tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9710777425128443822012-02-16T02:43:52.833-08:00Leahnoreply@blogger.comBlogger531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-54085700889069146552009-03-22T19:00:00.000-07:002009-03-30T16:40:38.428-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Scbyo04rrzI/AAAAAAAAAn0/8r5_fasmBjA/s1600-h/BlogCheapHappyHour.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316203193362526002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 87px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Scbyo04rrzI/AAAAAAAAAn0/8r5_fasmBjA/s320/BlogCheapHappyHour.jpg" border="0" /></a>I apologize for not posting in a while but getting laid off/unemployment and other items have been more than distracting for sure. Can't say I am not enjoying the lifestyle a bit though, or am at least trying to in between the stress periods and umm major moolah concerns. Way scary times for sure. Anyhow, in light of that and of being on a major budget, thought I would pass along some of SF's best happy hour deals, especially those that include vino. Hope you enjoy and to perhaps see you at one of the venues soon. Can't lay low and look for jobs and network all the time right? Life is way too short. Cheerio.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Hog Island - oysters</div><div>$1 oysters, $3.50 beer and discounted wine</div><div>Monday and Thursday 5 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>El Rio - oysters</div><div>Free oysters </div><div>Fridays at 5:30p, also free bbq on Sundays at 3p</div><br /><div></div><div>Waterbar - oysters</div><div>$1 oysters Monday to Friday 3 to 6p</div><br /><div></div><div>Hyde Street Seafood House - oysters</div><div>$1 oysters</div><div>Everyday 5 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Yabbie's - oysters</div><div>$1 oysters</div><div>Sunday to Wednesday 6 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>District - oysters</div><div>$1 oysters</div><div>Monday to Friday 4 to 6p and Saturday 5 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Cafe Meuse</div><div></div><div>Half off all vino for ladies</div><div></div><div>Thursdays</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Chevy's (Embarcadero and Van Ness locations)</div><div>$3.99 house wines, Bud Light, margaritas and appetizers</div><div>Monday to Friday 3 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Palomino</div><div>$4 vino, special cocktails, draft beer, $5 pizzas and half off appetizers</div><div>Everyday 4 to 6p and 10p to close (except Sundays)</div><br /><div></div><div>Market Bar</div><div>$6 vino, $5.50 martinis and discounted appetizers</div><div>Everyday 4 to 7:30p</div><br /><div></div><div>Momo's</div><div>$4 vino, $ well drinks, $3 appetizers</div><div>Monday to Friday 4 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Nick's Crispy Tacos</div><div>$2 tacos and beer on Tuesdays</div><div>$3 vino on Wednesdays</div><br /><div></div><div>South Food and Wine Bar</div><div>$6.50 vino and $5 appetizers</div><div>Monday to Friday 4 to 6p</div><br /><div></div><div>Epic Roasthouse</div><div>$5 cocktails </div><div>Monday to Friday 4 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Rex Cafe</div><div>$3.75 vino</div><div>Monday to Friday 5 to 7p</div><div> </div><div>Encore Karaoke Lounge</div><div>$3.50 vino</div><div>Everyday 3 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Ti Piacera</div><div>$3 vino, draft beer and well drinks and $2 off appetizers</div><div>Everyday 3 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>McTeague's</div><div>$3 well drinks and drafts and beer specials</div><div>Everyday noon to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Boardroom</div><div>$14 unlimited mimosas </div><div>Sundays</div><br /><div></div><div>Blur</div><div>Free pizza</div><div>Monday to Friday 5 to 10p</div><br /><div></div><div>Danny Coyle's</div><div>Numerous beer specials</div><div>Monday to Friday 2 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Harry's on Fillmore</div><div>Half off wine by the bottle</div><div>Tuesdays</div><br /><div></div><div>Puerto Alegre</div><div>Discounted margaritas by the glass and pitcher on weekdays until 7p</div><div>$3.50 mimosas on weekends</div><br /><div></div><div>Weird Fish</div><div>$3 mimosas</div><div>Saturdays and Sundays 11a to 3p</div><br /><div></div><div>Maverick</div><div>40 percent off wine by the bottle</div><div>Mondays</div><br /><div></div><div>Iluna Basque</div><div>2 for 1 drinks</div><div>Monday to Friday 5:30 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>La Boulange de Polk</div><div>$5 vino</div><div>Monday to Friday 4 to 6p</div><br /><div></div><div>Palio</div><div>Free pizza with purchase of two drinks</div><div>Monday to Friday 4 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Columbus Cafe</div><div>$4.50 vino </div><div>Everyday</div><br /><div></div><div>Ducca</div><div>Half off wine by the bottle</div><div>Wednesdays</div><br /><div></div><div>Ramblas</div><div>Free drink with food purchase</div><div>Monday to Friday 5 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Rogue</div><div>Drink and appetizer specials</div><div>3 to 6p and 10p to close weekdays</div><br /><div></div><div>Jade</div><div>Half-off vino, beer specials $3 to $5 appetizers</div><div>Weekdays 4 to 7p and Sundays 8p to close</div><br /><div></div><div>Restaurant B on top of Yerba Buena Center - oysters</div><div>$1 oysters</div><div>Tuesday to Friday 4 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Gold Dust Lounge</div><div>$2.95 margaritas and champagne</div><div>Everyday until 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Cosmopolitan Cafe</div><div>Half-price drinks and $5 appetizers</div><div>Monday to Friday 4 to 7p</div><div></div><div>$4 glasses of bubbly and sliders</div><div></div><div>Wednesday and Saturday on the patio 4 to 8p</div><br /><div></div><div>Ozumo</div><div>Discounted house wines and sushi rolls</div><div>Monday to Friday 4 to 6p</div><br /><div></div><div>Mexico DF</div><div>Free snacks</div><div>Monday to Friday 4:30 to 6p</div><br /><div></div><div>Fly Bar</div><div>Discounted sangria and pizzas</div><div>Weekdays 4 to 6:30p</div><br /><div></div><div>Nook</div><div>$2.95 vino</div><div>Everyday 5 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Horizon</div><div>$5 well drinks and martinis</div><div>Tuesday to Friday 5 to 8p</div><br /><div></div><div>Doc's Clock</div><div>$2 PBR, $3 draft beer and well drinks, $5 Chimay</div><div>Everyday 6 to 9p</div><br /><div></div><div>La Parilla Grill (on Polk)</div><div>$6 margarita pitchers, $5 tapas</div><div>Monday to Friday 5 to 9p</div><br /><div></div><div>Ponzu</div><div>$3 to $5 Sake drinks</div><div>Monday to Friday 5:30 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Wichcraft</div><div>$2 draft beer and $4 vino</div><div>Monday to Friday 5 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>800 Larkin</div><div>2 for 1 beer Monday to Friday 5 to 7p</div><div>$3 bloody marys on weekends</div><br /><div></div><div>Bocadillos</div><div>$2 tapas and $12 wine flights</div><div>Monday to Friday 5 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Amelie</div><div>$10 wine flights and a free appetizer</div><div>Monday to Friday 5:30 to 7p</div><br /><div></div><div>Vertigo</div><div>$2 drafts and $3 well drinks</div><div>Everyday 5p to 9p</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Olive</div><div>$5 cocktails and $7 pizzas</div><div>Monday to Wednesday 5:30 to 7:30p</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>D'elluva Wine Bar</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>$14 unlimited mimosas</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Weekends 11a to 3p</div><div></div><div></div><div>(they also always have a nice selection of wine for $6 a glass and pizzas for around $7)</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Sushi Rock</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Half off drinks and 25 percent off appetizers</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Everyday 3:30 to 6:30p</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Solstice </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Half price bottles of wine</div><div>Mondays</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-5408570088906914655?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-86732338468004040502008-10-09T14:21:00.000-07:002008-10-09T14:25:45.544-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SO52tqpaCyI/AAAAAAAAAm0/mWtqu0aFF1M/s1600-h/BlogPumpkinPancakes"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255268342102100770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SO52tqpaCyI/AAAAAAAAAm0/mWtqu0aFF1M/s320/BlogPumpkinPancakes" border="0" /></a>In advance of Halloween, though I would pass along a tasty and fun recipe for pumpkin pancakes. Hope you enjoy.<br /><div>2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour </div><div>2 tablespoons sugar </div><div>4 teaspoons baking powder </div><div>1 teaspoon cinnamon </div><div>3/4 teaspoon salt </div><div>1-1/2 cups milk </div><div>1 cup canned pumpkin </div><div>4 eggs, separated </div><div>1/4 cup melted butter </div><div>Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg yolks and butter in another bowl. Using a hand-held electric mixer or a wooden spoon, beat the mixture until well-blended. Add the milk-pumpkin mixture to the flour-sugar mixture and, using a wooden spoon, mix just enough to moisten all ingredients. (Overmixing at this point will create pancakes with a rubbery texture.) Using clean beaters and bowl, beat the egg whites until they are stiff but not dry, then fold them into the batter. Spoon the batter onto a buttered or oiled hot griddle. Fry the pancakes until the tops look dry and small bubbles appear on the surface. Turn the pancakes and fry until second side is golden-brown. Serve with hot maple syrup. Yields approx. 30 four-inch pancakes. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-8673233846800404050?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-53788967746101096872008-10-07T13:02:00.000-07:002008-10-07T13:05:12.286-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SOvA6nO1LpI/AAAAAAAAAms/1ldCQfnzmlU/s1600-h/Blogobama-mccain-gothic_v528.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254505503453949586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SOvA6nO1LpI/AAAAAAAAAms/1ldCQfnzmlU/s320/Blogobama-mccain-gothic_v528.jpg" border="0" /></a>Thought I would post a link to this interesting article regarding McCain and Obama and their views on food policy and how each could shape the industry in the coming years. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.grist.org/comments/food/2008/10/03/">http://www.grist.org/comments/food/2008/10/03/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-5378896774610109687?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-3717407172444219802008-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:002008-09-08T13:37:51.097-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SMWNC-9qeuI/AAAAAAAAAbY/YIy4U1P5eUw/s1600-h/BlogBocadilllos2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243752423543700194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SMWNC-9qeuI/AAAAAAAAAbY/YIy4U1P5eUw/s320/BlogBocadilllos2" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243752420585280482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SMWNCz8Uk-I/AAAAAAAAAbg/deyciHPY90U/s320/BlogBocadillos3" border="0" />I had dinner at Bocadillos earlier this year and really enjoyed it, so on one of the gorgeous sunny days last week I popped by during the afternoon just for a snack and a glass of wine. The menu is naturally a bit more limited than at dinner and I was slightly disappointed their amazing $2 deviled eggs with shrimp were not on the menu, but nonetheless had a couple of other nice bites. You can choose any two bocadillos for $9 which is a nice deal. Options include Serrano ham with tomato rub, fried chicken with spicy cole slaw, a hot ahi tuna melt, a lam burger, BBQ pulled pork and a BLT with Eden Farms bacon. I wasn't super hungry so opted for a really tasty salad with charred corn, jicama, piquillos and fried poblanos. The combination works really well together and was accented by a light ranch-like dressing which was really tasty. There are also daily tapas and soup specials as well as vegetable sides and cheese and cold cuts on the menu. It's a really cute place to pop into and the charming ambiance and friendly service add to the experience. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Bocadillos</strong><br /></div><div>710 Montgomery Street in San Francisco</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-371740717244421980?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-15478913693115051762008-08-27T15:53:00.000-07:002008-08-27T15:57:18.446-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SLXbjc7iTOI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/gieQZiailXQ/s1600-h/BlogFlan"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239335143623249122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SLXbjc7iTOI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/gieQZiailXQ/s320/BlogFlan" border="0" /></a>My friend Lorena who is doing an amazing job keeping my DC blog, DC Gastronome, posted this recently and the recipe is fantastic. Hope you give it a go. Cheers.<br /><div>Preheat oven to 300 degrees Farenheit.</div><div>5 whole eggs </div><div>1 teaspoon vanilla extract </div><div>1 can of condensed milk (nestle la lechera, if available)</div><div>1 can evaporated milk (carnation, if available) </div><div>For caramel:Half a cup of sugar </div><div>Combine all ingredients for flan using a blender or a whisk (I always use the blender). In a cast-iron skillet, caramelize sugar, stirring with a wooden spoon (shortcut: break some brittle into pieces (pecan works great) and stick it in the mold) pour caramel into the bottom of the flan mold (if using a single one) or ramekins. Put the mold or ramekins in a metal mold or Pirex half-filled with water and bake for aprox. 1 hour.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-1547891369311505176?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-61866664204287299952008-08-21T12:55:00.000-07:002008-08-21T13:01:48.945-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SK3JlEM65mI/AAAAAAAAAbI/UshyR_84ows/s1600-h/BlogWineTasting"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237063580322031202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SK3JlEM65mI/AAAAAAAAAbI/UshyR_84ows/s320/BlogWineTasting" border="0" /></a>Last night SNOB Wine Bar continued its Wednesday wine tasting series with a flight of German whites. Right up my alley as I prefer whites to reds, generally speaking, and enjoy a bit of sweetness, but not too much, in some whites. On offer were three wines. The first was Schloss Saarstein Riesling 2006. The wine featured rich flavors and a bit of minerality and a smooth, slightly sweet finish. Very tasty. The second selection was a P.J. Valckenberg Kabinett 2006 which exuded rich fruit flavors such as apricot as well as a tropical aroma all finished with a bit of crisp acidity. Definitely my favorite of the evening. The last selection was a Leth Steinagrund 2007. The wine was more dry than the other two and had a citrus finish on the palate. A nice way to end the tasting. The tasting is $10 and includes a flight of the selected wines and cheese, crackers and grapes. Hope you stop by to enjoy.<br /><br /><strong>SNOB Wine Bar</strong><br />1327 Polk Street<br /><a href="http://www.sfsnob.com/">www.sfsnob.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-6186666420428729995?