Tajine Restaurant; 1338 Polk Street; 440-1718; open 7 days 12 noon - 10:00 p.m. tajinerestaurant. com.
Do you remember Tajine as a tiny, cramped hole in the wall joint in the gritty part of the Tenderloin, a favorite destination of cab drivers? I'm happy to say that owner Mohammed Ghaleb's move to Polk Gulch has assured its popularity. Never tasted Moroccan cuisine? Now you can dine with friends under a row of beautiful Moroccan lanterns that provide a decorative element to a simple room. Start with a Fez favorite, Mozaic of Salad: a taste of zaalook, shalada, Taktouka and fresh beets. (7.95) Try the chicken bastilla filo dough filled with crumbly stuffing of minced chicken, ground almonds, scrambled egg topped with sugar dustng and a suspicion of cinnamon. (9.95) Sublime is the only word to describe the lamb tajine stewed prunes and roasted almonds in a delicious savory sauce. (12.95) The couscous unfortunately has succumbed to a sad simplication. My choice is the kufta tajine - ground meat balls sauteed in olive oil with red bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic & garnished with 2 eggs. (9.50). Delicious! Friends swear that the kabob plates are heavenly. Don't forget to end the meal with the traditional mint tea (3.25) and the homemade house dessert shepakia made of flour, almonds, sesame seeds, honey and orange blossom water (2.50). Such honest, heartfelt, generous cooking deserves highest honors. SF Weekly has declared it the best Moroccan Restaurant in San Francisco. I agree!
JOKE OF THE WEEK: Four guys in a club were arguing religion and politics (a no-no if people want to remain friends.) The Catholic argued his exclusive "inside-track" to salvation. The Protestant argued for personal redemption through the Bible. The Muslim cited Allah as his sole source of life and morality. All three turned to the fourth individual and asked him for his take on the discussion. "Sorry," he said, "I don't believe in all that religious mumbo-jumbo. I'm an atheist, Thank God!"
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
TRIVIA NIGHT: BACCHUS KIRK; July 24, 2007
QUESTIONS: (ANSWERS TO FOLLOW)
1.The recent NBA scandal. What does it involve?
2.What's the name of Jet Blue's loyalty program?
3.What country is isle of Zanzibar part of?
4.Name the two main guitarists of the Grateful Dead.
5.What is new odd feature of the Democratic debate.
6.Recent food scare: what is the health crisis?
7.What 2 movies had highest grosses at the box office?
8.Which 2 South American countries have no seacoast?
9.What ailment has technical name of dyspepsia?
10.Name official song of U.S. Navy.
11.Name the river which runs through Hades.
12.Who was just chosen to replace Bob Baker?
13.What year did Brady Bunch debut?
14.What is name of currency for Vietnam?
15.What country's capitol is Addis Ababa?
ANSWERS:
1.Gambling, betting, Tim Donahee.
2.True Blue.
3.Tanzania.
4.Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir.
5.Video Clips. UTUBE.
6.Botulism.
7.I Prounounce you Chuck and Larry; Transformers.
8.Paraguay; Bolivia.
9. Upset stomach; indigestion.
10.Anchors Away.
11.Styx.
12.Drew Carey.
13.1969.
14.Dong.
15.Ethiopia.
1.The recent NBA scandal. What does it involve?
2.What's the name of Jet Blue's loyalty program?
3.What country is isle of Zanzibar part of?
4.Name the two main guitarists of the Grateful Dead.
5.What is new odd feature of the Democratic debate.
6.Recent food scare: what is the health crisis?
7.What 2 movies had highest grosses at the box office?
8.Which 2 South American countries have no seacoast?
9.What ailment has technical name of dyspepsia?
10.Name official song of U.S. Navy.
11.Name the river which runs through Hades.
12.Who was just chosen to replace Bob Baker?
13.What year did Brady Bunch debut?
14.What is name of currency for Vietnam?
15.What country's capitol is Addis Ababa?
ANSWERS:
1.Gambling, betting, Tim Donahee.
