Saturday, January 17, 2009
Fabulous Meal at Chez Panisse Cafe, Berkeley, CA
My family was in town for the holidays and we thought it would be fun to go to Chez Panisse. Although I called a month in advance (and they only take reservations one month in advance), by the time I called they were all booked on the days we could come for the restaurant, so we made a reservation in the cafe instead. The cafe was still delicious and everyone really enjoyed their meals. When all was said and done, including drinks, the bill was about 15 per person.
Blood Orange, Fennel and Olive Salad
This was simple and delicious. The sweetness of the oranges truly complemented the anise notes of the fennel and the bright, dill infused, dressing was an inspired addition.
Serrano Ham and Cheese Pizzeta
Not sure why this was labeled in the diminutive form, because it was quite large for an appetizer. Anyhow, it was very good. Chez Panisse has some of the best pizza outside of New York, complete with a crispy thin crust.
Stuffed Squid in Ink Sauce with Artichoke Salad and Beets
The squid were very tender and the sides were interesting and tasty.
Stinging Nettle and Ricotta Pizza
This was another tasty pizza, with a super crispy crust. For some reason, despite falling into a nettle patch as a child, I'm always drawn to eating nettles.
Chocolate Ganache Tart with Whipped Cream and Pistachio
This was super chocolately and very rich. It should have been served with more whipped cream.
Blood Orange, Fennel and Olive Salad
This was simple and delicious. The sweetness of the oranges truly complemented the anise notes of the fennel and the bright, dill infused, dressing was an inspired addition.
Serrano Ham and Cheese Pizzeta
Not sure why this was labeled in the diminutive form, because it was quite large for an appetizer. Anyhow, it was very good. Chez Panisse has some of the best pizza outside of New York, complete with a crispy thin crust.
Stuffed Squid in Ink Sauce with Artichoke Salad and Beets
The squid were very tender and the sides were interesting and tasty.
Stinging Nettle and Ricotta Pizza
This was another tasty pizza, with a super crispy crust. For some reason, despite falling into a nettle patch as a child, I'm always drawn to eating nettles.
Chocolate Ganache Tart with Whipped Cream and Pistachio
This was super chocolately and very rich. It should have been served with more whipped cream.
Labels: decor: 3, Food: 2, nouveau American, restaurant, review, Service: 2
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Simple and Delicious at Range, San Francisco, CA
Although we hadn't been here in a while, we were happy to find that Range is still holding on in the crappy economy and serving up delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere. Also, although the waitress accidentally placed the wrong order for Giao (and he ate 1/2 of it before realizing), she graciously took it off the bill AND brought us a free dessert. This was a fabulous way to fix a service mistake.
Raw Yellowtail $12.50
Duck with Spaetzle $25
Tender, juicy dusk and slightly crispy, yet yielding, spaetzle made this dish incredibly satisfying.
Fish with Beans, Baby Turnips and Baby Carrots $18, but gratuit
This was the dish that Giao didn't order, but he ate it and liked it anyway.
Butterscotch Pudding ($8, but gratuit)
Not a dessert I would have ordered, but it was quite delicious and opened my eyes to how great a well executed pudding can be.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Decor: 2
Service: 2
Range
842 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Raw Yellowtail $12.50
The yellowtail was seasoned with pickled beets, Meyer lemon and tarragon and it was a nice, fresh way to start a meal
Duck with Spaetzle $25
Tender, juicy dusk and slightly crispy, yet yielding, spaetzle made this dish incredibly satisfying.
Fish with Beans, Baby Turnips and Baby Carrots $18, but gratuitThis was the dish that Giao didn't order, but he ate it and liked it anyway.
Butterscotch Pudding ($8, but gratuit)
Not a dessert I would have ordered, but it was quite delicious and opened my eyes to how great a well executed pudding can be.
