Thursday, December 28, 2006
Renegade, unrepentant Arun from Mill Valley is a transplant from New Delhi. He invited me to go, along with a storytelling group to Santorini's Restaurant on O'Farrell & share a dinner of trout, saffron basmati rice, mixed veggies, baby spinach & retsina wine with him. What's the difference between tourist & traveller, he asked the table of 12 storytellers who meet weekly at Katherine's home in Mill Valley? Arun attributed the following saying to Henry David Thoreau: The traveller sees what he sees; the tourist sees what he has come to see! (www.brainyquote.com) It's actually a Br. writer Chesterton who said that. According to Thoreau who made sauntering into an art , IT'S NOT WORTHWHILE TO GO ROUND THE WORLD TO COUNT THE CATS IN ZANZIBAR. Ciaobabes!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Random Encounter: Cafe Laurel Heights - Russets from Ketchum, Idaho
12/27/06 Rich & Jean Russet, Ketcham, Idaho, the original potato heads were visiting SF. I turned to Rich (Jean was messin' with her laptop) & introduced myself.
-Have you made your new year's resolution yet?
-No. Have you?
-Yes. I'm perfecting the art of the put-down a la Groucho Marx.
They were intrigued. Of course, I has only half-kidding about the need to put down the enlarged egos in this stretch of Presidio Heights.
-We're not from here--we live in Ketcham. I found out they live next door to the descendants of Ernest Hemingway: Jack, Muriel, Muffy, Joan.
-I play tennis with Jack, the son?
-Isn't he dead, I asked?
But I guess the great thing about playing tennis with a dead man is you always win, right? We shared a laugh & the potato heads were out the door!
Happy 2007!
-Have you made your new year's resolution yet?
-No. Have you?
-Yes. I'm perfecting the art of the put-down a la Groucho Marx.
They were intrigued. Of course, I has only half-kidding about the need to put down the enlarged egos in this stretch of Presidio Heights.
-We're not from here--we live in Ketcham. I found out they live next door to the descendants of Ernest Hemingway: Jack, Muriel, Muffy, Joan.
-I play tennis with Jack, the son?
-Isn't he dead, I asked?
But I guess the great thing about playing tennis with a dead man is you always win, right? We shared a laugh & the potato heads were out the door!
Happy 2007!
Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant - Kung Pao Kosher Comedy
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant. (1300 Stockton at Broadway) Christmas night. Tim Yu, boyish, bulbous chef founder incessantly churns out hundreds of superior seafood meals daily (until 3:00 a.m.). Many nocturnal high-brows, wannabee chefs & recruiters chow down, so if you're fixin' to hang with the best & brightest in SF, plop your buddha butt, light an imaginary candle & don't be downhearted, because you've come to the right place. Gayle & Ralph Bernstein, MD (she's a coordinator at the Oakland Art Museum & he a hands-on stomach specialist at Highland Hospital) have been trekking here for 30 years. They ordered the tried-and-true sauteed clams steamed in black bean sauce, pepper & salt roasted prawns, spinach & garlic: superlative! Zontar, my friend, ordered beef with broccali. Me? I got sucker-punched with the so-called "fresh squids". Fresh? HELL NO! A deep-fried flop, in my opinion. Why do Chinese restaurants always deliver this sucker-punch? Heads up, Tim! An hour later, we raced out the door past the hungry, boisterous mob to Kung Pao Kosher Comedy. The good doctor shouted out a cheery "Have fun and I hope you laugh tonight."
Random Encounter #2 at New Asia Restaurant after the Kung Pao show. Headliner Cathy Ladman was fiddling with her videocamera. He had given us a sidesplitting show. "Comedy", she said, "is timing and luck." Fadeout into San Francisco fog.
Jewish comics at Chinese Restaurant on Christmas Day: Guaranteed to chase away the blues if you've got 'em!
Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant. (1300 Stockton at Broadway) Christmas night. Tim Yu, boyish, bulbous chef founder incessantly churns out hundreds of superior seafood meals daily (until 3:00 a.m.). Many nocturnal high-brows, wannabee chefs & recruiters chow down, so if you're fixin' to hang with the best & brightest in SF, plop your buddha butt, light an imaginary candle & don't be downhearted, because you've come to the right place. Gayle & Ralph Bernstein, MD (she's a coordinator at the Oakland Art Museum & he a hands-on stomach specialist at Highland Hospital) have been trekking here for 30 years. They ordered the tried-and-true sauteed clams steamed in black bean sauce, pepper & salt roasted prawns, spinach & garlic: superlative! Zontar, my friend, ordered beef with broccali. Me? I got sucker-punched with the so-called "fresh squids". Fresh? HELL NO! A deep-fried flop, in my opinion. Why do Chinese restaurants always deliver this sucker-punch? Heads up, Tim! An hour later, we raced out the door past the hungry, boisterous mob to Kung Pao Kosher Comedy. The good doctor shouted out a cheery "Have fun and I hope you laugh tonight."
Random Encounter #2 at New Asia Restaurant after the Kung Pao show. Headliner Cathy Ladman was fiddling with her videocamera. He had given us a sidesplitting show. "Comedy", she said, "is timing and luck." Fadeout into San Francisco fog.
Jewish comics at Chinese Restaurant on Christmas Day: Guaranteed to chase away the blues if you've got 'em!
Schroeder's: Willkomen & Freuliche Weinachten!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Schroeder's Since 1893 (www.schroederssf.com). My encounter at Schroeder's commenced with a soup joke. It's Germany, 1945, people are starving. Man walks into a hofbrau and orders chicken soup. Man shouts, "waiter, waiter, there's a MOUSE in my soup!" Waiter to patron: "Shhh! Everyone will want one!" I arrived at the shank end of happy hour at this German hofbrau & sampled the spicy paprika ("secret") chicken with Eileen, a recent transplant from Manhattan. She sang with Red Skelton (as a wee tot) & later acted out his comedy sketch of the "sizzling bacon" pantomime, with flute and orchestra. Eileen is zoftig and does electronic facelifts for aging boomers -- is that a wallet lift, too? After we finished our comfort food? A rendezvous with Peter, former Adman, ex-money juggler (does he have 2 nickels to rub together?), chess player, bon vivant & raconteur who joined us at one of the large oak tables in the back. Peter & Eileen cracked jokes the whole night while I got to know the owner, Stefan Filipchik ("Cook" to his grandchildren) who bought this hofbrau in 1997. He is from the Czech Republic & loves his "live TV" daily (except Sunday) at this place which has been serving copious amounts of Bavarian food, and sizzles with the best and the brightest SF has to offer.! Stefan's talent as master of ceremonies is equalled only by his generous spirit. Start your spritz with a pitcher of Konigsberg "Mad" Ludwig beer on tap & feast on the Herman Richter murals, beer steins & rosewood bar. Swap jokes with "Heinrich", the public servant barman, who swaps bon mots with Michael Savage, shock jock, who hangs here, but not tonight: he's in rehab!
Appetizers: German potato salad , coleslaw & brown bread accompany every meal. Start with a marinated herring or the exquisite smoked salmon (lemon with garniture).(7.95) Skip the salad & go on to a choice of the varied sausage plates that grace the menu. Eileen ordered the Kase Spatzle on this rainy night, and this unfortunately was an inedible cheese concoction. ($14.95) Bypass and choose from the Fish, vegetarian, meat entrees. I ordered the Gypsy Steak, a 14" New York Strip served with boiled potatoes, red cabbage & veggies. The spicy paprika (Stefan's secret) makes this my #1 choice. (24.95).
