Great places to noodle on in the Bay Area

Although January, we've had unseasonably sunny - but chilly - weather in the Bay Area.  The weather prompted me to pack up my camera and head to San Francisco for a day of outdoor shots and of course, food.  Although not planned our lunch and dinner places were somewhat similar in nature (Asian) and both meals involved noodles.  Lots of them. 

Luckily, I was in the mood for spicy, brothy and warm which both served up in spades.  The first, PPQ, is a great place to grab a quick and reasonably priced lunch.  The second, Ramen Parlor, is part of a small but growing empire of ramen houses located in San Mateo CA. 

All three have ramen in common (!!) but each has a distinct ambiance and will probably appeal to different diner's tastes.   Ramen Dojo has a darker interior and serves that amazing truffle scented version I love so much.  Santa Ramen serves good tasty ramen in a loud and busy atmosphere.  Oh, and you can always stop at Joanne Fabrics on the way out (it's in a small strip mall!)

Fried eggplant at Ramen Parlor

Although I loved the ramen at Ramen Parlor, the small bites are a must.  Make sure you try the beef skewers and the fried eggplant.  Skip the crab fried dumplings as the whole plate is a bit of a mess.  Any of the ramen bowls are a winner but beware:  the portions are fairly substantial so don't add the "extra noodles" unless you REALLY think you need them!  We didn't add them and were fine.

PPQ Beef Noodle House
1816 Irving St.
San Francisco, CA 94122

My standard fave:  the pork vermicelli salad with spring rolls.  The best of all worlds:  BBQ'ed pork, crispy spring rolls and flavorful vermicelli.  YUM.

Ramen Parlor
901 South B Street San Mateo, CA 94401-4207
(650) 344-9728

I ordered the ramen with the miso broth although I really wanted the pork flavor.  Because I had the pork vermicelli for lunch I thought it might be overkill until the dish arrived with big pieces of fatty pork on top!

As mentioned above, Santa Ramen and Ramen Dojo are in the same family as Ramen Parlor.  All have long lines so be patient because this won't be a quick hit for lunch unless you get very lucky.
 
Santa Ramen
1944 South El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94403
 
Ramen Dojo
805 South B Street
San Mateo, CA 94401

The Golden Gate Bridge:  always breath-taking!

Geraldine’s, Shanghai and MOD Pizza in Seattle / Bellevue

Seattle is well-known for coffee but should also be praised for interesting food trends and tastes in my opinion. I live in the Bay Area which has a plethora of fine food, but when headed to Seattle I put my adventurous spirit in high gear and get ready for gastronomic bliss.

Geraldine’s Counter
4872 Rainier Ave, Seattle
206-723-2080

From the airport we weren’t exactly sure where to go or what we were in the mood for. After a few minutes of indecision we hopped off the freeway and onto the south end of Rainier Avenue. Driving north – midway between Renton and Seattle – we paused in Columbia City where we noticed a packed place called Geraldine’s Counter. We stopped and added our name to the long and growing list waiting for a seat.

Geraldine’s is hoppin’ with good coffee and Americana-style comfort food. The French toast was crispy (fried?) and topped with a sweet blueberry compote and Geraldine’s breakfast casserole a combination of hashbrowns, sausage, eggs, cheese and spicy salsa. Note: I’d suggest splitting the casserole as it’s a very generous and filling portion for two.

This small stretch of Rainier Avenue is what I love most about Seattle: vibrant hot spots which sprout up and nurture the neighborhood spirit – and appetites – along the way.  Other noteables near Geraldine’s:

• Lottie’s Lounge
• Columbia City Bakery
• Tutta Bella Neopolitan Pizza
• Bob’s Meats
• KC’s Flowers

MOD Pizza (now has 5 locations!)
317 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
425-455-0141

Made-On-Demand Pizza oozes with good pies (all priced at $6.88 each – despite the number of toppings you choose) and an uber hip NW vibe. Industrial chic décor, a big pizza oven and that good ole Northwest version of cool make this the place – and trend – to watch (my opinion only.) The best part? The large tower of ding dongs (yes, the retro foil-wrapped cakes with white creamy center) at the end of the counter. I LOVE this place and want to see it in California!!!

Shanghai Café
12708 Southeast 38th Street, Bellevue, WA 98006
425-603-1689

It seemed like a tall order: Shanghai-style dumplings on Christmas Eve without a long drive. A quick online search led us to the highly-rated Shanghai (Factoria) and house-made dumplings served with soy + vinegar dipping sauce, garlicky green beans and honey walnut prawns. The one item we skipped but plan to order next time is the house hand-shaved noodles (green barley) which many raved about. Another trip, another visit to Shanghai Café!

Shrimp Etoueffe at Hudson's in Seattle

Hudson
5000 East Marginal Way South
Seattle WA  98134
206-767-4777

It doesn't come any better than this:  funky, eclectic restaurant located in an industrial area of Seattle and featuring comfort food done really, really well.

