foodiegrl's Profile
Where should I look for solid "recipes" for drinks?
If you're looking for fresh and modern-style cocktails, I highly recommend The Modern Mixologist by Tony Abou-Ganim. His cocktails employ a lot of fresh juices and herbs, with nods to the classics. His recipes are easy to follow, and the results are delicious. My retiree-father swears by it, and he's no Julia Child.
Sample here: http://www.themodernmixologist.com/pages/Recipes.html
ISO Cushaw/Kershaw Squash for Turkey Day
Nope - we struck out, even after a couple trips to the Ferry Plaza and Alemany. We settled for Delicata, and everyone seemed happy with the results. Of course, anything drowned in butter and brown sugar is pretty delicious.
Help - Need DaVero Olive Oil TOMORROW - where to Buy in SF?
Anyone know where I can buy DaVero Olive oil in person (any size, any variety) in SF or the Bay Area? Unfortunately, I don't have time to drive north to go get it, and I need it desperately by tomorrow night, so mail-order is not an option.
Thanks in advance!
http://www.davero.com/oils
Napa Valley Conundrum for Thanksgiving? Any Restaurants Open and Worth Experiencing?
I noticed OpenTable posted their list here: http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=4&ref=551&pid=1
Click on "neighborhood" to sort - Napa shows FARM, and Domaine Chandon & Hurley's are open in Yountville. Many more options exist in Sonoma, too, if you're up for a scenic drive.
Looking for bone marrow bones
I have had great veal bones from Drewes Brothers. You'll need to give them a few days lead time, but they were definitely worth the extra planning.
Chris Cosentino's Cooking at Incantato - anyone?
If you're interested, and if you have the budget, you should look into booking a "whole beast" dinner in the back room. It's a gorgeous space, and you can pick your critter depending on the size of your party and your tastes. I had the good fortune of sampling the whole goat a few weeks back, and it really was very well-prepared. This guy knows his way around a carcass. Even if your family isn't into whole beast dining, the pasta and other selections have just been phenomenal. Save room for dessert, too!
http://jalapeno.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/08/even_more_on_in.html
Cool Bar in SF to host 10 year anniversary party
I was at a small gathering for a couple visiting from out-of-town once at Rosewood. They gave us the back room, and it was really nice. I dobn't know what the fees were like, but it's a terrific little space.
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Rosewood
732 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
Late Reservation at French Laundry
That's a tough one, as it's kind of sleepy there, and aside from restaurants, there's not much to do between 7-9 PM. Also, you will probably not want to fill up on any drinks & snacks ahread of time. That being said, Hurley's down the street is fun for drinks and may be the only place that's lively at that hour.
Dinner, a Cosmo, and a Movie
'wichcraft does only have beer & wine. I would say "B" might be a great choice. I think for a party of 10, you could call ahead and reserve the dining area, as most people just flock to the bar on Fridays. Ducca is also a good bet.
Weekday Breakfast near Union Square??
Depends on how much they'd like to spend...
Seasons at the Four Seasons has a great breakfast service. Vitrine at the St. Regis, does, as well. These tend to be the "power breakfast" spots near Union Sq. For more casual options, you can try Sears' Fine Foods, maybe?
Also, I have had wonderful breakfasts at Campton Place, but it's a touch small for a large group.
Boston Hound coming to Chicago for a weekend
You may already know this, and this may be the cause for your trip, but the Restaurant Show is in mid-May this year, and tables will be really hard to come by that weekend. If you're planning to dine out between May 16th and May 20th, you'll be battling 70,000 other food lovers for prime tables. The restaurants will also be crazy busy. Better lock in now.
SoMa Reviews: Zuppa, Orson, B Restaurant
Regarding crowds at B, they ebb and flow dramatically. DH and I went last Friday (as you'll recall it was about 75 degrees at dinner time) and the place was PACKED. The Friday happy hour crowds lingered on the beautiful patio and the walkway late into the evening. The happy hour menu is served late by most standards - 7:30 PM, and we found everything well-priced and DELICIOUS. I had the halibut with melted leeks, and DH had the burger medium rare. We split a side of tempura'd wax beans & cauliflower. We had two specialty cocktails with fresh-squeezed juices, and we still managed to get our of there for less than $50 before tip. Our waitress was also the special events planner, and she said they do a good chunk of their business during the week on private events. As you might imagine, their location directly abouve Moscone makes them a prime spot for this. If you like a place that's "buzzing" head there on a Friday, or whenever the weather is nice and warm.
Ame?
We went about a week ago with a group of 8 people, so we tried lots of dishes.
We did not get the tasting menu, but since we had the luxury of a large table, we tasted a lot of the specialties.
One of the most favorite dishes was the Hamachi Carpaccio which was served with beets, some sort of citrus vinaigrette, and was completely covered in truffles. It was decadent, rich, and light at the same time. Our host actually ordered a second round, it was so well-received. The burrata on bruschetta salad was an exceptionally well-crafted dish, but it seemed a bit out-of-place with the seafood-heavy, Asian-influenced menu.
