A Broad Reference

A friend gave me a bushel of cucumbers from his CSA yesterday. There are just so many, I've decided to make bread and butter pickles (coz they're my favorite). But I was hoping to do something more interesting like dill pickles or korean oe muchim. I watched a fabulous utube short on kimchi but don't have a good recipe. So far I've managed to find Barb Schaller's Blue Ribbon Winner at the Minnesota State Fair in 1983, 1984 Bread and Butter Pickles and a fabulous sounding cucumber chutney recipe.
I'm trying the pickles first and then will make the chutney with the leftovers.
I've got masses of cherry tomatoes on the vines so this will use them up.

Yield: 7-8 pints.
* 4 quarts sliced medium cukes (about 25)
* 3 cups sliced onions (about 4 medium)
* 2 green peppers, chopped (or 1 red and 1 green)
* 3 cloves garlic, sliced
* 1/3 cup canning salt
* 5 cups sugar
* 3 cups cider vinegar
* 1-1/2 tsp. turmeric
* 1-1/2 tsp. celery seed
* 2 Tbsp. mustard seed
* hot red pepper flakes (optional)
*2 quarts cracked ice
Note: her recipe calls for ice but fails to specify quantity so this is just a guesstimate on my part

1) Combine cucumbers, onions, pepper, and garlic.
2) Add salt; cover with cracked ice; mix thoroughly. Let stand three hours, drain well.
3) Combine remaining ingredients, bring the brine mixture to a boil.
4) Pour over cucumber mixture. Heat just to a boil.
5) Seal in hot, sterilized jars.
6) Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes or so to ensure a seal; does not affect the crispness of the product.

From: Barb Schaller Her Source: Better Homes & Gardens cookbook 1983

Posted by Misty at 04:17 PM | Permalink

2948 College Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 665-6054

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhoods: Claremont, Elmwood
3 star rating

My sister pauses dramatically in the doorway. "There's a new ice cream parlour on College! You've got to try it so you can compare it to Sketch."
Truthfully I've heard mixed reviews about the new addition to the Elmwood block, so I was somewhat reluctant to make a special trip. A solid meal at Trattoria Scicilliana was our excuse, we wandered afterwards over to wait in the endlessly patient line outside Ici. Watching like a hawk, I made mental notes about other purchases. Should I get that? what is it? Oh no that sign says they're out of cones- How can they be out of cones? that's the whole point!

Finally after a good 25 minutes in line (I timed it) I got my chance "I'll try the vanilla" (a good calibration for any attempt at ice cream). I pondered and then ordered the large (for sampling efficiency rather than hunger) 3 scoops- chocolate hazelnut, gingersnap, and peach sorbet. My sister was more restrained and only got the gingersnap and lemon sandwich
My impressions: solid flavours, altho the staggeringly high sugar ratio makes the profiles less clear and sharp. The high fat content also masks the flavours by leaving a film on the roof of one's mouth and tongue. Texture-wise a little grainy which is disappointing when you consider the fat content.

For me Sketch wins the taste off, but boy Ici wins location. Between 2 BART stations and on a major road to/from Cal, Ici is bursting at the seams of it's poorly designed storefront. While gelato fans willingly make the trek to Sketch, most people just want to wander down to grab the most decent proximally located treats- which is Ici.
Expensive- yes
Worth the wait- not really
worth a special trip- NO
PArking- it's a madhouse

Posted by Misty at 04:24 PM | Permalink

5008 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 652-4888
Categories: Italian, Pizza, Coffee & Tea
Neighborhoods: North Oakland, Temescal
5 star rating

Update 9/24/07
I recently took a friend here. While we were waiting outside, poring over the menu our conversation went something like this-

ME:
I've tried #(insert appetizer) and it's just delicious.

the braised pork is really amazing so I want that.

oh and they make their own pasta - we should get some of
the cannelloni - tremendous

They're famous for their cured meats which are fabulous - we should order anything with sausage.
the pizza's are awesome, they have this wood burning oven which makes the crust the perfectly dense chewy crisp nutty heaven. with a raw egg on top it's to die for.
oh oh with sausage would be sooo perfect.

MyDATE:
So basically you're saying you've tried everything and its all fantastic?
You're no help!!