I chose the shrimp etouefee over cheesy grits and I have to say...I chose WELL.  Ridiculously rich and creamy with bits of peppers, tomatoes and shrimp all covering a large portion of grits plus eggs on the side.  Whoa. And although vowing to eat just half (uh...save calories) I gave up mid-plate and literally finished it all with a huge grin.

Once again I am reminded how well Seattle dishes up food and funkiness and for that, I bow down to greatness.

A magical meal at Michael Mina, San Francisco

Michael Mina

252 California St

San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 397-9222

Dining at Michael Mina in San Francisco was a treat that surprised and delighted this diner from start to finish.  From the warm greeting by the host and wait staff to full immersion in the sleek, sophisticated setting I eagerly anticipated a meal remember.                           
                                                                                                

Before launching into the details of the food I have to take a moment and applaud the attention-to-detail which prevailed throughout our meal.  Although reprimanded by my dining companion, I couldn’t help but lift the plates to see where they were produced.  Of course the server noticed and told us that all serveware had been commissioned by the restaurant (no doubt Mr. Mina himself) and produced by various artisans.  A very cool and personal touch carried throughout the meal.

We started the meal with oysters which were good, but the sauces and sides really made the overall experience superb.  Pimms cup, bloody Mary and basil French “granita” graced the platter alongside more traditional mignonette and cocktail sauce.  “Too ordinary” my dining companion said through slurps and I agreed. The basil French granita rocked the house – and our table too!

The shaved ice "granita" flavorings are at the top; bloody mary, pimms cup and basil French

                                                                                      

The ahi tuna tartar was a sight to behold and mixed tableside with ancho chile, sesame oil, pine nuts and mint.   A  favorite of mine since dining at the Las Vegas location and a great reminder of how I STILL love this dish!  The foraged mushroom risotto was fairly standard in ingredients but amazing in preparation (“the creamiest” proclaimed my dining companion) but it was the lobster potpie that really defined this meal.  

Less “potpie” and more buttery pastry, it’s decadence turned inside out on a very beautiful and delightful plate.  Big perfectly cooked chunks of lobster topped the pastry and were blanketed with a delicious savory sauce.  Total perfection and totally devoured.  A note to diners: we split this entrée which seemed like the right serving size given the richness of ingredients. 

Not your average pot pie!

While the appetizers and main dishes were spectacular it was truly “the little things” that won me over at Michael Mina. The amuse bouche featuring a mini grilled cheese and ginger-carrot soup on the side was both fun and sophisticated.  Rather than the tried-and-true bread and butter, Mina dished out little pots of rich silky ricotta with a swirl of thick honey on top.  And the lemony custard dish of sweet at the end sealed the deal:  the perfect meal, top to bottom in every way.    

For me, dining at Mina was the perfect gift for a foodie who loves a memorable, mind-blowing meal wrapped in the glitter and romance of the holiday season.  

Peace, love and joy to all those I hold dear.

A Day of Dumplings: China Village and Shanghai Dumpling Shop

It wasn't planned but for some strange reason I ended up awash in dumplings by the end of the day.   Dim sum at China Village kicked things off with Shanghai Dumpling Shop the finale.  Both places were super satisfying and a nice way to spend the bulk of my Sunday.  Okay, I did find other things to do during the day besides eat which makes everything seem a bit more acceptable (and it IS the holidays after all).

China Village
600 Ralston Avenue
Belmont, CA 94002

Today we made a run through all my favorites and then came back for a second dish of the fried tofu with shrimp and green onion garnish.  It was a combo of crunchy, creamy and well-seasoned goodness in small bites.  I admit it, I am still thinking of that dish and it's almost 11pm (yikes!)

Shanghai Dumpling Shop
455 Broadway
Millbrae, CA 94030

The pork dumplings are a "must try" item on the extensive - and inviting - menu.  Had I not gone overboard  at China Village earlier in the day I might have ordered more.  Instead we settled for the pork dumplings and ma po tofu (whoooo...spicy!)   I loved this place and can't wait to return.

Hint:  get there early.  The place was PACKED when we left (around 7:30 on a Sunday evening).

Amazing Asian Restaurants: Ramen Dojo, Silver House and Tuk Tuk Thai

Ramen Dojo
805 S B St
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 401-6568

Ramen Dojo is one of those places where you are going to wait and that’s just how it is.  But if you are patient you will be rewarded with the perfect ramen and toppings swimming around in a delectable broth.  Everyone in our party ordered the spicy pork except me because apparently the place ran out right as I was ordering (grrr!)

While the soy flavor was good, the  spicy pork with hint of truffle ramen my friends were slurping gave me envy and caused me to noodle on my next visit to Ramen Dojo (sorry, couldn't resist that!)

Silver House

2224 South El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 571-1298 ()

Like many who have tried Silver House, it’s true that some of the best items are found on the white board which needs some translation.  The item we chose, a steamed giant clam with clear noodles, arrived with a garlicky broth perfect for dipping rice once the noodles were gone.     If you try one thing at Silver House, try this and you won't be disappointed!

Tuk Tuk Thai in Berkeley

2468 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley CA  94704
510-540-6360

Good, well-priced Thai in a comfortable and quaint setting.  Like it’s namesake, Tuk Tuk actually has a Tuk Tuk located in the middle of the restaurant. 