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-42073768806390799372008-08-12T13:18:00.000-07:002008-08-12T13:27:43.014-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SKHyJOkKCAI/AAAAAAAAAa4/x4SsOc7ePi4/s1600-h/BlogSnobWineBar1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233730482323720194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SKHyJOkKCAI/AAAAAAAAAa4/x4SsOc7ePi4/s320/BlogSnobWineBar1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SKHyJhxYUHI/AAAAAAAAAbA/9_Lg-MNocwE/s1600-h/BlogSnobWineBar2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233730487479455858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SKHyJhxYUHI/AAAAAAAAAbA/9_Lg-MNocwE/s320/BlogSnobWineBar2" border="0" /></a>SNOB (Sonoma Napa Or Beyond) Wine Bar on Polk Street is a really cozy wine bar which has a nice and well-priced wine list, as well as a dim and romantic vibe and very friendly servers. They have started a series of wine tastings, usually held on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9pm, and they are a lot of fun. For $10 you get three fairly generous pours out of a list of five or six options, all along the same theme, as well as crackers, cheese and grapes. The last tasting featured French wines, including a Fleur Haut Gaussens Bourdeaux Suprieur, a Marc Kreydenweiss Andlau Riesling, a Bouvet Signature Brut, a Montlouis Sur Loire, a Vin D'Alsace Pinot Blanc. I had the Riesling which was light and fruity and only slightly sweet, quite delicious, and two pours of the Pinot Blanc which was dry and floral and quite pleasant. It's a good deal, a fun spot and the crowd is usually good, so I hope you pop by to enjoy. The next tasting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>SNOB Wine Bar</strong><br /></div><div>1327 Polk Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.sfsnob.com/">http://www.sfsnob.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-4207376880639079937?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-35609259897725020002008-07-31T16:08:00.000-07:002008-07-31T16:16:35.549-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SJJHzC4qgHI/AAAAAAAAAaw/b1lIfurBNmg/s1600-h/SlowFoodNation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229321059604004978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SJJHzC4qgHI/AAAAAAAAAaw/b1lIfurBNmg/s320/SlowFoodNation.jpg" border="0" /></a>You probably heave already heard of the Slow Food Movement, and this year we are so lucky to be in the Bay Area as the group is putting on the annual Slow Food Nation Festival here in San Francisco. There will be two full days of slow food booths, tastings and jazz and other music in Fort Mason, as well as numerous dinners over Labor Day weekend as well as the surrounding weekdays and other events as well. For more information please visit <a href="http://slowfoodnation.org/events/the-main-event/slow-food-rocks/">http://slowfoodnation.org/events/the-main-event/slow-food-rocks/</a><br /><div>Hope to see you there.</div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-3560925989772502000?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-29972695419083553382008-07-08T13:14:00.001-07:002008-07-08T13:26:30.373-07:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SHPNZ6kMFSI/AAAAAAAAAag/nvCAzSTF1ko/s1600-h/BlogTiCouz"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220742238154003746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SHPNZ6kMFSI/AAAAAAAAAag/nvCAzSTF1ko/s320/BlogTiCouz" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220742241401493170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SHPNaGqc1rI/AAAAAAAAAao/STKmDn-7aig/s320/BlogTiCouz2" border="0" />It's hard to realize that Ti Couz has been in business for 15 years already. The consistency of the quality of fare is quite good, and the charming ambiance of the venue only adds to the experience. Ti Couz has satisfied many a palette for those 15 years with unfaltering flavor and textures and a menu I can't imagine that anyone wouldn't find something to enjoy from. Menu options include various salads, including a Veggie Salad of broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, tomato slices and corn on a bed of Spinach and four kinds of lettuce, all lightly blanched so the freshness comes to the surface where it's lightly tossed in their excellent house Vinaigrette dressing. There are also a couple of seafood dishes, including an excellent shrimp cocktail and raw oysters with mignonette, as well as french onion soup and a soup of the day. The main attraction though is the crepes, and they offer both savory and sweet varieties and you can order one of the specials or assemble your own from a nice list of ingredients. Favorites of mine include the Champignon, or a mushroom crepe with a gorgeous and rich mushroom sauce, the Saumon Fume, or salmon crepe with finely-sliced scallions and creme fraiche, or as a make your own a crepe with ham, eggs and cheese which is especially tasty for brunch. On the sweet side, who can resist a crepe with banana and Nutella - delicious! There is a well-appointed and affordable wine list, and on warm days and evenings there are several tables outside. Hope you stop in sometime soon for a relaxing and tasty meal. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Ti Couz</strong><br /></div><div>3108 Valencia Street in San Francisco</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-2997269541908355338?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-77936913285998584702008-06-24T13:59:00.001-07:002008-06-24T14:07:33.260-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SGFh-bRqH9I/AAAAAAAAAaY/oxuypqAb5tM/s1600-h/BlogRamblas"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215557568573349842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SGFh-bRqH9I/AAAAAAAAAaY/oxuypqAb5tM/s320/BlogRamblas" border="0" /></a>Ramblas Tapas is a cheery and casual tapas spot in the Mission that you can usually count on for a tasty, fun and inexpensive meal. A few of us recently enjoyed dinner there. We sampled several items including the Spanish Tortilla with potatoes and onions, salsa verde and aioli. The Tortilla is served in fairly large wedges which actually makes for a nice texture in your mouth and certainly an attractive presentation as well. We also had a refreshing Spanish "Wedge Salad" Little Gem lettuce, creamy Spanish blue, apple and radish chips. The dressing was especially rich and creamy and the textures of the other elements all worked nicely together. The Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken Spanish chorizo with citrus salsa verde was salty and tasty, and the Price Edward Island mussels Spanish sherry-cream and grilled garlic toast are always a winner. Ramblas offers happy hour from 5 to 7pm on weekdays whereby you get a free drink, so it's a great time to stop by. Hope you enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Ramblas Tapas</strong><br /></div><div>557 Valencia Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.ramblastapas.com/">http://www.ramblastapas.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-7793691328599858470?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-73178846746541430072008-05-30T13:08:00.000-07:002008-05-30T13:28:55.100-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SEBi-meS8lI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/BFgSwknCQIs/s1600-h/BlogAzie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206269996859322962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SEBi-meS8lI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/BFgSwknCQIs/s320/BlogAzie.jpg" border="0" /></a>Azie is a charming Asian-fusion sort of restaurant which is located next to and is the sister restaurant to Restaurant LuLu. If you haven't been, I recommend going for happy hour which is offered on weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. If you will be a larger group contact the restaurant and they may extend the hours to include the duration of the evening. The specials include $3 well-drinks and bottled and tap beer, $5 specialty cocktails and $5 appetizers. The wine list is well-chosen and not expensive so you can easily do a glass or bottle or two without breaking the bank. The happy hour food choices are a bit limited but are inspired. Choices vary but can include breaded and fried tofu served with mixed Asian vegetables in a ginger-soy sauce, chicken wings with a sweet hoisin-based sauce, and pot stickers. The full menu is also available at the bar. The venue is two-stories which lends an airy vibe and the decor is minimal but appealing with lots of grey fixtures and bright colored seat cushions and artwork. I hope you pop in to check it out and enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Azie</strong><br /></div><div>826 Folsom Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.restaurantlulu.com/Azie_Dinner.html">http://www.restaurantlulu.com/Azie_Dinner.html</a>#</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-7317884674654143007?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-55122120207322100412008-05-13T16:10:00.000-07:002008-05-13T16:14:07.295-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SCogoI-1pbI/AAAAAAAAAaI/r8VuEJa_opo/s1600-h/BlogTostadaSalad"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200004593730561458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SCogoI-1pbI/AAAAAAAAAaI/r8VuEJa_opo/s320/BlogTostadaSalad" border="0" /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200004430521804194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SCogeo-1paI/AAAAAAAAAaA/OmZB88gnkgE/s320/BlogPuertoAlegre" border="0" />Puerto Alegre in the Mission has a fun and casual vibe with bright colors and always a good crowd. The margaritas are great but make sure you just order regular margaritas - the only choices listed on the menu are the much more expensive, top-shelf varieties. I can't taste the difference anyhow. The chips and thick and super crunchy, and I really enjoy the red salsa with big chunks of tomato and a good amount of cilantro. The tostada salad is fairly large and comes with tons of shredded chicken. The soft chicken taco with grilled or shredded chicken and side salad makes a gorgeous lighter meal. Lots of tasty fried items too of course. Perfect for brunch too with a nice egg menu as an addition, and also great for groups. Enjoy.<br /><br /><div></div><div><strong>Puerto Alegre</strong></div><div>546 Valencia Street in San Francisco</div><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-5512212020732210041?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-15540022207802973952008-05-13T15:44:00.000-07:002008-05-13T15:48:06.638-07:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SCoak4-1pZI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/6l5kIIu3GMA/s1600-h/BlogPalio"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199997940826219922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SCoak4-1pZI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/6l5kIIu3GMA/s320/BlogPalio" border="0" /></a>Palio has a great happy hour on weekdays from 4 until 7pm. If you buy 2 or more alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy unlimited and quite tasty free pizza. The pizza options are -<br />Pizza Margherita alla Regina di Savoia<br />Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Oregano and Basil<br />Pizza d'Asti<br />Fontina Valle d'Aosta, Shaved Asparagus and Thyme (no Sauce)<br />Pizza Siciliana<br />Berkshire Pork Fennel Sausage, Fire Roasted Peppers, Smoked Mozzarella, and Tomato Sauce<br />Pizza Capricciosa<br />Artichoke Hearts, Capers, Prosciutto Cotto, Olives, Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella<br /><div></div><br /><div>The atmosphere is great for a date or happy hour and the service was better than anticipated. Drinks are not discounted at happy hour however but with free food, it's not a bad deal for sure. Enjoy.</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Palio d'Asti</strong></div><div>640 Sacramento Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.paliodasti.com/">http://www.paliodasti.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-1554002220780297395?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-39231292196296777112008-04-29T13:49:00.000-07:002008-04-29T14:10:08.303-07:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SBeOkYL22wI/AAAAAAAAAZw/94vJX570Ow4/s1600-h/BlogMaverick2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194777450813774594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SBeOkYL22wI/AAAAAAAAAZw/94vJX570Ow4/s320/BlogMaverick2" border="0" /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194777364914428658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SBeOfYL22vI/AAAAAAAAAZo/o-2hAqAN_aA/s320/BlogMaverick.jpeg" border="0" />Maverick, self-described as an American Eatery and Bar, is a charming, neighborhoody spot in the Mission which has various regular events, including Junk Food and Wine Pairings, as well as Cheap Wine Nights on Mondays. The already reasonable wine list is offered at a 40 percent discount, making some of the selections downright cheap. The space is small but simple, elegant and comfortable. The brick walls and clean lines work well with the muted colors of the tables and chairs and lend a somewhat airy vibe but still one that you want to be in. The food menu is fairly limited but certainly covers all of the bases. There are around 8 each of appetizers and entrees and a few desserts on offer. We dined last night on gorgeous mussels cooked in a white wine sauce with tasty and rich pancetta and served with several creamy dollops of a smoky aioli which was gorgeous with the luscious bivalves. We also shared a side of asparagus which was well-seasoned and served with a nice amount of butter but not too much. The stalks were delightfully crisp and were of a green color that you can only get with very fresh product. We also had the Southern Fried Chicken which is rich, crispy and utterly decadent. It's buttermilk-soaked Mary’s free range chicken served with bacony collard greens, Nora Mill “Georgia Ice Cream” grits, and brown chicken gravy which was obviously started from the luscious chicken drippings. We shared two bottles of white wine, a Grüner Veltliner Der Pallerhof Österreich from Austria followed by a Pinot Gris Claudia Springs from Anderson Valley. At $34 and $30 pre-discount they were both certainly a deal. The Gruner was nice and refreshing but a bit floral for our taste. We thoroughly enjoyed the Pinot. The staff is knowledgeable and courteous and definitely can enhance your dining experience in a positive way. All in all a great way to start off the week, and one that hopefully fits in with the budget as well. Enjoy.<br /><br /><div><div><strong>Maverick</strong></div><div>3316 17th Street near Mission in SF</div><div><a href="http://www.sfmaverick.com/">www.sfmaverick.com</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-3923129219629677711?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-35637313313135284592008-04-23T13:36:00.000-07:002008-04-23T13:47:09.314-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SA-gOoL22tI/AAAAAAAAAZY/A-0wAgD0uXo/s1600-h/BlogOysters"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192545068547234514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/SA-gOoL22tI/AAAAAAAAAZY/A-0wAgD0uXo/s320/BlogOysters" border="0" /></a>If you are a fan of happy hour and enjoy raw oysters, this post is for you. We are lucky to live in the Bay Area for all sorts of reasons, and certainly among them are the various $1 oyster happy hours we can enjoy. Cheers.<br /><br />Cafe Maritime<br />One dozen oysters for $13 from 5:30 to 7p.m. Monday through Friday<br />2417 Lombard Street<br /><br />Circolo<br />$1 oysters from 5 to 7p.m. Tuesday through Friday<br />500 Florida Street<br /><br />Bacar<br />$1 oysters on Fridays from 4:30 to 6p.m.<br />448 Brannan Street<br /><br />Butterfly<br />$1 oyster shooters from 4 to 7p.m. Monday through Friday<br />Embarcadero and Bay Streets<br /><br />Eastside West Restaurant &amp; Raw Bar<br />$1 oysters from 5 to 7p.m. Monday through Friday<br />3154 Fillmore Street<br /><br />EOS<br />$1 oysters from 5:30 to 7p.m. Monday through Thursday<br />901 Cole Street<br /><br />Hog Island Oyster Company<br />$1 oysters from 5 to 7p.m. Monday and Thursday<br />1 Ferry Plaza (in the Ferry Building)<br /><br />Hyde Street Seafood House and Raw Bar<br />$1 oysters nightly from 5 to 7p.m.