diner101's Profile
Best Chinese Whole Roast Pig, Oakland Chinatown
I'm Chinese American and been to Oakland Chinatown for +40 years. But now for the first time I need to order a whole Chinese roast pig for a birthday party week of 8/1. I've been to all the Chinese Delis and tried all the siu yoke (roast pig, not BBQ pork).buying small portion. But now I will be investing about $150 for a 30 pound (avg size) whole pig ($5 per pound0. Which store has the best whole roast pig? Not interested in a small baby piglet of 15 lbs. Criteria is crackling, crispy skin, and flavorful spices on the ribs, do not mind fatty meat either. Some places are great, and some are bland. Price is no object. Give me your best reviews, CHers!! I have most of the stores, but a few pounds only, now whole one. All the stores are very competive in price and pickup by 10AM morning (stores on 8th, 9th, Franklin, Webster, etc.) Must be in Oakland Chinatown. Thanks in advance for inputs.
slow food on the Big Island, or the road less traveled.
To: eating as a fine art - I'm a big CH fan and just checked this Hawaii board. Wife and I are going to Big Island for 11 days, /18 thru 6/28. We are from San Francisco area, (no bigger CH boards!!) and will be staying at Waikoaloa Marriott resort. So, we will be looking at your reports of what you find, from greasy spoons to Merrimans. Keep us all posted with your findings!!! Will definitely drive the Saddle road in our compact rental. First visit to Big Island. Been to Maui, that "curve road" to Hana is nothing compared to Hwy 1 from Big Sur to Mendocino, CA!!!
So How Was Yat's Fried Cajun Turkey ??
NoeMan, - I posted this entry under Deep Fry Turkey in City on 11/29 and pasted here to make sure you got my final report:
I was disappointed you did not buy or taste the Yat turkey since we commited to reporting, and also waiting for Atomica to report. Well, I did buy the fried turkey 1 18 lb from Cajun Paciifc. Hate to report that I was not overwhelmed by my first fried turkey. I also oven roasted a 15 lb Diestel turkey ( also brined and $2.49 a pound at $36) and the $80 fried one was no tastier than my own. I could not tell the difference. Both were juicy and moist, but not worth the $44 difference, except did not have to work. Family & friends could not taste any difference (except for outer cuts) between the two. My brined one was actually tastier. So, waiting for Atomica to report on his Yat birds. Will not fry in future, not worried about the work, but the +3 plus gallons of peanut oil will last a lifetime to use. I don't think the Yat bird is that good either, based on my experience at Cajun Pacific.
Deep-Fried Turkey in the CITY
NoeMan, - disappointed you did not buy or taste the Yat turkey since we commited to reporting, and also waiting for Atomica to report. Well, I did buy the fried turkey 1 18 lb from Cajun Paciifc. Hate to report that I was not overwhelmed by my first fried turkey. I also oven roasted a 15 lb Diestel turkey ( also brined and $2.49 a pound at $36) and the $80 fried one was no tastier than my own. I could not tell the difference. Both were juicy and moist, but not worth the $44 difference, except did not have to work. Family & friends could not taste any difference (except for outer cuts) between the two. My brined one was actually tastier. So, waiting for Atomica to report on his Yat birds. Will not fry in future, not worried about the work, but the +3 plus gallons of peanut oil will last a lifetime to use.
Deep-Fried Turkey in the CITY
Atomica and NoeMan,
Thanks for the 7x7 website on Yats "importing" the fryer from NuOrleans that frys 10 birds at once!!! The propane tank must be 10X also to hold the temp at 350F!!! So, please both of you report back on Yats" turkey and I'll do same on Cajun Pacific.
I'm amazed no one has posted yet on whether they personally fried their own. I guess we are all foodies and not cooks!! If Cajun's birds are out of this world, I wll then buy a fryer myself. Biggest worry: th 3 gallons of used peanut oil will last me 5 years to use up. Has anyone fry their own bird???? Please post, if so. Other websites raved that after frying, no one goes back to the oven.