Make sure you try one of the curries which are pleasantly spiced and richly flavored. 

Chotto, Wayfare Tavern, Charanga, Flora and Johnny's Harborside

My oh my how time flies.  Although the blog content on funfeasts is somewhat stale (sorry for the hiatus!) this Bay Area dining list will hopefully make up for some of the lost time. 

Not in any order, but here goes...

Chotto
3317 Steiner Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-441-2223

Chotto is a fun place to kick back and dig into small plates like the ever popular pork belly or more ambitious ramen noodles.   Great service!

Wayfare Tavern
558 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 772-9060

The flagship restaurant owned by Tyler Florence has a vintage look and feel plus a stellar menu that defies easy decisions when time to order.  Mac and cheese, a killer burger and salad with Green Goddess dressing all require careful selection.  But decide you must, and love this place...you will.

Charanga
2351 Mission Street
San Francisco CA
(415) 282-1813

What's not to love about this small Mission-based restaurant featuring "Pan Latin" cuisine?    My favorites:

• The ahi tuna marinated in lime, soy sauce and ginger
• Little Cuban meatballs
• Patatas bravas

There is a homey, authentic feel to Charanga which is complemented by the friendly, knowledgeable staff and well prepared food.  Yum.

Flora
1900 Telegraph
Oakland CA  94612
(510) 286-0100

A glance at the interior of Flora and you'll swear you've been transported back to the era of Prohibition and stylish flappers.   But the menu is all dressed up with your favorite classics and a nod to local, sustainable ingredients.

I played it "safe" with a burger and was not disappointed. Delish and perfectly cooked.

Johnny's Harborside
493 Lake Avenue
Santa Cruz CA  95062
(831) 479-3430

While cruising Santa Cruz recently I had a craving for fish and chips and landed at Johnny's Harborside.  Tucked away in a quaint harbor and serving up fine sea-worthy fare, Johnny's doesn't disappoint.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Feeling the need for something "new but classic" I recently whipped up a batch of blue cheese dressing for a grilled chicken salad.  Although a tad rich keep in mind - a little goes a long way.

·         1 cup mayo

·         ½ cup sour cream (you can use “light” if preferred)

·         ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional)

·         1-2 tablespoon(s) lemon juice or vinegar

·         1 teaspoon minced garlic

·         6 dashes of worcestshire

·         4 oz. crumbled blue cheese

·         Salt / pepper to taste

Process all ingredients in food processor until smooth. 

Recipe courtesy of the “Joy of Cooking"

Whoopie pies. For kids of all ages.

What do you get when you crave chocolate and feel a bit nostalgic?  WHOOPIE pies.

Cakey, chocolate-y whoopie pies. 

These tasty little chocolate cake-lets filled with marshmallow buttercream are so named because supposedly kids would yell "whoopie" when they made an appearance.  I do think adults WANT to shout that out but instead just gobble them down and smile profusely.

If you are so inclined to buy a pan specifically designed to bake the cakey outer pieces..don't.  A standard baking sheet for the recipe below will suffice.  I do admit the marshmallow fluff (isn't that a great name?) is a bit ooey gooey and tends to stick to everything so consider yourself forewarned!

Whoopie Pies  (recipe courtesy of epicurious.com)

For cakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg

For filling

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
• 2 cups marshmallow cream such as Marshmallow Fluff
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Make cakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until combined. Stir together buttermilk and vanilla in a small bowl.

Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer or 5 minutes with a handheld, then add egg, beating until combined well. Reduce speed to low and alternately mix in flour mixture and buttermilk in batches, beginning and ending with flour, scraping down side of bowl occasionally, and mixing until smooth.

Spoon 1/4-cup mounds of batter about 2 inches apart onto 2 buttered large baking sheets. Bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until tops are puffed and cakes spring back when touched, 11 to 13 minutes. Transfer with a metal spatula to a rack to cool completely.

Make filling:

Beat together butter, confectioners sugar, marshmallow, and vanilla in a bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.

Assemble pies:

Spread a rounded tablespoon filling on flat sides of half of cakes and top with remaining cakes.

Now get ready to yell whoopie!

Scenes from Shasta

Beautiful!

The flavors of summer...tomatoes and homemade ricotta

My idea of summer fast food

Beautiful colors and amazing flavor make this my "go-to" summer dish!

Tomatoes and a bit of mozzarella?  Check. Lemons & basil (in the garden) You bet!  Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper for a delicious and healthy snack.  Yum!

An Edible Education in Berkeley CA



A welcoming sign at the Edible Schoolyard

What do you get when you combine amazing vision, culinary curiosity and a vacant, asphalt lot located adjacent to Martin Luther King Jr Middle School in Berkeley CA? The Edible Schoolyard (ESY), an organic garden and kitchen classroom which integrates food concepts into the school curriculum for hands-on training and learning during the year. 

A simple lesson in putting things back in their proper spot:  color coded tools used in the garden.

Geoff the cheerful gardener shows off expert raking technique!

