SAL says:
1. You ain't nothin' if you ain't honest!
2. Speak the truth & shame the devil!
3. When you're dying of thirst, you'll drink from a mudhole!
You need a big fat Mexican senor/senora cooking the food for it to be authentic, or at least remind you of mom or "fire up the barbecue" dad in the kitchen. The search for the perfect Zapata Burrito(6.89) ends at this popular,no-frills hole-in-the-wall: does SIZE, quality, price matter? Can you say gracias,gracias,gracias!!! Whether you are pro or anti- immigrant, you'll wind up thinking with your stomach at Jose's "little castle." (136 Church nr. Duboce;hours 10:45-11 daily).
If you prefer grilled tortillos to steamed (I do), share the melted cheese: the heat is off the richter scale. Partial to refried beans? NO MSG, sublime adhesion! I like the black beans & the side bar of marinated carrots & hot green peppers & radishes, beets, celery.
Forget the tofu & go for the chicken taco with cilantro, holy guacamole, onions, black beans, a heap of cilantro & hot salsa, this baby sings! (2.29).
Jose cooks several seafood specials but my fave: prawns, onions, beans, tomato, avocado, fiery sauce(9). Try this for breakfast & you won't need to eat for the rest of the day!
This delightful joint can seat families who want to get in & out -- everyone has a great time here! This is my idea of great "fast food"!
Pick up a tape at the local Blockbusters, a book at Aardvaark (a block away) or stroll down a few blocks to the Castro Peets or Starbucks & take in a great movie.
Or just swing down the sidewalks of San Francisco. Can you say fun,frivolous,"F"word, la familia, friend, faithful, food, flip, flatulence. (Thank you, Sal).
Gracias!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Poggio's - Sausalito - Turkey Terror: Death by Kramer?
Did your turkey die a natural death or a horrid death by Kramer? Did they cage it & make it listen to a Kramer rant? Did it die by pellet or bow & arrow or polonium 210 -- who killed the poor little beast? And what did they do with the feathers...make them into a headpiece? Well, I hope you stuffed yourself silly & are now zonked out on tryptophan...thank you turkeys for helping us celebrate our vast nation & blessings!
I celebrated with Zontar. He lives on a different planet...a nerd who went to law school & became brain-damaged. I sympathize. Getting to Sausalito & Poggio's is not easy. You must cross the "pre-fab" Golden Gate...yes, it was constructed originally in my Bethlehem Steel Pennsylvania 70 years ago. Soon to be named the Golden Google Bridge!
My advice: walk the 3 miles or so. You can return to SF by Golden Gate Transit (10;80) or better yet, the ferry to the Ferry Building. A great way to travel!
The 3-course traditional turkey dinner ($45 per person) was prepared by new chef extraordinnaire Peter McNee & crew. Walk along Bridgeway until you come to the Casa Madrona Hotel (410-332-7771;777 Bridgeway). Sausalito is reminiscent of a quiet seaport village on the Amalfi coast. Dark wood panels,marble baseboards & terra-cotta tiled floor greet you. Sit on the outdoor patio & let the water restore your bones from the walk.
The menu changes daily & choices reflect the Tuscan sensibilities. I'd skip the pricey turkey dinner (it was too bland) & go for the following:
1. Oak-grilled hereford natural NY strip steak (30);spit-roasted yogurt marinated chicken cooked with pancetta, brussel sprouts, dates (16).
2. A healthy alternative is the petrale sole, one of the best in Marin, & fisherman's stew.
3. Duck confit with persimmons, pomegranate, pear & spiced pecan salad was delicate & crunchy - perfectissimo. Don't share this one!
4. For dessert, try the pumpkin tart w/caramel cream or the spiced ginger/quince cake with vanilla bean gelato. A magnificent treat rich enough for two.
Wash it all down with a superb pinot noir from Marimar Russian Valley, 2000 (13.50) & you have the perfect retreat for our annual Turkey Day!
Bon Appetit!
I celebrated with Zontar. He lives on a different planet...a nerd who went to law school & became brain-damaged. I sympathize. Getting to Sausalito & Poggio's is not easy. You must cross the "pre-fab" Golden Gate...yes, it was constructed originally in my Bethlehem Steel Pennsylvania 70 years ago. Soon to be named the Golden Google Bridge!
My advice: walk the 3 miles or so. You can return to SF by Golden Gate Transit (10;80) or better yet, the ferry to the Ferry Building. A great way to travel!