Peter wisecracked: Recipe for gypsy chicken? he asked. "First, steal 2 chickens." An old corny joke. He then ordered the Vegetarian platter (no! you cannot screw-up veggies) & we all dug in! (12.95) Extraordinary value here -- ask for a couple of doggie bags & don't forget to order the herbs liquor from Carlsbad Hot Spring, CZ to top off a great evening or pumpkin pie w/ ice cream (7.50). Polka Dancing on Friday nights? Include me in! Does anybody remember Yogi Berra's quip: "Nobody goes to that restaurant -- it's too popular?" My advice: Go to Schroeder's & wake up your luck (it's a Persian proverb)! Guten Appetit!
Schroeder's Since 1893 (www.schroederssf.com). My encounter at Schroeder's commenced with a soup joke. It's Germany, 1945, people are starving. Man walks into a hofbrau and orders chicken soup. Man shouts, "waiter, waiter, there's a MOUSE in my soup!" Waiter to patron: "Shhh! Everyone will want one!" I arrived at the shank end of happy hour at this German hofbrau & sampled the spicy paprika ("secret") chicken with Eileen, a recent transplant from Manhattan. She sang with Red Skelton (as a wee tot) & later acted out his comedy sketch of the "sizzling bacon" pantomime, with flute and orchestra. Eileen is zoftig and does electronic facelifts for aging boomers -- is that a wallet lift, too? After we finished our comfort food? A rendezvous with Peter, former Adman, ex-money juggler (does he have 2 nickels to rub together?), chess player, bon vivant & raconteur who joined us at one of the large oak tables in the back. Peter & Eileen cracked jokes the whole night while I got to know the owner, Stefan Filipchik ("Cook" to his grandchildren) who bought this hofbrau in 1997. He is from the Czech Republic & loves his "live TV" daily (except Sunday) at this place which has been serving copious amounts of Bavarian food, and sizzles with the best and the brightest SF has to offer.! Stefan's talent as master of ceremonies is equalled only by his generous spirit. Start your spritz with a pitcher of Konigsberg "Mad" Ludwig beer on tap & feast on the Herman Richter murals, beer steins & rosewood bar. Swap jokes with "Heinrich", the public servant barman, who swaps bon mots with Michael Savage, shock jock, who hangs here, but not tonight: he's in rehab!
Appetizers: German potato salad , coleslaw & brown bread accompany every meal. Start with a marinated herring or the exquisite smoked salmon (lemon with garniture).(7.95) Skip the salad & go on to a choice of the varied sausage plates that grace the menu. Eileen ordered the Kase Spatzle on this rainy night, and this unfortunately was an inedible cheese concoction. ($14.95) Bypass and choose from the Fish, vegetarian, meat entrees. I ordered the Gypsy Steak, a 14" New York Strip served with boiled potatoes, red cabbage & veggies. The spicy paprika (Stefan's secret) makes this my #1 choice. (24.95).
Peter wisecracked: Recipe for gypsy chicken? he asked. "First, steal 2 chickens." An old corny joke. He then ordered the Vegetarian platter (no! you cannot screw-up veggies) & we all dug in! (12.95) Extraordinary value here -- ask for a couple of doggie bags & don't forget to order the herbs liquor from Carlsbad Hot Spring, CZ to top off a great evening or pumpkin pie w/ ice cream (7.50). Polka Dancing on Friday nights? Include me in! Does anybody remember Yogi Berra's quip: "Nobody goes to that restaurant -- it's too popular?" My advice: Go to Schroeder's & wake up your luck (it's a Persian proverb)! Guten Appetit!
STALKING MICHAEL SAVAGE!
On July 15, 2006, I was walking through fog-shrouded North Beach in San Francisco, and sitting at one of Pinochio's sidewalk tables was Michael Savage, his wife Judith, a pair of cronies & a hovering bodyguard. I knew it was Savage, because a year ago I had encountered him at the Rosh Hashanah service at the Crowne Plaza nr. Union Square.Even though Savage refuses to admit he is Jewish, nonetheless he gives significant financial support to the Synagogue. He fears his vast audience on the radio (he broadcasts from 3 undisclosed "bunkers") might become alienated, and thus lose ratings, if they find out he is not a Christian.
As a amateur stalker, I circled the block & prepared my attack. When I reappeared in front of his table, he motioned with his hands for me to approach him. He gave a signal to his bodyguard that I presented no threat. "Whatcha got there?", he asked. Savage was apprehensive because two weeks earlier, a scalding expose was published in the San Francisco weekly. http://www.sfweekly.com/Issues/2006-07-19/news/feature.html
I handed him the book and asked him to sign it. He graciously complied. His wife Judith sat there the whole time and didn't utter a word. All she did was chainsmoke Marlboro's. Who would have thought that the wife of a health freak such as Savage would be puffing on cancer sticks? I disappeared into the fog with his very illusive signature in my book!
In a future blog I will talk about The Savage Nation and his Hofbrau Hangout: Schroeders, in San Francisco.
ZAZIL: HAPPY ENDINGS & WELCOME, ROCIO!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Happy endings in Rocio Gomez' Coastal Mexican kitchen. Frank Sinatra to Frank, Jr.: Don't let me catch you singing like that again, without enthusiasm, you're nothing if you aren't excited by what you are doing. That was ions ago & mostly I just wanted Frank to shut up & sing! Rocio Gomez, former chef to mustachioed, macho, ex-Presidente Vicente Fox at the turn of the century, sings & the catholic fox's favorite dish? Black mole oaxaqueno! The passionate, napoleonic Rocio learned how to make a corn tortilla from her mom in San Luis Bogosi (middle of Mexico) but her regional influence is Yucatan. She is currently studying Peruvian techniques. Her kitchen is on fire with a medley of Mexican imports: jalapeno, tomatillo, chipotle, morita, fresh herbs, guava, jicama...it changes seasonally. You name it; she's got it! Organic? Yes (if local). No (if imported). As we all know, Mexico is in the Stone Age when it comes to produce! Caveat emptor!
ZAZIL (845 Market St; zazilrestaurant.com;495-6379) is open for lunch at 11:30 & serves until 11:00 F&S;closed Sundays. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST). Why not catch a great movie at Century upstairs, where George Lucas is responsible for the superb sound system & then saunter down to Rocio's kitchen. Don't forget to start the meal with the tequila sampler (prices vary) from the great bar & catch an eyeful from the "idiot box" (my prejudice) or dissect the movie with a pal (the "sound" here is cacophonous so you may have to use sign language).
APPETIZERS: Try Rocio's favorite octopus dish: Tirapito made with octapus carpaccio, olive oil, fresh lime & chili piquin.(14) Or start with the guacamole, mixed at the table (a wildly popular favorite).
SALAD: Try the mixed greens with mango, avocado, flower petals & jicama with cilantra-basil vinaigrette.(10) Brilliant! Enjoy the nautical surroundings of authentic sea kelp & Latin music--a blissful buzz--and if you're not delirious from the tequila, so on to the platos.
MAIN COURSE: The salmon tower is a veritable Taj Mahal: a mini-mountain pan-seared salmon fillet wrapped in portobello mushroom carpaccio w/black mole & potato-white corn.(26)
This is a piquant & subtle mole in town (better than at the cousin restaurant Colibri) & the presentation is a beauty to behold but at these prices, I expect (did not get) wild salmon, not the inferior farm variety.
