2022 September List | 2022 九月清單

In the blink of an eye it’s already September! My mom came right before my birthday. I haven’t seen her in person for almost three years, and now she’s going to be a grandma! By the time that this post gets uploaded, we would already be (sleep-deprived) parents!

一瞬間就到九月了!我媽趕在我生日前來美國,沒想到快三年沒見到我媽,這次來就準備當阿嬤了!而當我把這篇文章上傳時,我們已經當爸媽了(缺睡眠中!)

Piper

105 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054
http://www.piperoceanside.com/

Our impromptu date night because UN and I took a long afternoon nap and we didn’t want to cook. Lately we have been taking advantage of every opportunity to sleep in or nap as much as we can. I used to feel that napping is a waste of precious time, but we have been advised by our friends that such opportunities for sweet dreams won’t come by very often when our babies arrive. We picked this restaurant which shares the same namesake as our neighbor’s dog. The food did not disappoint. I have to say Oceanside really has changed a lot. I hope you guys can come visit and even take a stroll by the beach after dinner!

我和UN(因午覺睡太久,不想煮飯)的約會日!最近能睡就睡,完全不會覺得浪費時間,畢竟孩兒們出來後就很難有這種機會了。選擇這家餐廳純屬我們最近照顧鄰居狗狗和餐廳同名,食物完全沒有讓我們失望。只能說Oceanside真的變好多,希望大家能來這裡玩。用餐後還能到海邊走走!

Our goal is to eat all of the flavors here and create a flavor guide like we did with Blue Seal Ice Cream in Okinawa! Even my mom likes it, except that she has more self-discipline than we do. No wonder she’s able to keep her figure while we are gaining weight. If you don’t know which flavor to order, just ask the worker for recommendations!

目標是把全部口味試一遍(把這裡當成沖繩Blue Seal Ice Cream)!連我媽都覺得好吃,只是我們不像我媽這麽有紀律只吃一口(難怪我們天天臉腫),我們一口接一口,完全停不下來!P.S.店員推薦口味都非常棒!

Fishing with Dynamite

1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
http://eatfwd.com/

It is said that this restaurant is very busy everyday and a reservation is hard to come by. But we were super lucky to be seated right away without reservation! Their crab cake is seasoned with Old Bay and tastes very different from California crab cakes.

據說這是一家天天超忙且位置超難拿到的餐廳,真開心我們馬上拿到位置!Crab Cake是東岸Old Bay口味,和加州常吃到的crab cake味道不太一樣。

Dija Mara

232 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
http://www.dijamara.com/

Cereal Prawn is a must order! An unthinkable combination, but simply perfect! Reminds me of the cereal milk from Milk Bar in New York, except this is on a flavorful dish!

絕對要點Cereal Prawn,意想不到的搭配完全是絕配!讓我想到在紐約的Milk Bar,只是這是鹹食!

Sugar and Scribe Bakery

7660 Fay Ave Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
https://www.sugarandscribe.com/

This shop is full of my favorite desserts, and the decorations are very Instagrammable. I will definitely try their croissants next time.

店裡滿滿我想吃的甜食,擺設也非常適合拍照。下次來,我一定要試看看可頌。

The Yellow Deli

315 E Broadway, Vista, CA 92084
http://yellowdeli.com/

Found another chain sandwich restaurant that I like! If you are a bread connoisseur, you must come and try their sandwiches. My favorite is Deli Rose, and my mom likes the salmon sandwich. You can skip the salad!

又找到一家我喜歡的連鎖三明治店。如果你覺得三明治的麵包很重要,一定要來這裡!我最喜歡的是Deli Rose,我媽則喜歡鮭魚三明治。至於沙拉,可以不用點!

Javier’s

4301 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 1000, San Diego, CA 92122
http://www.javiers-cantina.com/

Came here with my Uncle and Auntie to cross off this restaurant that has been on my list for the longest time. Their enchiladas are stuffed with fresh ingredients from the sea, simply yum! Caution, salsa and chips are very spicy, yet delicious! Compared to their namesake restaurant in New York, this one in California has more of a chill vibe to it!

我的叔叔阿姨帶我們來吃這家放在我的清單上好久的餐廳,沒想到也是他們喜歡的餐廳之一!真材實料的enchiladas,滿滿的海鮮是我們的最愛!Salsa and chips,很辣但很過癮!和紐約的Javier’s比起來,這裡滿滿加州悠閒感!

