A Broad Reference

Jenny and Coco were visiting from out of town and as SoCal girls, one of their top requests was a pilgrimage to the West Coast's burger Mecca: In-n-Out. The basic menu is fairly limited- ie burger, cheeseburger, double double (2 hamburger patties and 2 slices of cheese) and fries. Burgers come sandwiched in a bun with "spread" (Idaho fry sauce- kind of like thousand island dressing), lettuce, 1 or 2 slices of tomato, and optional onions (raw-default, grilled, extra/lite). Fries are fresh cut in-house, but to my taste a bit anemic. Drinks are standard fountain, plus choc, vanil & strawb shakes. Please notice my abbreviation indicates these flavors as artificial syrup approximations, altho deemed acceptable in the context of "fast food".

As the host, my responsibility was to do some sleuthing, pick a location conducive to the rest of the day's activities and optimize our selection to make the most of eating at a(n albeit famous and popular) fast food joint. Central to my research was In-n-Out's- secret menu. Many bold and hearty eaters have tried to fully investigate the bounds and limits of the not so closely guarded yet mysterious information. I mean how classified can it be if they have a page devoted to some of the options on their website? I didn't try all the combinations myself, rather relying on others for the goods. Well, as any epicurean is aware, not all data are created equal and the official website is somewhat lacking in completeness. The "known" options are served with with all the fixin's- standard bun, veg & sauce, with changes listed below
Double Meat- two meat patties (no cheese)
Grilled Cheese- just cheese (no meat) ask your veggie friends if they like this version?
Protein Style- no bun, wrapped in lettuce (Atkin's Homage)
Animal Style- extra pickles, extra fry sauce and grilled onions (burger is cooked in mustard) but can order fries this way also
3x3 AND 4x4 refers to # meat patties by # cheese slices
And thus ends the official word.

BUT what you should know- it is possible to order any amount and combination of meat and cheese, for example 2x4 is 2 meat by 4 cheese slices and also kind of punny. However you may have better luck if you order your 100x100 late at nite when no one else is waiting for food. And yes people have ordered these before just google it.

3x meat- 3 meat patties (no cheese) here again the secret is #by meat
The Flying Dutchman- 2 beef patties, 2 slices of cheese-no bun, no fixin's (another loCarb option, kind of like that Jack in the Box ad- But you'll get it all over your hands!)

Extra Toast- toasted bun (apparently they already toast the bun, but I can't tell so I always ask)
Fries Lite (undercooked) as previously stated, I find their fries anemic so I don't know why someone would order raw fries but hey it's a free country and people get to eat how they like. I did read an article on how raw potato was an appetite suppressant but I think you have to ingest several tons (and who wouldn't feel full after that?!).
Fries Well done- I always get them done extra so that at least they've got a bit of snap and crunch to them and aren't soggy. This also helps if you get them animal style, coz the sauce may cause wilting.

Chiles- chopped jalapenos for heat
extra fixin's- you can always ask for more at no extra charge
no salt- at your peril but you can add your own to taste later if needed
Shakes can be swirled 2 at a time or Neapolitan style.

We ordered a range of items, mixing/combining options to try and get a representative set. However we were limited more by our stomachs. I got Animal style double double burger, fries extra crispy & Neapolitan shake. Gwynie got protein style burger, animal style fries and soda (she said next time she'd get the burger Animal & Protein style with plain fries extra crispy). I forget exactly what Jenny and Coco got but all pronounced themselves stuffed and happy.

Then we went to Sports Basement to buy workout gear, which we needed after eating so much!

Posted by Misty at 03:24 PM | Permalink

I was at the SF Ferry building Farmers' Market several Saturdays ago, when I spotted to my great delite something which I would only expect to see in an Asian Nite Market context- Roasted Pork Knuckles with Perfect Crackling! There was a whole row of them slowly circling the RoliRoti Rack, calling my name. For a mere $7 you get a whole glistening and cracktastic knuckle. They very kindly packed it in a hot bag for me- as if I were going to travel great distances and perhaps share it? Where upon I whipped it out and proceeded to demolish it walking around the rest of the market.

I must have made it look so delicious, because I was stopped by no fewer than 7 people (mostly Asian) who wanted to know where I purchased it (non-Asians first wanted to know what it was- before determining source). One guy offered me $20 for it, I laughed and told him he could get 2 for $14 if he went to RoliRoti. Please note a true capitalist would have sold the one knuckle and gone back for more. But I couldn't risk going back and them being sold out, which is what happens frequently. As I passed by on my way out, there was a long line of people waiting paitiently- when Thomas announced that they were all out of knuckles.

They have a roast pork loin and their chicken is good too, but when given the crackling option you can guess which one I would choose. Here's a list of RoliRoti's catering line.

Posted by Misty at 04:46 PM | Permalink

After a discussion about Belgian beer, a suggestion was floated to visit The Warehouse in Port Costa. After picking folks up at the BART station we drove into the middle of nowhere, and when I started to feel doubtful, kept going. Passed through a deserted ghost town where the houses look forlorn and shut- evidently only vampires live here. Stopped at the end of a dirt road in a gravel lot next to train tracks and the delta.