I tried the shrimp enchalads sauteed & wrapped in hand-made tortillas w/ green mole w/hoja santa, pumpkin seed & tomatillo: it was succulent, flavorful but not spicy enough for me. (22) Rocio, are you toning down the heat level for the gringos? Big mistake, in my opinion.
Debi, the General Manager, loves to clown around & her favorites are the grilled fish filet, pork, beef, chicken entrees -- just about everything...ask her about her ZONE diet...very friendly gal.
HAPPY ENDINGS WITH DESSERT: The highlight of my meal was the Budin de Requeson -- a "healthy" Mexican tiramisu made with requeson cheese (like cottage cheese) & a mixed berry sauce. (8) Share! Share! Share! Gracias, Rocio for a delightful evening.
SUGGESTION: Rocio, why not indicate "spicy preference" on the menu for those who don't like their Mexican bland? Just a thought! Remember the next time you stop by & have upscale, gourmet Mexican cuisine at ZAZIL, to thank the staff: we are a nation of immigrants or descendants from immigrants, are we not? We should be grateful to them/us for making our nation what it is today. Bon Appetit!
Happy endings in Rocio Gomez' Coastal Mexican kitchen. Frank Sinatra to Frank, Jr.: Don't let me catch you singing like that again, without enthusiasm, you're nothing if you aren't excited by what you are doing. That was ions ago & mostly I just wanted Frank to shut up & sing! Rocio Gomez, former chef to mustachioed, macho, ex-Presidente Vicente Fox at the turn of the century, sings & the catholic fox's favorite dish? Black mole oaxaqueno! The passionate, napoleonic Rocio learned how to make a corn tortilla from her mom in San Luis Bogosi (middle of Mexico) but her regional influence is Yucatan. She is currently studying Peruvian techniques. Her kitchen is on fire with a medley of Mexican imports: jalapeno, tomatillo, chipotle, morita, fresh herbs, guava, jicama...it changes seasonally. You name it; she's got it! Organic? Yes (if local). No (if imported). As we all know, Mexico is in the Stone Age when it comes to produce! Caveat emptor!
ZAZIL (845 Market St; zazilrestaurant.com;495-6379) is open for lunch at 11:30 & serves until 11:00 F&S;closed Sundays. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST). Why not catch a great movie at Century upstairs, where George Lucas is responsible for the superb sound system & then saunter down to Rocio's kitchen. Don't forget to start the meal with the tequila sampler (prices vary) from the great bar & catch an eyeful from the "idiot box" (my prejudice) or dissect the movie with a pal (the "sound" here is cacophonous so you may have to use sign language).
APPETIZERS: Try Rocio's favorite octopus dish: Tirapito made with octapus carpaccio, olive oil, fresh lime & chili piquin.(14) Or start with the guacamole, mixed at the table (a wildly popular favorite).
SALAD: Try the mixed greens with mango, avocado, flower petals & jicama with cilantra-basil vinaigrette.(10) Brilliant! Enjoy the nautical surroundings of authentic sea kelp & Latin music--a blissful buzz--and if you're not delirious from the tequila, so on to the platos.
MAIN COURSE: The salmon tower is a veritable Taj Mahal: a mini-mountain pan-seared salmon fillet wrapped in portobello mushroom carpaccio w/black mole & potato-white corn.(26)
This is a piquant & subtle mole in town (better than at the cousin restaurant Colibri) & the presentation is a beauty to behold but at these prices, I expect (did not get) wild salmon, not the inferior farm variety.
I tried the shrimp enchalads sauteed & wrapped in hand-made tortillas w/ green mole w/hoja santa, pumpkin seed & tomatillo: it was succulent, flavorful but not spicy enough for me. (22) Rocio, are you toning down the heat level for the gringos? Big mistake, in my opinion.
Debi, the General Manager, loves to clown around & her favorites are the grilled fish filet, pork, beef, chicken entrees -- just about everything...ask her about her ZONE diet...very friendly gal.
HAPPY ENDINGS WITH DESSERT: The highlight of my meal was the Budin de Requeson -- a "healthy" Mexican tiramisu made with requeson cheese (like cottage cheese) & a mixed berry sauce. (8) Share! Share! Share! Gracias, Rocio for a delightful evening.
SUGGESTION: Rocio, why not indicate "spicy preference" on the menu for those who don't like their Mexican bland? Just a thought! Remember the next time you stop by & have upscale, gourmet Mexican cuisine at ZAZIL, to thank the staff: we are a nation of immigrants or descendants from immigrants, are we not? We should be grateful to them/us for making our nation what it is today. Bon Appetit!
SOCIALE - DINERS HIT GENE POOL LOTTERY
Friday, December 15, 2006
Sociale: Northern Italian Eatery. A painter paints, a musician plays, a writer writes, but a movie actor waits (Mary Astor) And she might had added a cook COOKS!. In this upscale restaurant the diners look like they hit the gene pool lottery. The passions of owner David Nicol & Chef Tia are all gathered together like fingers that make a fist. Drive is considered aggression today; they know it as purpose. Benvenuti Amici (Welcome Friends) points the way to this eatery located at the end of a romantic "hideaway" cul-de-sac (3665 Sacramento St; Lunch T-Sa 11:30-2:30; Dinner M-SA 5:30-10; Closed Sunday). David serves the "ladies who lunch" organic, seasonal food from updated old Italian family recipes. Nicol believes you're nothing if not excited by what you are doing. Since its opening on September 4, 2001, he has welcomed the opportunity to explore food & wine & good conversation. Philip, retired technical writer & bon vivant), who sold his soul to the devil (did he have one to lose?), dines here frequently & steered Zontar (brain-damaged lawyer -- is that redundant?) and me into the BEST choices:
Fried Olives: Don't pass up the delectable fontina stuffed breaded olives over a bed of greens (9) or the Zucchero Salad (persimmons, Arkansas black apples, pomegranate w/ a light sherry mustard vinaigrette(9). Philip says skip the Dungeness crab (it's slid downhill).
FIRST COURSE: You can't fail with the Bolognese lasagne, layered with fresh pasta,veal & port, bechamel & pecorino-- the best in the City.(16). Under NO circumstances order the Wild Boar ravioli (my mistake): too greasy & swimming in a puddle of olive oil -- was there formerly a live wild boar in this soggy mess? No jolt to the senses -- sorry David & Tia! Try instead the pappardelle w/braised duck, porcini mushrooms & peas & you won't be sorry. It's a house favorite with the locals in the neighborhood.(18).
SECOND COURSE: Next concentrate on the generous portion of no-fail "brick" chicken served with goat cheese gratin in a pomegranate reduction: SUPERB! (19). The house specialty is Fish Stew: roasted tomato & fennel make the snapper, prawns, scallops, fingerling potatoes sing!(25) If you were to have a Last Supper, this would be it!. As an aside, try the healthy portion of broccoli di ciccio(5).
CHEESES & DOLCI: Try the Italian gorgonzola: sweet, soft & aromatic or the Boone Bouche (2 selections for 9). For sweets, you cannot fail with the devilishly delightful goat cheese cheesecake w/ lemon curd & blackberries or the chocolate truffle cake (8).
David, owner & sommelier extraordinnaire, will guide you around the large, eclectic wine & beer menu (thank you for having the non-alcoholic Claushaler & non-alcoholic wines, especially for drivers this holiday season). This place is worth a detour & share your sentiment with wisecracker Philip! Email david@caffesociale.com with questions.