<br />1509 Hyde Street<br /><br />O'Reilly's Holy Grail<br />$1 oysters from 4:30 to 7p.m. Monday through Friday<br />1233 Polk Street<br /><br />Mecca<br />$1 oysters from 5 to 7p.m. Tuesday through Saturday<br />2029 Market Street<br /><br />Yabbies Coastal Kitchen<br />$1 oysters from 6 to 7p.m. Sunday through Wednesday<br />2237 Polk Street<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-3563731331313528459?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-3540881837109085992008-04-03T14:01:00.001-07:002008-04-03T14:18:27.851-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R_VJOBJeBAI/AAAAAAAAAY4/ED0_FolKuvY/s1600-h/BlogRecipe"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185131051162141698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R_VJOBJeBAI/AAAAAAAAAY4/ED0_FolKuvY/s320/BlogRecipe" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R_VJOBJeBBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/wxMymcd6HHU/s1600-h/BlogChickenZucchini"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185131051162141714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R_VJOBJeBBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/wxMymcd6HHU/s320/BlogChickenZucchini" border="0" /></a>Spring is such a lovely time of year, ahhh. Certainly for many reasons, not the least of which is the bounty of food items that come into season. Hope you take time out to enjoy these simple and tasty dishes that for me are perfect this time of year.<br /><br /><strong>Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms, Chives and Fleur de Sel<br /></strong>1 tablespoon unsalted butter<br />1/3 cup finely chopped mushrooms<br />2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives<br />4 eggs, lightly beaten<br />Freshly ground black pepper, to taste<br />Fleur de sel or other finishing salt (kosher salt is fine), to taste<br />Melt butter in a medium skillet. Sauté the mushrooms for 3 minutes, then add the chives and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add eggs and black pepper. Cook the eggs over very low heat, stirring constantly, until cooked to the desired doneness. Add fleur de sel and scramble for just a few more seconds. Serve hot.<br /><br /><strong>Pinzimonio</strong><br />Vegetables<br />Olive oil<br />Kosher salt<br />Freshly ground black pepper<br />Prepare a big bowl of fresh tasty vegetables, cut into strips or chunks. Good choices are peppers, cauliflower, artichokes, celery, carrots, etc. Put olive oil in a small bowl and add salt and pepper to taste. Dip the vegetables into the oil and enjoy. You can also have other condiment options available - various types of mustards work well and balsamic vinegar is a nice touch. Pairs wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine.<br /><br /><strong>Chicken Breasts with Zucchini</strong><br />4 chicken breasts, weighing a pound in total<br />10 ounces zucchini, sliced into very thin rounds<br />1/2 cup dry white wine<br />2 tablespoons butter<br />1 sage leaf<br />1/4 cup olive oil<br />1 clove garlic, minced<br />Pinch of thyme<br />Small bunch of Italian flat-leaf parsley, minced<br />Flour<br />Kosher salt<br />White pepper<br />An ounce of shredded Swiss or Fontina cheese<br />Heat the oil in a pot, and sauté the garlic and parsley for a minute or two. Before the garlic begins to brown add the zucchini. Cook for a few minutes more, then sprinkle a half cup of cool water over the pot, add a pinch of thyme, and salt to taste. Turn down the heat to as low as possible, cover, and cook the zucchini until they are done and the water has evaporated. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. While it is warming up, lightly pound the chicken breasts and flour them, giving them a good shake to remove excess flour. Pick a pot large enough for the chicken breasts to lie flat that can go both on the stove and into the oven, and melt the butter with the leaf of sage. As soon as it begins to crackle add the chicken breasts and cook them until they begin to brown, turning them once or twice. Sprinkle them with the white wine, crumble the salt over them, and season them with pepper. When the liquid is reduced by two thirds, remove the pot from the fire. Scoop the zucchini over the chicken breasts, dust everything with the cheese, cover the pot, and slip it into the oven for about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken breasts to a heated serving dish, spoon the pan drippings over them, and serve.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-354088183710908599?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-46625552343081495332008-03-28T13:57:00.000-07:002008-03-28T14:22:32.972-07:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R-1hjxJeA-I/AAAAAAAAAYo/qb5jQG2R8Hg/s1600-h/BlogSodninis2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182906013289677794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R-1hjxJeA-I/AAAAAAAAAYo/qb5jQG2R8Hg/s320/BlogSodninis2" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R-1hjxJeA_I/AAAAAAAAAYw/Qbgf6KY5444/s1600-h/BlogSodinis"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182906013289677810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R-1hjxJeA_I/AAAAAAAAAYw/Qbgf6KY5444/s320/BlogSodinis" border="0" /></a>There are certainly quite a few options for Italian dining in North Beach, and Sodini's on Green Street is a perfect choice if you want a tasty dinner featuring huge portions of food and authentic and fresh ingredients, as well as a cozy, dimly-lit ambiance with red and white checkered tablecloths, lots of candles, huge bottles of vinegar and wine for decoration, and Sinatra or Sinatra-esque tunes in the background. The menu features abotu 10 antipasti including gooey and delicious cheese bread and steamers (you can choose clams or mussels) cooked in a white wine broth and served with garlic bread, as well as lots of varieties of pastas with various sauces, meat entrees including a gorgeous Pepper Steak and Chicken Alla Sodini (grilled chicken topped with ham, mozzarella and cream sauce served with linguine alla casa), and lots of pizza options. The wine list is fairly short but certainly covers all the bases. I had a Sauvignon Blanc from Napa which was crisp and tasty. Others had the same as well as a delicious and velvety Valpolicella. We started with the Bruscetta, which is six large and nicely toasted pieces of bread covered with heaping portions of diced tomatoes mixed with garlic, basil and olive oil. The garlic flavor was quite strong but everyone enjoyed the start to the meal. Per usual, I had the Chicken Caesar Salad for my entree. It's probably enough for 2 to 3 hungry folks. Heaps of crisp romaine lettuce are topped with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and large, moist chunks of grilled chicken breast. The dressing is delicious and I enjoy that there are anchovies in the dressing as it adds that distinct rich and nutty flavor without having the filets directly in the dish. Others had the special of the day, which was Grilled Prawns with Linguini in a pesto sauce, and Tortellini Con Pesto, or beef-filled tortellini in a creamy basil and garlic sauce. The rich, verdant green in the sauces was appealing and the flavors were all delicious. There wasn't much beef in the tortellini but the creamy cheese inside was flavorful and even a bit piquant. All in all a casual and enjoyable meal in a true North Beach institution.<br /><br /><div><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Sodini's</strong><br /></div><br /><div>510 Green Street in San Francisco</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-4662555234308149533?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-38465338754464437212008-03-27T12:06:00.000-07:002008-03-27T12:18:34.946-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R-vy9BJeA6I/AAAAAAAAAYI/U73-t-PD82k/s1600-h/BlogHogIsland1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182502926313980834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R-vy9BJeA6I/AAAAAAAAAYI/U73-t-PD82k/s320/BlogHogIsland1" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R-vy9hJeA7I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/QISWrLH3VLg/s1600-h/BlogHogIsland2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182502934903915442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R-vy9hJeA7I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/QISWrLH3VLg/s320/BlogHogIsland2" border="0" /></a>Hog Island in the Ferry Building is a bright and cheerful space on the water side of the building with a somewhat simple but delicious menu. Offerings includes several salads, a gorgeous grilled cheese sandwich made with Cow Girl Creamery's Mezzo Secco, a cave-aged Gruyere as well as Fromage Blanc, a few varieties of baked oysters and of course the lovely selection of raw oysters. Perhaps the best time to go is for happy hour which occurs on Mondays and Thursdays between 5 and 7p.m. and whereby a select variety of oysters are offered for $1 each. Each time I have been lately the variety is Sweetwaters, which are wonderfully small and purely briny - almost no creaminess at all. The oysters really impart that special breath of the sea. Also on special and to go with the oysters is beer on tap for $3.50. I usually pair the bivalves with Honig Sauvignon Blanc which is one of the bottles on the wine list under $30. The crispness of the wine balances perfectly with the smooth and succulent oysters. The venue gets fairly crowded for happy hour but you can put your name down on the sign in sheet and hang out at a spot nearby and the waitstaff will come and find you. The happy hour is really something to look forward to on a Monday, and is a great way to start out your Thursday evening as well. Hope you stop by and enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Hog Island</strong></div><br /><div>One Ferry Building, 11A in San Francisco</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.hogislandoysters.com/">http://www.hogislandoysters.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-3846533875446443721?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-41882866051846534852008-03-10T13:36:00.000-07:002008-03-10T14:05:36.058-07:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R9WihvOzE8I/AAAAAAAAAYA/PGv29Abfp8U/s1600-h/BlogBocadillos"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176222047230170050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R9WihvOzE8I/AAAAAAAAAYA/PGv29Abfp8U/s320/BlogBocadillos" border="0" /></a>Bocadillos, Gerald Hirigoyen's casual and warm tapas spot between the Financial District and North Beach, is a great spot to pop into and relax and unwind while enjoying a nice glass of wine and a few small plates. The menu is a nice range of bites to more hearty dishes and ranges from delicious fried Fish Sticks to Oxtail "Tempranillo" to Warm Octopus with confit potatoes and piquillos. Several of us stopped by before going to a play in the Financial District and really enjoyed the meal and the ambiance. The space is small with a bar area toward the rear and sturdy, wood tables sprinkled throughout. The vibe is rustic yet inviting and the warm-colored walls and dim lighting add to the mood nicely. The wine list is interesting and well-suited for the food. I had a nice dry white wine from the Rías Bajas which is in the region of Galicia. The nose was nicely floral and on the palate the wine was crisp and refreshing. For food, we started with Seared Ahi Tuna with a citrus salad and avocado relish. The tuna was perfectly rare and the citrus notes really complemented the briny fish. We also had 18 month Serrano Ham, Patatas Bravas with a creamy and delicious romesco sauce, a Mixed Fields Greens Salad with sherry vinaigrette, and Chilled Prawns with "Huevos Diablo," guindillas and pimenton. I particularly enjoyed the prawns atop the deviled eggs which had a gorgeous, smooth and slightly spicy flavor. At $2.50 each they are a steal. The Patatas Bravas were crisp and delicious as well and instead of the usual cubed shape the potatoes were cut into substantial slices which worked well in the dish. One item we didn't get but that I can't wait to try is the Fried Brussel Sprouts with serrano ham and pears. Brussel sprouts are so wonderful when cooked properly and I think it's great they have appeared on many menus in the area. There is also a choice of around 8 sweet dishes which include Warm Chocolate Cake with banana ice cream, Kefir Yogurt with huckleberry compote, and Macaroons 'Luzien' with pistachio ice cream. If you haven't had a chance to try Bocadillos yet I hope you make an occasion to stop by and enjoy the warm ambiance and tasty treats.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Bocadillos</strong><br /></div><div>710 Montgomery Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.bocasf.com/">http://www.bocasf.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-4188286605184653485?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-79983309560147829442008-03-05T15:47:00.000-08:002008-03-05T16:04:13.537-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R880sDBDlUI/AAAAAAAAAX4/2poUTNebDBQ/s1600-h/BlogLunaPark"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174412428200613186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R880sDBDlUI/AAAAAAAAAX4/2poUTNebDBQ/s320/BlogLunaPark" border="0" /></a>On a recent sunny and warm Sunday a nice set of folks and I dined at Luna Park for brunch. We arrived somewhat on the early side for brunch and the place was already buzzing with folks in the mood for some tasty food and drink. The ambiance at Luna Park is casual, comfortable lively with bright red table- and bartops, exposed brick walls adorned with funky prints and paintings, lively light fixtures and a peek into the kitchen in the back of the space. This day the doors and windows in the front of the restaurant were open and the lovely day was able to be at least partially enjoyed even while inside. We settled in and everyone was immediately happy with the menu as it ranges from breakfast staples to more lunchy items as well as fun dishes such as goat cheese fondue. Brunch drinks are fairly pricey at $8 a pop but most folks had at least one mimosa or similar drink. The orange juice was ok but definitely was not freshly squeezed. I had the Cobb Salad which is a hearty mix of mixed greens, chopped tomatoes, chunks of chicken breast seasoned with rosemary, sliced avocado, tasty crumbles of bacon and chopped hard-boiled egg. The dressing is mildly creamy and tasty with a velvety texture and rich flavor reminiscent of the avocado in the dish and is well-seasoned with salt and pepper. Others opted for dishes including the French Toast, Monte Cristo, Salmon Hash, Nicoise Salad, Chilaquiles and Steak and Eggs. Everything was delicious. The French Toast was especially decadent and came with winter berry compote and mascarpone cream. It was likely a small dinner later that day for those who indulged in that menu item. I have had the Nicoise Salad many times for dinner at Luna Park and the dish is the same for brunch and certainly still quite a nice meal. The salad features mixed greens topped with rare seared tuna slices, potato, fresh green beans, tomato, olives and chopped hard-boiled eggs all lightly dressed with a vinaigrette dressing. The Chilaquiles were a big hit as well. The dish includes fried tortillas with spinach, tomato, beans, avocado and eggs. The eggs were well cooked and the flavors combined well. All in all a successful start to a lovely Sunday for sure.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Luna Park</strong><br /></div><div>694 Valencia Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.lunaparksf.com/">http://www.lunaparksf.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-7998330956014782944?