Finally, I had another opportunity to visit US in Apr 2015 after my last visit in Sep 2013. This time round, I went over to San Jose and San Francisco. It was another great excitement as I will get to experience great foods and premium outlet shopping again. Felt so fortunate.

This time, I flew via Eva Air to San Francisco transiting via Taipei.

Eva Air seat is so comfortable with good leg room space. In fact, I find it much better than Singapore Airlines.

Eva Air’s sky dining is comparable to Singapore Airlines as well. Food quality is great.

Welcome to San Francisco. Arriving after a good 16 hours flight.

Finally get to check-in at Aloft San Jose Cupertino after a 1.5 hours drive from San Francisco Airport. Room is big and spacious.

San Jose is a large city surrounded by rolling hills in Silicon Valley, a major technology hub in California’s Bay Area. San Jose is the most affluent county in California. It is considered to be a global city, notable for its affluence and high cost of living. San Jose’s location within the booming high tech industry, as a cultural, political and economic centre has earned the city the nickname “Capital of Silicon Valley”.

Heard there is a great Chinese restaurant in San Jose, Chef Chu @ 1067 N San Antonia Road, Los Altos, CA 94022. Without much hesitation, I had to experience this highly regarded restaurant to satisfy my curiosity.

Tried out the proclaimed “best in town” Hot and Sour Soup – Pork, shrimp, tofu, bamboo shoots, tiger lily buds and mushrooms, simmered in a chicken broth. Mixed with white pepper for hotness and vinegar for kick.

Four Seasons Cold Plate – 4 famous chilled appetizers : Pickled cucumber spirals, vegetarian goose, braised bamboo shoots and pickled sugar plum tomatoes.

Chef Chu’s signature dish, Classic Beijing Duck – the Beijing-style duck is barbequed in their traditional chinese oven until crackling brown with the fat naturally removed from the slow cooking process. Crispy on the outside, tender, lean and juicy on the inside. Deboned and hand carved by their chefs and served with steamed lotus buns.

Braised Eggplant in Garlic Sauce – Asian eggplant deep-fried then braised in chilli paste and fresh garlic sauce.

Kung Pao Prawns – Batter-coated prawns, deep-fried then tossed with wok-roasted chilli pods. Smothered in kung pao sauce and topped with peanuts.

Hong Kong Style Crispy Angel Hair Noodles – Pan fried noodles, topped with a deluxe combination of chicken, BBQ pork, prawns, scallops and assorted vegetables in a light, savoury sauce.
It was a perfect, happy belly meal in a western world.

Enjoying a hearty american breakfast at the hotel.

Chimichanga – Deep fried burrito with meat & cheese, served with guacamole, sour cream, lettuce and mexican rice.

A great mexican meal at Adelita’s Taqueria & Restaurant @ 1896 Curtner Ave San Jose, CA 95124.

Lovely and awesome 8 oz USDA Choice Top Sirloin Steak with a steaming hot bowl of french onion soup @ Applebee’s Grill & Bar (555 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129)

Topping off with a great dessert after meal.

So much on food, it’s time for some retail therapy.

Round 1 retail therapy at Gilroy Premium Outlet before heading back to San Francisco. Happy shopping!

I stayed at The Westin St. Francis at San Francisco, Union Square. Very comfortable hotel with great service.

San Francisco, in northern California, is a hilly city on the tip of the peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco. It’s known for its year-round fog, iconic Golden Gate , cable cars and colourful Victorian houses. Unfortunately, I did not get to see a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge because of the thick fog. Guess, this is my only regret for this trip.

When in San Francisco, it is a must to go to Fisherman’s Wharf for a great seafood meal. Definitely, this trip of mine will have a meal there too.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a neighbourhood and popular tourist attraction in San Francisco, California. It is well known for being the location of Pier 39, the Cannery Shopping Centre, Ghirardelli Square, a Ripley’s Belive it or Not museum, the Musee Mecanique, Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Enjoying a well deserved dinner at Franciscan Crab Restaurant. It offers superb panoramic seafood dining with seafood favourites like Dungeness Crab.

Boston clam chowder soup

Fresh oysters on ice

Crab feast

Shrimp alfredo

Seafood fettuccine

House-made frozen kustard ice cream

Finally I managed to lay my hands on the cheesecake factory with a nice view of Union Square as the backdrop. This was what I miss when I was in Detroit.

Great view of the Union Square.

Awesomely good meal. Finally been there, done that. 👍

It is a must to try their cheesecake when at cheesecake factory. Seems like a no-brainer not to do so.

The cakes selection are mind boggling that I felt the urge to try each of the cakes. 😱

Local american breakfast at one of the eatery joint in Union Square near The Westin.

Round 2 outlet shopping at Livermore Premium Outlet, San Francisco before bidding farewell to San Francisco.

It is a great experience to be in San Francisco and I wish I have more time to spend here. I hope to be able to come back to this beautiful place sometime soon.

Till then, San Francisco. I will miss you.