Vienna with a vegetarian friend

thanks very much!

robertb in Europe

Caneles in Bordeaux?

I'll be in Bordeaux for a friends wedding for a few days at the very end of this month and am hoping to sample some caneles from the hometown of this delicious sweet.

What are the best places to find these tasty little guys? Are there any other regional specialties (sweet or savory) worth trying? (And do throw in your favorite restaurant choices as well!)

Thanks a bunch!

Robert

robertb in France

Paris, Aug 25-27: Bistro dining with a vegetarian friend

I'll be in Paris from 25-27 of August, and my friend who I'm traveling with is vegetarian (no fish/meat, but all dairy/egg is ok.) Painful and unfortunate, I know, but he won't be swayed. Already tried that, :P

What are some options for bistro dining? I loved places like Chez l'Ami Jean and Josephine, and an absolutely horrified by the thought of going to all-vegetarian restaurants. Are there any places (bistros/brasseries) open that happen to have even one passable vegetarian option? I've seen recs for Maceo, Au Gourmand, and Ze Kitchen Gallerie (but I'm trying to stay more traditional and less asian/fusion). Any other places worth trying?

Is asking for a vegetarian dish even a good idea in places like l'Ami Jean or Josephine? Last time I went with a pack of fellow (omnivorous) foodies, so the issue never even crossed our minds for a split second.

Many thanks!

Robert

robertb in France

Vienna with a vegetarian friend

Hello everyone! (and esp. Sturmi!

I'll be visiting Vienna early next month, this time with a vegetarian friend of mine. No fish or meat, but all dairy/egg products are fine. I'm hoping I won't have to suffer too much because of this. What restaurants out there have a decent option for vegetarians, while I can still have well-made cuisine? I'm hoping for more Viennese/classic than ethnic cooking, since we get plenty of that here in California.

That aside, do advise on any other foodie/gourmet stores, ice cream shops, market stands and the like. I'll be visiting for 5 days, so I have a fair amount of time to explore.

Vielen Dank fuer Ihre Hilfe!

Robert

robertb in Europe

Wine Help! RE: La Spinetta "Pin" 2005

Hello all,

The wine list at Perbacco is fabulous, as many of you probably know. I had the 05 "Pin" (one of the Spinetta wines). It was reasonably priced (about 75) and fabulous for me. Anyone know of a place where I could get a this wine? I live in Palo Alto, but can drive anywhere in the Bay Area.

And while I'm on it, what are some of your favorite places to buy Italian wines?

Thanks a bunch!

Robert

-----
Perbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Specialty food stores?

Miette Confiserie for a good (albeit overpriced) selection of specialty candies and chocolates, both imported and domestic.

Paulette Macarons- pretty decent macarons. Can't find truly outstanding ones in the city that I know of, and certainly nothing comparable to Paris. With that said, these are still quite lovely and worth checking out. They also sell Mariage Freres tea.

Humphrey Slocombe- crazy ice cream maker churning out flavors like Olive Oil, salt and pepper, foie gras, candied jalapeno-strawberry, coca-cola/red wine sorbet...flavors change all the time.

Wandering through the Ferry Building is always fun. Same for the Alemany Market.

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Lunch near Stanford Univ.

Also worth trying:

-Bistro Elan (on California Ave)- wonderful, fresh and market-driven CA-French
-Sumika (Los Altos)- the best Oyakodon ever (I know, it doesn't fit the guidelines, but still -worth noting for the future)

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Hatch chile roasting in Alameda and San Ramon

Please, please forgive my ignorance, but I would like to ask here what exactly makes a hatch chile so extraordinary? I've heard the name spoken of loads of times, but I don' t think I've ever tried them myself. Would these be the chile equivalent of, say, what poulet de bresse is for chicken?

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Best Korean in Santa Clara (or in general South Bay/Peninsula)?

What are some of your favorite, authentic Korean places around Santa Clara/South Bay/Peninsula area? I'm visiting family in LA right now, and am spoiled by the Korean food here, which got me thinking.

