foodseek's Profile
Fried Chicken in San Francisco
I am wondering which location are you referring to -the 3rd Street location or the one on Clement?
Help needed for choice of signature cocktail-
We are planning a brunch on board a motorboat cruise for husband's birthday this June with 65 guests. The caterer is open to input and has suggested Dark and Stormy-iced rum and ginger beer and Tequila with grapefruit juice and bitters. My husband does not like spicy drinks so Bloody Mary's are out. Any thoughts for a boat worthy cocktail which would be somewhat novel and attractive to serve? In addition to the one cocktail, we will be serving white and red wine, champagne, lemonade and iced tea. Thank you so much in advance!
Best Asian Fusion in NYC
I agree - the Hanoi burger was delicious and the Asian slaw was a terrific side for the burger. Our party of 8 enjoyed the entire meal- including Bimimbap burger and Kung Pow sandwich. But, the consensus was Hanoi burger was the best. The restaurant had a very young vibe the evening we were there and the service was attentive. Great spot for a creative menu including cocktails with fusion twists with quick turn of tables.
Most opulent, lavish brunch in town?
Hoping to make reservations for the Boat House for brunch the later part of March 2012 for 10 people. But, since some in our group have difficulty walking is the Boat House doable? I have heard it is quite a walk to the restaurant. What other suggestions may you have? We are in New York to celebrate our daughters graduation. Leaving on Sunday and want a final brunch before taking off for the airport. We are staying near Columbus Circle and Central Park West.
Thank you,
What do you make for breakfast on Christmas morning?
I have not thought of the Pillsbury Orange rolls in a long while-I think they are going to be included Christmas morning-thanks!
Help! Hosting a small fundraiser in our SF home, need caterer.
I used Daniel Ripley for a small birthday party this summer. He is accommodating, priced well, and can provide dinnerware and servers.
2011 - December seasonal specialties
Any suggestions for a Buche de Noel to be had in San Francisco?
Crowd-pleasing ham. Is there anything better than Honey-baked?
I like Paul Prudhomme's Magic Glaze on hams-not too sweet and keeps the ham juicy. I usually buy the spiral ham at Costco or the Hormel Cure 81 brand. For some reason, the one time I tried the TJ brand not many in family liked it which resulted in far too many leftovers.
Coming To San Francisco around New Years Eve
A recent thread lists restaurant in the Hayes Valley nearby Civic Center. It is an area frequented before concerts and events. Most restaurants take reservations and service is geared to concert goers.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/812273
Your best lentil soup recipe?
My favorite lentil soup is admittedly not healthy with addition of bacon fat but I must say it tastes great.
In a 4 qt dutch oven, saute 1 diced yellow onion in 3 Tbsp bacon fat. Add lentils for quick stir with onions then chicken stock/broth, salt, and black pepper. Sometimes I add diced carrots,celery, etc but most of the time just the lentils and onions. My family likes a thicker lentil soup so I adjust the broth as well. On top of a thick lentil soup serve a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Favorite brand of basmati
Tilda is my favorite brand but hard to find in San Francisco in 10 lb bags. I use a lot of rice so I prefer a 10 lb. bag. Recently I purchased Adora basmati online from Sadaf.com and thought it was good but perhaps not as aromatic as Tilda. Surprisingly, the Royal rice I tried as well was very good and aromatic. I always steered away from the burlap bagged rices since I was afraid of the burlap taste coming through to the rice as some had in the past. But, the recent Royal packaging with plastic insert seemed to solve the problem. I wonder why it is difficult to find Tilda and Adora since the price point for basmati (Adora 9.99 for 10 lb and Tilda 14.99 for 10 lb.) is not that high considering the volume of food product.
Compass or Cafe Luxembourg?
I hope they retain the same exceptional service and front of house in their reincarnation as Loi. I must say we enjoyed the food, generous space, bar, and fabulous service when we visited Compass this past spring.
Hamburger Relish in 1970's Southern California?
I agree with the recommendation of Del Monte Hamburger Relish which has more of a tomato look and taste than their Del Monte Sweet Pickle relish which is made with real sugar. Del Monte also makes a yellow mustard hot dog relish. My favorite for hamburgers is the Hamburger Relish but for hot dogs I like their sweet pickle relish. Don't know if it will remind you of the 70's sauce but they have been around a long time.
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Del Monte Cafe
1642 Del Monte Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955
Best boxed cake mix and canned frosting
Stir in a tsp. of vanilla extract into frosting tub and it improves the flavor. I prefer Betty Crocker brand of frosting. Trust me the extract helps.
Wedding Caterer Under $80-100/pp
I would recommend Daniel Ripley Catering in San Francisco. Great service and easy to work with in planning your wedding menu. I used him for a party with a very limited budget.
