Highlights (and one lowlight)

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted an actual review and I it has been an extremely good stretch on the food front. There was one doozy, but I suppose there’s a bad apple in every barrel (and it makes you appreciate the goodies even more). For the sake of attention spans and volume, I’ll try to keep my reviews brief:

Ella’s: This is the number one brunch spot in the city, bar none. This was my third or fourth visit, and I had the pleasure of dining with two Ella’s virgins (Sarah G and her sister Julia), so I felt like I got to experience the novelty all over again. I nearly called Chief Justice Roberts to help make the decision on what to order, but finally settled upon one banana pancake and one strawberry ricotta pancake. Ella’s pancakes set the standard for what a flapjack should be: thick, slightly undercooked/doughy, served with a creamy butter side. Sarah G walked away a different person after her smoked salmon scramble experience. I don’t like going to the same place over and over again, but Ella’s proximity to my apartment, reasonable prices, and incredible brunch fare make it an exception.

Perbacco: Dined here for lunch with my mom, dad, and Jac. I didn’t really need to look at the menu to know I would be ordering the short ribs. I like beef – any meat for that matter – that does not require a knife to cut it. Just the aroma of this dish is filling. The short ribs are served on top of home-made tagliatelle pasta and define “comfort food.” So warming and filling. The bottomeless focaccia bread is the best I’ve ever had as well. Perbacco is a place I try to get to at least once every six months.

Tipsy Pig: No, that’s not my new Friday night nickname. Ha!! I was at the Pig Thursday and Saturday nights last week after having been there several times before only for drinks. The food is LEGIT. I had heard very good things about the macaroni and cheese via the Chronicle’s Michael Bauer and I now understand the hype. I don’t normally crave mac’n’cheese, but how shall I say this…. Hmm…oh yeah, it’s served with bacon bits. I also give a stamp of approval to the pretzel twist and cheese sauce, sweet potato fries, and sliders. But if you can only try on thing, it has to be the mac’n’cheese.

Osteria: This old-person spot in Laurel Heights was host to a Salesforce girls’ night out. When I walked in and saw only grey hair and bald heads, I got a little nervous our group of eight 20-somethings would overwhelm them. Not so. Joanne (our server) was taking pictures with us, entertaining us with jokes, exchanging email addresses – all while serving delicious Italian food with impeccable timing. I had so much FUN at here. A date spot it is not (bad lighting, all old people) but it is a great spot to bring family from out of town or meet the in-laws. Oh yeah, the prices are totally reasonable for the quality and quantity.

Tacolicious: Sigh, no city is perfect. I have always resisted high-end Mexican food (Mamacita, Mexico DF = FAIL) and here again is proof. Half the stuff on the menu didn’t appear to be Mexican (spare ribs?!) and my “taco platter” was something I could have made at home for half the cost. They brought me a plate of a few taco shells, ground beef, shredded lettuce, and cheese. Give me a break! I also ordered the ribs and they were too spicy for me to eat. Every time I walk by, the place is packed, but they won’t be getting anymore of my business.

I Digress...

Two years ago I was going through a dark time in my life and really needed to do something significant to pull myself out. Thus, my quest to try every Ben & Jerry’s flavor was born (I’m kidding about the dark time, but do absolutely believe B&J is a good cure for the everyday blues!). Since then, I’ve tasted 37 flavors and have 35 empty pints in my cupboard to prove it (an ex-boyfriend got to keep half a Vanilla Heath…jerk… and my Mom threw out Choc Macadamia).

Here is a list of every pint I’ve cleaned out, in alphabetical order. It goes without saying a Top Five list ensues, plus a few additional anecdotes for your ice cream consuming pleasure.

Completed:
American Dream
Banana Split
Cake Batter
Cherry Garcia
Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Chocolate Macadamia*
Chubby Hubby
Chunky Monkey
Cinnamon Buns
Coffee Heath Bar Crunch
Creme Brulee
Dublin Mudslide
Everything but the...
Ginger Snap
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Half Baked
Imagine World Peace
Karamel Sutra
Key Lime Pie
Magic Brownies
Maple Blondie
Milk & Cookies
Mint Choc Cookie
Mint Chocolate Chunk
Mission to Marzipan
Oatmeal Cookie Chunk
One Cheesecake Brownie
Peach Cobbler
Peanut Butter Cup
Pistachio Pistachio
Pumpkin Cheesecake
S'mores
Strawberry Cheesecake
Triple Caramel Chunk
Vanilla
Vanilla Heath*

To Do:
Chocolate (too boring, no chunks! Wait for sale!)
Peanut Brittle (New!)
Dulce Delish (New!)
Mud Pie (New!)
*need pint

This challenge would be pointless without a Top 5 List. The list is easy:
1. Cinnamon Buns: No words. No words...
2. Mint Chocolate Cookie: This is cookies’n’cream but with a minty twist. The Oreo cookie chunks are monstrous and the minty flavor is just so darn… refreshing.
3. Oatmeal Chocolate Cookie: There’s something so satisfying about this flavor. The cookie chunks are chewy and plentiful while the oatmeal bits create an unusual and pleasing ice cream texture.
4. Mission to Marzipan: I didn’t know what Marzipan was before I tried this flavor. I’m still not too sure, but my mind’s eye sees lakes of cinnamon-y swirls and, again, chunks of cookie.
5. Cookie Dough: Good old fashioned cookie dough! I actually held off on trying this for a long time because it’s so… typical. But B&J nail it. It’s far more than your average cookie dough ice cream. Such a delightful surprise.