The 3-course traditional turkey dinner ($45 per person) was prepared by new chef extraordinnaire Peter McNee & crew. Walk along Bridgeway until you come to the Casa Madrona Hotel (410-332-7771;777 Bridgeway). Sausalito is reminiscent of a quiet seaport village on the Amalfi coast. Dark wood panels,marble baseboards & terra-cotta tiled floor greet you. Sit on the outdoor patio & let the water restore your bones from the walk.
The menu changes daily & choices reflect the Tuscan sensibilities. I'd skip the pricey turkey dinner (it was too bland) & go for the following:
1. Oak-grilled hereford natural NY strip steak (30);spit-roasted yogurt marinated chicken cooked with pancetta, brussel sprouts, dates (16).
2. A healthy alternative is the petrale sole, one of the best in Marin, & fisherman's stew.
3. Duck confit with persimmons, pomegranate, pear & spiced pecan salad was delicate & crunchy - perfectissimo. Don't share this one!
4. For dessert, try the pumpkin tart w/caramel cream or the spiced ginger/quince cake with vanilla bean gelato. A magnificent treat rich enough for two.
Wash it all down with a superb pinot noir from Marimar Russian Valley, 2000 (13.50) & you have the perfect retreat for our annual Turkey Day!
Bon Appetit!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Spirit of ZAO NOODLE BAR: Pacific Heights
"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." Bodacious Sophia Loren said that. Did she inhale pasta like the little Chinese girls at this Asian (you name it, they do it) Fusion noodle joint located in the heart of this "specific whites" locale.
Noodles can be inhaled most sucessfully if you inhale them like a vacuum cleaner even in upscale Pacific Heights.
Zaoman is no noodle ( simpleton, blockhead). He is a cypher who refuses to discuss his critical position as a CIA operative. His link with the Presidio however is well-known & he "feels Nancy Pelosi was right in not turning this gorgeous piece of real estate into another Coney Island." I agree. Let's hope she & her party can put America back on track!
Back to Zao's. 100 centuries ago people gave a name to the spirit that embodied man's quest for food & shelter.
How should we live? A: the way of the noodle is long & narrow.
How should we find health & wisdom? Look to your bowl.
Life is just a bowl of noodles...don't take it serious, it's too mysterious. Remember whenRudy V. used to sing "Life is just a bowl of cherries/Don't Take it Serious/It's too mysterious/You live, you love, you worry so/But you can't take your dough when you go-o-oh!
Order the twin firecracker (spicy,hot) noodles in this place & mayble you'll reach nirvana.
I say skip the appetizer & go straight to the Chinese Chicken Salad (9) Cilantro, ginger-lime sauce is piquant...yummy but please more of the green stuff!
Pan-seared noodles: Dan-Dan Noodles (10) piled high as the Taj Mahal & as pretty. The chicken breast is sauteed in CANOLA oil with spicy peanut sauce, noodles, broccoli, green beans, carrots, squash & zucchini...Anna says: why not use PEANUT oil from Lion & Globe...much better tasting than canola!
Rice dishes: Kung Pao Chicken(9.50) v.good but unfortunately lathered in too much canola oil. Chefs with a light oil touch are appreciated in this new culinary world, doncha think?
Heads up, Chef Steven!
Zaoman's favorite dish is the the beef/broccoli with rice. He visits this dish regularly! You might want to think twice if you're on a statin or watching your cholesterol level. But they do take-away or why not share with your eating pal. Does Zaoman have any pals?
Tofu lovers will love the Monk's Vegetarian Delight (8.80). Tofu, spinach,shiitake musrooms...the perfect blend!
Desserts (moderately priced): You can't walk away without trying the vanilla bean with chocolate sauce. Dark chocolate would be healthier.
Drinks: my choice of drink was the organic mango ceylon but a list of inexpensive wines enhances this "bargain bites" joint. No-fail chardonnay(5/19)..why not?
Top off your evening with hot Saki & infuse your spirit with ZAO!
Anna's Riddle: Just how many CIA agents does it take to screw in a light bulb? I know, you're thinking it's fewer than the average number of Californians, right? & you'd be right!
ANSWER: 23. One to screw it in & 22 to say they did NOT do it.
Happy Blogging.
Noodles can be inhaled most sucessfully if you inhale them like a vacuum cleaner even in upscale Pacific Heights.
Zaoman is no noodle ( simpleton, blockhead). He is a cypher who refuses to discuss his critical position as a CIA operative. His link with the Presidio however is well-known & he "feels Nancy Pelosi was right in not turning this gorgeous piece of real estate into another Coney Island." I agree. Let's hope she & her party can put America back on track!