A recent tour gave me a close up view of the people and operations plus a healthy dose of respect for the person who started it all. That person being Alice Waters, the venerable force behind the original sustainable, local food movement and proprietor of Chez Panisse in Berkeley CA.

At the base level it’s easy to think “it’s just gardening or cooking” (for anyone who’s ever taken a Home Economics class – this is not IT). The really cool thing going on here is that students are not simply learning WHAT to eat, they are learning how to make – and grow - the things they will eat. The row of corn in the garden will, most likely, end up on a student’s plate having been cooked by fellow students. And in addition to the cooking itself students undergo a fairly intensive knife and kitchen accessories training to learn the basics (eg., “how not to cut yourself with a super sharp knife”).



Kitchen "toolbox" with handy laminted card of contents.



If only my pantry at home were this organized...

It’s really brilliant, in the end. Instead of preaching to kids “do this, don’t eat this” the folks at the Edible Schoolyard are saying “eat more greens, here’s how to get them on your plate – and love them too!” If you will, it’s definitely a carrot (albeit an organic) rather than stick approach.

I’m not sure if this is exactly what Alice Waters intended but it surely struck a chord with me. The program participants will leave middle school with extensive food knowledge and beyond-basic cooking skills they will carry - and share - throughout life.  As corny as it sounds, the seeds have been planted and it will be interesting to see the proliferation of this knowledge. 

Perhaps in 5-10 years an edible schoolyard program in each city across the US will become the norm rather than the exception.  I think the folks at Chez Panisse are on to something here?!

Outstanding in the Field 2011 - Secret Sea Cove

Secret Sea Cove table - for 175 guests!

I felt like I was preparing for a big race but in reality I just wanted a much-coveted seat at the Secret Sea Cove event hosted by Outstanding in the Field. Computer on and mouse in hand I was at the ready and anxiously watching the clock the day tickets went on sale. When the time clicked to "start" I quickly dove into the foodie frenzy and as the dust settled I emerged victorious - I was going to dine on the beach!

First figs of the season with Laura Chenel goat cheese and aged balsamic

The premise of Oustanding in the Field is to "re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it." Every year the crew publishes a schedule of events across the country (soon to be Canada and Europe) where diners and vendors alike share a meal served in an unbelievable setting. Locations range from the beach to a vineyard or country barn.

Guests bring their own plates for a fun, colorful tabletop!

Dining and sharing "family style" allows for engaging conversation (mainly about food!) and an instant connection with those at the table. Add in an all-star meal prepared by a local chef (in our case, a chef from the Claremont in Berkeley) and you can pretty much count on a memory to savor far into the future.

The Secret Sea Cove event is by far the most popular (just take a look at the setting and table!) and, despite the +$200 per ticket price was sold out in about 10 minutes. We, the lucky attendees, dined on dishes which incorporated local seafood such as Hog Island oysters, crab cakes, Halibut and cedar planked King salmon. A dessert of "s'mores on the beach" featuring local chocolate artisan Tcho Chocolate made for a sweet ending indeed.

Dungeness crab cake, heirloom tomato salad and basil aoli paired with a 2010 Joyce "Steele" Chardonnay

Cedar planked salmon (as luscious as it looks!) paired with a 2009 Joyce Pinot Noir

Tomales Bay "clam bake"

Halibut with morels, sweet English peas, asparagus, spring onions and truffle

As we lingered beside the bonfire with our newfound friends I had to marvel at the vision of a crew devoted to fresh, locally sourced food and their ability to pull off such a dining feat. Hat's off to you and hope to see everyone next year (at a different event!)

In season: sand dabs, green beans and fruit galore!

My mantra this season for traversing the local farmer's market is "try something new" when I can.  By "new" I might buy something I'm used to but try a new cooking method or way of preparation.  This is how I discovered that young fava beans make for great grillin' - and you can eat the pod AND beans inside.  Or that sometimes the overlooked fish at the meat counter looks much better under a cornmeal crust and served alongside garlicky aoli.

Right now, one such fish in season is the sand dab.  These are small white fish with really big bones in the center which require a lot of patience and care.  Once the bones have been removed we soak the fillets in milk and then batter them in a cornmeal, paprika, salt, pepper combo.  We then give them a quick deep fry.  There, I said it.  Deep fry.


Tasty, crunchy sand dabs
















It's something I rarely do, but every once in a while I pull out my vintage "fry daddy" when the occasion calls for it.  I was only slightly concerned when my significant other asked if I had a fire extinguisher nearby (I don't) and if I was concerned about whether this contraption would work (I wasn't).  This one came to me by way of eBay - I also have the smaller version...the "fry baby" (how ridiculous!)


Vintage Fry Daddy - it's the best!

 Other things popping up at the local Bay Area farmer's markets include:  loads of raspberries, some decently tart blueberries, lots of apricots and peaches (these seem a tad under-ripe, may be due to the weather) and green beans.  Perhaps because of the extended and rainy weather this year all fresh fruit and veggies seem that much more welcome on my dinner table so I say...let's get this garden pah-tay started!

Peas, zucchini and lots of fruit at the market and in season!