Sociale: Northern Italian Eatery. A painter paints, a musician plays, a writer writes, but a movie actor waits (Mary Astor) And she might had added a cook COOKS!. In this upscale restaurant the diners look like they hit the gene pool lottery. The passions of owner David Nicol & Chef Tia are all gathered together like fingers that make a fist. Drive is considered aggression today; they know it as purpose. Benvenuti Amici (Welcome Friends) points the way to this eatery located at the end of a romantic "hideaway" cul-de-sac (3665 Sacramento St; Lunch T-Sa 11:30-2:30; Dinner M-SA 5:30-10; Closed Sunday). David serves the "ladies who lunch" organic, seasonal food from updated old Italian family recipes. Nicol believes you're nothing if not excited by what you are doing. Since its opening on September 4, 2001, he has welcomed the opportunity to explore food & wine & good conversation. Philip, retired technical writer & bon vivant), who sold his soul to the devil (did he have one to lose?), dines here frequently & steered Zontar (brain-damaged lawyer -- is that redundant?) and me into the BEST choices:
Fried Olives: Don't pass up the delectable fontina stuffed breaded olives over a bed of greens (9) or the Zucchero Salad (persimmons, Arkansas black apples, pomegranate w/ a light sherry mustard vinaigrette(9). Philip says skip the Dungeness crab (it's slid downhill).
FIRST COURSE: You can't fail with the Bolognese lasagne, layered with fresh pasta,veal & port, bechamel & pecorino-- the best in the City.(16). Under NO circumstances order the Wild Boar ravioli (my mistake): too greasy & swimming in a puddle of olive oil -- was there formerly a live wild boar in this soggy mess? No jolt to the senses -- sorry David & Tia! Try instead the pappardelle w/braised duck, porcini mushrooms & peas & you won't be sorry. It's a house favorite with the locals in the neighborhood.(18).
SECOND COURSE: Next concentrate on the generous portion of no-fail "brick" chicken served with goat cheese gratin in a pomegranate reduction: SUPERB! (19). The house specialty is Fish Stew: roasted tomato & fennel make the snapper, prawns, scallops, fingerling potatoes sing!(25) If you were to have a Last Supper, this would be it!. As an aside, try the healthy portion of broccoli di ciccio(5).
CHEESES & DOLCI: Try the Italian gorgonzola: sweet, soft & aromatic or the Boone Bouche (2 selections for 9). For sweets, you cannot fail with the devilishly delightful goat cheese cheesecake w/ lemon curd & blackberries or the chocolate truffle cake (8).
David, owner & sommelier extraordinnaire, will guide you around the large, eclectic wine & beer menu (thank you for having the non-alcoholic Claushaler & non-alcoholic wines, especially for drivers this holiday season). This place is worth a detour & share your sentiment with wisecracker Philip! Email david@caffesociale.com with questions.
SAN FRANCISCO-THE SALT HOUSE: GO FISH!
Friday, December 8, 2006
There's less & more here than meets the eye! Chef-owners Steve & Mitch Rosenthal & affable, hardworking Doug Washington are the wunderkinds of the culinary scene & have a new kid on the block. Just as three words are critical in real estate (location!location!location!), here at The Salt House: fish,fish,fish.(545 Mission between 1st & 2nd,with parking next door). I love the buzz here & bare bones minimum of frills at this upscale fish joint. The upscale bricked wall is not covered over with pseudo-art, the large mural of Don Quixote on the back wall captures the esprit de corps of the place, ditto the fantastic lighting! If you are after romantic "gemutlikeit"(coziness), 86 this place & find a more congenial place for conversation...the buzz turns conversation into a silent movie. The menu changes daily & I've been there twice. These are my recommendations:
Appetizer: crispy shrimp/spicy green beans/serrano ham/almonds (13). This is extraordinarily lightly battered w/crunchy beans & fresh harissa (a North African spice), Thai red hot chili peppers, anise & a scattering of arugula. A winner.
Entrees: Sauteed scallops w/ kohlrabi/Moroccan spices (26). My dining partner, Will, thought the texture & taste so novel you would think they're still alive. He knows "alive": He is the adopted father of 6 unruly but lovable dogs which he rescued from the holocaust of death & execution: Sam, Lucky, Kyra, Checkers, Gretchen, Girl, who are good dog angel, fighter, sweet, beautiful, gypsy & soul lover, respectively. The next time you are in Noe Valley, stop & stroke! Back to the scallops: I thought the spices did not have enough punch...too bland for my tastes.
Try the Atlantic monkfish w/sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes)/black trumpets/oxtail jus(26). Substitute arugula for the artichokes.
Desserts: all are excellent value. Share.
My only criticisms would be that the greens are too meager but it's obvious the Rosenthals & Doug are becoming the "badass" boys of the late night culinary scene (they serve until 11:00). Take in a GREAT movie at the Century (The Departed, Volver), saunter down to The Salt House & you'll have no regrets, unless you have to have a conversation about the film. Good luck, boys!
There's less & more here than meets the eye! Chef-owners Steve & Mitch Rosenthal & affable, hardworking Doug Washington are the wunderkinds of the culinary scene & have a new kid on the block. Just as three words are critical in real estate (location!location!location!), here at The Salt House: fish,fish,fish.(545 Mission between 1st & 2nd,with parking next door). I love the buzz here & bare bones minimum of frills at this upscale fish joint. The upscale bricked wall is not covered over with pseudo-art, the large mural of Don Quixote on the back wall captures the esprit de corps of the place, ditto the fantastic lighting! If you are after romantic "gemutlikeit"(coziness), 86 this place & find a more congenial place for conversation...the buzz turns conversation into a silent movie. The menu changes daily & I've been there twice. These are my recommendations:
Appetizer: crispy shrimp/spicy green beans/serrano ham/almonds (13). This is extraordinarily lightly battered w/crunchy beans & fresh harissa (a North African spice), Thai red hot chili peppers, anise & a scattering of arugula. A winner.
Entrees: Sauteed scallops w/ kohlrabi/Moroccan spices (26). My dining partner, Will, thought the texture & taste so novel you would think they're still alive. He knows "alive": He is the adopted father of 6 unruly but lovable dogs which he rescued from the holocaust of death & execution: Sam, Lucky, Kyra, Checkers, Gretchen, Girl, who are good dog angel, fighter, sweet, beautiful, gypsy & soul lover, respectively. The next time you are in Noe Valley, stop & stroke! Back to the scallops: I thought the spices did not have enough punch...too bland for my tastes.
Try the Atlantic monkfish w/sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes)/black trumpets/oxtail jus(26). Substitute arugula for the artichokes.
Desserts: all are excellent value. Share.
My only criticisms would be that the greens are too meager but it's obvious the Rosenthals & Doug are becoming the "badass" boys of the late night culinary scene (they serve until 11:00). Take in a GREAT movie at the Century (The Departed, Volver), saunter down to The Salt House & you'll have no regrets, unless you have to have a conversation about the film. Good luck, boys!
TRATTORIA CONTADINA - SECRET FOR STAYING YOUNG IS...
Monday, December 4, 2006
My secret for staying young is good Italian food, plenty of rest, and a makeup man with a spray gun. (Bob Hope).I'm no culinary Nostradamus & it doesn't take a visionary to figure out that TRATORRIA CONTADINA needs a another chef--yeah, for a hope-filled second restaurant. Since opening almost 20 years ago this gem in North Beach, "little Abruzzi", has been a hit with locals & lucky tourists who are in on the secret. The artist in the kitchen, Jean-Pablo, is NOT psychorigid, humorless. His single redeeming vice is to share a bad joke, this time about an Jewish-Japanese restaurant...
