{Buffalo} Harbor

I celebrated my birthday in at Acqua Catering & Restaurant which was very near Niagara river and enjoyed the magnificent water views. The sky, once covered by heavy snow now is truly clear. The water birds were all flying and singing. I couldn't be more grateful to the gorgeous view that the nature gave us.

{Buffalo} Acqua & Birthday Dinner

I had a very memorable birthday dinner at Acqua Catering & Restaurant. During the Buffalo restaurant week, many local restaurants offer solid $20 deal for multiple courses, so did Acqua. Having not known anything about the dishes there, I was attracted by the well-designed website & location first (yes it is very important for restaurants to have a great website to attract 1st time visitors!). As stated in their official website, "Enjoy our innovative menu created by Chef Edward Dolski offering specialties of the surf- a vast assortment of fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy one of our culinary creations while enjoying a spectacular view the harbor". And, it turned out the dishes surprised me too. The Asian Spiced Braised Short Ribs with Oriental Noodles is not authentic Asian food but totally conquered my stomach by the mouthwatering and very freshly seasoned broth. My roommate had a pan-seared Seabass which had a crispy skin and moisturized mouth-feel. 

Talking about my birthday, I got a lot of blessings from my families and friends, as always. And the past year was very special with many achievements - I graduated with my MBA, moved to a new city and started my 1st full-time job in my favorite industry. I visited many lovely places with my beloved ones, met so many amazing people during work & travels from all over the world, which enriched my simple everyday life. I started this blog and recorded so many great memories here. Moreover, I realized that family & friends are my most valuable asset. I learned, how to give more love & spend more time with people I care and love.

Banana Mocha Cake + Hello April

This banana mocha cake is INDULGENCE. Since this is my birthday week so I just want to enjoy. Today it is 60 degree and I can TRULY hear the birds singing. I miss spring, I miss the feeling that I can sit outside of a cafe under the sunshine. Can't wait to welcome the spring!

Recipe

Ingredients

3 bananas

1.5 cups light brown sugar

1.5 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled

1 cup oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

2.75 cups flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup chocolate chips

Steps

Preheat oven to 350F. Mash the banana and mix in the brown sugar until blended. Add the coffee, oil, Vanilla, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and salt. Fold in the flour and baking sod. Pour into an ungreased 9*13 pan and top with the chocolate chips. Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

Weekend Friend Night

Last Saturday night I spent a great night with a friend from Thailand. She brought me the best homemade spring roll (and she said it is very easy so I am going to learn how to make it). I cooked traditional Chinese corn noodle with vegetables (I was really flattered when she said it is delicious!). I am very grateful to the fact that I have so many friends from different countries and always bring me new knowledge about a country, people, cultures, and food, which makes my life colorful & exciting!