Saturday, May 27, 2006
Dinner at Home
I was having trouble deciding whether to go Indian or Asian, so I ended up with a curry that had some typically Asian ingredients, such as hearts of palm and baby corn.
Quick Chicken Curry
-1 onion, halved and sliced
-1 head garlic, cloves peeled and roughly chopped
-1 can hearts of palm, halved and sliced
-1 can baby corn, cut in thirds
-3 cups broccoli
-2 cups cremini mushrooms, halved
-5 small tomatos, roughly chopped
-12 chicken thighs, cubed
-1 can coconut milk
-1 tb curry powder
-1 tb garam masala
-1 tb chili powder
-salt to taste
-juice of 1/2 lemon
Sautee the onions and garlic in 1/2 of the spices until soft. Add the chicken and brown. Add the coconut milk, mushrooms, hearts of palm, baby corn and the rest of the spices and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes. Uncover and add the broccoli and the lemon juice and stir until a thick sauce forms (about 5 minutes). Serve.
Quick Chicken Curry
-1 onion, halved and sliced
-1 head garlic, cloves peeled and roughly chopped
-1 can hearts of palm, halved and sliced
-1 can baby corn, cut in thirds
-3 cups broccoli
-2 cups cremini mushrooms, halved
-5 small tomatos, roughly chopped
-12 chicken thighs, cubed
-1 can coconut milk
-1 tb curry powder
-1 tb garam masala
-1 tb chili powder
-salt to taste
-juice of 1/2 lemon
Sautee the onions and garlic in 1/2 of the spices until soft. Add the chicken and brown. Add the coconut milk, mushrooms, hearts of palm, baby corn and the rest of the spices and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes. Uncover and add the broccoli and the lemon juice and stir until a thick sauce forms (about 5 minutes). Serve.
Lunch at Canteen, San Francisco, CA
We met a friend for lunch at Canteen, the cosiest lunch spot around, with only 4 tiny booths and a counter that seats 8 at most.
Peas and Carrots Soup $7
This soup tasted of fresh peas with a hint of the sweetness from the carrots. It was quite delicious.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Omelette with Fennel Salad $8
The omelette itself is very thin and gives way nicely to the strong flavor of the salmon. The acidic dressing on the fennel salad added a nice bite to the omelette.
Side of Bacon $4
This was an enormous side of bacon, good thick cut bacon.
Fried Oyster Omelette $8
Quite tasty.
Previous Post
Peas and Carrots Soup $7This soup tasted of fresh peas with a hint of the sweetness from the carrots. It was quite delicious.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Omelette with Fennel Salad $8The omelette itself is very thin and gives way nicely to the strong flavor of the salmon. The acidic dressing on the fennel salad added a nice bite to the omelette.
Side of Bacon $4
This was an enormous side of bacon, good thick cut bacon.
Fried Oyster Omelette $8
Quite tasty.
Breakfast at Home
Alexis has a cold, so a nice brothy soup was in order.
Spinach, Egg, Parmasean Broth
This is tasty and super quick--great for sick people.
-3 cans chicken broth
-3 eggs
-1/4 cup grated parmasean
-2 large handfuls spinach
Bring broth to a boil in a saucepan. Lightly beat parmasean into the eggs and pour into the broth, stirring constantly. Take the broth off of the heat and add the spinach. Stir for another minute or so and serve.
Spinach, Egg, Parmasean Broth
This is tasty and super quick--great for sick people.
-3 cans chicken broth
-3 eggs
-1/4 cup grated parmasean
-2 large handfuls spinach
Bring broth to a boil in a saucepan. Lightly beat parmasean into the eggs and pour into the broth, stirring constantly. Take the broth off of the heat and add the spinach. Stir for another minute or so and serve.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Dinner at Kyo-Ya, San Francisco, CA
Kyo-ya keeps getting voted the best Japanese resturant in the either the Guardian or SF Weekly, and it is close to our house, so we decided to check it out. After checking in the trusty Zagat guide we discovered that Kyo-ya did, indeed, receive a good food rating. The Zagat also warned that the prices were "stratospheric". After looking at the menu, we learned that the Zagat did not lie about the prices, which were utterly ridiculous. The food was quite good on all accounts, but due to the crazy prices we would never go back here by choice. We could get the same quality at Ariake's for a quarter of the price. That being said, the service (in the form of an old, very gracious, yet high energy, Japanese lady) was great and the food interesting, traditional and fresh.
