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Thursday, March 31, 2011
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Ramen elf- ficionados lap up the loot at Santa where a broth-eren of slurpers relish the reigning doe.
We came early to secure some of the kurobuta pork ($4.50 extra). This swiney supplement gets snapped up tout de sueeet (leaving later lunchers devoid of these succulent chunks of fat filled finery.) Pork broth kept this pen-ultimate bowl ($7.95) on theme with a porkade cascade unifying a hard boiled egg ($1.00 extra) in its nest noodles:
A raft of nori supported the sorbet simulation of spicy roe ($4.00 extra) paddling ova a soy sauce broth. This embryonic tonic of pork, bamboo shoots, green onion and bean sprouts went down the hatch with a saline crunch of the fish egg micro membranes wound into the ribbons of ramen ($7.95):
Those in line for Santa:
... were unlikely to request puppies or ponies in favor of premium pork (if there was any left).
Santa Ramen
1944 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA
650.344.5918
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
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The last time we visited a Maoz was in the Netherlands but today we only had to trot over to Telegraph to feel all full of falafel.
This vegetarian chain has sprung up in Berkeley where we topped off our pita and salad "meal deals" ($8.20 and $8.95) with the salad bar offerings.
The pita was lined with eggplant and hummus with crisply fried falafel:
... cradled in a pouch of DIY dressed, crunchy, creamy, chickpea chompability. We subbed out the Belgian fries for sweet potato (50¢ supplement):
... and got a cone of cravable, flaky-fortressed, soft-centered, sweet spud strips. The carrot apple juice ($1.00 supplement) was fresh squeezed and a sweet swig of roots and fruits. We got another juice with the salad meal that was pleasingly punched up with orange juice:
Add ons (75¢ each) of avocado and feta added dimesion to our salad:
... which we also augmented with self serve selections from the neatly kept bar:
This dish was like a bread-free version of the sandwich selection (which we determined was the funner of the two since you eat it with your hands.)
A cup of soup ($3.50) was a lentil, onion and broccoli brew that added a warming balance to our lunch.
It's nice to see this vittle vector in the Bay Area. It seems like the picked the right city (since Berkeley is highly vegivourian) but the appealing pita, juices and those sweet potato fries would woo omni-tarians too.
Maoz Vegetarian
2395 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, CA
510.356.4090
Mark your Calendar
It's time to tank up on hybrid and heirloom tomato plants in the north and south bay.
Love Apple Farms is selling their select seedlings for $3.75-$5.75 each. Get some swell sproutage from the garden that supplies Manresa and grow little love apples at home or get your goods from the Marin Master Gardeners. It's worth arriving early to this annual market since these babies get snapped up quickly. The 'mater masters help to match you up with plants that will thrive in your microclimate.
True love apples and home grown tomatoes await.
Love Apple Farm
Tomato Extravaganza Day
Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
free to public
Spring Tomato Plant Sale
March 26th - June 26 (or while supplies last)
Retail location:
46 El Pueblo Road
Knox garden Box Showroom
Scotts Valley, CA
831.588.3801
Marin Master Gardeners Heirloom & Hybrid Tomato Market
Saturday, April 16th 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bank of Marin
Bon Air Center
50 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Greenbrae, CA
Saturday, April 16th 9 a.m.-noon
Pini Ace Hardware
Nave Shopping Center
1535 S. Novato Blvd.
Novato, CA
415.499.4204
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
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We got a little care package of Jessie & Laurent chow today:
... and checked out the goods that roll out from this San Rafael commercial kitchen to Bay Area homes and businesses.
This company delivers to the fast food averse, time challenged and culinarily confused as a supper streamlining system.
Nibbling our way through the array of heated helpings, we found the zucchini terrine with tomato coulis:
... to be gad-worthy grub along with Gruyere topped, garlic mashed potatoes:
... and the French onion soup with deeply caramelized onions:
This subscription service of homey helpings offers an avenue of convenience to the harried, hungry homebody.
Jessie & Laurent
1945 East Francisco Blvd.
San Rafael, CA
415.485.1122
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Monday, March 28, 2011
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Roquefort ravioli ($10.00):
... blue us away at Chez Papa.
Roasted pinenuts and basil contributed in this vein-acular of pleasing pasta pouches which we savored slowly with escargots ($9.00):
These pastis garlic buttered nooks held tender pods of gastro goodness washed down with a crisp 2008 M. Chapoutier, Crozes-Heritage.
Beets ($10.00):
... were given a herbaceous baseline with watercress and a tangy creaminess from goat cheese. Their earthiness was echoed in the roasted chanterelles and parmesan topping the Anson Mills semoule ($11.00):
This creamy construction was a rich and reorderable ration. This grainy goodness also came with the perfectly cooked cotes de porc ($24.00):
... with haricots verts and turnips.
A cassoulet ($22.00):
... with delectable duck confit and slices of Toulouse sausage was a bean-eficent bowl of bread crumb crusted, comfort cuisine accompanied by a 2007 Domaine des Ouches Cabernet Franc.
