I braved the mean streets of the TL this week for dinner and a show at Great American Music Hall. Not only did I live to see Wednesday morning, I came through with a pretty happy stomach as well. Olive is one of the more peculiar places I’ve ever seen in my 24 years: it’s situated in perhaps one of the sketchiest blocks in all of SF, but once you step in, you feel as if you’re in the hippest bar in the Mission.
The drink and food menu are quite clever. I started with a champagne infused mojito while I perused the various options on the menu: baked brie, thin crust pizzas, fish tacos, Monte Cristo, quesadillas, to name a few. Now, anyone who knows me well is aware Baked Brie is in my Top 5. Toward the top of my Top 5. Rarely do I see it on a dinner menu. So, choice was easy: I had baked brie for dinner. I’ve had better home-made baked bries in my day; I prefer the brie to be IN the pastry dough but this was served with a sourdough roll on the side. Not a home-run.
We also shared a spicy tuna roll which exceeded my expectations. The roll is humungous, prepared tempura style (Read: FRIED!!) and was extremely filling. If you’re going GAMH for a show, Olive is the place to be... unless you like Popeyes or the corner store fare.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Las Vegas and Lesbians
I left my beloved San Francisco for four days in Sin City – a town that doesn’t have too bad of a food reputation itself. The first few days I was shackled to my chair in the ballroom of the Wynn (not complainin', just sayin....), but stayed an extra night with G and did not let the opportunity for a good dining experience pass me by.
Sarah G, Scottie (one of my top go-to restaurant advisors), Kevin, and I decided on Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grille (by “we” I mean “me” – thanks guys :). The decision-making process was gut-wrenching… on the one hand, I’m not a huge steak fan and also didn’t want to spend $50 on a slab that I know I’d only be able to eat 25% of and logistically would not be able to doggie bag due to nightclub festivities thereafter. On the other hand, Bobby Flay = STEAK. I felt it’d be a slap in the face not to order one. After several under-the-table negotiations, I opted for the tuna steak (ordered “as rare as you can go but still legal”) on the condition I could sample the guys’ steaks. My tuna steak was perfectly grilled (it must have just barely touched the grill) and I got to sample some juicy, flavorful rib-eye. I honestly don’t think I will ever understand why folks cry tears of joy over a steak, but Bobby’s steak was a step toward compassion.
Sunday night called for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with my first SF love, Amber. After downing a flight of bubbly at CAV, we marched right on down to the Castro and fit right in with all the other lovebirds at Chow. Chow is related to one of my SF favorites, Park Chow. Just like Park Chow in the Sunset, the Castro location is fun and laid-back and serves decent food. I don’t think I’ll ever rave about these places’ culinary prowess, but I ALWAYS have a good time and would recommend either location to anyone. The servers are nice, the beer is cold, and menu is packed with pleasing comfort food. True love, indeed!
Sarah G, Scottie (one of my top go-to restaurant advisors), Kevin, and I decided on Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grille (by “we” I mean “me” – thanks guys :). The decision-making process was gut-wrenching… on the one hand, I’m not a huge steak fan and also didn’t want to spend $50 on a slab that I know I’d only be able to eat 25% of and logistically would not be able to doggie bag due to nightclub festivities thereafter. On the other hand, Bobby Flay = STEAK. I felt it’d be a slap in the face not to order one. After several under-the-table negotiations, I opted for the tuna steak (ordered “as rare as you can go but still legal”) on the condition I could sample the guys’ steaks. My tuna steak was perfectly grilled (it must have just barely touched the grill) and I got to sample some juicy, flavorful rib-eye. I honestly don’t think I will ever understand why folks cry tears of joy over a steak, but Bobby’s steak was a step toward compassion.
Sunday night called for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with my first SF love, Amber. After downing a flight of bubbly at CAV, we marched right on down to the Castro and fit right in with all the other lovebirds at Chow. Chow is related to one of my SF favorites, Park Chow. Just like Park Chow in the Sunset, the Castro location is fun and laid-back and serves decent food. I don’t think I’ll ever rave about these places’ culinary prowess, but I ALWAYS have a good time and would recommend either location to anyone. The servers are nice, the beer is cold, and menu is packed with pleasing comfort food. True love, indeed!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Around the World in Three Days
My voyage started Wednesday night with Jac at Meze’s, a Greek spot in the Marina. Sigh. Pretty simple summary here: not enough value. Plates were $10-12 and constituted about six bites each (you can do the math when you’re sharing with someone else!). The few bites I did have were tasty (particularly the meatballs), but felt slightly robbed when it was time to pay the bill. Glad I went, but won’t be in a hurry to return. Jac: we need to stick with tried’n’true (bar food).