What's its name? I asked. So-sumi! Drum roll please!
Frugal shoppers in Chinatown or gezillionnaires in the new Westfield Mall, lost in a holiday daze can easily walk here. Or hop the cable car/MUNI 30,45 toward Fisherman's Wharf (1800 Mason;(415)982-5728) Reservations are a must. Mon-Friday 5:30-9-00;SA-SU until 10pm. During the holidays, you can listen to 3 wise black men channeling the Dixie Hummingbirds version of "You can call on Jesus" at the Caffe Roma (I called & asked HIM to save from the maddening crowds, no answer) , stop by Tosca & crack a few jokes with the politicos, or hang at the Washington Square Bar & Grill where you can run into Tom Brokaw,ay & sip a dirty vodka martini!
Contadina's motto: LEAVE YOUR PROBLEMS AT THE DOOR: MANGIA & BUON APPETITO! This is a small, upstairs-downstairs & upstairs is suitable for everyone offended by the decibel levels in restaurants now. Milo will bring you a bottle of chianti classico Castella de Gabbiano (39) which does well with my favorite appetizer: Carpaccio de manza (filet mignon, arugula, parmesan, olive oil, capers) or for heartier appetites, try the flat iron steak entree which a couple of guys from Montana swear is scrumptious. Bathed in a balsamic vinegar reduction, red onions & caper sauce, it's served with garlic spinach & luscious creamy polenta. Big enough for sharing!
The chef must have stolen his mother's homemade fish stew recipe (made seasonally) & steamed in a basil & oregano sauce(22). My dining partner had the chicken marsala w/pan-roasted chicken breasts (hormone free) with a delightful swiss chard & delicately roasted potatoes.
Desserts are the Italian classics & a real bargain (6): tiramisu, spumoni & gelato (try the hazelnut). Good for sharing!
If you decide to saunter down to Columbus, don't forget Verdi & Elvis play non-stop at Cafe Puccini where you get the hipster who's just finished his/her first novel & is enjoying the latte (2.50), fresh fruit torta(4) & gay banter. W.C. Fields said California is the only state in the union where you can fall asleep under a rose bush in full bloom & freeze to death. In North Beach, you'll be greeted with warm smiles by Jean-Pablo & his hardworking staff. Grazie & Buon Notte!
My secret for staying young is good Italian food, plenty of rest, and a makeup man with a spray gun. (Bob Hope).I'm no culinary Nostradamus & it doesn't take a visionary to figure out that TRATORRIA CONTADINA needs a another chef--yeah, for a hope-filled second restaurant. Since opening almost 20 years ago this gem in North Beach, "little Abruzzi", has been a hit with locals & lucky tourists who are in on the secret. The artist in the kitchen, Jean-Pablo, is NOT psychorigid, humorless. His single redeeming vice is to share a bad joke, this time about an Jewish-Japanese restaurant...
What's its name? I asked. So-sumi! Drum roll please!
Frugal shoppers in Chinatown or gezillionnaires in the new Westfield Mall, lost in a holiday daze can easily walk here. Or hop the cable car/MUNI 30,45 toward Fisherman's Wharf (1800 Mason;(415)982-5728) Reservations are a must. Mon-Friday 5:30-9-00;SA-SU until 10pm. During the holidays, you can listen to 3 wise black men channeling the Dixie Hummingbirds version of "You can call on Jesus" at the Caffe Roma (I called & asked HIM to save from the maddening crowds, no answer) , stop by Tosca & crack a few jokes with the politicos, or hang at the Washington Square Bar & Grill where you can run into Tom Brokaw,ay & sip a dirty vodka martini!
Contadina's motto: LEAVE YOUR PROBLEMS AT THE DOOR: MANGIA & BUON APPETITO! This is a small, upstairs-downstairs & upstairs is suitable for everyone offended by the decibel levels in restaurants now. Milo will bring you a bottle of chianti classico Castella de Gabbiano (39) which does well with my favorite appetizer: Carpaccio de manza (filet mignon, arugula, parmesan, olive oil, capers) or for heartier appetites, try the flat iron steak entree which a couple of guys from Montana swear is scrumptious. Bathed in a balsamic vinegar reduction, red onions & caper sauce, it's served with garlic spinach & luscious creamy polenta. Big enough for sharing!
The chef must have stolen his mother's homemade fish stew recipe (made seasonally) & steamed in a basil & oregano sauce(22). My dining partner had the chicken marsala w/pan-roasted chicken breasts (hormone free) with a delightful swiss chard & delicately roasted potatoes.
Desserts are the Italian classics & a real bargain (6): tiramisu, spumoni & gelato (try the hazelnut). Good for sharing!
If you decide to saunter down to Columbus, don't forget Verdi & Elvis play non-stop at Cafe Puccini where you get the hipster who's just finished his/her first novel & is enjoying the latte (2.50), fresh fruit torta(4) & gay banter. W.C. Fields said California is the only state in the union where you can fall asleep under a rose bush in full bloom & freeze to death. In North Beach, you'll be greeted with warm smiles by Jean-Pablo & his hardworking staff. Grazie & Buon Notte!
EL CASTILLITO - YOU NEED A BIG FAT MEXICAN SENOR/SENORA...
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
SAL says:
1. You ain't nothin' if you ain't honest!
2. Speak the truth & shame the devil!
3. When you're dying of thirst, you'll drink from a mudhole!
You need a big fat Mexican senor/senora cooking the food for it to be authentic, or at least remind you of mom or "fire up the barbecue" dad in the kitchen. The search for the perfect Zapata Burrito(6.89) ends at this popular,no-frills hole-in-the-wall: does SIZE, quality, price matter? Can you say gracias,gracias,gracias!!! Whether you are pro or anti- immigrant, you'll wind up thinking with your stomach at Jose's "little castle." (136 Church nr. Duboce;hours 10:45-11 daily).
If you prefer grilled tortillos to steamed (I do), share the melted cheese: the heat is off the richter scale. Partial to refried beans? NO MSG, sublime adhesion! I like the black beans & the side bar of marinated carrots & hot green peppers & radishes, beets, celery.
Forget the tofu & go for the chicken taco with cilantro, holy guacamole, onions, black beans, a heap of cilantro & hot salsa, this baby sings! (2.29).
Jose cooks several seafood specials but my fave: prawns, onions, beans, tomato, avocado, fiery sauce(9). Try this for breakfast & you won't need to eat for the rest of the day!
This delightful joint can seat families who want to get in & out -- everyone has a great time here! This is my idea of great "fast food"!
Pick up a tape at the local Blockbusters, a book at Aardvaark (a block away) or stroll down a few blocks to the Castro Peets or Starbucks & take in a great movie.
Or just swing down the sidewalks of San Francisco. Can you say fun,frivolous,"F"word, la familia, friend, faithful, food, flip, flatulence. (Thank you, Sal).
Gracias!
SAL says:
1. You ain't nothin' if you ain't honest!
2. Speak the truth & shame the devil!
3. When you're dying of thirst, you'll drink from a mudhole!
You need a big fat Mexican senor/senora cooking the food for it to be authentic, or at least remind you of mom or "fire up the barbecue" dad in the kitchen. The search for the perfect Zapata Burrito(6.89) ends at this popular,no-frills hole-in-the-wall: does SIZE, quality, price matter? Can you say gracias,gracias,gracias!!! Whether you are pro or anti- immigrant, you'll wind up thinking with your stomach at Jose's "little castle." (136 Church nr. Duboce;hours 10:45-11 daily).