For entrees, I had the black cod, which is one of their specialties, and it was cooked to perfection with s slightly caramelized exterior, and a moist and flaky interior. It had a brothy, teriyaki-like essence and was accompanied by delicate and exquisite shrimp dumplings. My only complaint was the whole Shiso leaves were a bit overpowering - but that's because shiso to me tastes like a cross between root beer and dirt. It infused the broth nicely, but I pushed it aside otherwise. DH had the double cut Kurobuta porkchop, which was well-preapred, but not so unique or interesting. I also sampled the crab linguine, which was rich and buttery, but a bit flat in flavor profile, IMHO. The lobster was delicious and the scallops that accompanied it were prepared to perfection. The Japanese "risotto" was an unusual but very nice side dish.
Desserts were incredible, too. The "hand pies" were these gorgeous little turnovers stuffed with huckleberries and were served hot out of the deep-fryer - very fun!
The warm apple tart with soy caramel had a great savory kick that I love.
Service was impeccable but not too stuffy, and the room was so serene and beautiful. If it wasn't so expensive, I would come in every week.
For you and for that one-in-a-year dining experience, I would definitely do the tasting menu. Their service seemed so nice an accomodating, if there was something on there that didn't look appealing, I'm sure they'd be happy to arrange an alternative.
Oakville Grocery in Palo Alto's Stanford Mall closing 2/29!
Very sad indeed. As a nascent food dork in college, I'd spend the last $20 in my checking account on their crab cakes and a wedge of whichever cheese they recommended - just to try it. It then became the "go-to" place for tailgating grub that put the people in the parking spots next to us to shame. Good times.
Bix, Spruce or Le Colonial
I'll third these recommendations. Try to get reservations in the following order:
1. Spruce
2. Bix
3. Anywhere but Le Colonial
Judging by your sisters' picks, you are looking for a swank and fun night out, right? I'd also suggest the lobby lounge at the St. Regis - yummy bites are made by Ame restaurant, and their cozy tables and chairs are great for people-watching or for an intimate conversation.
Christopher Elbow store, SF - open 2/5/08
I have not been in the store, but I bought a bunch in bulk from Cocoa Bella for a baby shower. The two dads were really into "mid-century modern" and the theme colors of baby blue and chocolate brown were reflected beautifully in the chocolates we selected. We did one Venezuelan Dark and one Bourbon Pecan in each box given to the guests. http://www.elbowchocolates.com/chocolates
While I bought the truffles for looks, they were incredibly delicious and fresh. I looovvved the bourbon one made with Maker's Mark. All told, for my $65 investment, we had the best baby shower favors of the season.
While definitely not an everyday indulgence, I found them on a par with the other "boutique" chocolates out there, and miles beyond what's selling at the overly-precious storefont at Schoggi.
Christmas Day in Napa/Sonoma?
Looks like pickings are slim.
Lunch reservations are currently showing up online:
Auberge du Soleil
Carneros at the the Lodge at Sonoma
Sante at the Sonoma Mission Inn
Solbar at Solage Calistoga (that would be my pick)
OK How about lunch on Christmas Eve Napa/Sonoma?
Girl & the Fig appears to be open. That would be a great selection if you're dining at Cyrus. You can nosh and sample and save room for later. If you want to stay on the Napa side, both Redd and Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen appear to be open. I highly recommend either.
If you do have lunch in Napa Valley, you should leave yourself plenty of time to get over the hill and up into Healdsburg. Also, I'd look into getting a car service or cab back. That drive is ugly enough without a few glasses of wine.
help! catered lunch in dntn SF?
A.G. Ferrari has composed salads and pasta dishes.
Not sure how "fast" they are. http://www.agferrari.com/Menu_fall_2007.pdf
I know you said "no sandwiches," but 'wichcraft has an excellent catering menu, and you can order online for fast delivery.
http://www.wichcraftnyc.com/locations/index.html
Must haves at Incanto?
Don't forget dessert! They have a ginger cake that is smothered in the most wonderful caramel butterscotch sauce that is to die for.
Also, the "duck fries" are a novelty, if not as insanely delicious as the other items listed on this board.
Special Christmas Dinners in NYC? (not just restaurants open as usual for xmas)
For something "New Yorky" and great for your mom, how about the recently-revived Peacock Alley at the Waldorf-Astoria?
http://www.peacockalleyrestaurant.com/index2.htm
I took my mom to breakfast at Oscar's at the Waldorf last year, and we found ourselves sitting 2 tables down from Dominick Dunne. As an avid VF reader for decades, this was definitely a highlight of her trip!
I just called, and Peacock Alley is booked already for 12/25, but they have 12/24 seatings available. There is a special chef's prix-fixe holiday menu for $125.
Candyfreak - where to find obscure candy bars?