My trip to India (via take-out from Shalimar on Polk) the following evening was a polar opposite experience: cheap, huge portions, and delicious. Just the aroma of the take-out bag had my head spinning. We sampled beef, lamb, and chicken dishes. I’d recommend any of the curry dishes: flavorful, spicy, and comforting. Also, don’t skip the Naan! Despite only being $1 each, one piece is about the size of a Boboli pizza crust (I bought five of them, probably still weary from tiny portions the night before – better safe than sorry!!!!!!!!!)
I ended my trip this afternoon at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion for lunch. The chocolate molten lava cake saved what could have been a pretty mediocre dining experience. I opted for the pecan encrusted Mahi Mahi (still blocked up from the night before); serving size was small, fish was cold, flavor and moisture level left much to be desired. My dad pretended to get his magnifying glass out to find the food on his plate (awesome move, btw). And, no bread for the table (even upon special request). What kind of chain restaurant doesn’t have bread baskets?! The chocolate molten lava cake, however, was warm and decadent and left a much better taste in my mouth.
Enter Food Coma.
My trip to India (via take-out from Shalimar on Polk) the following evening was a polar opposite experience: cheap, huge portions, and delicious. Just the aroma of the take-out bag had my head spinning. We sampled beef, lamb, and chicken dishes. I’d recommend any of the curry dishes: flavorful, spicy, and comforting. Also, don’t skip the Naan! Despite only being $1 each, one piece is about the size of a Boboli pizza crust (I bought five of them, probably still weary from tiny portions the night before – better safe than sorry!!!!!!!!!)
I ended my trip this afternoon at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion for lunch. The chocolate molten lava cake saved what could have been a pretty mediocre dining experience. I opted for the pecan encrusted Mahi Mahi (still blocked up from the night before); serving size was small, fish was cold, flavor and moisture level left much to be desired. My dad pretended to get his magnifying glass out to find the food on his plate (awesome move, btw). And, no bread for the table (even upon special request). What kind of chain restaurant doesn’t have bread baskets?! The chocolate molten lava cake, however, was warm and decadent and left a much better taste in my mouth.
Enter Food Coma.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Week I Experienced Luna Park’s Bread Pudding
I went to three good spots this week. When I’m on my deathbed, I probably won’t remember too much about Vitrine or Slow Club. But I will remember the chocolate chip bread pudding I had Luna Park. And I will smile and think “it was a good life.”
Taking full advantage of my No-Booze-Until-Superbowl-Sunday pledge, my dining companion and I hopped in the car and made the trek to the other side of the world – err, I mean city – to the Mission District for dinner at Luna Park. I had Cheese fondue, burger; he had pork chop and Ceaser. It was fine, not Top Five ..blah blah. Nobody cares.
Then…came…the…bread…pudding… I’m still searching the dictionary for a word powerful enough to describe the crispy exterior and gooey, undercooked interior of this gift from the kitchen gods. It was one of those moments where you get sad (and panicky, if you’re me) when you only see a few bites left in the dish – please, don’t let this be over!!! (we asked the waitress for a windshield scraper to get the crispy bits off the side). Did I mention it was chocolate chip bread pudding with a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate syrup drizzles on top? Also, did ya know it’s individually prepared in a shallow bowl (not a cut into a piece serving like a cake – barf!). I’ve had many a bread pudding in my day (it’s my go-to restaurant dessert order) and this is easily The Best I Have Ever Had. Easily.
Still on a high from the night before, the parentals and I checked out Vitrine for lunch – an out-of-the-way spot located in the St. Regis Hotel. Hotel restaurants make me nervous. They’re always empty and the food is usually subpar. My anxiety was heightened when the server brought out a “gift from the chef” of ceviche. How do I say this? I ain’t ever seen ceviche consisting of ONE PIECE OF SHRIMP. That’s it. Served in a Peachtree dish. Oh and a few sprigs of parsley . However, I must admit, the rest of the meal was delicious and bizarrely filling. While the portions were small (small rabbit appetizer, four-bite sea bass entrée), I found I was more than satisfied until dinner. Maybe it was the two pieces of buttered bread? Anyway, I won’t go out my way to come back, but won’t trash talk the place either.
