Funfeasts

Cabo Delights

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 21:00:00 +0000

San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas

About a week before our vacation, someone, somewhere asked "where are you going?" I blurted out "Cancun" and my friend - at the same time - said "Cabo". Houston...we've got a problem.

Cancun was my first choice for a seaside destination so I admit I didn't expect to to love this vacation or Cabo too much...but I did.   I loved San Jose del Cabo because it was as much about the breath-taking scenery and amazing food as it was the incredible warmth from the people we met along the way.   And our newfound friends indulged my quest for tasty tacos by trekking around in a relentless pursuit of pescado perfection (and carne asada too!)

It all started with a simple order of fish tacos at the Hilton where I was instantly hooked: flaky local fish garnished with salsa and chipotle cream plus a watermelon mint beverage to wash it all down. My version of poolside bliss.

Next up: Asi y Asado located on the main road between San Jose and Cabo (across from Costco.) Asi y Asado features a taco-focused menu with my favorites being the pescado and arrachera topped with a cabbage-y coleslaw, beans, cilantro and avocado sauce. If you go, make sure to order the hibiscus tea!

A stop at Las Guacamayas (San Jose) resulted in tacos al pastor - marinated pork on a vertical rotisserie carved to order - and thin-rolled fried cheese as an appetizer. The food and atmosphere felt authentic and the crowd very non-touristy. A fun way to cap my

Cabo-taco-extravaganza!

Other great places for food include French Riviera and CasaDahlia - both in San Joseas well. French Riviera dishes out a bevy of fine fare which includes delicious chocolate croissants and cheese from...you guessed it...

France

. Casa Dahlia (within walking distance) serves up art by day and wood-oven pizzas by night in the ultra charming garden courtyard. This is where we met Hector and Lisa who become our vacation mentors and food-finding friends during our stay.

At Hector's urging we signed up for a Sunset Cruise on the Eco Cat which turned out to be delightful and memorable. We took in the beautiful scenery and open air surrounded by friendly staffers armed with drinks and offering impromptu dance lessons. Cost is about $35USD - a bargain for what you get in return.

All in all I've been on my share of trips which were nothing special and those that were stellar in memory. This one takes stellar and wraps it around the earth a few times before landing on spectacular as the top prize. And it all comes back to the amazingly cool, supremely gracious people we met who introduced us to arrachera tacos, hibiscus tea and dancing on deck of the sunset cruise.

So to Hector, Lisa, Tammy and everyone else - muchas gracias!

More to see and do in Cabo and the surrounding area

Voila - San Jose del Cabo - this is a home decor store + courtyard cafe
Las Guacamayas - San Jose del Cabo | calle marinos col chamizal, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Must try: tacos al pastor and the thin rolled fried cheese appetizer.
La Taquiza- Av. Leona Vicario S/N Col. | Centro Entre Revolucion y Carranza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Tacos in an open-air venue (Located right next to Paisas which is supposed to be good too - but they were closed when we stopped for lunch.)

Art Galleries

Galeria de ida Victoria - beautiful gallery with great, interesting pieces of art

Raweli Gallery/Bruce Herman Photography

Just plain fun

Eco Cat Sunset Cruise - Awesome - fun crew and amazing scenery and a bargain at $35USD (May 2012)

Lodging

Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort & Spa. The pro's: the beach and swimming are close. Also, this is a good place to stay if you want a lively, party-like atmosphere.

El Encanto (San Jose) - We didn't stay here but I will next time. Super cute with a great courtyard pool and a small chapel in the back.

Casa Natalia (San Jose) - We didn't stay here either but this was heavily recommended by Hector (which tells me it's great)

Transportation - to and from the airport

Terramar 1.314.754.8808. Cost: approx. $107USD. Yes, it's pricey and a taxi is a better bargain. However, if you want a nice, soft landing once you are in the area, this is a good way to go.

A day in Half Moon Bay + Pasta Moon

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

When the weather report calls for clear skies and hot weather I love nothing more than a trip to Half Moon Bay. Usually I spend my time on the beach taking in a walk. This trip was a bit more leisurely with a focus on food and Main street.

The day we were in HMB we made a beeline for Toque Blanche, a kitchen store at the South end of Main street. Serendipity was at play and we were treated to a culinary display by Martin Yan, the celebrated Master Chef of Chinese cuisine and host of Yan Can Cook. Nothing whips up a good appetite like a cooking demonstration (ok, and a good long jog!) so we moved on to Pasta Moon down the street.

What a treat! Martin Yan (Yan Can Cook) demonstrating knife skills. Sponsored by the very cool Toque Blanche culinary store next door.