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-88148431748370640922008-03-03T14:14:00.000-08:002008-03-03T14:33:55.398-08:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R8x8waSb9tI/AAAAAAAAAXw/qjq-Y2PmFwY/s1600-h/BlogNorthBeach"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173647243074074322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R8x8waSb9tI/AAAAAAAAAXw/qjq-Y2PmFwY/s320/BlogNorthBeach" border="0" /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173646581649110722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R8x8J6Sb9sI/AAAAAAAAAXo/7Fgjv5oKFJc/s320/BlogMojitoCafe.jpg" border="0" />North Beach is most certainly a great neighborhood for a host of reasons, including the large number of fun and interesting venues to spend time in and explore. So, it's not uncommon to find yourself in the neighborhood at a later hour and not having eaten dinner yet. There are numerous options as far as late-night dining goes, and a tasty one, if you don't mind sometimes large crowds and loud music in the background, is Mojito Cafe. The venue is located in the heart of North Beach on Grant Avenue. It's a fairly small space with a long bar and a space for music and dancing. The ambiance is definitely that of a bar versus a restaurant, and the wall behind the bar features some funky and certainly different art and other items to capture attention in case your eyes wander a bit. The menu is just what it should be - a nice range of types of items, all of which are satisfying and fairly easy to eat - and it's served nightly until 1 a.m. Options include a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, a selection of Sliders, a hearty plate of Nachos, and Chicken Two Ways. Everything is made to order so you can customize as best suits. The Chicken Two Ways features tender and moist chunks of dark-meat chicken, three large and nicely spiced chicken legs and celery sticks all served with a rick, creamy ranch dip. It's a nice burst of protein for sure. The nachos come with the usual fixings and feature large and quite crisp tortilla chips which add the perfect textural contrast to the various dips and toppings. In particular, the guacamole that is included is seasoned well and thick and creamy. You can dine at the bar or at one of the few small tables that adorn the borders of the restaurant.<br /><br /><div></div><div><strong>Mojito Cafe</strong></div><div>1337 Grant Street in San Francisco</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-8814843174837064092?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-47611334379029725832008-02-26T12:45:00.000-08:002008-02-26T13:05:54.459-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R8R_GgvNk4I/AAAAAAAAAXg/Pr3zwyvkrqo/s1600-h/PastaPomodoro2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171398021972071298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R8R_GgvNk4I/AAAAAAAAAXg/Pr3zwyvkrqo/s320/PastaPomodoro2" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R8R-_gvNk3I/AAAAAAAAAXY/6rbPzzWS2CQ/s1600-h/PastaPomodoro1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171397901712986994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R8R-_gvNk3I/AAAAAAAAAXY/6rbPzzWS2CQ/s320/PastaPomodoro1" border="0" /></a>Pasta Pomodoro is one of those chains I actually really enjoy going to. After a recent happy hour in the Presidio some folks decided to check out the location in Laurel Village. It was quite crowded but they were able to accommodate about 14 or so of us. The comfortable ambiance allowed us to settle in almost immediately, despite the high noise level and bustling servers around us. The menu features food from Rome, and the wine list is especially appealing as it is well-priced and features wine by the carafe in a Quartino, Mezzo or Litro. I chose a Quartino of Borgo Pinot Grigio from the Friuli region. It had nice balance and was fruity on the nose and fresh on the palate. The group ordered much of the menu thanks for the number of folks in our party. To start we sampled the Bruschetta, grilled bread with roma tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil; Cozze, which is a wonderful bowl of delicious steamed mussels with white wine, herbs, garlic and butter, Gamberi, shrimp roasted in a cast iron tegame with tomato, garlic, chili and garlic bread, and Polpettine, tasty and hearty meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce served with garlic bread. Everyone enjoyed all of the dishes, especially the mussels. For my entree I enjoyed Insalata di Pollo, a mixed green salad with grilled chicken breast, Gorgonzola, carrots, tomatoes and balsamic dressing. There was a ton of Gorgonzola on the salad which I loved, and the chicken was moist and tender. Quite a tasty and healthy dish too. Other favorites included Verdure, pasta with roasted Brussels sprouts (yeah!), eggplant, asparagus, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli tossed with olive oil and garlic and spicy pomodoro sauce; Tortellini with cream sauce and pancetta; Gemelli with smoked and grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms in a cream sauce; and Parmigiana chicken with tomatoes, basil and asiago. Generally speaking the pasta in the pasta dishes was cooked nicely al-dente and the sauces were quite flavorful. I convinced folks to share a few sides - Cavolini and Spinaci. The Cavolini was gorgeous and I am so thankful to restaurants who put Brussels sprouts on the menu as they have a reputation for being mushy and flavorless yet in fact, when cooked properly, they are gorgeous. Pasta Pomodoro's take was lovely and featured the sprouts with onions, garlic, brown butter and sage. All in all quite a nice and hearty meal and certainly one you can easily enjoy wine with and which won't break the bank.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-4761133437902972583?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-36533408604430225572008-02-11T15:46:00.000-08:002008-02-11T15:57:45.491-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R7Dg8QvNk2I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/IMuOtHNJY1I/s1600-h/BlogCaffeDelucchi"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165876098483721058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R7Dg8QvNk2I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/IMuOtHNJY1I/s320/BlogCaffeDelucchi" border="0" /></a>Caffe DeLucchi, a really cute cafe in North Beach, has a great winter special going on now whereby on each Tuesday and Wednesday, you can bring in a bottle of wine and the corkage fee is waived. A nice group of us decided to enjoy the restaurant's tasty fare along with a nice selection of wines and we had a wonderful time. The only caveat is that each person who wants to take advantage of the no corkage fee deal must order an entree, but the prices are fairly sweet so it's really worth it regardless. Plus, if you add chicken to any of their salads, that counts as an entree. The group delved right into the wine, which ranged from dry Rieslings, lush Pinot Noirs to big Zins, and sampled a variety of the cafe's food offerings. A few favorites were the Carpaccio, thinly sliced beef with arugula, capers, diced red onion, shaved parmigiano reggiano cheese and extra virgin olive oil; Cozze e Vongole, or steamed black mussels and manila clams in a white wine, garlic and herb sauce with toasted crostini; Insalata Spinaci, which is warm spinach and bacon with balsamic glazed onions, diced roma tomatoes, goat's cheese and candied pecans; Prosciutto e Formaggi, a gorgeous plate of thinly sliced prosciutto di parma served with italian cheeses, seasonal fruit and toasted walnuts; Gnocchi Piemontese, or soft potato pillows served with gorgonzola cream sauce or with wild mushrooms and marsala cream sauce; Costolette di Maiale, or seared marinated pork chop with balsamic poached pears, white bean confit and an arugula and feta garnish; and Snapper con Granchio, or pan sauteed pacific snapper filet topped with a crab, artichoke, sundried tomato, basil and white wine butter sauce. servered with risotto of the day and sauteed vegetables. The staff was quite hospitable and the vibe was comfortable and relaxed, especially after some vino. I hope you pop in and take advantage of this great deal. Enjoy.<br /><br /><strong>Caffe DeLucchi</strong><br />500 Columbus Avenue in San Francisco<br /><a href="http://www.caffedelucchi.com/">http://www.caffedelucchi.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-3653340860443022557?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-45502364507027519602008-02-04T14:31:00.000-08:002008-02-04T14:41:25.504-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R6eUV4JgafI/AAAAAAAAAXI/9jJSpKyVGwA/s1600-h/BlogOregonPinot"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163258601373985266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R6eUV4JgafI/AAAAAAAAAXI/9jJSpKyVGwA/s320/BlogOregonPinot" border="0" /></a>A bit late in posting on this item but William Cross Wine Merchants in Russian Hill is continuing its series of Iron Wine America tastings this year. They are themed based on the Iron Chef America series on the Food Network, and if last week's tasting is any indication, should be a whole lot of fun. The shop does a tasting each Wednesday starting at 6pm, and last week's tasting featured Oregon Pinot Noirs against Burgundy reds, also made from pinot noir grapes. I enjoyed all six selections, but generally preferred the offerings from Oregon. The 2006 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir was my favorite - velvety and rich yet well-balanced and fruity as well. The other selections from Oregon, a 2006 Lange Pinot Noir and a 2005 Rex Hill Reserve Pinot were both nice as well. The selections from Burgundy were a 2005 Domaine Germaine Saint-Romain, a 2006 Dubois Savigny-Les Beaune Les Picotins, and a 2005 Nicholas Rossignol Cuvee L'Hertiere. Generally the European wines were stronger on the nose and tasted more of alcohol than the selections from Oregon, though I did enjoy the Domaine Germaine Saint-Romain quite a bit. The next Iron Wine America tasting should be within the next couple of months, so stay tuned. Cheers.<br /><br /><strong>William Cross Wine Merchants</strong><br />2253 Polk Street in San Francisco<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-4550236450702751960?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-5349352315034375872008-01-30T15:08:00.000-08:002008-01-30T15:19:58.407-08:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R6EFpIJgaeI/AAAAAAAAAXA/JcABQy0ffxM/s1600-h/BlogBaladie"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161412852063431138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R6EFpIJgaeI/AAAAAAAAAXA/JcABQy0ffxM/s320/BlogBaladie" border="0" /></a>Baladie Gourmet Cafe on Kearny near Pine is a cheap and delicious spot for a Mediterranean meal or snack, and the hummus is absolutely to die for. Thick and creamy, it really is stellar. The Dip Platter is a gorgeous meal and offers hummus, baba ghanouj, two falafel, olives and pita wedges. Among many other items, also worthwhile are the Iron Bowl, lentil soup over rice with chicken, fresh spinach and sauteed onions; the Feta Pita Pocket, Chicken Gyro with amazing tzaziki sauce, Spinach Salad and the Fatoush salad. The portions are huge and the food is authentic and tasty. There are a few tables in the venue but it's more of a grab-and-go type of spot.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Baladie Gourmet Cafe</strong><br /></div><div>337 Kearny Street in San Francisco</div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-534935231503437587?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-32697644094145975482008-01-14T11:08:00.001-08:002008-01-14T11:17:44.664-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R4u1QbEWnGI/AAAAAAAAAW4/fPEmmwF1NMw/s1600-h/BlogMexicoDF"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155413492204215394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R4u1QbEWnGI/AAAAAAAAAW4/fPEmmwF1NMw/s320/BlogMexicoDF" border="0" /></a>I am quite a fan of happy hour generally speaking, but happy hours that offer up inexpensive drinks as well as free food? Something to be sought out and enjoyed for sure. Mexico DF is a charming spot just South of Market that has just such a happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 6pm. The bar area is somewhat small and can easily get crowded, but it adds to the hip and fun vibe for the most part. Decor is minimal but attractive - exposed brick walls, hues of golden wood abound, dim lighting via interesting and funky fixtures, and black and white electronic paintings featuring Mexican people, scenes and other landscapes that change over time.<br /><div>Drink specials include house sparking, red and white wines as well as margaritas for $5. On offer last week as far as food goes was a neat trio of fried cubes of cheese, slices jicama with olive oil and cilantro flakes and spiced roasted peanuts. The cheese had a texture similar to feta but the flavor was a bit milder. The broader menu is appealing too if you decide to make an evening at the restaurant. Hope you can escape from work at a decent hour one day soon and enjoy happy hour at Mexico DF.</div><br /><div><strong>Mexico DF</strong><br /></div><div>139 Steuart Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.mex-df.com/">http://www.mex-df.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-3269764409414597548?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-15246345486722837042008-01-10T10:55:00.001-08:002008-01-10T11:04:03.068-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R4ZrrrEWnEI/AAAAAAAAAWo/uHd0cNRsBKs/s1600-h/BlogBlackBeanChili"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153925221611641922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R4ZrrrEWnEI/AAAAAAAAAWo/uHd0cNRsBKs/s320/BlogBlackBeanChili" border="0" /></a>If the chilly and gray weather has you in the mood for a warm bowl of delicious and healthy chili, this recipe is for you. It's simple and tasty and perfect for warming up body and soul. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Black Bean Chili</strong><br /></div><div>For the seasoning mix - </div><div>1 teaspoon chili powder</div><div>1 teaspoon paprika</div><div>1 teaspoon black pepper</div><div>1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes</div><div>1 1/2 tablespoons of oregano</div><div>1 1/2 tablespoons of cumin</div><div>For the chili - </div><div>1 pound lean ground turkey (lean ground beef is good too)</div><div>1 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes with no salt added</div><div>1 28 ounce can of tomato sauce</div><div>2 medium yellow onions, chopped</div><div>1 jalapeno pepper, cored and seeded, finely minced</div><div>3 cloves garlic, minced</div><div>1 16 ounce can of corn, drained</div><div>2 16 ounce cans of black beans, rinsed and drained</div>Fresh parsley for garnish<br /><div>Mix seasonings together. In a large pot, spray a bit of cooking spray and add meat. Saute until browned. Add seasoning mix and all of the other ingredients except the corn and black beans. Simmer for 2 hours. Add beans and corn during last 20 minutes of cooking. To serve, garnish with fresh parsley and add shredded sharp cheddar or jack cheese if desired. Enjoy with a nice glass of red wine. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-1524634548672283704?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-4761733120805519622008-01-02T12:27:00.001-08:002008-01-02T12:34:17.794-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R3v1NrEWnDI/AAAAAAAAAWg/zzcLUF1mfPg/s1600-h/BlogDineAboutTown2007"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150980214076382258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R3v1NrEWnDI/AAAAAAAAAWg/zzcLUF1mfPg/s320/BlogDineAboutTown2007" border="0" /></a>To help ease into the new year, why not take advantage of San Francisco's Dine About Town, whereby you can enjoy gourmet, 3-course meals at some of SF's best restaurants. The deal goes from January 15 through 30, and it's $21.95 for lunch and $31.95 for dinner, excluding tax, tip and beverages. For the list of participating restaurants please visit <a href="http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=4&amp;ref=296&amp;pid=67">http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=4&amp;ref=296&amp;pid=67</a><br /><div>These events aren't necessarily the best option for me since I already dine out fairly often and don't really eat dessert, but it is a great opportunity to try new places for sure. Notable participating restaurants include A16, bacar, Baraca, Cassis, Destino, Fringale, One Market, RNM, and The Public.