Went for a three-peat on Saturday! Sarah G and I decided to get adventurous and do lunch in Portrero Hill. After thoughtful consideration, we settled on Slow Club. I went for fried egg sando while Sarah went for Turkey Hash. We both fell victim to setting expectations too high. The food LOOKED great, we were excited about trying a tucked-away place, etc. The food simply missed that “it” factor. Can’t place it. I’ve done cartwheels walking out of brunch at Ella’s and Zazie. Not the case here. Considering it’s a journey to get to, I probably won’t head back anytime soon. But, the company was great!
Taking full advantage of my No-Booze-Until-Superbowl-Sunday pledge, my dining companion and I hopped in the car and made the trek to the other side of the world – err, I mean city – to the Mission District for dinner at Luna Park. I had Cheese fondue, burger; he had pork chop and Ceaser. It was fine, not Top Five ..blah blah. Nobody cares.
Then…came…the…bread…pudding… I’m still searching the dictionary for a word powerful enough to describe the crispy exterior and gooey, undercooked interior of this gift from the kitchen gods. It was one of those moments where you get sad (and panicky, if you’re me) when you only see a few bites left in the dish – please, don’t let this be over!!! (we asked the waitress for a windshield scraper to get the crispy bits off the side). Did I mention it was chocolate chip bread pudding with a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate syrup drizzles on top? Also, did ya know it’s individually prepared in a shallow bowl (not a cut into a piece serving like a cake – barf!). I’ve had many a bread pudding in my day (it’s my go-to restaurant dessert order) and this is easily The Best I Have Ever Had. Easily.
Still on a high from the night before, the parentals and I checked out Vitrine for lunch – an out-of-the-way spot located in the St. Regis Hotel. Hotel restaurants make me nervous. They’re always empty and the food is usually subpar. My anxiety was heightened when the server brought out a “gift from the chef” of ceviche. How do I say this? I ain’t ever seen ceviche consisting of ONE PIECE OF SHRIMP. That’s it. Served in a Peachtree dish. Oh and a few sprigs of parsley . However, I must admit, the rest of the meal was delicious and bizarrely filling. While the portions were small (small rabbit appetizer, four-bite sea bass entrée), I found I was more than satisfied until dinner. Maybe it was the two pieces of buttered bread? Anyway, I won’t go out my way to come back, but won’t trash talk the place either.
Went for a three-peat on Saturday! Sarah G and I decided to get adventurous and do lunch in Portrero Hill. After thoughtful consideration, we settled on Slow Club. I went for fried egg sando while Sarah went for Turkey Hash. We both fell victim to setting expectations too high. The food LOOKED great, we were excited about trying a tucked-away place, etc. The food simply missed that “it” factor. Can’t place it. I’ve done cartwheels walking out of brunch at Ella’s and Zazie. Not the case here. Considering it’s a journey to get to, I probably won’t head back anytime soon. But, the company was great!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Anchor & Hope You Can Stop By
‘Tis the holiday season again! It’s Dine About Town in San Fran, which is essentially a three week Christmas for SF Foodies like myself. For DAT virgins, here’s the rub:
-Three weeks, twice each year
-Several dozen participating restaurants
-$18 2-course Prix Fixe lunch/$35 3-course Dinner*
Anyway, Friday was DAT 2010 kickoff and I wasn’t about to be a curmudgeon by sitting out the first day. The entire Roberts clan headed south of Market to a tucked away spot aptly named Anchor & Hope for its fish and underwater fare. Here is where I must come clean: I did not order from the DAT menu after all. The starter soup and grilled fish just wasn’t calling my name like the fried shrimp fritter sando was. Pops, however, did go for the DAT option, so I don’t feel too much like a Grinch.
Would I go back? Yes. Would I pay my own way to go back? Probably not. Am I going to shout from the rooftops about A&H’s shrimp fritters? No chance. The sandwich was mysteriously spicy (even for someone who enjoys a spice-induced runny nose every so often), so beware. The rest of my family felt the same way – pleasant, but nothing to write home about (although we didn’t have to write home because we were all there, but I digress..)
One major bonus point: Upon my request for “LOTS of ketchup” to go with my fries, the busboy returns with a plate of 5 servings. Yes, yes, YES!! My biggest restaurant pet-peeve is those microscopic servings of ketchup. Is that a serving per fry?
*Sign of the times: I *think* it was 3 courses for lunch last year. For all the DAT deets: http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/taste/dineabouttown/
-Three weeks, twice each year
-Several dozen participating restaurants
-$18 2-course Prix Fixe lunch/$35 3-course Dinner*
Anyway, Friday was DAT 2010 kickoff and I wasn’t about to be a curmudgeon by sitting out the first day. The entire Roberts clan headed south of Market to a tucked away spot aptly named Anchor & Hope for its fish and underwater fare. Here is where I must come clean: I did not order from the DAT menu after all. The starter soup and grilled fish just wasn’t calling my name like the fried shrimp fritter sando was. Pops, however, did go for the DAT option, so I don’t feel too much like a Grinch.
