Las Vegas Foodie Favorites with Aileen & Cary
In 2006, Cary and Aileen began a journey of shared adventures and culinary discoveries, promising to craft lasting memories together. Fast forward 17 years, and this dynamic duo, now living in Las Vegas, in their 13th year of marriage, continue to thrive. Noteworthy fact: Their wedding was nationally televised on the Oprah Winfrey Network. It was part of a TV reality series in which grooms-to-be plan their wedding, without help from their fiancées, who are left completely in the dark. This was a part of setting the stage for an extraordinary life.
Beyond their love story, Aileen and Cary find joy in the chaos brought by their two dogs. To keep up with their furry companions, they've embraced a fitness journey, all while advancing in their respective crafts. As Las Vegas Foodies, their culinary pursuits not only satisfy their palates but also serve as a testament to a life rich in love, adventure, and continuous growth. Cheers to Aileen and Cary, the duo that proves some love stories age like fine wine.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us! Tell us a little about your foodie adventure - how did you get into it and what has your journey been like?
“As a creative director and media host, I (Cary) began directing & producing both short & long form social media marketing content to help local restaurants stay afloat during the pandemic. Our youtube channel quickly grew and we began being invited out to film more stories in a span of a year from LA to OC, to the Bay Area, and even all the way to New Jersey. In 2022, Aileen and I relocated from LA to Las Vegas, and that’s when we decided to create our own platform sharing our love of food and the stories of passionate chefs & restaurant owners. We now travel around the world with a camera and capture these moments whenever we can and as often as possible, sharing it with our audience as if they have a seat at the table.”
“Our youtube channel has been slowly growing. Watching other channels (often friends channels) grow fast can sometimes derail our enthusiasm to continue creating. Very recently, Aileen and I were shopping at Costco (here in Las Vegas) when a family of three pointed us out and said, “Hey! We’re subscribed to your channel and we watch all your episodes!” As we were exchanging words and taking a photo together, another family walked by and said, “Hey we watched your Hawaii episode and it was awesome! We’re actually from Hawaii and live here part-time.” That experience was so humbling and flattering…I immediately went back to editing as soon as I got home from that jolt of energy we received from those two amazing families.”
Alright, Cary and Aileen - you are the culinary aficionados behind the Instagram pages @eatsensei, and @jellowmoon. Cary, with a Japanese heritage, and Aileen, proudly representing Korean culture, we want to deep dive with you into your favorite Japanese and Korean spots in Las Vegas. You know what authentic, quality cuisine should be, let’s hear your top fav’s in each category!
Aileen’s All-Time Favorite Las Vegas Korean Spots
Everything we order here is so OG, meaning that the flavors and the experience of the dishes we eat here hit the spot for the taste I yearn for. My “go to” dishe here is the Noodle and Blood Sausage with Ox Intestine.
The side dishes here are super authentic and delicious and there are free refills! The service here is great… they are SO friendly, and it’s a spacious restaurant so it would be great for kids, and there is enough space between each table/party.
This place has fun vibes with an old school Korean restaurant interior design. Basically, up to 5 people can sit at those round tables with the grill in the middle. The meat and combo options are great for any group size, and the meat quality is high!
They’re known for their Kalbijjim (Braised Beef Rib), which is ribs with glass noodles, chewy rice cakes, carrots, potatoes, and mozzarella cheese that they melt on top in front of you. It’s like a show right when this dish is served, and it’s just as good as it looks, and a must try. They also serve hot and cold noodles, bibimbaps, and tang (hearty delicious soups) in different styles of meat and spice/non-spice. We like the fun, loud vibes and the fact that it has a modern interior. It’s also a newer restaurant and is always packed!
This is my go-to place for when I want a warm soondae (Korean blood sausage) soup. This restaurant has other kinds of soups as well, and the base for all of the soups are made from boiling ox bone for hours, which creates this creamy colored broth - basically bone broth (delicious!). The savory Korean pancakes, meat platters, and bibimbap are really traditional and delicious Korean dishes you can try.
Cary’s All-Time Favorite Las Vegas Japanese Spots
High-quality sushi without breaking the bank. Japanese sushi chef from Japan and friendly Japanese / English speaking staff. Family-friendly atmosphere & casual (Kid-friendly).
Very diverse menu of both traditional & modern izakaya dishes (Ramen, yakitori, seafood / beef bowls, tempura, etc). Open until 2am and offers a late-night happy hour menu starting from 10pm - close. Very fun Japanese-style atmosphere with a playful, diverse staff. Owner is Japanese.
Japanese sushi chef (Chef Hiroyoshi) is inviting and greets/interacts with customers. 15-piece Tokujo set is one of my favorite entrees in all of Las Vegas and well worth the price of $52 Appetizers / Small plates and their sake flight are all amazing.
Loveable Japanese husband & wife duo (Husband is owner & head server while wife is the head chef) Carefully crafted, extensive menu of high-quality sushi & seafood with phenomenal presentation. A little pricey, but well worth the experience of a true craftsman, or in this case, craftswoman!
Amazing Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant with unique pasta dishes w/ Japanese inspiration Japanese-owned, mom & pop-operation with high-quality service and a plethora of non-pasta dishes. The son is the manager (2nd generation longevity and a local favorite to many). Comfortable / casual atmosphere & Kid-friendly.
Ok plus a bonus location b/c its hard to choose only 5!!
Toridokoro Raku (Honorable Mention)
Sister company to Raku; high-quality yakitori (chicken) and other delicious izakaya items. They serve one of the best (if not the best) & most unique chicken karaage plates I’ve ever had. Attentive and friendly (gentle) staff; perfect blend of modern & traditional Japanese vibe.
