Cupcake Sweet tooth

Today was a family shopping day! We took a trip to visit the Stanford shopping mall. We did a bit of shopping. We didn’t know a surprise was waiting for us at the corner. It was Sprinkles cupcake!

My sister and I just wanted a small snack so we each got ourselves a mini cupcake ($3.00). One in red velvet and the other black & white (assuming vanilla and chocolate).

Honestly, I wasn’t amused with the cupcake. It was soft and fluffy and the cream was flavorful and sweet, but it was missing the “wow” factor for me, especially when it was expensive for a bite size. I do have to give props for how cute they look. See for yourself.

Mini Cupcake

Top view of mini cupcake

Selection of Cupcakes

More Selection of Cupcakes

Lunch at the Mall

After my day of shopping, we found a restaurant near Nordstorm. The wait for Bazille was around 40 minutes, which considering that this location is a tiny entity seemed reasonable.

Had the crisp calamari appetizer been in stock, we would have ordered that. We eventually decided to try for a salad.

The cilantro lime shrimp salad ($14.95) consisted of organic baby greens and romaine lettuce with seared wild shrimp. It was mixed with tomato, fresh corn, roasted sweet peppers, Monterey jack cheese, sprinkled with tortilla crisp, and served with cilantro lime vinaigrette. I always had a dislike for salad for its lack of meatiness and I could never ever finish a serving unless the dressing is more on the sweet side. However, this by far, is one of my favorite salads. It was very savory and light, yet fulfilling.

Cilantro Lime Salad

Our first entrée was the Bistro club ($11.95). The sandwich was made with sliced chicken breast packed with organic baby greens, crispy bacon, roma tomato, and avocado. French green beans and garlic aioli on toasted rustic bread was served on the side. The club sandwich was simple and light, made with fresh ingredients. The French fries, itself, deserved praise, but might need to skip on that Kalamata olive aïoli dip, since the flavor was mildly sweet and I much preferred my fries salty.

Bistro Club with fries and Kalamata olive aïoli

Following, we are served with a chicken gnocchi carbonara ($12.75). Visually, the pasta has a great appeal with the roasted chicken, potato dumplings tossed with sweet peas, and served with pancetta and a creamy carbonara sauce. Portion size, it may have been smaller than expected. Normally, for any cheese-based dish, I have a tendency to stirred away and avoid it as much as possible. This dish was acceptable and the carbonara sauce was not too overpowering for my palette.  

Chicken Gnocchi Carbonara

My last spot in my stomach is saved for the crème brûlée ($5.25). The vanilla custard is caramelized with a sugar topping and decorated with two vibrant raspberries. 

Crème Brûlée

After devouring a complete meal, we head off to a round-two shopping spree. They say shop ‘til you drop and that’s what our minds set out for.

If you missed my first dinning experience at Cafe Bistro, check it out here.

Lunar New Year Eat-Out

Pictures speak a thousand words. Here's to another Chinese New Year! Wishing everyone prosperity!

Chinese White Cut Chicken 白切雞

Honey Walnut Shrimp 核桃虾

Veggies

Beef and soft tofu

Braised Tofu with Fish fillets 豆腐燜魚塊

Sweet Sour Pork

Green Bean Soup Dessert 綠豆沙

Dessert