Fashion: Say "Hello" to Nello

Amrita Singh is probably one of the well-known brands for statement necklaces. I have made numerous purchases on AS, and this one is probably my favorite.

Amrita Singh "Nello" necklace, in smokey

Eating Out: Chiaroscuro in San Francisco

I love visiting new restaurants and trying out new dishes. When we discovered Chiaroscuro nestled off of the FiDi in San Francisco, I was more than excited to try this place out, and was surprised that it wasn't more packed on a Saturday night.

The main concept of this restaurant is simple - "chiaroscuro," translated depicts the contrast between "light" and "darkness," that mostly resemble painter Caravaggio. Chiaroscuro restaurant uses this concept and translated it into a bold contrast that is defined by the decor of the restaurant (concrete high backed banquettes, with pillows to sit on in the dinning room), and an open kitchen surrounded by walls of mirrors.

Chiaroscuro dinning room

Sampler: rabbit meat, raspberry and chocolate sauce

Antipasti e Insalate: "degustazione di salumi"

Tasting of imported Italian charcuterie, pickled vegetables in extra virgin olive oil

Antipasti e Insalate: seared scallop with sauteed spinach and mushroom (off the menu, request for special)

Primi: spaghettoni ai gamberi e pesto di basilico

Thick spaghetti, sauteed prawns, 'nduja, basil pesto sauce, crispy potatoes, blue lake beans

Primi: bucatini con pomodori e lavanda (special order to add bell pepper and corn)

Bucatini pasta, heirloom tomatoes, peranzana olives, fresh lavender, lemon whipped cream

Dessert: semifreddo

One happy foodie.

In the Kitchen: Cooking Cod Fish

I rarely cook any meat since by the time I get home from work, I am usually exhausted and cooking is the last thing on my mind. But last weekend, I had some free time to cook a meal.

Heat up vegetable oil, add in ginger slices, garlic slices, and green onion

Once it starts sizzling, throw in the fish. Slide the fish inside the pan, flip to cover with oil.

Add Shaoxing Cooking Wine (I found mine at 99 Ranch Market) and soy sauce

Soy sauce and cooking wine

Bring it to a boil, add pieces of star anise for flavor

Once the soy sauce and cooking wine are almost dried up, add water. Turn the heat down to low, cover and simmer.

Once the soup is almost gone, add green onion for flavor and garnish

All done

Tender pieces of fish that melts in my mouth

Eating Out: Eat Real Festival in Oakland

Los Angeles prides itself with food trucks, and I wasn't surprised when I found out through the grapevine that a friend of a friend runs a food truck in DTLA. On September 23rd to the 25th, Northern California hosted its own Eat Real Festival at Jack London Square in Oakland where numerous food trucks gathered on the pier, and local organic growers and brewers presented their pride and joy.

"Eat it, make it, Grow it" - Eat Real Festival poster

Center stage/picnic area with local band

Citrus Pork Falafel

Chop Bar's food stand

Corn bread and pork from Chop Bar ($5)

Chairman Bao Truck

Chairman Bao Truck menu

(From top left to bottom) Braised Pork Shoulder, Red Sesame Chicken, Crispy Garlic Tofu, Spicy Pork Belly ($4 each) - my favorite would probably be the braised pork shoulder

All mine!

This is probably the most interesting item we saw - an upside down jell-o cup with a flower molded into the jello-o

Eating Out: Cafe Aquarius in Emeryville

Last weekend, I checked out Cafe Aquarius in Emeryville (1298 65th Street @ Hollis) and loved it. It's an adorable cafe for casual brunch with friends or SO. I had the pleasure of meeting the cafe owner, Patrick, who gave us a tour of the kitchen. Pat told us that Cafe Aquarius was a 50s pub that he converted into a cafe. He's been a baker for over 20 years and opened Cafe Aquarius four years ago, with the intention to establish it as a community cafe. Pat even let us try his to-die-for cinnamon rolls!

Cafe Aquarius will be featured on KQED's Check Please, and with over 250 reviews on Yelp - I am a loyal customer.

Cafe Aquarius kitchen, the ceiling of the kitchen is cut out to let natural light in

Main dining room leading to outdoor seating

Earthly delight: omelet with shiitake mushrooms and chives

Chicken-apple sauce with two sunny side up eggs and potato

Delicious cinnamon roll, $2.50 each

It was only 11am, but the pastries are almost all gone

And of course, delicious mimosa to compliment yummy food.

Midnight Cravings: Classic Shoulder Strap Purse

Classic leather look, versatile for almost every set of outfit and perfect for mini weekend trips.

Eating Out: Lunch Spots in San Francisco's Financial District

Spicy Pulled Pork Sandwich from Golden West

Working in the heart of the financial district and usually having to work through lunch, I choose to reward myself with buying lunch everyday and taking a walk outside (while it's still somewhat warm in the city). Below are some of my picks for this week:

• Working Girl's Cafe (259 Kearny); my pick - pesto chicken sandwich on focaccia bread
• Chez Falaya (200 Pine); used to be called Chez Carla when I worked in the city 4 years ago, buffet styled + sandwiches to order
• The Golden West (8 Trinity Pl, off of Sutter and Montgomery); my pick - spicy pulled pork sandwich with cabbage and mustard (love the sesame bun)

More pictures & lunch spot suggestions coming soon!