jobostonisafoodie's Profile
Best pork sisig?
My answer is going to be short and sweet:
For sisig that consists only of meat, onions, jalapenos, in a soy/vinegar sauce that is not served on a sizzling platter: Ongpin in SSF on Camaritas.
For sisig that include parts of the face - fat, skin, cartilage, served on a sizzling plate with lemon: Tribu on El Camino
P.S. I noticed this last last weekend when I went to Tribu, they have a "California Sisig" that is only the meat and soy/vinegar sugar - similar to the one from Ongpin.
P.P.S. Tofu sisig is great at Intramuros also in SSF on El Camino. You can basically hit up great sisig places by just driving down El Camino.
Looking for cooking school/classes in Bay area
I am quite naive about cooking classes in SF as I took my first one this last Saturday at Sur La Table near Union Square. I took a Spring Cupcake Class, which you can follow here: http://jobostonisafoodie.blogspot.com/2009/05/spring-cupcake-workshop-my-first-real.html
I looked at their calender and they have some interesting classes coming up. Each class is about 2-3 hours and about $69-79 a head. There are classes for couples as well. I saw one called "Date Night: Provence" which looked really cool.
You can find the calendar to the Union Square location here: http://surlatable.turnstilesystems.com/LocationDetail.aspx/MaidenLane
I know it's a chain store, but I found the class to be really fun. There are usually 16 in a class, so I am not too sure if there are private classes available. But I guess the positive about a chain store is that they don't have to use the certificate at that particular store location.
I enjoyed my class greatly and look forward to my next class.
The Great Burrito Debate
My ultimate burrito is from Ocean Taqueria - #1 is on Ocean and #2 is on Divisadero. I usually get the super burrito with carne asada - with guac, crema, cheese, rice, salsa (both hot and mild), tomatoes, and refried beans on a spinach tortilla.
That is my favorite place to get it, but I like any place that cooks the meat to order. I hate it when they scoop the meat out of a dish that has been sitting there. Cook my meat when I get there and everything should be all good. The reason why is that I like it when the burrito is super tasty, juicy, and a mess to eat. That's a real burrito to me.
You also have a choice of putting two types of meat in the burrito. One time, my Bub got pollo asada and carne asada in their extra large burrito where they use two tortillas instead of just one. I also like their salsas - not the pico de gallo/diced tomatoes. I'm talking about the salsa verde and red sauce. Great stuff.
My other favorites are La Tapatia - but that's in SSF, and La Corneta, but the last time I went, they didn't cook the meat to order, but the rice is great.
SF Trip Report
Shanghai Dumpling King got a lot of publicity from that segment on Check Please, Bay Area! the other week. I tried going there with my cousin, but the wait was so long. There IS a Shanghai House just a few blocks down. That's where we ended up going - with NO WAIT! They had fantastic XLB.
So to clear things up to all y'all, there is a Shanghai Dumpling King AND a Shanghai House. Both on the same side of Balboa.
Great report overall. =) I have yet to try Swan Oyster Depot. I pass it every single day on my to and from work. I have to go there now after reading your report.
SF: Amazing, addictive strawberry galettes at Mission Pie
Didn't they renovate the place? The last time I went was like 2 years ago, but I will always remember that strawberry galette. I loved EVERYTHING about it.
top cali-cuisine spots in SF
I love COCO500. They have a section on the menu dedicated to the riches of California agriculture called "California Dirt." Great for small plates and cocktails. I adore their truffled mushroom flatbread. They usually have a flatbread on-hand and they use whatever what is in season. Owned by Loretta Keller - with a last name like that how can you go wrong?
You can't find food like this anywhere else. This is a post from last year around the same time. I checked the menu just now and they seem to have similar things. http://jobostonisafoodie.blogspot.com/2008/06/coco500-cant-talk-eating.html
Girlfriends SF get-to-gether
I think that DOSA on Fillmore is perfect for you: on Fillmore, spicy, great bar area, for the grown and sexy, but not too wild for married women. I'm attached myself and I found it to be fun. I think Aziza for Cal-Moroccan would be a unique choice as well - in the Outer Richmond District. SPQR on Fillmore for Roman small plates ($8 each or $21 for three).