Grotty old faded building with battered paint peeling doors and windows.
Inside the dim interior houses a bar, a stuffed snarling polar bear diorama -complete with half rotted stuffed seal, dogs playing poker tapestries, pin ball machines, a fortune teller, cobwebs and fringed light fixtures, and a motley collection of local old timers, spandex'd cyclists, bearded motor cyclists and people who're just plain lost.
You'll appreciate the endless list of exotic beer- If you're lucky Gina will take you back to the walk-in beer cooler, which when it opens has a faint pearly glow and sounds of angels singing hosanna.

The menu is generally limited to free popcorn, dogs/links, turkey and "cheese product", but on Sundays expands to a full BBQ accompanied by a live band and "free" (if you buy a drink before noon) sides -where salad is defined as macaroni, potato or coleslaw.
The space is great for chill hanging out, great stories and hyperbole.

Service is gruffly nonchalant casual, you have to keep track of your own tab.

Juke box has (according to my friend) an excellent selection of tunes. Pick the right one and the staff will all howl and turn the volume UP!

Definitely a must for beer aficionados- if you like Toronado, you'll love the Warehouse Cafe.

ps these fabulous pics were taken by Mike

Posted by Misty at 10:43 PM | Permalink

The French Laundry has been a dining destination objective of mine for a long time. Award winning fabulous French Californian food, it's located in the picturesque village of Yountville. A tiny place with only 15 tables, reservations are extremely hard to procure- like try 2 months in advance and they're gone within minutes. Imagine my glee when my friend Aaron called (& emailed simultaneously) with exciting news. He'd managed to score reservations for 4 on Tuesday Election Nite, did I want to go? I agonized for about 60 seconds, me being unemployed. But really it was a forgone conclusion (I'll have to put it on my credit card as part of my effort to stimulate the economy) Heck yeah! Dress code is fairly strict- jackets are required, so we all raided our dry cleaning, Mike going so far as to iron a shirt. Aaron and Dana picked us up at the Pleasant Hill Station and we drove out towards Napa discussing the current electoral stats. We arrived early and waited in the foyer watching other less fortunate souls beg and plead for tables. The hostess was polite but adamant- no room, please try again! We were seated in the downstairs dining room somewhat under the stairs. The linens were snowy white, napkins crisply folded, pinned with the signature laundry peg.

I took pictures but didn't use a flash since it seemed intrusive to the other diners. In some cases I was so distracted by the flawless presentation and flavors of the dish that I forgot to photo-document. Sorry! Thomas Keller was in managing the lunch service, out at Per Se watching the election coverage, and then returned to finish the dinner service once the election was called. Dinner lasted 4 hrs 20 minutes. After some discussion on preferences and budget Aaron and I decided on a tasty Siduri Pinot noir, "Cargasacchi Vineyard," Santa Rita Hills 2006 at $160 one of the more "price conscious" options in the 200 paged wine list. Soft and fruity, it was a superb match for the first half of the tasting menu. There were 2 options- regular and vegetarian, which both looked yummerlicious. Despite my attempts for 5-9 servings of fruits and veg, I chose the regular menu which included foie gras, duck and lamb!

chef’s tasting menu | 4 november 2008

PRIX FIXE 240.00 | SERVICE INCLUDED

6640 WASHINGTON STREET, YOUNTVILLE CA 94599 707.944.2380

We started with 2 interesting little amuse bouche, mini gourgeres stuffed with melted Emmentaler and crunchy savory cigarillo cones stuffed with sour cream and topped with a scoop of salmon tartare. Both taste explosions to whet our appetites.

“OYSTERS AND PEARLS”
Exquisitely creamy “Sabayon” studded with Pearl Tapioca and Island Creek Oysters nestled next to a succulent quenelle of White Sturgeon Caviar that popped saltily against my teeth.

SALAD OF COMPRESSED FUYU PERSIMMON
French Laundry Garden Radish, Nasturtium and Niçoise Olive Oil


MOULARD DUCK “FOIE GRAS AU TORCHON” ( 30.00 supplement )
Sunchoke Glaze, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Marcona Almonds, Mizuna and Juniper Gastrique served with exactingly golden and crisp toast points. Halfway thru we got more warm toast points. Mmmm

SAUTÉED FILLET OF JAPANESE SUZUKI
Yukon Gold Potatoes, Bluefoot Mushrooms, Romaine Lettuce and Dill Crème Fraîche
I loved the embossed raised relief pattern on the china.

CRISPY FLORIDA EVERGLADES FROG LEGS
Sweet Garlic Pudding, San Marzano Tomato Compote and Watercress “Velouté”
This was an ok dish but not as good as the frog legs I had in Thailand, in fact it was kind of bland. Prolly the least interesting dish for me.

SWEET BUTTER-POACHED MAINE LOBSTER “MITTS”
Toasted Barley, Asian Pear, Pickled Pearl Onion and Parsnip Cream
Wow another toothsome set of tastes, tiny micro greens adding sparks of flavor but way too small! I wish it had been slightly bigger.

Across the way another group had their iPhones out, updating the election results live. Impeccably timed to coincide with the 2nd half of the meal, my friend Wendy texted me with the news that Obama had won the election. A toast to the future of America! We ordered a Brunello di Montalcino, Ciacci Piccolomini d'Argona, 2003 again at a "reasonable" $160. The sommalier decanted this one, a floral nose, fruity yet dry with a challenging tannic mouth feel it definitely opened up as the meal progressed.