Deep-Fried Turkey in the CITY
Atomica, regarding YATS, being an avid CH, another criteria I used to judge a restaurant is how many people are dining there rather then the reviews. I got to YAtTS on a beautiful SAT. afternoon at 12:45PM, lunch time. Thereste were no one eating there, and in the 45 minutes I ate my oyster poor boy and small gumbo, not a single customer came in as I was eating and watching Cal lose to Oregon st. at the bar in Jacks. Yats take out counter is about 3 feet across, a 2x3 board. Only about 5 people at Jack's bar. The owner was friendly, but said nothing else about how the turkey will be prepared for deep frying. And again, poor boy and gumbo below average. (been to deep south many times). When no customers come in even for take-outs, the reviews about YATS here are over-rated!!!
Dinner at Cajun Pacific, it was 75% full (9 people), and Stacey and Chuck described how turkeys are prepared. So, own tasting and others customers are my criteria.
Deep-Fried Turkey in the CITY
NoeMan, sorry to miss you at BevMo, Colma on Sat.. I was first in line at 11:40AM for the turkey tasting and chatted with Chef 3rd Degree Dan. He gave me very generous slices of both dark and white meat since I was so anxious. Well, I was hooked. Turkey was so moist and juicey, and far superior to the SF Chronicle brine recipe I;ve been using for over 5 years and our family favorite (over 20 people). that I have ordered the fried turkey. The same Sat. I went to Yats for lunch to check it out. Sorry, but Yats is just tooooo small and gumbo and poor boy is just so, so. I love hole in the wall places, but Yats is just average. I then went to Cajun Pacific (a real restaurant!!), for dinner same day and food much better. So, I ordered the turkey from Cajun. I was surprised that Cajun only does 6 to 8 turkeys per day 2 to 3 days before and on Thanksgiving, last pickup is 12:30 PM, So, really not a high volume business. I'll still cook one turkey and will report back on family results of which one is bettear: oven roasted or the deep fry one. I'm sure fry will win hands down, based on my own tasting.
Deep-Fried Turkey in the CITY
Cajun Pacific just e-mailed me their Thanksgiving takeout menu: $80 for the deep fried turkey, 18-20 lb, hormone free. They also offer the turducken for $145 but this requires cooking. I have looked into the deep fryers at Home Depot, OSH, and needs 3 gallons or more for the peanut oil, an investment of $100 to $150 for everything. Even for this experienced and adventurous cook, too much trouble for using it less than 4 times a year. Will be at BevMo today for that turkey tasting to see if it is really that good before I order, probably from Cajun Pacific. See you there, NoeMan!
Deep-Fried Turkey in the CITY
Noeman and others, thanks for the information on places that do fried turkeys, Cajun Pacific and Yats. I read many review on how great fried turkey is. But is fried turkey really that much better than oven roasted ones?? Is it really awesome??? Please CHs reply as Turkey Day is fast approaching, and I have to decide ordering one from either Cajun Paicific or Yats. Which place is better??? Thanks to all.
Diner101
What's Good at Ad Hoc Besides the Fried Chicken
I was looking forward to my dinner at Ad Hoc based on Michael Bauer and other postings. I was again so disappointed 2 weeks ago at the veal scallopini and the salad and appetizer. At the one price of $48 all 3 items were so overpriced and none of the dishes tasted exceptional. The restaurant was only 60% fille d on a Wednesday nite, while next door Redds was 90% filled. I had lunch earlier at Redds and the scallops were the best ever. So, Ad Hoc is so overrated!!! Save your money.
Local turkeys for Thanksgiving?
For me, the quality and brand of turkeys is a real controversial one and a hot button for me!!! I have tried most of them, from 69 a pound to $4.99 a pound and I do not find much difference in them, even organic ones!!! Turkey is a meat that cannot be improved in raising. Have you ever seen a fresh turkey in your grocery store except November??? I think it is the way it is cooked that makes the difference. So, stop wasting money and just get the cheapest one you can find. Does anyone agree with me???? I tried almost all of them, Diestel, Willie bird, Nimen. Even the cheapest one at 49 a pound is just as good. I do prefer fresh over frozen!!!
Recommendations for Cooked Turkey Supermarket?
Wolfe and Hao Chr, does not have to be roasted, but is there a better method. I looked into the turkey deep fat fryers at Home Depot, Loewe's etc, but cannot see justification for price over number of use, unless other CHs love it. I tried the Vietnamese "roasted" ones near SJSU campus downtown San Jose, it was God-awful, an F grade. 99 Ranch does not appeal to me, being Chinese American who shops there all the time.
But keep sending recommendations and comments, please. Have over 2 and half weeks more.
Recommendations for Cooked Turkey Supermarket?
