Tiffany Restaurant 名寶石餐廳 (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★☆☆

It wasn’t an easy decision, but we finally said goodbye to our family apartment after  it has served us for 40+ years. I was there for more than half of it. Now that it’s gone, I can only hope mom finds comfort in being a little closer to me and little nugget. I hope she settled into our peaceful, cozy neighborhood.

And interestingly enough, we’re back in mom’s old area this afternoon for little nugget’s lessons. For nostalgia’s sake, I decided to go back to Tiffany Restaurant (名寶石餐廳) for our late lunch. It felt like the perfect little detour — a trip down memory lane.

As far as I could remember, Tiffany Restaurant used to be called “Ruby Restaurant” (紅寶石餐廳). Back then, the group had a few branches across Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Dad used to love visiting the one near our home. He wasn’t the kind of man who splurged on fancy meals often, so we mostly came on special occasions.

I had a strange feeling the moment we walked in this afternoon. Everything looked the same — the decor, the menu, even the familiar faces from the service team. But deep down, I could feel something different inside me. This no longer felt like our “hood”.

The tea tasted just as strong as it did twenty years ago. It was that particular kind of boldness you don’t normally get from a Hong Kong-style soy sauce western restaurant.

I ordered the deep-fried grouper fillet like I always do. Even though Tiffany Restaurant is a Hong Kong-style soy sauce western restaurant, they always seemed to use high-quality ingredients. Maybe that’s why the old patrons keep coming back. 

The thick slice of grouper fillet was again pretty delicious again — crispy on the outside, tender and satisfying within. Newer generations of soy sauce western restaurants probably wouldn’t bother with produce like this, at these kinds of prices.

And just as we were settling in, this guy arrived in time for dessert.

I don’t know when I’ll get the chance to visit again. But I truly hope they’ll keep thriving so we can return from time to time, and let a little nostalgia find us once more.

Food Rating: 5.7/10
Price: $$$
Address: 148 Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Closest Metro Station: Prince Edward
Tel: +852 2381-1516

Opening Hours: 8:00am - 11:30pm daily

L’Oignon (Strasbourg, FRANCE) ★★★★☆

When we returned to Strasbourg after a full day of activities in Colmar, it was already a little after 7 pm, leaving us very little time to explore the city’s historic centre. I thought, if there’s a place to soak up Strasbourg’s medieval charm with our remaining time here, it has to be Petite France.

Petite France (or Little France) is easily the most picturesque quarter of Strasbourg, located on the southwestern edge of the city’s central island. Best known for its fairytale-like atmosphere, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is highlighted by its winding canals, cobblestone streets, wooden bridges, and beautifully preserved 17th-century half-timbered houses.

We did our best to soak up the storybook vibe by visiting a few sunset viewpoints and aimlessly wandering around the main thoroughfare. Before we knew it, half an hour had flown by right into dinner time.

This was when we arrived at our dinner destination — L’Oignon, a local institution celebrated for its warm, cozy atmosphere and excellent Alsatian cuisine. We all thought it would be silly to pass up the chance to sit on the lovely outdoor terrace right along the narrow cobblestone streets and immerse ourselves in the area’s historic charm.

Alsatian snails (6 pcs, €12) — Little nugget specifically asked for these, so as expected, he ended up finishing them all.

As usual, the snails were baked with parsley butter. I just wish there had been more left (before this guy finished it all) so I could have used it as a dip for the bread.

French tarte tatin of caramelized shallots (€11) — I mistakenly thought this was the traditional French onion soup (the restaurant's signature dish), but it turned out to be something different. On top of the caramelized shallots was a pool of cream cheese with herbs. It had most of the elements of an onion soup, but without the delicious broth.

Traditional sauerkraut with five kinds of meat and sausages (€22) — With Strasbourg situated so close to the German border, it came as no surprise that the restaurants here boast some of the most amazing “homestyle” German dishes.

I didn’t exactly count how many different kinds there were, but it definitely included pork belly, knuckle, and sausage… and these were really, really tender and succulent.

Alsatian chicken supreme (€22) — The chicken fillets were pretty tender and were nicely complemented by a creamy oyster mushroom sauce.

Some roasted potatoes as a side dish.

Choosing to sit on the terrace was the best decision we have made in a while. To enjoy front-row seats to the neighborhood’s half-timbered houses, weeping willows, and the gentle reflection of historic architecture on the water, it was priceless.

And honestly, the night scene only got better as the evening went on. (Photo touched up with AI.)

Food Rating: 6.8/10

Price: €€€

Address: 4 Rue des Moulins, 67000 Strasbourg, France

Tel: +33 (0)3 8816-5981

Website: http://www.restaurantloignon.fr/

Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 2:00pm (Mon - Thu), 12:00pm - 3:00pm (Fri - Sat), 12:00pm - 4:00pm (Sun), 7:00pm - 10:00pm daily

Fortwenger Strasbourg Cathédrale (Strasbourg, FRANCE) ★★★☆☆

We wanted to check Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg off our list as soon as possible, so right after we dropped off our car at the hotel, we immediately started walking toward the monumental structure in the heart of Strasbourg’s old town. That’s when we stumbled upon Fortwenger Strasbourg Cathédrale.

