Category: Food

Who doesn’t like food?

I certainly do and I spent too much time talking about it, traveling to it, and reviewing it in text or in video.

While I still love food tourism, I am learning how to incorporate it into a healthier lifestyle.

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Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box Review: Ben’s Snack Comeback

If you’ve watched this channel before, you might remember that Ben used to do Bokksu snack box reviews pretty regularly. After a long break, his enthusiasm for Japanese snacks has officially returned — and the timing couldn’t be better.

With the news that our family (including my cousin Ryan) is heading to Japan in 2026, Ben’s interest in Japanese food, culture, and snacks has been completely re-energized. The Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box turned out to be the perfect way to kick things off again.

This post pairs with our video review, where Ben and Ryan taste, react, and share their honest thoughts on this seasonal box.

What’s Inside the Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box?

Each Bokksu box highlights regional Japanese snacks with a seasonal theme, and Fall 2025 leaned into flavors that might surprise Western snack fans.

Instead of heavy pumpkin spice or cinnamon notes, this box focused on:

  • 🍠 Sweet potato flavors (the clear star of the box)

  • 🍎 Apple accents

  • 🍊 Citrus elements

  • 🍬 A mix of sweet and lightly savory textures

If you’re expecting fall flavors to mirror American autumn snacks, this box is a great reminder that Japanese seasonal flavors follow a different (and often more subtle) approach.

Taste Test Reactions: Hits, Misses, and Surprises

Ben and Ryan worked their way through the box, discussing:

  • Which sweet potato snacks stood out

  • Which flavor combinations were unexpected

  • How Japanese fall snacks differ from what we’re used to in the U.S.

Some snacks were immediate favorites, while others sparked debate — which is half the fun of a Bokksu box. Trying unfamiliar flavors is what makes these reviews interesting, especially when reactions are honest and unscripted.

Bonus Round: Extra Japanese Snacks from Ryan

At the end of the video, Ryan surprised us by bringing along additional Japanese snacks that weren’t part of the Bokksu box. This turned into an impromptu bonus tasting session and added some variety to the review.

These extra snacks also gave us a small preview of the kinds of treats we’ll eventually be hunting down in Japan during our 2026 trip.

Why This Bokksu Review Feels Special

This wasn’t just another snack review.

It marked:

  • Ben’s return to Bokksu videos

  • Renewed excitement around Japanese culture

  • The beginning of food-focused prep for Japan 2026

  • A fun, low-pressure family moment captured on video

Sometimes a simple box of snacks can reconnect old interests and spark new ones — and this one definitely did.

Watch the Video & Join the Conversation

If you haven’t watched the video yet, be sure to check it out to see Ben and Ryan’s full reactions.

👀 We’d love your input:

  • Which snacks looked good to you?

  • Which ones would you want to try?

  • Are there Japanese snacks we should track down next?

Drop your thoughts in the comments on the video — we genuinely enjoy hearing from viewers and often turn suggestions into future reviews.

Looking Ahead to Japan 2026 🇯🇵

This Bokksu review is just the beginning. As we get closer to our Japan 2026 trip, expect more snack reviews, food experiments, and Japan-inspired content along the way.

If you enjoy Japanese snacks, family reviews, and real reactions, stay tuned — there’s a lot more coming.

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California Travel Reflections

After exploring California’s Central Coast and San Francisco, I’m wrapping up the trip with some personal reflections, travel takeaways, and honest observations. From charming small towns to big city highlights, this video summarizes what stood out — and what didn’t — during our week on the road.

🌄 Central Coast Takeaways:
From Monterey and Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo, California’s Central Coast truly delivered. The natural beauty, laid-back energy, and welcoming communities made this stretch of the trip feel unforgettable — especially scenic drives down Highway 1, relaxing moments in Montaña de Oro, and delicious meals at spots like Louisa’s Place and Frankie & Lola’s.

🌉 San Francisco Highlights:
While the city itself didn’t hold quite the same appeal for me this time, there were still some standout experiences — including a peaceful walk through the Japanese Tea Garden and a great afternoon exploring Hayes Valley, one of SF’s most livable and stylish neighborhoods.

🥩 Best Meals of the Trip?
I share my thoughts comparing iconic spots like the House of Prime Rib and the Madonna Inn — both memorable for different reasons. Plus a recap of where we ate, what we loved, and what we’d skip next time.

And a special shout out to Papas and Eggs in Gilroy, CA – great breakfast!

📍 Topics in this video:

  • My honest opinion on the Central Coast vs. San Francisco
  • Restaurant comparisons: House of Prime Rib vs. Madonna Inn
  • Reflections on small towns, hidden gems, and the changing way I travel

If you’re thinking about visiting California’s coastal regions, this wrap-up is for you — packed with recommendations, lessons learned, and candid travel insights.

