for the fact that you get three in one: protein, vegetables and dairy. With absolutely no oil for cooking and using skim cheese,…
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With a determination to achieve the highest aim For the benefit of all sentient beings Which surpasses even the wish-fulfilling gem, May I hold them dear at all times. Whenever I interact with someone, May I view myself as the lowest amongst all, And, from…
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The Hungry Cat- Best Restaurants in Los Angeles Where to go for lunch or brunch in Los Angeles? If you’re looking for something more casual than the lavish spread at LA’s prolific hotels like Ritz Carlton, The Hungry Cat is a fantastic choice. Located right…
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Ingredients 15 cups water 2 1/2 lbs beef bones 12 cloves garlic smashed 3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and bruised 1 large onion, peeled and quartered 6 star anise 2 cinnamon sticks 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 1…
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Smitten Ice Cream- Best Ice Cream in San Francisco When I first heard of this liquid nitrogen ice cream craze, like so many other food fads, I was unimpressed and just not all that excited. Ice cream is a subject near and dear to my…
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Singapore Airlines- Best Airlines in the World If there is an airline in the world that frustrates and keeps other airlines on their toes, Singapore Airlines is it. Singapore Airlines has been rated the number one choice of travelers for decades according to such publications…
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Garlic Honey Cashews- Healthy Homemade Snacks I was a tot when I first had honey cashews on a Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Hong Kong. I remember thinking how wonderfully sweet and crunchy they were. Years later I understood that the bagged version of…
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In many metropolitan cities, top hotels can easily blend one into another, all offering similarly luxurious guest rooms, amenities and facilities. It is rare however, to find an oasis in the midst of a thriving city where one can feel an escape from suffocating smog…
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Ginger Ginger root finds it origins in Asia and has a vital role in Asian cuisine. Similar to Turmeric in exterior, Ginger is a hard root with light to medium brown skin. Its flesh is typically a light golden brown color when at its peak…
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Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay- Best Luxury Getaways in Vietnam “Luxuriously at one with nature” is how this property describes itself and it is no exaggeration. Accessible only by water, Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay is surrounded by jagged mountains and white sand…
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Panko Bread Crumbs Panko is a type of bread crumb originating in Japan and features a much flakier, crispier texture than regular Western bread crumbs. While its use was primarily in famous Japanese dishes such as tonkatsu and certain types of tempura, recent years have…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 4 Alaskan cod fillets (you can use any firm white fish) 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce 3 tablespoons Korean spicy paste 1 ½ cups Panko bread crumbs ½ cup olive oil 2 heaping cups cooked warm Quinoa 1 scallion, finely chopped Sea salt…
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Easy Banana Flambe with Coconut Ice Cream Here’s what I’ve learned from years of entertaining at home- you have to have basic ingredients on hand at home at all times and you’ll never be in trouble with unexpected guests or a difficult dessert that went…
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The Parsi community of India is of Persian descent. When the Parsis fled Iran in the 10th century, they settled on India’s west coast, where they managed to preserve not only their religious traditions – they are Zoroastrians – but many of their culinary traditions…
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Contrary to popular belief, Asians don’t eat only rice. Garlic potatoes are a popular dish across much of Asia with each country presenting its own unique twists. This is one of my favorite recipes, a classic and simple one that focuses on being bold in…
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Chicken Rice Porridge aka Congee or Juk This hearty rice porridge, also known as Congee in Singapore and northern Asia or Juk in Korea, is a fusion of Chinese and Indonesian flavors and techniques, one that is often eaten when feeling a cold coming on as well…
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Gary Danko- One of the Best Restaurants in San Francisco There are moments in life that continue to shine on like glittering jewels in the dark recesses of our minds, long after they have passed. Often representing treasured memories with loved ones, those are happy…
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A common and easy to find ingredient, limes are a staple in Asian cuisine, used in the cooking process as well as in food presentations as a garnish. Bursting with freshness, limes exert a tangy bite, a welcome addition to heavier dishes or hot soups.…
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Tcho Chocolate- Best Chocolate in America What makes exceptionally exquisite chocolate? Well, that’s a matter of opinion of course but for any serious chocolate connoisseur, it all starts with the best cacao beans in the world. Let me start by mentioning the blasphemous fact that…
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The Sukhothai Hotel Bangkok In the heart of bustling Bangkok’s embassy and business district lies the beautiful Sukhothai Hotel. The Sukhothai is everything you would expect from a luxury hotel in a major city, with easy access to major transportation systems (skytrain and subway), impeccable…
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“Two roads diverged in a wood and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” ~Robert Frost~ We always think there will be another tomorrow and that’s when procrastination sets in. I was sixteen years old when my…
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Contribution Of Indian heritage, Nikhil Arora is a rising star in the world of entrepreneurs under 30. With his co-founder, Nikhil started his gourmet mushroom company in his last year at UC Berkeley. Unlike other food companies though, Back to the Roots focuses on sustainable…
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Steamed Soy Tilapia Tilapia is such a versatile fish with its subtle, mild flavors. This is one of the most streamlined flavor combinations possible for tilapia. I think this dish uses strong flavors but minimally so, creating smooth textures and a gentle blend of savory…
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Makes 1 Small Bowl Ingredients 1/2 cup soy sauce Juice of 1/2 lime 2 tablespoons plum sauce 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 4 tablespoons water 1/2 tablespoon chili sauce (optional) Method In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together with a whisk. Goes…
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Rose Young Coconut- Popular Asian Drinks Asia is well known for exotic cocktails and tropical drinks, many of which use coconuts. With the simple addition of one key ingredient, fresh young coconut is transformed into a refreshing, tropical dessert drink. This recipe works well for…
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There are few people in business today who are not affected by globalization, from billionaires all the way to hole-in-the-wall restaurant owners. The world has become an interconnected web of trade spanning intellectual property to food products, textiles, furniture and everything in between. For anyone…
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Spicy Garlic Shrimp Typically I’ve served these spicy garlic shrimp as appetizers at dinner gatherings or finger food at larger parties. Always a crowd pleaser with the pungent garlic and lovely contrast of fresh cilantro and lime. The prawns can be served as they are…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 4 heaping cups mixed greens (you can also use romaine lettuce instead) 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and drained 2 scallions, ends trimmed and chopped roughly 2 seedless oranges, peeled and chopped into small chunks Dressing 1 tablespoon miso paste …
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Is it conceivable that one kitchen appliance could actually change your life? Indeed it can, if it’s the KitchenAid Food Processor. Whether you’re someone who cooks daily or once in a while, this state of the art food processor is designed to have multiple functions…
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Humans fundamentally need to be accepted and recognized by others. They want to feel they are a part of society. They want to feel that they are good people. And they want to do the right thing. As a result, they often become brainwashed by…
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Natural Insect Repellent I have had my share of trekking through Indonesian rain forests and Brazilian farms and am far more acquainted with the consortium of global bugs than I’d like to be. It is of course, all part of the experience of traveling- encountering…
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama talks about the importance of inner values such as compassion, in this short clip from his talk “Educating the Heart” given at the University of Hawaii, on Oahu, Hawaii, to an audience of mostly high school and college students on…
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Blueberry Oat Pancakes For The Perfect DIY Brunch Makes 12 mini pancakes Ingredients 2 cups pancake mix 1 1/2 cups water 1 1/3 cups raw oats 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries ( 1/2 for batter + 1/2 for garnish) 1 1/2 tablespoons…
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Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco In an industry filled with stiff competition and in a city that hosts some of the world’s most infamous properties, one would think that the relatively new kid on the block would be shaking in its shiny new boots. The Intercontinental…
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What causes migraines exactly isn’t yet truly understood. As explained by the Mayo Clinic, “Migraines may be caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway. Imbalances in brain chemicals — including serotonin, which helps regulate pain…
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Origins of Acupuncture Article By: Pam Chang of Sarana Community Acupuncture The origins of acupuncture are lost in pre-history. There are strong arguments that acupuncture was practiced 5,000 years ago – as evidenced by non-ornamental tattoos on Otzi, the Ice Age man whose mummified body…
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Asian Fusion fans have long been asking for more vegetarian recipes, even those who are not actual vegetarians. It’s heartening to see a slow but sure culinary culture change across America and much of the world when it comes to the fact that eating healthier…
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It’s the sauce that makes this dish memorable and while this classic tomato sauce does take some time and effort, you can make it in large quantities to save and freeze for later use. To make things easier, I used store-bought fresh chicken stuffed tortellini.…
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Sticky Rice Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice is an extremely popular type of rice eaten all over Asia, particularly for desserts. Often misconstrued to contain gluten due to its nickname of glutinous rice, sticky rice does not in fact, contain…
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s public talk given at Delhi University in New Delhi, India, on March 22, 2012. Also includes the question and answer session after His Holiness’s talk. (www.dalailama.com)
Serves 4 Ingredients 4 sushi grade salmon fillets (~2 lbs) 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups cooked quinoa 2 medium sized tomatoes, chopped into ¼ inch cubes 2 small handfuls cilantro, roughly chopped 12 cloves garlic, finely minced ¾ teaspoon salt Dressing 3 tablespoons grainy…
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Hong Kong Milk Coffee If you’ve ever set foot in Hong Kong or Southeast Asia, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered this delicious concoction known as Hong Kong Milk Coffee. What’s the difference between Hong Kong Milk Coffee and regular Cafe Au Lait or Lattes?…
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Throughout the centuries, Asian women have always prized smooth, silky and light skin. Here’s another one of my favorite skin lightening body scrubs that trace their origins to Bali and Thailand, both regions infamous for organic skin care routines. The sea salt is a natural…
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Enoteca Corsi- Best Restaurants in Rome Enoteca Corsi is one of Rome’s hole-in-the-wall eateries that locals patronize on a daily basis. A ‘wine cellar’, Enoteca is open for lunch everyday, specializing in home-style Italian cuisine and of course, wines. Here, it’s all about a casual…
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Sweet Garlic Almonds- The Perfect Afternoon Snack I created this recipe one day when I discovered that I had accidentally bought a bag of raw almonds instead of already seasoned ones. Wanting my father to get his healthy dose of nuts, I knew I needed…
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Elegant and cozy, Portage completes Seattle’s international dining scene as one of the nation’s premier French bistros. Classic bistro interiors lend for a chic, relaxed ambiance that is quietly becoming Seattle’s trademark. Led by the talented hands of Owner/Chef Vuong Loc, Portage offers a small…
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Celadon Restaurant- One of The Best Restaurants in Napa Editor Update (2016): My former mentor, the wonderful Chef Greg Cole has sold Celadon to his General Manager who takes over this iconic restaurant, continuing Greg’s tradition of excellence in food and service. Executive Chef and…
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Sausage Stuffed Peppers These sweet peppers are packed with flavors and great as a filling appetizer or as a light main meal. The sweetness of the bell pepper blends well with the ground pork in the sausages. Crisp bacon bits add a smoky saltiness while…