Back to Zao's. 100 centuries ago people gave a name to the spirit that embodied man's quest for food & shelter.
How should we live? A: the way of the noodle is long & narrow.
How should we find health & wisdom? Look to your bowl.
Life is just a bowl of noodles...don't take it serious, it's too mysterious. Remember whenRudy V. used to sing "Life is just a bowl of cherries/Don't Take it Serious/It's too mysterious/You live, you love, you worry so/But you can't take your dough when you go-o-oh!
Order the twin firecracker (spicy,hot) noodles in this place & mayble you'll reach nirvana.
I say skip the appetizer & go straight to the Chinese Chicken Salad (9) Cilantro, ginger-lime sauce is piquant...yummy but please more of the green stuff!
Pan-seared noodles: Dan-Dan Noodles (10) piled high as the Taj Mahal & as pretty. The chicken breast is sauteed in CANOLA oil with spicy peanut sauce, noodles, broccoli, green beans, carrots, squash & zucchini...Anna says: why not use PEANUT oil from Lion & Globe...much better tasting than canola!
Rice dishes: Kung Pao Chicken(9.50) v.good but unfortunately lathered in too much canola oil. Chefs with a light oil touch are appreciated in this new culinary world, doncha think?
Heads up, Chef Steven!
Zaoman's favorite dish is the the beef/broccoli with rice. He visits this dish regularly! You might want to think twice if you're on a statin or watching your cholesterol level. But they do take-away or why not share with your eating pal. Does Zaoman have any pals?
Tofu lovers will love the Monk's Vegetarian Delight (8.80). Tofu, spinach,shiitake musrooms...the perfect blend!
Desserts (moderately priced): You can't walk away without trying the vanilla bean with chocolate sauce. Dark chocolate would be healthier.
Drinks: my choice of drink was the organic mango ceylon but a list of inexpensive wines enhances this "bargain bites" joint. No-fail chardonnay(5/19)..why not?
Top off your evening with hot Saki & infuse your spirit with ZAO!
Anna's Riddle: Just how many CIA agents does it take to screw in a light bulb? I know, you're thinking it's fewer than the average number of Californians, right? & you'd be right!
ANSWER: 23. One to screw it in & 22 to say they did NOT do it.
Happy Blogging.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Roy's (Yamaguci) - Aloha San Francisco style!
"Cooking has been my life...thanks for making it part of yours." Do you know any hack chefs (or critics) who've lost their passion for food?
If you're jaded by ANYTHING (BORAT, franchise food joints, mean-spirited bartenders), come to this lotus flower next to SF MOMA in the Financial District (Bart Montgomery; 14 Muni) at 575 Mission. So you can't fly off to Oahu with its ocean views (that's ok). Let the Hawaaiian Fusion cuisine spirit where East meets West cast its spell! Tropical bliss!
It's obscenely busy but you will be treated like royalty by happy, hardworking staff (reservations are a must: (415)-777-0277) .
Everyone was a great help to me & my chow-pal Dave Sawle (Old English for "soul"), SF movie producer extraordinaire. We were in a rush to attend Will Ferrell's STRANGER THAN FICTION at the Metreo after a talk by Ken Turan, movie critic for the Los Angeles Times at the Commonwealth Club. Just another day in paradise, San Francisco style!
Mr. Turan by the way is a brilliant film critic (he shuns the industry folk & is therefore obligated to no one -- in a word, HONEST).
Do you know that he did NOT jump on the critical bandwagon & shout "very audacious, funny, brilliant" when BORAT stormed the critics. Ever been drunk with a bad hangover? It doesn't feel so good the next day! Same with BORAT... Touche Baron Cohen! Remember a great film is a MIRACLE!
Back to Roy's. Have you ever met an interesting man who does not drink? (I haven't). Pineapple, canteloupe martinis or mai tai (better than Rum Jungle in Las Vegas) whet the palate for what's to follow.
Let's simplify this complicated menu:
Start with Japanese Hamachi Tartare ($12): garlic aioli & capers with won ton points is quite tangy or try the Maui Wowie Salad (shrimp, feta, tomatoes).
Entree: Japanese Misoyaki Charred Butterfish is Alaskan Blackened Cod, panseared with its own sizzling soy vinaigrette. Chefs don't try this at home unless you have mirin, miso, sugar, saki, soy sauce! This makes a truly oxymoronic plate -- can you say Mighty Macrobiotic cod?