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House of Prime Rib (HoPR) – San Francisco

We finally made it back to House of Prime Rib (HoPR) in San Francisco, and once again — it absolutely delivered. While we’ve dined here before, this was Ben and Ryan’s first time, and from the prime rib to the cocktails to the unmatched service, the entire experience was nothing short of spectacular.

🥩 What makes House of Prime Rib legendary?

  • Perfectly cooked prime rib, carved tableside
  • Rich, buttery mashed potatoes and classic creamed spinach
  • House-made salad spun tableside with signature dressing
  • Top-tier cocktails and a timeless, old-school atmosphere
  • Service that’s attentive, friendly, and flawlessly executed

Whether you have a reservation months in advance or you’re lining up early to score a walk-in, it’s absolutely worth the effort. The House of Prime Rib isn’t just a meal — it’s a San Francisco institution, and it never disappoints.

📍Located on Van Ness Ave, this classic steakhouse is a must for anyone visiting the Bay Area or celebrating a special night out.

✅ In this video:

  1. Full tour of the House of Prime Rib experience
  2. Ben and Ryan’s first reactions
  3. Our favorite menu items and drink picks
  4. Tips on how to book (and what to expect if you walk in)
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Morro Bay: A Hidden Gem on the Central Coast

Discover one of California’s most underrated coastal destinations as we explore the natural beauty and local charm of Morro Bay on the Central Coast.

Our morning started with a visit to the iconic Morro Rock — a towering volcanic plug rising from the ocean, offering sweeping views and a peaceful walk along the shore. Then we headed to a local favorite for breakfast: Frankie and Lola’s, a cozy café near the waterfront known for friendly service and hearty, flavorful dishes.

The highlight of the day? A relaxing wildlife boat tour through Morro Bay’s calm estuary. We spotted sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, and other native wildlife, along with dramatic coastal rock formations and hidden coves you can only see from the water.

📍 In this video:

  • Scenic views of Morro Rock
  • Breakfast at Frankie and Lola’s Front Street Café
  • Boat ride through Morro Bay Estuary
  • Wildlife sightings: sea lions, seabirds & more
  • Why Morro Bay is a must-see hidden gem on any California road trip

Whether you’re planning your next trip or just need a virtual escape, Morro Bay delivers quiet beauty, wildlife, and local flavor — all without the crowds of bigger tourist spots.

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Dining at the Madonna Inn (SLO)

Join us for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at the iconic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California — a Central Coast legend known for its over-the-top pink decor, kitschy charm, and famous pink champagne cake.

This wasn’t our first visit, but the whimsical design and warm service made us come back. We had dinner in the Gold Rush Steakhouse, where Ben and Ryan really enjoyed their perfectly cooked steaks, while Allison and I found our New York strips a touch overdone — not bad at all, but just a little past medium.

Still, the setting more than made up for it. With its bubblegum-pink booths, gold accents, and glowing chandeliers, the Madonna Inn delivers a dining vibe unlike anywhere else.

🍽️ Highlights Include:

  • A peek inside the Madonna Inn’s wildly colorful dining room
  • Our honest take on steaks and sides
  • Finishing off with a slice of the legendary pink champagne cake

If you love quirky roadside Americana, retro glam, or just a meal you’ll never forget — the Madonna Inn is a must-see destination on your California road trip.

📍Located off Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo

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Pacific Coast Highway Drive to San Luis Obispo

Join us for a classic California coastal day as we drive down the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) through McWay Falls, explore the local food scene in San Luis Obispo, and cap it off with a coastal hike at Montaña de Oro State Park.

🌊 Pacific Coast Highway Drive
Known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, the PCH delivers unforgettable ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and iconic stops like Bixby Creek Bridge and the rugged Big Sur coastline. This stretch of the journey is a must-do for any California road trip.

🍳 Louisa’s Place – San Luis Obispo
We stopped for breakfast at the legendary Louisa’s Place, a local favorite in downtown SLO. From massive omelets to fresh coffee, this diner blends friendly service with hearty, old-school flavor — perfect fuel before a day outdoors.

🌲 Montaña de Oro State Park
Named the “Mountain of Gold” for its seasonal golden wildflowers, this state park features cliffside trails, hidden beaches, and dramatic views of the Pacific. We visited Spooner’s Cove, explored tide pools, and took in the ocean breeze along the Bluff Trail.

If you’re planning a Central California coast road trip, this video is packed with inspiration, travel tips, and jaw-dropping views.

🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for the next leg of our trip!