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Baked Apple Cups- A Twist on Traditional Apple Pie Apple pie is one of my all-time favorite desserts but I wanted a presentation and texture that was a unique offspring of the classic. Though this dessert takes a little effort and time, the end result…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 lb dry rotini pasta (substitute with any short pasta) 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cups grated mixed cheese (any combination of 3 cheeses- mozzarella, fontina, havarti, gouda, etc.) 3/4 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon garlic…
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Onion Rings with Chaat Masala Indian street food goes gourmet with my friend Monica Bhide’s Onion Rings with Chaat Masala. These are deliciously crisp, savory and earthy all in one bite. Her recipe begins here. Several fast food places in India serve these light, crispy…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 14 oz (~3 cups) bamboo shoots cut into long slivers 8 cloves garlic finely minced 2 tablespoons fish sauce 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (~juice of 1 large lime) 4-6 red bird’s eye chili peppers finely chopped (substitute 1 tablespoon ground red…
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Lemongrass Chicken Soft Tacos In my quest to create delicious Asian Fusion appetizers, I married Asian and Latin flavors for this Lemongrass Chicken Soft Tacos. It really is mind boggling how many ingredients the Asian and South American regions have in common, which explains why…
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How To Roast Almonds Almonds are a huge source of nutrients and are incredibly versatile. They can be used in smoothies, as a snack on their own or crushed into smooth particles that are great for crusting fish or poultry. Sometimes, all you can find…
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Kahlua Chocolate Brownie If you have family or friends who are chocolate lovers, this moist, rich Kahlua Chocolate Brownie will send them over the edge. Every time I’ve made this, it runs out faster than any other dish on the table so make sure to…
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Ladies, this isn’t going to be some long, drawn-out article because this tip is really as simple and easy as they come. So what’s the secret to drying those pretty nails in a flash? Ice water. When you’re all done trimming, cuticle cutting and buffing,…
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Most professional chefs and passionate home cooks prefer gas stoves to electric with good reason. There’s nothing like cooking on real flames for the perfect flavor, texture and color. This is especially true for Asian cooking with stir-frying being such a big part of the…
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La Cantinetta di Rignana- Best Restaurants in Tuscany A rustic Italian trattorie, La Cantinetta di Rignana is set in the verdant countryside of the Chianti vineyards. Handmade pastas and roasted meats are the specialty here with fresh ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm. Service is…
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Va De Vi- Best Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area The San Francisco bay area has long been a meccah for foodies around the world, beckoning both locals and visitors alike with its astounding array of highly rated restaurants. Only locals and frequent visitors would…
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Blackberry Almond Smoothie The blackberries I’ve encountered in the West have mostly been sour, regardless of whether they were picked at their prime or not. Because of their extreme tartness, I like to throw them in a smoothie with a banana and a touch of…
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RAHUL KHANNA DOB: June 20, 1972 Birthplace: Mumbai, India Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: Actor Residence: India & USA Dina’s Thoughts Long an advocate of animal rights, Rahul Khanna has been an active voice for PETA India in the efforts to protect elephants. He is one of the few…
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No cliché could be truer than that which states a dull knife is far more dangerous than a sharp one. I have experienced this myself, cutting my fingers in nasty accidents due to dull and low quality knives. I’m one of those people that carry…
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Chocolate Ice Cream with Red Wine Salt I wasn’t a big fan of good old chocolate ice cream until I began discovering some of the top chefs’ twists on a classic childhood favorite. It’s common knowledge that chocolate and salt pair very well. In fact,…
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Location, luxury and service. The Grand Hyatt Shanghai provides all this and so much more. Holding the title of World’s Highest Hotel (occupying the 53rd to 87th floors of the infamous Jin Mao Tower) has only served to enhance the extensive amenities and services this…
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Serves 4 to 6 as main meal or 8 to 10 as appetizer soup Ingredients 10 cups chicken or vegetable stock 4 large white or yellow potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks 12 cloves garlic, smashed 4 shallots 8 Chinese broccoli stalks, ends trimmed and…
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Easy Asian Recipes- Garlic Rice in Eggplant Eggplant is one of those vegetables that I grew to love as an adult. Like many vegetables, I ended up loving them and have developed somewhat of an obsession with creating easy Asian recipes that showcase how delicious…
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Detoxifying Green Smoothie If you’re going to drink a detoxifying Green Smoothie, let’s do it right and start off with a White Tea or Green Tea base liquid. Cooling cucumbers and the powerhouse detoxifiers of organic parsley and celery need to be tempered with naturally…
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There are days when you just don’t feel like cooking something elaborate or complicated and this chicken stew is exactly made for those days. Putting tender chunks of chicken together with a few vegetables and sauces creates a one pot meal. It’s easy; it’s comforting…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 lb green beans, ends trimmed and cut in half 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 cloves garlic, finely minced 1/2 teaspoon salt Method In a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil on high heat. Sauté the garlic for 1 to…
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Spicy Salsa with Lemongrass Here’s a twist on a classic favorite. Incredible bursts of flavor with super fresh ingredients and unique touch of fish sauce instead of salt adds a whole new dimension to this spicy salsa. Aromatic lemongrass lends a lovely fragrance and light…
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Asian food has always placed an emphasis on the balance of yin yang, also known as the energy of negative and positive, hot and cold. Every type of food has its own balance of elements, contributing to our bodies’ well being in different ways. This…
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Crate and Barrel For years now I’ve gone to Crate and Barrel for so many of my culinary and entertaining needs. The stores are filled with gorgeous items, keeping a good stock of the classics and the constantly new, that even when I’m not intending…
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Organic Green Tea Prawns with Ponzu- Cooking With Tea This easy shrimp recipe comes from Shangri La Tea Company and shows how incorporating green tea is one of the best ways to take advantage of its antioxidant properties. You can substitute the green tea for…
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The brainchild of iconic Chef Jeem Han Locke, Wild Ginger has been one of Seattle’s best restaurants for over 20 years. What does it take to maintain a fanatic following for decades in an era when new restaurants pop up on a daily basis and…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 10 cloves garlic, roughly minced Olive oil 14 oz firm tofu, cut into 1 inch cubes 3 cups sugar snap peas, ends trimmed 4 cups cooked quinoa 1 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce 4 tablespoons sambal oelek or any of…
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Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Turmeric Part of the Ginger family, Turmeric is a root with a light to medium colored brown skin and a rich yellow-orange inside. This is one of the most widely used ingredients in Asian curries and soups. Turmeric…
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Here’s a soup that will pep up anybody who needs a little comfort and warmth. Instead of using long noodles though, I like to substitute shorter pastas such as penne or rotini you don’t need to worry about using a fork and spoon to eat…
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Avocado Ice Cream Sandwich Avocado is hugely popular throughout Asia, predominantly as part of a dessert or milkshake. It’s no surprise then that several Asian countries produce avocado ice cream. It’s creamy, luscious and yes, you can actually taste avocado. While this ice cream is…
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Honey Soy Chicken Wings All kinds of chicken wings abound in the culinary world- fried and crispy, buffalo drenched, spicy and savory… the list goes on. In this best chicken wing recipe, I decided to celebrate the ooey gooey kind of sticky sweet and savory…
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KRISTI YAMAGUCHI DOB: July 12, 1971 Birthplace: California, United States Ethnicity: Japanese Occupation: Figure Skater & Author Residence: United States Dina’s Thoughts Gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi inspired an entire generation of Asian American athletes to pursue their dreams and achieve that revered gold metal status.…
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Aloe Vera Helps Hair Growth- Natural Ways To Grow Hair Aloe Vera is widely used throughout the world in cosmetics, medicine and even in beverages. Though the plant’s origins are thought to be in northern Africa, today it is arguably most popular in Asia. Asians…
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ARJUN BASU DOB: December 14, 1966 Birthplace: Canada Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: Author Residence: Canada Dina’s Thoughts With well over 130,000 ardent supporters on Twitter, Arjun Basu has stealthily climbed his way to becoming one of the most popular writers in modern social media times. Of…
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YUNDI DOB: October 7, 1982 Birthplace: Chongqing, China Ethnicity: Chinese Occupation: Pianist Residence: Hong Kong Dina’s Thoughts With his romantic and passionate interpretations of classical music, world renowned pianist Yundi has long become the darling of Asia’s classical music aficionados. In his native China, Yundi…
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INDU SUNDARESAN DOB: n/a Birthplace: New Delhi, India Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: Author Residence: Seattle, Washington Dina’s Thoughts Indu Sundaresan has engaged readers across several generations with her captivating stories focused on Indian history and culture. For a global audience unfamiliar with but fascinated by the…
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Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay To arrive at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, we must first drive through a quiet road flanked by the glittering Pacific Ocean on one side and millionaire’s row on the other. Upon arrival the Ritz Carlton’s Gold Standard of…
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Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich Being a kid in Asia meant having access to all kinds of yummy desserts and snacks. The first time I had this Nutella ice cream sandwich was in Southeast Asia, from a roaming street vendor. Hearing ice cream sandwich conjured images…
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LA Sweets- Best Cupcakes in America Though recently recognized as a culinary hot spot, Miami has a very long way to go before even dreaming of reaching iconic status like San Francisco or New York. By way of desserts particularly, the Latin dominated beach city…
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He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious. ~Sun Tzu~ The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands but the opportunity to defeat the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. ~Sun Tzu~
The World’s Hottest Chili Peppers I remember the first time I ate a spicy dish when I was about seven years old. It was by accident as my parents didn’t see me reaching for the chili sauce hidden near my bowl of noodle soup. When…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 whole fresh daikon (~1 1/2 lbs), peeled & chopped into bite sized chunks 4 oz fresh lotus root, sliced thinly 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 10 cloves garlic, mashed 2 cups vegetable broth, chicken broth or water 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/2…
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I’m a huge fan of fresh vegetable pairings, simple ingredients and quick stir-frying. Overcooking vegetables will lose their nutritional content which is why this recipe focuses on the natural flavors of fresh ingredients. The crispness of the calabasa is a great pairing with the tender…
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The Wheatleigh- Romantic Getaways Near Boston A beautiful two hour drive from Boston overlooking the Berkshire Mountains and lake, majestically hides the Wheatleigh, one of America’s most outstanding luxury, boutique hotels. Built in 1893 as a country chateau, the Wheatleigh has been lovingly maintained and…
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Remember those moments from your favorite travels when you breathed in deeply and smelled that quintessential scent of luxurious tranquility? Researchers have shown that scents do in fact play a large role in our daily lives, affecting our moods dramatically. We all know moods can…
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Makes 1 small bowl Ingredients ½ cup Chinese black vinegar 2 tablespoons soy sauce ½ teaspoon dried ground red chili pepper 2 tablespoons fresh shredded ginger (optional) Method In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce and chili peppers. Add the shredded…