2.True Blue.
3.Tanzania.
4.Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir.
5.Video Clips. UTUBE.
6.Botulism.
7.I Prounounce you Chuck and Larry; Transformers.
8.Paraguay; Bolivia.
9. Upset stomach; indigestion.
10.Anchors Away.
11.Styx.
12.Drew Carey.
13.1969.
14.Dong.
15.Ethiopia.
Monday, July 23, 2007
R and G LOUNGE: BEST SALT-AND-PEPPER CRAB; PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE
R and G Lounge; 631 Kearny Street (at Clay); 415-982-7877;www.rnglounge.com. This spiffy seafood house on the edge of Chinatown is hugely popular with the Downtown business crowd and is definitely hopping on a Saturday night. Recognized as a Chinatown cheapie, it is famous for its seafood (they've got two tanks ), especially finger lickin' good salt-and-pepper crab. It used to be that you'd have to check all other expectations for fine dining at the door but now there are tablecloths both upstairs and downstairs. The decor is no longer a pity. I came here after a showing of Werner Herzog's film, Rescue Dawn, at the Embarcadero, with my good friend, Zontar. Christian Bale ate ground worms for protein int he jungle. Zontar settled for the kungpao chicken (13). I chose the sauteed prawns with sweet peas (13). We shared a large bowl of white rice (2). Entrees were humongous and delicious. There was plenty left over for Sunday brunch. Zontar was sweet enough to take following quiz. It's a fun thing to do with your best friend!
PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE: (reprinted from Vanity Fair, August, 2007)
1.What is your idea of perfect happiness?
2.What is your greatest fear?
3.Which historical figure do you most identify with?
4.Which person do you most admire?
5.What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
6.What is the trait you most deplore in others?
7.What do you most value in your friends?
8.Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
9.What is your favorite journey.
10.What do you consider the most overrated virtue.
11.On what occasion do you lie?
12.What do you dislike most about your appearance?
13.What is your greatest regret?
14.What or who is the greatest love of your life?
15.When and where were you happiest?
16.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
17.What do you consider your greatest achievement?
18.What is your most treasured possession?
19.What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
20.Where would you like to live?
21.What is your most marked characteristic?
22.What is your greatest extravagance?
23.What is the quality you most like in a man? woman?
24.Who are your favorite writers.
25.Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
26.Who are your heroes in real life?
27.What is your motto. This was asked of Helen Gurley Brown of Cosmopolitan & her answer: "Get up and do it if it needs to be done, even if you hate it!"
PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE: (reprinted from Vanity Fair, August, 2007)
1.What is your idea of perfect happiness?
2.What is your greatest fear?
3.Which historical figure do you most identify with?
4.Which person do you most admire?
5.What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
6.What is the trait you most deplore in others?
7.What do you most value in your friends?
8.Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
9.What is your favorite journey.
10.What do you consider the most overrated virtue.
11.On what occasion do you lie?
12.What do you dislike most about your appearance?
13.What is your greatest regret?
14.What or who is the greatest love of your life?
15.When and where were you happiest?
16.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
17.What do you consider your greatest achievement?
18.What is your most treasured possession?
19.What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
20.Where would you like to live?
21.What is your most marked characteristic?
22.What is your greatest extravagance?
23.What is the quality you most like in a man? woman?
24.Who are your favorite writers.
25.Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
26.Who are your heroes in real life?
27.What is your motto. This was asked of Helen Gurley Brown of Cosmopolitan & her answer: "Get up and do it if it needs to be done, even if you hate it!"
TRIVIA NIGHT: BACCHUS KIRK
It was a crowded night at Bacchus Kirk. Here goes: (ANSWERS BELOW)
1.Name symbol that was stormed in Islamabad.
2.What city is home to the International War Crimes Tribunal?
3.Brazil is former colony of which country?
4.Who is Donald Trump thinking of as co-host of The Apprentice?
5.Disneyland opened up in Anaheim in what year?
6.Besides Jack Nicolson, name actor in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
7.Name 2 top grossing box office movies.