(I can only hope this review helps you!)
______

Original review:
Avocado toast with heirloom tomatoes w/ garlic horseradish aioli.
House cured sausage salami salume and other meats.
Wood fired oven pizza with a smoky dense chewy crust that has the perfect snap to it.
Delicious pasta- different ones all the time.
Deep fried polenta (studded w/ large corn kernels) drizzled with chestnut honey and topped w/ melted gorgonzola
Plum & nectarine sorbet

Update 9/14/07: Jam-and-toast breakfast, M-Sat 8a - 12p, $4 for breakfast, $8.50 per jar retail. Jam from Blue Chair Fruit & Blue Bottle coffee.
Rachel Saunders serves simple jam-and-toast breakfasts 6 mornings a week. Different selections of fresh-made jams daily. Jam is tremendous, small batches of unusual and locally grown fruit. yum

wowow

Posted by Misty at 04:57 PM | Permalink

2578 Noriega St
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 665-8338

Categories: Seafood, Dim Sum
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
3 star rating

Very decent choice in the Outer Sunset. Kat was visiting from Boston and put a request in for good chinese (somewhat lacking at back there) Crowds of cantonese families wait patiently in the cramped space by the door, while the fog roils around one's ankles. We waited ~15 minutes to seat a party of seven plus baby. When we tried to order from the chinese menu, the waiter demurred, saying we wouldn't like it. But when we insisted brought out an appetizer plate of bbq pork, roasted duck, jellyfish and duck's tongue.
All of which was delicious altho the squeamish in our party refused to face the gauntlet (to our waiter's satisfaction).
Sizzlin rice soup was clear broth and good chunks of seafood.
Crispy hong kong style egg noodles came with a tasty sauce
claypot eggplant & beef shortribs
dau miu and garlic (peashoots)
whole deep fried fish
spicy pork chow fun

all very good dishes, used some MSG (as reported by sensitive friends).
Not sure on prices since our fabulous friend Thanya picked up dinner.
Good neighborhood option.

Posted by Misty at 04:21 PM | Permalink

Escape From The Rock

Category: Active Life
4 star rating

1.5-mile SW, 2.5-mile RN, 13-mile BK, 10K RN
If you can't get into the #1 Triathlon race in the USA- Escape from Alcatraz- Because you can't hack the course-longer, harder, more brutal (yeah baby); You don't rate it (ie placed in multiple pro/elite events) and I'm not talking Yelp Elite either; Or you're just plain unlucky (most people enter a lottery for a chance to register)- Escape from the Rock is a good consolation alternative. It's not as cool for smack talking among those in the know, coz we know that you wussed out. But for uninformed friends this is smack worthy too.
Awed Friend: "So do you think those inmates escaped?"
ME (Chest puffed out): "Oh Yeah. I've done the Escape (leaving out 'from the Rock') and it wasn't that bad. Plus if you escaped from jail it's not like you want people to know you survived. But I want you to know I'm a masochistic jock."

The swim is relatively short, from a ferry just offshore from Alcatraz Island 1.5 miles into Aquatic Park, where you rip off your wetsuit and stuff on your sneakers. Start running and keep running for 2.5 miles into the Presidio where you will (hopefully) find your $2k bike at the transition area. Don't forget your helmet, think Safety First! Then if that wasn't enough to kill you dead, now you have to ride 13 miles of a (relatively boring) loop course through the Presdio. If you're still feeling good the last 7.5 miles of running out to Baker Beach will have you breathing heavy while you check out the nude sunbathers as you navigate climbing the "Sandladder" back to the top of the cliffs.

Tips:
1) Train for this one. You'll enjoy the race more if you're not puking your guts by the side of the course.
2) Remember to leave the "from the Rock" off when you're smack talking
3) Take a waterproof disposable camera (I have great pics of the GG bridge from the water)
4) Take shots of things during the race. Only the uberjocks are going for time and this course is very photogenic
5) Watch out for great whites and sea lions

Posted by Misty at 12:32 PM | Permalink

2512 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 883-1720
Category: Seafood
4 star rating

Sea Salt for brunch was fabulous. The menu was a little daunting, all standard items but with a twist that made you wonder if you really wanted to order it. But everything was executed well and thus interesting/innovative rather than "??!"

I had perfect poached eggs & bacon swimming in a generous bowl of creamy clam chowder -side of english muffins toasted crunchy. Delicious.
The other popular choice was the oyster po'boy served with bacon & scrambled eggs (my sister had hers poached instead). The breakfast potatoes are crunchy and filling. The fries come with a curried tomato ketchup.
The Caesar salad is heaped with all the essential anchovy flavor.
Generally my family and friends share meals willingly, so I can sample and review fairly. Not this time. Everyone was so enamoured with the dish they ordered, I'll have to go back to check out the rest and dinner too. And so should you.