Random Anecdotes:
-There are three flavors I have given up on halfway through and washed out with water: Cherry Garcia, Pistachio, and Mint Chocolate Chunk (not to be confused with Mint Cookie!). I do NOT understand the Cherry Garcia following. Boring. Not worth my calories. Ditto for the others …my calories are simply better spent elsewhere.

-If you haven’t picked up on it already, I love CHUNKS. The more gobs of cookie, chocolate, swirl, nuts, peanut butter stuffed pretzel, you name it – the better. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by Vanilla. There. I said it. I liked Vanilla. It has a very pleasing texture and vanilla itself is quite soothing. Not sure I’ll buy it again soon, but I definitely happily finished the pint.

-I once bought another pint of Cake Batter because I forgot I had tried it already. Not good.

-There were FOUR new flavors at Safeway yesterday (Meltdown on Aisle #3): Mud Slide, Milk & Cookies, Dulce Delish, and Peanut Brittle. At one point I had three in my basket, but ultimately walked away with M&C. Serious Top 5 Potential here.

-It’ll be a warm day in the Sunset District before I start the FroYo and lowfat line. Sorry. I’d rather have half the serving of the real stuff.

And THAT is the scoop!

**BURGER ALERT**BURGER ALERT**BURGER ALERT**

Finding the perfect burger is a never-ending pursuit for me. And actually, when I try to think of my favorite burger in SF, there isn’t one that sticks out. Until last night.

Jac and I decided to do a girl date at Bix, located in a tucked-away alley in the Financial District. Everything about Bix is classic San Francisco: patrons are all locals, the bartenders have been behind the bar since its inception 20 years ago, renowned chef, ingredients mainly from the local farmers market, etc. I’d been to Bix twice before for lunch and I’ve always sung its praises. In fact, when my job re-located from SF to San Mateo in 2008, I chose it to be my last Friday lunch with the parents since it harbored such fond memories for all three of us.

Bix’s burger has always been a part of my “very solid” grouping (Lil’s, Brazenhead, Fog City are among the others) but it leapt decisively into a league of its own. The “Bix Burger” comes with bacon and cheddar. In a single mouthful, my taste buds couldn’t decide if they should dance to the music of the beef, the bacon, or the cheddar. The bun – often a party crasher with its overwhelming presence – provided a wonderful dance floor for these flavors to harmonize. It’s a rare and beautiful thing when all the components of a burger: the bun, the toppings (in this case, an incredible smoky bacon), the cheese, and the condiments all jive flawlessly together. The burger ain’t cheap ($19) but after just one bite, you know why.

Already on a natural high from the burger, I approached Bix’s (and Marin’s Picco) head chef of seven years, Bruce Hill, for a quick chat. I must have asked him how he makes such a masterpiece, because next thing I know, I’m in his kitchen to see his magic burger press (coming to a Williams-Sonoma near you this spring). I still don’t understand the technology behind it, but something about it being multi-compartmental? Who cares, I was in Bix’s kitchen with the chefs! I also could not resist the opportunity to ask Bruce where HE likes to eat. His answer of Nombe surprised me. First, I had never heard of it and secondly it’s an Asian Fusion spot in the Mish. I guess when you cook American classics all day long, you’re inclined to venture for a change when you’re not in the kitchen. Bruce also told me that when he’s at the local farmers market every week, he always sees the chefs from Range and Incanto buying fresh ingredients also. I feel so in the know!

Three by Three

You know those nights where you meet up for a “quick drink” with a gal pal and the next thing you know it’s midnight and you know tomorrow is going to be a loooooooooong day at the office? Had that last night. But totally worth it: Three new spots with two fun people.
Sarah G and I kicked the evening off early at Nectar, a wine and nibbles bar in the Marina. I did a flight of whites and she a flight of reds with a cheese plate to absorb the alcohol. Sarah (and I know you’re reading this), would you agree, in a few years you’ll remember that creamy cheese??? MMM. I would go back just for that cheese. Not to mention, between Sarah’s cool coupon and the HH specials, our grand total was $2.41. Cha-ching!

With wine buzz in full force, Sarah and I left Nectar and ran into Omar, our ridiculously fun work friend.* Now a party of three, we bellied up to the bar and ordered cocktails with fancy names and sampled several of the small plates. Delarosa is a spinoff of Beretta in the Mission (previous positive experience before the birth of the blog) and the Marina location has the same vibe, food focus, creative drink options. Using Omar’s post-exercise appetite as an excuse to pig out, we tried the eggplant appetizer, chicken skewers, gorgonzola/potato pizza, and fried shrimp balls (the menu calls them something fancy). Fried shrimp balls (served with spicy aioli) were by far the best; wish there were more than four of them though. All the plates were enjoyable and I’d be excited to go back and try some of the pasta and other dishes. We all agreed this is a good date spot (great lighting), but only during mid-week as it’s probably Times Square over the weekend.

NOT exercising good judgment on a school night, we then migrated to The Republic for a nightcap (and eventually onion rings and French fries…whoops). For The Republic’s sake, I am trying very hard to forget the banana pudding thingamajig I ordered. Expecting something in the bread pudding family, this came out in a small cup and resembled applesauce. Not good. So not good I felt impelled to order fried onion rings to finish the evening with a better taste in my mouth and memory in my mind. Rings were good. Can’t go wrong with Rings.

My three visits as a group of three absolutely goes down as a 2010 YTD highlight.

*I need to digress from the main topic at hand and address how fast boys can get ready. Omar was walking back to his apartment from the gym but promised to meet us at Delarosa when he was showered. I swear I was still hanging off my coat when Omar showed up – fully showered, changed clothes, and ready to roll. Incredible – girls take note.

Good things do happen in the Tenderloin

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.

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!

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.