8.If you turned in Osama Bin Laden, how much would you earn?
9.What object does a cooper make?
10.What type of wine plays central role in Sideways?
11.Which airport has code: PVD?
12.Give acronym for AIRBUS.
13.Who is author of Breakfast of Champtions, Cat's Cradle, Slapstick?
14. Who got out of rehab today. Name 2 follow-ups for her pledge of sobriety.
15.What are 2 shapes that make up traditional leather soccer ball.
ANSWERS:
1.Red Mosque.
2.The Hague, Netherlands.
3.Portugal.
4.Rosie O'Donnell.
5.1955
6.Danny Devito, Christopher Lloyd, Louise Fletcher.
7.Harry Potter, Transformers.
8.$50 Million.
9.Barrels.
10.Pinot Noir.
11.Providence.
12.EAD European Aeronautics Defense.
13.Kurt Vonnegut.
14.Lindsay Lohan. Wear ankle bracelet. Attend AA outpatient meetings.
15.Pentagon and Hexagon.
1.Name symbol that was stormed in Islamabad.
2.What city is home to the International War Crimes Tribunal?
3.Brazil is former colony of which country?
4.Who is Donald Trump thinking of as co-host of The Apprentice?
5.Disneyland opened up in Anaheim in what year?
6.Besides Jack Nicolson, name actor in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
7.Name 2 top grossing box office movies.
8.If you turned in Osama Bin Laden, how much would you earn?
9.What object does a cooper make?
10.What type of wine plays central role in Sideways?
11.Which airport has code: PVD?
12.Give acronym for AIRBUS.
13.Who is author of Breakfast of Champtions, Cat's Cradle, Slapstick?
14. Who got out of rehab today. Name 2 follow-ups for her pledge of sobriety.
15.What are 2 shapes that make up traditional leather soccer ball.
ANSWERS:
1.Red Mosque.
2.The Hague, Netherlands.
3.Portugal.
4.Rosie O'Donnell.
5.1955
6.Danny Devito, Christopher Lloyd, Louise Fletcher.
7.Harry Potter, Transformers.
8.$50 Million.
9.Barrels.
10.Pinot Noir.
11.Providence.
12.EAD European Aeronautics Defense.
13.Kurt Vonnegut.
14.Lindsay Lohan. Wear ankle bracelet. Attend AA outpatient meetings.
15.Pentagon and Hexagon.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
MOOSE'S: GOOD VIBRATIONS AT JEWEL ON WASHINGTON SQUARE; JOKES OF THE DAY
Moose's; 1652 Stockton Street; 989-7800; www.mooses.com; San Francisco. Ed Moose's classy North Beach icon has moved forward under new ownership with its "feel good" vibe and newly crafted American fare. Droves commend Travis Flood and his staff for their attempt not to sell you food as art. The comfortable jazz-infused ambiance makes it a no-rush, sublime place to hobnob with politicos, sports celebs or SF society. Plus you can't beat the views of Washington Square Park and Russian Hill.
Jeffry, an ex-New Yorker, talented artist-carpenter and interior designer of homes in the SF Bay Area was in an upbeat mood the night before America's Birthday Party. He met me for espressos at the hustle-bustle happy hour bar scene prior to dinner. I perused the menu which noted: "To do a common thing, uncommonly well, brings success." (Henry John Heinz. I knew the restaurant has a passionate following. We nabbed a coveted window seat and hoped the meal would live up to Moose's reputation. I know a lot of fakery is committed in kitchens and I hoped there was nothing phony about the food here.
The menu changes seasonably. Here's what I would recommend:
White Crane Spring Ranch Summer Salad: ginger, carrots, radish, crunchy tidbits, apricots, verjus vinaigrette (13). The salad has a delicious crunch & the dressing was a perfect 10.
White Corn and Roasted Tomato Chowder; celery salad; crunchy baguette (9)
Fettuccine: Parmesan creme, chives (grilled chicken $8 supplemental) 14. Jeffrey is a cook, makes his own pasta and pronounced this one sublime.