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The mentality that nutritious and delicious food requires a lot of time and energy can no longer hold true in the Western hemisphere. All Asian countries boast a vast array of vegetarian dishes that are incredibly healthful and taste spectacular. Here, I’m using three of…
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1. Focus on your breathing. It’s an indisputable fact that in today’s world, few of us get enough fresh air to breathe but it’s not all about environmental pollution. Most of the time, we’re so focused on a task at hand (especially while working) or…
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MV Ink Having won Top Chef Season 6, it came as no surprise that Chef Michael Voltaggio’s Ink restaurant in Los Angeles was a highly anticipated debut with food critics and fans around the country eagerly waiting. Not being familiar with MV’s run on Top…
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One of the most popular and widely used condiments across Southeast Asia, fish sauce is typically produced from allowing dried small fish such as anchovies to ferment. Salt and anchovies are laid out in large wooden crates or boxes to ferment before later adding water.…
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Muscato D’Oro- Best Dessert Wines The passion for wine is a very subjective matter- what one considers a fine wine may be foul liquid to another. At Asian Fusion, we have taken great care to rarely mention alcoholic beverages in our reviews throughout the site…
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Serves 4 as a side dish Ingredients 1 head cauliflower (white part only), roughly chopped 10 garlic cloves ¼ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper (optional) Method Place the chopped cauliflower and garlic cloves in a heat-safe shallow bowl or plate.…
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Editor’s Note- 2015*** Since my several stays at St. George Rome some years ago, the boutique hotel has been taken under by the Indigo Hotel chain. I haven’t visited the property since then so am unsure if it still upholds the same standards. St. George…
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Best Hotels in Chiang Mai- Mandarin Dhara Devi In a secluded area in northern Thailand, lies an oasis unlike any other- a world in which you can take several steps back in time, into the era of Lanna royalty. The Dhara Devi occupies over 60…
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Cul De Sac- Best Restaurants in Rome As one of the oldest and most popular enotecas in Rome, Cul de Sac is always crowded with mostly locals and tourists in the know. Specialties include typical Italian favorites, Mediterranean Cuisine and of course, every Italian wine…
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SHIHAN KEIKO FUKUDA DOB: April 12, 1913 Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan Ethnicity: Japanese Occupation: Judo Master Residence: San Francisco, CA Editor’s Note: Shihan Keiko Fukuda passed away in early 2013. Her students around the world and those of us who were ardent fans continue to feel…
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One could easily call me a Reddington stalker as I’ve followed him throughout much of his career. I’m sure though that any foodie who tastes his culinary brilliance would hardly blame me. Early on, I fell in love with his technical skills, mastery of subtle…
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Arguably the most popular and famous of coffee drinks from Asia, Vietnamese coffee is a decadent beverage that can easily be prepared at home. With just a few key ingredients and one tool, brewing the perfect cup of Vietnamese coffee is simple. Here’s the breakdown…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 lb fresh okra, ends trimmed and sliced in half lengthwise 4 tablespoons olive oil 10 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 medium onion, finely diced 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder 1 tablespoon butter (substitute with…
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“Thai” Donuts I’ve had the blessing to travel throughout Thailand extensively and in all those years, I have never encountered a dessert called Thai donuts. In the 21st century though, in Thai restaurants across the United States there emerged this interesting concoction that restaurant owners…
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The Best Indian Restaurant in Seattle- Travelers’ Thali It’s a well known fact among my family, friends and colleagues that I’ve had a long standing passion for India that borders on the obsessive and compulsive. My times spent across India through the years have become…
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Edamame Historically, the Edamame we know today can be traced back to 13th century Japan, when monks gave this highly nutritious vegetable as gifts, blanching whole soy bean pods and lightly sprinkling with salt. Soybeans themselves were cultivated in China though, over two thousand years…
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Very Berry Almond Milk Smoothie- Healthy Smoothies Makes 4 small glasses Ingredients 1 cup crushed ice 2 cups almond milk 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen) 1 medium sized red tomato (heirloom or beefsteak are best though any variety works)…
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Another great combination of some of my favorite foods- noodles and miso soup. For vegetarians or for those of you who just want to take a day off of any kind of meats, this is a fantastic choice. Al dente udon noodles go beautifully with…
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Makes 1 small bowl Ingredients 2 heaping tablespoons Gochujang paste 6 to 8 garlic cloves finely minced 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon sambal oelek 2 tablespoons plum sauce Method Place all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Stored…
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Admittedly, I might be a little biased when it comes to the Ritz Carlton San Francisco. After all, this is a hotel that holds some of my most precious childhood and teenage memories of family brunches and reunions. Isn’t it in this exact power that…
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Also known as cloud ear mushroom, elephant’s ear mushroom and black fungus mushroom, Woodear mushroom grows on dead trees in masses of clusters. It has a dark brown to blackish hue but is also slightly translucent. Popular in Asian cuisine, woodear mushroom has a drastically…
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Star Anise Star Anise, not to be confused with simply Anise, is a spice derived from an evergreen tree native to regions of China and Vietnam. They are easily recognizable with their star shape and chocolate brown hue. Widely used in Asian cooking, Star Anise…
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When you sit in meditation please do not move your body at all. Sit with your back nicely straight but not rigid. Try to have every vertebrae stacked comfortably one on top of the other. This position has the tendency to bring your chest up…
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To step into Le Colonial is to enter another era. The old-world charm of Vietnam fuses seamlessly with the air of sophisticated France, easily apparent in the Veranda and Outdoor Patio. Incredibly unique to cosmopolitan city restaurants, Le Colonial boasts not only its lovely indoor…
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Succulent, sticky and juicy ribs are one my greatest culinary passions. There is nothing more decadent that signals lazy summer days than a sweet and savory indulgence of tender ribs. Here is one of my all time favorite recipes that guarantees no leftovers. These Hoisin…
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8 Tips To A Less Stressed Life Who in the modern world does not know the feeling of being stressed? Whatever your job may be, whatever level of income, wherever you live, you know exactly how it feels to have those moments in life when…
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Four Seasons Milano- Best Hotel in Milano Four Seasons Milano is absolutely everything you would expect enchanting and magical Italy to be. Housed in what was once a 15th century convent, the Four Seasons Milano offers lucky guests the Italian experience of a lifetime, with…
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These wraps are one of the best recipes to use during a small get together with family and friends as the fun of creating your own wrap draws everybody together. Though this chicken wrap recipe does require a few ingredients, they’re all simple and easy…
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Makes 1 small bowl (enough for ~4 salad servings) Ingredients 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons Plum sauce 1 tablespoon grainy mustard 3-4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 large lime) 1/4 cup olive oil Method Place all of the ingredients except for the olive oil…
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HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA TENZIN GYATSO DOB: July 6, 1935 Birthplace: Tibet Ethnicity: Tibetan Occupation: Spiritual Leader Residence: Dharamsala, India Dina’s Thoughts His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been the spiritual and political leader of Tibet since his early childhood years. Amidst violence…
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Lychee Watermelon Granita Hot tropical days are perfect for indulging in this sinless fruity dessert. Lychee Watermelon Granita is incredibly easy to prepare and is a huge hit with children and adults. There are two versions of this non-fat, low calorie granite; one for kids…
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Vegetable Dumplings- A Classic Dumpling Recipe Let’s face facts here- if you’ve never made dumplings before, it’s not going to be easy but if you follow these steps carefully, your dumplings will turn out just fine. Vegetable dumplings are a staple all over Asia, not…
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How to Quickly Get Rid of Headaches With NeuroModulation Technique Article By: Dr. Fred Bloem Yesterday afternoon I treated a patient who had been complaining of a severe headache with NeuroModulation Technique (NMT). Today she sent me the following testimonial: “I’m a 59 year old…
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Shiitake Mushroom Shiitake mushroom, also known as Chinese Black Mushroom and Black Forest Mushroom, is native to east Asia, particularly China, Japan and Korea. Though its modern globally known name is taken from Japan, contrary to popular belief, this mushroom is not native only to…
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Recipe by Anjali Shah Follow Anjali onTwitter|Website Easy Indian Roti- Spelt Rotis & Chapatis These rotis are soft and fluffy – you’d never guess that it’s unleavened bread. When I was growing up, it was common for us to have four or so dishes for…
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The Dhaba Mumbai Punjabi (north Indian) cuisine reigns supreme at The Dhaba, a favorite joint of locals in Mumbai. Flavors of each dish are pronounced here, as they should be, such that you can taste at least some, if not all of the major ingredients…
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Easy Vietnamese Sandwich- Vietnamese Sausage Sandwich We may have the French to thank for their influence on Vietnamese sandwiches but today, Vietnamese sandwiches are quickly taking the world by storm. The real ones are few and far between outside of Vietnam proper, though there are…
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Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Green tea is grown predominantly in China, Japan and India, with each country producing different and unique varieties. There are two methods of growing green tea- directly under the sun or with varying degrees of shade. Each method produces varying degrees…
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Chosun Galbee It’s a well known fact that America’s best Korean restaurants rest in the greater Los Angeles area, where a large Korean population exists. How then do we decipher what’s real and what passes as third or fourth generation recipes, catering to a more…
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Tropical Fruit Cheesecake This smooth, creamy cheesecake and crumbly graham cracker crust is a smashing party favorite with its abundance of fresh, tropical fruits. Personally, I don’t think heavy, creamy cheesecake pairs with anything better than absolutely fresh berries and fruits of all kinds. The…
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Da Delfina- Best Restaurant in Tuscany In the Tuscan countryside, a hidden gem that Florentines place on the “endangered list of authentic Italian restaurants,” Da Delfina is the epitome of what we travel to Italy for. Delfina (the restaurant is named after her) herself can…
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Hong Kong Milk Tea Just like its counterpart- Hong Kong Milk Coffee, Hong Kong Milk Tea is one of the most popular drinks in Asia, spawning other sub-cultures with drinks like Hong Kong Milk Bubble Tea. Hong Kong Milk Tea uses creamy Evaporated Milk instead…
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Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle An oasis in and of itself…the Pan Pacific hotel in Seattle welcomes guests with a quiet elegance and charming service that is second to none. Sweeping into the chic lobby greeted by gracious hotel staff felt like arriving at a familiar,…
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Is Noise Pollution Making You Sick? Article By : Dr. Jessica Wu Is noise pollution making you sick? Have you noticed how loud it’s getting? In addition to car horns and leaf blowers on the street, now we have earbuds and wall-shaking sound systems in…
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Shanghai Mixed Rice There are many variations of this classic and popular Shanghainese rice dish but this one was my grandfather’s favorite. It’s easy and quick to make, with just a few ingredients but the results will leave everybody wanting more. Typical Shanghainese rice dishes…
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Graziano’s- Best Argentinian Restaurant in Miami One of my favorite things to do in a city I’ve just moved to or am traveling to for the first few times is to seek the eateries that only locals go to, those hidden jewels that aren’t necessarily…