CREDO Marriage Retreat

CREDO Marriage Retreat is hosted by Navy Chaplains, and they also have family retreats! I’m grateful to God that we are able to attend one marriage retreat before I give birth! We have been wanting to attend one since we were in Okinawa, but they always get filled up fast! During the retreat, both UN and I were worried that our babies would come in the middle of one of the sessions, but neither of us expressed our concerns until we got home. Funny that we had the same thing on our minds! From this retreat, my favorite takeaway is Daily Temperature Reading, a great way to get to know each other on a deeper level through simple questions every day. Before the retreat started, UN and I went for a walk outside of the hotel in the marina. A couple noticed us from their yacht and invited us for a visit! UN’s dream is to own a boat/yacht one day, and this invitation sent him over the moon! We both learned so much about yacht living, and UN is one step closer to achieving his dream!

CREDO是美國海軍牧師辦的婚姻營,也有專門給家庭的營會!太感謝神我們竟然能在生小孩前參加CREDO婚姻營!在沖繩時,每次只要CREDO一放消息,立刻報名滿人,我們幾乎沒機會參加!這次參加婚姻營,我和UN都超怕我上課上到一半需要去生小孩,卻不敢說出口,直到我們平安回家才敢提出來,原來我倆頭腦都在想一樣的事!這次上課,我覺得最有幫助的是Daily Temperature Reading,讓平日對話能更深入更了解對方!題外話:上課前,我們在飯店外散步,一對情侶邀我們到他們的船參觀!UN夢想擁有一艘遊艇,這個邀約讓UN開心到不行,讓我更了解遊艇人生,好像很可行耶!

Valle Guadalupe Valley Kitchen


222 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054
valleoceanside.com

Very special date night for UN and I! Not only did my mom keep wanting us to have date night, but it was also our last date night before our babies arrive. It also happened to be San Diego Restaurant Week. UN picked this place next to the beach where we can see the sunset and enjoy our dinner at the same time. Every dish was so perfect from the beginning to the end! I W YOU BOO!

這個約會日非常特別,不但是我媽一直叫我們去約會(很怕我們沒情調),也是我們生小孩前最後一次兩人的date night!恰巧遇上San Diego Restaurant Week,UN選了一家在海邊旁的餐廳,每道菜都非常用心而且很有創意。從一開始的前菜到最後的甜點,我們都稱讚不絕。

2022 January-March List

2022 January

Happy New Year! The first half of January was filled with celebrations and get-togethers, we were off to a great start! Until the pandemic took another turn and we got hit with restrictions and state of emergency. But as of the writing of this post, the restrictions have been lifted, and we are able to enjoy a little bit of freedom again.

Cooking Class with Chef Tony

https://www.facebook.com/MoguCooking

So glad to be able to take Chef Tony’s cooking class with UN, despite the fact that I dragged him with me on his day off and he was the only guy in the class. Chef Tony is a local celebrity chef. He is knowledgeable in cooking and in his class, We learned how to make French omelet, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce.

OIWC Welcome Tea

https://www.facebook.com/OkinawaInternationalWomensClub

It was a big hit! I got a little stage fright when I got up to speak, but was really happy that Okinawa International Women’s Club (OIWC) can start again. OIWC is one of my favorite groups in Okinawa, where I got to meet with local Japanese and had many cultural exchange.

Granny Bingo

My very first time hosting/playing real bingo. I googled online and found out that there is more than one way to play bingo! Thank God for my helpful friends to help make this event a success!

Areko

https://www.instagram.com/areko.ippee/

I made this reservation for the day before a lockdown happened again. This place is reservation only, and you can contact the owner via Instagram. Owner/chef prepared the meal for us with such focus, UN said that he looked like a Taiwanese celebrity! All dishes were curated by the owner himself, using fresh local ingredients. Loved every bite!

新年快樂!2022年一月前半段過著夜夜笙歌,絕對讓2022有個非常美好的開頭。但疫情總愛突然插手,一月後半段以防疫狀態過完的。即使如此,現在寫這文章時已經防疫解除,大家能自由遊玩!

Chef Tony的煮飯課

https://www.facebook.com/MoguCooking

太開心能和UN一起上到Chef Tony的廚藝課!課裡我們學到如何煮出法式蛋餅和辨別蛋的好壞,也學到了日本奶油、歐洲奶油、和美國奶油的不同。當然,UN回家後就非常認真練習!

