Dogs and Cats

The rolls at Kasa

I hit several spots last week but by the time weekend rolled around I realized it wasn’t really a revolutionary food week for me. In fact, as I write this, I have to scratch my head to remember where I went and what I had. Don’t read this as a complaint – the company and the weather was top-notch!

I revisited my East Bay roots Wednesday evening at Saturn in Berkeley with my childhood friend Lauren. We used to ride our bikes together to elementary school (in rain, sleet, hurricanes, or broken legs as I like to remind my mom). As I get older, I realize how special it is to have a friend for that long. And a friend that lets me choose where we eat! Not one to shy away from a steak, Lauren enthusiastically joined me to the vegetarian diner on Allston Way. While I gave up my vegan streak several weeks ago, my tastes have changed and I truly enjoy a meatless meal. But, I was little disappointed with Saturn. Lauren and I walked in and both immediately noticed something about the place smelled kind of funny. Not a great way to start but I soldiered on. I ordered the California veggie burger (topped with avocado and vegan cheese). It was fine. The patty looked like a Boca burger you buy at Safeway; I’ve had veggie burgers that are thick with beans, sprouts, lentils, etc – this was just not the case. I suppose I was expecting a little more from a restaurant whose M.O. is vegetarian.

The next night, I met up with Amber for Indian food at Kasa on Fillmore street. Indian is in the running for my favorite ethnic food: curries, spicy, hearty, and a great bread to slop it all up. I even had a Groupon – and discounted food always tastes better, right!? The problem with Kasa is it’s not traditional Indian food. A few issues:
• The menu. Pretttttty sure one needs a PHD to figure out how it works. I don’t even want to get into it because it frustrates me.
• No Naan bread. I thought they were joking when they said they don’t serve it. Next thing you know Greek restaurants won’t be serving Pita! Instead, they serve Roti, which was just okay but definitely a letdown after I spent the previous few hours daydreaming about Naan.
• Presentation. Option 1 on the menu is basically an Indian burrito (see photo). Burritos should only be available at Mexican joints, in my opinion.

All in all, the meal wasn’t bad at all. It’s just that Kasa tries to get original with its Indian and I’d prefer to stick to the basics: big bowls of meat curry and slabs of Naan bread.

Lastly, I met the parents at Americano for lunch on Friday. Again, there was nothing wrong with the meal but no compelling reason to hurry back. I chose the Dine About Town menu, which started with a mushroom soup (same as last week’s DAT starter at Chaya) and featured the “Crispy heritage pork belly and braised duck with chanterelles.” I thought the mushroom soup was excellent; but having just raved about it at Chaya, I am thinking it may not be too hard to execute? The entrée description screamed fatty meat, and what was presented before me was even fattier than I could have imagined. So much so, in fact, my mom couldn’t eat hers. It’s not often I indulge in that kind of fat and I have to say I quite enjoyed it. Vegan days be gone!

A good beginning and great ending

Dine About Town has arrived in San Francisco! While $17.95 for two courses at lunch doesn’t strike me as a particularly great deal, I feel compelled to participate in anything food-related that people are talking about. So, the choice for Friday lunch was Chaya. Located along the Embarcadero, this French/Japanese offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge – and very decent food in my two experiences.

DAT participants have the choice of an app and an entrée or an entrée and a dessert. Today, I chose a mushroom bisque soup to start and a sushi medley for the main (the seasonal sorbet wasn’t too tempting). The soup was phenomenal – creamy, flavorful, and topped with a dab of cream. Yes, I definitely scraped the edges of the bowl with my bread on this one. Both my parents had it and agreed it was top-notch. The sushi medley was satisfying but was far from the best I’ve had. The portion (13 pieces total) was impressive but it tasted like the rolls I get at Safeway (which, to clarify, is not a criticism). I have to add it was kind of a trip to alternate bites of sushi and bread’n’butter on the table. Gotta love a little cultural diversity.