</div><div>Enjoy!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-476173312080551962?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-68474627321195241602008-01-02T12:08:00.001-08:002008-01-02T12:22:53.189-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R3vyJbEWnBI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/XqHDSAEINvY/s1600-h/BlogFrittata"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150976842527054866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R3vyJbEWnBI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/XqHDSAEINvY/s320/BlogFrittata" border="0" /></a>Hope 2008 is off to a great start for you. I recently went to a friend's place for a little soiree she was hostessing, and I had a nice bottle of wine to share but also wanted to bring something that's fairly transportable and also generally appealing and great for snacking on. I decided to bring a delicious assortment of frittatas. This is a recipe for one of my favorites. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Frittata</strong><br /></div><div>6 large eggs</div><div>2 tablespoons olive oil</div><div>2 shallots, chopped</div><div>3 small potatoes, very thinly sliced</div><div>1/4 cup cauliflower, chopped</div><div>1/4 cup zucchini, sliced thinly</div><div>3/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled</div><div>6 slices of Prosciutto, roasted</div><div>Kosher or sea salt</div><div>Freshly ground black pepper</div><div>3 fresh basil leaves, sliced in a chiffonade (pile the leaves on top of each other and roll up and slice)</div><div>Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Roast the slices of prosciutto on a baking sheet for 3 to 4 minutes or until the edges crisp and brown a bit. Let cool and slice into strips about 3/4-inch wide.<br />In a medium bowl whisk the eggs with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside. In an 8 1/2-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat add the olive oil, shallot, and another pinch of salt. Saute, stirring constantly, until the onion starts to brown, 5 - 7 minutes. Add the potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini and prosciutto, cover, and cook for another 3 minutes or so. Slide everything out of the skillet onto a plate and set aside.<br />Turn down the heat a bit. Using the same skillet, add the eggs and cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes or until the eggs are just set and there isn't a lot of liquid running around the pan. To the eggs add the potato onion mixture over the top.<br />Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 9 minutes, or until well set and puffy. Add a crumble of goat cheese and the basil across the top of the frittata in the final 2 minutes of baking. Remove from oven (be careful the handle is hot), cut into wedges and serve and enjoy. Great with a side salad and a glass of wine. Good for any meal as well.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-6847462732119524160?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-71796919232710536942007-12-21T13:35:00.000-08:002007-12-21T13:46:52.838-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2w0GLEWm_I/AAAAAAAAAWA/0If1mPYcS74/s1600-h/BlogHolidayCocktails"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146545754832542706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2w0GLEWm_I/AAAAAAAAAWA/0If1mPYcS74/s320/BlogHolidayCocktails" border="0" /></a>Hope you are in festive spirits this holiday season. Passing along a few recipes for fun and celebratory cocktails. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Christmas Jones</strong><br /></div><div>5 fresh strawberries<br />1 part vodka<br />2 teaspoons superfine sugar<br />5 ounces of pineapple juice<br />Lime-flavored soda<br />Mint sprigs for garnish<br />In a blender, whiz the vodka, strawberries, sugar and pineapple juice together. Pour the mix equally into two champagne flutes. Top with 7-Up, and garnish with a sprig of mint. </div><br /><div><strong>Grinch</strong><br />3 ounces of Midori<br />1/2 ounce lemon juice<br />1 teaspoon simple syrup (equal parts of water and sugar simmered together)<br />1 maraschino cherry for garnish<br />Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry. </div><br /><div><strong>Mistletoe Martini</strong><br /></div><div>3 ounces of vodka<br />2 ounces of orange juice<br />3 ounces of cranberry tea, chilled<br />3/4 ounce of lemon juice<br />3 teaspoons of sugar<br />Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into two chilled cocktail glasses.</div><br /><div><strong>Candy Cane</strong><br /></div><div>1 ounce of berry-flavored vodka<br />3/4 ounce of Peppermint Schnapps<br />3/4 ounce of white Crème de Cacao<br />1/4 ounce of grenadine<br />Half and half<br />Soda water<br />Pour the vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, white Creme de Cacao and grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Pour into a cocktail glass rimmed with crushed peppermint candy (but don't let the ice get into the glasses). Fill with half and half and top with soda water. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-7179691923271053694?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-23876022561549151662007-12-19T11:07:00.000-08:002007-12-19T11:51:04.299-08:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2l1-bEWm-I/AAAAAAAAAV4/TZpwGMtWsy8/s1600-h/BlogSolstice"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145773764525857762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2l1-bEWm-I/AAAAAAAAAV4/TZpwGMtWsy8/s320/BlogSolstice" border="0" /></a>Solstice is a great neighborhood and also sometimes destination bar and restaurant that somehow manages to combine a hip and modern ambiance with a comfortable and inviting vibe. The space, which used to house Rassella's which is now located near The Fillmore, is dimly lit with comfortable tables and chairs, an attractive bar area and lots of plants, a large palm-like tree being the centerpiece of the dining room. There also is a lounge area just slightly down from the main space which is perfect for groups of 20 or so. On Mondays all wines by the bottle are half-price, just another reason to make a visit and start the work week off on a happy note. The wine list is interesting and generally affordable, especially on Monday nights. We sampled a few bottles between the group, including a very crisp and effervescent Portuguese Vino Verde, Mia's Playground Merlot from Sonoma, and Ringbolt Cabernet from Australia. The reds were both nice - fruity with a big flavor and a lasting finish. The Merlot was especially heavy on notes of sweet, ripe berries. We snacked on a few of the food items as well. The menu is fairly short but very appealing and features items that showcase local ingredients. We had Frites Two Ways which features traditional fries made with Idaho potatoes and serves with ketchup, and sweet potato fries served with a jalapeno aioli. The sweet potato fries were especially tasty, though I thought a bit of additional salt would have been beneficial. The Prosciutto Pizzetta, which features a thin and crispy crust topped with prosciutto, smoked mozzarella and roasted tomatoes, also got good reviews. The Gorgonzola Mac N Cheese is, well, a heaping pile of goodness featuring the pasta on a base of granny smith apples with lots of gooey cheese and topped with toasted walnut dust. All in all a very enjoyable evening, and an inexpensive one at that. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Solstice</strong><br /></div><div>2801 California Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.solsticelounge.com/">http://www.solsticelounge.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-2387602256154915166?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-13552778661855025432007-12-18T12:38:00.000-08:002007-12-18T13:26:57.149-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2g1BbEWm7I/AAAAAAAAAVg/uyvdm8HfWGc/s1600-h/BlogDatesGorgonzola"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145420872832949170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2g1BbEWm7I/AAAAAAAAAVg/uyvdm8HfWGc/s320/BlogDatesGorgonzola" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145420743983930274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2g057EWm6I/AAAAAAAAAVY/FERuhQy4zUw/s320/BlogBrusselSproutsBacon" border="0" />Hope you are enjoying the splendor of the holiday season, and have the time to step back and take a breath when you need it too. Wanted to pass along recipes for a few tasty treats that are all easy to prepare and quite tasty - enjoy.<br /><br /><div><div><strong>Fig, Gorgonzola and Rosemary Bites</strong><br /></div><div>8 to 12 dried figs</div><div>3 to 4 ounces of Gorgonzola cheese, in crumbles</div><div>2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil</div><div>1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary leaves, chopped</div><div>Sea salt and black pepper to taste</div><div>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Trim the stems of the figs and make a slit in the side of each fig. Push a piece of Gorgonzola into each fig. Place in a bowl and toss gently with olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper. Heat in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until cheese melts, and enjoy. Fabulous paired with a nice Pinot Noir. </div><div><br /><strong>Brussel Sprouts with Bacon</strong></div><div>2 pounds small-medium Brussel sprouts</div><div>6 slices bacon</div><div>1 teaspoon butter</div><div>Kosher or sea salt and pepper</div><div>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse Brussel sprouts in a large colander and drain. Trim off the small stem on the bottom of each sprout and cut into halves. Cook bacon in medium frying pan until fat is rendered and the bacon is browned but not quite crispy. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Once the bacon has cooled a bit, cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Pour off all but 2 teaspoons of the bacon fat. Return pan to medium high heat and add butter to the bacon fat. Add the halved Brussel sprouts to the frying pan and toss to coat in the oil. Add the bacon to the Brussel sprouts and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to toss and cook on the stove for another 2-3 minutes until the sprouts start taking on a bit of a golden brown color. Transfer into a 400 degree oven for about 12-15 minutes or until sprouts are golden brown and slightly soft. Delicious with an unoaked Chardonnay or a lighter-body red wine. </div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Cinnamon and Cardamom<br /></strong>1 to 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin<br />2 tablespoons cornstarch<br />1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon </div><div>1/2 teaspoon cardamom spice<br />2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed<br />2 cooking apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored and sliced<br />2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins<br />Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the pork tenderloin in a roasting pan or casserole dish. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir. Spoon the apple mixture around the pork tenderloin. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and spoon the apple mixture over the tenderloin. Return to the oven and bake without a cover for 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until pork tenderloin is browned and cooked through. </div><br /><div><strong>Grilled Peaches</strong></div><div>4 peaches</div><div>4 tablespoons of lemon juice</div><div>1/4 cup of white wine vinegar</div><div>1 tablespoon of brown sugar</div><div>Peel and halve peaches, and place in a plastic bag with one tablespoon of lemon juice and set aside. Boil remaining lemon juice with vinegar and sugar on medium high, until reduced by about half. Place peaches cut side down on a grill pan or rack which is lightly coated with cooking oil spray. Cook for about 2 minutes, then turn over and baste with lemon mixture. Cook 3 minutes on second side and serve. Great with ice cream or frozen yogurt. </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-1355277866185502543?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-72502350513175506512007-12-17T11:52:00.000-08:002007-12-17T12:31:38.942-08:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2bcfbEWm5I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/SRfrntUpwfE/s1600-h/BlogHotelBiron"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145042056717441938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2bcfbEWm5I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/SRfrntUpwfE/s320/BlogHotelBiron" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2bajrEWm3I/AAAAAAAAAVA/Cq8pc8omXss/s1600-h/BlogHotelBiron2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145039930708630386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R2bajrEWm3I/AAAAAAAAAVA/Cq8pc8omXss/s320/BlogHotelBiron2" border="0" /></a>Hotel Biron is a quite small but very cozy wine bar and art gallery that lends touches of Paris to its comfortable and appealing ambiance. Very dim lighting, modern yet comfy decor, a handful of copper tables, wrought-iron bistro chairs and zinc-green walls decked with a revolving exhibition of local add to the mood, and form the perfect setting for an after-work get-together or romantic rendezvous. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the wine list is interesting and not expensive. If you can, it makes sense to buy by the bottle as for the most part bottle prices are only 3 times that of the glass prices when offered. A brief food menu including cheeses, seasonal fruits, charcuterie, and olives is designed to complement the wines.<br /><div><div><div><div>I arrived a bit earlier than my friend and luckily was able to snag a table near the bar area, and ordered a glass of 2006 Sur "de los Andes" Torrontes. It was light and refreshing, but lacked a fruity quality that I had hoped it would have. Once my friend arrived we tasted a few red varietals, and decided to go with a bottle of Jenke Vineyards Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. It needed to breathe just a bit, but notes of berries and a strong earthy quality made it really delicious and interesting. We also tried a couple of the cheeses. Old Quebec, a Canadian raw cow's milk cheddar aged for 3 years was rich and creamy, and Serra da Estrela, a Portugese washed rind raw sheep's milk cheese, was also decadent and delicious. Hotel Biron is really an adorable spot I hope you get a chance to check out if you haven't already done so. It's just off Market Street on Rose just behind Zuni Cafe.<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Hotel Biron</strong> </div><div>45 Rose Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.hotelbiron.com/">http://www.hotelbiron.com/</a></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-7250235051317550651?