Soulman had the grilled wild salmon with cucumber namasu & citrus ponzu: a brilliant combo. He is a frustrated fisherman at heart & a non-stop talker...Mange! Mange!
Dessert was the molten lava cake -- is not chocolate the ultimate aphrodisiac? Yummy vanilla bean ice cream -- perfectissimo! Try sharing this one!
WINE: with all the brouhaha about resveratrol & the "red wine" paradox, why not try the Pinot Noir from Oregon (Williamette Valley, we thank you!) at a "modest" $14.00 per glass. Choosing this wine will be no crapshoot...
Simplify! Simplify! Simplify! That's my job & my motto!
May Roy's thrive as long as our five beautiful oceans !
Aloha!
Happy Blogging!
If you're jaded by ANYTHING (BORAT, franchise food joints, mean-spirited bartenders), come to this lotus flower next to SF MOMA in the Financial District (Bart Montgomery; 14 Muni) at 575 Mission. So you can't fly off to Oahu with its ocean views (that's ok). Let the Hawaaiian Fusion cuisine spirit where East meets West cast its spell! Tropical bliss!
It's obscenely busy but you will be treated like royalty by happy, hardworking staff (reservations are a must: (415)-777-0277) .
Everyone was a great help to me & my chow-pal Dave Sawle (Old English for "soul"), SF movie producer extraordinaire. We were in a rush to attend Will Ferrell's STRANGER THAN FICTION at the Metreo after a talk by Ken Turan, movie critic for the Los Angeles Times at the Commonwealth Club. Just another day in paradise, San Francisco style!
Mr. Turan by the way is a brilliant film critic (he shuns the industry folk & is therefore obligated to no one -- in a word, HONEST).
Do you know that he did NOT jump on the critical bandwagon & shout "very audacious, funny, brilliant" when BORAT stormed the critics. Ever been drunk with a bad hangover? It doesn't feel so good the next day! Same with BORAT... Touche Baron Cohen! Remember a great film is a MIRACLE!
Back to Roy's. Have you ever met an interesting man who does not drink? (I haven't). Pineapple, canteloupe martinis or mai tai (better than Rum Jungle in Las Vegas) whet the palate for what's to follow.
Let's simplify this complicated menu:
Start with Japanese Hamachi Tartare ($12): garlic aioli & capers with won ton points is quite tangy or try the Maui Wowie Salad (shrimp, feta, tomatoes).
Entree: Japanese Misoyaki Charred Butterfish is Alaskan Blackened Cod, panseared with its own sizzling soy vinaigrette. Chefs don't try this at home unless you have mirin, miso, sugar, saki, soy sauce! This makes a truly oxymoronic plate -- can you say Mighty Macrobiotic cod?
Soulman had the grilled wild salmon with cucumber namasu & citrus ponzu: a brilliant combo. He is a frustrated fisherman at heart & a non-stop talker...Mange! Mange!
Dessert was the molten lava cake -- is not chocolate the ultimate aphrodisiac? Yummy vanilla bean ice cream -- perfectissimo! Try sharing this one!
WINE: with all the brouhaha about resveratrol & the "red wine" paradox, why not try the Pinot Noir from Oregon (Williamette Valley, we thank you!) at a "modest" $14.00 per glass. Choosing this wine will be no crapshoot...
Simplify! Simplify! Simplify! That's my job & my motto!
May Roy's thrive as long as our five beautiful oceans !
Aloha!
Happy Blogging!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Welcome to my Blogosphere: Comedy,Food,Culture
Restaurants & comedy clubs I will be visiting with eccentric boy geniuses/ characters in America's "fun capitol":
Roy's (it gives "Franchise" a redeeming cachet): Welcome to Roy Yamaguchi's Aloha State of Mind in the heart of the Financial District; review of Will Ferrell's new movie, Stranger than Fiction; California Writers Club (Berkeley Branch) meeting with author of American Mania: When More is Not Enough (Peter Whybrow, MD).
Notes on Ken Turan's talk at the Commonweath Club. He is movie critic of the Los Angeles Times & will speak on his forthcoming book: NEVER COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU: A Celebration of a Certain Kind of Blockbuster. What does he really think of the hot new film, Borat? Is it like getting giddily drunk & waking up with a hangover the next day? Is it as audacious & funny as many critics say? Or are the critics bored with the usual Hollywood fare?