I was on the fence about dessert and ready to be sold. So, when the waitress came out with menus and spontaneously added “our bread pudding is to die for!” – well, she closed me. To extend the sales analogy, she over-delivered on her promise. This bread pudding gives Luna Park’s a run for its money. It’s served in a bowl (a must); warm (another must); uses crisp croissant pieces, and is swimming in some sort of custard sauce with pieces of chocolate chips. The scoop of ice cream was, well, the icing on the cake. It alone puts Chaya in the “return worthy” column.

I have to add that our waitress was particularly cool – friendly, attentive, but not-overbearing. In all, Chaya has a lot to brag about: above-average food, awe-inspiring views of the bridge, great service, and a delectable dessert. Rumor is their Happy Hour is not to be missed. Chances are I will be back soon…

What would Brian Boitano eat?

While on the elliptical Wednesday evening, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” – my favorite Food Network show ever – came on. If you haven’t seen this show, you should definitely DVR it (or “tape it” as I still do). As the title suggests, each show picks a theme (crunchy, spicy, “in a bowl,” and so on) and asks several Food Network stars to highlight his or her choice. For a girl that loves superlatives, this show is right up my alley. Long story short, Brian Boitano chose the corn fritters at E&O Trading Company in SF as his favorite crunchy food of all time.

Flash forward two days and I’m sitting at said Union Square restaurant with my folks to give these fritters a go. I have to admit, I was feeling pretty “in the know” that I happened to see the show and was already there. My smugness started to fade when I noticed the five surrounding tables ALL HAD THE CORN FRITTERS ON THEIR TABLE. The main attraction came out first and I was impressed how generous the portion it is – three large corn fritters – hardly a small plate as the menu suggests. They were quite unusual, but I am sorry Brian, can’t say they are the best crunchy thing I’ve ever eaten. If you’ve ever had a sticky popcorn ball – it tastes like that, minus the sweet part. A fried batter holds them together but there’s no distinct taste that kept me going back for more. Overall, I thought it was sort of bland. The sweet pepper soy sauce dipping went a long way.

Unfortunately, bland seemed to be the theme of the lunch for me. I ordered the Portobello flatbread, described on the menu as “grilled Portobello mushroom, watercress, red onion, and pickled mango.” I guess the description is accurate, but it was basically a small salad served on top of a big piece of bread (only covering about 75% of the bread I might add). So, I ate the salad off the top and the plain flatbread by itself as there was nothing holding the two together. To add insult to injury, the bread wasn’t exactly to-die for either.

Oh, and my sense of pride about the Brian Boitano thing was completely killed when I walked outside and saw this sign:

Keepin' it local

Most Sunday afternoons I can be found in my pajamas with a good book in hand. This past Sunday I managed to rally myself to make the long trip across the street to SPQR. While I’d been there twice for brunch, I was becoming downright embarrassed that I had never made it there for dinner. It’s quite popular among food critics and couldn’t be more convenient.

I immediately noticed how packed the place was for a Sunday night. My companion (and neighbor) Sarah G and I scored the last two spots available for walk-ins – two corner stools at the chef’s kitchen bar. This meant we got to sit dumbstruck by all the beautiful creations the chefs were plating (“how does he get that pasta to stack so perfectly?” “How much do you think he makes?” “what do you think she cooks for herself when she’s not working?”) While some may see this as a distraction, Sarah and I thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment and a glimpse into a fast-paced kitchen. Those folks work NONSTOP.

When it came time for ordering, I put my foot down about the spiced ricotta fritters and let Sarah run with the rest. The fritters came out first and I truly haven’t tasted anything like them before; the filling itself is very mild – it barely registers to me as a cheese. I was more struck by the hint of maple syrup. It’s definitely more of a sweet treat than a savory one. I can’t say I’d order them again, but they were memorable.