Food: 2
Decor: 2
Service: 2
Range
842 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Labels: Decor: 2, Food: 2, nouveau American, restaurant, review, Service: 2
Winter Prix Fixe at Bar Bambino, San Francisco, CA
Bar Bambino, in cahoots with Zagat, put together a beautiful winter prix frixe. Bar Bambino is definitely one of our new favorites. I think the 4 course meal was $55 per person.
Arancini
Perfect, tasty fried rice balls.
Pickled Trout with Greens
The fish was fresh and light.
Christmas Salad
This was an interesting combo of oranges, fennel, capers and pomegranate that worked really well and was quite beautiful.
Meat Ravioli in Broth
The pasta is freshly made and the filling was dense and hearty.
Lobster Ravioli with Red Sauce
These tasted less like seafood than I would have imagined, but they were still delicious.
Beef Stuffed with Pork
Meat stuffed with meat sounded like a bit much, but the flavors really melded and this was much lighter than imagined.
Stuffed Halibut
The fish was well cooked and the stuffing was flavorful.
Trio of Gratins
These gratins, brocolli, fennel and potato, were all equally delicious. They were tender and creamy and well seasoned.
Chocolate-Chestnut Pudding with Whipped Cream
This was a nice, not-too-sweet, way to end the meal. My only complaint would be that there should have been more pudding and less chestnut puree.
Arancini
Perfect, tasty fried rice balls.
Pickled Trout with Greens
The fish was fresh and light.
Christmas Salad
This was an interesting combo of oranges, fennel, capers and pomegranate that worked really well and was quite beautiful.
Meat Ravioli in Broth
The pasta is freshly made and the filling was dense and hearty.
Lobster Ravioli with Red Sauce
These tasted less like seafood than I would have imagined, but they were still delicious.
Beef Stuffed with Pork
Meat stuffed with meat sounded like a bit much, but the flavors really melded and this was much lighter than imagined.
Stuffed Halibut
The fish was well cooked and the stuffing was flavorful.
Trio of Gratins
These gratins, brocolli, fennel and potato, were all equally delicious. They were tender and creamy and well seasoned.
Chocolate-Chestnut Pudding with Whipped Cream
This was a nice, not-too-sweet, way to end the meal. My only complaint would be that there should have been more pudding and less chestnut puree.
Labels: Decor: 2, Food: 2, Italian, restaurant, Service: 1, Service: 2
Friday, November 14, 2008
Halloween Prix Fixe at Canteen, San Francisco, CA
We had a fairly low-key Halloween this year and ended up, last minute, at Canteen for their special Halloween prix fixe. They graciously made some accomodations for my pregnant self's easting restriction and the menu, at $60 per person, was pretty good all around, although there were a couple of stinkers.
Blue Cheese, Green Apple and Honey
This was a substitution for me since the standard amuse bouche was raw. However, I can't eat blue-veined cheese either right now, so I just ate the apples, which were especially tasty, seeing as I can't seem to get enough apples these days.
Raw Scallop
A tasty first bite for Giao.
Fresh, Hot Dinner Rolls
Pillowy, buttery and delicious.
Tuna, Cauliflower Salad and Deep Fried Olive Butter
For me, the tuna was cooked, for Giao it was raw. The tuna held up well to the very flavorful olive butter. The cauliflower salad was a nice, more bland, accompaniment. You rarely are served raw cauliflower, and it tasted quite good.
Chestnut Soup with Chantarelles
This was so smooth and really delicious. The meatiness of the chantarelles matched the earthy sweetness of the soup. The whole thing tasted of the forest.
Pheasant Terrine with Cranberries
This was not our favorite dish. The warm pheasant terrine was a bit bland and strange. The cranberry sauce was nice and tart, however.
Flank Steak, Fried Potatoes, Spinach and Cippolini Onions
This was a perfect dish. The rather ordinary ingredients were executed perfectly. It felt homey and restaurant-y at the same time. Yum.