Fresh Crab with Cucumber and Seaweed in Vinager $13
Very simple and elegant. Although Giao said he had a fishy bite of crab.
Deep Fried Tofu $14
The crisp outside sort of fell off the silken interior, but the flavors were nice and subtle.
Salmon $15, Buri (aka young Hamachi) $17 and Shiro Maguro Sashimi $14
Very fresh and very expensive. They served a lighter soy sauce than usual, claiming it was specifically for sashimi, so as not to overpower the fish.
Grilled Scallops and Uni with a Wasabi Soy Sauce $18
Although expensive for an appetizer, the scallops were drowing in Uni, which made Giao very, very happy.
Short Ribs with Miso Beef Broth $24
Although a bit luke warm why the time we got to it, the meat was tender and the broth flavorful. And the carrots cut into the shape of turtles were quite cute. The little red piles tasted like fermented lentils that were quite salty and had a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Fresh Crab with Cucumber and Seaweed in Vinager $13
Very simple and elegant. Although Giao said he had a fishy bite of crab.
Deep Fried Tofu $14
The crisp outside sort of fell off the silken interior, but the flavors were nice and subtle.
Salmon $15, Buri (aka young Hamachi) $17 and Shiro Maguro Sashimi $14Very fresh and very expensive. They served a lighter soy sauce than usual, claiming it was specifically for sashimi, so as not to overpower the fish.
Grilled Scallops and Uni with a Wasabi Soy Sauce $18Although expensive for an appetizer, the scallops were drowing in Uni, which made Giao very, very happy.
Short Ribs with Miso Beef Broth $24
Although a bit luke warm why the time we got to it, the meat was tender and the broth flavorful. And the carrots cut into the shape of turtles were quite cute. The little red piles tasted like fermented lentils that were quite salty and had a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lunch at Work
Breakfast at Home
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Dinner at Home
Pesto Pork Loin with Sauteed Summer Squash
This was quite a yummy dinner and only took about 1/2 hour to make.
Pork:
-1 lb pork loin, cut in strips
-salt and pepper to taste
-10 cherry tomatos, quartered
-1/2 cup pesto (recipe below)
Brown the pork for a few minutes on high, then cover and and turn down the heat a bit. Cook until done, shaking the pan frequently so the pork slices don't stick.
Pesto:
-1 cup basil
-8 cloves garlic, peeled
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1/4 parmasean
-juice of 1 lemon
-1/4 cup pine nuts
-salt to taste
Puree all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Squash:
-1 lb pork loin, cut in strips
-salt and pepper to taste
-10 cherry tomatos, quartered
-1/2 cup pesto (recipe below)
Brown the pork for a few minutes on high, then cover and and turn down the heat a bit. Cook until done, shaking the pan frequently so the pork slices don't stick.
Pesto:
-1 cup basil
-8 cloves garlic, peeled
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1/4 parmasean
-juice of 1 lemon
-1/4 cup pine nuts
-salt to taste
Puree all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Squash:
-2 tb olive oil
-salt and pepper to taste
Slice squash into coins and sautee on medium high until browned, stirring frequently.
Lunch at Frisson, San Francisco, CA
Giao had lunch at Frisson today, which is also very close to the office.
Fried Pork Croquettes with Mashed Gold Potatoes, Frisee, and Bacon Vinaigrette $12
This is dish actually used to be called "pig's feet". I guess they changed the name to make the appendage more appealing to the average bear. Giao felt tricked, as this was the second time he had ordered this dish (due to the name change). It was tasty though.
Herb & Pancetta Wrapped Monkfish with Black Fried Rice with Edamame $16
The rice was really good, but the fish was a bit bland.
Sweet and Sour Tomato Water with Shrimp $8
Really good, nice and brothy.