Pasta Moon is one of my favorite restaurants because of the warm, inviting atmosphere, just-right buzz of conversation from the other guests and food with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The day we dined the feature was a fresh pea salad with lima beans which I could not pass up. Although a little excessive we ordered multiple items (for lunch) which allowed us to taste-test more dishes.

A beautiful sea of green: lima beans and peas dressed in a tangy lemony dressing topped with a bit of cheese. Delish.

Tagliatelle with a slow-cooked pork sauce. We split the half order which was a nice lunch size.

Testing complete: the meal was a standout :)

If you are planning a visit to Half Moon Bay and want to know about events at Toque Blanche check this link.

Pasta Moon
315 Main St # C
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-5125

To add flair to our day we stopped at the farmers market right off main street. Just the perfect size and mix of local vendors.

Palm Springs eternally vintage

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Want the ultimate in getaways? Then consider Palm Springs where it's like a trip times two: you can immerse yourself in a host of activities AND travel back in time to the 60's. A short stay will reset your attitude and you too will depart feeling like an official member of the rat pack.

The decor at the Orbit In boutique hotel

For the outdoor enthusiasts Joshua Trees offers breaktaking scenery and great photo opportunities.

Joshua Tree at sunset

Downtown palms in Palm Springs

Check out the Cabazon dinos while on your way to the outlets where they have the best of the luxury brands.

Dinos in the desert!

Where we stayed
Orbit In
562 W Arenas
Palm Springs CA 92262
877.996.7248
Where we dined
Lulu
California Bistro
200 S. Palm Canyon at Arenas
760.327.9898

Santana's
Burritos (yum)
61761 29 Palms Hwy
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
(760) 366-8263
Seriously killer burritos and homemade salsas. A great place to stop for lunch on your way
to Joshua Tree.

Cabazon Outlets
48750 Seminole Drive #100
Cabazon, CA 92230
(951) 922-3000

Cheesemaking 101

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:17:00 +0000

The idea of making my own cheese had been brewing for a while so I finally enrolled in a class. Taught by the SF Milk Maid and hosted by Cuesa (the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) we were treated to hands-on learning and snacks along the way.

We each received a small disk of cheese - or crottin (goat cheese) - to take home (aging requires about 8 weeks) and a small supply of materials to make more. Below are pictures from my first batch made at home, this time with raw cow's milk (hard to find but seemed worth it). I bought the milk at Lunardi's in Belmont CA.

For more on where to buy a basic kit or a recipe, click here. And if you have source for fresh goat milk please drop a note: funfeasts@gmail.com.

Crottin (cow's milk cheese) - awaiting removal from the mold

Outside the mold and ready for aging (8 weeks)

Seattle stops: Hudson's and Daily Dozen Donuts

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:30:00 +0000

I haven't lived in Seattle for years but each time my feet touch down it takes about a nano-second and then it's like I never left. The pace, slight chill in the air and even occasional bouts of gray pull me back and I'm once again a Pacific Northwesterner.

Today we made the usual loop of breakfast and a stop at Pike Place Market...with a twist. The twist is that I have a new favorite breakfast joint - Hudson's - which I've written about before but couldn't resist as an encore. Yummy biscuits served alongside savory sausage gravy plus crunchy, tender chicken fried steak make for the perfect blend of comfort breakfast at its satisfying best.

Biscuits & gravy at Hudson's

Next stop: Pike Place Market. Once again, no matter how many visits it's always the same. Vibrant, bustling with energy and filled with mouth-watering snacks, it's a visual and tasty feast.

Daily Dozen donuts

Rain or sun, Seattle always shines for me!

Piccino, Rickshaw Bags, Serpentine - San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Just when you think you've explored the Bay Area to it's full extent another up-and-comer crops up and you've got a new selection of restaurants and shops to explore. So it is with the "Dogpatch" in San Francisco located a tad south of the ballpark and newly emerging biotech area.

Looking for great food in a stylish but relaxed setting? Try Piccino which serves a bevvy of pizzas, salads and small plates. One such small plate that's not to be missed is the meatballs and sauce. I must say that although the meatball was certainly delicious it was really the sauce that had me ooh-ing and ahh-ing. Tangy, rich and well-seasoned with what seemed to be a touch of wine (always a favorite addition to my sauces!)

Next up, the funghi pizza in all it's morel-ish glory. Topped with cheese and a thin blanket of pesto - and tasting nothing like your everyday pesto - we were told it contained mushrooms and herbs but no nuts. A nice touch given the plethora of allergies which seem to abound these days.

This is a good meatball covered in an extraordinary sauce. Don't skip this dish!