Fortwenger is a brand that has been around for about 250 years, and they specialize in traditional Alsatian gingerbread and other confectionery. They have a few branches across France, and this one next to the famous cathedral also doubles as a gelateria.

There were some interesting flavors available but little nugget was only looking for something simple.

His favorite — vanilla gelato.

I always had a nice laugh at him whenever he had vanilla ice cream, calling him simple-minded, but I had to admit this was pretty tasty. Good choice, son!

It’s my second time visiting Strasbourg, and likewise for the Strasbourg Cathedral. There’s this magical feeling whenever I stand underneath this magnificent architecture, which was once the tallest structure built entirely in the Middle Ages.

It’s not the first time I’ve said this during our trip, but tonight it felt like we’d taken a time machine and traveled back to an era where Harry Potter was still a student. I was actually hiding from the rain at a corner near Place de la Cathédrale (Cathedral Square) when I was taking this photo, but I couldn’t stop admiring the scene there.

I know it’s going to be hard walking in the heavy rain, but it’s time for us to run, as we have our first fine-dining experience for this trip coming up in just a few minutes.

Food Rating: 6.1/10

Price: €€

Address: 31 Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France

Tel: +33 (0)3 8851-3404

Website: https://www.fortwenger.fr/

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 6:30pm (Mon - Sat), 10:00am - 6:00pm (Sun) 

My First-Ever Vineyard Visit in Germany — Weingut Kopp

Stepping into Germany’s Baden region for my first-ever vineyard visit felt like walking directly into a postcard.

Nestled near the Black Forest in Sinzheim, Weingut Kopp instantly captured my imagination striking a perfect balance between sleek, modern architecture and deep-rooted tradition.

The estate is surrounded by gently rolling hills covered in meticulously manicured vines, stretching toward the horizon. Breathing in the crisp valley air, I knew right away that simply standing among these historic slopes would be an unforgettable introduction to European wine culture.

The highlight of the journey was exploring the unique terroir and landscape that make this boutique winery so special. Walking along the edge of the vineyards, I looked out over the distinct Feigenwäldchen and Altenberg slopes, learning how Baden’s volcanic and limestone soils shape the future harvest.

Little one got his first taste of vineyard life, getting up close with the vines and experiencing the magic of being surrounded by grapevines.

Even without a formal tasting, seeing where the grapes grow and observing the meticulous care given to the land provided a profound lesson in how dedication to sustainable viticulture becomes the foundation for world-class bottles.

Rather than a traditional glass in hand, my experience was defined by a sensory appreciation of the winery’s stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. The contemporary design blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, offering panoramic views of the Baden countryside — views that are worth the trip all on their own. Engaging with the passionate team and learning about their acclaimed Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) gave me a deep respect for the craftsmanship behind the cellar doors. It also reminded me that a vineyard’s story can be just as intoxicating as its wine.

Needless to say, I left with some of their most prized bottles in my hands.

Leaving the estate with a newfound appreciation for German viticulture, I realized that my first winery visit in Germany had set an incredibly high bar. Weingut Kopp delivered far more than a destination — it offered an authentic, visual connection to the land and to the people who pour their hearts into every vintage. For anyone hoping to discover the modern, exciting side of German winemaking, walking the grounds of this Baden gem is the perfect place to start the journey. I left feeling inspired, and genuinely eager to return for a pour in the future.

Price: €€€

Address: Ebenunger Straße 23, 76547 Sinzheim, Germany, Germany

Tel: +49 7221 803601

Website: https://www.weingut-kopp.com/

Opening Hours: 1:00pm - 6:00pm (Mon - Fri), 12:00pm - 5:00pm (Sat - Sun)

Le Méridien Stuttgart (Stuttgart, GERMANY)

We’re staying in the fourth city in the last four days. It’s my second visit to Stuttgart, the first since 2012. Despite being the 6th largest city in Germany, Stuttgart has very few accommodation options close to the city centre. I managed to find a few possibilities — mostly boutique hotels in the area but in the end, I chose to stay at a reliable international chain instead. The decision was mainly about its underground parking, something any boutique hotel couldn’t have offered. And with heavy construction going on in the area, that’s an important factor to consider.

We arrived in Stuttgart from Ulm by car in the late afternoon and immediately noticed the ongoing construction of the "Stuttgart 21 central railway station" project, which I heard has been going on for years. Luckily, we didn’t have to search for parking.

Le Méridien Stuttgart was pretty empty when we arrived, so the check-in process didn’t take very long.

Most of the rooms here are the same size (30 sq. metres), but our superior room looked a little smaller than what they indicated. 

Especially with the designer chair, coffee table and desk, there was no room for our luggage and the walking space to the window.