We flipped over the tarte tatin ($7.00):
This warm upside down cupcake with whipped creme fraiche and a Beaumes de Venise was apple-eling along with a chocolate fondant ($7.00):
... on a web of creme anglaise with the vanilla echoed in a glass of Warre's Otima.
Chez Papa Bistrot always delivers flavorful fare in this cozy, convivial corner of Potrero Hill.
Chez Papa
1401 18th St.
San Francisco, CA
415.824.8205
Mark your Calendar
Jardiniere is holding a special Monday night prix fixe dinner on April 4th as a benefit for Japan relief. Guest Chef Michael Hung of Bushi Tei will make a 3 course meal (that includes Kurabota pork belly torchon) with pairings by Sommelier Eugenio Jardim.
The cost of $55 includes wine pairings and $10 of each dinner will go to earthquake and tsunami relief.
Check out all the deets here.
Jardiniere Restaurant
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Dinner
April 4
$55 prix fixe
300 Grove St.
San Francisco, CA
415.861.5555
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Sunday, March 27, 2011
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The tantanmen ramen ($15.00):
... at Nombe:
... had a rich pork broth bolstered by black sesame with a nest of noshable noodles holding a hard boiled egg and baby bok choy. We warmed ourselves with this deeply flavored seed-ductive soup after munching on tasty taro chips with a edamame hummus ($4.00):
The sake list includes flights for those wanting to sample a selection. We liked the line up of Take no Tsuyu, Urakasumi and Tengumai ($12.00):
... which ranged from delicate to muscular.
Bacon and eggs were given a twist with skewers of gingko nuts and bacon over an onsen tamago ($6.00):
... while the beef tongue ($7.00):
... kept ours busy with a smear of hot Japanese mustard over tender bites budding with flavor. This pea-rametered, salad-vatory sensation is required ordering.
Grilled rice triangles with sweet soy sauce and melting morsels of beef tataki, ribbons of konbu and uni were terrific tastes of turf and surf.
House made ice cream ($7.00):
... came in a kicky ginger and rich black sesame seed with balanced flavors and a refreshing restraint to their sweetness. These cheerful churnings were a fine flavorful finale.
Chef Vincent Scofield:
... and co-owner Mari Takahashi:
... kept the cuisine cruising while co-owner Gil Payne:
... attended to the front guiding guests through the sake and wines.
You can visit Mission Street munchatorium and simultaneously support Japan during their upcoming sake pairing dinner this Thursday, March 31st. This four course meal with rice wines (including a 18 year old koshu sake) will benefit the Japan Disaster Relief fund.
Nombe
Sake pairing event for Japan disaster relief
Thursday, March 31st, 7:30 p.m.
$45 per person
2491 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA
415.681.7150
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Saturday, March 26, 2011
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We blew over to the Hornblower San Francisco Belle:
... for a beverage ball known as the 12th annual Whiskies of the World.
The addition of water to this peaty party opened up the evening to an enhanced awareness of inebriation - the steep stairs and wobble of the waves allowed the venue to operate as its own sobriety test.
Fortunately, this event always ballasts up bellies beforehand with a beefed up buffet.
Jon Gasparini con-cocktailed a Laphroig 'lixir with Earl Grey syrup, egg whites, kumquat bitters and lemon:
This bergmot garnished "Royal Warrant" warrants a visit to Rye.
We were also impressed by Tony Devencenzi's:
... stirring 'struction. He taught us the proper spoon technique (starting at the middle and working down.)
His role as education coordinator of the beverage academy of Bourbon and Branch had me making a quality quaff under the guidance his personable presence.
The St. George crew:
... brought some of their highly anticipated gin:
This juniper, coriander and citrus in-still-ation was a winning hand. We can't wait until the release in August when they will deal out 3 variations of this clearly covetable, botanical 'bibe.
Sensational sips of smooth, smoky Ardmore:
... and 27 year Douglas whisky:
... rolled us around to Alison McQuade's cheerful and chompable chutneys:
... and Poco Dolce's tasty tiles and pit perfect olive oil chocolate bar.
There were no innocents, only the Kilty:
... converged at this yacht of Scot, Japanese, American, Canadian, Irish and other whistle wetters during another high spirited Whiskies of the World.
Whiskies of the World Expo
Hornblower San Francisco Belle
Pier 3 Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA
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Friday, March 25, 2011
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I cracked an egg into my tofu stew ($9.95):
... at Kaya Tofu & BBQ and warmed up with scoops of this soy-lution studded with small shrimp, clams and pepper.
Kimchee, mung bean sprouts, marinated daikon, glass noodles and potato offered condimenty compliments to this cold weather concoction that offered insulation from the elements.
Kaya Tofu & BBQ
39 El Camino Real
San Carlos, CA
650.595.9292
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Thursday, March 24, 2011
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It looked busy, but there was only a 5 minute wait for a table at the Slanted Door where we unhinged our biased mouths on some minty, spring rolls ($9.00):
We dunked these shrimp, pork and noodle, rice paper roll ups in peanut sauce and bit on these boss batons before digging into the claypot chicken ($19.00):
A caramel sauce gave heat and bite (with chilies and ginger) to chunks of chick in this dynamic ceramic hammock of cluck-uriousness.