“AIGUILLETTE” OF LIBERTY FARM PEKIN DUCK just exquisitely done, juicy with a crisp skin, Glazed Salsify, Brussels Sprouts (single leaves- I guesstimated they maybe used 2 whole sprouts for our entire table) and Pomegranate Essence

RIB-EYE OF ELYSIAN FIELDS FARM LAMB
Panisse, Sweet Peppers, Globe Artichokes and Spanish Caper Jus
This was just sublime, tender, juicy taste dynamite. Wowow.

ANDANTE DAIRY “CAVATINA” a pungent goat cheese with compressed Green Apples, Celery Branch and Black Truffle Coulis paired with multi-grain rolls and walnut & cranberry bread. Very earthy richly satisfying.

MAUI GOLDEN PINEAPPLE SORBET with Golden Pineapple and Salted Pili Nuts
refreshing ambroasial palate cleanser

SESAME SEED AND CHOCOLATE “GÂTEAU”
Tahini Ganache, Domori Sambriano Chocolate Crème and Shiso Sorbet
The boys ordered this one.

“GÉNOISE DE PIGNONS DE PIN GRILLÉS” small cubes of nutty cake grilled and smoky with Honey-Poached Cranberries, Mascarpone-Pine Nut Ice Cream and Aged Balsamic Vinegar
a heavenly way to end the meal.

“MIGNARDISES”
Fabulous little treats and chocolates to sweeten the price tag. Ouch!!! Our favorite was the pumpkin pie truffle, which was so richly decadently transcendental there was no room for anything more. Such a surprise that altho each dish only consisted of a few bites that left you longing for more, by the end I was comfortably stuffed. Was it the pinnacle of fine dining? The food was delightful and service impeccable. Aaron and Dana picked up most of the tab, so while it was expensive, I'm not bankrupt. The tough question on everyone's mind- Would you go again? It was split between Maybe for a super special occasion and No thanks I'll just savor the golden memories. Made sweeter by the overwhelming victory for Obama. Thanks again for including me on your foodie adventure!

Posted by Misty at 10:23 AM | Permalink

338 12th St
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 893-8136
Category: Vietnamese
Neighborhood: Oakland Chinatown
3 star rating

Have been here twice now, first on a date and then with a group of friends.
Food is definitely solid performance.
broiled green mussels and the beef salad are fast becoming favorites.
Ordered the 7 courses of beef which is a lot of meat and very delicious. The first 3 courses come raw- tartare, and some you have to cook it either in hot vinegar or over a littlle hibatchi grill, so it can get a little splattery when you lash on the slabs of butter. next 3 were little dolma style minced meat in lot leaves, char broiled sausage wrapped in caulfat, and a burger with aromatic herbs and mushrooms. I was so full I couldn't eat the thick and creamy beef rice soup (delicious re-heated the next day).
The crispy oven roasted catfish comes with green onions, lettuce leaves, mint, basil and other herbs, cucumbers, pickled carrots bean sprouts. They even give you a little dish of hot water to dunk your rice paper to make spring rolls. The anchovy fish sauce is a sublime accent.

Other good choices are the clay pot, and the cubed beef steak.

Posted by Misty at 05:10 PM | Permalink

3900 San Pablo Ave
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 597-1303
Categories: Burgers, Mediterranean
4 star rating

Food glorious food. Charming space NOT (you have to walk past a dumpster to get to the door).
Friendly, generous but slightly inattentive service (once things get busy).
Methinks perhaps the inspiration for the movie Wall-E from Pixar Studios, which is just down the street.
We had the complimentary lentil soup, tasty succulent lamb kebab plate, beef shwarma (sp?) plate, and a mixed plate of sides- hummus, babaganoush, falafel and tabbouleh. Everything comes with tossed mounds of salady bits and tomato chunks. Large portions for the price. I just wish there was perhaps a smaller portion for cheaper...
Go for the food, go again for the "secret menu" specials that change daily.
Grab an outside table in the alley on a sunny day for lunch.

Posted by Misty at 04:42 PM | Permalink

1045 San Pablo Ave
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 528-2375
Categories: Thai, Vegetarian
4 star rating

wow it's so spicy it's like eating shards of glass. but in a good way! So hot that my date started hiccuping. totally authentic flavors and sinus clearing spices. I'll be going back, but next time I'll wimp out and order medium spicy. to be fair the Thai waitress warned us that she only had the medium spicy, and that it couldn't be undone, and then checked again to make sure that we really wanted the SPICY. so consider yourself warned.

we had the naked (raw) shrimp papaya salad,
Tom Kha Gai
Duck curry
brown rice (really a nutty red)
Sauteed morning glory

all delicious, and i was super stuffed and happy.
lest you think that my taste buds aren't calibrated for heat, I grew up in Jamaica eating jerk pork and spent last Christmas in Thailand.