Would I go back? Yes. Would I pay my own way to go back? Probably not. Am I going to shout from the rooftops about A&H’s shrimp fritters? No chance. The sandwich was mysteriously spicy (even for someone who enjoys a spice-induced runny nose every so often), so beware. The rest of my family felt the same way – pleasant, but nothing to write home about (although we didn’t have to write home because we were all there, but I digress..)
One major bonus point: Upon my request for “LOTS of ketchup” to go with my fries, the busboy returns with a plate of 5 servings. Yes, yes, YES!! My biggest restaurant pet-peeve is those microscopic servings of ketchup. Is that a serving per fry?
*Sign of the times: I *think* it was 3 courses for lunch last year. For all the DAT deets: http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/taste/dineabouttown/
Friday, January 8, 2010
Low Key Week
‘Twas a mellow week in light of the Christmas and New Year’s gluttony. Two visits to mention:
1. Starbelly (Castro)
Ventured way out of my comfort zone to visit this little spot at Market & 15th. The interior, ambiance, and menu is very Mission-y – which I guess makes sense since it’s only a few blocks away. Didn’t love this place, but didn’t hate it either. I just feel like there are 100 other similar places in the Mission that I’ve been to before. Prices are totally reasonable (especially when you are on a post-holiday no-booze kick) and a good neighborhood spot. The chicken pate (fatty, spreadable meat – mmmmm!!) served with warm, thick bread is what I will remember.
2. Zebulon (FiDi/SOMA)
Now that I’m back to working in SF, the parentals have resumed their weekly Friday lunch date with me (hooray!!). Today we visited Zebulon, a hidden spot on Natoma Street. I know it from their great Happy Hour specials and bar bites. To my surprise, this is an order-at-the-counter place at lunch. The chicken/bleu cheese/bacon sando made me forget I had to – gasp – get my own flatware in back. The sweet potato fries and aioli are nice going down, too. If you work near the Bus terminal, I would highly recommend this as a quick-but-quality lunch option.
1. Starbelly (Castro)
Ventured way out of my comfort zone to visit this little spot at Market & 15th. The interior, ambiance, and menu is very Mission-y – which I guess makes sense since it’s only a few blocks away. Didn’t love this place, but didn’t hate it either. I just feel like there are 100 other similar places in the Mission that I’ve been to before. Prices are totally reasonable (especially when you are on a post-holiday no-booze kick) and a good neighborhood spot. The chicken pate (fatty, spreadable meat – mmmmm!!) served with warm, thick bread is what I will remember.
2. Zebulon (FiDi/SOMA)
Now that I’m back to working in SF, the parentals have resumed their weekly Friday lunch date with me (hooray!!). Today we visited Zebulon, a hidden spot on Natoma Street. I know it from their great Happy Hour specials and bar bites. To my surprise, this is an order-at-the-counter place at lunch. The chicken/bleu cheese/bacon sando made me forget I had to – gasp – get my own flatware in back. The sweet potato fries and aioli are nice going down, too. If you work near the Bus terminal, I would highly recommend this as a quick-but-quality lunch option.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Best & Worst of 2009
It is 12/31/2009, so I must address the obvious: the highlights and lowlights of 2009. For all the delightful dining experiences I had in 2009, there were a few doozies (but not many).
Points for Perspective (these places made me appreciate the good places that much more):
1. Greens (Fort Mason): I guess I just can’t buy into the whole vegetarian/organic/free range/grass fed movement. Everyone I talk to raves about this place, but I JUST DON’T GET IT. One should be able to order sausage at brunch (or a Diet Coke. Upon my request, the waiter glared at me and scoffed: “we don’ t serve diet coke here.” Sor-reeey.) Totally overpriced ($18 for two eggs and mystery-healthy-potato hash). I walked in hungry and was not inspired to finish my plate – simply not worth the calories.
2. Papalote: Went here because its Chips & Salsa was touted as one of the Top 100 dishes in SF. First, I had to pay extra for salsa (the two free tablespoons was not going to cut it). Secondly, can a girl get some freakin’ guac, cheese, or sour cream in her burrito? Apparently not. My tacos were totally dry and bland. It is simply unacceptable to mess up Mexican food in this town.