If you are on Polk, I suggest Boulange de Polk for their canelles and chocolate-hazelnut croissants for a quick breakfast bite before heading to museums and the Nick's Crispy Tacos for a Pescado taco or a carne asada for lunch.
I'm drawing a blank, so I'll probably post something else later on.
DOSA on Fillmore post from my website:
http://jobostonisafoodie.blogspot.com/2009/03/dosa-footsteps-away-from-south-indian.html
Nick's Crispy Tacos post from my website:
http://jobostonisafoodie.blogspot.com/2009/02/nicks-crispy-tacos-going-to-club-in.html
REVIEW (w/foodie porn flix and pix!): Kara's Cupcakes in Oxbow
This is a review of Kara's Cupcakes in general since I don't think the quality or the ingredients are any different between branches. My favorite is the Sweet Vanilla. Hands down. I also appreciate that the frostings are not too stiff.
I have had the Fleur de Sel and I am not catching onto the salt and chocolate vibe as of yet. My cupcake had too much salt and all I tasted was salt. I did find the caramel to be delicious though.
Cute place and I see they're becoming very popular.
Filipino food - best around the bay?
There are many places that offer Filipino food, but it's rare to find a place that excels in 100% of their menu items. So here is just a list of my favorite Filipino foods and where I like to get them. Notice, not all places are "chowish" but they're good!:
Pork Sisig (not on sizzling plate), Pancit Miki-Bihon, & Kare Kare: Ongpin, SSF
Pork Sisig (on sizzling plate): Tribu, San Bruno
Tofu Sisig and Pinakbet: Intramuros, SSF
Fried Chicken: Max's of the Philippines, SSF
Dinuguan: Philippine Grocery's take-out counter, Daly City
Silogs: SuperStar/Gateway and Ling Nam (super cheap and super bad for you, but it's a guilty pleasure)
Grilled Liempo: Toppings (especially with Java rice), Daly City
Pinakbet: Inang's on Mission, Daly City
Pancit Bihon and Crispy Pata: Solita, SSF
Desserts:
Leche Flan: Intramuros, SSF
Coco Cha Cha (vanilla ice cream topped with candied yams, gulaman, pinipig, and coconut milk): Ongpin, SSF
*sigh* Nothing beats desserts in the Phils though! I would have to say that Ongpin and Intramuros are my favorite Filipino places right now.
Good Dining in or near Daly City
how did i forget banana island? it's an old favorite. i'm happy with the roti with yellow curry and the beef rendang. green veggie curry is good too.
Looking for the Best Cake in San Francisco
Oh wait,, it's April. I take back my not in season comment. I was out of the country last month and March was pretty much non-existant, so I'm still living in February. Haha. Unfortunately, I haven't tried Yasukochi's cake, so there is nothing I can say about comparison. Here is a picture that I took of the cake from Suzanne's. It's a bit too sweet for my taste, but then it was still good...just in moderation.
http://jobostonisafoodie.blogspot.com/2009/04/friday-favorite-of-week-chapter-8.html
Looking for the Best Cake in San Francisco
Dianda's on Mission is always a safe bet for me. I love their strawberry shortcake or their chocolate and strawberry cake. Not too sweet and perfectly moist cake. I know that strawberries aren't particularly in season right now, but I love them and get them whenever I can.
On my birthday, my family surprised me with a cake from Baked on Potrero Hill. They are pretty good about custom cake and filling combinations. I had a red velvet-white chocolate strawberry chantilly creme cake. Awesome. I heard their red velvet is not up to par by Southern standards, so it's up to the person's taste, I guess. I thought that the cake was incredible myself.
You can see my cake here: http://jobostonisafoodie.blogspot.com/2009/04/astaria-restaurant-you-all-lied-to-me.html
scroll down towards the end and you won't miss it.
Then there's Princess Cake at Schubert's Bakery. Good stuff.
My coworker brought Coffee Crunch Cake from Suzanne's in Millabrae if that is not too far for you to travel.
Good Dining in or near Daly City
Fung Wong is just down the street from my house. We have only ordered for delivery, but their food is consistently good. Not GREAT. We like the salt and pepper chicken wings and the walnut prawns.