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Feed Your Face: Foods That Fight Skin Cancer Article By: Dr. Jessica Wu Research shows that 40 to 50 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with either basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that you can help…
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A modern cliché says that a home is not a home without candles and I would have to agree. While the technological conveniences of today provide for an exhaustive number of lighting alternatives that range from the simpler dimming mechanisms to voice activated command prompts,…
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With an enviable location, directly on River Front Plaza, the Hyatt Regency Savannah is a great choice while exploring the South’s most charming city. Guestrooms have all been newly renovated, sporting Hyatt’s typically contemporary interiors. Hyatt Grand Beds combined with well-designed granite baths might make…
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Coconut Water Spritzer- Popular Asian Drinks Many people confuse the nutritional content of coconut water with coconut milk. While the latter does have a high fat content, the former is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature, long used in Asia both for consumption…
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Ritz Carlton Los Angeles- Best Hotels Los Angeles It’s no secret that LA has its share of famous hotels, made all the more glamorous by Hollywood celebrities’ presence. Over the past two years though, there’s been a new kid on the hotel block, quietly usurping…
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Frothy Brandy Milk- Spiked Milk Drinks As a kid, I used to stay up way past my bedtime, hiding under huge tables at dinner parties my parents hosted. One of the most fun parts of my naughtiness was getting to taste dishes and drinks that…
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Salmon Poke Salad If you are a serious foodie, no matter where you live, in the past year or two, you’ve likely encountered the poke craze sweeping your city. Believed to originate in Hawaii, poke begins with high quality, truly fresh sashimi-grade fish chopped into…
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Miso Paste- Commonly Used Japanese Ingredients Miso paste is a traditional Japanese ingredient, made from a combination of many other ingredients including, rice, soybeans, barley, rye and hemp seed. While Miso has been produced in Japan as early as 10,000 B.C., contrary to popular belief,…
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What To Do With Stale Bread Like me, you’ve most likely experienced this on numerous occasions- having too much of a loaf of bread, forgetting about it or not knowing what to do with the rest of it and days later, it’s too stale to…
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It was love at first taste. I had heard incessantly about Namu’s KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) to the point of annoyance, wondering if every person reporting to me had been fried chicken depraved for years. But alas, this was one of those few times when…
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Bengawan Solo Bakery Singapore When in Singapore- so many places to eat, so little time. The list of my favorite places to eat in Singapore could go on and on forever but alas, we at Asian Fusion have had to pick the ultimate eateries we…
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Here’s a different, hot twist on an old classic favorite. Adding Japanese wasabi to mashed potatoes lends another depth of flavor and a kind of heat that will clear out any sinuses. Instead of using milk as I usually do in classic mashed potatoes, I…
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Here’s a quick and easy salad recipe that is as flavorful and nutritious as you can get. With absolutely no oil and nothing but fresh ingredients that are filled with powerful antioxidants, cancer fighters and heart disease fighters, you can’t find a more explosively vibrant…
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Singapore Smoothie- Tropical Fruit Smoothies It’s a common known fact that skipping breakfast is never a good idea. It’s also a common fact that most of us are in a constant rush from day to day trying to maintain a packed schedule. Sitting down to…
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San Francisco has long been known for its bevy of fantastic Japanese restaurants so it’s no surprise to come across one. Every now and then though, we come across a hole-in-the-wall jewel that is simple yet cozy, authentic yet sophisticated. Ariake on Geary is one…
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Common Types of Soy Sauce- The Most Widely Used Asian Ingredient Regular Soy Sauce: A very familiar product in the West, regular soy sauce has become a staple in most American supermarkets. Used frequently in Asian cooking, regular soy sauce is a necessary staple in…
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Kanda Yabu Soba- Best Soba in Tokyo This is an institution in Tokyo for Soba lovers. Opening its doors back in 1880, Kanda Yabusoba has been serving countless loyal patrons their famous Seiro style noodles- soba made from ten parts buckwheat to one part wheat…
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Cucumber Relish This is a quick and easy authentic recipe for cucumber relish. Both in Indonesia and Thailand, cucumber relish is most often eaten as a condiment to Sate, or meat on skewers, along with the traditional peanut dressing. Cucumber relish can be made days…
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Types of Asian Chili Sauces & Chili Pastes Nam Jim Most Asian countries have a great passion for condiments and dipping sauces. Thailand is no exception. Nam Pla is one of Thailand’s most popular and widely used chili pastes that boldly blend together fish sauce,…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 2 1/2 lbs salmon fillet (cut into 4 pieces) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/3 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste For the Salsa 1 tablespoon butter 2 cups fresh corn kernels (~2 large corn cobs) 2…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 4 large wooden skewers soaked in water 1 pound baby spinach, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons Lee Kum Kee Oyster flavored sauce 2 teaspoons Lee Kum Kee chili garlic sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 1…
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Types of Asian Noodles There are seemingly an infinite number of noodle varieties in Asia; no surprise given our obsession with the delicious spindly things. Here we’re outlining a few of the common and popular ones available outside of Asia. Egg Noodles (aka Chinese Yellow…
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From antioxidants that help to prevent premature aging to anti-cancer, anti high blood pressure and high cholesterol, mushroom has long been praised as one of the wonder foods of the world. In this recipe, the super food is combined with typical fresh Thai ingredients easily…
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There are two simple methods I use to cook traditional white sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice. The first method is employed throughout Thailand, Laos, Burma and Cambodia, requiring two special pieces of kitchen tools, a woven bamboo basket and aluminum…
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The Peninsula Lounge- Best Restaurants Chicago While Chicago has its fair share of great eateries, there’s one place that puts all my hard work into perspective. When I sit in the Peninsula Chicago’s Lounge restaurant, sliding into a smooth, satiny chair, I immediately feel all…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 lb okra, ends trimmed and chopped into ½ inch pieces 1/2 cup cornstarch 3 + 3 tablespoons olive oil 10 garlic cloves, minced 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce 2 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek 3/4 teaspoon salt Method In a large bowl,…
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The only note on these recipes is my dad’s “measurements” are super old-school — in that, there aren’t any. What I’ve found works well is to just play around with the spices and taste as you go. The recipe is really easy so you can’t…
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Canlis- Best Restaurants in Seattle After being an ardent fan of Canlis since my teenage years, I’m thrilled to finally be adding this one of a kind gem to AsianFusion’s list of Favorite Restaurants Around the World. I can think of no restaurant in America…
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Japan’s most infamous cuisine takes on a different meaning at Shinodazushi. Its history begins in 1877, where the specialty of Inari sushi, (thin pouch of marinated and deep fried tofu stuffed with all kinds of seasoned rice) became popular. Their take-out sushi has become a…
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Why Do I Have Freckles? Article By: Dr. Jessica Wu Freckles may be cute on children – and on such beauties as Lucy Liu, Rashida Jones and Emma Stone – but are they a sign of sun damage? Why do some people have them while…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 3 cloves garlic 2 ounces onion 4 ounces leek rinsed and sliced roughly 4 ounces carrot, chopped into small pieces 8 ounces butternut squash cut into small pieces 2 cups water 1 teaspoon dried…
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Villa La Massa- Best Hotel in Tuscany On the banks of the river Arno in the heart of romantic Tuscany, just a few short kilometers from the center of Florence quietly sits Villa la Massa. Villa la Massa proudly holds a five hundred year history,…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped + a few leaves for garnish 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons sea salt Freshly ground black pepper 4 tablespoons olive oil For the Sauce 1 cup fresh raspberries 1/2 cup…
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A few days ago, my car was towed. I ended up paying almost $500 to retrieve my car and to pay for the parking ticket that notified me that I had parked in a towed-away zone, before they actually towed my car away. How courteous…
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VILLA ROMANA Editor’s Note: As of July 20, 2014, Villa Romana is unfortunately closed for business. After 60 years of being one of the city’s most popular Italian restaurants, the owners are retiring for a much deserved break. Italy has been like a third home…
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Amandari Hotel- Best Hotels in Bali If there were ever a hotel that I could make my permanent home, Amandari is it. Here is a Balinese haven where the cliche ‘paradise on earth’ is no longer just a cliche, but a beautiful, glorious reality. Set…
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Four Seasons Florence- Best Hotel in Florence It is difficult to decide which of the properties in the Four Seasons family reigns supreme but surely Firenze must rank very high on the list. Guest suites are housed in one of two historic buildings, either the…
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Giolitti- Best Gelato in Rome In a classic setting, Giolitti has been one of Italy’s most beloved creameries, gelato cafes and bakeries since 1890. Giolitti has earned its loyal following of both locals and tourists alike with its outstanding selection of Italian gelatos and decadent…
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DIY Hair Conditioner Asian women have long had their traditional home remedies for all kinds of beauty and health treatments. One of my all time favorites is this one I came across in Bali many years ago. This is a deep conditioning treatment used for…
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This rice dish is so incredibly easy to make but looks sophisticated and tastes divine. Caution though- this is definitely not for the calorie-conscious. This rice is so heavenly though that every now and then, it’s well worth every last sinful calorie. Some friends have…
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Best Fusion Recipes- Fig & Paneer Pizza This recipe is borrowed from my friend Monica Bhide, who is a highly successful cookbook author and speaker. Monica is one of the kindest, most talented people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and her recipes have won…
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Coconut Milk Coconut milk is used in all types of Asian cooking, mainly in curries, soups and desserts. All over Asia and particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, little old ladies are found in dimly lit kitchens grating fresh coconut meat into large…
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Fasano Restaurant- Best Restaurants Sao Paolo Fasano, much like its owners (the Fasano family), has managed to create sophisticated and elegant warmth in what has become one of Sao Paolo’s most beloved restaurants. The Fasano family originally migrated from Italy to Brazil over one hundred…
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Here’s a super easy and quick recipe for butternut squash soup. Creamy, warm and savory, this recipe adds a unique twist on a classic soup with a pinch of curry powder and the extra health benefit of soy milk. You can make a big pot…
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Sushi Gen- Best Japanese Restaurant LA In cities across the globe that boast an ethnic town such as Chinatown, Koreatown or Little Italy, the restaurants of those “towns” are typically shunned by locals due to the fact that they tend to cater to tourists. Serving…
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Tamarind Tilapia Bites- Easy Fish Appetizers This easy fish appetizer is meant to be served as little bites (though you could alter the proportions for a main dish), particularly a lovely presentation for a festive occasion. Every sense of your palate will be awakened with splashes of salty,…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 3/4 lb sugar snap peas, stringed and cooled in ice water 1 lb medium to large sized prawns, shelled and deveined 2 tablespoons olive oil 10 cloves garlic minced 1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced ginger 3/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper…
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Rovers- Best Restaurants Seattle Editor’s Note: Rovers Seattle is now closed but I’m still a huge fan of Chef Thierry Rautureau a.k.a. The Chef In the Hat. As of 2015, he has two other restaurants well worth checking out if you’re not already a fan.…
