​We had the pleasure of dining at Epic, a well-known beachfront restaurant located just a short walk from the Mandarin Hotel along Boracay’s lively sandy strip. Its prime location, just steps from the beach, makes it an ideal spot to enjoy both a meal and the island’s famous sunsets.
We timed our visit to coincide with sunset, and it did not disappoint. Dining with a direct view of the beach as the sun dipped below the horizon created a truly memorable atmosphere. The setting alone makes this a standout destination.
The food was exceptional across the board. The chicken wings were particularly noteworthy—flavorful and perfectly prepared. We also ordered the tomahawk steak, cooked to a precise medium, which was equally impressive in both quality and presentation. The drinks complemented the meal well, with a variety of well-crafted options available.
Service was attentive, friendly, and professional, enhancing the overall dining experience. The staff ensured that everything was handled seamlessly from start to finish.
Overall, Epic delivered an outstanding dining experience, combining excellent food, a prime beachfront setting, and exceptional service. It is a place we would gladly return to and highly recommend for either lunch or dinner while visiting Boracay.

A visit to Full Moon House in Chinatown Los Angeles offers a classic, old-school Chinese dining experience right as you come off the 110 freeway into Chinatown. It’s one of those longtime neighborhood spots that feels rooted in tradition rather than trends.
Walking in, you’re greeted by a large, open dining room with a banquet-style setup—round tables, white tablecloths, and traditional décor, including red accents and hanging elements that give the space a festive yet nostalgic feel. It has that familiar atmosphere of a place designed for family gatherings, group meals, and relaxed dining rather than anything overly modern or polished.
We started with tea, served in traditional metal pots, which immediately set the tone. The food overall was solid—very much what you’d expect from standard Chinese cuisine. Nothing really stood out as exceptional, but it was consistent and satisfying enough. We sampled a variety of dishes, and while everything was decent, it didn’t quite reach that “wow” factor that makes you want to go back for seconds.
That said, this is still a place we’d consider returning to. It may not be out of this world, but it delivers a reliable, familiar experience that fits right in with the character of Chinatown. Sometimes that’s exactly what you’re looking for—a comfortable, no-surprises meal in a setting that feels like it’s been part of the neighborhood for years.
If you’re heading into Chinatown and want a straightforward, traditional Chinese meal in a convenient location, Full Moon House is worth a stop—just go in expecting good, solid food rather than something extraordinary.

​A visit to Beachwood Cafe feels like discovering one of those hidden gems that somehow still manages to stay under the radar in Los Angeles. Tucked away in the scenic hills of Beachwood Canyon, just beneath the iconic Hollywood Sign, the setting alone makes it worth the trip.
The location has a unique charm—you’re just minutes from the city, yet it feels like a quiet escape from the usual LA hustle. The surrounding neighborhood has that classic, historic Hollywood feel, with winding streets and a laid-back atmosphere that makes the experience even more enjoyable.
What really stood out to us, though, was the food. Everything we ordered was delicious—hearty, flavorful, and generously portioned. It’s the kind of place where you leave feeling satisfied, not just because of the quality, but because they don’t hold back on portions. The menu leans toward modern American cuisine with a mix of global influences, offering everything from bold breakfast dishes to comforting lunch and dinner options.
Another big plus is the convenience. Parking, which can be a challenge in many parts of LA, is surprisingly easy here. There’s access to a shared lot behind the café, along with nearby street parking, making the visit much more stress-free. And right next door, there’s a small market—perfect if you need to grab a drink, snack, or anything extra before or after your meal.
The overall vibe is relaxed and welcoming, the kind of place where you could easily spend time lingering over coffee or a full meal. It’s no surprise that people often describe it as a peaceful escape with great food and friendly service.
If you’re looking for a spot that combines great food, generous portions, easy parking, and a unique location with real character, Beachwood Cafe checks all the boxes. It’s definitely a place we’d come back to—and one that’s worth adding to your LA list.

​A visit to Miceli’s Italian Restaurant in Hollywood feels like stepping back into a different era—one where classic red-sauce Italian dining meets old-school Hollywood charm. Tucked just off Hollywood Boulevard, it’s the kind of place that has clearly stood the test of time.
From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the tone. The lighting is dim, giving the restaurant a cozy, intimate feel that perfectly complements its vintage character. The walls are famously covered with thousands of signed dollar bills, each one adding to the sense of history and personality that makes this place so unique. It’s not polished or trendy—and that’s exactly the point.
The food is classic Italian comfort cuisine—hearty, generous, and satisfying. Portions are more than enough, and it’s almost expected that you’ll be taking part of your meal home. Everything leans toward that traditional, family-style cooking that fills you up and leaves you content.
But what really sets Miceli’s apart is the entertainment. Every 30 to 40 minutes, the servers gather around the piano—accompanied by a live pianist—and break into operatic songs. It’s unexpected, lively, and adds a layer of fun that you won’t find in most restaurants. It turns dinner into an experience rather than just a meal.
Its location also makes it a great stop before or after a show. With so many theaters nearby, it’s the perfect place to start or end an evening out in Hollywood.
Miceli’s isn’t about being modern or cutting-edge—it’s about tradition, atmosphere, and a dining experience that feels uniquely its own. If you’re looking for something with character, history, and a bit of entertainment along with your meal, this is definitely a spot worth visiting.