The building that houses Le Méridien Stuttgart was first built in 1988 and later underwent a couple of major renovations after it was rebranded from an InterContinental hotel to a Le Méridien. Nevertheless, its age is starting to show — particularly in the finishes on the walls, among other things.

The bathroom in particular looked as if it had missed the recent renovation (2016). It’s the first part of the room that’s due for a major facelift.

The hotel itself is within walking distance of some of the major attractions in the city, but with multiple major construction sites around, getting there was a nightmare. Instead of a straight line walk, we had to navigate around construction, past Schlossgarten park, and over connecting stairs and footbridges while also avoiding bikers.

The only thing worth reporting was the breakfast buffet, which was outstanding. 

They offer a really good mix of hot and cold dishes, including an egg station where scrambled eggs were prepared to order.

This wasn’t an ideal stay. When I asked my team members to identify their least satisfactory accommodation of this trip, not surprisingly, Le Méridien Stuttgart ranked near the top of everyone’s list. The numbers don’t lie.

P.S. The “Not bad” rating also takes into account the overall experience, including service from the front desk, location, facilities, parking, and breakfast so they kind of counterbalance the negatives.

Rating: ❤❤❤

Price: €€€€

Address: Willy-Brandt-Straße 30, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany

Tel: +49 711 22210

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/strmd-le-meridien-stuttgart

BellaVista (Ulm, GERMANY) ★★☆☆☆

The fact that Ulm is the birthplace of Albert Einstein had nothing to do with us stopping for lunch here this afternoon. With the historic city right in the middle of Kempten and Stuttgart, it simply made perfect sense to stop by for food, gas, and a little bit of sightseeing.

Our friend AI told me that Ulm is a tourist city, but the tourism part didn’t really register during our visit as we were the only notable tourists in the city centre. After parking our car in the heart of Ulm, we emerged from underground looking for our lunch spot.

BellaVista is a popular café, bar, and restaurant in Ulm, famous for its rooftop terrace that looks directly at the Ulm Minster, one of the tallest churches in the world and the undisputed top attraction of the city. The restaurant sits on the top floor of a six-story building on the edge of a plaza right next to the church. It was the main reason I booked this place in the first place.

With the hope of getting a closer look at the Ulm Minster, we decided to sit on the terrace.

Needless to say, we began taking selfies the moment we sat down at the corner.

The food menu is very short, highlighted by a couple of salad bowls, ramen noodles, and the daily specials.

This was when my day took a wild spin for the worse. While I was going through the menu, there were a few (under 10) wasps and bees 🐝 circling around me and little nugget (Jelloman was away to the toilet). It’s safe to say my boy has never been a fan of little flying objects and when he was constantly interrupted by them, he got really irritated and a little upset. He started swinging wildly with the menu, and this probably got one of the wasps upset. It settled on my arm (but why me? I had no clue) and bit me.

When I first saw the wasp on my arm, I didn’t react immediately. Two seconds later, I was already bitten. There was obviously excruciating pain at the spot where I’ve been bitten, and it quickly started to swell pretty badly.

I quickly told little one to go inside the restaurant and asked for help. One of the servers came and sprayed some chemicals on my wound, and without consulting Jelloman, we moved indoors. I was then handed an ice pack to keep the swelling down.

So, yes I didn’t really get to enjoy this meal as much as I would have liked.

Yatai ramen (€13.5) — Both ramen options are vegetarian. This one came with enoki mushrooms, pak choy, leeks, sugar snap peas, and fresh coriander in a soy sauce–based broth. The broth was very strong, with a rich soy sauce flavor. We were joking that with the broth already pretty salty, the chance of the bottle of soy sauce being used was probably next to none. 

Fried calamari (€17.9) — The fried calamari (which was really squid rings) was breaded and served on a bed of salad made with garden greens, rocket leaves, tomatoes, and capers. There was a Parmesan aioli on top to add to the flavors. Overall the dish was fine, although I thought the calamari would have tasted better without the added batter.

There were a few firsts for me today. First time visiting Ulm, first time having Japanese ramen in Germany, and yeah — first time being bitten by a wasp. I have to admit, a lot went through my mind in the few seconds after being bitten, including whether the wasp was poisonous. I was reassured by the staff that as long as I didn’t feel anything wrong (such as dizziness), I should be fine.

A gentleman from the table next to us came over to check if I was alright. What a class act! He went on to tell me that during the summer it’s common to see wasps and bees everywhere in Germany and that being bitten by one definitely isn’t rare. He concluded with, “This is Germany. Welcome to Germany!”

Even with my badly swollen forearm, I decided to check out Ulm Minster. 

Despite its massive scale and cathedral-like appearance, it has never been the official seat of a bishop. Go, figure....

Food Rating: 4.7/10

Price: €€€

Address: Münsterplatz 35, 89073 Ulm, Germany

Tel: +49 731 6026966

Website: https://bellavista-ulm.de/

Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Mon - Thu), 8:30am - 4:00pm (Fri - Sat)