Loved the flavor and beautiful presentation of this funghi pizza.

After our meal we headed across the street to Rickshaw where they make custom bags - all types and sizes. You can select the style and then choose the color, texture and piping to fit your design aesthetic. All in all, a good price for what looks to be a great product (waiting for it to be delivered).

At this point we were headed down the street for some ice cream but sheepishly returned to Piccino about 30 minutes later for dessert. We chose to ignore the odd glance from the host and confirmed with the waiter "yes, we WERE here a bit ago and seated in a different location". Sometimes you really can't get enough of a good thing!

Two other notables which we did not hit this time around: Serpentine (great brunch place) and Mr and Mrs Miscellaneous (ice cream and sweets).

Curried Coconut Green Beans

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:00 +0000

Coconut curried green beans - bright flavors with the perfect spice!

Even dinner parties can fall into a rut with the same menu items showing up as "favorites". Recently I decided to shake things up with a new menu and Curried Coconut Green Beans from "A Spoonful of Ginger" by Nina Simonds. They were an instant hit with my guests and I've served them many times since.

No green beans? Try broccoli or whatever you've got on hand as the curry seasoning is divine and the sauce great with rice. I happily add this recipe to my list of "favorites" and once you try it you will too!

Curried Coconut Green Beans

2 pounds green beans

Curry seasoning

½ teaspoon dried chile flakes*

2 ½ inch piece fresh ginger

1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin

1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 teaspoon salt

2 T canola or corn oil

3 med red onions, thinly sliced

2 T rice wine or sake

Sauce (mix together)

1 cup light coconut milk

2 ½ T fish sauce

1 T sugar

½ cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips.

Trim the ends of the green beans. Rinse lightly and drain.

Drop the curry seasonings into the feed tube of a food processor fitted with a metal blade while the machine is running. Turn the machine on and off to chop the seasonings evenly, mincing them to a course mixture. Pour the curry into a bowl.

Heat a wok or large skillet, add the oil, and heat until hot, about 20 seconds. Add the curry seasoning and red onions, stirring over medium-low heat with a wooden spoon for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion is tender and the mixture is fragrant. Turn the heat to high, add the green beans and rice wine or sake, and stir fry about 1 minute, until the beans are a vivid green. Add the premixed sauce and heat until boiling. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, partially covered, for about 8-9 minutes, or until the beans are just tender. Sprinkle fresh basil and toss lightly for a few seconds. Scoop the beans and sauce into a serving bowl and serve immediately.

*The recipe as written calls for 1 ½ teaspoons dried chile flakes. I’ve found one teaspoon to be quite spicy and ½ teaspoon just about right.

Recipe courtesy of A Spoonful of Ginger by Nina Simonds.

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:34:00 +0000

Kecap Manis, what is it you ask? It’s a thick soy sauce sweetened with palm sugar from

Indonesia

. This ingredient came to my attention via an older version of Saveur magazine and I knew instantly that I had to try it.

After a bit of "test and learn" I created this marinade for flank steak that's easy to prepare and will leave your guests raving. Look for kecap manis in any Asian store or order online.

Soy & kecap manis flank steak marinade

o ½ cup soy (dark is preferable)
o ¼ cup kecap manis
o 3 Tbs. vinegar (unseasoned rice or cider)
o 2 tsp. garlic, minced
o 1 Tbs. ginger (fresh or jarred)
o 1 – 2 Tbs. sesame oil (add to your taste – sesame oil can be quite strong)
o ½ c. sherry or white wine

Mix together all ingredients. Simmer 10 minutes over low-med heat.

Cook’s notes:

• This recipe will make enough marinade for 3 lbs of flank steak. Before marinating pierce all over with a fork (both sides). Pour the marinade into a flat pan or plastic bag and add the meat. Marinate up to 24 hours.
• I used as a sauce in a basic stir fry. Delish!

Great places to noodle on in the Bay Area

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:04:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:36:00 +0000

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 to 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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:49:00 +0000

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.

UPDATE: since my initial visit to Flora I've returned serveral times for the chicharones which are, you guessed it, fried pork rinds. Note that these are no ordinary pork rinds as they arrive at your table freshly cooked with a dusting of chile lime salt on top. Crunchy and crackling - they are the ultimate oddity pulling me back to Flora over and over again and yes, that IS crazy!

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:22:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:04:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:47:00 +0000

Beautiful!

The flavors of summer...tomatoes and homemade ricotta

My idea of summer fast food

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:43:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:23:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:42:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 04:28:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Fri, 27 May 2011 06:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (funfeasts) — Thu, 19 May 2011 06:26:00 +0000

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

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!