I feel as though the weather is a frequent topic of mine lately which is spurred on by all the rain. In an effort to make sure all the fruit and veggies didn't go back into hibernation with the chilly weather I recently stopped by the local farmer's market for a quick walk-through.

A few things caught my eye; namely the zucchini, peas and strawberries. The zucchini was a nice addition to a dinner of wild king salmon and the strawberries ended up as freezer jam (my favorite!) The peas are destined for a much-adored salad I rarely see on restaurant menus or summer picnics anywhere these days.
While not exactly fat free, Summer Pea Salad is both delicious AND beautiful in presentation. Add a bit of diced red pepper or tomato for some additional color and then stand back as your dish disappears before your eyes!


Summer Pea Salad
16 oz of peas (frozen or fresh*)
1 can sliced waterchestnuts (8 oz) - drained and finely chopped
2 green onions - thinly sliced
1/4 cup diced red pepper or tomato
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
5 bacon slices - cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Salt to taste

*make sure to shell the peas before adding to salad!
Mix peas, waterchestnuts, onions, diced red pepper, cheese and bacon in a bowl.   Add the ranch dressing, pepper and mix together.  Chill until served.

Enjoy and happy summer!

Bay Area Day Trips; Carmel and St. George Distillery in Alameda

Quick getaways are in abundance in the Bay Area and with a 3 day weekend on the horizon it's never too late for spontaneity.  Here are two for those 21 and way older!

Carmel Valley Road

Right off Cabrillo highway and studded with wineries, shops and restaurants the Carmel Valley Village area is a fun place to while away the afternoon.

Stop for lunch at the Corkscrew Cafe for wood-fired pizza or a grilled Portobello sandwich. Then pick yourself up with a wine flight (or tasting, as they like to call it!) at Georis which is conveniently located a few doors down. The serene setting will make you want to sit out the rest of the afternoon under the big tree in the center. But if you're motivated move along, there's still plenty to see in the vicinity or within a short drive.








Georis



We opted for a short drive to Chateau Julien which was closed to the public for a private party. No matter. The beautifully manicured grounds make for a nice photo opportunity (as noted by the other person also loaded down with big camera and large lens!)

Chateau Julien

Alameda

The next day we were on tap to meet friends for my favorite - dim sum - in Alameda. If you've never been (and live close) East Ocean is not to be missed. With the usual din of loud dishes and people plus good food passing by in a steady stream - you can't help but feel more prepared for the day after a visit. I joked that I could sit there all day and order another round of food at which point my friends seemed stunned into silence!

Shiny clean machines

Many barrels of fun!

St. George Spirits (down the road from Rosenblum winery) is located on the now defunct Alameda base. Although I admit I don't love spirits - unless doused with a heavy amount of sugar - I do love seeing how things are made (find it fascinating!) A tour of the hanger along with explanation of the distilling process (15 pounds of bartlett pears for one bottle of eau de vie) is definitely worth the trek to Alameda. And if you are NOT the DD, you can taste a variety of spirits made on the premises.

Finally, it's noteworthy to add that the tasting room has an unobstructed view of San Francisco. As you are mulling over "how DID 15 pounds of fruit end up in a rather slim bottle of eau de vie?" a quick glance at the amazing city view will remind you that maybe you just don't - or can't - care at that moment.

Hangar 21

My Kauai - 2011

The last time I set foot in Kauai was almost two years ago and fond memories of the tropical setting, hiking trails and temperate weather were calling me. With a strong desire to leave the wet, chilly Bay Area weather behind (and they call this Spring?) I couldn't say "Aloha" - or book my plane ticket - fast enough.

As the plane touched down my visions of sunny, humid weather quickly gave way to thunderstorms and rain showers for a few days. Yes, I said it. A few days.  And I wondered what I'd do besides look at chickens roaming freely (from a hurricane a long time ago) and hearing thunder roll (which is much more interesting in a movie than in a too-small Harley Davidson themed hotel room). Someone, somewhere had a sense of humor. It just wasn't me.

All funny stuff aside, it really did pour. And just when I started to think the trip to Costco would be a shining moment the sun came out to christen the tropical wonderland of Kauai.





















With the weather finally on our side we took advantage of the beach plus sampled food from both ends of the price - and formality - spectrum. I've listed not only the eateries but also the places we stayed in case you are planning your own Kauai vacation.

Hotels

Hotel Coral Reef

Hotel Coral Reef

On the Beach
4-1516 Kuhio Highway
Kapaa, Hawaii 96746
808.82.4481

This is a family run business and it's pretty low key. Want to rent a movie? You simply select from a stack and take it back to your room. Just don't expect any Netflix-like selection - or late fees - because the cost is a very acceptable:  free.

Rooms are clean and most have a nice ocean view. The pool? It's ok but if you stay here the real allure is that you can hang on the beach nearby. Unless, of course, it's pouring.

Overall, the Hotel Coral Reef is close to the beach, close to some good eating places and generally well-priced. And yes, this is where we encountered the Harley Davidson themed room!

