Here in Noe Valley, at the 30th Street end of Church Street, is a small restaurant that serves excellent food. And it's not simply Italian food; it's Sardinian food. Sardinia being an island, this means seafood. But there's so much to try that I have to admit, the Kimster and I shared three things and not a one of them came from the ocean. Mind you, we both love the fishies, so we'll be going back to widen our net (heh).
What we did have: a salad of greens with an amazing, tart/sweet vinaigrette and shreds of sweet onion. A bowl of cabbage sauteed with chilies, capers and olive oil that we polished off like starving sailors. And pizza: a perfectly round pie cut in quarters and topped with tomato sauce, pecorino, more of those lovely capers, and fresh oregano. If you order this Pizza a Sa Sarda, you will not only devour it, you will eat all the crust and wish you had ordered a second one to carry home. Or maybe you'll have the foresight to do that, as it would make an excellent breakfast. Ah, La Ciccia, your siren song calls...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Ariztocrat
If I could, I'd live at Arizmendi Bakery. Or, failing that, stop in on a daily basis for my bread, pastry and pizza needs. Sadly, I don't live nearby, so when I'm in the 'hood I make it a point to drop in and spend far too long agonizing over what to purchase.
Today, around 3, I was peckish and drawn to the gorgeous muffins. They all looked great - lemon poppyseed, bran with raisins - but I had to go with the blueberry corn muffin. It had that nice jutting top with crisp edges, and a perfect bit of cornmeal to add textural interest. Inside, ohhhh...the softest muffin ever, moistened by big fresh blueberries. And they use good ingredients, like organic flour and natural sweeteners.
I also picked up a small round focaccia dotted with kalamata olives and a puckery baked tomato. Sprinkled with salt, like an aristocratic pretzel, it was the perfect pre-dinner nosh.
If you haven't been, go to the foggy Inner Sunset and treat yourself. Just not on Monday when - it pains me to say - they are closed.
Today, around 3, I was peckish and drawn to the gorgeous muffins. They all looked great - lemon poppyseed, bran with raisins - but I had to go with the blueberry corn muffin. It had that nice jutting top with crisp edges, and a perfect bit of cornmeal to add textural interest. Inside, ohhhh...the softest muffin ever, moistened by big fresh blueberries. And they use good ingredients, like organic flour and natural sweeteners.
I also picked up a small round focaccia dotted with kalamata olives and a puckery baked tomato. Sprinkled with salt, like an aristocratic pretzel, it was the perfect pre-dinner nosh.
If you haven't been, go to the foggy Inner Sunset and treat yourself. Just not on Monday when - it pains me to say - they are closed.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Gracias a Donna
Well, admittedly, I don't know Donna...but I am thankful for her vegetarian stand - Donna's Tamales - at the Tuesday Ferry Building Farmers' Market. There are tamales aplenty, many vegan. My favorite nosh, and today's lunch, would be the vegan burrito. It's a whole wheat tortilla stuffed with rice, veggies (corn, cabbage, carrot, potato) and shreds of ginger in a resonant miso sauce. Their counter has little cups to fill with three kinds of salsa and a peppy carrot-cabbage slaw. And the package comes wrapped in foil and tied with raffia; it will stay hot all the way back to work, I promise.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Honor Thy Cravings
Today, as lunch time made my tummy grumble, I had a craving that would not be ignored. A craving for goat cheese.
I knew that Sellers Market would have it. Their tagline is 'local, organic, sustainable'. Their goat cheese is from Laura Chenel, just yonder a bit. I'd perused their menu but never eaten there.
Well, it's not cheap. But it's mighty yummy. My craving was indulged with a portobello mushroom sammy spread with goaty goodness, roasted red peppers and a divine pesto. Alongside for the ride was a large organic green salad, its dressing nicely flecked with herbs.
Folks, when that craving hits, give in to it. Unless, you know, it involves something criminal, or McDonald's. Redundant? Hmmm...
I knew that Sellers Market would have it. Their tagline is 'local, organic, sustainable'. Their goat cheese is from Laura Chenel, just yonder a bit. I'd perused their menu but never eaten there.
Well, it's not cheap. But it's mighty yummy. My craving was indulged with a portobello mushroom sammy spread with goaty goodness, roasted red peppers and a divine pesto. Alongside for the ride was a large organic green salad, its dressing nicely flecked with herbs.
Folks, when that craving hits, give in to it. Unless, you know, it involves something criminal, or McDonald's. Redundant? Hmmm...