If you prefer grilled tortillos to steamed (I do), share the melted cheese: the heat is off the richter scale. Partial to refried beans? NO MSG, sublime adhesion! I like the black beans & the side bar of marinated carrots & hot green peppers & radishes, beets, celery.
Forget the tofu & go for the chicken taco with cilantro, holy guacamole, onions, black beans, a heap of cilantro & hot salsa, this baby sings! (2.29).
Jose cooks several seafood specials but my fave: prawns, onions, beans, tomato, avocado, fiery sauce(9). Try this for breakfast & you won't need to eat for the rest of the day!
This delightful joint can seat families who want to get in & out -- everyone has a great time here! This is my idea of great "fast food"!
Pick up a tape at the local Blockbusters, a book at Aardvaark (a block away) or stroll down a few blocks to the Castro Peets or Starbucks & take in a great movie.
Or just swing down the sidewalks of San Francisco. Can you say fun,frivolous,"F"word, la familia, friend, faithful, food, flip, flatulence. (Thank you, Sal).
Gracias!
Poggio's - Sausalito - Turkey Terror: Death by Kramer?
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Did your turkey die a natural death or a horrid death by Kramer? Did they cage it & make it listen to a Kramer rant? Did it die by pellet or bow & arrow or polonium 210 -- who killed the poor little beast? And what did they do with the feathers...make them into a headpiece? Well, I hope you stuffed yourself silly & are now zonked out on tryptophan...thank you turkeys for helping us celebrate our vast nation & blessings!
I celebrated with Zontar. He lives on a different planet...a nerd who went to law school & became brain-damaged. I sympathize. Getting to Sausalito & Poggio's is not easy. You must cross the "pre-fab" Golden Gate...yes, it was constructed originally in my Bethlehem Steel Pennsylvania 70 years ago. Soon to be named the Golden Google Bridge!
My advice: walk the 3 miles or so. You can return to SF by Golden Gate Transit (10;80) or better yet, the ferry to the Ferry Building. A great way to travel!
The 3-course traditional turkey dinner ($45 per person) was prepared by new chef extraordinnaire Peter McNee & crew. Walk along Bridgeway until you come to the Casa Madrona Hotel (410-332-7771;777 Bridgeway). Sausalito is reminiscent of a quiet seaport village on the Amalfi coast. Dark wood panels,marble baseboards & terra-cotta tiled floor greet you. Sit on the outdoor patio & let the water restore your bones from the walk.
The menu changes daily & choices reflect the Tuscan sensibilities. I'd skip the pricey turkey dinner (it was too bland) & go for the following:
1. Oak-grilled hereford natural NY strip steak (30);spit-roasted yogurt marinated chicken cooked with pancetta, brussel sprouts, dates (16).
2. A healthy alternative is the petrale sole, one of the best in Marin, & fisherman's stew.
3. Duck confit with persimmons, pomegranate, pear & spiced pecan salad was delicate & crunchy - perfectissimo. Don't share this one!
4. For dessert, try the pumpkin tart w/caramel cream or the spiced ginger/quince cake with vanilla bean gelato. A magnificent treat rich enough for two.
Wash it all down with a superb pinot noir from Marimar Russian Valley, 2000 (13.50) & you have the perfect retreat for our annual Turkey Day!
Bon Appetit!
Did your turkey die a natural death or a horrid death by Kramer? Did they cage it & make it listen to a Kramer rant? Did it die by pellet or bow & arrow or polonium 210 -- who killed the poor little beast? And what did they do with the feathers...make them into a headpiece? Well, I hope you stuffed yourself silly & are now zonked out on tryptophan...thank you turkeys for helping us celebrate our vast nation & blessings!
I celebrated with Zontar. He lives on a different planet...a nerd who went to law school & became brain-damaged. I sympathize. Getting to Sausalito & Poggio's is not easy. You must cross the "pre-fab" Golden Gate...yes, it was constructed originally in my Bethlehem Steel Pennsylvania 70 years ago. Soon to be named the Golden Google Bridge!
My advice: walk the 3 miles or so. You can return to SF by Golden Gate Transit (10;80) or better yet, the ferry to the Ferry Building. A great way to travel!
The 3-course traditional turkey dinner ($45 per person) was prepared by new chef extraordinnaire Peter McNee & crew. Walk along Bridgeway until you come to the Casa Madrona Hotel (410-332-7771;777 Bridgeway). Sausalito is reminiscent of a quiet seaport village on the Amalfi coast. Dark wood panels,marble baseboards & terra-cotta tiled floor greet you. Sit on the outdoor patio & let the water restore your bones from the walk.
The menu changes daily & choices reflect the Tuscan sensibilities. I'd skip the pricey turkey dinner (it was too bland) & go for the following:
1. Oak-grilled hereford natural NY strip steak (30);spit-roasted yogurt marinated chicken cooked with pancetta, brussel sprouts, dates (16).
2. A healthy alternative is the petrale sole, one of the best in Marin, & fisherman's stew.
3. Duck confit with persimmons, pomegranate, pear & spiced pecan salad was delicate & crunchy - perfectissimo. Don't share this one!
4. For dessert, try the pumpkin tart w/caramel cream or the spiced ginger/quince cake with vanilla bean gelato. A magnificent treat rich enough for two.
Wash it all down with a superb pinot noir from Marimar Russian Valley, 2000 (13.50) & you have the perfect retreat for our annual Turkey Day!
Bon Appetit!
Spirit of ZAO NOODLE BAR: Pacific Heights
Monday, November 20, 2006
"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." Bodacious Sophia Loren said that. Did she inhale pasta like the little Chinese girls at this Asian (you name it, they do it) Fusion noodle joint located in the heart of this "specific whites" locale.
Noodles can be inhaled most sucessfully if you inhale them like a vacuum cleaner even in upscale Pacific Heights.
Zaoman is no noodle ( simpleton, blockhead). He is a cypher who refuses to discuss his critical position as a CIA operative. His link with the Presidio however is well-known & he "feels Nancy Pelosi was right in not turning this gorgeous piece of real estate into another Coney Island." I agree. Let's hope she & her party can put America back on track!
Back to Zao's. 100 centuries ago people gave a name to the spirit that embodied man's quest for food & shelter.
How should we live? A: the way of the noodle is long & narrow.
How should we find health & wisdom? Look to your bowl.
Life is just a bowl of noodles...don't take it serious, it's too mysterious. Remember whenRudy V. used to sing "Life is just a bowl of cherries/Don't Take it Serious/It's too mysterious/You live, you love, you worry so/But you can't take your dough when you go-o-oh!
Order the twin firecracker (spicy,hot) noodles in this place & mayble you'll reach nirvana.
I say skip the appetizer & go straight to the Chinese Chicken Salad (9) Cilantro, ginger-lime sauce is piquant...yummy but please more of the green stuff!
Pan-seared noodles: Dan-Dan Noodles (10) piled high as the Taj Mahal & as pretty. The chicken breast is sauteed in CANOLA oil with spicy peanut sauce, noodles, broccoli, green beans, carrots, squash & zucchini...Anna says: why not use PEANUT oil from Lion & Globe...much better tasting than canola!
Rice dishes: Kung Pao Chicken(9.50) v.good but unfortunately lathered in too much canola oil. Chefs with a light oil touch are appreciated in this new culinary world, doncha think?
Heads up, Chef Steven!
Zaoman's favorite dish is the the beef/broccoli with rice. He visits this dish regularly! You might want to think twice if you're on a statin or watching your cholesterol level. But they do take-away or why not share with your eating pal. Does Zaoman have any pals?
