Ha!

I think we're going to drive in though Napa so I'll try to go right to the source! But... I thought the Hog Island farm was over by Bodega Bay. No?

Awesome, thanks so much!

What kind of fare is it?

Awesome. I am totally doing this.

Is the elote the corn on the cob with the mayo and cheese and spices? If so, I'm totally in - I love that stuff. If not.... I'm curious.

I've done In-N-Out before, so I got that out of my system (or into my system I should say). I like the idea of getting them extra crispy though....

You guys have any good breakfast spots that you like? I forgot to ask about that.

I'm in town for three days from NYC and I am in search for the best taco in walking (or bus riding) distance from Taylor & O'Farrell st. As you can imagine, we've got some good tacos in nyc, but they cost a fortune...

Also, I'm a total oyster junkie and I LOVE west coast oysters. Could anyone suggest a place that's not too stuffy (I just saw the $1 oyster post, I'll check that out).

I'm also a total nut when it comes to the combination of fries (thin & crispy) and milkshakes together. If anyone knows of a good diner or something where I could get that... bliss.

I've been in the fine dining industry for 12 years so I love good food, but my recent move to ny (from Portland, or) has made me reel it back a bit in that arena. I'm happy to be on the west coast for a little while to take advantage of everything here (leafy greens!)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am on a bit of a budget (like everyone else these days) so unfortunately I can't run off to French Laundry.

****Basically, where are the small hole in the walls, mom n' pops, and little bistros that I HAVE to try in S.F? I know this is kind of a random list of desires but...****

Chowhound don't let me down!

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The French Laundry
6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599

Hi Chowhounders!

We've got two adventurous eaters coming to your city in about a week. We love tacos (really looking forward to that), we love Italian, we love all sorts of good food from fries to foie gras.

Could you kind gastrofans out there suggest some spots that are affordable, fun and utterly S.F?

Thanks guys!!!

Shame that it's gone.... Do you know anything about the speakeasy at 202 Rivington, in the basement of a Mexican restaurant?

What's the deal with Pong?

Hey, thanks so much everyone! I have to say the first time I ventured into Fine Fair, I was a little shocked at how expensive some stuff was. But, it's close and I pretty much stop there just when I need little things.

Thanks for the heads up about the Hester St. Fair and Ocean Star. I have to say I was a little confused about the "Pizza and Self Sufficiency" place over by Donut Plant until I read something about it in the times recently.

I'm sure my universe will readjust it's center... some things just take time.

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Ocean Star
250 Grand St, New York, NY 10002

Chowhounders don't let me down!

I just moved to the end of the universe (Grand st. @ FDR) and I need suggestions for good restaurants/fishmongers/produce shops/butchers, you name it!

I moved from BK Heights and I already miss being in proximity to Staubitz, TJ's, Sahadi's and Fish Tales.

I'll go to hole-in-the-wall establishments, I'll go to fancy schmancy places, as long as it's good. There's so much around me that I'm afraid that I'm overwhelmed with choices. I've discovered the Essex St. Market so far (not bad, not bad...) and I know there's a lot more out there yet to discover.

I like it affordable and I like it fresh and I know you Chowhounders out there have got lots up your sleeve...

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Amen about the Asian fusion...

I had no idea that they were a midwestern thing...

I've been very curious about the salty caramel one. Thanks!

DUH! Strike that! I obviously didn't read my original post... my bad.

BUT, I really haven't tried the custards there and am genuinely curious....

What about the concrete (am I spelling that right?) fries combo at the shake shack? I can't believe I didn't think of that!

I've had their fries (which I like) but I've never had one of their shakes or... concretes. Can anyone advise to that combo?

Yeah, that wouldn't be the first time that's happened... haha.

I'd be more than willing to give it a try. It is all under one roof after all! Thanks so much for the link. I can't wait to see the servers face when I order some after dinner fries...

If those in Williamsburg haven't checked out Saltie yet:

378 Metropolitan Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211

please do, it's amazing, simple, affordable and life altering.