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-74817149591173562932007-12-11T11:55:00.000-08:002007-12-11T12:13:14.068-08:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R17uzFWPhdI/AAAAAAAAAUw/8yed5nkPyeA/s1600-h/BlogCitizenThai2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142810385879893458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R17uzFWPhdI/AAAAAAAAAUw/8yed5nkPyeA/s320/BlogCitizenThai2" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R17uuFWPhcI/AAAAAAAAAUo/tbAMik2KNK4/s1600-h/BlogCitizenThai1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142810299980547522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R17uuFWPhcI/AAAAAAAAAUo/tbAMik2KNK4/s320/BlogCitizenThai1" border="0" /></a>Located in the heart of North Beach and just up the street from The Saloon, Citizen Thai and the Monkey Bar is a fun and festive spot with good drinks, tasty food and happy hour from 5 to 7pm seven days a week. During happy hour there are no drink specials, but you receive a complimentary appetizer of the day. We were there on Sunday and the appetizer was fried corn balls served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce loaded with fresh ginger, cilantro and sliced red onion. I am not much of one for fried food, so it was just another plate for my friends to enjoy. The wine list is short but well-thought-out given the strong flavors and sometimes very spicy food items on the menu. For wine, I chose to ahve Dr. von Basserman-Jordan Estate Gruner Veltliner from Germany. I thought all Gruner Veltliner's came from Austria, but apparently there are a few producers in Germany as well. The wine was light and refreshing and had a silky finish on the palate - perfect for the evening. Most folks ordered other food items as the evening went on. Favorites included the Fresh Garden Noodle Roll with chicken and shrimp served with spicy lime sauce, Chicken or Beef Satay with peanut sauce, Salt &amp; Pepper Calamari served with sweet &amp; sour sauce, Duck Salad tossed with red onion, chili flakes parched rice and spicy lime dressing, Lath Nah Rice Noodle in rich gravy sauce with broccoli, and various Wok Dishes whereby you choose chicken, beef or tofu as well as a sauce, the favorite for me being Broccoli with Oyster Sauce. The dish was hearty but not huge, the sauce was savory and delicious and the vegetables were all fresh and bright and nicely julienned for presentation. The group really enjoyed the evening, and I would pop back into the Monkey Bar again for any fun and casual occasion.<br /><br /><div><div><strong>Citizen Thai and the Monkey Bar</strong></div><div>1268 Grant Avenue in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.citizenthai.com/">http://www.citizenthai.com/</a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-7481714959117356293?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-5110608768092377092007-12-07T14:00:00.000-08:002007-12-07T16:54:45.359-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R1nJd1WPhaI/AAAAAAAAAUY/ubcKN9UV1Oc/s1600-h/BlogRosemaryBeef"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141361963993892258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R1nJd1WPhaI/AAAAAAAAAUY/ubcKN9UV1Oc/s320/BlogRosemaryBeef" border="0" /></a>Since the weather is cooling off a bit, thought I would pass along a couple of really simply but totally delicious recipes. Cozy up inside your kitchen, perhaps open a nice bottle of a rich red wine and enjoy.<br /><br /><strong>Rosemary Steak with Mushrooms</strong><br />4 boneless beef loins or New York Strip Steaks, sliced into 1-inch thick strips<br />2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, minced<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />8 ounces of white button or cremini mushrooms, sliced<br />2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil<br />1 teaspoon grated lemon peel<br />Kosher or sea salt<br />Coursly ground black pepper<br />Fresh rosemary sprigs<br />Mix the fresh rosemary, garlic, 1 tablespoon of oil, lemon peel, 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Sliced the steaks. Rub the mixture onto the surface of the steaks. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. Bring a large griddle or cast-iron skillet to high heat, add the steaks and cook for about 8 minutes per side, (or to desired doneness). Remove the steaks and let cool. Keep the pan on the heat and add the other tablespoon of oil to the remaining steak juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sautee until mushrooms are softened a bit and slightly browned. Serve the steaks topped with the mushroom mixture on a platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and enjoy.<br /><br /><strong>Broccoli Almondine</strong><br />1 1/2 pounds broccoli, stems peeled, then head cut into 2-inch-wide spears<br />4 tablespoons of good olive oil<br />1/2 cup sliced almonds<br />1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice<br />Microwave the broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes on high heat. Cool broccoli 5 minutes.<br />Meanwhile, heat olive oil in pot over medium heat, add the almonds, and stir until oil and nuts are golden and have a nutty aroma, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher or sea salt. Add broccoli and toss.<br /><br /><strong>Cheesy Sweet Potato Crisps</strong><br />1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled<br />1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese<br />2 egg whites<br />2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary<br />1/3 teaspoon sage<br />1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt<br />3/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper<br />Parchment paper (or a Silpat liner)<br />Heat oven to 425 degrees. Finely grate sweet potatoes into a bowl. Squeeze grated sweet potatoes in batches to release as much moisture as possible and place in another bowl, and fluff with a fork. Stir in cheese, egg whites, rosemary, sage and pepper. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spoon 1 rounded tablespoon batter onto cookie sheet and flatten into a thin, 2- to 2 1/2-inch round. Repeat with remaining batter, leaving 1 inch between rounds. Bake until edges and underside are crisp and browned, 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with salt, let cool slightly and remove from parchment. If it suits you, serve with a small bowl of sour cream topped with a few teaspoons of balsamic vinegar and a sprig of rosemary.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-511060876809237709?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-20544669890903674702007-12-07T13:47:00.000-08:002007-12-07T13:58:24.347-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R1nB7lWPhYI/AAAAAAAAAUM/Qiq01fq60qM/s1600-h/BlogJohnColins"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141353679001978242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R1nB7lWPhYI/AAAAAAAAAUM/Qiq01fq60qM/s320/BlogJohnColins" border="0" /></a> If you find yourself South of Market toward the end of a workday, check out happy hour at Jon Colins just across the street from Zebulon on Natoma. The vibe is casual and funky and the folks crowd the smallish space and are generally a really amiable group. Lighting is dim and decor is minimal, but the fun globe lights, bright Christmas-type lights near the high ceiling, upstairs DJ and lounge area and hip bartenders add a lot to the ambiance. Happy hour runs from 5 to 7pm and features $4 well drinks, Guiness and Boddington's, $3 imports and draft beers, $2 domestic bottled beers, and $1 off all other drinks. Wine by the glass runs around $6 for happy hour and the list is short but I imagine you'll find something you enjoy. The Pinot Grigio was refreshing and light. There aren't any food offerings but there are many tasty spots nearby. Enjoy.<br /><div><br /><div><strong>John Colins</strong><br /></div><div>90 Natoma Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.johncolins.com/">http://www.johncolins.com/</a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-2054466989090367470?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-6948847393723863372007-11-30T14:08:00.000-08:002007-11-30T14:25:02.086-08:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R1CNolWPhWI/AAAAAAAAAT8/ryxCLGikWTs/s1600-R/BlogAlaturca.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138762903189423458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R1CNolWPhWI/AAAAAAAAAT8/_F539vGhx0o/s320/BlogAlaturca.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you haven't tried Turkish food before, it's actually quite tasty and certainly approachable. Roughly speaking it's fairly similar to Greek food but with more heat and spice. The space is comfortable and the high ceilings make it seem larger than it is. There's not much decor but the vibe is still pleasant and welcoming. We were a large group on a Friday evening and we had the entire semi-private upstairs area to ourselves which was really nice. The short wine list has some interesting choices from California, Italy and of course Turkey. I went for one of the cheaper options, Salmon Creek Pinot Grigio, which was just fine and worked with the dishes we enjoyed. For appetizers, we had Eggplant Salad, Piyaz, Ezme and Hummus. The Eggplant Salad is nicely baked eggplant with red and green pepper, onion, parsley, lemon juice and olive oil. The vegetables work nicely together and the lemon juice lightens the dish a bit. Piyaz is white beans, parsley, red and green pepper, onion, lemon juice and olive oil all tossed together. It's tasty and the generous amount of beans makes it fairly hearty as well. The Ezme, crushed and roasted red bell pepper with tomato and onion and spices, is served on grilled pita bread and it works as a simple starter. The Hummus was quite tasty as well, though not as thick as I usually like. The appetizers are all under $5 a pop so it's not a bad idea to sample a bit. We also shared various platters for our entrees. The Doner, or beef sirloin and lamb spiced and roasted and thinly sliced, was tasty and the meat was nice and tender. There's also a Chicken Doner with the same preparation and presentation. We also had a few of the Kebab options which all had the same spice but all were nicely prepared and the meat wasn't overdone. We couldn't resist the Sucuk and Cheese pide, which was really tasty. Not sure about the Chicken and Pineapple combo on a pide, but I'd be curious to try it if I go back. There also are a few soups and salads and a short kid's menu. Alaturca is a cute and laid-back spot that's great for a casual meal, and definitely works for big groups. Hope you have the opportunity to pop by sometime.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Alaturca</strong><br /></div><div>869 Geary Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.alaturcasf.com/">http://www.alaturcasf.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-694884739372386337?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-6111043801417050012007-11-25T14:19:00.000-08:002007-11-25T14:26:51.089-08:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R0n2fh_Jz-I/AAAAAAAAAT0/5YnW2ChXH34/s1600-h/BlogAvocadoHummus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136907871552393186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R0n2fh_Jz-I/AAAAAAAAAT0/5YnW2ChXH34/s320/BlogAvocadoHummus.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day and is looking forward to the holiday season getting in full gear. Wanted to pass along an easy and light recipe for a great appetizer. It's a nice way to start out a meal, or even a good snack to have before a big soiree in hopes of not overindulging at the event. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Pea and Avocado Hummus</strong><br /></div><div>1 avocado</div><div>2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice</div><div>1 small clove of garlic, minced</div><div>2 4.9 ounce cans of sweet green peas, drained</div><div>1 tablespoon of kosher salt</div><div>Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit and scoop out the flesh. In a food processor, combine the avocado flesh, lime juice, garlic, peas and salt, and process until smooth. Serve with toasted whole wheat pita bread and vegetable crudites. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-611104380141705001?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-27243283660407470122007-11-20T12:35:00.000-08:002007-11-20T12:52:46.517-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R0NIxh_Jz9I/AAAAAAAAATs/OOnkIUYZGxw/s1600-h/BlogTurkeyDay"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135028015906541522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R0NIxh_Jz9I/AAAAAAAAATs/OOnkIUYZGxw/s320/BlogTurkeyDay" border="0" /></a>Hope you have some fun Thanksgiving plans to look forward to. My favorite holiday of the year, I certainly am quite excited about it. Either way, wanted to pass along a couple of my favorite sides dishes. Please enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta (Italian Bacon)</strong><br /></div><div>1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed </div><div>1 tablespoon olive oil </div><div>4 ounces paper-thin slices pancetta, coarsely chopped </div><div>2 garlic cloves, minced </div><div>Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper </div><div>1 cup low-sodium chicken broth<br />Partially cook the Brussels sprouts in a large pot of boiling salted water, about 4 minutes. Drain.<br />Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until beginning to crisp, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until pale golden, about 2 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts to the same skillet and saute until heated through and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Season with kosher salt and pepper, to taste. Add the broth and simmer until the broth reduces just enough to coat the Brussels sprouts, about 3 minutes. Serve and enjoy.</div><br /><div><strong>Butternut Squash with Pecans and Gorgonzola Cheese</strong><br /></div><div>4.5 pounds butternut squash</div><div>2 tablespoons olive oil </div><div>6 stalks fresh thyme or </div><div>1/2 teaspoon dried thyme </div><div>1 cup pecans, roasted in a dry pan for 4 minutes on medium heat</div><div>1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese</div><div>Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.<br />Halve the squash, leaving the skin on, and scoop out the seeds, then cut into 1-inch cubes; you don't need to be precise just keep the pieces uniformly small. Put into a roasting tin with the oil and strip about 4 stalks thyme of their leaves, sprinkling over the butternut squash. Roast in the oven for about 30 to 45 minutes or until tender. Once out of the oven, remove the squash to a bowl and scatter over the pecans and crumble over the cheese tossing everything together gently. Check the seasoning and add the last couple of stalks of thyme torn into small sprigs to decorate. </div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Cranberry and Goat Cheese Side</strong><br /></div><div>2 cans of jellied cranberry sauce</div><div>1 8 ounce log of good goat cheese </div><div>Chopped walnuts, roasted</div><div>1 teaspoon of good olive oil</div><div>Kosher salt and pepper</div><div>Arugula for garnish</div><div>This dish really couldn't be simpler, but the flavor combination really works well. Arrange the arugula on a long serving dish. Sprinkle with olive oil, kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Slice the the cranberry jelly in each can into 10 slices. It can be easier to start from the middle and slice your way toward the sides. Arrange on a long serving dish. Slice the log of goat cheese into thick but uniform slices, and put one piece of cheese in between each cranberry slice. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes on medium heat, until you can smell their aroma. Roughly chop the almonds and sprinkle over the dish. Enjoy.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-2724328366040747012?