Tofu lovers will love the Monk's Vegetarian Delight (8.80). Tofu, spinach,shiitake musrooms...the perfect blend!
Desserts (moderately priced): You can't walk away without trying the vanilla bean with chocolate sauce. Dark chocolate would be healthier.
Drinks: my choice of drink was the organic mango ceylon but a list of inexpensive wines enhances this "bargain bites" joint. No-fail chardonnay(5/19)..why not?
Top off your evening with hot Saki & infuse your spirit with ZAO!
Anna's Riddle: Just how many CIA agents does it take to screw in a light bulb? I know, you're thinking it's fewer than the average number of Californians, right? & you'd be right!
ANSWER: 23. One to screw it in & 22 to say they did NOT do it.
Happy Blogging.
"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." Bodacious Sophia Loren said that. Did she inhale pasta like the little Chinese girls at this Asian (you name it, they do it) Fusion noodle joint located in the heart of this "specific whites" locale.
Noodles can be inhaled most sucessfully if you inhale them like a vacuum cleaner even in upscale Pacific Heights.
Zaoman is no noodle ( simpleton, blockhead). He is a cypher who refuses to discuss his critical position as a CIA operative. His link with the Presidio however is well-known & he "feels Nancy Pelosi was right in not turning this gorgeous piece of real estate into another Coney Island." I agree. Let's hope she & her party can put America back on track!
Back to Zao's. 100 centuries ago people gave a name to the spirit that embodied man's quest for food & shelter.
How should we live? A: the way of the noodle is long & narrow.
How should we find health & wisdom? Look to your bowl.
Life is just a bowl of noodles...don't take it serious, it's too mysterious. Remember whenRudy V. used to sing "Life is just a bowl of cherries/Don't Take it Serious/It's too mysterious/You live, you love, you worry so/But you can't take your dough when you go-o-oh!
Order the twin firecracker (spicy,hot) noodles in this place & mayble you'll reach nirvana.
I say skip the appetizer & go straight to the Chinese Chicken Salad (9) Cilantro, ginger-lime sauce is piquant...yummy but please more of the green stuff!
Pan-seared noodles: Dan-Dan Noodles (10) piled high as the Taj Mahal & as pretty. The chicken breast is sauteed in CANOLA oil with spicy peanut sauce, noodles, broccoli, green beans, carrots, squash & zucchini...Anna says: why not use PEANUT oil from Lion & Globe...much better tasting than canola!
Rice dishes: Kung Pao Chicken(9.50) v.good but unfortunately lathered in too much canola oil. Chefs with a light oil touch are appreciated in this new culinary world, doncha think?
Heads up, Chef Steven!
Zaoman's favorite dish is the the beef/broccoli with rice. He visits this dish regularly! You might want to think twice if you're on a statin or watching your cholesterol level. But they do take-away or why not share with your eating pal. Does Zaoman have any pals?
Tofu lovers will love the Monk's Vegetarian Delight (8.80). Tofu, spinach,shiitake musrooms...the perfect blend!
Desserts (moderately priced): You can't walk away without trying the vanilla bean with chocolate sauce. Dark chocolate would be healthier.
Drinks: my choice of drink was the organic mango ceylon but a list of inexpensive wines enhances this "bargain bites" joint. No-fail chardonnay(5/19)..why not?
Top off your evening with hot Saki & infuse your spirit with ZAO!
Anna's Riddle: Just how many CIA agents does it take to screw in a light bulb? I know, you're thinking it's fewer than the average number of Californians, right? & you'd be right!
ANSWER: 23. One to screw it in & 22 to say they did NOT do it.
Happy Blogging.
Welcome to my Blogosphere: Comedy,Food,Culture
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Restaurants & comedy clubs I will be visiting with eccentric boy geniuses/ characters in America's "fun capitol":
Roy's (it gives "Franchise" a redeeming cachet): Welcome to Roy Yamaguchi's Aloha State of Mind in the heart of the Financial District; review of Will Ferrell's new movie, Stranger than Fiction; California Writers Club (Berkeley Branch) meeting with author of American Mania: When More is Not Enough (Peter Whybrow, MD).
Notes on Ken Turan's talk at the Commonweath Club. He is movie critic of the Los Angeles Times & will speak on his forthcoming book: NEVER COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU: A Celebration of a Certain Kind of Blockbuster. What does he really think of the hot new film, Borat? Is it like getting giddily drunk & waking up with a hangover the next day? Is it as audacious & funny as many critics say? Or are the critics bored with the usual Hollywood fare?
The Cheesecake Factory: Chris Rock's favorite sandwich! Is he a lapsed rabbi who now loves eating all that shrimp & bacon? Is his real name Chris Weinstein?
Plouf: one of the top French seafood restaurants in S.F.
Poggio: Sausalito -- how do they shoot all those wild boars in time for National
Turkey day?
BKK Thai Cuisine (cheap spot for San Francisco Academy of Arts students) & an interview with Richard Best, expert on longevity & Resveratrol...will America's soon be popping this remarkable supplement to prevent obesity & how are the mice doing on a calorie restricted diet?
Cannery's Green Room -- hot spot for local Bay Area comics in Fishermans Wharf.
Restaurants & comedy clubs I will be visiting with eccentric boy geniuses/ characters in America's "fun capitol":
Roy's (it gives "Franchise" a redeeming cachet): Welcome to Roy Yamaguchi's Aloha State of Mind in the heart of the Financial District; review of Will Ferrell's new movie, Stranger than Fiction; California Writers Club (Berkeley Branch) meeting with author of American Mania: When More is Not Enough (Peter Whybrow, MD).
Notes on Ken Turan's talk at the Commonweath Club. He is movie critic of the Los Angeles Times & will speak on his forthcoming book: NEVER COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU: A Celebration of a Certain Kind of Blockbuster. What does he really think of the hot new film, Borat? Is it like getting giddily drunk & waking up with a hangover the next day? Is it as audacious & funny as many critics say? Or are the critics bored with the usual Hollywood fare?
The Cheesecake Factory: Chris Rock's favorite sandwich! Is he a lapsed rabbi who now loves eating all that shrimp & bacon? Is his real name Chris Weinstein?
Plouf: one of the top French seafood restaurants in S.F.
Poggio: Sausalito -- how do they shoot all those wild boars in time for National
Turkey day?
BKK Thai Cuisine (cheap spot for San Francisco Academy of Arts students) & an interview with Richard Best, expert on longevity & Resveratrol...will America's soon be popping this remarkable supplement to prevent obesity & how are the mice doing on a calorie restricted diet?
Cannery's Green Room -- hot spot for local Bay Area comics in Fishermans Wharf.
Roy's (Yamaguci) - Aloha San Francisco style!
Friday, November 17, 2006
"Cooking has been my life...thanks for making it part of yours." Do you know any hack chefs (or critics) who've lost their passion for food?
If you're jaded by ANYTHING (BORAT, franchise food joints, mean-spirited bartenders), come to this lotus flower next to SF MOMA in the Financial District (Bart Montgomery; 14 Muni) at 575 Mission. So you can't fly off to Oahu with its ocean views (that's ok). Let the Hawaaiian Fusion cuisine spirit where East meets West cast its spell! Tropical bliss!
It's obscenely busy but you will be treated like royalty by happy, hardworking staff (reservations are a must: (415)-777-0277) .