沖繩國際婦女協會 (OIWC)

https://www.facebook.com/OkinawaInternationalWomensClub

太成功了!雖然臨時上台講話緊張到我頭腦空白,但真的很開心OIWC能正式恢復運行。OIWC (Okinawa International Women’s Club)是我在沖繩最愛的團體之一,能和在地沖繩人一起做文化交流。

扮裝賓果

第一次辦這連我都不知道怎麼玩(正統)賓果,上網一查才知道賓果有超多玩法。從基本的五個號碼連一條線到正方形格子外圍連線。好險有神隊友幫忙,才把這活動辦得有聲有色。

Areko

https://www.instagram.com/areko.ippee/

防疫計劃實施前一天享受一下能在外面用餐的好日子(哈哈)!僅限預約制,可以在Instagram上聯繫。廚師兼老闆認真下廚,UN說他長得像金城武,請大家自行評估!菜色全是老闆設計,大多使用沖繩當地材料,每一口都是享受。

Chef Tony’s Cooking Class

Making French Omelette

Chef Tony

Making some orange decoration

Areko

Date night at Areko

Date night at Areko

Areko

Areko

Granny Bingo

OIWC Welcome Tea

2022 February

Many of our plans for February got canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. But because of this, UN and I got to explore more of Okinawa.

Mikan Picking

https://goo.gl/maps/vvdTKrixSUjhGuzX8

UN was skeptical that we would be able to pick Mikan, since according to both the internet and a restaurant owner, the Mikan picking season ended a week ago. Despite all of that, I insisted on visiting a Mikan orchard. When we arrived, we were dealt with the expected cold hard truth that there’s no more Mikans to pick. Still, I asked the orchard farmer if we could just take a stroll inside. There were still some Mikans left on the trees, but the farmer said those weren't good for picking. I’m thankful that the farmer still let us go in and even gave us some (not pretty, but sweet) Mikans to eat!

Nago Castle Park

https://goo.gl/maps/BJ9tYZ83p2Vika1E6

we’ve visited Nago Castle Park a few times before, but never this thoroughly! Okinawa begins to turn into Spring starting in February, the weather is just perfect for taking a stroll through the park. We saw many couples there, enjoying their alone time. Me and UN on the other hand, were having a jolly time at the playground. We probably weren’t too welcomed by the park goers.

The British Wine and Tea Shop

http://british.ti-da.net/

Known for their freshly baked scones and homemade jam, the portion will leave you very satisfied. The owner Maki San lived in London for 10 years, and worked at a 5-star hotel, as a pastry chef. Her story behind opening this restaurant was very touching, you should ask her yourself when you get the chance!

Yamacha Cafe

https://goo.gl/maps/BkcVKmagAU6BNnxp8

Japanese pizza is umami, especially with their signature spicy sauce, just perfect! The restaurant owner is an expert in all things fermented. Her ume is a must-try. Also, she skin is glowing!

雖然原本計畫好的旅行因一些變化而取消,但也因此我和UN能在沖繩名護玩。

採柑橘

https://goo.gl/maps/vvdTKrixSUjhGuzX8

雖然採柑橘的季節已經快結束了,即使餐廳老闆和網上都說採柑橘的季節已在上禮拜結束,連UN都覺得我們是不是要改行程,但我堅持要到柑橘園一趟。到了柑橘園時,老闆說柑橘季節已結束,但我還是不死心的問老闆可不可以進去參觀。進柑橘園後才發現其實還是有很多柑橘啊!老闆解釋這些柑橘已經不漂亮了,不方便讓客人採。最後感謝老闆給我們吃(不太漂亮但卻很甜的)柑橘!

名護城公園

https://goo.gl/maps/BJ9tYZ83p2Vika1E6

來過幾次名護城公園,但絕對沒有這次逛得這麼仔細!二月的沖繩已逐漸進入春天,天氣非常舒服,很適合來這裡散步。很多情侶都來這裡休息,但我和UN卻玩公園設施一直大笑,非常對不起這些浪漫的情侶們。

The British Wine and Tea Shop

http://british.ti-da.net/

老闆Maki San做的司康配上手工果醬,大份又好吃。老闆曾在英國住了10年,在倫敦五星級飯店當糕點師傅。開這家店的故事非常溫馨可愛,有機會可以問老闆喔!

Yamacha Cafe

https://goo.gl/maps/BkcVKmagAU6BNnxp8

日式比薩非常香!配上老闆自製辣醬,完美!老闆娘是位專研醃製發酵的廚師,老闆娘的梅子非常好吃。還有,老闆娘皮膚非常好!

Mikan Picking

Mikan Picking

Nago Castle Park

Okinawa Mikan Season

The British Wine and Tea Shop

Delicious quiche

Must order: scone!

Yamacha Cafe

Yamacha Cafe

2022 March

Spring time in Okinawa is quite charming, a delight before the humidity that summer will bring.

Kimono Dressing

Our time living in Japan is coming to an end, I’m glad to be able to dress in kimono and enjoy bento boxes with my friends.