Then came the mushroom risotto and the ravioli. The risotto was warm and creamy and topped with perfect slices of fresh squash. I am no risotto expert but it seemed very good to me. I like mushrooms and appreciated the high-quality pieces of mushroom tucked inside. The ravioli is a bit of a conundrum for me: I can’t really recall what was in the ravioli. I think it was pumpkin. Either way, it was mild and the focus is definitely on the pasta. What I love about this dish is you know someone stuffed and hand folded each piece of ravioli. This kind of quality is rare and pleasurable in itself.

I felt this same feeling after my previous brunch experiences: you cannot find fresher, better quality ingredients than at SPQR. I swear the egg I had at brunch was the single best egg I’ve ever had in my life…they probably have an organic farm in the back where they humanely treat chickens who pop out the eggs and serve them immediately. Anyway, the superiority of the ingredients is what makes this place great and unique. I can’t say I go to bed dreaming about eating here but it’s always memorable.

How Do I Write This Delicately?

I felt an odd sense of relief as I walked out of Comstock Saloon after a (barely) mediocre culinary experience. It served as proof that I don’t L-O-V-E everywhere I go and not everything is rainbows and butterflies in San Francisco. There are a few doozies, such as Comstock, to remind me this city is in fact real-life and not heaven-on-earth. My recent string of visits – Baker & Banker, Terzo – obscured this fact. Comstock is a relatively new saloon-style bar/restaurant in the North Bean space that used to be San Francisco Brewing Company for decades. I had been there before for a cocktail (which is their specialty and probably what they should stick to). I was actually surprised to learn they served lunch a few days ago as I thought it was exclusively a boozing spot.

Interestingly, my first impression today was a good one. The atmosphere is dark and Western; it felt like a blast from the past. The bartender has a cheesy hook mustache and Western vest. The dining room was nearly empty so I could actually hear my company. The menu is short and quality fare. Tri-tip sandos, po’ boys, pot pies, etc. Everything is hunky dory until the eating part. I settled on a “Pig in a Biscuit:” pulled pork patties on a biscuit. It came out exactly as described, but as three sliders. Red flags went up after the very first bite: the patty was barely warm, the biscuit itself was average (biscuits have life-changing potential), and there was no condiments!! No cheese, dressing, butter … nothing! The result is a cold, dry bite. Adding insult to injury is that the serving size is pretty small – the only reason I cleaned my plate was because I was STARVING. No fries, bread basket, or any sort of goody to accompany the main attraction.

My parents were similarly underwhelmed – particularly around the portion size. My dad hadn’t finished his final bite of steak pot-pie when he asked “what’s for dinner?” My mom’s tri-tip sandwich was bigger than ours, but the meat looked like cold cuts.

Having had a drink there, I can say there are redeeming qualities. My advice is to drink your calories at Comstock – please do not eat them.

2010 Recap: The Year of the Asian Empire

As I began to compile my “Best of 2010” list a few weeks ago, I quickly realized my personal highlights were predominantly Asian-influenced. I just can’t wrap my head around this. I very rarely proactively seek out Asian fare; I find myself sitting down for Asian fare when someone else is choosing the spot. I don’t even know how to use chopsticks! I’m a burger and French fry girl! I’ll probably spend weeks reflecting on this, but my guess is that because I am drawn so often to Western-food that it’s hard for a single dish to come out atop the rest, especially in a city whose food is as top notch as it is here. Competition is thick and crowded at the top.

I could spend all day getting pshyo-analytic on this issue but let’s cut to the chase (the list, that is). I’ve delineated my top 5 and thrown in a few extra categories for spots that deserve recognition but may not have made the all-around cut.
Bottom line: There were many happy dances in my stomach this year. More to come in 2011!

5. Unicorn – (Pan Asian Cuisine): I know, you’ve never heard of it. If you work downtown, I guarantee you’ve walked by it a thousand times – and kept walking. While on my two-month vegan stint, I was desperate for any place with just one vegan option. This place has a whole SECTION on the Pan-Asian Fusion menu. Feeling adventurous, I ordered the bean curd (sounds gross, I know). Upon my first bite, I hailed the waitress as I was convinced she mistakenly gave me chicken. What was on my plate looked a lot like white chicken strips and tasted like it too. The waitress politely told me she did not err and that bean curd is just that “meaty.” The sheer shock of this was enough to ingrain Unicorn to memory; but the spicy mango sauce and eggplant accompaniment made it downright GOOD in its own right. I’ll order it again, vegan or not.