A couple of SF locations that have a small, but well-chosen selection of obscure candy bars are Citizen Cupcake (atop the Virgin Megastore) and Miette Confiserie on Octavia Blvd.
Citizen Cupcake at 4th & Market has a handful of nostalgic candies, but the selection changes. I've seen full-size chick-o-sticks, The big boxes of Ferrara Pan candies (red hots, Boston Baked beans, etc) and a wonderful caramel licorice by Richardson's Candy House in Missouri. They also have a nice selection of artisanal chocolate bars.
Miette has a wide assortment of "old-timey" and imported candies. See the last photo for a glimpse of their candy counter. http://www.miettecakes.com/gallery_2.html
In search of Cushaw for Thanksgiving?
Thank you so much for the tips. The Bay Area 'hounds, as much as they usually post, were silent on this one. Instead of reverting to yams as a standby, maybe a sugar pumpkin would do?
Looking for a New England style Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving dinner at Cetrella in HMB is very nice. We've done it twice before, and they give you your choice of entrees (turkey, fish or red meat) with traditional side dishes served family-style. We even got to take home leftovers. The dining room is beautiful & cozy with a giant fireplace, and nothing's better for working off that turkey than a brisk walk on the beach afterward. Highly recommended. http://cetrella.com/thanksgiving2007.html
If you don't want to drive out to the coast, you can try open table's list:
http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=4&ref=551&pid=1
Share your favorite treats that can be shipped...
For a variation on biscotti & shortbread, how about a savory snack like cheese straws or cheese biscotti? They could go well with that gatorade...
http://southernfood.about.com/od/cheesesnacks/r/bl31010f.htm
http://www.recipesource.com/munchies/snacks/01/rec0140.html
In search of Cushaw for Thanksgiving?
I'm very excited to host Thanksgiving out here in San Francisco for about 10 guests this year, including some friends and their parents from Louisiana.
Ever eager to learn new culinary customs, I asked my friend if there were any regional favorites that her parents might appreciate on the table. Her answer was that at every family gathering, everyone always seemed to serve "Cushaw" as a side dish, baked with lots of butter & sugar.
Well, heck. I love anything baked with lots of butter & sugar, but I never heard of this "Cushaw" before. I Googled it and was able to find mentions of "Cushaw" and "Kershaw" mainly in the South & Midwest. It appears to be striped with a long neck:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071011/LIFE/710110413
Does anyone know if it has a another alias? I can't seem to find it in California. I figure any sweet squash like butternut or delicata can substitute, but I'm determined to be as authentic as possible.
TIA!
ISO Cushaw/Kershaw Squash for Turkey Day
I'm very excited to host Thanksgiving for about 10 this year, including some friends and their parents from Louisiana.
Ever eager to learn new culinary customs, I asked my friend if there were any regional favorites that her parents might appreciate on the table. Her answer was that at every family gathering across the Shreveport region, everyone always seemed to serve "Cushaw" as a side dish, baked with lots of butter & sugar.
Well, heck I love anything baked with lots of butter & sugar, but I never heard of this "Cushaw" before. I Googled it and was able to find mentions of "Cushaw" and "Kershaw" mainly in the South & Midwest. It appears to be striped with a long neck:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071011/LIFE/710110413
Does anyone know if it's available locally, or if it has a more commonly-known alias? I figure any sweet squash like butternut or delicata can substitute, but I'm determined to be as authentic as possible.
TIA!
Dengeness Crab season opens after all
Another concern voiced by some crabbers was conservation of future harvests. The crabs that have turned up dead have been juveniles, and there's concern that if they harvest now the future generations won't be sufficient to replenish the next season.
I know for us this year, it's just not going to make it on to our table. We feel it's best to lay off for a while.
Boutique Hotel In SF For WellFed Meetings
How about the Hotel Adagio? The food's great, and the meeting rooms on the top floors are pretty large. Also, the Hotel Vitale is a wonderful facility for meetings, though the restaurant is a zoo on Friday nights. If your stay includes a Friday, I'd steer clear. Lastly, you can do pretty well with many of the Kimpton properties. I'd suggest the Palomar (unless it's in January when the Fifth Floor undergoes renovations), or the Monaco.
Lunches - 3rd & Market
We just did lunch at Straits last week, and it was delicious. The tuna tartare was exceptionally good, if a bit of a cliche. The garlic noodles were also terrific. We ordered a whole bunch of large and small plates and passed them around. There was a salmon entree somewhere in there that was delicious. Service was friendly and the place was nearly deserted on a Wednesday at 1pm. Prices are a little high, but much better than Zazil (the Colibri Clone) or Lark Creek Steak. My lasting impression was that everything was very well-prepared - not too greasy or sloppy, with really clean and distinct flavors. The atmosphere was much calmer and more elegant than Out the Door downstairs, too. Since it was so dead, we were able to get in & out in about an hour, too.