Strawberry Picking

(previous post)

Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits. But after 40 minutes of eating strawberries, I think I’ve had enough! Now I’m craving for something savory, and maybe a hot soup.

Azalea Festival

https://www.vill.higashi.okinawa.jp

We’ve come to this Festival two years in a row now. There’s definitely more people here this year, and it was very lively!

沖繩春天天氣實在有夠迷人(太愛了一直重複這句話),絕對是進入潮濕又悶的夏天前的大享受。

穿和服

算一算住在日本的時間已經快進入尾聲,很開心能在最後這幾個月再次和朋友穿和服一起吃日式便當。

採草莓

(採草莓文章)

草莓是我愛吃的水果之一,但吃了40分鐘的草莓突然覺得有點過分的多。覺得應該來點熱湯或鹹食綜合一下味覺。

杜鵑花季

https://www.vill.higashi.okinawa.jp

已經變成我們在沖繩每年必來的活動了!感覺這次又更多人,也更熱鬧。

Weekly List: Indoor Dining

You read it right! This week features a restaurant list, because we can finally dine in again after one year! YAY!!!! On Friday at 12pm, the restrictions relaxed, and what followed was an American invasion of the yakiniku and conveyor belt sushi restaurants near military bases. Lines that stretch for blocks, instagram feed flooded with gluttonous, I mean satisfied, faces. UN and I weren’t any different. We shut down our kitchen for the whole weekend. Even on Monday when UN came home from work, he asked if we were still going out for dinner.

The Lobby Lounge at Ritz Carlton Okinawa

Reservation & Afternoon Tea Information

Hey friends, you should stay here for your next Okinawa visit! At the time, we could only do outdoor dining, the staff was concerned we would be cold, so they offered us blankets and hot tea. Afternoon tea is reservation only from 1pm to 6pm, and has a 2 hour limit. If you have special dietary needs, the chef will customize your food for you (must inform ahead of time). Costs 3,900 yen per person, and Marriott members enjoy a discount. 

Hey friends, you should stay here for your next Okinawa visit! At the time, we could only do outdoor dining, the staff was concerned we would be cold, so they offered us blankets and hot tea. Afternoon tea is reservation only from 1pm to 6pm, and has a 2 hour limit. If you have special dietary needs, the chef will customize your food for you (must inform ahead of time). Costs 3,900 yen per person, and Marriott members enjoy a discount.

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Onna Glass Workshop

http://onna-glass-okinawa.co.jp
Address: 85 Fuchaku, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0413

Make your own ryukyu glass. Remember to wear closed-toe shoes and pants. It takes only 30 minutes, very hands on instructions to ensure no glass is damaged or broken in the process. The teacher is the renowned glass craftsman Tsuguo Miyaguni, his work is featured in many luxury hotels. There are many types of glass products you can choose to make, the price differs by the colors and levels of difficulty. The ones that we were interested in making were priced around 8000 yen. You can pick up the finished product after three days.

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Smile Spoon

Website: smilespoon.business.site
Address: 2795-1 Izumi, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0221
Facebook & Instagram

Smile Spoon is No. 1 on my list of restaurants to dine in when restrictions are relaxed. I made the reservation as fast as I could. This cute barn house restaurant is run by a middle aged couple. They welcome everyone with the warmest smile while keeping busy running in and out of the kitchen. There are two menus to choose from every day. We had the options of Yanbaru pork or white fish. Set menu includes appetizer, dessert, and a drink. The cost per person is 1900 yen and cash only, and reservation is required.

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Fifi Parlor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fifi_parlor/
Address: 〒905-1154 Okinawa, Nago, Goga, 大真利原1335-4

Perfect spot for the gram! Located on the 505 freeway, the silver pumpkin shaped shop is hard to miss. The view of Yagaji island and Ojima is spectacular. Great spot for a nice cup of joe and light afternoon reading.

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Azalea Festival in Higashi Village

Website: www.vill.higashi.okinawa.jp/
Address: 766-1 Taira, Higashi, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-1204, Japan

Blossoms of different color azalea can be found here. This festival in Higashi Village will last till 3/21, great for a weekend stroll. Adults pay 300 yen for entry while kids get in for free. They have very safe COVID measures in place, taking your temperature and having you fill out a health questionnaire, along with hand sanitizers before you enter the park. Vendors right outside sell plants that claim to cure headaches, diabetes, liver and heart problems. We bought a couple plants home, who would like to come to our pharmacy?!

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Posillipo Cucina Meridionale

Website: www.huge.co.jp/restaurant/posillipo/posillipo
Address: 174-5 Senaga, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0233, Japan

Happy (Legal) Anniversary! This is our first indoor dining date night in almost a year! Highly recommend their pizzas and homemade bresaola. You can watch airplanes landing here. Perfect for date night. Be sure to take a stroll by the water and enjoy the view! 

