Saturday, October 25, 2008
Garlic Prawn Salad
Simple, tasty and healthy.
-1 lb shrimp
-5 cloves garlic, minced
-4 scallions, chopped
-lemon juice
-salt and pepper to taste
Sautee the garlic and scallions in a bit of olive oil until beginning to brown. Add the shrimp and cook until just done (only a couple of minutes).
-greens
-balsamic vinaigrette
Dress the salad and place some prawns on top. Devour.
-5 cloves garlic, minced
-4 scallions, chopped
-lemon juice
-salt and pepper to taste
Sautee the garlic and scallions in a bit of olive oil until beginning to brown. Add the shrimp and cook until just done (only a couple of minutes).
-greens
-balsamic vinaigrette
Dress the salad and place some prawns on top. Devour.
Labels: dinner recipes, homemade, salad, seafood, shrimp
Wings from San Tung, San Francisco, CA
Whenever we are at Yummy Yummy we notice a huge line outside the restaurant next door. We did a little research and learned at apparently, everyone goes to San Tung for the wings. So, we decided to check it out.
Wings $9
They were a little sweet for our taste, but plump and crispy and our friend loved them.
Ratings:
Food: 1
Decor: 0
Service: 1
San Tung Chinese Restaurant
1031 Irving St
San Francisco, CA 94122
No Website
Health Code Violations
Wings $9
They were a little sweet for our taste, but plump and crispy and our friend loved them.
Food: 1
Decor: 0
Service: 1
San Tung Chinese Restaurant
1031 Irving St
San Francisco, CA 94122
No Website
Health Code Violations
Labels: Chinese, Decor: 0, Food: 1, restaurant, review, Service: 1
Friday, October 24, 2008
Dinner at The French Laundry, Yountville, CA
Giao had been to the French Laundry a couple times before, and we've been to Per Se together, but Alexis had yet to experience the French Laundry, so this was her first time. Perhaps this wasn't the most economical restaurant choice for a recession, but if the economy gets any worse, perhaps all the nice restaurants will go out of business, so, we thought we'd better go now. Also, in 3 months our baby will be born, so we figured we don't really have a lot of time left to drive up to Napa without extensive childcare preparation. The tasting menu was $240 per person and Giao opted for the $30 supplement for the foie gras as well as a glass of Sauterne to go with it. Alexis was offered a selection of house made sodas and opted for the meyer lemon soda. The sodas were free of charge, when we got the bill.
While the French Laundry is certainly an experience worth having, we did find the menu to be rather tame. Per Se was much more interesting. Also, there are places of the same caliber in the city (like Coi and The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton) that are cheaper and have more dynamic menus. None of this is to say that the meal was not amazing, but having experienced it, I no longer hold the French Laundry on the pedastle that I once did.
Cheesy Gougere
A nice, tasty way to start the meal. Perfectly executed.
Salmon Tartare and Artichoke Coronettes with Creme Fraiche
This is a classic Keller dish and because I can't eat raw fish right now, due to the pregnancy, I was given an equally tasty artichoke version.
Oysters and Pearls
This is a signature dish at the French Laundry. Giao found it to be totally amazing. Oysters and caviar are very decadent.
Radish, Cauliflower and Radish Salad
A subtle, pleasant beginning to a meal. The super-thin slices of the veggies were also beautiful.
Foie Gras Terrine with Quince Relish, Frisee and Spice Bread Puree
The only time we had ever previously seen a bread puree was at Alinea in Chicago. In this preparation, it worked very well as a sauce.
Brioche (served with the foie gras)
3 Types of Salt (served with the foie gras)
Hearts of Peach Palm Salad with Cucumber, Radish and Yuzu-Apple Coulis
Refreshing.
Tuna Tartare with Charred Persimmons and Chestnut Puree
A beautiful dish whose flavors melded together beautifully.
Kahala Filet, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Broccolini, Lily Bulbs and Ginger Emulsion
The fish was perfectly cooked and the simple flavors of each element created an oddly cohesive dish.
Lobster Tail with Melted Leeks and Beet Sauce
The butter poached lobster was perfectly cooked and very sweet. The sweetness of the beets really complemented the lobster in an unexpected pairing. The leeks provided a nice savory element. This was probably our favorite dish of the night.