Ko'a Kea
At Poipu Beach
2251 Poipu Road
Koloa Hawaii 96756
808.828.8888

Ko'a Kea, simply put, is all about making the people who stay feel welcomed and wanted. The staff is lovely as is the hotel itself with a bar poolside and a pretty great restaurant to round things out. In fact, don't even think about skipping a breakfast of eggs benedict with the pancetta hash. It's sinful but amazingly delicious (and calorie free I am told!)

At almost twice the price of the Coral Reef, it's not a steal. But factor super comfy rooms, a pool spanning the center of the hotel property and a good swimming and snorkeling beach right in front and the value starts to add up.

As a friend put it: "If you're going to splurge, this is the place to do it" and she's right. Given the chance I'd do it all over again and next time order two servings of eggs benedict!

Tuna at Ko'a Kea - stunning presentation!















Food

Mermaids Cafe
1384 Kuhio Highway
Old Kapaa Town
808.821.2026

This is a take out place where they serve fresh fish regularly caught by the Mermaids crew. In addition to the locally caught fish, the crew helps out at the nearby vegetable garden where much of the produce is produced.

We enjoyed a tuna wrap with wasabi cream and a fresh lemonade. Prices super reasonable and food is fresh. A nice start to the trip!

Pono Market
4-1300 Kuhio Highway
Kapaa, HI
808.822.4581

Also located in Old Kapaa Town, this place is easy to miss but do look for it because they have good sandwiches and lunch plates for a quick and easy bite. I personally like the tuna poke (raw tuna with soy and other delectable additions) served at the deli counter. Delish!

Kauai Pasta
4-939 Kuhio Highway #B
Kapaa Hawaii 96749

We enjoyed a pretty simple but very tasty dinner of pasta marinara and salad. Like the other places listed, this was not a wallet buster but beware: the large portions are best split between two people (we learned our lesson!)

Puka Dogs
Poipu Shopping Village
2650 Kiahuna Plantation Dr.
KOLOA /HAWAII 96756
808.742.6044
http://www.pukadog.com/

Recommended by a friend and located near the Koa Kea. Their specialty?  Grilled hot dogs in homemade buns with your choice of salsa (pineapple, mango etc.) and condiments on the side. My take? Good, but a hot dog, chips and fresh squeezed lemonade (while tasty) landed somewhere around $19.50.

The gelato place next door though (can't remember the name) is another story. YUM. I ordered the Salt Pond (flavor?) which doesn't really conjure up the right image but had a curiously addictive salty sweet taste I couldn't - and didn't - resist.

Waimea Brewing Company
9400 Kaumualii Hwy
Waimea, HI 96796

Probably had the best tuna poke we tried on the island!  A big plus: the sun came out long enough for us to sit back after hiking the Waimea Canyon and enjoy the setting. Really loved this place.

Pomodoro Italian Ristorante
2-2514 Kaumualii Highway
Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 332-5945 ‎

Met the owner who moved from Manhattan by way of New Jersey. Her husband is from Italy and cooks up the homemade pastas and sauces which made me swoon. The dinner rolls are homemade (yum) and the waiter gave me a great tip: take olive oil and balsamic - half and half - then add freshly grated parmesan to make a dip for the rolls. Something I must try at home!

The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant
5-5016 Kuhio Highway
808.826.6113
We drove up to Princeville and stopped for a quick bite. Loved the drinks and the onion rings (wow - wasn't that a random comment!)

Must Do

Helicopter ride over the island. We went through Jack Harter to secure seats in a 4-person open air helicopter for roughly $500 (two people). If you want a good view of the island and a photo session, this is not to be missed!

A view from above

Back to reality

I've been back at work for a few days and my tan is fading almost as fast as the supposed "vacation glow". But if I close my eyes and listen carefully I can almost hear the waves crashing and feel the peacefulness which comes from a nothing-to-do state of mind and drink in hand. Mahalo!

This is the life!

Bar Agricole

Bar Agricole
355 11th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 355-9400

Bar Agricole is a beautifully architected restaurant with a hip trendy scene to match the decor. 

In terms of the dining and food, my favorite dish was the sheeps milk gnudi served over escarole with a fairly strong hint of butter (not a bad thing, of course). Also noteworthy were the braised beef shortribs and cauliflower.
 
Before you leave do take a moment to check out the really cool light fixtures.  They are like huge pieces of art floating above the crowd.

Cotogna - San Francisco

Cotogna
490 Pacific Avenue
San Francisco CA 94133
415.775.8508
http://www.cotognasf.com/

Cotogna is a new hot spot specializing in Italian fare. What I liked about this restaurant – other than the food – the atmosphere. Homey, warm and not too loud (a component of restaurants that seems off the chart these days to me!) What I liked less: the waiter who seemed annoyed when I opted for “no white wine because I prefer red”.

Because there were so many interesting things on the menu, we decided not to hold back:
• Roasted squid – smoky and tender
• Warm ricotta with artichokes and salt roasted onions – a “must order” dish served atop crunchy bread
• Raviolo –consists of one large housemade ravioli with a semi cooked egg inside. Pierce the outer to hit the ooey, gooey inner for the rich, luscious sauce which ensues. A bit extravagant (I believe the one ravioli was about $16) but your taste buds will definitely thank you.
• Roasted pork. Cotogna is known for slow roasted meats, perfectly cooked. I felt our dish was succulent and cooked perfectly.