I have roasted many turkeys for 20+ people for our family gatherings using many different recipes, and favorite is the brined recipe from SF Chronicle, usually juicy But this year, asking Chowhounds if there is a knockout roasted turkey from the many upscale markets, ie. Whole Foods, Andronicos, Draegers, Molly Stone, Lunardi, Bi-Rite, etc;: criteria is juicy and moist and better than homecooked. To me, turkey is always better than leftovers, prefer dark to white meat. Cannot tell turkey quality difference if 99 cent a pound to $2.99 for organic, free range etc. Turkey is way over rated for flavor. Like to pick up on Thanksgiving Day, piping hot if possible or day before. San Francisco, East Bay, Peninsula in that order. No need for side dishes, home made is always better than market. No Safeway or Luckys, please.
Finally, Great Chinese Rest. San Leandro
The Daimo in San Leandro is nowhere as good as the one in Richmond's Pacific Mall. Golden Mountain in Hayward seems to have changed cooks and has gone downhill in past year or so. Last time was so disappointing, and being Chinese American noticed few Chinese diners, so that confirms food not as good. Prince Restaurant is far superior to both places, and rest of Hayward / S. Leandro!
Finally, Great Chinese Rest. San Leandro
Yes, Dragon Pearl used to be there. Now, Prince has wait staff in black suits, and upscale, but not expensive.
Finally, Great Chinese Rest. San Leandro
As everyone knows, San Leandro and Hayward have never had any decent Chinese restaurants. Finally Prince Restuarant, 14736 East 14th, San Leandro (05 miles north of Bayfair Mall) opened in October, and now is the best restaurant for dim sum and lunch, dinner. I rate it as good as Legendary Palace in Oakland. Place was packed with 99%Chinese both times I went there. This restaurant has changed 5 or 6 owners in last 10 years, and finally new owners offering best fares!!!
Beef tenderloin from Costco?
I may get a lot of different opinons on my reply. None of the previous posters have answered the real question: how does Costco tenderloin and rib roasts compare to Andronico, Draeger's, Whole Foods, Piedomont Grocery, local butchers, and Costco price per lb is much cheaper? I find Costco's is just as good as the higher priced ones. I have even tried the "aged" prime rib from Whole Foods (San Mateo) and find very little diffference. So, save some money and buy at Costco since tenderloin is always tender. Anyone differ??
60 days ahead at french laundry?
You sure are an optimist!!! Forget about the 60 days!! You will never be able to get thru on phone for reservation. Best bet is to drive up in the morning to FB when it opens around 10AM to make the reservation for the two months later (not 60 days). I showed up in person and they give priority to real people. Of course, I took the day off from work. The dinner 2 months later was an experience, but FB is so over-rated food wise.
SF Visitors to Big Apple
My brother and I are 28 and 23 yrs, repsectively, visiting Big Apple June 19 for six days. Any recommendations for first time visitors, Manhatten only. We are Chinese Americans and on budget. Any recommendations are appreciated!!! Thanks!!
Kevin, posted 6/3/07
The French Laundry-Yountville
I forgot to mention that reservation person at FL that phone reservations are filled within 10-15 minutes every day. So, impossible to get thru, and they only accept reservations for each day a month in advance. If it is two months, sorry about the longer wait or am I having a senior moment?? (For clarification, FL does not take orders for like 43 days or 65 days later, etc., only 30 days later. Very crazy, but supply and demand, etc.
The French Laundry-Yountville
Hee, hee. The classic question on reservations at FL!! Four years ago on my birthday, and after repeated failures to get thru on phone (despite speed dial), I took the day off and drove the 60 miles from Hayward home arriving first thing in the morning at 9:30AM when opened. One other person from Santa Rosa was there like me, in person, and they gave each of us a reservation exactly 30 days in advance (not 2 months). My family of five (3 adult kids) had a very memorable +3 hours dining 30 days later. Was it worth it?? Good experience but value just not there, 3 dishes were fantastic, but 4 others so-so relative to price. Think a 2 stars in Paris much better taste. Another person who showed up few minutes later was a hotel concerige (sic?) making reservation for future guests (also 30 days later), so FL does not discriminate!! Good luck trying to get in. The reservation day was not lost, stayed for nice lunch at Buchon down the road and sampled several wineries, paradaise on a work day off!!