Previous Post
Website
Health Code Violations
Fried Pork Croquettes with Mashed Gold Potatoes, Frisee, and Bacon Vinaigrette $12
This is dish actually used to be called "pig's feet". I guess they changed the name to make the appendage more appealing to the average bear. Giao felt tricked, as this was the second time he had ordered this dish (due to the name change). It was tasty though.
Herb & Pancetta Wrapped Monkfish with Black Fried Rice with Edamame $16The rice was really good, but the fish was a bit bland.
Sweet and Sour Tomato Water with Shrimp $8
Really good, nice and brothy.
Previous Post
Website
Health Code Violations
Lunch at Kokkari, San Francisco, CA
Alexis had lunch at Kokkari today, an upscale Greek place very close to the office.
Fried Smelts $7
These tiny fried fish are delicious with just a squirt of lemon.
Zuchinni Cakes $7
These are tender and terrific with the tzaki sauce and slightly pickled cucumbers.
Fried Smelts $7
These tiny fried fish are delicious with just a squirt of lemon.
Zuchinni Cakes $7
These are tender and terrific with the tzaki sauce and slightly pickled cucumbers.
Breakfast at Home
Eggs Scrambled with Leftover Italian Sausage and Broccolini
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Dinner from Mehfil Indian Cuisine, San Francisco, CA
We didn't leave work until 9 tonight, so before we left we ordered delivery from Mehfil Indian, our favorite Indian delivery place in town. We hadn't ordered from there in a while and were happy that the quality was still there.
Herbed Naan $2.50
Alexis thinks this is the best naan in San Francisco, hands down.
Tandoori Prawns $12
Sadly, these prawns must have been sitting on the grill for the better part of the day because they were a bit tough, but the flavor was still good.
Saag Paneer $9
Very good. And oddly creamy.
Chicken Mahkni $10
Chicken mahkni is also called butter chicken--this version certainly lives up to that name. It was incredibly rich and tasty.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Decor: NA
Service: NA
Website
Health Code Violations
Herbed Naan $2.50
Alexis thinks this is the best naan in San Francisco, hands down.
Tandoori Prawns $12
Sadly, these prawns must have been sitting on the grill for the better part of the day because they were a bit tough, but the flavor was still good.
Saag Paneer $9
Very good. And oddly creamy.
Chicken Mahkni $10
Chicken mahkni is also called butter chicken--this version certainly lives up to that name. It was incredibly rich and tasty.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Decor: NA
Service: NA
Website
Health Code Violations
Lunch at Work
Cobb Salad with Buffalo Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
This was a variation on the standard cobb salad in that I added wing sauce to give the blue cheese dressing a bit of a kick. It was pretty good and I might do it again.
For the salad:
-4 cups salad greens
-2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
-4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pan fried and diced
-4 slices bacon, cooked and crushed
-1 small tomato, diced
-1/2 avocado, cubed
-1/4 large onion, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
-1/4 mayo
-1/8 wing sauce
-1/3 plain yogurt or sour cream
-a few dashed worcestershire sauce
-1 handful dill, dry or fresh, chopped
-1 tb dijon
-pepper to taste
-1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
To compile:
Layer all ingredients starting with the greens, except for the bacon. Then pour on the dressing and finally, sprinkle the bacon "bits" on top.
-4 cups salad greens
-2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
-4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pan fried and diced
-4 slices bacon, cooked and crushed
-1 small tomato, diced
-1/2 avocado, cubed
-1/4 large onion, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
-1/4 mayo
-1/8 wing sauce
-1/3 plain yogurt or sour cream
-a few dashed worcestershire sauce
-1 handful dill, dry or fresh, chopped
-1 tb dijon
-pepper to taste
-1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
To compile:
Layer all ingredients starting with the greens, except for the bacon. Then pour on the dressing and finally, sprinkle the bacon "bits" on top.
Breakfast at Home
Eggs Scrambled with Leftover London Broil, Black Olives, Onions and Peppers
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Dinner at Home
Broccolini Sauteed with Garlic and Lemon and Pan Fried Italian Sausage
A very quick meal.
