sfbecky's Profile
Advice on SF/Napa/Big Sur my dining choices?
Big Sur Bakery is one of my favorite restaurants, it is great food and just the right atmoshere for casual Big Sur, still romantic at dinner...make reservations. Sierra Mar is stunning for both food and view. I stay at Ventana often, but usually skip the restaurant there.
cocktail party drink
Weare having a Xmas cocktail party, and in addition to the usual booze and wine, I'd like to feature one kind of fancy cocktail...any suggestions? I hate mulled wine...
Got turducken?
I think Ryan only has these available at Thanksgiving, and the website has been updated. He had several sizes available, but I got the huge "Grand Turducken" for $275...it fed 25-30, came w/ thermometer, lots of extra root vegs, gravy, and detailed instructions. PLUS he made himself available by email to answer last minute questions about cooking (225 for 6-8 hrs), and responded right away.
I don't know the prices of the smaller roasts..
Got turducken?
It was great!! They provided detailed cooking and carving directions, and the meats were moist and perfectly done....the cornmeal-sausage dressing did a good job of kindof binding things together, so that each slice was a mosaic of meats/stuffing/vegies. they provided a meat thermometer, a bed of root veggies, and some delicious gravy (although I also made my own from the generous pan drippings).
Our 25+ guest enjoyed it very much, and we have plenty of left-overs today. It was pricey, but I'd say worth it for the fine flavor, while supporting a local business.
Got turducken?
I also have ordered one from 4505 Meats...I'm having 25 for Thanksgiving as usual, and I'm tired of brining whole birds,, supplementing with braised parts (Bittman). I'm getting the big guy, and I will report back after T-day
Lunch before Logan
We ended up going to the North End, lovely Mon AM, with cappucinos at a cafe, then an early lunch at the Daily Catch, pasta Vongole with delicious fat clams in the shell. I don't know what the other people on the plane thought about our garlic breath...
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Daily Catch
323 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Special dinner near Manchester Vt
since Chanticleer was closed that night, and my parents always go to Jonathon's Table, we ended up going to Silver Fork...it was good cooking, but I was surprised it didn't use more local ingredients. The demographic was definitely my parent's age.
What i really want to say, though, is that later in our trip we did try the Downtown Grocery, and it is FABULOUS! Really some of the best food I've had in VT! Lots of regional farms sourced for both meat and produce, and the owner/hostess is charming. Great energy, clearly developing a enthusiastic local following. the pork dishes were outstanding, and I'm still thinking about that gnocchi!
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Jonathon's Table
Route 7A, Arlington, VT 05250
Lunch before Logan
Monday my husband and I will be finishing our vacation in Rhode Island, flying home to SF. Where should we go for a nice lunch before returning the rental car at the airport at 2PM? Seafood is always a plus...
Special dinner near Manchester Vt
I'm going to be visiting my elderly parents in Arlington Vt in a couple weeks; having my 60th BD while there. We live in San Francisco and have pretty high standards for food, but I also want a place where mom and dad will be comfortable. Some of my thoughts...Pangia in Bennington, Chanticleer or Mistral's in Manchester, Dorset Inn...
If it weren't too far to drive I'd consider the Downtown Grocery in Ludlow, or the new farm-to-table place in South Londonderry.
Any thoughts??
radish greens, kale and TONS of swiss chard
raw kale can make the best salad!! Try the one from Esalen...
Range Hood you like???
I've had a Viking hood for about 15 yrs, and I love it because you can remove the baffles and put then in the dishwasher, which I do about every couple months; its amazing how much grease comes off.
I fry alot of fish, and my house never smells of it.
secret ingredient
This year I'm thinking of one of these:
nuts
pineapple
peppers
maple syrup
I like to chose something that can go both sweet and savory...thanks to tonka11 for your suggestions...
Buenos Aires dining in Recoleta
We are 6 people 20's-60's, will be renting an apt on Arenales near Rodriguez Pena...one of us is in a wheelchair. Because taxis seem unwieldy for our group, I'd like some suggestions for restaurants within walking (or rolling) distance, several blocks is ok. We are flexible about price range, but nothing too formal.
Also, since we'll have a kitchen, food shops in the area? Thanks!
tamales
we are planning to make tamales at home on xmas eve...a few years ago on xmas eve day I saw people lining up at La Tapitia in South San Francisco to fill their containers w/ masa dough. Is that worth it? any other tips for shortcuts to tamale making? ....buy the carnitas?
inexpensive Japanese near Hotel Kitano
Thank you all for the ideas! I think that when we get to town Fri afternoon, I'll pick up some bento/snacking for the room, (maybe from Zaiya?), and then we are going to the Japan Society Halloween evening, noshing and people watching, docent-led gallery tour).