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-10476882354996811372007-11-20T12:26:00.001-08:002007-11-20T12:35:37.546-08:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R0NFAB_Jz8I/AAAAAAAAATk/WKFCB8eDLsI/s1600-h/BlogCalifWineMerchant"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135023866968133570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/R0NFAB_Jz8I/AAAAAAAAATk/WKFCB8eDLsI/s320/BlogCalifWineMerchant" border="0" /></a>California Wine Merchant on Chestnut Street in San Francisco is a really cute wine shop that has a nice wine bar and a small offering of cheeses and breads to go along with the wines you taste, and they do tastings from time to time as well. Yesterday on offer were wines from Krupp Brothers Estate. The owner of the winery was on hand along with one of his operatives. Both really nice folks. The wines range in price from $54.95 to $109.95 a bottle, not generally in my price range, but they were definitely well-crafted and unique. We started with a Veraison 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was a fairly big wine with a bit of pepper that lingered on the palate after a sip. The Krupp Brothers 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard was almost European big red wine in style, with alcohol being the main aftertaste. The Doctor, a blend of four grapes including mostly Tempranillo and Malbec, was slightly off in my opinion. Not fruity enough, but an interesting flavor combination for sure. We then tasted the Veraison 2004 Synchrony, Stagecoach Vineyard. Certainly more well-balanced than the previous selection, I enjoyed this wine but wasn't sure what food I would pair it with or if it would work on its own generally speaking. The last two selections were my favorites. A Black Bart 2004 Syrah, Stagecoach Vineyard, and a Joshua 2004 Syrah, Stagecoach Vineyard. The latter I thought was really special, but both exhibited nice fruit and good structure. At $15, the Monday tastings are a great way to sample wines you may not otherwise, and perhaps find a hidden treasure. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>California Wine Merchant</strong><br /></div><div>2113 Chestnut Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.californiawinemerchant.com/">http://www.californiawinemerchant.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-1047688235499681137?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-27200748107103275172007-11-15T11:25:00.000-08:002007-11-15T16:10:55.236-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Rzyr5h_Jz7I/AAAAAAAAATc/iL5gxamFf7c/s1600-h/BlogWilliamCross"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133166680159670194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Rzyr5h_Jz7I/AAAAAAAAATc/iL5gxamFf7c/s320/BlogWilliamCross" border="0" /></a>Last night at its regularly Wednesday wine tasting William Cross Wine Merchants had on offering their annual collection of Wines to Go with Thanksgiving. The tasting is quite popular so it was standing room only when we arrived. No matter though. We were handed a plate with white and dark meat turkey and some cranberry sauce along with our glasses and we were off and running. The first wine, a 2005 Domaine Stirn Tokay Pinot Gris Cuvee Prestige was absolutely delicious. Fruit-forward and slightly sweet and velvety on the palate. I had it with a bit of white meat turkey and it worked nicely, but I think it's range is fairly wide as far as lighter dishes go. This wine was my as well as my friend's favorite of the evening, though all of the selections were good. We then had a 2006 Bucklin Porter Vineyard Gewurztraminer from Sonoma. It was a sweet wine but not syrupy sweet at all but had a fairly light consistency and finish. It actually tasted really good with the dark turkey meat. The last of the white offerings was a 2005 Guillemot-Michel Quintaine Macon-Villages, which is a Chardonnay aged only in stainless steel. I enjoyed the wine since it wasn't oaked at all, and think it's a nice variety to try if you enjoy lighter-style Chardonnays. The first of the reds was a 2005 Michel Rey Julienas Tres Vielle Vigne. It was ripe with fruit and really tasty. A nice match with turkey for sure. The second red was a 2005 Carter Vineyards Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Ahhh, gorgeous. Fruit-forward and rich in color and well-balanced as most Pinots are. A perfect wine for the Turkey Day table for sure. We finished with a 2005 Culler "Casaeda" Syrah from the Sonoma Coast. It had a bit of spice to it and I enjoyed it and would recommend drinking it with heavier items on the holiday table. A really nice way to get excited about the best holiday of the year for sure.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>William Cross Wine Merchants</strong><br /></div><div>2253 Polk Street in San Francisco</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-2720074810710327517?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-87774618698585136862007-11-09T15:56:00.000-08:002007-11-09T16:00:48.506-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RzT0TF2vyKI/AAAAAAAAATU/jWYhUPqOYTk/s1600-h/BlogFoodMovies"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130994484308330658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RzT0TF2vyKI/AAAAAAAAATU/jWYhUPqOYTk/s320/BlogFoodMovies" border="0" /></a>Wanted to pass along a link to a really great list of food films. Some of my favorites are Mostly Martha, Babette's Feast, Big Night and Eat Drink Man Woman. If you haven't seen it, the recent Ratatouille is really cute and fun too. I am inspired by the list and excited there are quite a few I need to add to my "Want to See" list. Enjoy.<br /><div><a href="http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/foodmovies.html">http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/foodmovies.html</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-8777461869858513686?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-71026197716123978182007-11-09T15:37:00.000-08:002007-11-09T15:51:41.137-08:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RzTyb12vyJI/AAAAAAAAATM/1xhBEHkqPF8/s1600-h/BlogNookCafe"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130992435608930450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RzTyb12vyJI/AAAAAAAAATM/1xhBEHkqPF8/s320/BlogNookCafe" border="0" /></a>Nook Cafe is a really cozy spot at the corner of Hyde Street and Jackson on Russian Hill where you can relax with a cup of coffee, enjoy a good glass of wine or have a casual and healthy meal. Happy hour is from 5 to 7p.m. on Monday through Friday, and features $3 house wines by the glass. The space is small but with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides of the spot, so it doesn't feel cramped at all. There's also free wi-fi until 6p.m. on weekdays which is a nice bonus. During the day it's easily a spot you can just hang out at while reading or perhaps getting some work done. At night it's somewhat romantic even and a great venue for having a nice glass of wine or two and a bite. The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and Californian flavors and concentrates on items that are healthy (low fat, bran, natural ingredients, organic, vegan…), flavorful and imaginative. I almost always love hummus, and their version is thick and tasty and is served with olive tapenade, cucumber, tomatoes and warm pita bread. Nook also offers several delicious salads, my favorite of which is the Spinach Salad with apples, caramelized walnuts and Gorgonzola in a raspberry walnut dressing. You can add chicken to any of the salads for only $2 so it makes for an inexpensive light meal as well. There are also a few sandwiches on the menu, all of which feature great ingredient combinations. Selections include a Honey Baked Ham Sandwich with Fontina cheese and sage on whole wheat baguette, a Turkey Sandwich with melted Brie and cranberry sauce on baguette; and a Chicken Sandwich with hummus, red onions and mixed Lebanese herbs on Ciabatta bread. Breakfast items include egg sandwiches, bagels with various toppings and spreads and pastries. It's a really adorable neighborhood spot to spend a little while in, and one with inexpensive and tasty food and drink.<br /><br /><div><div><strong>Nook Cafe</strong></div><div>1500 Hyde Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.cafenook.com/">http://www.cafenook.com/</a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-7102619771612397818?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-42032172932820151732007-11-07T10:39:00.000-08:002007-11-07T10:53:04.553-08:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RzIJa-c_i1I/AAAAAAAAAS8/BDWYn3_syos/s1600-h/BlogLondonWinear"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130173284574268242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RzIJa-c_i1I/AAAAAAAAAS8/BDWYn3_syos/s320/BlogLondonWinear" border="0" /></a>I think quite a few folks probably walk or drive by the London Wine Bar on Sansome and Sacramento downtown, but for whatever reason don't usually choose to pop in and give it a try. It's conveniently located and is a fairly immediate transport away from downtown of sorts when you enter. It bills itself as America's oldest wine bar, and offers over 1300 selections. The ambiance is "old school" with rustic furniture, dark wood tabletops and bar, old pictures and paintings and just an overall feeling of comfort and warmth. The service generally isn't quite attentive, so you may have to be a bit proactive in your ordering, but the staff is quite nice. The wine list has a nice range and is fairly well-priced as well. I have been several times recently and have tried the Deinhard Riesling, which is off dry and floral with a clean and smooth finish. Other selections I have tasted include a Baystone Syrah from Dry Creek, which is fairly big yet fruit-forward, and a Di Bruno Sangiovese which is well-balanced and velvety on the palate. During the evening complimentary cheddar and jack cheese cubes as well as crackers are offered. The food menu is short but the items, such as cheese and meat plates, salads, crostini and smoked salmon, work well with wine. It's a nice retreat in the middle of downtown, and perfect for an after-work glass of wine to linger over.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>London Wine Bar</strong></div><div>415 Sansome Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.londonwinesf.com/">http://www.londonwinesf.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-4203217293282015173?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-7826794381440790552007-11-02T10:24:00.000-07:002007-11-02T10:53:16.785-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Rytj_uc_i0I/AAAAAAAAAS0/qJUiySzhs5o/s1600-h/BlogCavWineBar"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128302547143985986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Rytj_uc_i0I/AAAAAAAAAS0/qJUiySzhs5o/s320/BlogCavWineBar" border="0" /></a> It's great that there are so many great wine bars in and around San Francisco. I have only been back in town for a few weeks now but it has been fun learning about all of the new spots and of course taking time to check them out as well. I recently had the pleasure of going to Cav Wine Bar on Market Street just down from Zuni Cafe. The space is a bit dark with dim lighting, dark walls and flooring and dark gray metal bar and tabletops. The color scheme is black, grey and red. The decor is quite minimal and the overall vibe is hip and modern. The bar area spans the left side of the front portion of the space with tables to the right and in the back area as well. Around 6ish it isn't too crowded so that's a nice time to arrive and get seats if you can. I decided to try the Chateau Ksara Gewurztraminer from Lebanon. It was floral and honeysuckle on the nose, and sweet but not too sweet as far as taste goes. The texture was velvety and the color slightly golden. I really enjoyed it so I stayed with that throughout the evening. My friend started with the Sylvaner "Flood Family Vineyard" Riesling from Santa Barbara County and then went on to Weingut Juris "Selection" Pinot Noir from Austria. Both got good reviews. The food at Cav Wine Bar is elegantly presented and, not surprisingly, all goes quite well with wine. There is a nice selection of cheese as well as a few bites, small plates, large plates and desserts. We were snacking at had the Sweet Potato Fries, which arrive in a cone-shaped container and are absolutely delicious. The fries are fairly thick-cut and are perfectly salted with kosher salt flakes. They are crisp yet still fairly light, and yes you are eating fries but sweet potatoes actually have a lot great nutrients as well as fiber, so why not indulge a bit? We also had a selection of three cow's milk cheese, all of which were delicious. The servers are knowledgeable and friendly and always seem to be around when your glass turns empty. Cav Wine Bar is a great place to unwind with great wine and food after work, or to pop into to enjoy some wine after a meal.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Cav Wine Bar</strong><br /></div><div>1666 Market Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.cavwinebar.com/">http://www.cavwinebar.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-782679438144079055?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-30834728583749155932007-10-31T12:12:00.000-07:002007-10-31T12:32:05.554-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RyjYFec_izI/AAAAAAAAASs/3ZPVlJ80l34/s1600-h/BlogPersian"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127585764346923826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RyjYFec_izI/AAAAAAAAASs/3ZPVlJ80l34/s320/BlogPersian" border="0" /></a>Alborz Restaurant, a Persion spot on Van Ness and Sutter, isn't much to look at from the outside, but it's comfortable and warm when you enter and a perfect place to go for a meal before or after a movie at the theater a couple of blocks away. The staff is friendly and the food comes out fairly fast, and the menu has a range of options most folks can easily be happy with. On the table when you sit down is lavash bread served with small bowls of Greek yogurt flavored with cucumber and mint. It's a refreshing snack while you browse the menu items. There is a short wine list as well which includes several options in the sparkling, white and red categories. I had a Gewurztraminer from California which was fairly sweet but still a nice pairing with the food to come. We started with Hummus which was thick and rich and salted nicely which really brought out the flavor of the tahini and the chickpeas. To my surprise, one of the diners had never had hummus before, but he seemed to enjoy it. Others had the Torshee, or pickled vegetables; Dolma, ground beef seasoned with fresh herbs, rice and lentils and wrapped in grape leaves; and Kashk Bodemjan, roasted eggplant with fried onion, garlic mint and yogurt sauce. For my main I had a Green Salad served with a Chicken Koobideh (or Kabob) which came with house dressing on the side. The salad was fairly small but the Kabob was huge and quite tasty. The chicken is golden in color thanks to saffron in the sauce and it's also quite garlicky. The dressing is creamy and really not even needed since the chicken is so flavorful. Others enjoyed various Kabob Combinations (beef, lamb, salmon and the like) which come with Basmati rice and grilled tomato, as well as House Specials which include Ghorme Sabze, cubed beef cooked in onions, scallions, chives leeks and kidney beans; and Fesenjoon, or crushed walnuts cooked in a pomegranate sauce and served over chicken. The specials were a bit heartier than the other menu items but got good reviews overall. Alborz is a fairly inexpensive spot for a casual meal and one I hope you have a chance to enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Alborz Restaurant</strong><br /></div><div>1245 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-3083472858374915593?