Licher Lagar, Ale Arsanal, San Carlos, CA Beer Beer! Nothing but beer!(okay I lied. They actually have a very limited selection of wine but you are really at the wrong spot for that.)Cool place. Friendly bartender. Very chill spot to hang out. High-res

Licher Lagar, Ale Arsanal, San Carlos, CA

Beer Beer! Nothing but beer!

(okay I lied. They actually have a very limited selection of wine but you are really at the wrong spot for that.)

Cool place. Friendly bartender. Very chill spot to hang out.

Lau Hai San, San Jose, CA

Lau Hai San is the place to go if you are looking for good Vietnamese hotpot. They do offer a lot more than just hotpot. The menu includes noodles, broken rice and a good variety of entrees. It is such an overkill in my opinion because most patrons order nothing other than their specialty seafood hotpot.

Spicy Thai seafood hotpot is the most popular one and it was quite tasty. The booth was well flavored and not too spicy. It should be fairly manageable even for those who have trouble with the heat. The seafood was fresh although not of really supreme quality. A small pot could comfortably feed 2. For about $3 more you could upgrade to a larger pot that feeds 4-5.

Service was really slow. They only have 2 waitstaff working and the restaurant was a full house later at night because of a few large groups. Food arrived quickly but it was hard to get my water glass filled.

Good food. Clean restaurant. Fairly inexpensive price tag. Lau Hai San is worthy for a return visit.

Ichiza, Las Vegas, NV

It seems like there are really no shortage of Japanese good eats in Vegas area. Newly added to my favorite off the strip dining list is this lovely Izakaya restaurant Ichiza.

The menu is fairly standard and not overwhelming. On top of the transitional izakaya small plates and yakitori skewers, you can also find some kitchen entree, ramen and sushi rolls. Bento style meals are offered during happy hour.

Price is very reasonable and the quality of the food is good. Honey toast is a must try if you never had it elsewhere. Imagine a loaf of soft bread, toasted, drenched in butter, honey and topped with two scoops of ice cream… THAT was sinfully gratifying.