3. Ocean Taqueria: Another example of Mexican falling painfully short. I ordered a burrito but perhaps they heard me say “soup in a tortilla”?? I can’t even describe what was going on here. The ironic thing is that just two doors down is El Burrito Express 2, which stands alone as my favorite burrito in SF. So, if you’re looking for Mexican fare on Divis – please choose El Burrito’s red awning over Ocean’s blue awning.
Onto the fun stuff! Here’s a list of my single most memorable dining experiences this year – not necessarily new discoveries or my favorite restaurants, just great meals:
1. The Front Porch: It’s way the hell out there but worth the trip. Sit at the bar, order a bucket of fried chicken, and sit back and enjoy the southern comfort. The fried chicken is actually served in a paper bucket – a charming touch I cannot get enough of.
2. Aqua: Went here with the folks featured in Blog #3. This is not a meal, it is an experience. You feel as though your personal happiness is the single most important factor in the wait staff’s livelihood. The food is beautiful to look at on the plate and even more beautiful going down. I remember wanting to do cartwheels along California Street as I exited.
3. Nick’s Crispy Tacos: I got here at least once a month in 2009. The fried baja-style fish tacos are … perfection. Order up at the counter, grab a drink at the adjoining bar while you wait, then dive into that plastic basket of goodness!
Outside City Lines:
1. Quinn’s (Oakland/Alameda border): Top notch beef burger, outdoor deck along the estuary, unusual Buffalo burger option. But really, this place’s true charm is the fact you can throw the peanut shells (free on every table) ON THE FLOOR. It’s every kid’s dream come true. Drop ‘em to your side, throw ‘em over your shoulder, toss ‘em out the window – whatever you want! Someone else will clean it up!
2009 Honorable Mentions:
1. Park Chow
2. Marnee Thai
3. Ella’s
4. RN74
5. Street
Points for Perspective (these places made me appreciate the good places that much more):
1. Greens (Fort Mason): I guess I just can’t buy into the whole vegetarian/organic/free range/grass fed movement. Everyone I talk to raves about this place, but I JUST DON’T GET IT. One should be able to order sausage at brunch (or a Diet Coke. Upon my request, the waiter glared at me and scoffed: “we don’ t serve diet coke here.” Sor-reeey.) Totally overpriced ($18 for two eggs and mystery-healthy-potato hash). I walked in hungry and was not inspired to finish my plate – simply not worth the calories.
2. Papalote: Went here because its Chips & Salsa was touted as one of the Top 100 dishes in SF. First, I had to pay extra for salsa (the two free tablespoons was not going to cut it). Secondly, can a girl get some freakin’ guac, cheese, or sour cream in her burrito? Apparently not. My tacos were totally dry and bland. It is simply unacceptable to mess up Mexican food in this town.
3. Ocean Taqueria: Another example of Mexican falling painfully short. I ordered a burrito but perhaps they heard me say “soup in a tortilla”?? I can’t even describe what was going on here. The ironic thing is that just two doors down is El Burrito Express 2, which stands alone as my favorite burrito in SF. So, if you’re looking for Mexican fare on Divis – please choose El Burrito’s red awning over Ocean’s blue awning.
Onto the fun stuff! Here’s a list of my single most memorable dining experiences this year – not necessarily new discoveries or my favorite restaurants, just great meals:
1. The Front Porch: It’s way the hell out there but worth the trip. Sit at the bar, order a bucket of fried chicken, and sit back and enjoy the southern comfort. The fried chicken is actually served in a paper bucket – a charming touch I cannot get enough of.
2. Aqua: Went here with the folks featured in Blog #3. This is not a meal, it is an experience. You feel as though your personal happiness is the single most important factor in the wait staff’s livelihood. The food is beautiful to look at on the plate and even more beautiful going down. I remember wanting to do cartwheels along California Street as I exited.
3. Nick’s Crispy Tacos: I got here at least once a month in 2009. The fried baja-style fish tacos are … perfection. Order up at the counter, grab a drink at the adjoining bar while you wait, then dive into that plastic basket of goodness!
Outside City Lines:
1. Quinn’s (Oakland/Alameda border): Top notch beef burger, outdoor deck along the estuary, unusual Buffalo burger option. But really, this place’s true charm is the fact you can throw the peanut shells (free on every table) ON THE FLOOR. It’s every kid’s dream come true. Drop ‘em to your side, throw ‘em over your shoulder, toss ‘em out the window – whatever you want! Someone else will clean it up!
2009 Honorable Mentions:
1. Park Chow
2. Marnee Thai
3. Ella’s
4. RN74
5. Street
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