I live in Daly City, and you're right, there is not much here. It's funny how it's the most populated "Filipino" city outside of the Philippines and there is not one mention of a Filipino place on this thread. My family likes to go to Ongpin for no-fuss Filipino food. It's a bit dirty sometimes, but hey, feels like home. (ha) For a nicer ambiance, Intramuros just opened earlier this year. Same stuff as Ongpin and other places, but they have their own twists to traditional dishes.
You can find a recent blog post here: http://jobostonisafoodie.blogspot.com/2009/04/intramuros-restaurant-good-job-val-25th.html
Nasi Lemak from Banana Island - Westlake Shopping Center - Daly City
I was born in SF but raised in Daly City. I'm surprised that this place isn't poppin' on this board as much as I thought it would be. I love Banana Island and I found it sad when I saw that ginormous (and hideous) parking structure built in front of it. Just a couple of years ago, you would have been able to see it from across the street.
Anyway, my favorite things to order there are the roti with the yellow curry. For sure, the best I have ever had. The yellow curry dipping sauce is great. The space is actually very beautiful and great for groups.
I think they have the best rice plates in Daly City.
FallFest 2008 at Embarcadero 10/11/08
I attended the event and had a great time eating and drinking.
What were standouts (food and wine and people) for those who went?
If you could only choose one restaurant in SF...
La Folie - Seared Day Boat Scallop with Crispy Pork Belly, Le Beouf, and The Sunset for dessert.
Awesome food and fantastic service.
=)
Gilroy Garlic Festival?
I went on Saturday and I had a FABULOUS time! We kept talking about it throughout the weekend!
Gilroy Garlic Festival?
i would say it is a must-go...at least once. if you haven't gone before, this is your chance to go. this is not a gourmet fair/festival, so i mean, if you are looking for high-end stuff, this is not the place to go. if you want to have a tasting of food that has garlic, then of course go! parking is not bad because it's free and pretty organized. of course it will be crowded and of course it will be hot and of course there will be lines, that's a given. (complete DUH to me) this is my second time going - not because i am looking for high-end, gourmet, frou frou, stuff - but because i want a day to eat my heart out. i think that's what it's all about: appreciating garlic and being a glutton. that's it. you're supposed to go without any expectations and i believe that is how the festival should be approached. i would say just go so that you don't have to keep wondering. if you are disappointed, that's fine, at least you can say you experienced it.
SF Foodie Coming to NYC
thank you so much for all the suggestions. one of the nights, we're planning on One if By Land, Two if By Sea. i heard it's romantic and elegant. what would be the most appropriate thing to wear for both the guys and girls?
SF Foodie Coming to NYC
2 people are paying for the bill while the other 2 have a free dinner.
$60 for the food (app, entree, dessert), not including drinks, tax, and tip.
SF Foodie Coming to NYC
Hey everyone, I am traveling to NYC with my best friend and staying there for 6 nights right by Bryant Park and the library. On our last night, we were hoping to check out Daniel because one of our friends used to work there before being an exec chef here in the Bay. However, Daniel will be closed for renovations for all of August and now her friend (who is one of those "I don't want to go to a place where we pay a lot of money and still won't get full" type of a guy) is coming. I want to go to a quality-driven place, but affordable as well.
Here in San Francisco, I like Foreign Cinema, COCO500 and Incanto. I have been to Gary Danko, Michael Mina, and The Dining Room within the last year, so I was hoping to hit up a place like that in NYC, but with the given circumstances, I would have to turn things DOWN a couple of notches to make everyone happy. Maybe $60 a person?
Before anyone goes, "you should go check past threads, blah yadda wah wah." I really don't have the time to research right now and I am a bit in panic mode because our itinerary has been thrown off. =/ So please forgive me. THANKS!!!
Things to consider:
-Total of 4 people = 2 ladies and 2 gents
-We are 24-26 years old
-One doesn't want Asian
-One wants to get full without having to spend too much
-2 have to cover the check
-Somewhere close to transportation that links up to Grand Central
Anyone Been to The Dining Room in the last month or so?
Hi everyone,
I'm treating my cousin to The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton next week, but we are not sure whether to go for the tasting menu or from the regular menu. I went to their website and they have a "Salt and Pepper" tasting menu in play. Is it any good? If not, what are some standouts on the regular menu? It's our first time and we want it to be great!!
Thanks,
Jo
Need help from the Locals - SF/Daly
I was born in the City and was raised in Daly City, so I wish this post was up when I was looking for places to eat.