Chowhounders Dinner Review, Lee Hou, SF
Sunday Nite, 4/15, 12 Chowhounders celebrated Income Tax Day by having dinner at a favorite local Chinese restaurant for a crab feast in the Richmond district: Lee Hou, 332 Clement, SF. At the height of the crab season, crab prices could be as low as $8, but alas, tonight it was $12, but still worth it. Following regular chowhounders attended: hosts Melanie Wong, Cynthaia Sasaki, Ruth Lafler, Gordon Wing, Eugen Park, Yimster, Malik Kalfane, etc. It was my first time dining with these illustrious critics, so I was drafted to post with others to comment. Following dishes were sampled and my Chinese American thoughts:
1) Soup, Turtle with chicken feet & herb soup, - yes, turtle with bits of shell and some meat attached, nice tendons on chicken feet
2) soup, beef and chinese herb - not bad either, tasted home made like Mom's
3) 2 crabs made Hong Kong Aberdeen Hurrican Harbor style - deep fried, almost like salt and pepper but without the garlic, instead chile and scallion, very tasty and meaty
4) 2 crabs made standard ginger and scallion with sauce, also very good and messy, best eaten with fingers amongst friends
5) Lap Mai (preserved pork belly) with Lap Cheong (chinese sausage) and preserved duck and brocolli in rice clay pot - nicely done with the perfume and aromas of the three different meats in a large clay pot (2 orders) enought to feed the 12 diners
6) Another clay pot: salt fish with minced pork & rice in clay pot, another family classic and as good as it gets!! (if you like salt fish)
7) snow pea pod leaves, simply stir fried but so good, very yummy
8) fan shee (yam) leaves, again stir fry and just as good. We commented that years ago, yam an pea pod leaves were considered only good to feed pigs. Now it is over $2 to $5 a pound for organic foodies!!
9) special boned chicken stuffed with sticky rice - excellent and impossible to fix at home (or labor intensive), very tasty and for a local place, not bad.
10) bitter melon with shrimp in black bean sauce - love the true bitter taste and went well with the black beans, very traditional home cooking
11) simple stir dry fried noodles with chicken, I think, to end the meal.
12) but wait, the standard tong sui (red bean) dessert drink to satisfy dessert
13) fortune cookies
For me, I give it a 9.1 of 10 for this very satisfying meal. The restaurant was over 90% filled with local Chinese Americans, a sign that this is good food and good value.
The whole tab was $16 (includes tip & tax) per person. So, my wife and I enjoyed it with the other ten experienced diners. I will return, a good sign.
Others will reply also with their posts.
Diner101
San Jose Restaurant for College Graduation?
Need a restaurant for a college graduation dinner for our 3d and final adult son from San Jose State on Saturday, 5/26 in the San Jose area. Am experienced Bay Area foodie, but always stump when it's for large party of 18-20 people and holding down cost, about $30 per person, wide open for American, Italian, Chinese, etc, no restrictions. Considering Bella Mia, Il Fornaio, Dynasty (Chinese) on Story Rd. Looking for food and value, not care much about atmosphere or service since you can't eat them. Thanks in advance for your recommendations. I'm well aware of the SJ downtown restaurants near SJSU, 1st Street etc, but need fresh inputs and ideas.
Fried Chicken Special
The two Oakland places Nellies and Southern Cafe are just average, and excellent fried chicken does not exist, despite Chronicle list. Went to Southern Cafe twice, first time was fabulous, but second time was so bad and so disappointing. The wait at Southern is horrible, both times took over 30 - 40 minutes to get food. I did find a great and fantastic place in Hot Springs, South Dakota (yes!) last September on vacation and it used rice oil!!!! mentioned in the Chronicle. That fried chicken was a meal to remember. I cannot find a supplier of rice oil on internet, anyone know of source, tried Draeger, Whole Foods, Andronico without luck. No one has heard of rice oil!!!! Let me know if a source exists.
Diner 101
Recent visits to A16? what to order?
Our family of five was at A16 last December to celebrate our two adult sons birthdays (ages 28 and 23) and was first time for us at A16. Everything exceeded our expectations and A16 is one of my top five. I think it is better than Delfina, and prices are less! It was noisy, but we loved it and had everything: appetizer, pizza (great!), pasta, ordered the five entrees, dessert. We even found a parking space right in front of restaurant as a car was leaving around 6PM!!! Enjoy.