Everyone was a great help to me & my chow-pal Dave Sawle (Old English for "soul"), SF movie producer extraordinaire. We were in a rush to attend Will Ferrell's STRANGER THAN FICTION at the Metreo after a talk by Ken Turan, movie critic for the Los Angeles Times at the Commonwealth Club. Just another day in paradise, San Francisco style!
Mr. Turan by the way is a brilliant film critic (he shuns the industry folk & is therefore obligated to no one -- in a word, HONEST).
Do you know that he did NOT jump on the critical bandwagon & shout "very audacious, funny, brilliant" when BORAT stormed the critics. Ever been drunk with a bad hangover? It doesn't feel so good the next day! Same with BORAT... Touche Baron Cohen! Remember a great film is a MIRACLE!
Back to Roy's. Have you ever met an interesting man who does not drink? (I haven't). Pineapple, canteloupe martinis or mai tai (better than Rum Jungle in Las Vegas) whet the palate for what's to follow.
Let's simplify this complicated menu:
Start with Japanese Hamachi Tartare ($12): garlic aioli & capers with won ton points is quite tangy or try the Maui Wowie Salad (shrimp, feta, tomatoes).
Entree: Japanese Misoyaki Charred Butterfish is Alaskan Blackened Cod, panseared with its own sizzling soy vinaigrette. Chefs don't try this at home unless you have mirin, miso, sugar, saki, soy sauce! This makes a truly oxymoronic plate -- can you say Mighty Macrobiotic cod?
Soulman had the grilled wild salmon with cucumber namasu & citrus ponzu: a brilliant combo. He is a frustrated fisherman at heart & a non-stop talker...Mange! Mange!
Dessert was the molten lava cake -- is not chocolate the ultimate aphrodisiac? Yummy vanilla bean ice cream -- perfectissimo! Try sharing this one!
WINE: with all the brouhaha about resveratrol & the "red wine" paradox, why not try the Pinot Noir from Oregon (Williamette Valley, we thank you!) at a "modest" $14.00 per glass. Choosing this wine will be no crapshoot...
Simplify! Simplify! Simplify! That's my job & my motto!
May Roy's thrive as long as our five beautiful oceans !
Aloha!
Happy Blogging!
"Cooking has been my life...thanks for making it part of yours." Do you know any hack chefs (or critics) who've lost their passion for food?
If you're jaded by ANYTHING (BORAT, franchise food joints, mean-spirited bartenders), come to this lotus flower next to SF MOMA in the Financial District (Bart Montgomery; 14 Muni) at 575 Mission. So you can't fly off to Oahu with its ocean views (that's ok). Let the Hawaaiian Fusion cuisine spirit where East meets West cast its spell! Tropical bliss!
It's obscenely busy but you will be treated like royalty by happy, hardworking staff (reservations are a must: (415)-777-0277) .
Everyone was a great help to me & my chow-pal Dave Sawle (Old English for "soul"), SF movie producer extraordinaire. We were in a rush to attend Will Ferrell's STRANGER THAN FICTION at the Metreo after a talk by Ken Turan, movie critic for the Los Angeles Times at the Commonwealth Club. Just another day in paradise, San Francisco style!
Mr. Turan by the way is a brilliant film critic (he shuns the industry folk & is therefore obligated to no one -- in a word, HONEST).
Do you know that he did NOT jump on the critical bandwagon & shout "very audacious, funny, brilliant" when BORAT stormed the critics. Ever been drunk with a bad hangover? It doesn't feel so good the next day! Same with BORAT... Touche Baron Cohen! Remember a great film is a MIRACLE!
Back to Roy's. Have you ever met an interesting man who does not drink? (I haven't). Pineapple, canteloupe martinis or mai tai (better than Rum Jungle in Las Vegas) whet the palate for what's to follow.
Let's simplify this complicated menu:
Start with Japanese Hamachi Tartare ($12): garlic aioli & capers with won ton points is quite tangy or try the Maui Wowie Salad (shrimp, feta, tomatoes).
Entree: Japanese Misoyaki Charred Butterfish is Alaskan Blackened Cod, panseared with its own sizzling soy vinaigrette. Chefs don't try this at home unless you have mirin, miso, sugar, saki, soy sauce! This makes a truly oxymoronic plate -- can you say Mighty Macrobiotic cod?
Soulman had the grilled wild salmon with cucumber namasu & citrus ponzu: a brilliant combo. He is a frustrated fisherman at heart & a non-stop talker...Mange! Mange!
Dessert was the molten lava cake -- is not chocolate the ultimate aphrodisiac? Yummy vanilla bean ice cream -- perfectissimo! Try sharing this one!
WINE: with all the brouhaha about resveratrol & the "red wine" paradox, why not try the Pinot Noir from Oregon (Williamette Valley, we thank you!) at a "modest" $14.00 per glass. Choosing this wine will be no crapshoot...
Simplify! Simplify! Simplify! That's my job & my motto!
May Roy's thrive as long as our five beautiful oceans !
Aloha!
Happy Blogging!
Antica Trattoria - Russian Hill - Italian Homestyle
Monday, November 13, 2006
If you're grouchy, irritable or mean, don't bother hanging out at this lively Northern Italian rustic restaurant on upper Polk Street (cross street Union -- 45 & 19 Muni lines) in the upscale Russian Hill area.
Locals also frequent the sister restaurant a few steps away: Pesce.
Both are on the local rag's top-100 list.
Try the Arugula salad (no ecoli Spinach yet on the menu - yeah, our kids were right about Popeye's favorite food -- it CAN KILL YOU!) as a starter: piles of gathered greens, a slab of Italian cheese, sweet red peppers & a delicate vinagrette. Delicioso!
Try the Pappardella (wildly boaring) or the Tagliata (juicy slices of tender, beefsteak tasting like STEAK used to taste, with small roasted potatoes & yet more arugula) will send you to a divinely, cholesterol-laden nirvana.
Can San Francisco grow enough of this superb green? Can you say "YES" in 26 languages.
Finally, a beautiful dessert menu including my favorite: lemon sorbetta...no point in watching the waistline here, and a selective wine list make this one of my favorite Italian retreat in San Francisco.
The waiter from Palermo was gracious & that, my sweeties, gives this unique find a touch of class.
Don't bother with North Beach factory restaurants when you can make reservations with a click of the mouse.
Cheers!
Anna Rowe
If you're grouchy, irritable or mean, don't bother hanging out at this lively Northern Italian rustic restaurant on upper Polk Street (cross street Union -- 45 & 19 Muni lines) in the upscale Russian Hill area.
Locals also frequent the sister restaurant a few steps away: Pesce.
Both are on the local rag's top-100 list.
Try the Arugula salad (no ecoli Spinach yet on the menu - yeah, our kids were right about Popeye's favorite food -- it CAN KILL YOU!) as a starter: piles of gathered greens, a slab of Italian cheese, sweet red peppers & a delicate vinagrette. Delicioso!
Try the Pappardella (wildly boaring) or the Tagliata (juicy slices of tender, beefsteak tasting like STEAK used to taste, with small roasted potatoes & yet more arugula) will send you to a divinely, cholesterol-laden nirvana.
Can San Francisco grow enough of this superb green? Can you say "YES" in 26 languages.
Finally, a beautiful dessert menu including my favorite: lemon sorbetta...no point in watching the waistline here, and a selective wine list make this one of my favorite Italian retreat in San Francisco.
The waiter from Palermo was gracious & that, my sweeties, gives this unique find a touch of class.
Don't bother with North Beach factory restaurants when you can make reservations with a click of the mouse.
Cheers!
Anna Rowe
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