Pears and Walnut Cake with Caramel Sauce
The pears and sauce were good, but there was nothing much going on with the cake. This dish could have benefited from a bit of acid. All that being said, we are not really dessert people.
Blue Cheese, Green Apple and Honey
This was a substitution for me since the standard amuse bouche was raw. However, I can't eat blue-veined cheese either right now, so I just ate the apples, which were especially tasty, seeing as I can't seem to get enough apples these days.
Raw Scallop
A tasty first bite for Giao.
Fresh, Hot Dinner Rolls
Pillowy, buttery and delicious.
Tuna, Cauliflower Salad and Deep Fried Olive Butter
For me, the tuna was cooked, for Giao it was raw. The tuna held up well to the very flavorful olive butter. The cauliflower salad was a nice, more bland, accompaniment. You rarely are served raw cauliflower, and it tasted quite good.
Chestnut Soup with Chantarelles
This was so smooth and really delicious. The meatiness of the chantarelles matched the earthy sweetness of the soup. The whole thing tasted of the forest.
Pheasant Terrine with Cranberries
This was not our favorite dish. The warm pheasant terrine was a bit bland and strange. The cranberry sauce was nice and tart, however.
Flank Steak, Fried Potatoes, Spinach and Cippolini Onions
This was a perfect dish. The rather ordinary ingredients were executed perfectly. It felt homey and restaurant-y at the same time. Yum.
Pears and Walnut Cake with Caramel Sauce
The pears and sauce were good, but there was nothing much going on with the cake. This dish could have benefited from a bit of acid. All that being said, we are not really dessert people.
817 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109
San Francisco, CA 94109
Labels: Decor: 2, Food: 2, restaurant, review, Service: 1
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Artichoke Pizza at Arizmendi Bakery, San Francisco, CA
1/2 Bake, 1/2 Pizza $9
This artichoke pizza, with no red sauce, was very tasty. The sourdough crust was nice and crispy as well.
Food: 2
Decor: 1
Service: 1
Arizmendi Bakery
1331 9th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122
Labels: Decor: 1, Food: 2, homemade, pizza, Service: 1
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
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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
Friday, October 10, 2008
Fantastic Italian at Bar Bambino, San Francisco, CA
Our friend E, who doesn't like the best tomato soup ever at Jeanty at Jack's, steered us right this time by suggesting Bar Bambino. We got a table without a reservation, pretty much immediately. But I think we were lucky, since the couple who walked in after us were told there'd be an hour and a half wait. The staff was friendly. The food was delicious and while not cheap, certainly not too expensive either. The atmosphere was so lively for a Thursday night you almost forgot we are in the middle of a recession.
Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Fresh Ricotta and Parmasan $9.50
These were incredible. They were light and crispy and opened up to a plentiful and lush filling. The lemon introduced the perfect amount of acidity.
Small Salumi Plate $13
5 types of house-cured salumi, all of which were delicious.
Pappardelle with Braised Rabbit $14.50
The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce had a lot of the tender rabbit in it, which was a pleasant surprise.
Potato Croquettes $5
These were billed as Italian "tater-tots" and they were the only stinker of the night. Although the flavor was nice, they should have been smaller, crispier and served with a dipping sauce of some sort. Still, we ate them all.
Linguini with Clams $14.50
Again, the pasta was cooked perfectly and the dish contained an abundance of clams that were plump and tender.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Decor: 2
Service: 1
Bar Bambino
2931 16th St
San Francisco, CA
Health Code Violations
Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Fresh Ricotta and Parmasan $9.50
These were incredible. They were light and crispy and opened up to a plentiful and lush filling. The lemon introduced the perfect amount of acidity.
Small Salumi Plate $135 types of house-cured salumi, all of which were delicious.
Pappardelle with Braised Rabbit $14.50
The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce had a lot of the tender rabbit in it, which was a pleasant surprise.
Potato Croquettes $5
These were billed as Italian "tater-tots" and they were the only stinker of the night. Although the flavor was nice, they should have been smaller, crispier and served with a dipping sauce of some sort. Still, we ate them all.