Parking was relatively easy. Service was pleasant but spotty- we wanted more water and couldn't attract any staff.
Price was $20 per person including drinks and tip. so it seemed comparable to other brunch options.

Posted by Misty at 04:40 PM | Permalink

I like to research regional specialties and where to eat before I visit. I cross-index my zagat's with the yelp reviews. I calibrate all reviews with the idea that they may be over-inflated. Here's the list of food that I looked for during my stay- 72 hours of eating: Clam chowder, Lobster roll, Oysters, Baked Beans, Boston Cream Pie, Brown Bread, Indian Pudding, Canoli, Italian, Soft-shelled Crab, Ice Cream, I include the bad restaurants in my list so you don't have to. If you have suggestions on where else to eat, I'll be back in October for a short time. So let me know and I'll be sure to add to the list.

Boston Tourist Food

What's this?

1. Giacomo's
355 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-9026

Category: Italian

Neighborhoods: Charlestown, North End
5 star rating

Tightly packed tables are angled to maximize capacity NOT PRIVACY but still crowds of people must bravely wait 45 minutes or more through rain and snow to eat at little Italy's most "typical" restaurant. Allow the gravelly voiced waitresses to bully you into the mounds of massive lobster stuffed ravioli ( ask for combo Fracomo diavolo house special red / cream sauce- much better delicious) or the mountains of small twisted butterfly pasta smothered in the red lobster-based house sauce Fra diavolo. Pumpkin tortellini!!! Add Garlic bread and a bottle of the cheap wine they stock and you will feast. Large portions make it perfect for sharing.
As mentioned CASH only.
Parking was a bitch.

2. Picco
513 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 927-0066

Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Pizza

Neighborhood: South End
5 star rating

Their name says it all. It's so much more.
After a miserable experience at Garden of Eden (avoid)
we walked down to Picco
To my dismay (not enough research)-the epiphany: we could have had lunch here instead!

A haven of deliciousness. Crispy crusts that snap with just the right amount of smoky nutty chewy flavor. End the meal with decadent heapings of creamy ice cream and homemade candies and toppings. stand out flavors are coffee-toffee ice cream which kept me up all night and a classic vanilla, raspberry gelatos homemade fudge and nuts on the side for the sundaes. WOW! Friendly and accommodating staff, seated us quickly and adjusted for an extra 2 people including a 3 year old.
Space was modern, w/ long red curtains (perhaps for draft control?)
they make all their own candy that's added to the ice cream. Parking
was easy on sunday@lunch

3. Peach Farm
4 Tyler St
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 482-1116

Category: Chinese

Neighborhood: Chinatown
4 star rating

Mom and auntie Elanor really liked peach farm

The restaurant is cantonese
we had the wau choi- set menu but of course the old chinese ladies of the family had to alter it to be "better"
tofu ground beef and green onion soup
lobster in ginger wine sauce
geoduck clam (avoid-only bad dish of the evening)
pea leaf sprouts w/ garlic (dau miu)
salt and pepper mini pork cutlets (for the cousin who refuses to eat chinese)
beef & hong kong style crispy noodles
seafood fried rice
adzuki red bean soup w/ coconut jelly for dessert

Service was good- caveat: my family speaks cantonese-
dingy and dark interior, grimy walls and battered furniture. typical hole in the wall level of clean. bright notes of fresh seafood- live seafood tanks house your dinner which you watch as the waiter scoops out the still flapping fish. (not for the faint of heart)

4. Jasper White's Summer Shack
149 Alewife Brook Pkwy
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 520-9500

Category: Restaurants

Neighborhood: North Cambridge
2 star rating
08/11/2007

As part of my effort to eat all things Bostonian, we attempt Jasper's which is a large cavernous noisy and busy warehouse space. bulk cooked food passes the bar based on freshness and quality. don't expect gourmet food here. very decent seafood selection including oysters shooters & crab legs. typical meal here includes chowder or steamers, followed by crisp and tasty baked lobster with sides of baked beans and boston brown bread (a thick cake-like molasses based bread). gigantic portions cater those who eat a lot. mere mortals should share.

It's expensive for the quality of cooking you get

5. Durgin Park
340 Faneuil Hall Mrkt Pl
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 227-2038

2 star rating
Climb the rickety stairs to the mecca for tourists, where surly waitresses speak with thick accents and slap food down onto the dark wooden tables. Typical dishes include whole lobster with drawn butter and sides of baked beans, corn, Indian pudding typical Boston staple foods. Share your table with other hordes of tourists. A must visit for out-of-towners, a miss for locals would do well to avoid.