Posted by Misty at 04:47 PM | Permalink

2534 Mandela Pkwy
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 839-7685
Category: Soul Food
Neighborhood: West Oakland
3 star rating

My sister organized a brunch date with some co-workers and I got to tag along. Even tho we arrived early and there were many open tables, we were told that there was a 10 minute wait to be seated? Then after we negotiated a faster seating option by sitting at the counter (awkward for more than 2 people), we sat waiting for a server for what seemed to be an endless waste of time. Friendly enuff, after taking our drink order, the ever so hip waitress disappeared for another eon. Passing back thru bearing only a glass of OJ, she assured us that our coffee was on the way. Several crabby moments later our coffee appeared, and the waitress came back to take our order.

We split everything-
crispy spicy chicken (only 2 pieces - 1 wing) + light and airy waffle, cider apple syrup was overpowering on the waffle but a welcome smoky molasses accent to the fried fowl
cheddar cheese grits and poached eggs- creamy grits and rubbery eggs (they use vinegar in the poacher). Good flavor but the grits needed more texture and the eggs were a bust
buscuits and jam- delitefully fluffy with good layering and crumb, deliciously succulent with the artisanl blue chair jam

grind on coffee was too fine for esspresso machine, so grounds leaked thru into the latte making it gritty and slightly bitter

lots of staff milling about, no really good expediters. I'll give it another chance for the lunch food, but I left feeling a little frustrated with the service.

Posted by Misty at 04:50 PM | Permalink

1788 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 704-8004
Category: Italian
Neighborhoods: Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley
3 star rating

Just ate here on Wednesday nite, walked in around 6pm with 5 people (one child) and were seated immediately. Shortly after the last 2 top was gone and a line started to accumulate outside the door. So reservations or an early dinner are recommended.

Space was elegantly decorated if a little spartan. Noise levels were very loud, to the point of not hearing the other people across the table. We had to wait a little to order but the waiter was affable and got our drinks quickly. We ordered family style but everyone loved their own dish so I didn't share so much as just snatching quick bites off plates before the fork tines ended up in my hand.

Cauliflower Sformatino- mashed cheesy cauliflower goodness
Mixed salad- says it all, good dressing and fresh croutons
Fried calamari- crispy with tentacles, slices of meyer lemon, baby red onions, garlic

Bread (provided only on request -- stated on the menu) crusty & tasty but foccacia was dry and grainy.
Spinach sauteed w/ garlic and chili flakes- very plain
grilled fish- Whole fish, slices of meyer lemon, baby red onions (similar flavor profile to calamari appetizer just not fried. Next time I'll order only one of the two)

Kale soup- with sunny egg yolk & grilled bread (My sister loved it, but the couple next to us were grossed out by the idea of "raw" egg yolk in their soup and pulled it out)
braised beef- tender and succulent
pasta & butter- kid friendly, plain and initially too hot for tiny mouths

All in all very good food- solid B+, if a little ordinary. However service was harried and inattentive. I'll definitely go back, but can't give too glowing a review yet.

Posted by Misty at 04:52 PM | Permalink

478A Lake Park Ave
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 655-5041
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhoods: Grand Lake, Lower Hills
4 star rating

agh my carefully detailed description of this morning's faboliciousness is gone. Therefore I say "Run, run and sample for yourself!"

I had passion fruit (dairy free) and pistachio. The creamy goodness that is perfect flavours, not too sweet, creamy mouth feel without ice crystals and not overly fatty traditional Italiatn gelato. Ashley the owner learned her craft in Florence, Italy. So when you go it's like taking a mini-break!
I'll be back to try my calibration vanilla for sure. I also didn't try the cones but will report back. There are also flavors in training, so you can sample and make comments that actually help with creating a new flavor.

No seating. Parking is a bitch coz of the Grand Lake Cinema. Cash only.

Posted by Misty at 04:54 PM | Permalink

1701 Willow Pass Rd
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 827-1231
Category: Vietnamese
4 star rating

After finding R&J Noddles in WC, I was content till I heard rumblings of something newly opened and gasp! BETTER.

So the first rainy day, I drove down to Frys. Next door Saigon Bistro is a large space, with modern furniture and Panel Tv set to the sports channel. The extensive menu- includes all kinds of Pho, rice noodles and banh mi.

I ordered the medium Pho Bo w/ the steak on the side & egg noodles (dine in) and the Banh Mi Thit Nguoi- Ham, Pate & Headcheese (to go)

The guy bussing the food asked me if I was vietnamese, "coz" he said "You only need the drip iced coffee and this is the perfect order"
What can I say folks? my research and copious note taking has resulted in a compliment of the highest form. Well here's mine bakatchew- I heart Saigon Bistro.

The Pho Bo came piping hot- the noodles were delicious and al dente, the broth was flavored with the essential star anise, cinnamon, beef bones, ginger, onions
but I'm also guessing some cardamom, fennel, coriander, bay leaves, black peppercorn, and of course fish sauce.
The meat cooked quickly to a succulent pink. My glasses steamed up and I had to stop doing my sudoku in order to concentrate fully on the Pho.