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Bowing to the Veggie Gods
Last night, I was honored to be a guest of the lovely and talented Ms Cat-Choo. In spite of some very unwelcome drama that evening, she prepared a feast like no other, inspired by magical Morocco. Having visited the Ferry Building Farmers' Market in the morning, and acquired a bounty of gorgeous produce, our charming hostess presented each veggie in its own bowl, lovingly seasoned with fresh herbs and za'atar: golden carrots; celery; gypsy peppers; potatoes with parsley; pristine heirloom tomatoes. As if that were not enough, there was fragrant rice, and petrale sole cooked with olive oil and preserved lemon. We ate and ate, drank wine, and finished with some vegan chocolate cake and strawberries. Ms Cat-Choo, thanks again for feeding us so well. May your days be delicious and drama-free.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Contigo, Amigo
The newest, best restaurant in my little 'hood is Contigo. If you can't jet off to Barcelona, this, I imagine, is the next best thing. Exquisite Catalan food in a beautifully designed space...even cute waitstaff! After our waiter admitted that he'd escaped from a military base-centered town in the armpit of Nevada, my pal Wendy whispered that he must have been the cutest thing to come out of Fallon, NV.
But the food! OK, first off, great wine list. They'll give you tastes, too, to help you make up your mind. We had slices of locally-baked bread with an addictive Arbequina olive oil. Next, a salad of arugua, shaved summer squash, toasted almonds and ethereal Bellwether ricotta. And then a plate of pure Spanish simplicity: greens, pinenuts, golden raisins, olive oil and garlic. Finally we had to try the coca. No, we were not snorting stuff in the restroom. This is a fabulous flatbread, perfectly crisp, and in our case topped with sweet melted onions, tiny rounds of zucchini and micro basil leaves. There are desserts as well; Wendy tried the cup of chocolate with churros for dipping while I sat back and blissed out. Te amo, Contigo.
But the food! OK, first off, great wine list. They'll give you tastes, too, to help you make up your mind. We had slices of locally-baked bread with an addictive Arbequina olive oil. Next, a salad of arugua, shaved summer squash, toasted almonds and ethereal Bellwether ricotta. And then a plate of pure Spanish simplicity: greens, pinenuts, golden raisins, olive oil and garlic. Finally we had to try the coca. No, we were not snorting stuff in the restroom. This is a fabulous flatbread, perfectly crisp, and in our case topped with sweet melted onions, tiny rounds of zucchini and micro basil leaves. There are desserts as well; Wendy tried the cup of chocolate with churros for dipping while I sat back and blissed out. Te amo, Contigo.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Days of Soup and Oatmeal
Ah, the woes of a testy tummy, when one loves to nosh.
Here is where I've been spending my money lately: The Soup Company. It's a local chain and man, they make some fantastic comfort food. To wit: the oatmeal rocks. It is composed of teeny little grains, with a texture that pops in your mouth, almost like tobiko. Really soft and smooth, and with a squeeze of honey or two, you've got some fine hot cereal, if a bit pricey.
My other favorite thing is their split pea soup. It's a bit chunky, with peas and carrots, and they'll add cilantro if you like. It's vegan to boot. But it has a depth of flavor, as if it were cooked for hours with love and care. You get a chunk of good sourdough - or a wheat roll - to dip in your soupy goodness. Now I know it's all mushy food this time around, but it's what I'm needing lately. And it tastes like someone's mom is back there, stirring oats and soup pots and hoping you feel better soon.
Here is where I've been spending my money lately: The Soup Company. It's a local chain and man, they make some fantastic comfort food. To wit: the oatmeal rocks. It is composed of teeny little grains, with a texture that pops in your mouth, almost like tobiko. Really soft and smooth, and with a squeeze of honey or two, you've got some fine hot cereal, if a bit pricey.
My other favorite thing is their split pea soup. It's a bit chunky, with peas and carrots, and they'll add cilantro if you like. It's vegan to boot. But it has a depth of flavor, as if it were cooked for hours with love and care. You get a chunk of good sourdough - or a wheat roll - to dip in your soupy goodness. Now I know it's all mushy food this time around, but it's what I'm needing lately. And it tastes like someone's mom is back there, stirring oats and soup pots and hoping you feel better soon.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Night in Morocco
That's what it felt like at Aziza, the gorgeous restaurant on Geary and 22nd Avenue.
I'd been wanting to go there for a long time. So we drove out to the foggy Richmond, lucked into a parking space, and met Matt and Rachel for a magical dinner.
My cocktail (like everything on the menu, described in the most spartan of descriptions): vodka, peach, mint. Oh, the yumminess. A refreshing drink for summer, yes indeedy.
The small plates: a salad of beets, watermelon balls as delicate as jewels, and avocado dressing. A rectangle of goat cheese alongside a dramatic smear of tomato jam and a sprinke of crushed pistachios; the four teensy toasts alongside were not quite sufficient. Luckily, the hot triangles of flatbread that accompanied our spreads (a mild chickpea, a garlicky yogurt-dill, and an addictive piquilllo-almond) were replenished as needed.