My dining companion felt the pork was a bit too ordinary but frankly I think some of the best dishes are simple but well done. The visit to Cotogna seemed to prove out my food theory.

Frances, San Francisco - reservations are worth the wait!

Frances
3870 17th Street
San Francisco CA 94114
415.621.3870
info@frances-sf.com

The never ending quest to try “the best of” leads me to Frances which has been on my list (and Michael Bauer’s too) for a while. Too lazy to get in line for a reservation but lucky enough to have an equally adventurous (and planning-minded) friend I finally made it to Frances. The wait was worth it.

With a menu that avoids the standard fare, it’s also standard enough with a twist to make it interesting. A sampling of what we ordered:

• applewood smoked bacon beignets with maple crème fraiche and chive, panisse frites
• crispy chickpea fritters and calabrese chili aoli (yum!)
• Dungeness crab salad with tarragon vinaigrette and Owari Satsuma mandarin
• Five Dot bavette steak – toasted faro, maitake, baby fava beans (the best dish for our night)

An interesting concept at Francis, they leave a large carafe of wine on the table and you can pour at your leisure. If you want just a small taste, you are billed by the ounce. Nice and smart although we did empty the entire carafe!

PPQ (San Francisco) and Saigon City (San Mateo) - Vietnamese food

PPQ Dungeness Island
Specializing in roasted crab
2332 Clement @25th Ave
San Francisco CA 94121
415.386.8266
http://www.ppqdungeness.com/

Saigon City
Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
418 East 3rd Avenue
San Mateo CA 94401
650.349.8878

Looking for a casual, tasty bite that won’t rob your pocketbook of it’s contents? Two places come to mind and both serve a bevvy of good bites.

PPQ Dungeness Island is, obviously, a restaurant focused on crab. However, the rainy day called for a steaming bowl of pho with noodles nestled in a flavorful broth and dotted with pieces of tender chicken. Yum. And cheap (in the best possible way!)

Another good option outside the city is Saigon City in San Mateo. A favorite dish to order is the imperial rolls and the pho. The imperial rolls because they arrive with a big pile of lettuce, rice noodles and a tangy fish sauce. It’s like the best of both worlds: fried food AND salad, which of course cancels out the “fried” part!

A Grand Cafe in Midtown - The National, NYC

The National
557 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10022
212.715.2400
http://www.thenationalnyc.com/

Our last day in NY and our last meal. What I wanted was brunch fare but not the $45 buffet offered by our hotel. I told the concierge with a rather straight face I wanted good food at a decent price and could feel my significant other cringe as I dug my heels in and stood by my ridiculous comment (this was at the Waldorff-Astoria, by the way).

The hotel concierge suggested The National because “the food is good and it has a nice atmosphere”. What caught my attention was this comment: “you’ll think it’s expensive but it’s not. They hired a good interior decorator”. At the time I thought this was odd, but he was 100% right. It’s a beautifully designed restaurant which makes you feel both comfortable and GRAND at the same time.

Since pork belly seemed to be the dish of the week, my companion ordered the pork belly benedict. For some reason I can’t avoid cheese grits when they are on the menu and this day was no exception, I ordered them topped with poached eggs. Both dishes were good, but the benedict was downright amazing. Next time, I’ll have what he’s having and skip the food envy!

Momofuku ssam bar in NYC - the steamed pork belly buns really are THAT good!

Momofuku
Ssam Bar
207 2nd Avenue
NYC 10003
212.254.3500
http://www.momofuku.com/restaurants/ssam-bar/

“We’ll never get in” was my optimistic response to the long line of people waiting for a seat in this small venue. Grumble grumble plus a few minutes and poof – we were seated at the bar!

So I’ll admit we ordered many delicious concoctions here but my favorite was the steamed pork belly buns. Decadent, fatty and rich but also exploding with flavor it’s no wonder Momofuku is famous for this amazing dish. A sampling of other items:

• Bread & butter – sea salt butter, whipped lardo (I was fascinated by the lardo, don't know why!!!)
• American Wagyu tataki – sweet potato, radish, yuzu
• Baised oxtail dumplings – turnip, Satsuma, shia kombu (BF's favorite)
• Roasted duck – pate, chana dal, date

I must note there were whole sections of the menu which were left untouched and will await a future visit to NYC and Momofuku.

Locanda Verde NYC

Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St
(corner of N.Moore and Greenwich)
New York, NY 10013
(212) 925-3797
http://locandaverdenyc.com/

Had I not received such a hearty recommendation for Locanda Verde by a co-worker I might have dismissed it for the late night reservation (10pm) and long line at the bar. Still on West Coast time and wide awake we decided to give in and wait for a table. We were not disappointed.

Starters included:
• Crispy pig salad – smoked-poached farm egg and truffle vinaigrette. Note: the pork was shredded and then molded into “cubes” and deep fried for a rather unusual, but tasty, presentation.
• Fritto misto of rock shrimp and Ipswich clams. The most interesting part of this dish was the shisito peppers (a bit of the right amount “of bite) although overall well executed.