The Cheesecake Factory: Chris Rock's favorite sandwich! Is he a lapsed rabbi who now loves eating all that shrimp & bacon? Is his real name Chris Weinstein?
Plouf: one of the top French seafood restaurants in S.F.
Poggio: Sausalito -- how do they shoot all those wild boars in time for National
Turkey day?
BKK Thai Cuisine (cheap spot for San Francisco Academy of Arts students) & an interview with Richard Best, expert on longevity & Resveratrol...will America's soon be popping this remarkable supplement to prevent obesity & how are the mice doing on a calorie restricted diet?
Cannery's Green Room -- hot spot for local Bay Area comics in Fishermans Wharf.
Roy's (it gives "Franchise" a redeeming cachet): Welcome to Roy Yamaguchi's Aloha State of Mind in the heart of the Financial District; review of Will Ferrell's new movie, Stranger than Fiction; California Writers Club (Berkeley Branch) meeting with author of American Mania: When More is Not Enough (Peter Whybrow, MD).
Notes on Ken Turan's talk at the Commonweath Club. He is movie critic of the Los Angeles Times & will speak on his forthcoming book: NEVER COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU: A Celebration of a Certain Kind of Blockbuster. What does he really think of the hot new film, Borat? Is it like getting giddily drunk & waking up with a hangover the next day? Is it as audacious & funny as many critics say? Or are the critics bored with the usual Hollywood fare?
The Cheesecake Factory: Chris Rock's favorite sandwich! Is he a lapsed rabbi who now loves eating all that shrimp & bacon? Is his real name Chris Weinstein?
Plouf: one of the top French seafood restaurants in S.F.
Poggio: Sausalito -- how do they shoot all those wild boars in time for National
Turkey day?
BKK Thai Cuisine (cheap spot for San Francisco Academy of Arts students) & an interview with Richard Best, expert on longevity & Resveratrol...will America's soon be popping this remarkable supplement to prevent obesity & how are the mice doing on a calorie restricted diet?
Cannery's Green Room -- hot spot for local Bay Area comics in Fishermans Wharf.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
Antica Trattoria - Russian Hill - Italian Homestyle
If you're grouchy, irritable or mean, don't bother hanging out at this lively Northern Italian rustic restaurant on upper Polk Street (cross street Union -- 45 & 19 Muni lines) in the upscale Russian Hill area.
Locals also frequent the sister restaurant a few steps away: Pesce.
Both are on the local rag's top-100 list.
Try the Arugula salad (no ecoli Spinach yet on the menu - yeah, our kids were right about Popeye's favorite food -- it CAN KILL YOU!) as a starter: piles of gathered greens, a slab of Italian cheese, sweet red peppers & a delicate vinagrette. Delicioso!
Try the Pappardella (wildly boaring) or the Tagliata (juicy slices of tender, beefsteak tasting like STEAK used to taste, with small roasted potatoes & yet more arugula) will send you to a divinely, cholesterol-laden nirvana.
Can San Francisco grow enough of this superb green? Can you say "YES" in 26 languages.
Finally, a beautiful dessert menu including my favorite: lemon sorbetta...no point in watching the waistline here, and a selective wine list make this one of my favorite Italian retreat in San Francisco.
The waiter from Palermo was gracious & that, my sweeties, gives this unique find a touch of class.
Don't bother with North Beach factory restaurants when you can make reservations with a click of the mouse.
Cheers!
Anna Rowe
Locals also frequent the sister restaurant a few steps away: Pesce.
Both are on the local rag's top-100 list.
Try the Arugula salad (no ecoli Spinach yet on the menu - yeah, our kids were right about Popeye's favorite food -- it CAN KILL YOU!) as a starter: piles of gathered greens, a slab of Italian cheese, sweet red peppers & a delicate vinagrette. Delicioso!
Try the Pappardella (wildly boaring) or the Tagliata (juicy slices of tender, beefsteak tasting like STEAK used to taste, with small roasted potatoes & yet more arugula) will send you to a divinely, cholesterol-laden nirvana.
Can San Francisco grow enough of this superb green? Can you say "YES" in 26 languages.
Finally, a beautiful dessert menu including my favorite: lemon sorbetta...no point in watching the waistline here, and a selective wine list make this one of my favorite Italian retreat in San Francisco.
The waiter from Palermo was gracious & that, my sweeties, gives this unique find a touch of class.
Don't bother with North Beach factory restaurants when you can make reservations with a click of the mouse.
Cheers!
Anna Rowe
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