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Crunchy Garlic Pasta Chips This is one of those appetizer recipes that came about from an afternoon of experimenting with everything in the cabinet. I was in one of those moods where I just wanted to create something new with mundane ingredients, this time being…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 8 cups chicken stock 7 oz soft or medium tofu, cut into bite sized slivers 1 cup dry wood-ear mushroom, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, drained and thinly sliced 1 cup bamboo shoots, thinly sliced into matchsticks 3 egg whites,…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 2 pounds chicken wings rinsed and patted dry with paper towel 2 tablespoons water 4 tablespoons Lee Kum Kee premium soy sauce 4 teaspoons chicken bouillion powder 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup Lee Kum Kee Thai sweet chili sauce 1 teaspoon…
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Easy Pork Dumplings While dumplings are now widely available in supermarkets around the world in the frozen section, there’s nothing like the taste, texture and aroma of freshly made pork dumplings. With a little time and patience, these dumplings will go as fast as you…
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Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, Thailand is infamous for fabulous seafood. Here’s a classic dish often served on islands like Koh Samui and Phuket. Juicy crab claws are steamed in an aromatic blend of pungent garlic, refreshing Thai Beer and an assortment of fresh herbs.…
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Caffe Abbracci- Best Restaurants in Miami When visiting Miami, there are a few key elements one should not miss. Going to the beach and sipping Cuban coffee are needless to say, part of Miami’s charm. After many trips to the Latin hotspot though, this spoiled…
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Mint- One Of The Most Powerful Healing Herbs The origins of mint are widely debated, made all the more complicated by the many species that are similar and naturally hybridize. Currently, mint grows throughout the world, though it thrives in cooler, damp regions. The mint…
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Easy Appetizers- Avocado & Corn Confetti I didn’t learn to appreciate the mild creaminess of avocado until I was in my late 20’s. Once I did though, I fell completely in love with this super food that contains healthy fats we need for bone and…
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How To Keep Your Skin Glowing & Blemish-Free Whether you live in tropical regions where the heat and humidity are a part of daily life or you’re in an area where summer is right around the corner, keeping your skin glowing and blemish free is…
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Courtyard Restaurant at The Commune by the Great Wall- Best Restaurants in Beijing To date, dining at the Courtyard Restaurant inside The Commune by the Great Wall hotel is one of the most unforgettable culinary experiences of my life. You may have come across other…
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INDRA NOOYI DOB: October 28, 1955 Birthplace: Chennia, India Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: CEO of PepsiCo Residence: United States Dina’s Thoughts Ms. Nooyi is one of the few Asian female CEOs in America, breaking numerous ceilings in women minority’s battle to climb corporate ladders. Her dedication,…
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Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. ~HH Dalai Lama~ I find hope in the darkest of rays and focus on the brightest. ~HH Dalai Lama~ In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher. ~HH Dalai Lama~…
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Black Pepper Beef by Bee Yin Low Easy stir-fries are a staple in Chinese households. They’re time saving, nutritious and incredibly flavorful. Here’s a great Chinese beef stir-fry from my friend, popular cookbook author Bee Yin Low, whose rendition of Black Pepper Beef is both…
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Dealing with Anxiety- Relaxation Meditation At any point during the year, but especially so during holidays for many people, anxiety is a serious situation that can be paralyzing or cause headaches, body aches and breathing problems. The quickest and simplest way to deal with anxiety,…
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Ritz Carlton Jakarta-Best Hotels in Jakarta One enters the majestic lobby feeling as if the best of the Renaissance era has come to life as gleaming marble, crystal chandeliers, rich artwork and stunning flower arrangements envelope the senses. The outside world ceases to exist and…
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Easy Pizza Recipes- Roasted Squash & Tocino Pizza If you’ve never had Filipino Tocino (sweetly flavored boneless meats), you need to go to your nearest Filipino restaurant and try it. The Tocinos I’ve tried have all been either pork or chicken but as I’ve been…
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Sweet Banana Rice Porridge- Easy Breakfast Recipes All types of porridge are eaten across Asia as a very popular breakfast item. From the salty kinds to the sweet, every Asian nation has its homegrown version of this comfort food. Easy breakfast recipes like this lightly sweetened…
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Blueberry Kale Smoothie- Healthy Smoothies Kale has been and will probably continue to be one of the Western world’s favorite leafy green vegetables and with good reason. Its health benefits are numerous and combined with blueberries- a superfruit that have been shown to help improve…
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What to do if you don’t have a mortar & pestle but want to create authentic Asian dishes? This is a question I get asked often by friends who love trying out new Asian dishes but for whatever reason haven’t gotten a mortar & pestle…
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A lesser known sidekick to the infamous Pad Thai is an equally delicious and lighter dish called Pad Woonsen. Like Pad Thai, Pad Woonsen is a stir-fry dish of noodles, vegetables and any selection of meats or seafood. The stark contrast between the two lies…
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Endive Salad with Plantain Chips – Easy Appetizers A little trivia here- endive is popularly believed to be European due to its French name but the plant’s actual origin is traced back to Indonesia or Africa. Health benefits of endive (also known as Belgian Endive)…
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Serves 6 Ingredients 3 teaspoons ground cumin 6 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground turmeric 2 ounces Madras curry powder 1 cup vegetable oil 10 shallots, minced 2 tablespoons garlic 3 tablespoons minced ginger 2 lemongrass, lightly bruised with a cleaver 7 cups coconut milk…
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One of the many beautiful aspects of the San Francisco Bay Area is the plethora of authentic, native cuisine from around the world. In a region with as much culinary sophistication and well roundedness as this, it is all the more a joyful and heartwarming…
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Butternut Squash and Mushroom Stir-fry It’s been about five years since butternut squash and I became best friends and in those years, this Butternut Squash and Mushroom Stir-fry has become a bi-weekly staple in my home cooking repertoire. It’s super easy and quick to prepare,…
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Seamlessly blending the best of modern luxury, fashion and food trends with ancient temples, the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo joins one of the world’s most elite groups of masterpieces. In Tokyo’s famed Roppongi district, this gem features spectacular interiors, occupying floors of Tokyo’s tallest skyscraper. With a…
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Dijon Maple Glazed Pork Chops Using sweet maple and tangy Dijon mustard bring out the natural sweetness of white pork. This is a super easy and quick recipe that uses minimal oil and takes advantage of the convenience of pork chops that are already available…
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Many countries have their own unique version of a mortar & pestle; Thailand is no exception. Being the home of many spectacular dishes that require the distinctive mashed texture that comes from working with the earthen mortar & pestle, Thailand has long been the world’s…
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The Truth About Green Tea Article By: @MayKingTea As a tea note speaker, I’m often asked many questions about tea and green tea in particular. Here are some frequently asked questions and my accompanying answers. Make a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy. Why…
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Mandarin Oriental Munich- Best Hotels in Munich One might think that choosing a hotel in Munich whose corporate background is Asian would be odd, but few, if any other properties offer guests the best of Bavarian luxury and exceptional, detail oriented service. Located ideally on…
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Thailand is synonymous with curry and each region of the country has its distinctive version. This version of Chicken Curry is a classic that can be found throughout Thailand, using typical ingredients and simple techniques. People have a huge misconception that to prepare an intoxicatingly…
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This dish is great for a quick lunch and equally fabulous for an outdoor picnic. It’s creamy from the light mayonnaise but doesn’t feel heavy with the addition of all the fresh vegetables. What makes this a great fusion of flavors is the light scent…
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Sweet Potato Fries with Gochujang Sauce Sweet potatoes have long been a staple in Asia and South America and the craze with sweet potato fries is no surprise. After all, sweet potatoes do pack a wallop in vitamins, more so than their plain potato cousins.…
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To know what you know and to know what you don’t know is the mark of one who truly knows. ~Confucious~ Choose a job you love and you will never have to work. ~Confucious~ Old age is a good and pleasant thing. It is true…
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Nan Xiang Steamed Bun Restaurant has long had a sterling reputation as Shanghai’s premier eatery for the local specialties: delicious Xiao Lung Paos, (traditional Shanghainese steamed Dumplings) along with traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Located right on the lake of the famed Yuyuan Gardens, Nan Xiang boasts…
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Ingredients 2.2 lbs red mullet or similar whole fish 4 tablespoons ShangriLa Bai Mudan tea 1 tablespoon sea salt 3 sticks lemongrass, bruised and roughly chopped 1 orange, peeled and roughly chopped 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, peeled and roughly minced 1 lb seasonal green vegetables,…
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Hoisin Sauce Hoisin, a globally popular Chinese sauce, translates literally in Cantonese to “seafood,” though there is in fact no seafood products that go into its production. Traditionally made from sweet potato, soybeans, sugar, salt, garlic, red chili peppers, vinegar, water and certain types of…
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Mandarin Oriental New York Mandarin Oriental is a reason in itself to visit New York, with its most enviable location overlooking Central Park and sumptuous luxury that few can match. Occupying the 35th to 54th floors of the famed Time Warner building on Columbus Circle,…
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Why Green Tea Shouldn’t Taste Bitter and How To Brew Green Tea Article By: @MayKingTea When I speak to people about tea, they often proceed to tell me that they either hate or love green ea. For those that hate green tea, I will ask…
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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Article By: Dr. Fred Bloem As people age, their hormone levels decline, starting in their twenties and thirties. In addition, toxins and other insults from the environment and food supply are believed to contribute to the development of hormonal imbalances. Bioidentical hormones…
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This quick and easy vegetable dish is one of the most popular and classic Chinese recipes across the world. Gently stir-fried Chinese broccoli is full of antioxidants and essential nutrients but the addition of sweet and savory oyster sauce and fragrant garlic creates a vegetarian…
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Even the rich are hungry for love, for caring, for being wanted and for having someone to call their own. ~Mother Teresa~ If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. ~Mother Teresa~ Love begins by taking care of the closest ones, the…
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Gula Jawa Gula Jawa, also known as Gula Merah, or red sugar, is one of the most severely misinterpreted ingredients in the West. This is a dense sugar derived from the Palmyra Palm but is extremely different from palm sugars typically sold in Western markets.…
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Part of the Ginger family, Turmeric is a root with a light to medium colored brown skin and a rich yellow-orange inside. This is one of the most widely used ingredients in Southeast Asian cooking as part of curries, soups and rice dishes. Used both…
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Frozen Cantaloupe in Strawberry Wine While this is no doubt a fantastic and easy fruit dessert for summertime, it’s also great year round as a palate cleanser or healthy, light dessert. Incredibly easy to make, the natural sweetness of the fruits and vibrant colors make this…
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The Spice Route- Best Restaurants New Delhi Its rating as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by many international publications is no exaggeration. In the ever awe-inspiring Imperial Hotel in Delhi, The Spice Route lives up to its reputation. The menu is…
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The fusion of Japanese and Italian flavors here are a sure-fire hit with everybody. Even kids who are usually picky about eating anything that resembles vegetables gobble this entire dish down because of its flavors. Allowing the chicken to marinate for just a little while…
