Jim's Profile
Favorite Cakes in the Bay Area
I'm a huge fan of SusieCakes. I first experienced their Red Velvet Cake in Newport Beach in June 2009. I begged them to open a place in SF, even wrote an email to Susan the owner. Thankfully they're here, but not too close to where I live. I know some find their cakes too sweet, but they hit the right note for me, classic, retro cakes.
Recommendation for in or around The Cannery
Going to an event at the Cannery next week and looking for reliable restaurant for dinner. Mid-price range, nothing too pricey(Gary Danko), but not a order at the counter kind of place either. My date is pescatarian (eats fish), me, I'll eat most anything. We'd like to walk rather than drive from the Cannery. Anyone been to the Blue Mermaid? Thanks!
Restaurant suggestions for SF weekend 1/27 - 1/29
What about Bar Jules in Hayes Valley? Certainly a cool SF style and good food to boot!
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Bar Jules
609 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Dude demands a booth...
Wayfare Tavern has beautiful big leather booths on the ground floor with a view of the kitchen.
Where do I find cake flour in (western) San Francisco?
Andronicos should have it, but just in case there's always Whole Foods on Stanyan near UCSF. They may have it in bulk and or box.
Crabmeat...Best price & where to buy in SF?
I found crabmeat at Andronicos in SF on sale for $26.99 lb. Not as cheap as Costco, but it saves me from having to face the insanity of that place.
And Al, I understand your point, but people who do that for a living are all set up for the production aspect and can do it faster than me. No comparison there.
Orson closed, makeover in progress
I agree Scott. I think her heart and head aren't into it anymore. Why would a celebrity chef run an event space, it doesn't make sense. She's just trying to make some money during the holiday season and believe me, once the New Year's party is over, the doors close for good.
Crabmeat...Best price & where to buy in SF?
I checked Bryans and Cal Mart at Laurel Village...$34.99lb!!!
Crabmeat...Best price & where to buy in SF?
I'm looking for the best price on fresh shelled crabmeat per pound. Does anyone know a good source at a reasonable price? Thanks!
Orson closed, makeover in progress
I recently ate at Citizen Cake and had one of the worst dining experiences in a long time. The restaurant was poorly run, the fried chicken was so salty I couldn't eat it and the cases that house the desserts were dirty. The chocolate on one of the desserts in the case had bloomed.
I have a feeling she won Iron Chef and will be heading in that direction or didn't win, but has been offered a show of her own. Her heart and head doesn't seem to be in her restaurants. I wouldn't be surprised if they gave up the space after New Year's Eve.
2011 Dungeness Crab
Safeway's Sunday advertising...
Fresh Whole Dungeness Crab
Cooked. Weather permitting. Wild Caught.
Club Price
4.99 lb
Price Valid 11/20/11 - 11/24/11
Portland One Night Only!
Staying at The Nines for one night. I can jump in a cab so feel free to recommend someplace outside of Pioneer Square. I'm looking for something moderately priced $18-20 entrees (I'm from the Bay Area), full bar, and good desserts especially good homemade cake. Also, I love good fried chicken and great fish!
Thanks!
Yellow watermelon in San Francisco?
Trader Joes on Masonic had yellow watermelons a week or so ago. I would call before going over...you know TJ's here today gone tomorrow!
Watermelon Trucks in East Bay
I used to buy these delicious seeded watermelons from Van Groningen & Sons located in Manteca, CA. They had a truck at the Serramonte Farmers Market several years in a row, but no longer. I called them last week and they sell their seeded melons at Foodmax in the bay area. Here's their website if you'd like to give them a call for more info. They have the most delicious commercial seeded melons which are supposed to be sweeter than the seedless.
http://www.vgandsons.com/
If anyone knows of seeded watermelons in SF area, let me know. I used to see a truck down on Third St. near Oakdale.
Devil's Teeth Baking Company in the Outer Sunset?
I agree about the breakfast sandwich, it's a great value and very tasty especially the biscuit. My only complaint is that the biscuit would be much better if it were heated on the grill while cooking the eggs. What you get now is a room temp. biscuit and hot egg, cheese and bacon.
I've only had a few sweet items. While the chocolate cake I had was quite good, nice texture and moist, all the cakes suffer the same issue as far as I'm concerned...they're only about an inch, inch and a half high which includes the frosting. The cut size and thickness vary from cake to cake so the value is often different since they pieces are all priced at $3.
Overall, I think they have a good thing going out there. They could use some help visually with the place, often the hand written signs for the items are mixed up and the place is not always very clean and tidy, ie the glass cases and bathroom. I'm hoping they can get it together given more time and input.
Rotisserie and Wine
I would think that it would be equally inviting in the summer months with that great outdoor patio overlooking the Napa river especially on those warm Napa evenings. I would just order a little lighter fare and enjoy the view and the wine. Who knows, maybe they'll do a summer menu that won't be so heavy and hearty.
Wicker Baskets to use in Kitchen-----Where to buy Locally ?
Not sure this question belongs in this category, but if I were you I would check out World Market, Pier One, Container Store and Bed Bath and Beyond.
Reporting Back from my Week in SF
After having a dozen meals at Foreign Cinema, I've loved every one except the one brunch I had there. I think dinner is the way to go.
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Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Mescolanza and gnocchi
I haven't been to Mescolanza in years, but I remember it being consistently good. Aperto falls in that same category for me. I've been there at least a dozen times over the years and I've never been
disappointed in the food/service or ambiance. My only complaint is the base of the tables is so huge I find it difficult to position my legs comfortably, but that obviously hasn't prevented me from going back.
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Aperto
1434 18th St, San Francisco, CA
Mescolanza
2221 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Favorite Cakes in the Bay Area
Arizmendi's chocolate cake...yum!
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Arizmendi
9th Ave and Irving, San Francisco, CA
Where can I get cake rounds and boxes?
Sugar n' Spice in Daly City has all those supplies.
Sugar 'n Spice
(650) 994-4911
2965 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94014
Moderate price restaurants Moscone convention center area
This little French bistro is on 5th between Folsom and Harrison. It's quite good and has a nice outdoor courtyard.
http://lecharm.com/
Flour & Water and Pasta Made In-House
I like Farina in SF. Fresh pasta and the best housemade pesto...yum!
Mission Beach Cafe (butter piecrust), SF
Alan is featured in this month's issue of Better Homes and Garden along with a nice article and photos of Tyler Florence's Thanksgiving. Alan gives his tips and recipe for his pie crust as well as recipes for several pies.
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Tyler Florence Shop
59 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA
Now need b'day cake for foodie's 30th from Marin Cnty bakery.
I really like SusieCakes in Greenbrae for authentic homemade style cakes. I've never had anything but a good experience there.
Best Italian
Looking for an outstanding italian restaurant for an anniversary dinner next week. Anywhere from Carlsbad to San Diego. Any price range is acceptable. Thanks!
Old Fashion Cake
thanks for all your replies...Do either of these bakeries sell individual slices?
Old Fashion Cake
I'll be visiting Encinitas and I'm looking for a bakery that does old fashion cakes. Not interested in fancy over the top cakes that look better than they taste. I'm talking about cakes that your mother and/or grandmother would make, marble, spice, devil's food, red velvet, lemon. If any of you are familiar with Susie Cakes in Newport Beach, that's what I'm talking about. Anywhere from Oceanside to San Diego. Please don't suggest going to Susie Cakes in Newport, although I love them, I'd like to try someplace new. Thanks!