Linguini with Clams $14.50
Again, the pasta was cooked perfectly and the dish contained an abundance of clams that were plump and tender.
Food: 2
Decor: 2
Service: 1
Bar Bambino
2931 16th St
San Francisco, CA
Health Code Violations
Labels: Decor: 2, Food: 2, Italian, restaurant, review, Service: 1
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Mmm. The Pork Store. San Francisco, CA
We met a friend at the Pork Store. He had, horror of horrors, never been there before. Despite the fact that he is currently a vegetarian, he found lots of options and thoroughly enjoyed his food.
Chicken Fried Steak $12
This is usually also served with 2 eggs, but I haven't been eating eggs lately and that's just too much food anyway. The steak was crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. The gravy was every-so-slightly peppery and the hash browns were nice and crispy.
2 Pork Chops, Eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns and Biscuits $12
Giao's pork chops, were, sadly, not as good as usual today. Everything else was delicious.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Decor: 0
Service: 1
The Pork Store Cafe
1451 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Chicken Fried Steak $12
This is usually also served with 2 eggs, but I haven't been eating eggs lately and that's just too much food anyway. The steak was crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. The gravy was every-so-slightly peppery and the hash browns were nice and crispy.
2 Pork Chops, Eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns and Biscuits $12
Giao's pork chops, were, sadly, not as good as usual today. Everything else was delicious.
Food: 2
Decor: 0
Service: 1
The Pork Store Cafe
1451 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Labels: Decor: 0, diner, Food: 2, restaurant, Service: 1
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Another Fabulous Meal at Spruce, San Francisco, CA
We went for a nice meal with Giao's family, who were in town for labor day weekend. We'd been to Spruce once before, in it's first month, and we were quite impressed. This time, we were impressed again. Everything we had was delicious. The decor is understated, yet warm and elegant. The staff were incredibly gracious, making accommodations for Giao's 9 month old nephew with smiles on their faces.
Cheese Gougeres (gratuit)
These tasty little morsels were brought to the table to whet our appetites.
Burrata and Heirloom Tomato Salad $12
This salad was the special and it was both simple and delicious. Whenever we see burrata, we always order it. Fresh mozzerella packed in cream is just so decadent. The only small problem with this dish is that there were way too many tomatoes, compared to the burrata.
Salumi Platter $18
All of the salumi at Spruce is house-cured and it was all very good. I don't remember what everything was, but the foie gras mousse with a port gelee and the headcheese were both standouts.
Lobster with Gnocchi and Braised Fennel $40
The lobster was incredibly well cooked--it was sweet and just melted in our mouths. The gnocchi were tender and not at all gluey. This was an all around great dish.
Bavette Steak with Duck Fat Fried Potatoes and Bordelais Sauce $30
One of the things that we love about Spruce is that not only is the food amazing, it comes in large portions. This was way too much food for me, but it was very good. The steak was tender and the duck fat fried potatoes were out of this world. They were crispy and salty on the outside and creamy on the inside. Giao's 9 month old nephew couldn't stop eating them. He's a gourmet at a young age.
Carrot Cake with Marcapone Filling and Ginger Ice Cream $10
The ginger ice cream was amazing and the carrot cake was pretty good too, but almost too refined.
Selection of European Cheeses $16
Although this was a pricy cheese place, it was large and good.
Petit Fours (gratuit)
A few tasty cakes to send us on our way in good spirits.
Cheese Gougeres (gratuit)
These tasty little morsels were brought to the table to whet our appetites.
Burrata and Heirloom Tomato Salad $12
This salad was the special and it was both simple and delicious. Whenever we see burrata, we always order it. Fresh mozzerella packed in cream is just so decadent. The only small problem with this dish is that there were way too many tomatoes, compared to the burrata.