One place that I always go to is Choi's in Santa Clara (on El Camino near Lawrence expy). In Korean, the sign says "Chae Ga Nae" (Not sure why Choi is the transliteration.) I live in Palo Alto, but its worth the drive. No BBQ tables here. It's very homey with really authentic cuisine. Very mom and pop. The ssam-bap (DIY lettuce wraps)and haemul pa-jun (crispy seafood and scallion pancake) are excellent here, as is the "galbi woo-guh-ji tang"- a rich brothy stew of short ribs slowly cooked with turnip greens and dwaenjang (think Korean miso, but richer and not sweet). This last one keeps me coming back time and time again!

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Live in-shell scallops?

ABS does have them! They emailed me this morning and agreed to sell some direct to me, even they are a wholesale. Thanks very much for the offer though, alfredck. Much appreciated nonetheless.

RB

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Live in-shell scallops?

Thanks for the tips. I remember seeing live scallops at the Ferry Building last year. That's the last time I can recall. I emailed ABS, so we'll see if they can point me in the right direction.

Cheers!
RB

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Live in-shell scallops?

Hey all,

Can anyone point me in the direction of a place that sells live, in-shell scallops? I'd love to find some sea scallops, though in-shell bay-scallops, pink scallops, or other varieties would be okay too. None of my searches came up with anything.

And while on the subject, what about langoustines (or similar large prawn-y creatures)? I don't think I've ever seen fresh langoustines around here.

I live in Palo Alto, though I'm willing to drive if necessary. Thanks in advance!

Robert

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Palo Alto lunch place for baby shower?

I'd suggest California Cafe, near the Stanford Shopping Center. Check out the website at www.californiacafe.com to see if you like it. I have lunch there every so often. It's not the brightest star in Palo Alto, but its not too time-consuming and should fit your needs better than Empire IMO.

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Mission Beach Cafe

The cannelés at MBC are absolutely fabulous. Perfectly prepared crust that is chewy and deeply caramelized, while the interior is nice and moist. Go early because the always sell out!!

robertb in San Francisco Bay Area

Vienna Solo dining

Hello!

It's great to find threads here that deal with Viennese dining. I'll be making a trip to Vienna next month by myself, and will be there from Aug. 1-6. What are some better options for dining solo in Vienna? I am young (university student) but I've saved up a good deal of money for my dining budget, so I am not as restricted a typical twenty-something might be. The finer places I am sure would be fine dining solo (Steirereck, Meinl am Graben, etc) , since I've done that elsewhere in Paris and NY, but what are some mid-tier and typical Viennese places that I can try without feeling strange. I speak decent German, so hopefully I won't stick out like a typical tourist!

Also, are there particular food/wine/gourmet shops or similar places that I should go to? Gerstner for pastries, Meinl and the Naschmarkt immediately come to mind, but I am sure I am missing some. Also, if you are in the area and wish to try a restaurant together, do let me know.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Robert

robertb in International

Good Cafes in LA/Hollywood area?

Hey all

Ever since discovering the cafe cultures of Europe- especially Paris and Vienna, I can't stop thinking about them. Does anyone know of good cafes in the LA area that not only serve decent coffee, but has the atmosphere to boot? I'm not too big on the whole Seattle/Portland coffeehouse scene-- more of the Euro-style instead. I'd love to hear your recommendations!!

Thanks!

Rob

robertb in Los Angeles Area

Mangosteen

As far as I know, fresh mangosteens are still illegal in the US and are not permitted. I do know that limited quantities can be found in SF (found some at a Chinese market smuggled from Canada) and in NY, where a store bought out the entire crop of a small mangosteen orchard in Puerto Rico (where they apparently can send to the US??).

For now, frozen is the best you can get, but there is nothing like fresh...

robertb in Los Angeles Area

Venice - August 12-16

Hey Chowhounds

Ferragosto, or the Feast of the Assumption, is a national holiday in Italy and along with Christmas and Easter, the 15 of August is one of the most significant days for Italians.

I've never been to Italy during Ferragosto before, but I've read and heard that it much of the country "closes down" when Italians leave for summer vacations. I will be in Venice from August 12 through the 16, so what are some places that I should hit up? I fear that many of the good places, esp. the places that don't serve watered-down versions of Venetian food. Where can I get good classic Venetian seafood dishes? Any comments and hints would be appreciated. Thanks a lot!

Robert

robertb in Italy

Alex at Wynn Las Vegas - Incredible

I am a regular at Alex (and used to be a frequenter of Renoir, Stratta's old place), and I second all of the great things said about this restaurant. I encourage everyone to try this restuarant at least once.

robertb in Southwest