gatun's Profile
What's the big deal about Bottega?
I ate there this past weekend and found it underwhelming. I asked what beers they had on tap and got the reply of what brands, I had to ask what 'type' of beer. The beer that came out was not what i ordered, i sent it back. The Forni Brown salad was tasteless with several dead leaves of lettuce, the eggplant on the bruccetta was invisable. The pasta was good but not up to par with Phoneix's pasta in their old space with the resturant. It only got better when I went across to Bouchon Bakery to get dessert.
Picán - Oakland
Ah man, you said the "B" word. I love Benton's Bacon. I can't wait to check it out.
Panamanian Restaurant in bay area
I am from Panama. Lived there until I went to collage. What food do you miss. I probably have the recipe and would be happy to share.
Yountville: Bouchon Bakery - Really decent jelly donuts and swell potato chips
On our long Napa bike rides, we usually have the sandwich after, its fast and easy. My favorite is the tuna, ham second... with chips of course. ( I did not just ride 40 some miles for a salad :-))
Cyrus, Healdsburg report w/ pics
Wow , I had a totally different experience when I went for my birthday. We had the Chef's tasting menu as well. They had truffles at that time and the server was pushing them way too much, it pretty much ruined the dinner. My birthday surprize was a gummy square with a candle stuck in it. Fun times. Maybe they have improved.
How/Why did you pick your screen name?
I am a Zonian ( from the Canal Zone in Panama) Gatun is the town where I lived last
Wild Game & Foraging [split from S.F. board]
ahh.. I don' t think you can legally forage mushrooms from Tilden Park.
"Don't Open That Bag!!!".....because I'll eat the whole thing.
Cheddar cheese Goldfish Crackcers!
What seasonals are you drinking this winter?
We are drinking Alaskan and SIerra Nevada, and Anchor winter seasonals. I just lugged back in my suitcase a large Pannopot Grand Reserver and a Youngs Christmas Pudding Ale from my trip to Europe.
best costco in the bay area?
Yes chanttrelle season should be here. Porchini's are becoming more scarce.
Cyrus, Press, or the Farm at Carneros for 60th Birthday
Skip Press. I did not have a good experience there at all. They said my beef was aged, but I seriously have my doubts. Really loud music, and for the price not worth it all
am I the only one? where is the glamour?
Nope you are not alone. A couple of years ago I went to La Toque in Napa for my birthday, and right next to us was a woman with jeans and a 'kitty' T-shirt. One of those T-shirts with kittens dressed up as cowboys.. I was dissappointed and did not return. (dinner was so-so as well.
Redd or Martini House? Or other places for December?
I have never had a bad meal at Redd or Ubuntu and have been to both many times. I will be going to Redd the first week of Nov. again. I would suggest both. Used to go to Martini House but I get a food hangover from the food. I like the tasting menu at Redd but I think this time will opt for the regular menu. BTW , I was in Boston last year at this time and loved the lobster pasta at Neptune :-) (and the Pumpkin beer at Boston Beerworks)
03/08 Redd, Yountville: A Four Star Experience
I really like Redd, its my birthday go to place. We usually order the tasting menu and wine pairing and have never been disappointed.
Food at SFO (airport) before flying to Europe?
I commute to Europe once a month on a 4:30 flight. You can bring food, just not liquids through security. I usuallly bring a full meal to eat on board. If you want to eat at the terminal your best bet is to eat before security. Except for the Firewood pizza resturant there is not much after security for flights leaving such as delta and KLM,Northwest and Air France. There is a decent Mexican place from the security area where the United flights leave.
I usually eat at Ebisu(sp) before security and order a bowl of soup if I don't bring my dinner
Cafe Zitouna (formerly Cafe Ya Bon) - Tunisian in San Francisco - Report
I worked in Tunisia for many years , I can not wait to try this resturant. Thanks for the report!
Pit Boss BBQ revisited...
I had the exact experience as you when I ordered the pulled pork. I knew my food was ready when i heard the "ding" of the microwave. Sides seemed kind of weak and the quality of meat seemed not so great. Hopefully my BBQ crawl in Texas will take this bad memory away :-)
Napa: BarBersQ – Are Michelin and the Chronicle kidding?
Wow I have had a different experience the past 7 times I have been there, I usually order the pulled pork sandwich but have tried most items on the menu. It has quality meat which makes the difference to me. I wish they had draft beers but its not going to keep me away. The ribs are consistant. I find it funny that you refer to sitting on concrete and inhaling fumes as one of their bad points, when I see the people line up at Cafe Fanny to do the same. Sorry I have to disagree with you, this is very good Q
Mint Leaf on Shattuck (Berkeley)
I checked out the menu on my way to work, I plan to try it out tomorrow night.
Raw Deal: Roxanne's to Go?
I thought the same thing when i saw the display case in the Berkeley Andronicos. It seemed more expensive than what she sold at the deli years back. It did not look like anything amazing. I would more likely get something to go from Cafe Gratitude for 1/2 the price.
Marriage proposal at restaurants... [moved from SF Bay]
I was proposed to at Arzak in San Sebastain, Spain, and it is a wonderful memory. Having been to Cyrus just make sure they don't put you in those middle tables, I felt rushed through my meal sitting there with the waiter constantly trying to sell us on the truffles. You will be staying in a beautiful area so a non resturannt location is great also.
countries that just don't have good food/overlooked national cuisines
Netherlands. I work here quite alot and have not found anything that stands out.
chez panisse or french laundry for wedding anniversary dinner?
I like both very much but I would chose the French Laundry.
Berkeley Sat. Farmers' Market report w/ pics
County Line could be the new vendor that you are referring to.
Panamanian Cuisine
Yes I meant to write Montery Fish. I know Barrio Colorado well, we had many field trips out there. We would take a train to Friojoles and then a boat. The never ending stairs to get to the top. .
Panamanian Cuisine
I am from Panama, and have not found a resturant close yet. I usually just make the dishes I grew up with and seek out Covina when they have it at Montery Market.