Rabbit with Onions, Carrots, Artichoke Puree and Dijon Sauce
The rabbit was tender and not at all gamey. The artichoke puree was so amazingly smooth and really went well with the rabbit.
Lamb with Black Rice, Cauliflower, Golden Raisins, Cilantro Shoots and Curry Sauce
The curry was subtle and let the tender lamb shine. Usually I'm not a fan of fruit with meat, but this was not at all offensive. Black rice is always a nutty, earthy surprise.
Tomme de Berger Cheese with Beans, Chorizo, Piquillo Peppers and Arugula
This was a tasty dish, for sure, but the accompaniments did seem a bit superfluous.
French Toast with Buttermilk Sorbet and Huckleberry Sauce
The buttermilk sorbet was tangy and delicious and I wish it were served without the french toast and with more of the awesome huckleberry sauce.
Sesame Seed and Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Tahini Ganache and Shiso Sorbet
The shiso sorbet was unexpectedly delicious and really rounded out the strong chocolate flavors.
Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts
Decadent in every way.
A variety of petit-fours, above and below. Some hits, some misses, but lots of variety.
More petit-fours...
Ratings:
Food: 3
Decor: 2
Service: 3
The French Laundry
6640 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
While the French Laundry is certainly an experience worth having, we did find the menu to be rather tame. Per Se was much more interesting. Also, there are places of the same caliber in the city (like Coi and The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton) that are cheaper and have more dynamic menus. None of this is to say that the meal was not amazing, but having experienced it, I no longer hold the French Laundry on the pedastle that I once did.
Cheesy Gougere
A nice, tasty way to start the meal. Perfectly executed.
Salmon Tartare and Artichoke Coronettes with Creme Fraiche
This is a classic Keller dish and because I can't eat raw fish right now, due to the pregnancy, I was given an equally tasty artichoke version.
Oysters and Pearls
This is a signature dish at the French Laundry. Giao found it to be totally amazing. Oysters and caviar are very decadent.
Radish, Cauliflower and Radish Salad
A subtle, pleasant beginning to a meal. The super-thin slices of the veggies were also beautiful.
Foie Gras Terrine with Quince Relish, Frisee and Spice Bread Puree
The only time we had ever previously seen a bread puree was at Alinea in Chicago. In this preparation, it worked very well as a sauce.
Brioche (served with the foie gras)
3 Types of Salt (served with the foie gras)
Hearts of Peach Palm Salad with Cucumber, Radish and Yuzu-Apple Coulis
Refreshing.
Tuna Tartare with Charred Persimmons and Chestnut Puree
A beautiful dish whose flavors melded together beautifully.
Kahala Filet, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Broccolini, Lily Bulbs and Ginger Emulsion
The fish was perfectly cooked and the simple flavors of each element created an oddly cohesive dish.
Lobster Tail with Melted Leeks and Beet Sauce
The butter poached lobster was perfectly cooked and very sweet. The sweetness of the beets really complemented the lobster in an unexpected pairing. The leeks provided a nice savory element. This was probably our favorite dish of the night.
Rabbit with Onions, Carrots, Artichoke Puree and Dijon Sauce
The rabbit was tender and not at all gamey. The artichoke puree was so amazingly smooth and really went well with the rabbit.
Lamb with Black Rice, Cauliflower, Golden Raisins, Cilantro Shoots and Curry Sauce
The curry was subtle and let the tender lamb shine. Usually I'm not a fan of fruit with meat, but this was not at all offensive. Black rice is always a nutty, earthy surprise.
Tomme de Berger Cheese with Beans, Chorizo, Piquillo Peppers and Arugula
This was a tasty dish, for sure, but the accompaniments did seem a bit superfluous.
French Toast with Buttermilk Sorbet and Huckleberry Sauce
The buttermilk sorbet was tangy and delicious and I wish it were served without the french toast and with more of the awesome huckleberry sauce.
Sesame Seed and Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Tahini Ganache and Shiso Sorbet
The shiso sorbet was unexpectedly delicious and really rounded out the strong chocolate flavors.
Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts
Decadent in every way.
