San Francisco—It was my first time to take United Airlines from Manila to SFO. The planes are newer, and you really feel you get what you pay for. Landed at 6 a.m. from a takeoff from Manila at 8:40 a.m. Watched four movies and had a very pleasant flight. Food was good, but I felt I needed a snack in between. I know what to do next time: I’ll make baon a Big Mac or a bacon Whopper. I’m on vacation—it’s OK.
A journey of food, family, and jet lag
A vacation that begins with United Airlines and ends with the best steak—and the best company
By Sandy Daza
Published May 28, 2025 07:14 am
My first few days in San Francisco were focused on shedding off jet lag. No pressure, I had all the time to relax. Sleepy? I slept. This trip of mine ends in New York, where my son Chef Turo is getting married. But that’s a week after.
I had the greatest discovery, compliments of my sister and my Jenny: keto bread. It is a no-carb bread that tastes quite close to the real one. Had a variety of fillings like smoked turkey and turkey hotdog. Sarap. I ate to my heart’s content and never gained a single pound. I diet because I also want to indulge.
Grilled Lamb Chops
Steak from House of Prime Rib on Van Ness downtown
My sister Mariles’ new discovery, which she was eager to share, was a Middle Eastern restaurant called Mazra. Their grilled lamb chops were the best I’ve had—tender, seasoned perfectly, and so, so good. I peeked into the kitchen and saw they put the chops in a press over charcoal. That’s why it’s so tender. I learned something new.
Of course, I cannot pass through San Francisco without going to House of Prime Rib on Van Ness downtown. I have a new style of ordering. I order the largest cut but English style. The King Henry Cut is the largest cut, but cut English style. These are thinly sliced steaks. And the advantage of that over the traditional cut is each piece of thin steak can be coated in their delicious au jus. Fantastic!
For my sides, I have the Yorkshire pudding with au jus. The potato? I have a baked potato loaded with chives, bacon, sour cream, and butter. I mash the potatoes and mix everything with it. I then add some Prime Rib House seasoning. Then, I close my eyes and tell myself, “I deserve this.” Heaven! Best steak in my life.
The author with friends and family
After a weeklong stay in SFO, I am now in NYC. And just like SFO, the food here is also amazing—if you know where to go.
As soon as I land in Manila, I try to shed off jet lag and, four days after, have a Korea food tour. God is so good to me!
I hope to find a better steak here in the city. What’s even better than all this great food? I’m spending it with my kids! Nothing beats building memories. Thank you, Lord!
Happy eating!