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With the relaxed restrictions, I just want to dine out every meal. Next week’s list will also feature many restaurants. Tune in! Until next time…..


Chinese Translation

本週清單裡有許多餐廳,因為我們終於能在室內吃飯啦!整整一年的疫情禁足令,終於在星期五12:00時放寬。基地附近的燒烤店、旋轉壽司店被美軍佔據,店門口大排長龍,好多朋友們也紛紛在網上分享照片。我和UN一知道消息,堅決這週末不開火,拒絕在家用餐(就是這麼激烈)!連星期一UN回家時,第一句話馬上問”要不要出去吃飯“,我們都悶太久了!

The Lobby Lounge at Ritz Carlton Okinawa

預約網站 & 下午茶資訊

朋友們,下次來沖繩玩可以住這裡!即使當時只能在室外用餐,飯店人員貼心送上毛毯,幫我們的茶加熱,怕我們冷到。下午茶目前僅限預約制,從下午一點到六點,用餐時間為兩小時。如果有特殊飲食習慣,廚師能幫你訂做不同的食物(需事先預定)。一人定價為3900日幣,Marriot會員有特別優惠。

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恩納玻璃工房

http://onna-glass-okinawa.co.jp
地址: 85 Fuchaku, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0413

琉球玻璃製作體驗,切記要穿包腳鞋子和長褲。過程約30分鐘,但製作時非常快速。老師會在旁邊輔助我們,也確保玻璃不會在製作過程損換。教課老師是沖繩相當有名的宮國次男(Tsuguo Miyaguni),許多沖繩飯店都有擺放老師的作品。店裡非常多選擇款式,價錢會因顏色和製作難易度而有不同價格,我們想做的玻璃器皿都約8000日幣上下。製作完後,約三天能拿到成品。後來我們去了幾家製作沖繩玻璃工廠,雖然價錢便宜許多,但這家的成品材質比較明顯厚實許多(比較耐摔/適合搬家?)

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森的食堂

網站: smilespoon.business.site
地址: 2795-1 Izumi, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0221
Facebook & Instagram

解放前,每當大家聊到放寬禁足令要去哪吃飯時,我的答案應絕對是Smile Spoon。一聽到風聲能在室內用餐後,立刻打電話訂位。店裡是很可愛的日本爺爺奶奶,兩人在餐廳裡忙進忙出,客人進來時會用親切笑容迎接大家。Smile Spoon提供兩種洋食菜色,當天有山原豬和白身魚,套餐有附前菜、主食、甜點、和飲料。店裡只收現金,一份為1900日幣。需要提前預訂,能從Facebook或Instagram或電話預約。這裡非常適合全家一起用餐,餐廳有完全無違和感的嬰兒搖籃和給小孩玩的玩具。可以在Facebook、Instagram、電話預約。

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Fifi Parlor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fifi_parlor/
Address: 〒905-1154 Okinawa, Nago, Goga, 大真利原1335-4

網美們快來這裡唷!開車在505公路上,你會看到長得像銀色南瓜的Fifi Parlor。位在鹽屋這帶,有著沖繩瀨戶內海之名,風景是屋我地島(yagaji island)和北邊的奧武島(Ojima)。即使當天陰天,我和UN一致認同很有台灣網美打卡景點的水準。我們點了兩杯飲料(只收現金)在那裡看書,非常安靜度過我們的下午。

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Azalea Festival in Higashi Village

網站: www.vill.higashi.okinawa.jp/
地址: 766-1 Taira, Higashi, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-1204, Japan

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花園裡有滿滿的不同顏色的杜鵑花盛開,沖繩東村杜鵑花季一路到3月21號,是週末踏青的好景點。大人只要300日幣,小孩免費。入園前防疫做得非常徹底,量體溫、填表格、消毒液全部到位。外面有賣能治頭痛、顧肝肺心臟的植物(很好奇功效如何),我們買了幾盆回家種,誰想讓我們做實驗呢!

Posillipo Cucina Meridionale

網站 www.huge.co.jp/restaurant/posillipo/posillipo
地址: 174-5 Senaga, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0233, Japan

結婚紀念日快樂!經過一年,我們終於能在室內date night了!很推薦這裡的薄皮比薩和生牛肉,還有這裡景色非常美,能看到飛機降落。適合情侶約會,飯前還能在海邊附近走走。

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突如其來的解禁讓我們每餐都想外食,下個“本週清單”也會包含很多餐廳介紹。各位敬請期待,我們下次見囉!