The server recommended the gigantone with Sunday night ragu and provolone picante which made me downright giddy. Although somewhat full from the starters I was determined to clean my plate (and did!)

A wood fired pork chop with crushed yukons and peperonata agro-picante was well-received by my dining companion. Of course I could barely take my fork away from the pasta so only vaguely remember the bite offered!

Although reviews frequently mention the oatmeal cookies with sweet, frosting-like filling we were told they are only available during the day. Bummer because it meant a separate trip the next day but the cookies were so good!

Our late night dinner was capped by the toffee date cake, rum vanilla gelato and blood oranges. By the end of our meal I’d forgotten the time but was ready for bed.

The Office (San Carlos), Prospect & Creperie Saint Germain (San Francisco) + more!

I recently uttered the words "I rarely eat out" and then a list of restaurants I visited in January suddenly, magically, appeared.  Seems I made good use of all the wonderful dining options here in the Bay Area this past month as I caught up with friends and family missed during the holiday shuffle.  Here is a sampling:

Osteria Coppa (San Mateo). Well-reviewed in the SF Chronicle which called out the housemade pastas and pizzas. Smaller plates of flavorful food plus a bustling atmosphere made this a winner.  139 South B. Street, San Mateo CA 94401.  650.579.6021.

Skool (San Francisco).  The premise is simple:  sustainable seafood served in a casual but trendy setting.  I liked the ceviche and the service.  1725 Alameda Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.  415.255.8800.

Prospect (San Francisco).  Another well-reviewed restaurant (made the top 10 list for 2010!) by the Chronicle.  High ceilings and an ultra cool setting elicited an "ooh and ahh" from me.   I also liked the food of course but be warned:  this is a big plate place with small portions of foams and eye-catching inventive-ness.  The flavors and textures worked for me but not so much for my dining companion.  It's a nice date night place if you want some "show" in terms of food and atmosphere (and no, I wasn't on a date).  300 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105.  415.247.7770.

Heirloom Cafe (San Francisco).  Homey atmosphere with non-homey food.   One of those menus where you want to order just about everything.  Instead we shared the dungeness crab salad (seeing a lot of crab on the menu since it's in season right now) bacon onion tart (can't really go wrong with bacon in a tart shell!) and the roasted yam risotto with chanterelles.  Stellar food and stellar service.  2500 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94110.  415.821.2500.

Brickhouse Cafe (San Francisco).  Lunch place close to work where I downed a  salad with crisp greens plus a cup of tangy tomato soup. What more can I say?  426 Brannan, San Francisco CA 94107.  415.369.0222.

The Black Rooster (Folsom, CA).  Always on the lookout for antique shops and good food, we stumbled upon both while in Folsom.  After peering in all those dusty shops at countless books and furniture we were in the mood for a bite so we selected the place with the endorsement by Sunset Magazine in the window.  I ordered the soup of the day (chicken noodle) and my companion ordered the lobster bisque.  Both were excellent (although a tad salty).   The veggie panini was everything it was supposed to be:  crispy on the outside with melty cheese and semi-snappy veggies on the inside.  Delish and well priced.   807 Sutter Street, Folsom CA  95630.  916.357.0115.

Mingalaba Restaurant (Burlingame, CA).  The persistent line in front made me want to try this place after some mind-bending shopping at Sephora (hey, a girl's gotta have a new lipstick every now and then!)  This was another place I liked but my dining companion was 50-50.  I think the kicker was that we had to request our specialty lemonades more than a few times and the pumpkin curry was somewhat non-descript.  Overall, I would go back.  Not sure I'd wait again though.  1213 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010.  650.343.3228.

Creperie Saint Germain (San Francisco, CA).  Someone in our office had the brilliant idea to have the staff come into our office and make crepes.  They were sooooo good I made a pig of myself and ate two:  one wickedly decadent chicken version with mushrooms, tomato, spinach and bechemal sauce and one with the standard nutella/banana combination.  I am actually drooling right now while remembering this lunch because it was THAT good.  222 Second Street, San Francisco CA 94105.  415.706.9733.

The Office (San Carlos, CA).  Finally, just what the good folks in San Carlos needed:  a lively bar with fire pits in front for the chilly nights in the Bay Area (I can hear the East Coast contingency groan right now!)  Seriously, this joint was formerly a real estate office turned into a food and beer place.  Whoever is running the grill deserves a medal for not over-cooking the burgers on both visits.  And the bacon mac n cheese with a hint of truffle oil....don't even get me started!  1748 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA  94070.  650.642.4141.

La Foret (San Jose, CA).  This out-of-the-way dining establishment serves food that never goes out of style in a classic, polished setting.  Specializing in wild game - always expertly prepared - and a myriad of other fine dishes it's hard to go wrong when ordering unless you forget to pre-order your dessert souffle at the start. I dined on an Australian Lobster Tail which was so perfectly cooked I didn't - couldn't - offer up any to share with those at the table.  21747 Bertram Rd. San Jose, CA 95120.  408.997.3548.