Gaijin is a cool, hip-vibe, casual, and modern Chicago West Loop restaurant showcasing  familiar but yet re-invented flavors of okonomiyaki, yakisoba, korokke, and kakigori. The word "Gaijin" means a foreigner in Japanese and it is often used to call expats living in Japan. Chef Paul Virant marries his Midwestern New American flare to the Japanese street food staples by drawing his time living in Japan with his family immersing in the food culture to his interest and specialty in pickles.

We love authentic food but we also love how chefs from different cultural background can elevate flavors of other cultures through techniques and their own style of cooking. This restaurant concept and execution is truly exceptional, converting a person like me who doesn't normally like okonomiyaki or yakisoba to a lover. Gus has always been a lover of these dishes but no matter where I tried them on different occasions even in Japan or when I make them at home following someone else's recipe, it never hits the spot like Gaijin. As a bonus, Chef Paul Virant publishes his Osaka-style okonomiyaki recipe for you to try at home. Check this recipe out!

There are many reasons why travelers like to visit Southeast Asia. Whether it be the unique culture or the beautiful beaches, no traveler leaves without being impressed of the variety of ingredients and distinct flavors that the region has to offer in the diverse culinary traditions.

Southeast Asia is a collective of countries surrounding the Malay Peninsula with extensive coastal areas which transpired a culture of seafood derived food and snacks. The plentiful and diverse ecology of the surrounding sea as well as the resourcefulness of the people brings forth dishes and snacks with distinct seafood flavors that the rest of the world come to enjoy today. 
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Here are 5 seafood inspired snacks from Southeast Asia you have to try. 

With Fried Chicken being all the rages in the more recent year, we see many more style of fried chicken popping out into the market such as Nashville hot chicken, Korean sweet-spicy chicken, or the Buffalo chicken wings. While many may have heard of these famous hot chickens, few may have heard of the Thai Style Hot Fried Chicken. 

That is right. There is such thing as Thai Hot Fried Chicken. A unique blend of spice and sauce commonly used in Thai cooking give this recipe a unique flavor that convey the essence of Thai cooking. Why not spice up your next fried chicken with this exotic yet decadent recipe!

Charcuterie board is one of the most simple fancy dish you'll ever have to put together since most of the cooking is already done. It's a go-to snack at parties and a boogie appetizer at high-end restaurants. The focus is primarily on the ingredients and the serving utensils, while composition is key to elevating the spread to an almost art-like canvas. Many have tasted a number of variations of this popular platter and probably put together the ingredients a couple of times.  For those who are new to the charcuterie world, perhaps this is the time to create your very first board.  This article will walk you through on how to create a simple but chic charcuterie board that will surely impress you and your guests!

While bread making has been all the rage this year, one staple food that has not received as much love is the fresh homemade noodle. That's right. The fan’s favorite that many just can’t seem to get enough whether it is the smooth and silken wheat noodle or the chewy ramen noodle.