OAKLAND | Shiba Ramen (review + vlog)

Back in January, Oakland celebrated its Restaurant Week as part of Restaurant Month all over California. The list of participating locations was such a diverse lineup of the city's culinary standouts, and trying to choose only ONE place to visit was the best problem to have. Ultimately, Kevin and I went with Shiba Ramen because ramen is one of his absolute favorite foods to eat, and we're both always open to try places that are new to us...but after a little more research, I found out that the restaurant has a bit of a unique background, as well!

SAN FRANCISCO | R & G Lounge and Chinatown (+vlog)

I finally have a new vlog ready for you! You can join me for lunch at R & G Lounge for some of their famous salt and pepper crab...We'll stroll through San Francisco's Chinatown...and we'll grab some goodies at Yummy Bakery & Cafe, too! I'm also here to bring you a little Christmas joy in the middle of March... ;)

SACRAMENTO | Birthday Brunch at Pushkin's

Brunch is pretty much my #1 favorite meal on the planet. (I mean, have you seen all the delicious food from my Yountville trip??) So when my cousin Stacey suggested brunch to celebrate my birthday this year, it only took about 0.268 seconds to shout "YASSS!" *praise hands*

I chose Pushkin's because the bakery and restaurant are beloved Sacramento staples, and it's been on my radar for a while, but I've never been before. This seemed like as good a time as any to try something new, and it was also the perfect midpoint for Stacey and I to meet. So we wrangled up our boyfriends, and we head out for our morning double date...

NAPA | Yountville Getaway ( review + vlog)

If you've been searching for the perfect spot for a romantic weekend getaway, I'm here to tell you the answer: Yountville. This Napa valley town is the picturesque destination for all your wine-and-dine needs! My boyfriend Kevin and I enjoyed just a one-night stay, but we were able to pack so much into our trip and had the best time. (Even the storm that weekend couldn't get us down!) Here are the places that I think are definitely worth adding to YOUR itinerary...

I Am... Simply Jullie Anne

2019...here's to a new year, a new website, AND a new YouTube channel! I know it's been quite some time since I've been able to blog regularly, so I figure this is as good a time as any to reintroduce myself...I actually started blogging about seven years ago, as Mangoes & Palm Trees. It was my OG baby, and while I was in culinary school, that blog was my outlet. In the middle of well kept uniforms and classical French techniques, it was the creative oasis I craved. I mostly posted recipes inspired by my Filipino roots back then, with other Asian/Pacific Islander influences sprinkled in, and many of them were hearty comfort foods. Some of these creations were featured on sites like The Kitchn, Parade, The Chic Site by Rachel Hollis, and even Buzzfeed.