The BanhMi came stuffed in a crispy french roll, with delicious veggies (carrots, daikon, peppers, cilantro, onion). Wow total bliss
Good a crunch on the crust (compares well to R&J) but bigger and more fillings-cheaper too! (Sorry R&J- here's the writing on the wall- you have to redeem favor by maxing out on the banh mi next time- but you only get one more chance)
--------
Update:11/6/06
I never went back to R&J. Sorry guys! I guess I'm just that fickle.
Have tried all the sandwiches now- favorites are the #1 Ham, Pate & Headcheese and the #3 grilled beef.

ps the avocado smoothie is delicious
ps2 the bobba are delicious in the decadent iced coffee

Posted by Misty at 05:06 PM | Permalink

430 Geary St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 771-1280
Category: Japanese
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Nob Hill, Civic Center/Tenderloin
3 star rating

Decent option in a busy and pricey area. Good for pre-show meal if you're not interested in fine dining. Ramen is not up to Tokyo standards, but hey you can't fly to Tokyo before a show.
They seemed understaffed- service was spotty and missed the order completely such that my appetizer and main came out well before my companions' appetizers.
We all got the ramen combo
nigiri- fresh and tasty (rice was a little mushy)
unagi don- succulent and juicy on rice and seaweed

rich broth-complex
miso vs soy both were tasty- soy seemed salty at first but richer and had more depth than the miso once my taste buds adjusted.

topping seemed minimal
spicy tofu
chicken karage
bbq pork- slightly anemic and tasteless (i would not order this again)

I'll definitely go back, but only up to 4 people max.

Posted by Misty at 05:04 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

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

Spices! 3
3 Stars

369 - 12th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 625-8889

Szechwanese chili peppers! Wow could it get any more "mala" (numb tingly) spicy? With names like: murder explosive numbing fire, the selections are all transcendental and will burn a hole first in your tongue, then your stomach and then your ass. The latest of a local chain of hip restaurants.

Continue reading "Spices! 3 With Friends" »

Posted by Misty at 09:36 PM | Permalink

296 Barber Ct
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 433-5199

Categories: Chinese, Seafood, Halal
3 star rating

Muslim Chinese- Halal menu. On the long drive north from Monterey, this is the perfect stop for sustinance. The place seats ~150 people so it's large and busy ~8:30pm- we were seated within minutes of arriving- ahead of chinese speaking folks who tried to cut in front. The misleading name steers one incorrectly away from the heart of the restaurant. Their specialties are the beef and lamb, and the chewy handmade noodles and green onion sesame flat cakes.
We ordered
Yang Rou Pao Muo (pillowy clouds of goodness) soup- with beef broth. Good deep flavor but the shredded bits of dough were cut square with a knife, leaden, tough and slimy- quite different from what i expected (recalling our guide in Xianwho insisted our crumbs be smaller "else" she warned "it will be tough". There it was sublime- we pulled apart these little round hard cakes into little shredded pellets that fluffedinto succulent morsels bursting with juicy broth). The waitress made sure that I knew what I was ordering for this dish- so I think she knew that we would be disappointed.
Sesame flat bread crunchy outside soft middle stuffed with tasty green oniony goodness. Alittle dry but good with the broth.
Handcut chunky noodles with lamb stir fry. Cumin crusted meat tasty and succulent but noodles were more than a little chewy (in stark contrast to the lite and tender noodles in Xian).

Eggplant was spicy and juicy but ordinary. I think I would pick a more regional specialty next time.

Service was frenetic but aware. Took our order- gave advice on the size of the meal we were ordering. "too much, too much for 2 people" but I wanted to sample each specialty item. Food came out quickly.
Amazingly Xian had better chi of wheat but the flavors were very complex, distinct and quite authentic. A good option for people wanting kosher chinese.

Posted by Misty at 04:01 PM | Permalink

386 8th St
Oakland, CA 94649
(510) 836-1819

Categories: Chinese, Ethnic Food, Meat Shops
Neighborhood: Oakland Chinatown
5 star rating

"Best Roast Duck in Chinatown" Continuously voted tops by local Chinese newspapers, Sun Hing is a grotty little hole in the wall with gleaming and lacquered roast duck (heads attached), whole roast pigs with cracktastic crackling, and slabs of red char siu (sweet glazed BBQ pork) hanging in the window. The roast duck here has skin so crisp and lite that you'll find other duck disappointingly greasy and pedestrian afterwards. The meat is tender and succulent, redolent with star anise forward five-spice flavor which coats the inner cavity. Ask for extra duck jus which they provide with the meat since this is an excellent source of umami (yummy goodness I could swim in). Another interesting option is the pei pa ap (plum sauce duck) which is butterflied flat and drier than the roast duck yet still tasty and succulent with plum tones.

If you're brave try the house cured sausages - lap cheung (pork, duck liver, chicken) which hang in pairs on butchers twine from a hook overhead - cut into small chunks and steamed with rice, delicious! On the sill lie trays of intriguing (potentially scary) spicy cooked tripe, duck's feet, red-cooked pork belly, soy sauce glazed squabs.

Ps my mom always orders a roast pig (including the head) for family get-togethers.
ps2 so popular you can tell where it is on 8th st by the double and triple parked cars.