6. Legal Seafoods
12 Harborside Dr
Boston, MA 02228
(617) 568-1888

Neighborhood: East Boston
1 star rating

This applies to all the restaurants in this chain, which has not much going on except the freshness of the seafood. boring and repetitious, they ride on the vast ignorance of visiting tourists and indifferent business expense accounts to keep them afloat. Although admittedly better than outposts in Washington DC. Sampled clam chowder, lobster bisque both good flavor but overly thickened with a greasy grainy mouth feel. Tasty lobster roll is the only good thing on the menu, but completely over priced. served with limp coleslaw and soggy fries.
#####
Update- cornmeal crusted softshell crab crunchy and tasty but fiendishly expensive. Fish Fillet staid and boring- served w/ frozen veg mix.
Service was spotty on all occasions. Space was crowded and waitstaff poorly trained and distracted by larger more demanding parties with kids (devil spawn). Long wait for an outrageously expensive meal.

Why have I been more than once? you ask. I admit to family pressure. My cousin likes it there. But never again.

7. Omni Parker House Hotel
60 School Street
Boston, MA 02228
(617) 227-8600

Category: Hotels

Neighborhood: Downtown
1 star rating
Large wedding parties and conventions crowd the old fashioned and dark wood panelled bar and brocaded seats. Avoid if possible, this point of origin for bland and un-appetizing cream pie make this a cocktail stop only. People will always visit, even if they treat you as badly as they treated malcomX and Ho Chi Minh.

8. Mike's Pastry
300 Hanover Street
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-3050

Categories: Bakeries, Candy Stores, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Neighborhoods: Charlestown, North End
1 star rating

Packed with clueless tourists ordering "famous" and "typical" canoli and other desserts. with soggy and cardboard like crusts which encase sludgy cement-like sweet cream that tastes overwhelmingly of fake vanilla and leaves a filmy taste in the roof of your mouth.

I would award negative stars if I could

9. Garden of Eden - CLOSED
571 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 247-8377

Categories: Bakeries, American (Traditional)

Neighborhood: South End
1 star rating

Flee the garden from whence came all manner of inedible things. The servers were wroth and we were miserable with leaden souffles and cold scrambles. We needed to order manna from heaven since our minimalist breakfasts came without toast. Our heavy hearts led us to the fantastic ice cream and pizza place down the street. where we will happily abide in milk and honey.

I would give this negative stars if I could

Posted by Misty at 10:54 AM | Permalink

Here's a pic of the CSA share
you can see the eggplant, basil, garlic, peaches, figs, zucchini, squash, peppers.

Circassian chicken. Shredded breast meat is spread over the bottom of the dish and covered with a large scoop of walnut, tahini, garlic, and olive oil puree. It takes a few scoops of the smooth, rich stuff, which resembles hummus in flavor and texture, to meld downwards to the juicy chicken.

Bulgur lettuce wraps are bound together with tomato puree, finely chopped wheat (bulgur) becomes a sweet, soft base for little jolts of flavor -- Turkish peppers, onions, dill, mint. The salad is meant to be scooped onto crisp baby romaine leaves.

Eggplant Salad (Patlican Salatasi)
Smoked eggplant w/ peppers, tomatoes and lemon juice
Roasted eggplant salad, peeled strips of grilled eggplant, melting and smoky, are tossed with crunchy, sharp onions, tart tomatoes, and Anaheim chiles, all brought together with garlic and olive oil.
Sweet celery root is served in a bowl of its bright, lemony braising liquid.

Zucchini cakes crusted in breadcrumbs, the oval fritters formed of finely shredded zucchini, silky and steaming, studded with nuggets of fresh goat cheese.

spanikopita-like layered boreks are filled with spinach or ground meat, and a rolled borek, a cross between an egg roll and a meat pie. The cigar-shaped rolled borek was stuffed with a spicy mixture of ground lamb, beef, and onions.

Smokey chunks of lamb coated in a thick layer of sumac and spice., alternating with charred red and green peppers, onions, and golden summer squash, comes off the grill just right, pink and tender. Smoke enhances the seasonal vegetables- the grill blackens their edges to a chewy caramelized state, but doesn't suck out all their juices. Kofte kebab, is flattened salted ground beef and lamb, skewered on sword like blades, to prevent "rolling" or slippage while cooking. Skewered prawns were smoky, and could have been cooked a minute or two less.

Roasted Figs drizzled with honey and served with creme fraiche (sp?)

Posted by Misty at 02:39 PM | Permalink