The grilled Arctic char ($24.00):
... was the star with stripes from the grill that left the skin crisp and meat moist. This fab fish went swimmingly with a door-salad finned with slices of pear.
The slanted staff kept their door in motion with efficient and friendly service (to the business dude-dominated dining room.)
The Slanted Door
1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA
415.861.8032
Mark your Calendar
Etude, Hall and Joseph Phelps will be among the wineries ringing City Hall at this year's Toast of the Town. This terrior tour also includes tidbits from top tucker-atoriums including Twenty Five Lusk, Waterbar and Bar Agricole.
You can finally flight City Hall while cutting through all that red grape.
Wine Enthusiast
Toast of the Town
Thursday, April 7
VIP 6 - 10 p.m. $169
Grand 7 - 10 p.m. $109
21 years+ only
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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A warm salad of wheatberries, sunchokes, pixie mandarin, artichokes and Grana Padano ($12.00):
... were a wonderful exit to winter at The Plate Shop.
This seasonal, savory, grain, tuber and flower arrangement was a pleasing, planty portion washed down with a Pinot Grigio.
Brussels sprout leaves ($7.00):
... were fried and raked into a pile of brittle-edged cabbage cradles that we happily mowed through with little blobs of eggy gribiche sauce.
The smoked risotto ($14.00):
... with uni, sea beans and nasturtiums has become an addiction that we consistently crave.
We are curious to see what Chef Kim Alter's spring menu will bring at her Sausal-eatin station.
The Plate Shop
39 Caledonia
Sausalito, CA
415.887.9047
Mark your Calendar
Sierra Nevada and Russian River are brewing up a joint effort and The Public House is hosting a celebration of this collaboration.
Vintage and limited edition suds from both breweries will be available at this heady happening tomorrow night (Thursday, March 24th).
The Public House
Sierra Nevada/Russian River Brewery party
Thursday, March 24th 6 p.m. - closing
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA
415.644.0240
Traci Des Jardins is doing some collaboration as well. She will guest chef at Heirloom Café with Chef Matt Straus (Heirloom's owner and former Jardiniere employee).
Chef Des Jardins' menu of Monterey squid, Liberty Farms duck and strawberry shortcake sounds worth a rezzie.
Heirloom Café
Traci Des Jardins guest chef dinner
Tuesday, March 29th
2500 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA
415.821.2500
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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A good cassoulet is a wonderful thing. A great cassoulet is transcendent. K made an insane white bean, duck confit, garlic sausage, pork rib and belly assembly:
... that had us groaning with enjoyment as we consumed legumes to celebrate T's birthday.
-G
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Monday, March 21, 2011
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Bourbon Slushies:
... at Picco Restaurant chilled us out with their ginger beer-bubbled snowy sips. This orange juice jostled, sleek sleet was the perfect potion to toast the start of Spring with a citrus and ginger sparkle.
They are also making barrel-aged cocktails. The negroni:
... picked up some of the timbre of the timber after basking in casking. We loved the characteri-sticks the oak soak awoke in this Leopold gin, vermouth and bitters-bitten beverage. The barrel aged Manhattan was sold out so we'll have to check that one out when they roll out the new batch.
We sat down at the bar:
... to their "Marin Monday" meal. This once a week dinner ($35.00 per person):
... includes local, laudable produce, meats and dairy. This evening's menu was a comfort food collection including mac and cheese. A creamy crock of cavatelli, Pt. Reyes Toma cheese bechamel and wild mushrooms was bedecked with bacon and breadcrumbs. These posh pasta poles punctuated a smoky pulled pork sandwich bumpered by a soft roll with a side of shredded savoy slaw with cilantro, carrots and garlic with crisp-crusted Kennebecs poking from the middle of our MM melange.
A crab Louie launched this porky procession with a baby iceburg, avocado and Dungeness driven salad concealing a sous vide egg (to offer supplemental saucing to the buttermilk dressing) while a scoop of Straus dairy vanilla ice cream sank into a hot fudge sauced nut and fruit sundae:
We also caught an a la carte panna cotta with balsamic strawberries:
... with this creamy, buttermilk-tanged, vanilla-speckled 'tacular balance of light lusciousness.
Executive Chef Bruce Hill and Chef Jared Rogers:
... keep Picco's plates populated with top notch tucker. We have to whip by on a Wednesday for their famed fried chicken and more of their quality quaffs.
Picco Restaurant
320 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA
415.924.0300
Mark your Calendar
Chef Bruce Hill visited Sendai with a team of toques in 2009. These chefs are coming together on April 3rd to raise funds for Japan relief at Prospect Restaurant. This $300 per person dinner will direct 100% of the proceeds to charity.
On April 9th, this crew will hold an event at Yoshi's where a walk around tasting will direct the $75 per person ticket price to this relief effort.
Prospect Restaurant
April 3, 6 p.m.
Tickets $300 per person
300 Spear St.
San Francisco, CA
415.247.7770
Yoshi's
April 9, 1-4 p.m.
Tickets $75 per person
1330 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA
415.655.5600
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