4. Sens (Mediterranean-ish): I dined here several times this year, probably because it’s so close to my office (when the office is looking for somewhere to go, I always suggest here because the food is sens-sational – the pun itself equals automatic veto – but I just can’t help it!!). Each of my visits this year were just so…pleasing. I distinctly remember having an amazing soup, pizza, and tartare on different visits. Coupled with million-dollar views, Sens has a little something for everyone. Great for groups.

3. Tadich Grill (Seafood): An SF institution that is not all hype! It remains one of the oldest restaurants in the city, and for whatever reason, it took me nearly three years to get there. Several months later, I am still salivating about the seafood curry casserole. So warm, so hearty. The service, history, portion-size, and bread pudding dessert all make this a must.

2. Bix (American): Oh Bix. Sweet, sweet Bix. The restaurant itself is my very favorite in the city (dark and elegant, cozy booths, long bar, classic 1930s jazz feel – all tucked away on a hidden alley-way). I walk in and have to stop to take a deep breath to take it all in. Bix, to me, epitomizes all that San Francisco is and should be. Oh yeah, and they have a burger that is HELLA good. I had it twice this year and it remains my favorite. A single bite and you know you’re getting high quality beef with all the perfect accoutrements: bacon cured in-house, fresh cheese, and a perfect bun. This is my go-to “special occasion” place.

1. The House (Asian Fusion): I recently reviewed this. It’s a tight race between Bix and House for the number one spot, but the sheer unexpectedness of this visit gives it the edge. I was blown away by it all. I had heard it was good, but I didn’t realize the food would be unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. They take a normal dish (crab cake, for example) and make it heart-stoppingly good.

And now for Corinne Categories:

“You’re going to get made fun of for admitting that” winner: Osha (Thai): That was my mom’s response when I told her Osha Thai is one of my very favorite. Yes, there are several locations around the city (I refuse to use the term “chain”). The ingredients probably aren’t local, or orgranic, or grass-fed but I don’t care. Their curry dishes are big, relatively inexpensive, and darn tasty!

Best Tourist Trap: Scomas (Seafood): An out of town co-worker claims this is the cioppino he’s ever had in his whole entire life - and he’s approaching 60. Yes, it’s in the heart of Fisherman Wharf’s and I nearly had a hernia getting past all the tourists to meet him here. But I had to hand it to him, the cioppino was excellent. Warm, flavorful, and jam-packed with fresh seafood. I had to pack up half – which turned out to be quite nice when lunchtime the following day rolled around. It’s worth braving the tourist mayhem.

When you want an Experience, not just a meal: Acquerello: (Italian): This is an engagement, 1/5/10 year anniversary, or major birthday place. I remember the food as much as I remember the attention to detail – each member of my party having a personal waiter, the step stool provided to me so my purse won’t touch the ground, the complimentary hand-made chocolate truffles at the end. The box of biscotti given to the ladies (but not the men). It’s a show as much as it is a meal.

Best non-restaurant meal: Thanksgiving Dinner: My Aunt Suzanne KILLED IT this year with the yam casserole. Actually, I think it was sticks of butter with pieces of yams in between. Either way, every aspect of this meal – turkey, casserole, rolls, mashed potatoes, red wine – was top notch. Surrounded by family made it an evening to remember.

Best Bargain: Green Chile Kitchen: If you want big, sloppy Mexican food – don’t go here. If you want fresh ingredients, good value, and to walk out like you did your body a service – please do go here. GCK has all the Mexican-food staples and delivers them in a healthy way. The counter ordering + sit-down dining room makes it a great spur-of-the-moment choice. Open for every meal of the day!

Now I'm really hungry.