Posted by Misty at 03:38 PM | Permalink

382 8th St
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 763-9228

Category: Dim Sum
Neighborhood: Oakland Chinatown
3 star rating

An easy stop for select pastry and dim sum, Sun Sing is conveniently next door to Sun Hing where I get my Roast Duck. Try the shrimp paste wrapped in bacon- pork improves everything- but only when fresh from the fryer, avoid if they look a little sad (coz if you don't, you'll be sad). Delectable Char siu bao ( bbq pork buns) an excellent pork fillling to bun ratio, not too sweet yet tasty and delicious. Great for snacks, simple to reheat in the microowave. Cocktail buns (coconut and creme brulee filling) are in short supply, since 3 cost $1.50 and they're delumptious. Ngoh mai gai (lotus wrapped glutinous rice "tamales") aka jung are filling and interesting.
Avoid the sad looking stuff, it's leftover from the morning crush.
I mostly stop here coz it's convenient but you have to pick carefully not to be disappointed, so I can only give it 3 stars.

Posted by Misty at 03:35 PM | Permalink

1300 Battery St
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 982-2000

Categories: American (New), American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
3 star rating

Today I ate all wrong. I think I had some cheese and maybe a couple those trader joe's fake orange sushi. Then I went to the gym and played squash like a fiend (or maybe a whirling dervish). After 2 hours of draining exercise, my sister recognized my total calorie crash (incapacitating me for my drive back home across the bridge) and suggested eating at the diner facing the treadmills and elliptical machines. It had always seemed like a touristy spot, but in my calorie deficient mind I could produce no valid argument against.

We waited for almost 10 minutes for the hostess to appear and seat us. But after seating, service was prompt and polite.
We ordered and split all the items:

Jalapeno corn bread (for carbo loading) light wuth a good crumb, toasty edges and delish tangy sweet pepper relish. Followed by the ceasar salad (so we could pretend to be healthy- hey we were at the gym!) which was a perfect example of said salad- especially the cured anchovy. mmmmm
The macaroni and cheese (carbo loading) creamy and with fun bits of ham and green peppers and a crumb topping. But over salted, and missing that essential cheesy texture. Minus a star for the wrong kind of cheese for the dish. Salt & pepper calamari-both the rings and testicles (did I write that? I meant tentacles), were served with mini onions rings and jalapeno rings (salt & vinegar dipping sauce with spices & herbs). Good crunch on all components, but flavor was kind of bland.
Cleaning away our dishes and sliver, the buser dropped and dragged a dirty fork in an ark across the table leving yucky streaks and then walked away with out cleaning up. ugh.

Dessert was a toss up between the "world famous" tortoise sundae and the Mile High lemon merengue pie. Ultimately the MHLM was mostly ordinary overly sweet pie with a mediocre crust and strange tasting merengue.

Bill came to $55 including tax & 20% tip.
4 stars Over all great for carbo loading in a pinch. What can I say ? it's a prime location.
minus a star for patchy service.
I enjoyed my meal but I can't help feeling that if I weren't so hungry going in, the food would have scored lower. In summary-
Avoid since there are many better places to eat for this price

Posted by Misty at 12:38 PM | Permalink

1809 4th St
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 665-5650

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: Fourth Street
5 star rating

Their new format is swirled seasonal flavors (all paired to complement each other) in delicious shatteringly delicate hand made cones. Salted caramel topping and cacao nibs add dimension and crunch. Yumm
Reminds me of Japanese style gelato, with interesting inspired flavors.
I think they ought to have at least a couple tubs of hand scooped flavors- coffee and chocolate, but with all the other taste sensations those are hardly missed. Want to try something extraordinary? Go for the Basil swirl topped with olive oil. I swear it's divine and NOT pesto-y at all.

Ruthie and Eric rock! I love, love, love the gelato. Its creamy and divine, flavorful, heavenly, luscious, spicy, toothsome, yummy without being too sweet. my favorite flavors are
yogurt
earl grey
passion fruit
rhubarb
burnt caramel

pricey but worth every penny!

Posted by Misty at 02:59 PM | Permalink

1546 Bonanza St
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 938-5959

Categories: Korean, Fast Food
3 star rating

We've been going here for years. Decent veggie bibbim bap, that you can make almost screamin' good with the extra spicy hot pork on top. They recently started doing hot stoneware and raw eggs, yum. (Will substitute rice with cabbage on request). Don't forget the free kim chee and buckets of hot sauce in squeeze bottles --

Posted by Misty at 03:04 PM | Permalink

2699 Monument Blvd Ste I
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 686-0319

Category: Mexican
3.5 star rating

Affectionately known as "Super sauce", this spot is high in the rotation for lunch choices. Inexpensive and tasty food- Tacos are $1.50. We go for the awesome sauce that comes with the super burrito (humongous!). You can order the super sauce with any of the menu items. Francisco the owner is very pleasant and accommodating.

Posted by Misty at 03:14 PM | Permalink

3501 Clayton Rd
Concord, CA 94519
(925) 682-8176

Category: Mexican
3.5 star rating

Step into the striking yellow walled Salvadorian pupuseria and find yourself a seat along the open counter. You can watch the ladies making the pupsas that you just ordered. Tender chewy corn pillows stuffed with traditional cheese filling, oozing melted cheese and crusty cheese bits- as well as pork, pork , pork-revuelta (pork & cheese), loroco ( squash flowers & cheese), and refried beans & cheese- topped with the curtido-crunchy , tangy, zesty pickled cabbage and hot sauce. One is enough for lunch. Especially if you're ordering other goodies to share like the fried plantain with sour cream or the tamal (creamy and delicate, wrapped in a banana leaf). The meat is fresh, fresh, fresh (walked over in bare hands ) from the adjacent market's meat counter. Skip the burritos, tacos and mole (bleh) as not up to the same gold standard. Popular and supported by the local crowd of working guys on lunch break and families with kids, it can get busy, with long waits for the delicious pupusas. But well worth it