On Sat we'll eat lunch, and then go to the Met. Museum at 2:30 to have a docent led tour of their Asian galleries, then back to the hotel and out to an Izakaya place for dinner..., maybe Onya or Sakagura? Need something fun for Sunday AM before we leave around noon..
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Sakagura
211 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017
Onya
143 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017
inexpensive Japanese near Hotel Kitano
thank you so much for these suggestions! I'll look into these places...I think most of the kaiseki are out of our price range, we are looking for non-sushi home-style small plates, is there a name for that type of meal?
Bullshead Burger or better
I second Namu...best burger I've ever had, something about the pickled things, and unbelievably good flavored beef. I've been to Bullshead, it is for a certain nostalgia type, but try Namu for 2010 SF.
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Namu
439 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
Bullshead Restaurant
840 Ulloa St, San Francisco, CA 94127
inexpensive Japanese near Hotel Kitano
My sisters and I are bringing our elderly mother to NY for a weekend; we are staying at the Kitano (4 in a room!) and are on a small budget, would appreciate inexpensive Japanese in the area. Mother can't walk long distances, but we can take cabs if we need to.
Can't go to Japan...
my 83yo mother really wants to visit Japan, but she lives in Vermont and her health is poor, making travel difficult. I live in SF, but am thinking of bringing her to Manhattan for a few days, and eating all kinds of Japanese food, morning noon and night. Any suggestions?
secret ingredient
Well the dinner was just great! I settled on citrus; and thank everyone for their suggestions, some of which we'll be sure to use in the future! My two kids (plus SO's) cooked 2 great menus, here's what we had:
Matt's team: Warm black olives w/ orange and lemon zest
Greyhound cocktails (fresh grapefruit juice and vodka)
Grilled asparagus w/ lemon
Pecan-crusted sole w/ citrus salsa
Almond citrus nut cake w/ citrus compote & whipped cream
Emmy's team: Mimosa's with strawberry, orange, grapefruit and champagne
Salad of beets, fennel, mint, tangerines, oranges
Seared duck breast a la orange
wild rice w/ lemon grass (play on citrus)
Dessert was a play on breakfast combo of granola/yogurt/OJ:
pecan/almond lace cookies w/ orange zest, yogurt w/ honey and
orange zest
Not bad for having to come up with the menu's and execute in 5 hours! Ofcourse I couldn't declare a winner, it was Mother's day and they're both my kids! But we had a great time, and we're all talking about next year's secret ingredient...when their little sister will be out of college, and able to join in the fun!
secret ingredient
Last year my kids (in their 20s) started a great Mothers Day tradition...they cook me dinner, making it a competition loosely based on Iron Chef...at around 2PM I text them a "secret ingredient", and they each have to plan a meal based on that ingredient. Dinner on the table around 7pm...at least 3 courses for each kid, can include cocktails, app, main, dessert, etc.
Last year my secret ingredient was coconut milk, and we had some great dishes....I'm trying to think of this year's ingredient...maybe lemon...bacon....any suggestions?
SF Foodie looking for local/ regional cuisine in Montreal
My husband and I will be staying in Old Montreal in late May, looking for bistro/regional food, not ethnic, seasonal produce or game. We'd like a neighborhood restaurant, Montreal style.
Not the Same Old Sandwich and Pizza Request
how about the grilled cheese at Outerlands in the Sunset? You'll love it
Outerlands on Judah SF
Very positive review in today's New York Times...travel section
ceramic knives
I've had a 6 inch white ceramic knife for about 4 years...it is my favorite knife, even over my Global ones. It holds an edge for ages, but it's difficult to find places that are trained to sharpen them.
whats your fave beef tenderloin recipe?
I made a tenderloin last weekend that was very popular...earlier in the day I reduced a cup of port and a cup of balsamic to about 1/4cup...finished with a little butter. Then just cook the filet the usual way, let rest, slice and drizzle with the reduction. Simple and stress-free
Need some recipe suggestions--sea scallop pairing
I think a saffron risotto would go nicely, along with a tart salad...maybe arugula and blood orange
Where to buy ñora peppers in SF?
you can get them at The Spanish Table, both in Berkeley and Mill Valley at Strawberry Village...neither of these are on SF but if you're into Spanish cuisine they are a great resource for all kinds of stuff like rice, saffron, chorizo, peppers, Spanish wines
any feedback on Planet Organics home delivery?
I live in SF and am considering using a home delivery package...my neighbors use PO, are they good or should I explore CSA? I like the idea of home delivery, since I work. Also I like the idea that I can order local pork, beef, etc from them.