Banana Island in the Westlake Shopping Complex. It's tricky to get to because they built that awful Home Depot parking structure in front of it. I always come here for their roti with yellow curry and then the rendang chicken with rice. They specialize in Thai and Malaysian cuisine.
Ongpin in SSF on Camaritas and Westbourough. It's a few minutes from SSF Bart, and you can get some good Filipino food here. Go for the sisig (grilled and diced pork topped with fresh diced onions and jalapeno) and the kare kare (peanut butter oxtail stew). I also dig the Pancit Lomi Soup when it is cold out.
Not sure about Hispanic Markets, but I know my Asian Markets:
Ranch 99 on Southgate and Westmoor
Manila Oriental Market on Callan and King
Pacific Supermarket on Soutgate and St. Francis
Kukje Market on Junipero Serra
If you are looking for BART gems, you have the entire CITY of SF.
Cheers.
Macy's Battle of the Chefs- Anyone been?
I have been to 2 of the Battles. The first was Poleng vs. Bix and the 2nd was Moose's vs. Ducca. Let me say that the battles are nothing like Iron Chef. You really can't do much in the Macy's Cellar. The competitors have 45 minutes to create something with the secret ingredient. We were informed that they were given 3 possibilities of what it could be. For 10 bucks you get a seat, a small appetizer, and a glass of wine and/or beverage. You don't get to sample any of the food cooked in the contest. In the first contest, we paid 10 bucks and got back a 10 dollar Macys gift card. The second time, we got a ten dollar off card, good to a list of restaurants in San Francisco. What is good about the card is that you can use it over and over again. Not sure if they will continue giving them out at each battle however. Honestly, it's really not THAT exciting. Nothing like Iron Chef. Marisa Churchill is the MC for the event and she's cool, not outstanding, but cool. The first one I went to, she made cupcakes and played a guessing game with the audience and whoever had the right answer got one of her cupcakes. At the second event, we made bacon nut toffee. Yeah, bacon in toffee? She passed some out and it was actually pretty good. Only about 100 or so people can get seats, so if you want to check it out, you have to e-mail Rivera as soon as you can because the tickets do go fast. You pay them through paypal and they add you to a guestlist. They don't mail a physical ticket to you. And no, you don't have to be anyone to get in. Priority seating goes to the guests of the chefs, so be prepared to sit in the back.
Goon Fun?
My boyfriend, who is Chinese, introduced me to Goon Fun. It's basically bbq pork, cilantro, and carrots rolled in flat rice noodle sheets and cut into pieces like sushi. I honestly do not even know if Goon Fun is the correct name for it. The place where he gets them is at Sam Wo's in Chinatown, but I haven't found them anywhere else. When I go to get dim sum, I order something that sounds like it, but it comes out steamed and warm, usually very greasy. The one I am looking for is fresh and not cooked.
Any help?
TIA.
Best bakeries for pastries and cakes in SF?
Their Lemon Cream Tart is the best I have ever tasted.
Toppings Too (Filipino food), Union City report w/ pics
I actually like Toppings. The original one was on Gellert Blvd. in Daly City/SSF. It was a 2 minute drive from my house. The one thing that kept me coming back was the grilled liempo. Marinated and grilled strips of pork that resembles bacon, but doesn't have the same flavor. I wish I had some right now. I was pretty sad that there was a CLOSED sign when I went to eat there one day.
Almond Croissant at Mission Beach Cafe
The one I had at Boulangerie de Cole Valley (Bay Bread) was the best almond croissant I have ever had. I am not a pastry type person, but this blew my socks off.
North Beach Hot Spots
Hey everyone,
My coworker and I plan to have a walking/tasting tour of North Beach. I looked in past posts, but a lot of them look out dated. So where in North Beach have the best of the following:
Pizza:
Pastry/Bread:
Cappucino:
Tiramisu:
Other Desserts:
Pasta:
Italian Deli:
Nightcap:
Possible tours offered?
Or if you want to throw out your faves, that would be awesome, too!
One of my profs at school said that Da Flora (SP?) has the best gnocchi around. I didn't see it mentioned in the "Best Gnocchi" thread. Is it really all that?
TIA! And I promise to report.
-Jo