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-1429952436480134022007-10-30T16:32:00.000-07:002007-10-30T16:43:00.251-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RyfBdec_iyI/AAAAAAAAASk/UdB4HwECSm8/s1600-h/BlogTapas"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127279412919634722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RyfBdec_iyI/AAAAAAAAASk/UdB4HwECSm8/s320/BlogTapas" border="0" /></a>The Mission certainly offers quite a few tasty choices as far as tapas spots go, but Picaro is one which is centrally located, consistently tasty and inexpensive. There are four tables outside for enjoying your meal when the weather is nice, and the indoor portion of the restaurant is good-sized and earth tones, simple wood tables and other furnishings, Spanish paintings and other decor and friendly staff give off a nice and comfortable vibe. There's a short wine list as well as several beers on tap and sangria on offer as far as libations go. I had the Marques de Riscal, a dry white wine, last time I was there and at $5 a glass it certainly works just fine. Patatas Bravas, the standard fried potato dish, is nice and somewhat spicy at Picaro. Tortilla de Patata, potato and oniion omelet; Championes de Ajillo, or mushrooms sauteed with garlic; Pollo al Ajillo or garlic chicken, are other standbys that Picaro does well. I also almost always order grilled calamari when I see it on a menu since I much prefer it to the fried variety, and Picaro's take on the dish is delicious. Ropa Vieja, or stew with beef, chicken and chorizo is another solid dish. Picaro is a good place to just know about and stop in when you are in the neighborhood and are looking for a relaxed place to enjoy tapas for not a lot of money. Enjoy.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Picaro</strong><br /></div><div>3120 16th Street in San Francisco</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-142995243648013402?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-16343968929861170772007-10-29T16:37:00.000-07:002007-10-29T16:59:32.319-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RyZzzuc_ixI/AAAAAAAAASc/XGDObidAZos/s1600-h/BlogAmelie"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126912558288046866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RyZzzuc_ixI/AAAAAAAAASc/XGDObidAZos/s320/BlogAmelie" border="0" /></a>I have been wanting to try Amelie, especially since it's in my neighborhood, and was really happy when the chance came to pop by last Friday night. We arrived around 7:30ish and the place was hopping - standing room only at the bar and full tables. The space is sort of railroad in style with a somewhat narrow width and much longer space from front to back of house. The tall bar back spans one side of the venue and the other is adorned with a handsome mirror. Hues of rich red and earthy tones generally lend a really appealing ambiance, and a shiny bar top and loads of pretty little candles add a really nice warmth as well. The furniture is minimal which works in the smallish space and goes with the generally clean lines and modern vibe. We were seated on the inside end of the bar area and thus had a perfect view of the small kitchen-space they have in the restaurant section of the space and which they use to make several of the menu items, including a couple of which my friend and I ended up ordering. The wine and food menu is a printout which is clipped to a vintage vinyl of one or another variety - a cute touch. There are various epithets and other quick blurbs regarding wine and enjoying life and each other's company and the like in various spots which makes for fun eye wandering. I was tempted by many of the offerings on the approachable and well-crafted yet not at all overwhelming wine list. I chose a somewhat lesser-known white variety from Austria - Gruner Veltliner, which was really nice and light and a decent value at $8 a glass. My friend had the Bordeaux Chateaux Bonnet Reserve Merlot which had really nice fruit character and was well-balanced and smooth on the palate. We both enjoyed our selections quite a bit and stayed with them for the duration of the evening. I would say most folks were having some sort of snack with their libations, though I imagine later in the evening it's more of just a wine bar and not also a spot for food as well. We shared a Mixed Lettuce Salad with grilled fennel and lemon-herb vinaigrette; Flatbread with portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, watercress, balsamic reduction and topped with oregano; and Roasted Peanuts topped with sea salt. The salad was crisp and tasty and only lightly dressed which was nice. The flatbread was tasty, although a bit heavy on the onions for my taste. A nice flavor pairing with the crisp wine though. Next time I go back I want to try a Roasted Pork dish that's served with faro and vegetables and perhaps the Miyagi Oysters and the Cheese and Charcuterie Plate. Amelie is really cute neighborhood spot and one ideal for lingering over wine and small plates for the duration of an evening.<br /><div><br /><div><strong>Amelie</strong> </div><div>1754 Polk Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.ameliesf.com/">http://www.ameliesf.com/</a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-1634396892986117077?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-85560152780815595292007-10-26T16:55:00.001-07:002007-10-26T17:10:05.769-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RyKBi-c_ivI/AAAAAAAAASM/5GpPzPTEmt0/s1600-h/BlogOzumo"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125801763781184242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RyKBi-c_ivI/AAAAAAAAASM/5GpPzPTEmt0/s320/BlogOzumo" border="0" /></a>If you haven't been to Ozumo just South of Market near the Embarcadero, it's a really nice after-work spot with a good happy hour that runs from 4 to 6 p.m. in the bar area. The ambiance is clean, modern and has a strong Asian feel (which matches the cuisine), and the general vibe is hip and fun. Drink specials include several varieties of sake for $5 and a white and a red house wine each for $4 a glass. I had the Sauvignon Blanc and it was fruity, crisp and refreshing. The "Izakaya Pub" food options include 3 types of sushi rolls, edamame, soy-ginger edamame and a edamame shiso salad. The edamame is nicely salted with kosher salt which I like as otherwise I think the flavor doesn't really come out. I don't usually drink sake but I tried my friend's Dewakakura "Dewasansan Namagenshu" which was clean and fairly smooth and has a sweet finish on the palate. The general contemporary Japanese menu has numerous tasty sushi and sashimi options as well as small plates, soups and salads, hot pots, desserts and teas, and there is always at least one Omakase, or "chef's choice" menu available. There are amazing views in the restaurant area so be sure to call ahead and ask for a table with a view if you are so inclined. If you choose not to stay for dinner there are plenty of other options nearby including Shanghai 1930, Chaya Brasserie, Mexico DF and Tonno Rosso.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Ozumo</strong><br /></div><div>161 Steuart Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.ozumo.com/">http://www.ozumo.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-8556015278081559529?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-69535161636141032462007-10-24T17:16:00.000-07:002007-10-24T17:26:59.424-07:00<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125064000068881122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Rx_ijec_iuI/AAAAAAAAASE/14mKwuFCd_g/s320/Blogolea" border="0" />A new spot to pop by, Olea, opened yesterday on California and Larkin in San Francisco. The space is somewhat small yet elegantly and simply decorated, and the cuisine is American and Mediterranean featuring local ingredients. Hues of rich, deep red and warm lighting yield a comfortable ambiance. The menu and wine options are fairly limited but certainly appealing and approachable. Options include appetizers of Grilled Shrimp with Black Rice, and Butter Bean Crostini with Arugula. Entrees range from Halibut with a Green Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette, and a Vegan Plate with farro, broccoli and walnuts. Desserts are simple and well thought out and include a tasty Cheesecake with layers of vanilla, walnut and chocolate with a top that is crisp thanks to a flame torch used for creme brulee and which is also accented with swirls of a blackberry coulis. Looks to be a casual neighborhood spot and one I recommend checking out for sure.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>olea</strong><br /></div><div>1494 California Street at Larkin in San Francisco</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-6953516163614103246?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-23447262368973382012007-10-24T10:33:00.000-07:002007-10-24T10:56:07.142-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Rx-HJFlauSI/AAAAAAAAAR0/7AuaQX3szEo/s1600-h/BlogMaverick"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124963491158604066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/Rx-HJFlauSI/AAAAAAAAAR0/7AuaQX3szEo/s320/BlogMaverick" border="0" /></a>Last night I had the pleasure of joining a nice group of folks for dinner at Maverick in the Mission. It was a gorgeous and quite warm evening outside and a lovely occasion for a fun dinner out. Located just off Mission Street on 17th Street, Maverick is a small place but one with style and class for sure. Clean, minimal decor, brick walls, nicely finished hardwood floors and simple furnishings lend an elegant feel to the ambiance, and one which meshes well with the somewhat simple yet delicious menu options. The glass windows which stretch from floor to ceiling and form the front of the restaurant were opened throughout the evening, allowing us to enjoy the warm weather while at our long table just near the entrance to the space. The restaurant uses fresh, seasonal ingredients in combinations which aren't always one you may have had before. We ordered family style so each of us were easily able to sample quite a few of the menu items. To start the evening, I ordered a glass of Tocai Friulano David Noyes, North Coast, 2004. The nose was somewhat grassy yet clean and the finish was refreshing and tasty. A perfect choice for the wine ranging food options to come. We started with Sugar Pie Pumpkin Fritters, which come with toasted cumin and coriander yogurt sauce and are served on a bed of arugula. The fritters were light yet crisp and quite sweet, and the yogurt sauce was a nice cut to the fry. We also sampled the Maverick Salad, which is baby mixed lettuce, Thompson seedless grapes, Persian cucumber, aged goat cheese lightly dressed with champagne vinaigrette; Lobster and Shrimp Salad, which is butter lettuce, sugar snap peas, diced yam and Yukon gold potatoes with flambeau radish; Baltimore Crab Fluffs, which have a nice amount of lump crab meat and are served with tartar sauce; and Barbecue Meatballs, which are beef, veal and lamb meatballs with pomegranate and smoked chili barbecue sauce, creme fraiche and sliced baguette for soaking up the tasty sauce. The meatballs were delicious and really had the sweet/savory components working nicely in tandem. I wasn't a huge fan of the Lobster Salad as I thought the creamy dressing was a bit overdone and didn't allow the essence of the lobster and shrimp to shine. For entrees, we tried the Grilled Caribbean Cobia, Braised Creekstone Farm Beef Short Ribs, Grilled Broken Arrow Ranch Antelope, and Southern Fried Chicken. The fish was perfectly cooked and served with warm farro salad, roasted brussel sprouts, chestnuts, carrots, celery and leeks with a gremolata sauce. The sauce was slightly sweet and the balsamic vinegar essence was very tasty and a nice complement to the fish and vegetables. The Short Ribs were melt in your mouth tender and delicious and the chanterelles they were served with soaked up all of the rich sauce and were very tasty. I had never had antelope before and was quite pleasantly surprised by this dish. The antelope wasn't all that gamy really and had a nice, earthy flavor. The pesto-like sauce it came with was delicious and didn't overpower the flavor of the meat. The Fried Chicken was, not surprisingly, delicious and decadent. The chicken meat was nice and moist and the fried coating wasn't too thick but was crispy and tasty nonetheless. It's served with blue lake green beans, smashed fingerling potatoes and with andouille sausage gravy which is salty and has great depth of briny sausage flavor. Maverick is an elegant yet approachable venue, as is its menu, and really a lovely spot to spend time and enjoy a delicious meal. I think the group generally all had a really positive experience. They also do Saturday and Sunday brunch, which I am curious to go back for.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Maverick</strong><br /></div><div>3316 17th Street in San Francisco</div><div><a href="http://www.sfmaverick.com/">http://www.sfmaverick.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-2344726236897338201?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-29533783720511652812007-10-20T13:23:00.000-07:002007-10-20T13:40:14.175-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RxpmjFlauRI/AAAAAAAAARs/MD_72x0TM0Y/s1600-h/BlogTiPiacera.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123520279067932946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RxpmjFlauRI/AAAAAAAAARs/MD_72x0TM0Y/s320/BlogTiPiacera.jpg" border="0" /></a>Walking around my new<br />neighborhood I noticed a sign with a quite appealing iteration - happy hour from 3 to 7pm seven days a week. How perfect that the spot, Ti Piacera, is not only a comfortable and appealing restaurant with very friendly bar and waitstaff, but it is only a couple of blocks from home. During happy hour, rail drinks and house wines (whites are Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, and the red is a Merlot) are $3 a glass, and appetizers (except the fresh oysters on the half shell) are half off. The Calamari Fritti served with marinara sauce, thick and rich Hummus with Toasted Pita Wedges, and Involtini Melanzane, or pan seared eggplant stuffed with mozzarella and mushrooms topped with roasted bell pepper coulis, are all tasty, and a nice accompaniment to an early-evening glass of wine or two. The bar area is quite easy to hang out in, and offers 3 seats with a great view of the Polk Street passersby. The general lunch and dinner menus are nice as well, offering various Italian and a few Mediterranean dishes, which are affordable and approachable. The wine list is fairly inexpensive and while not in-depth, you can most likely easily find something to your liking. A great casual neighborhood spot for sure.<br /><br /><strong>Ti Piacera</strong><br />1507 Polk Street at California in San Francisco<br /><a href="http://www.tipiacera.com/">http://www.tipiacera.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-2953378372051165281?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971077742512844382.post-8038188304333473732007-10-15T15:57:00.000-07:002007-10-15T16:02:12.698-07:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RxPw-VlauQI/AAAAAAAAARk/IY9VSAtoq_I/s1600-h/BlogFood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121702154987026690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SuM4sESdjQ4/RxPw-VlauQI/AAAAAAAAARk/IY9VSAtoq_I/s320/BlogFood.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's only been 2 days so far, but it is amazing and rejuvenating to be back in San Francisco. Ahhhh, the crisp air, chill in the wind, and more than amazing local produce and other ingredients to use while cooking and enjoy while dining out. I hope to make this blog fun and interesting and useful, much as folks described my blog <a href="http://www.dcgastronome.blogspot.com/">http://www.dcgastronome.blogspot.com/</a> - which is still up and running thanks to a good friend. I hope the Bay Area is my home for good this time around, and look forward to sharing my experiences, foodie and otherwise, with good people. Cheers to proponents of local and organic ingredients, going to the market often for fresh ingredients, and perhaps most importantly - taking time out each day to savor and enjoy nature's bounty and the richness life can impart to each of use if we only take a moment to step back and really take it all in.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/971077742512844382-803818830433347373?l=slowfoodtastelife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leahnoreply@blogger.com1