A variety of petit-fours, above and below. Some hits, some misses, but lots of variety.
More petit-fours...
Ratings:
Food: 3
Decor: 2
Service: 3
The French Laundry
6640 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
Labels: Decor: 2, Food: 3, restaurant, review, service: 3
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Light, But Satisfying Dinner at The Slow Club, San Francisco, CA
The Slow Club has a small, simple, changing menu. There are never a ton of surprises, but the food is always solid and we've not been disappointed.
Caesar Salad $9
Big and classic.
Flatbread with Bacon, Apples and Fontina $13
This pizza-esque dish was tasty and satisfying in a comfort food sort of way.
2501 Mariposa St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Caesar Salad $9
Big and classic.
Flatbread with Bacon, Apples and Fontina $13
This pizza-esque dish was tasty and satisfying in a comfort food sort of way.
San Francisco, CA 94110
Labels: Decor: 2, Food: 2, restaurant, review, Service: 1
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Lunch Special at Mehfil Indian, San Francisco, CA
This is pretty much the best deal around for lunch: tasty and cheap.
Meatballs and Chana Masala $5
Lots of food and you can mix and match the specials to get a variety.
Meatballs and Chana Masala $5
Lots of food and you can mix and match the specials to get a variety.
Labels: Decor: 1, Food: 1, Indian, restaurant, review, Service: 1
Caramelized Leek, Sundried Tomato and Bacon Quiche
This is a great lunch that is quick and easy to reheat at work.
-4 cups 1/2 and 1/2
-2 cups grated cheese
-8 eggs
-2 leeks, thinly sliced
-1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, minced
-5 slices bacon, diced
-salt and pepper to taste
Cook bacon until crispy and then remove from the pan, reserving the grease. Caramelize the leeks over low heat in teh bacon grease until soft. Mix everything together and ladle into greased muffin tins. Bake on 350 for about 15 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
-2 cups grated cheese
-8 eggs
-2 leeks, thinly sliced
-1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, minced
-5 slices bacon, diced
-salt and pepper to taste
Cook bacon until crispy and then remove from the pan, reserving the grease. Caramelize the leeks over low heat in teh bacon grease until soft. Mix everything together and ladle into greased muffin tins. Bake on 350 for about 15 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Labels: eggs, homemade, leeks, lunch recipes, quiche, tomatos
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Fajitas at Home
Fajitas are a great weeknight meal. They are simple to prepare and everyone can customize.
-1 onion, thinly sliced
-2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
-salt and pepper to taste
Sautee in a bit of olive oil over low heat, stirring frequently, until caramelized, approx 1/2 hour.
-1/2 cup cream
-1 can corn, drained
-1 ts cayenne
Sautee over low heat until the cream is evaporated.
-1 can refried beans
-1/2 onion, thinly sliced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
Sautee the onions and garlic until beginning to color and then add the beans and heat through.
Labels: avocado, beef, bell pepper, corn, dinner recipes, homemade
Taco Tuesday at The Underdogs, San Francisco, CA
The Underdogs, a sports bar around the corner from us, offers an amazing deal of very tasty food: Taco Tuesdays where tacos are only a dollar, Tecate is $2 and margaritas are $5. The tacos are only meat, cilantro, onions and lime, but they are very tasty and we can eat an entire meal for two for less than $10.
Carnitas Tacos $1 each
Juicy, flavorful carnitas.
Carne Asada Tacos $1 each
Same as above, but for beef.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Decor: 0
Service: 1
The Taco Shop at Underdogs
1824 Irving Street
San Francisco, CA 94122
Carnitas Tacos $1 each
Juicy, flavorful carnitas.
Carne Asada Tacos $1 each
Same as above, but for beef.
Food: 2
Decor: 0
Service: 1
The Taco Shop at Underdogs
1824 Irving Street
San Francisco, CA 94122
Labels: Decor: 0, Food: 2, Mexican, restaurant, review, Service: 1
Monday, October 20, 2008
Queso Fundido at Jillian's, San Francisco, CA
Baked Cheese Dip $9
The amount of chips seemed a little piddly and the cheesy chorizo was fine, but not great by any means.
Labels: Decor: 0, Food: 1, restaurant, review, Service: 1
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