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Classic Tom Yam Goong is a savory blend of refreshing lemongrass and hot spices. This is a beautiful soup during autumn and winter as the temperatures start dipping. Like every other recipe, it’s very important to use fresh ingredients but even more so when seafood…
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Omorovicza Gold Body Scrub- Luxurious Body Scrubs If you fancy your skin to be as milky smooth as Cleopatra’s was rumored to be, look no further for the “magic elixir” than Omorovicza’s Gold Body Scrub. Delicately scented with an array of floral essences, this luxurious…
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Cilantro a.k.a Coriander- The Love It or Hate It Herb Fresh Coriander Leaves (Cilantro): Native to southern Asia, fresh coriander leaves, commonly known as cilantro and Chinese parsley, is used as an important garnish to Asian salads and soups. Cilantro has a subtle citrusy flavor…
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The past couple of years have seen a huge insurgence of street food carts and trucks, demonstrating that San Francisco’s love of food and entrepreneurship are alive and well. While all of these food truck owners are to be lauded for their Herculean effort in…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 head of Romaine lettuce, roughly chopped 8 cloves garlic, finely minced 1/4 large red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 lb thinly sliced salami 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (~juice of 1 large lime) 2 tablespoons olive oil…
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Though this recipe does require a little bit of time and patience, it is easy to do. Whether you’re cooking for one, a family or a party, the effort will be very much worth it. Light in flavor and texture, pork has never tasted so…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 lb calamari, cleaned and sliced into 1/2 inch thick rings 1/2 cucumber peeled and thinly sliced 3 green onions (scallions) thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 8 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh Thai chilies (bird eye chili peppers), finely…
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Kong Yiji- Best Restaurants Beijing Named after the protagonist in a Lu Xun (considered China’s father of modern literature) story, Kong Yiji boasts an elegant, old world charm with its wooden bookshelves and hanging calligraphy scrolls. A tall bamboo grove and pebble stone walkway immediately…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 large Chinese eggplant, cut into bite-sized chunks 1/2 lb butternut squash, chopped into bite-sized chunks (alternatively, use a melon baller) Salt for sprinkling 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 cloves garlic, finely minced or thinly sliced 4 tablespoons water 1 1/2 tablespoons…
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Galangal In the same family as the ginger root, Galangal is often confused with ginger or turmeric due to similar exteriors. Galangal features the lightest skin amongst the root family, though unlike ginger, it typically has darker, thin brown rings along its root. On the…
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Using a Rice Cooker If you’re making any type of Asian rice in a rice cooker, it’s pretty fool proof. The general rule is a 2 to 1 measurement- 2 cups of water to 1 cup of uncooked rice. This varies slightly depending on exactly…
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In the new millennium, Beijing has set the stage for world-class fine dining. While there is no shortage of authentic delicacies in the mainland’s bustling capital, there are a few culinary destinations that must not be passed by. My Humble House in the Beijing Oriental…
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Teriyaki Chicken Quesadillas I absolutely adore creating fusion recipes that bring flavors and ingredients from Asia and Latin America together. These Teriyaki Chicken Quesadillas are super easy to prepare and require little time; they’re great fun for kids to make as well. Sweet and savory…
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Easy Egg Recipes- Baked Eggs in Shiitake Mushroom While I love breakfast, admittedly I don’t always make the time to eat it given a hectic schedule. Every now and then, I take a few weekends to sit down and create a few interesting and easy…
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Fresh Apple Butter I first came across apple butter in Savannah, Georgia during a wonderful afternoon tea where freshly baked scones were served with this delicious concoction I’d never had before. I asked the proprietor of the tea house what it was and she was…
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As a child, Asian noodles and Italian pasta were an intense obsession for me, both bringing great joys and some of the best memories in my life. As an adult though, I realized that a lot of those same dishes I loved were laden with…
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One of the things I love about my dad’s cooking is its classic homestyle Indian food made super easy and healthy. He and my mom both believed that you could create a great meal without having to spend hours and hours in the kitchen (which…
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Easy Breakfast Recipes- Egg, Spinach & Tomato Loaf Given the size of this dish, it’s easy to make and multiply for a brunch gathering or an entire family. I’m a huge supporter of inserting fresh vegetables wherever possible and here, adding spinach and tomatoes gives…
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I’ve always been in love with tangy dressings that used three basic ingredients of honey, grainy mustard and balsamic vinegar. After trying so many restaurant dressings though, it became clear that most people had an obsession with using copious amounts of olive oil. While out…
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I love combining different favorite foods in new ways. Strawberry and reduced balsamic vinegar is a classic as are honeydew and prosciutto. But all four together? Who would’ve thought that these fresh fruits with salty prosciutto and sweet balsamic syrup is an addictive combination and…
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Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients 10 medium sized fresh tomatoes (~2 lbs), chopped into chunks 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 cloves garlic, smashed 1 can (2 cups) coconut milk 1 3/4 easpoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2…
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Balsamic Pork Chop- Easy Pork Chop Recipe Creating restaurant quality food at home is not as difficult as it may seem. Sometimes, it’s a simple matter of taking good, fresh ingredients and adding one outstanding ingredient that you don’t normally use. In this recipe,…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 6 oz woodear mushroom 7 oz enoki mushroom, ends trimmed 1/2 lb king oyster mushroom, chopped into small bite sized pieces 8 garlic finely minced 1/4 onion thinly sliced 2 scallions finely chopped 2 tablespoons fish sauce Juice of 1/2 lime (~2…
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Dalai Lama Teachings Watch a video of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Emory University giving a speech on the fundamentals of Buddhist teachings. He broaches a broad range of Buddhist subjects, including the difference between Pali versus Sanskrit Buddhist teachings (Theravada versus Mahayana),…
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Here’s my take on a Singaporean favorite. Except for a touch of sesame oil, this chicken uses absolutely no oil in the cooking process. Steaming infuses the heat of the ginger and results in a juicy and tender chicken. This is best served with warm…
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Tropical Fruit with Sugar Salt Dip- Asian Fruit Desserts Not big on heavy sweets and chocolates, Asian desserts have a large spotlight on fresh fruits whether in baked goods or in their raw form. This recipe is so easy it’s error-proof. Don’t be fooled…
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Almond Pudding with Lychee When I was a child, my mother used to make this for me whenever I wasn’t feeling well. Asian medicine believes in a balance of yin and yang forces in our body; in other words, there is a hot and cold, a negative and positive.…
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Serves 4 as main course (2 to 3 thin slices per person) Ingredients 2 lbs boneless pork loin 4 tablespoons plum sauce ½ cup finely ground dark roast coffee 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon ground tarragon 1 teaspoon dried rosemary…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 2 lbs salmon fillet 2 sprigs rosemary, leaves finely chopped + sprig for garnish 6 tablespoons tamarind concentrate 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons apricot preserves 1/2 teaspoon salt + for sprinkling 6 tablespoons half and half 4 tablespoons olive oil Method…
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Ingredients 1/4 cup Chinese black vinegar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/4 cup sweet soy sauce 2 tablespoons spicy chili sauce 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil Method In a medium sized bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until thoroughly blended. Sauce can be kept refrigerated in a…
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AmorePacific Time Renewal Creme- Best Face Creams If you suffer from dry, flaky skin or if you often get that tight, itchy feeling on your face, AmorePacific’s Time Response Skin Renewal Crème is the answer for you. With a delicate peach scent, this ultra-thick and…
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Lemongrass In recent years, lemongrass has become much more widely available in the western hemisphere, allowing for the creation of more authentic Asian dishes. In western supermarkets, lemongrass is usually available in the produce section in an already finely minced paste sold in plastic tubes.…
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Shiseido Men’s Energizing Formula- Best Skincare For Men Throughout my life, I have always had oily skin, which is of course, a blessing and a curse. It has been a decades-long struggle to find the appropriate moisturizer that provides my ever growing need for moisture as I grow…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 1/2 lbs brussel sprouts, ends trimmed and cut into halves or quarters 3 tablespoons olive oil 8 cloves garlic, smashed and roughly chopped 2-3 lap cheong sausages, thinly sliced 4 tablespoons oyster sauce Method In a wok or skillet, dry stir-fry…
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Spice Lab Salts- Gourmet Salts & Spices Whether you’re a seasoned home cook verging on brilliant Master Chef status or a once-in-a-while experimental home cook, the easiest and fastest way to elevate any at-home meal is by incorporating gourmet salts. We all know that food is nothing without the…
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Best Bruschetta Recipes- Brie & Caramelized Onion Bruschetta This party favorite is a marriage of two ingredients I adore- Brie cheese and sweet onions. These bruschetta are amongst the first to run out at gatherings. Crisp French baguette sliced thinly contrasts beautifully with the warm…
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Even people who aren’t crazy about spinach love this dish when I make it. It would take too long to go on about the health benefits of spinach with its sky high levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, magnesium, calcium and fiber. Enough said.…
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Rose Syrup Rose Syrup is an ingredient used in certain Asian countries, predominantly Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and India to flavor and color desserts and beverages. With no remotely similar products anywhere in the world, its presence in recipes cannot be replaced. Each country has its…
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How to Stop Pain & Negative Emotions Article By: Urapa Nontasut Some people have asked me how they can stop feeling pain and negative emotions. Here are 3 things I do. 1. Acknowledge your negative emotions It is healthy to acknowledge your negative emotions. Don’t…
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A lesson learned from vacation: You can try to go through life with smaller baggage. But if you can’t, it’s ok. You are who you are. Just be patient, put more effort and keep going forward. Whoever travels with you will just have to walk…
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Samsung Galaxy S III Review This smartphone was a hands down winner with me the moment I got my hands on it. Watch the video above to see why I fell in love with it. Specs are below. Basic Features: 4.8” HD screen (1280 x…
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Cowgirl Creamery- One of the best cheese in America Cheese- that diabolical dairy decadence that drives us serious foodies to have food porn dreams about. It’s a snack; it’s a beginning to a meal; it’s an end to a meal; it’s in a class all…
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Cafe Juanita has been a landmark in the Seattle region for nearly a decade now and with great reason. Chef and owner Holly Smith set out to create an Italian dining experience for her guests that would challenge and stimulate palates with bold and fresh…
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The only note on these recipes is my dad’s “measurements” are super old-school — in that, there aren’t any. What I’ve found works well is to just play around with the spices and taste as you go. The recipe is really easy so you can’t…
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Friends are the siblings God never gave us. ~Mencius~ Truth uttered before its time is always dangerous. ~Mencius~ The great man is he who does not lose his child-heart. He does not think beforehand that his words shall be sincere, nor that his acts shall…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 lb (~500 g) fresh raw green beans, ends trimmed and chopped into 2 inch length pieces 1 heaping tablespoon shrimp paste 2 tablespoons water 8 garlic cloves 8 red chili peppers (substitute with 1 tablespoon dry ground red chili peppers) 1…
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Sweet and Spicy Crispy Fish This is my twist on the traditional Thai dish where an entire fish is deep fried and glazed with a sweet and sour sauce. Instead of deep frying I keep the fish fillets crisp by using panko bread crumbs and…