Wild Halibut: pea tendrils, turnips, ginger, spiced almonds, fresh pea sauce. (27). This exceeded my expectations and was one of the best halibuts I'd eaten.
Jeffrey grew up with an Italian father and Jewish mother and went to Hebrew school. I told him this joke:
A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the door and welcomes him in, shows him around. First we have the Catholics. They like to build churches, attend mass, take communion. So we let them do that. Further along, we have the Baptists. They like to preach the gospel, spread the holy word, so we let them do that. Further along, we have the Jews. They like to philosophize, argue, discuss ethics, morality, so we let them do that. They move further down the path, and come to a tall brick wall. "What's that? Why do you have a tall brick wall in heaven, the man asked. "Shh...It's the Mormons, and they think they are the only ones here.
Jokes from the Jewish Joke list:
Q: What is a Jewish menage-a-trois?
A: Two headaches and an erection.
Q: What did Adam and Eve have a perfect marriage?
A: He didn't have to hear about all the men she could have married, and she didn't have to hear about the way his mother cooked.
Q: How does a Jewish wife cheat on her husband?
A: She has a headache with the postman.
Q: What is a Jewish nymphomaniac?
A: A wife who does her hair and sleeps with her husband on the same day.
Q: What is the technical term for a divorced Jewish woman?
A: Plaintiff.
Q: Define "genius".
A: An average student with a Jewish mother.
Jewish proverb: A Jewish wife will forgive and forget, but she'll never forget what she forgave."
Jeffry, an ex-New Yorker, talented artist-carpenter and interior designer of homes in the SF Bay Area was in an upbeat mood the night before America's Birthday Party. He met me for espressos at the hustle-bustle happy hour bar scene prior to dinner. I perused the menu which noted: "To do a common thing, uncommonly well, brings success." (Henry John Heinz. I knew the restaurant has a passionate following. We nabbed a coveted window seat and hoped the meal would live up to Moose's reputation. I know a lot of fakery is committed in kitchens and I hoped there was nothing phony about the food here.
The menu changes seasonably. Here's what I would recommend:
White Crane Spring Ranch Summer Salad: ginger, carrots, radish, crunchy tidbits, apricots, verjus vinaigrette (13). The salad has a delicious crunch & the dressing was a perfect 10.
White Corn and Roasted Tomato Chowder; celery salad; crunchy baguette (9)
Fettuccine: Parmesan creme, chives (grilled chicken $8 supplemental) 14. Jeffrey is a cook, makes his own pasta and pronounced this one sublime.
Wild Halibut: pea tendrils, turnips, ginger, spiced almonds, fresh pea sauce. (27). This exceeded my expectations and was one of the best halibuts I'd eaten.
Jeffrey grew up with an Italian father and Jewish mother and went to Hebrew school. I told him this joke:
A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the door and welcomes him in, shows him around. First we have the Catholics. They like to build churches, attend mass, take communion. So we let them do that. Further along, we have the Baptists. They like to preach the gospel, spread the holy word, so we let them do that. Further along, we have the Jews. They like to philosophize, argue, discuss ethics, morality, so we let them do that. They move further down the path, and come to a tall brick wall. "What's that? Why do you have a tall brick wall in heaven, the man asked. "Shh...It's the Mormons, and they think they are the only ones here.
Jokes from the Jewish Joke list:
Q: What is a Jewish menage-a-trois?
A: Two headaches and an erection.
Q: What did Adam and Eve have a perfect marriage?
A: He didn't have to hear about all the men she could have married, and she didn't have to hear about the way his mother cooked.
Q: How does a Jewish wife cheat on her husband?
A: She has a headache with the postman.
Q: What is a Jewish nymphomaniac?
A: A wife who does her hair and sleeps with her husband on the same day.
Q: What is the technical term for a divorced Jewish woman?
A: Plaintiff.
Q: Define "genius".
A: An average student with a Jewish mother.
Jewish proverb: A Jewish wife will forgive and forget, but she'll never forget what she forgave."
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