Salumi Platter $18
All of the salumi at Spruce is house-cured and it was all very good. I don't remember what everything was, but the foie gras mousse with a port gelee and the headcheese were both standouts.
Lobster with Gnocchi and Braised Fennel $40
The lobster was incredibly well cooked--it was sweet and just melted in our mouths. The gnocchi were tender and not at all gluey. This was an all around great dish.
Bavette Steak with Duck Fat Fried Potatoes and Bordelais Sauce $30
One of the things that we love about Spruce is that not only is the food amazing, it comes in large portions. This was way too much food for me, but it was very good. The steak was tender and the duck fat fried potatoes were out of this world. They were crispy and salty on the outside and creamy on the inside. Giao's 9 month old nephew couldn't stop eating them. He's a gourmet at a young age.
Carrot Cake with Marcapone Filling and Ginger Ice Cream $10
The ginger ice cream was amazing and the carrot cake was pretty good too, but almost too refined.
Selection of European Cheeses $16
Although this was a pricy cheese place, it was large and good.
Petit Fours (gratuit)
A few tasty cakes to send us on our way in good spirits.
Labels: Decor: 2, Food: 2, nouveau American, restaurant, review, Service: 2
Slow Food Festival, San Francisco, CA
It was a beautiful day so we decided to check out the Slow Food Festival. There were so many things to choose from, but we settled on this tasty mufaletta sandwich from Armandino's Salumi in Seattle. Armandio is Mario Batali's dad and his home cured salumi is quite delicious. This sandwich was $7 and contained about 3 kinds of salumi, along with a pesto and mozzerella cheese.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Service: NA
Decor: NA
Armandino's Salumi
309 3rd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
Ratings:
Food: 2
Service: NA
Decor: NA
Armandino's Salumi
309 3rd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
Labels: event, Food: 2, sandwich
Friday, August 29, 2008
Ariake: Our Favorite Sushi Place in SF
Giao's family was in town and we went to lunch at our favorite sushi place in the city, Ariake. As always, it did not disappoint. I'm not sure how much everything was, because we didn't pay, but whatever it was, it was worth it.
Dragon Roll
Due to my current, pregnant state, I can't eat sushi. However, this dragon roll with shrimp tempura and cooked eel was very tasty.
Hamachi Kama
This tuna collar was tender and delicious, even though I could only eat a little bit due to the mercury in tuna.
Softshell Crab Roll and Mango Tuna Roll
I only had the softshell crab roll, as it was cooked and it was quite good.
Uni and Salmon
Fresh and tasty, according to Giao.
Seafood Salad
Again, I couldn't eat about it, and I was sad about that, as Ariake's makes the best seafood salad we've ever had.
Seaweed Salad
Yum. What more can I say.
Tuna Tataki
The lunch chef makes the cuts of tuna a bit thicker than we like, so I wasn't that sad that I couldn't eat it.
Oysters
Giao said they were fresh and good.
Live Scallop
Giao also approved.
Ariake
5041 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94118
Dragon Roll
Due to my current, pregnant state, I can't eat sushi. However, this dragon roll with shrimp tempura and cooked eel was very tasty.
Hamachi Kama
This tuna collar was tender and delicious, even though I could only eat a little bit due to the mercury in tuna.
Softshell Crab Roll and Mango Tuna Roll
I only had the softshell crab roll, as it was cooked and it was quite good.
Uni and Salmon
Fresh and tasty, according to Giao.
Seafood Salad
Again, I couldn't eat about it, and I was sad about that, as Ariake's makes the best seafood salad we've ever had.
Seaweed Salad
Yum. What more can I say.
Tuna Tataki
The lunch chef makes the cuts of tuna a bit thicker than we like, so I wasn't that sad that I couldn't eat it.
Oysters
Giao said they were fresh and good.
Live Scallop
Giao also approved.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Service: 1
Decor: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Decor: 1
5041 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94118
Labels: Decor: 1, Food: 2, Japanese, Service: 1, sushi
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