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For over thirty years, Mai’s Vietnamese restaurant has been a San Francisco staple, serving generations of locals. Tucked away in the non-touristy area of Clement Street, Mai’s is one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants and has been since childhood days of frequenting the place with…
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While Miami has grown to be one of the Western hemisphere’s hotspots for fusion cuisine, it’s unfortunate that most Miami restaurateurs and chefs in this arena don’t know what they’re doing. One surprising exception is a little hole in the wall appropriately named “Sushi Chef.”…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 3 heaping cups warm cooked rice 2 lap cheong sausages, thinly sliced (optional) 12 cloves garlic finely minced ½ large red onion, finely chopped 1 large handful cilantro, roughly chopped 1 large handful parsley, roughly chopped 4 bok choy, rinsed and finely…
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Garlic Edamame Recipe- Healthy Eating Made Easier By now, parboiled Edamame lightly salted is standard appetizer fare at Japanese restaurants the world over. Edamame, or soy bean pods, have a high nutritional content with a major dose of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. This easy…
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It’s been a few years now since David Chang has risen to iconic status in the culinary world and he’s showing no signs of slacking off on his proven authenticity and genius. New York’s Momofuku Noodle Bar has become a city staple- drawing in locals…
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Roasted Red Cabbage Many of us forget that cabbage exists; it’s not the tastiest of vegetables and for a long time, it was ignored for more trendy leafy greens. Red cabbage deserves more than a passing glance though- this powerhouse vegetable has an enormous amount…
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The Truth About Caffeine Article By: @MayKingTea As a child I remember playing the game Chinese Whispers and it was always a lot of fun at the end of the game when we discover what was originally said compared to what was finally said. I…
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Quinoa Egg Tartlets- Easy Breakfast Recipes Talk about getting your healthy proteins and vegetables in early in the day- these egg tartlets blast the notion that breakfast has to be time consuming or complicated to taste good and be nutritious. Prep time is all of…
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The Truth About Oolong Tea @MayKingTeaArticle By: Type “Oolong” tea into your favourite search engine (such as Google or Bing) and you are going to be inundated with websites that proclaim oolong as a fat-busting, miracle-working, weight loss tea. I hate to disappoint you folks…
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As part of the 31 story Pacific Century Place, Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi provides discerning travelers with a contemporary and elegant oasis in one of the world’s most bustling and technologically advanced cities. With a mere 57 guest suites, Four Seasons maintains their world-famous…
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So I admit I may be very biased here but Chatterbox Café at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel has been one of my favorite restaurants in the world since I was a little girl. My family has been frequenting this restaurant from generations ago; to say…
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Most of us have had those moments where we don’t know what to do with leftover rice, either from restaurant take-out or from cooking at home. This easy recipe spruces up old rice into something brand new and exciting. Though I use asparagus here, you…
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Lee Kum Kee has been my first choice of products for cooking ever since I can remember. Not only is it widely available throughout most of the world, it is also the most reliable in taste and quality. All of my recipes that use ingredients…
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Eat this with plain rice and make the sauce as hot as you like. In Bengal the mustard seeds are ground at home, but to make matters simpler I have used shop-bought mustard powder. Halibut may be used instead of salmon. This very traditional dish…
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Smoked Salmon Tapenade in Cucumber Cups Smoked salmon with cream cheese on bagels used to be one of my favorite comfort foods. Knowing how caloric that little sandwich is, I decided to remove the bread and rework my favorite flavors into an adorable and addictive…
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Breast Cancer Survivor Chooses Hormone Replacement Article By: Dr. Fred Bloem One of my patients wrote the following: “I am a 42 year old breast cancer survivor, and I have been struggling with hormonal imbalance and weight issues since completing chemotherapy and to top it…
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Tropical and sophisticated Singapore is home to a plethora of good hotels but few can proudly lay claim to being the best. The Ritz Carlton Millennia has been stunning guests from around the globe for well over a decade. A spectacular combination of avant-garde showpieces,…
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Eggplant is my favorite vegetable- one that I think is greatly under-appreciated. In this dish I use a simple but powerful technique I learned from a chef in Beijing that helps minimize the amount of oil needed for cooking since eggplant typically acts like a…
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Not your run of the mill sweet and sour dish, this salmon recipe will have your family and friends begging for more. It’s easy and doesn’t take much time but the results are beautiful. With vibrant flavors to complement salmon’s natural boldness, this dish pairs…
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Crepes with Banana Flambe Contrary to popular belief, crepes are actually very easy to make even in a pretty bare kitchen as long as you have a non-stick skillet and butter. It does require a bit of time but this is a dessert that never…
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Food courts are synonymous with Singapore with at least one on every block. It’s hard to go wrong in a culinary meccah like Singapore but inevitably, some food courts are better than others. Now call me sentimental but one of my all time favorite food…
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Easy Crispy Fried Chicken Ingredients 8 chicken pieces (mixed assortment of breasts, legs and wings) 2 cups coconut milk 4 tablespoons garlic powder (half for wet mixture + half for dry mixture) 2 tablespoons onion powder (half for wet mixture + half for dry mixture)…
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Oyster Mushroom Oyster Mushroom’s origins are arguable given their easy cultivation across numerous geographic regions, though they grow best in temperate areas. These should not be confused with another similar species now commonly sold as King Oyster mushrooms that share the coloring of oyster mushroom…
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Kan Eang Seafood has become an institution in Phuket, a favorite of both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant was established well over three decades ago, growing from a virtually unknown, tiny eatery to the 40 acre plus garden and beach restaurant it is today,…
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Easy Asian Appetizers- Chicken Satay Many nations in Asia have a version of Satay but here’s my favorite recipe for this scrumptious chicken on skewers. If you have an outdoor grill, you’ll definitely produce the most authentic flavors but nonetheless, you can oven roast the…
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Dedicated as a national heritage site, Antique House in Chiang Mai transports guests to a bygone era of Lanna Royal Dining. With beautiful teakwood furniture and carvings, soft lighting and a host of Thai knickknacks, the house converted into a restaurant is always filled with…
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Spindrift- Healthiest Soda Alternative What do we need to get through hot, muggy summer days? An icy cold drink. What do we not need? Drinks loaded with excess sugar and calories for no reason. Enter Spindrift- the answer to our thirsty prayers. I was lucky…
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Serves 6 to 8 (small soup bowls) Ingredients 6 cups (~1.5 liters) vegetable stock 10 large asparagus stalks, ends trimmed and cut in 2 inch pieces ½ head medium sized cauliflower, roughly chopped 1 cup celery, roughly chopped 8 cloves garlic 1 cup fresh spinach…
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Sweet and Tangy Cabbage Salad I can hear the naysayers who think cabbage is a boring vegetable with no redeeming qualities other than its myriad health benefits. This easy, healthy cabbage salad will change even the most anti-cabbage people out there. Thinly sliced red cabbage…
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Bamboo 52 – Sushi Bar in NY If you’re searching for a restaurant and lounge that makes you feel like you’re in a fantasy world between New York and Japan, Bamboo 52 is it. The moment you walk through the front glass doors, the outside…
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Toshiba Satellite Series Laptops- Qosmio Review Starting At: $999.99 As Tested: $1849.99 Toshiba builds exceptional electronics. Their Satellite Series laptops are among the most popular PCs on the market but when you think of Toshiba you don’t think of sheer computing power. Well, think again.…
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Shree Balaji Chaat- Best Street Food Delhi Though India is home to many of the world’s finest and classiest restaurants, a true traveler and foodie cannot leave India without venturing through crowded, narrow streets with the alluring scent of frying ghee and steaming Masala Chai.…
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Makes 1 small bowl Ingredients 14 garlic cloves Handful of fresh cilantro (leaves & stems) Handful of fresh Thai basil leaves 2 scallions roughly chopped Juice of 1 fresh lime (~ 4 tablespoons) 2/3 cup olive oil 3/4 teaspoon salt Method Using a food processor…
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Makes 4 Chicken Quarters Ingredients 4 chicken leg quarters 6 tablespoons sweet soy sauce 4 tablespoons plum sauce 4 tablespoons apricot jam or preserves 3 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste Method Place the chicken legs in a…
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There are a variety of bamboo species harvested for human consumption, each of which boasts different sizes, textures, colors and flavors. Bamboo is lauded for its high fiber content, protein and Vitamin B6. It is extremely popular throughout Asian cuisine, though different regions use the…
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Tropical Fruit Parfait- Easy Breakfast Recipes I’m a huge believer in delicious, nutritious and quick breakfasts. The day just doesn’t feel like it’s starting on a great note without the right kind of energy boost. This tropical fruit parfait combines nutrient rich yogurt and antioxidant…
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One of the most invaluable tools in any Asian kitchen is of course, the wok. The type of wok you need depends on whether you have an electric or gas range. Home cooks with gas stoves are most lucky as nothing beats the quality or…
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The Peninsula Hotel Chicago- Best Hotels In Chicago Beyond a shadow of a doubt, The Peninsula is Chicago’s best hotel in all senses. Here is a property that lives up to its reputation of indulgent luxury while encouraging guests to feel unabashedly at home. Simply…
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Makes 1 small bowl Ingredients 40 cloves garlic 6 thumb-sized pieces ginger, peeled and cut in chunks 6 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil ½ teaspoon salt Method Place all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse a few times until smooth. Kept in…
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Makes 14 Pieces Ingredients 3 1/2 ounces finely diced roast duck (about 3/4 cup) 3 tablespoons finely diced dried apricots 2 tablespoons minced garlic chives 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper Gin Doi Dough 2 cups glutinous rice…
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Cold salads can get so boring and unfulfilling but the addition of a warm, pan-fried flounder on a bed of mixed spring greens adds a sense of “real_meal” to this dish. Minimal vegetable oil used for pan-frying keeps this a heart and weight healthy option,…
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MIC Injections: Adjunctive Weight Loss Treatment- Alternative Weight Reduction Treatments Article By: Dr. Fred Bloem MIC injections are among the newest adjunctive therapies that I am offering to my patients as part of their weight reduction treatment. The primary weight reduction protocol that I recommend…
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Viking Stoves- Best High End Stoves As someone who has spent a good deal of her life in the kitchen, I have always known that using the best products and appliances makes a vital difference in the outcome of the food we create. Whether it’s…
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Serves 4 Ingredients 28 oz firm tofu cut into thick slices Garlic powder for sprinkling 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 scallions finely chopped 6 tablespoons soy sauce Juice of 1 lemon or lime 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Method Place the tofu pieces on a plate…
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There is no greater delicacy than that of superb quality sashimi. When you start with such an ingredient, little else can go wrong. This is my recipe for a classic Japanese favorite- spicy tuna with mixed greens. It’s a super easy recipe to follow requiring…
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Best Restaurants in Tokyo- Nakasei Forget whatever notions of tempura you may have had from eating this Japanese delicacy in the Western world. Nakasei has been in business since 1870 and has lasted this long with very good reason. Unlike the versions of tempura most…
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Not to be confused with snow peas, sugar snap peas, also known as just snap peas, is a fuller bodied pod vegetable highly popular in Chinese cuisine. Unlike the thin, flat snow pea, sugar snap peas have a thicker, voluminous body with more pronounced ends.…