Posted by Misty at 03:02 PM | Permalink

10500 Merritt St
Castroville, CA 95012
(831) 633-8396

Category: Barbeque
5 star rating

After a long day of diving with the sealions in Monterey, on our way back out we like to stop at the Central Texan BBQ. It used to be a real hole in the wall with a Giant Artichoke as a landmark. Now in the new location (has it really been 17 years?), it's still a dive with lots of character and sawdust on the floor. The short and grizzled owner Don Elkins, appropriately topped with a cowboy hat and rearing rattlesnake greets all with amiable heckling.
" What'll it be for you missy?"
"The beef ribs please"
"How about an onion?
"No thanks"
"How about some beans?
"No thanks"
"Ah no farts for you today" With a wink and a nod, chuckling at his own joke, he slams the cleaver into the pile of meat on the counter.
As he chops your order, take a look at his hand where you'll notice he's missing fingers. Perhaps too close a call with the massive cleaver he wields? He smokes all of his own meats and makes his own sausage, and it is absolutely brilliant bbq. My favorites are the beef and pork ribs, and the sausage. If you love bbq, want to sample everything and can eat a horse the "Trail Boss" is the sampler. (You'll have leftovers)
Passing the torch to his son, the food is as good as I remember.
He hates when people don't order food, and will hassle non-ordering folk if they try to sit at the tables. He can get down right ornery when people try to split meals! (His son now helps run the place- more friendly and laidback) Consider yourself warned...

Posted by Misty at 06:23 PM | Permalink

1833 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 995-8015

Category: Mexican
4 star rating

Only the best tacos in New Mexico! It's a tough choice between the chicken and the beef so I get both. I always stop here on the way to the airport. When I get on the plane and start munching away on my tasty treats, people ask (in that slightly jealous and starving way)- "Where did you get those?" I have to grin and say "I got these in Santa Fe at El Parasol."
minus one star for not having a presence in California.
Simple fast food style joint with ample parking.
You can get other stuff too like the tamales...
I haven't really got past the tacos so I can't really say what else is good.

Posted by Misty at 06:22 PM | Permalink

I love lists. I write lists all the time. for buying groceries, things to eat, places to go (eat), people to see (while eating), things to grow (for eating), recipes to cook (then eat). Are you beginning to sense a theme?

One of my favorite things to do is read other people's lists. So today is a happy one because Michael Bauer's SF Chronicle Top 100 Restaurants just came out.

Some I agree with, some I do not.

Continue reading "Lists: SF Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants" »

Posted by Misty at 09:04 PM | Permalink

1839 Willow Pass Road
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 688-1396

Categories: Mexican, Bars
3 star rating

When I'm at work, I often frequent a Mexican restaurant Las Montanas for lunch. While we refer to it as "the Pozole" place, pozole's not their signature dish- it's the one that draws us repeatedly. Not cheap, the pozole is a large, tasty, meaty, chunky soup with a very satisfying, nutty chew. The fresh raw vegetables are crisp and clean, adding sharpness and a 3D structure to a slow cooked soup brimming with nasal clearing pepper and other spices. So good that I've reverse engineered my own version

most of their plate speciales and combos are good
steer clear of their burritos which are weak.

Posted by Misty at 03:21 PM | Permalink

2247 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-5256

Categories: American (New), Breakfast & Brunch, Lounges
Neighborhood: Castro
3 star rating

I was sitting at home in my PJ's when my twin sister GT calls me up. MM's boyfriend has locked himself out of his car and is stranded in SF. She and young man MM want to go help but are too happy from the holiday party to drive. Can my trusty white civic go charging over the bridge to the rescue? For the superhero, a quick mission during the holidays is a sure way to gain many karma points- to be redeemed at favorite restaurants and bars.
I throw on a Mr Roger's cardigan over the flannel (a tactical error) and head out into the night. GT and MM are giggly happy in back as I navigate thro' the amateur hour drivers who are having problems with bridge construction lane changes. Yeah Buddy, it's been like this for a while now, pick a lane and get used to it.

Out at Fort Mason the keys are produced, car unlocked and boyfriend rescued but distracted by continuing rehearsals. Gratifyingly appreciative MM offers to redeem some of those superhero points in his hood. After driving around the Castro looking for parking for an hour, faint with hunger we stop conveniently close to Lime. It's mega packed with impossibly hip people, all dressed to groove (remember the trendy superhero's outfit of PJ's and cardy)? However, undaunted by seemingly insurmountable barriers, the dynamic duo and the sweet young thing squeeze ourselves into a corner and order delicious (hey low carb!) cocktails- vanilla cosmos and lime mojitos, and yummy grub- sliders, grilled cheese w/ tomato soup, and fries-not so low carb (the tuna tartare looked good too). As the space gets more and more tightly packed, these leather dressed groovster chicks start chatting us up, really I think looking for some twin action (yeah we get that line sometimes). Fun times, fun times...
Minus 1 star for parking in the Castro
1 star for the food, which was great sustenance at the right time
1 star for the drinks- who doesn't love vanilla? And low carb?
1 star for the friendly folk who kindly ignored the superhero outfit
1 star for the fun fun times

Posted by Misty at 06:18 PM | Permalink

1509 Mission St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 458-4214

Categories: Candy Stores, Chocolatiers and Shops
5 star rating

Richard Donnelly is an alchemical genius.

