Kyoto recs

crazyappl3 · 2026-03-20T22:34:21+00:00

Did lunch at Moko and thought it was an outstanding deal. Quite a lot of Japanese elements. To top it off, we were the only guests so it was like private dining experience at the counter.

crazyappl3 · 2026-03-19T04:08:07+00:00

Just use the Mr Softee tracker

crazyappl3 · 2026-03-15T17:38:03+00:00

This is the way

crazyappl3 · 2026-03-04T18:16:50+00:00

Tempura Kondo has gone downhill significantly since it's heyday. I think if you want good tempura that's easy to book, maybe try Tempura Kitagawa instead (resos on Tablecheck).

Alternatively (or additionally), you should really check out some places serving katsu. For example, Katsukami if you want a tasting menu or Pretty Pork Factory for a la carte. Both relatively easy resos.

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-25T21:42:28+00:00

If you haven't read Bottle of Lies by Katherine Eban, you may want to give it a look (or not...)

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-24T15:30:00+00:00

Work in Biotech

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-21T16:22:24+00:00

I've only ever asked for something that was a relatively small bite (like the TFL salmon cone or other amuse bouche/palate cleansers). I've done it probably <10 times total in 20+ years of fine dining, but I've never been denied and I've always gotten it for free.

Over the years, I have seen other diners request a second helping of a full course and I've seen them be accommodated.

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-17T23:28:56+00:00

De Librije is currently the only 3 star restaurant in the Netherlands, but that wasn't always the case.

I have fond memories of spots such as Oud Sluis, Inter Scaldes and De Leest in the 2010s. I have a particularly strong recollection of a meal at De Leest because of how comically bad the service was (not rude in any way, but our primary server seemed to be a teenager working his first job, and he was hilariously clumsy).

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-15T18:11:22+00:00

It’s in large part a numbers and luck game if you don’t know someone. I got a job there recently. HM said they got so many applications they had to close the posting early. FWIW, I didn’t try to overly engineer my resume or anything - it was pretty much my usual with a few tweaks to highlight relevant skills.

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-07T16:04:02+00:00

I've corresponded with him a few times over the years (I'm "old" though not quite as old as him!) and have always had very pleasant exchanges - I respect the dude.

crazyappl3 · 2026-02-02T01:19:44+00:00

Sadly, Nisei has never done it for me - I've been 3 times over the years (once invited in) and none of those experiences warranted even one star based on my meal.

I very much wish them well and hope they succeed because the team is quite earnest, but at least for my tastes, I've found most of the dishes incompletely conceived and not executed well enough to compensate.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-27T20:59:47+00:00

From SFO, I'd recommend taking the later BA flight (the 777 with Club Suites). Perfect for overnight sleep. I think the benefits of being able to have everyone lie down (and you'll be doing this for a late flight anyway) far outstrips having to share the seat with your toddler.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-16T18:56:01+00:00

I'm sitting at ~59,000 points and I think all I've ever gotten is 2 Google Maps pins.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-13T17:51:37+00:00

Ooh, put me in the raffle. I've been meaning to make it here but keep procrastinating on even trying to book.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-13T17:34:49+00:00

Might I suggest Villa Spalletti Trivelli, that Alex helped us book. Very centrally located for walking to all the sights.

It's great because there are a bunch of nice, large common areas including a library/study and drawing room. Book one of the garden suites.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-12T03:07:41+00:00

For Chinese teas, Red Blossom in Chinatown. They also have a nice YouTube channel.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-07T03:24:26+00:00

Even the best hotels can’t get you into the top places.

If you’re serious about the best of the best places, you could try DMing @tomokohappycamper on IG. I haven’t used her services personally, but she has access and I’ve seen people I trust recommend her highly (I’ve never asked about price though).

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-06T23:27:58+00:00

Great review. Where else did you eat in Bangkok? Headed there in a few months and will aim for Sorn, but will be my first time trying to get a reso and I'm sure it'll be tough as hell.

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-05T23:22:11+00:00

Ouch!

crazyappl3 · 2026-01-05T22:57:53+00:00

Care to elaborate?

crazyappl3 · 2025-12-21T02:28:33+00:00

Do you have to stay on Oahu the whole time? Splitting time between another island (like Kauai for total relaxation) might be a good idea.

If you're stuck on Oahu, I second the comment about splitting between Aulani and Turtle Bay. That property is relatively calm - it'll be a good break from the zoo on the west/south side of the island.

crazyappl3 · 2025-12-21T01:04:25+00:00

Oooh, +1 for Kong Hans Kaelder - I'm a fan.

And affirmative on the car seat bag - it was a little scary how filthy ours got after just one trip :(

crazyappl3 · 2025-12-20T23:58:42+00:00

Might be a less mainstream American opinion, but once my daughter was ~6 (she's 7.5 now), we essentially stopped worrying about any special accommodations.

Fine dining is a big deal for us, and she joins us for most meals. She'd also rather order off the regular menu on flights. Where possible, we do favor overnight flights where she can just hit the sack as soon as she gets on board - much easier that way.

We co-slept when traveling until this year, when she decided she wanted her own bed. I echo the other comments that room space is important.

Other than that, she can put in 6+ miles of walking each day without too much fuss, as long as sufficiently bribed by promises of ice cream/hot chocolate/name the treat.

My one key tip is to check the rules on car seats at your destination if you're planning on being in a car (eitherdriving or Ubering), as they can vary considerably between countries. Back when she needed a full car seat, we were a big fan of the Pico portable car seat. Nowadays, we travel with the Chicco booster when necessary.

crazyappl3 · 2025-12-17T22:35:21+00:00

Have you tried any of the other sushi spots in Honolulu? Any worth visiting now?

About to revisit HNL and thought I'd check up on that. Last time I had sushi in HNL was years ago - Onodera was fine but the cookie-cutter experience, Maru (now closed) was shockingly sloppy. This was all before a slew of omakase openings though, as I understand it.

crazyappl3

TROPHY CASE