Foodle

One of the naughtier things I learned a decade ago, in London, was to whisper “carte blanche” to a chef. I had just interviewed Mikael Jonsson and hadn’t been to his Michelin-starred Hedone. So I called, emboldened glutton I was: Would Jonsson cook his heart’s desire, price no object? “Come tonight,” he replied. “Alone.”

Three trains later, having crossed from Zone 3 East to Zone 3 West, I found one empty seat and an expressionless Jonsson pulling out a barely skinned hen, its neck as long as a baby’s forearm. “Capon de Bresse,” he announced proudly. His expression shifted when he asked if I’d like black truffles with the capon, and I declined (price no longer an object). But the bird needed no accoutrements. It was glorious, the purest distillation of a prized bird: so silky that it surrendered under a fish knife.

It also added £100 to a £240 menu.

I spent the weeks after being haunted by this bird, as expensive chickens are entitled to do, and I’ve found myself chasing its likeness ever since. Lately, I’m happy to report that at @torikaze.hk, the chicken is alive and well. Poultry purists may argue that this Hong Kong outpost of Tokyo’s famed Torishiki doesn’t use the breed befitting its progenitor, but local three-yellow birds have their virtues, especially with Kishu charcoal and Ryo Matsui, Ikegawa’s protégé, at the grill. The best thing besides savoring the 11-ish skewers — plus the small plates, donabe and dessert — is watching the itamae turn skewers singed and coaxed by charcoal behind three panes of glass, under a beast of a range hood that erases any whiff of gastronomic spelunking on a Monday night, as I did in March, on the 45th floor of an office building in Central.

At times the fattiness gets out of hand, as it did with a few offal pieces. But in almost every regard, the handsome char on the oyster, gizzard, heart, and inner thigh — highlights of the gently-priced $780 HKD omakase — made me swoon, as did the juices gathering beneath blistered skins. The sweet potato and golden beetroot sing, too.

Not every expensive memory deserves a sequel, but this one did. Thank you, @theforksandspoons852 for paving the way.

📍Torikaze
🍽️ Mar ‘26 Less

Celebrating Branchwater's Smooth Transition Under New Ownership

🌟 Exciting news for foodies! @branchwater.vickery in Cumming has seamlessly transitioned to new ownership under the talented Katy Curkendall. The long-time GM wisely kept the winning formula intact while introducing delightful new dishes!

🍽️ One standout is the house-smoked salmon, a delightful addition that wasn't on the menu under the previous owner, Todd Hogan as least as far as I recall. Served with spicy tarragon aioli and warm pita, it's a must-try appetizer that's quickly becoming a favorite.

🥨 And for those who love a classic, the beer pretzel remains a star, now even more indulgent with a buttery twist. The decadent mustard bacon horseradish sour cream elevates this pretzel and dip combo to unrivaled heights.

🥩 For weekend indulgence, the prime rib is a treat, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of flavor-packed fat. Seafood lovers, rejoice! The menu now boasts more seafood options than before.

🌊 Forsyth County continues to shine with one of the best American staple restaurants around. Todd Hogan's legacy of perfection is still felt, but Branchwater under Katy Curkendall is writing its own delicious chapter.

📍 Visit Branchwater and savor the incredible flavors that are winning hearts and taste buds!

❤️ #BranchwaterCumming #FoodieFavorites #NewBeginnings Less

Newsday published my article on @gasalongthai.ny in Great Neck, Long Island this week, and I’m saying now, this is one to watch. I just went for lunch by myself, but I left thinking I want to come back with more people and try more of the Northern Thai dishes from the menu. I was really impressed by the beautiful lanterns, sophisticated restaurant design and interesting dishes from Chiang Mai. It honestly reminded me of my brother’s old restaurant Glai Baan in Phoenix. Link in bio for what to order.

@newsdayfeedme Less

Next time you go on a bagel run down the shore, you have to check out Bradley Beach Bistro Bagels 🥯 The bagels here are very fresh and there’s something for everyone 🔥 My recommendation is the Poppyseed Bagel with Chive Cream Cheese 😋 Be sure to check it out and click the bio link for more on this place 🙌🏻

#bagels #njbagelsarethebest #bradleybeachbistrobagels #poppyseedbagel #chivecreamcheese Less

X @firin.bakery

SICILIAN STYLE PIZZAS 🍕 🇮🇹

Fully HMS certified halal spot that not enough people know about. From Turkish to desi to American fusion bakery items..but their pizzas are what you need to go for ASAP 🤤

No additives..no artificial coloring and no bleached flour, it reminded me of the bakery stops i was many in Roma walking around 😋
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#halal #italian #turkish #dfw #musthave Less

FAMILY DINNER @enzospizzeria_ 🍕🇮🇹
One of our favorite family dinner spots in Westwood is Enzo’s because there truly is something for everyone on the menu. From giant pizzas to classic Italian comfort food, nobody leaves hungry.
The kids are obsessed with their HUGE New York-style pizzas—the bigger, the better! They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, birthday parties, game days, and honestly, the leftovers are just as good the next day.
We started with the Caesar salad and garlic knots, which is always the perfect combo. Then came my favorite: the Baked Ziti. Tender pasta tossed in marinara, layered with mozzarella and ricotta, and baked until bubbly and golden. The sauce clings to every bite of pasta perfectly, making it the ultimate comfort food.
We also had to order their Chicken Parm Sandwich, a fan favorite for good reason, and their Large Sausage Calzone. Stuffed with melty cheese and savory fillings, the crust is one of my favorite parts—soft, flaky, and baked to golden perfection. The ricotta inside makes every bite even better.
And of course, no Italian feast is complete without dessert. Their tiramisu was the perfect ending to the meal, with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa that melts in your mouth.
A delicious meal, plenty of leftovers, and happy kids = the perfect family dinner night. ❤️🍕 #WestwoodEats #LAFoodie @piggie_la #enzospizzeria Less