I was at a party and there was this guy surrounded by girls- I couldn't really tell what the excitement was about. A.D.D girl got distracted- it happens. Then at my elbow a box of chocolate appears. "Try that one- it's my new flavor. " I pick up the shiny treat, pop it in my mouth and wow flavor explosion. So I shamelessly hang out till the chocolates are all gone. Let me tell you it's worth a detour down to Santa Cruz to try the new flavor. Make a day of it. Go see the elephant seals and eat chocolate that is sublime.
Disclaimer: I was plied with chocolates my memories may have been affected by endorphins

Posted by Misty at 12:20 PM | Permalink

1820 4th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 644-0444

Categories: Italian, Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Fourth Street
4 star rating

Delighted to dine here, happy that I didn't pick up the tab. TS and I had a great meal here with a good friend. We ordered everything family style and shared a couple of wines by the glass. Details are fuzzy now, perhaps due to the wine that was consumed before the meal, but I left with a satisfied feeling about the place. I've heard it can be salty and snotty but this was absent during our visit. I'll return but prolly only if someone else is footing the bill (it's kind of pricey)

Posted by Misty at 12:06 PM | Permalink

5800 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 752-2222

Category: Moroccan
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
4 star rating

I'LL BE BACK
yes I will. Aziza was more than I ever expected. Recommended by a passing acquaintance who said that it had garnered a M* (He was wrong about the star- he could be wrong about the food...) We chose Aziza for it's location rather than food scores but TS & BFF all agreed that this was one of our faves for D@T. Space was well lit (everyone looked glamorous), jewel toned alcoves with ceramic tiles (a nice touch) and comfortable- we got a cozy table in back away from the chill and drafty entrance. Service was attentive but not overwhelmingly claustrophobic.
everyone else has listed what looks like the entire menu, so I'll limit myself to saying the lamb shank rocks. We were also impressed with the depth of vegetarian options which are somewhat under represented in SF. Portions were humongous, including the dessert; We ate so much and kept saying how stuffed we were. But it was too good to stop and still we had leftovers. I think when we go back we'll concentrate on the appetizers and maybe split a couple of mains. Great place for groups both large and small.

Posted by Misty at 12:04 PM | Permalink

Categories: Chinese, French
Neighborhood: Financial District
-1 star rating

HELL NO WE WON"T GO
the only reason this has a star is Yelp's interface doesn't give negatives.
We went to eat at Tommy Toy's last nite. It's supposed to be haute cuisine chinoise instead it was ... interesting. They had a great space with very good lighting- soft and warm so everyone looked fabulous; Especially all the old and wrinkled WASPs.
We waited close to 10 minutes for a waiter who took our drink order but left without giving us menus. After which we waited another 10 minutes (an eternity to a hungry stomach) for the waiter to reappear. We asked for menus and instead he said very quickly that he thought we should get the special meal. When we persisted, we got the dine about town menu but no regular menus (TS got a dessert menu-by mistake I think?) Eventually we persuaded the waiter that we REALLY wanted menus, he capitulated, and after perusing the pages I realized he was trying to sell us a meal that was $68/person! Can you imagine? So we went with the Dine about town menu- 4 courses for $32 sounded pretty good to me
Here was the line up
Appetizer phylo wrapped chicken (chestnuts?) triangle- not particularly tasty nor crisp
2nd course tomato crab bisque en croute served in ceramic coconut bowls
Yup you heard me right
Ceramic coconuts.
Texture was thin and watery with hard bits of carrot and shredded lumps that were supposed to be crab; one redeeming factor the puff pastry was excellent and buttery
1st main Sea bass fillet topped w/ ginger and scallion steamed in parchment paper- lite flaky fish, delicate flavors melded- delicious and a huge portion so that was worth it (my favorite dish of the evening)
2nd main Seared beef medallions on fried rice- tender beef but nothing much else to rescue the dish from bland bland flavors

1st 3 courses were all baked (which is unusual in Chinese cuisine)
Both entres were good but the appetizer and soup were completely bizarre. So does the experience make me want to go back? HELL NO
We talked about whether we would go back- I thought it was appalling especially for the prices they charge.
So maybe I like ghetto Chinese food but I would never refer to what we ate as Chinese except that Chinese people cooked it. Perhaps you interject here- "no, it's haute cuisine chinoise" yeah right- it was not and not what I had hoped for. Don't waste your money with so many other fantastic Chinese places to eat at
I can't understand why but they get a 25 in zagat so I think it's all old WASPy people who eat there and think they're eating chinese food and are delusional about it being really good quality because of the location, price and buzz, it's all about marketing

When I was in Shanghai I had cuisine chinoise- totally awesome tofu soup, delicious seafood, tasty beef, fantastic squab and duck. It was a galaxy apart, sounds like tommy toy needs to take a field trip.
I'm sure they do very well with their aged WASPy clientele but they don't need our support.

Posted by Misty at 11:22 AM | Permalink