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Amanpuri- Forever One of Thailand’s Best Luxury Hideaways It was many years ago when I first set foot at Amanpuri, in awe of its stunning beauty- intricately carved rooves, azure tiles and hand-crafted teak furniture. This was one of my earlier visits to an Aman…
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As someone who loves to eat flavorful but healthful foods, I allow myself certain indulgences every now and then. Crispy, savory fried chicken is one of my ultimate favorite indulgences. Sometimes, when I’m too lazy to make homemade fried chicken, admittedly, I will buy from…
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Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients 9 cups unsalted chicken or vegetable stock ~14 oz (400 grams) silken tofu, chopped into large chunks 4 red bell peppers, stems removed and cut into quarters 10 cloves garlic 1 ½ teaspoons salt ¼ teaspoon white pepper 2 teaspoons…
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Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo- Best Hotel in Venice Located on Giudecca Island, just a short gondola ride away from San Marco, Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo is, as its name suggests, a Venetian palace where old-world charm and modern amenities allow guests to experience an Italian…
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Avocado Milkshake- Healthy Milkshakes Asians love incorporating all kinds of tropical fruits into our beverages and desserts. Avocado, being one of the most popular fruits, is commonly used in healthy milkshakes. Avocado milkshake is incredibly easy to prepare and has a smooth, mellow flavor sweetened…
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Roasted Bok Choy with Szechuan Pepper Salt With all the kale craze of the past few years, you might have forgotten that other leafy greens like Bok Choy not only exist, but they pack even more antioxidants and nutrients than “it” vegetable kale. I’ve got…
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Mango with Sticky Rice This is likely one of, if not the most popular Thai desserts outside of Thailand. Sweet, ripe, juicy mango paired with coconut infused sticky rice is as tropical and delicious as it gets. If you’re not familiar with how to cook sticky…
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Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai was founded in the late 1800’s and is renowned for its beautiful white jade Buddha statues as well as numerous gold figures. As an active Buddhist monastery and learning center, this temple draws both locals and tourists alike. With a…
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Southeast Asian, Korean, Indian and Szechuan cooking all share an intense passion for spicy food. One of the most popular and widely used ingredients to create this spiciness is bird’s eye chili peppers. These peppers are typically harvested when they are about one inch long…
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Salmon Carpaccio with Ponzu Mustard Dressing If I could transport myself from Japan to Italy and back in an instant, I’d be thrilled. From salmon sashimi to salmon carpaccio, I never say no to salmon in all its beautiful omega glory. With a savory and…
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One of the easiest tools to use in an Asian kitchen is a good quality rice cooker. I can’t imagine any modern day kitchen without one as this saves on time, cleanup and effort for cooking perfect, fluffy rice. You should follow the general instructions…
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Classic Seaweed Soup In Korea, Seaweed Soup is always served and eaten on birthdays as seaweed is seen as a youth and longevity elixir. In China, seaweed is seen as a delicacy, once reserved for royalty. It is best known for its high content of…
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Mini Frozen Chocolate Banana Skewers Remember childhood days spent at carnivals or fairs? One of my favorite parts of going to a place like Disneyland was getting the frozen banana popsicles. Here’s my twist on that childhood favorite, replacing milk chocolate with a healthier but…
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Kafir Lime Leaves Taken from the leaves of the Kafir Lime, these vibrant green leaves add an unmistakably fresh aroma to Southeast Asian cuisine. Used in many soups, salads and stir-fries, Kafir Lime Leaves are unique and impossible to substitute. The actual limes are tiny,…
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Health Benefits of Pu’Erh Tea Article By: @MayKingTea When I was growing up, my parents, brother, sister and myself would pop into Manchester in the UK on a Sunday afternoon along with hundreds of other Chinese families and have Dim Sum (or as I’ve recently…
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AMY TAN DOB: February 19, 1952 Birthplace: California, United States Ethnicity: Chinese American Occupation: Writer Residence: California, United States Born in the US to immigrant parents from China, Amy Tan failed her mother’s expectations that she become a doctor and concert pianist. She settled on…
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ANJALI BANERJEE DOB: Unknown Birthplace: India Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: Indian Residence: Seattle, Washington Dina’s Thoughts Banerjee has long been creating prize winning literary jewels for both children and adults with a uniquely witty and accessible voice. As one of the most popular and best selling…
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The Peninsula Hong Kong- Best Hotel in Hong Kong While there may be many famous addresses in Hong Kong, none can quite compete with The Peninsula. Classic luxury meets the most sophisticated and modern technology at this hotel, offering guests the perfect combination of pampered…
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INDIGO IS NOW CLOSED DUE TO A FIRE. PLEASE FOLLOW @ASIANFUSIONGIRL FOR UPDATES ON INDIGO OWNER AND CHEF GLENN CHU. What better place than Hawaii to partake in Asian Fusion cuisine? Owner and Chef Glenn Chu has made Indigo a Honolulu staple for well over…
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Gramercy Tavern I’m usually very weary of establishments that have anything to do with “American” food because I don’t really know what that means. Lucky for America, the brilliant Danny Meyer and his world-class team have given a tangible and lovable definition to that clichéd…
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BEACON LA IS NOW CLOSED. In a city as massive and spread out as Los Angeles, it’s easy to get lost in a maze of restaurants that all claim to be the best at what they do. Unfortunately, few live up to the hype and…
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GLENN CHU Dina’s Thoughts A native of Honolulu, Chef Glenn Chu, owner and executive chef of Indigo, found his roots in his grandmother’s kitchen early on. Coming from a Chinese American family, Chef Glenn grew up having the opportunity to watch his grandmother cooking up…
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CHEF KAZUTO MATSUSAKA Dina’s Thoughts As owner and executive chef of Los Angeles’ popular Beacon Restaurant, Chef Kazuto has become, in my opinion, one of the best Asian American chefs. He left his native Japan at the tender age of 22, hoping to become what…
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CHEF JAY MARIADOSS Dina’s Thoughts Most renowned chefs begin illustrious careers by skillfully mastering their native cuisines before venturing into foreign territories. This wasn’t the case for Jay Mariadoss, owner/chef of Indian Palate. Then again, Jay isn’t just another chef. Born in a remote area…
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Our thinking and our behavior are always in anticipation of a response. It is therefore based on fear. ~Deepak Chopra~ In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside you. ~Deepak Chopra~ If you want to reach a state of bliss, then go beyond…
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Green Papaya Salad- Som Tam Thailand has a few dishes that are widely recognized throughout the world and Som Tam is definitely one of the standouts. Some of my best memories in life are of wading through the Chao Praya River in Bangkok and eating…
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Real Pad Thai There are so many versions of this classic Thai dish and few truly reflect the authentic flavors of old Siam. Having traveled throughout Thailand extensively, I have created my version of the recipe by combining flavors and techniques I’ve learned from many…
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Thai Style Spicy Beef Salad Thai Salads are incredibly nutritious and easy to prepare. Spicy Beef Salad has become one of the most popular dishes both in Asian and the West. Around Thailand, each region has its own interpretations. This recipe is derived from the…
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LAKSHMI MITTAL DOB: Jun 15, 1950 Birthplace: Rajasthan, India Ethnicity: Indian Occupation: CEO Arcelor Mittal Steel Residence: United Kingdom Dina’s Thoughts Mr. Mittal has created the world’s largest steel company which produces the steel used for one in every five cars in existence. He has…
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When going to posh restaurants, notice that often, the best dishes are the ones that are incredibly simple. The key lies in using the freshest, organic ingredients possible and in showcasing bold flavors. Here’s a great salad recipe that takes less than 5 minutes to…
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Banana Oatmeal Smoothie Who says that breakfast has to be time consuming or elaborate? Here’s a super quick breakfast smoothie that has kept me addicted for years. Creamy, naturally sweet and so yummy, this Banana Oatmeal Smoothie will make it hard to believe that it’s…
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Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie Need a quick breakfast on the go? This Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie is a perfect breakfast for both adults and kids. Vine ripened strawberries balance with sweet bananas, turning regular milk and raw oats into a satisfying energy boosting breakfast. This is one…
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SOMALY MAM DOB: n/a Birthplace: Cambodia Ethnicity: Cambodian Occupation: Activist Residence: Cambodia EDITOR’S NOTE- MAY 2014: Due to the recent allegations against Somaly Mam, I struggled with the idea of removing her from my list of International Icons. However, regardless of the outcome of these…
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Tea Truths – Making Sure We’re on the Same Tea Page Article Author: @MayKingTea “Tea is dehydrating, so if you want a hot drink then go for herbal tea instead.” I know: I nearly spilled my Travel Mug and spat out my tea when a speaker…
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Creamy Lychee Saketini- Easy Cocktail Recipes On warm evenings, there’s little else that can cool you down better than the perfect cocktail. Here’s one of my easy cocktail recipes using one of my favorite tropical fruits- lychee, paired with a classic Asian alcohol- sake. Light, creamy…
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Easy Homemade Iced Tea Remember the old days where you had to boil water for hot tea then wait for it to cool down before you could put it in the fridge or add ice cubes for iced tea? No need for all that wait…
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Peaches’n Cream- Healthy Peach Smoothie Something about the flavors of peaches’n cream brings back fond childhood memories of traveling in the southern states with my parents. Right in the middle of summer, we’d pluck those fuzzy peaches right off the trees and I remember how…
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Bodacious Blueberry Smoothie Serves 4 Ingredients 3 cups blueberries 1 ½ large banana, roughly chopped 2 big handful fresh spinach leaves 2 tablespoon honey (optional) 3 cups almond milk (substitute soy milk or regular milk) 2 cups crushed ice Method Place all the ingredients into…
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Watermelon Lychee Smoothie This is one of my favorite smoothies ever, the watermelon making this very light and refreshing while ripe, naturally sweet lychees lend a distinctive tropical flavor. Coconut water has been my liquid of choice lately though you can substitute any type of…
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Cooling Kale & Honeydew Smoothie If you’re looking to help your own digestion or if you are having skin problems, this Cooling Kale and Honeydew Smoothie is perfect for you. Cucumber helps calm inflammation of all types and helps de-puff bloated skin. Kale gives you…
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Bok Choy & Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry Enough cannot be said about the pairing of fresh green leafy vegetables with mushroom, particularly shiitake mushroom. Shiitake mushrooms are high in an amino acid named eritadenine, which has been shown to greatly reduce high cholesterol levels. Another component…
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Trying to get kids to eat vegetables can be one of the hardest things to do. Even grown-ups get bored with the same leafy greens every day. I created this sunset stir-fry from the vibrant colors of yellow squash and orange carrots, quickly stir-frying them…
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All material from Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines introduces the Singapore Airlines Suites offering Luxury In A New Light. The Singapore Airlines Suites features an armchair upholstered by renowned Poltrona Frau of Italy and is up to 35″ wide. In a world’s first on an aircraft,…
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Singapore Airlines has revolutionised air travel with innovation at the heart of the A380’s new products. Singapore Airlines Suites: A Class Beyond First. A 35″ wide armchair upholstered by masters at Poltrona Frau and a separate mattress, the Singapore Airlines Suites are the height of…
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Clio Restaurant- Best Restaurants in Boston Clio Restaurant with Chef Ken Oringer at the helm catapults Boston into world-class cuisine status. Here is a French restaurant with Japanese and fusion accents that defies all previous expectations or notions one might have. With classically beautiful beige…
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