We were on a plane for most of the day yesterday and arrived in the city we love to visit. Thanks to Poketo fan and friend Lia Bulaong, we got New York started right with a little hole in the wall in East Village… Xi’an Famous Foods. This place is small and the decor is nothing, but, the food is so darn good. The flavors remind both me and Angie of the time we visited Xian some 10+ years ago.

My memory of that city is the Muslim quarter, the aroma of meats on sticks, and the dense, smoke filled streets from grilling streetside. The air was literally filled with smokey goodness, it was amazingly awesome. Xi’an Famous Foods is nothing like the real sights and smells of Xian’s Muslim quarter, but, some of the flavors brought me back, especially the spicy, cumin lamb. It was like having my meat on a stick so many years ago. NYC continues for the next week… follow us on instagr.am.

Yes, I’m springing for coffee! Lets just say, I always enjoy my morning cup. Could be from Handsome Coffee if I’m at the studio, or Stories Books and Cafe if I’m walking Nori around the hood, or possibly Spring For Coffee if it’s a quick morning meet up with a friend. Spring For Coffee in Downtown is a great little spot, they serve Intelligentsia and Stumptown, the cafe has just enough room to order and then sit outside on the curbside tables. A tiny little place, but, perfect for the locals… and dogs!

The wide, bright, green Spring Street bike lane is always a plus too.

We spent a few days in Big Sur over the holiday. You probably know by now, Big Sur is one of mine and Angie’s favorite places on earth. It’s no less than stunning, a collision of ocean, rugged cliffs, rolling hills, mountains, redwoods and streams. It’s a perfect combination of nature. Plus, add a few creature comforts like Nepenthe’s bar, The Glen Oaks Inn, hot springs at Esalen, and Big Sur Bakery… well, it’s like pampered camping.

Big Sur Bakery is our favorite spot for eats. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong. The menu changes depending on the time, but, all of the dishes are made from honest, simple, local, fresh foods. Two of the owners are transplants from our very own Los Angeles having worked at Campanile, Joes in Venice, and La Brea Bakery among others. They make their own breads there and it’s delicious. I actually picked up their cookbook… can’t wait to start making their recipes. Here is a quick brunch we had there… yuuuumm!

Angie instagramming… Jen, modeling her pizza.

These guys were so cute… and huge! Great Danes, just chillin’ in the back of this truck while their owners ate at the bakery. Good dogs!

Most of these photos by our partner in crime, Miki Amano