Here we are again: at the end of another year, reflecting on the best and worst times, and poised to leap forward. For those of you who know me personally and for long-time readers (I hope by now you feel like you know me as well!) you won’t be surprised to hear that I like to focus on the good. I am and have always been an eternal optimist, and for living a blessed life (no sarcastic hashtags needed), I am eternally grateful as well. There truly has been many joyful moments in 2017. And my favorite of all was marrying my best friend.
This little blog has continued to bring me so much pride and opportunity. I’m very thankful to be able to chronicle my culinary adventures here, and to sprinkle in more travel and restaurant posts. This year, I published fewer posts, but more pictures. I ate more pasta. I went on bigger trips. I lived more.
I went back to Japan for a memorable family vacation, where I ate my way through Osaka and wove through the bustling streets of Tokyo. Re-reading those recaps – especially my post on the Tsukiji Market – temporarily transports me back to Japan, and I crave for more adventures (and toro bowls).

My husband (!) Matt went home with me to Manila for the first time and experienced Filipino warmth, food, and hospitality. Of course he loved lechon (whole roasted pig) and my husband endeared himself to my family even more for his hearty appreciation of the traditional Filipino breakfast, like this longsilog – a...