The event seemed so grand even though it was not a budget breaker with the food really being tasty and interesting. He also made a beautiful cake to serve and the signature cocktail was out of this world.
Discontinued at Trader Joe's (started 6/19/2011) [old]
The artichokes in water at Safeway I purchased was the Cara Mia brand. It is a very good product and quite delicious served in a chicken rice artichoke salad recipe. I believe Cara Mia was one of the first commercial brands of marinated artichokes out of California.
http://shop.starfinefoods.com/img/product/star-00008.jpg
Discontinued at Trader Joe's (started 6/19/2011) [old]
I found jarred in water artichokes-Cara Mia brand- at my local Safeway in Northern California.
Santa Cruz search for July 4th meats
Thanks for the suggestions. Our Santa Cruz BBQ family outing was a huge success!! We had the butcher at El Sachichero cut up some beef sirloin beef kebobs for Saturday night, and we went Italian sweet sausages and bacon burgers for the 4th. The bacon burgers were delicious-impossible to mess up even for us less than expert BBQers. They do not cut up poultry so we got the chicken kebobs for Saturday night from Shoppers Corner market. I must say I love that store-curious how it does with a Whole Foods nearby? Thanks so much for great suggestions!
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Shoppers Corner
622 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz search for July 4th meats
Where to go for meats for 4th BBQ in Santa Cruz? I am planning on menus around the grill and am looking for beef and chicken for kebobs, ground beef, sausages, and hot dogs. El Salchichero at Swift Street looks interesting-has anyone been and if so what do you recommend there? Thanks so much!
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El Salchichero
402 Ingalls St #5, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Spruce, not impressed
I agree their burgers are special served with a stand of fries one can add mushrooms, grilled onions, avocado or cheese although I like mine without additions. I especially liked the ratio of bun to meat since the buns were adequate to hold the burger together but allowed the meat to shine. I had bought a coupon deal for Scotch and Burgers at Spruce for myself and the family. Served in the bar area only the meal featured three scotch based drinks-can't remember the names- but reminded me of an old fashioned served on ice, the second was a shaken "Manhattan like" cocktail served with an orange twist in a stemmed glass, and after dinner a 1975 single malt scotch. We enjoyed the novelty of the planned drink menu with the burgers. Hats off to both the bar and kitchen.
Grocery Outlet - June 2011
The site of the closed Delano IGA market would be a good site for a Grocery Outlet. Fresh and Easy opened today with lines of people waiting to get in so I think the neighborhood is anxious for more grocery stores.
Raley's $2.99 Imported Italian Fiasconaro Colomba Classica (reg price $15.99)
Thanks rworange and welcome back! Husband loves pannetonne so will hope to get some.
Paula's English Pea recipe = what's wrong with Food Network
I missed this video the first go-around but so glad I finally saw it! I had heard others chuckle about the Kwanzaa cake so now I can join in the laughter. Come on the acorns are 100% corn nuts, right?
Kingdom Cake North Beach?
So far no posts that I can find on this cupcake spot in North Beach. First time I heard of it was through online discount buys. I am interested if anyone has tried it out yet. Their website lists many interesting flavors including vegan basil lemon blueberry and peanut butter chocolate banana. I know the cupcake craze was overdone but my fondness continues for one which is moist with unique flavors. Any reviews?
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Kingdom Cake
524 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94133
La Cornue Fe Range Purchase
I loved reading your review. Which setting do you find best for roasting meats? I must admit I am somewhat challenged by the multifunction side of the oven. I find I am always using the right side because of not being able to figure out the left.
Vacation in Carmel: what should I drink?
Just had the opportunity to visit Equinox in Santa Cruz. Lovely Cuvee Brut and also enjoyed the Grenache I believe made from grapes grown near Gilroy, CA.
Potluck Wedding
Honestly, I do not think the bride will feel put off by the cupcakes being presented beautifully as pictured. She does not seem the type that would consider the cupcakes competition with the cake. The wedding seems fairly unconventional to begin with (money box, asking guests to provide food, hikes and swimming). Rather than OP stress about how to tone down the cupcakes, I would prepare and present them to my level of comfort. As far as the number of cupcakes to take do what you were originally planning on doing and make 3 dozens. You are not providing "the" wedding cake but rather one of a buffet of dessert items for the potluck.
Boston Creme Pie Please help
Thank you so much for the recipe for BCP using sponge cake. I made it for Easter and must say it turned out terrific. No problem with cake slippage of layers and it looked as good as it tasted. Son in law gave it a thumbs up. Still trying to perfect the lemon meringue-poor husband is weathering the tastings and he does not even like lemons.