Leftover Cheesy Cauliflour Puree
Lunch at Taylor's Automatic Refresher, San Francisco, CA
We haven't been to Taylor's in a while, but it was nice out today and they have a patio, so we decided to give it a shot. It was pretty good this time, although still rather expensive for a burger.
Bacon Cheeseburger $7.50
The lettuce was more shredded and not so easy to use as a mock bun, but the burger was quality.
Blue Cheeseburger with Bacon $8.50
Pretty good.
Roasted Tomato Soup $6
A little too sweet, but not bad.
Previous Post
Bacon Cheeseburger $7.50
The lettuce was more shredded and not so easy to use as a mock bun, but the burger was quality.
Blue Cheeseburger with Bacon $8.50
Pretty good.
Roasted Tomato Soup $6A little too sweet, but not bad.
Breakfast at Home
Chupaqueso
We had quite a bit of leftover guacamole from the fajitas the other night, so we topped a chupaqueso with it, along with some hot salami, sour cream and hot sauce. A very hearty breakfast to say the least.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Dinner at Home
The Whole Shebang
We hadn't done a hot pot in a while, but we realized we had all the components, so it was an obvious choice for dinner. Sauces were wasabi mayo, miso lemon mayo and chili sesame soy.
Tiger Prawns and NY Strip Steak
Cremini Mushrooms and Broccoli Flowerettes
The Resulting Soup
After we have cooked and eaten the above, we throw a couple of eggs and some spinach into the pot and let it simmer with the garlic and onions that have been in the broth the whole time. The result is a very yummy soup.
After we have cooked and eaten the above, we throw a couple of eggs and some spinach into the pot and let it simmer with the garlic and onions that have been in the broth the whole time. The result is a very yummy soup.
Lunch from Rico's, San Francisco, CA
Taco Salad
The chicken was dry and salty. Everything else was mediocre.
Ratings:
Food: 0
Decor: NA
Service: NA
Website
Health Code Violations
Breakfast at Home
Fried Egg with Leftover Fajita Meat, Peppers and Onions
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Dinner at Home
Alexis has a hankering for some fajitas, and she also had a london broil in the freezer, so fajitas it was...We also managed to find some fairly decent tortillas with only 5 carbs each.
Guacamole
Fresh is always better.
Peppers and Onions
A great accompaniment to beef.
Tequila Chili Marinated London Broil
London broil is not a great cut of meat, but that is why it is suitable for putting in a tortilla with lots of other stuff. This was marinated in tequila, cumin, chili and salt and then pan fried on each side for about 5 minutes.
The Finished Product
Guacamole
Fresh is always better.
-2 ripe avocados
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-1/4 onion, minced
-2 small tomatos, seeded and minced
-juice of 1 lime
-salt and pepper to taste
Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-1/4 onion, minced
-2 small tomatos, seeded and minced
-juice of 1 lime
-salt and pepper to taste
Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
Peppers and Onions
A great accompaniment to beef.
-1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
-1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
-10 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
-2 jalapenos, seeded, halved and thinly sliced
-salt and pepper to taste
Sautee all ingedients in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until soft and browned.
-1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
-10 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
-2 jalapenos, seeded, halved and thinly sliced
-salt and pepper to taste
Sautee all ingedients in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until soft and browned.
Tequila Chili Marinated London Broil
London broil is not a great cut of meat, but that is why it is suitable for putting in a tortilla with lots of other stuff. This was marinated in tequila, cumin, chili and salt and then pan fried on each side for about 5 minutes.
The Finished Product
Also included sour cream and cheese.
Features:
Alexis' Cookbook
Our Favorite Kitchen Tools
More Useful Kitchen Tools
SeeUsEat 2006 Awards
Roti Round-Up
Burger Battle
Fried Chicken Challenge
Video: Chupaqueso
Video: Zuchinni Lasagna
Cuisine:
Austrian
Chinese
Cuban
Dim Sum
Ethiopian
French
German
Indian
Japanese
Mexican
Middle Eastern
Noveau American
Nueva Latino
Pub Food
Regional American
Singaporean
Spanish
Turkish
Ukrainian
Vietnamese