Simple, well thought out sandwiches, rustic baked-goods and the most amazing treat I've had in quite a while.

The Car Bomb
scoop of salted caramel ice cream
drowned in Guinness

How perfect is that?

I highly recommend this place.

Enjoy!

Yes! The pistachio, hazelnut combo I got was gooooood.

I have to say that I've tried the Van Leeuwen truck; I tried the mint chocolate chip, and I was really, really sad because I was kinda disappointed and I really, really didn't want to be.

This sounds the best so far, thanks!

Really? Do they have any ice cream type item on the menu? I've had their fries (not bad) with oysters and champagne (seriously one of my favorite combos), but I can't remember seeing anything creamy and sweet...

Yes! That's what I'm talking about!!! But- not sure if I could bring myself to tromping into Mickey D's. Surely there's got to be somewhere better than that!

I TOTALLY know what you're talking about with the honey and Mickey D's fries...

Yeah, you know I have to say that I was kinda disappointed by Pommes Frites. The rosemary garlic mayo I got was outstanding, but the fries were greasy and all fell apart in my then greasy little hands!

Have you guys tried cup and cones around the corner there on.... 9th st. (I think)? That place is pretty good.

This is my original dilemma though... By the time you get the fries to the ice cream, the fried are cold. By the time you get the ice cream to the fries, the ice cream has melted!!! What's a girl to do?

This should be an easy one, but you would not believe the soggy, overcooked fries, and the saccharine sweet ice cream that I've delved into lately.

So now I'm on a quest for one of my favorite things in the world; crispy, thin fries dipped into creamy, (not too sweet) ice cream. Salty. Sweet. Crispy. Creamy. How can you go wrong?

The only thing that has come close thus far is shake shack, but we all know what the lines are like there!

Any suggestions? (Around the east village would also be awesome)

Thanks again to everyone and your wonderful advice.

I have to say (and this is a little embarrassing coming from the Pacific Northwest) I am pretty impressed with the seafood here. On my way here I stopped at a clam shack and had the best clams in my life. They were called Monchipongo (am I spelling that right?) and if you ever have a chance, get them! They are delightfully briny with a creamy, rich finish. Just amazing.
I've also had some pretty fantastic scallops as well as wild caught Halibut (can't remember where that one was from). All amazing.

Thanks again everyone, I'm so happy to be here in this amazing city.

Awesome! Thanks so much you guys. I wandered into Almondine yesterday in DUMBO, and was pretty impressed by their pastries, but REALLY impressed by their giant chocolate easter egg on display.

It looks like I'll be checking out Fariway as well as Fish Tales and Sahadi's. I think I might also hit up Staubitz here on my way home this week.

I can't seem to find my favorite olive - castalavatranos, but perhaps one of these places will have them.

Also, no one around here seems to carry my favorite Vodka - Monopolova. At least, not in the bars anyway.

Well thanks again everyone. I can't wait to discover these wonderful places!

Hey thanks so much! I actually checked out New Green Pea today (I can't remember what the name was - but it was the orange awning for sure) and got some great herbs for not that expensive.

I also just checked out Forager's Market over in DUMBO but was really disappointed in their seafood selection. Of course it is Sunday and I'm sure that it has been heavily shopped.

The chicken eggs I like are the crusty brown farm ones that have thick shells, deep yellow yolks and sometimes still have straw stuck to them. I'm thinking farmers market but am also wondering if there's somewhere closer that has them all the time.

Thanks agin, I'm totally going to check out Fish Tales!

hi everyone!

I'm new to the area (coming from the Pacific Northwest) and I'm looking for great places for fresh seafood, poultry, and chicken eggs.

Of course, I'm always looking for great places for produce.

I like to shop the smaller stores instead of places like Whole Foods, but since I've been here. that's been my go-to place.

Also if anyone knows of any good place to get good olive oil, olives or any European specialty foods for prices that aren't cray expensive, please let me know! I feel like this one is going to be a life long quest...

Thanks everyone, I love it here so far, I can't wait to hear all of your suggestions!

C Elise