eat & drink
Leave it to the Japanese to Invent a "Cooler" Beer - Kirin Frozen Beer

Leave it to the Japanese to Invent a “Cooler” Beer – Kirin Frozen Beer

I am consistently surprised by the Japanese culture of innovation. From having the world’s most advanced public transport system decades ahead of others -to- cell phones so advanced you can use them (not cash) to purchase a soda at a vending machine, the Japanese always seem to be...
Accidental Epicurean Recognized as Best Travel Food Blog

Accidental Epicurean Recognized as Best Travel Food Blog

  It’s always nice to be recognized, isn’t it? Accidental Epicurean was recently featured as Best Travel Food Blog by My Life Scoop. Check it out
Secret Eating Habits of Shanghai Chefs - from CNNgo

Secret Eating Habits of Shanghai Chefs – from CNNgo

Thought you might like to read my latest article on CNNgo. Have you ever wondered where chefs eat when they are not cooking? Then read my interview with some top Shanghai chefs about where they chow down when they are not in the kitchen. In the article you...
'Tis the Season to Eat Reindeer - Reindeer Sashimi at Mathias Dahlgren

‘Tis the Season to Eat Reindeer – Reindeer Sashimi at Mathias Dahlgren

  Yes, that’s right – reindeer. I suppose it depends on where you live, but in some parts of the world it is not strange at all to eat reindeer, say Norway, Sweden or Finland. Even if you have never been to those places, you may have even...
Craft Beers and Microbrews in Shanghai at Cheers-In

Craft Beers and Microbrews in Shanghai at Cheers-In

  One of my many laments of living in Asia has been the lack of access to craft beers, otherwise known as microbrews - the other laments are silly things like missing multigrain breads, the price of wine, and truly high-speed internet, but I guess this is a relatively small price...
Miele Guide 2011 - The Top 20 Restaurants in Asia are Announced

Miele Guide 2011 – The Top 20 Restaurants in Asia are Announced

It’s that time of year again. The time when the Miele Guide issues its new annual edition. Foodies in the region await eagerly for the pronouncement of the top 20 restaurants in Asia. I continue to think that Japan gets a bit ignored by the Miele Guide, but...
5 Best Tasting Menus in Shanghai - from CNNgo

5 Best Tasting Menus in Shanghai – from CNNgo

  Hi folks - So I started writing for CNN and CNNgo as well and I thought you might want to check out my first article. Have a look. In this piece I talk about the 5 best tasting menus in Shanghai, including: - M1NT - Stiller’s -...
Meet the Chef - Thailand's Own Celebrity Chef, Chef McDang

Meet the Chef – Thailand’s Own Celebrity Chef, Chef McDang

There is nothing ordinary about Chef McDang and his rise to become one of the world experts on Thai cooking. Born into the Thai royal family, Chef McDang followed in the family tradition to go overseas to boarding school at 12 years old. Later he enrolled at Georgetown...
These Library Lounge - Try the Late Night, Offbeat, Insider Tokyo Cocktail Scene

These Library Lounge – Try the Late Night, Offbeat, Insider Tokyo Cocktail Scene

Just steps down from my favourite “insider” izakaya, Teyandei, is another “insider” spot for cocktails…the These Library Lounge. Near the (in)famous Roppongi area, These is so subtly marked that it is easy to miss. It’s quirky, cool crowd likes it that way – it’s the kind of place...
The Great Debate - Sweet Potato vs. Yam

The Great Debate – Sweet Potato vs. Yam

So just what is the difference between these two oft-confused vegetables? It all started with a signature yam dish at an izakaya in Tokyo.  There was a debate about sweet potato vs. yams – are they actually different types of potato? Or are the names simply interchangeable for the same...
Teyandei Izakaya - Tokyo, Japan

Teyandei Izakaya – Tokyo, Japan

A Tokyo insider izakaya – well now the secret is out! I find that I am always lucky when I am in Tokyo. There is something special about that crazy city – each time I go I am amazed at the intensity of the food culture and the...
El Coctel, Shanghai - Cocktail Culture at its Finest

El Coctel, Shanghai – Cocktail Culture at its Finest

Cocktail culture is sweeping Shanghai and there is no finer example of a proper cocktail bar / lounge than El Coctel. Seemingly hidden in speakeasy style, El Coctel is located up an unmarked narrow staircase in the French Concession district of Shanghai. The soft spoken Japenese bartender Munne-san...