Entrees included chicken and lamb for the boys and a silky halibut cooked sous-vide for Rachel. Me, I chose the dreamy vegetarian couscous with its perfect grains, chickpeas, carrot and rutabaga, sweet raisins and spicy harissa.
Not exactly Morocco, as we braved the fog heading back to the car. But a nice runner-up.
I'd been wanting to go there for a long time. So we drove out to the foggy Richmond, lucked into a parking space, and met Matt and Rachel for a magical dinner.
My cocktail (like everything on the menu, described in the most spartan of descriptions): vodka, peach, mint. Oh, the yumminess. A refreshing drink for summer, yes indeedy.
The small plates: a salad of beets, watermelon balls as delicate as jewels, and avocado dressing. A rectangle of goat cheese alongside a dramatic smear of tomato jam and a sprinke of crushed pistachios; the four teensy toasts alongside were not quite sufficient. Luckily, the hot triangles of flatbread that accompanied our spreads (a mild chickpea, a garlicky yogurt-dill, and an addictive piquilllo-almond) were replenished as needed.
Entrees included chicken and lamb for the boys and a silky halibut cooked sous-vide for Rachel. Me, I chose the dreamy vegetarian couscous with its perfect grains, chickpeas, carrot and rutabaga, sweet raisins and spicy harissa.
Not exactly Morocco, as we braved the fog heading back to the car. But a nice runner-up.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Injera Love
When you talk to people about Ethiopian food, I find, they either love it (me) or hate it (not me). And the ones who hate it seem to have something against injera. I don't get this. I love most carbs, admittedly, but injera is such an interesting and mouthwatering member of the starch clan. It's a big, flat, spongy pancake. It's a bit sour, but in a good way. It acts as the bed on which your heavenly meal is arranged; it is the utensil you use to scoop food to your mouth. What's not to love?
Last night's dinner took place at Cafe Ethiopia, a groovy little spot on Valencia. My friend and I shared a vegetarian plate: three of the veggie options (yellow split peas; alicha with potato, carrot and cabbage; chopped and nicely bitter collard greens), as well as the fish, chunks of sea bass in a spicy red sauce. There were also two mounds of lettuce/tomato salad in a tart vinaigrette. We happily ate with our fingers, leaving just a crumb or two of injera. I think next time I'll order the honey wine, too. Note: the grain used to make injera is 'teff', honey wine is 'tejj'. I think the two just go together, don't you?
Last night's dinner took place at Cafe Ethiopia, a groovy little spot on Valencia. My friend and I shared a vegetarian plate: three of the veggie options (yellow split peas; alicha with potato, carrot and cabbage; chopped and nicely bitter collard greens), as well as the fish, chunks of sea bass in a spicy red sauce. There were also two mounds of lettuce/tomato salad in a tart vinaigrette. We happily ate with our fingers, leaving just a crumb or two of injera. I think next time I'll order the honey wine, too. Note: the grain used to make injera is 'teff', honey wine is 'tejj'. I think the two just go together, don't you?
Monday, July 13, 2009
Doesn't Get Any Sweeter
Tonight, we finished the half-watermelon from the Noe Valley Farmers' Market. JP bought it three days ago for $3, a nice pink hunk of sweetness. This is really good melon, my friend. If you can, avoid the supermarket and get your sugar from a farmer. Words cannot describe the juiciness, the deep melon flavor that goes from the reddish heart to the whitish rind. Sitting in the back yard on a warm July night with a bowl of just-harvested watermelon is enough to make you feel like a kid again. But without the mosquitoes.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Tiny Nosh, Huge Yum
First off, I have been slacking. I need to get out more, so I can write more. I sure am gonna try to be better.
Today, I finally bought this enticing little treat known as The Roman Bar: a bitty little thing consisting of blueberry-fig filling wrapped in an organic cookie-cake that's dipped in semi-sweet chocolate. It is just the right size for an indulgent yet healthy snack. The bar also comes in raspberry and honey-peach apricot, both of which I intend to snarf up in the near future. I advise you to do the same.
Today, I finally bought this enticing little treat known as The Roman Bar: a bitty little thing consisting of blueberry-fig filling wrapped in an organic cookie-cake that's dipped in semi-sweet chocolate. It is just the right size for an indulgent yet healthy snack. The bar also comes in raspberry and honey-peach apricot, both of which I intend to snarf up in the near future. I advise you to do the same.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Get Stoned
There are all kinds of stone fruits out there. Go by the Ferry Plaza Market on Tuesday or Saturday, you'll see.
I moseyed over yesterday and discovered some things I hadn't seen or tasted before. Like: strawberry peaches. White with a bit of blush. Faint berry flavor, super sweet. They're from China originally. And: white apricots. The girl at the booth told me they taste like melons, and THEY DO! And some big fat purple pluots that look like plums and taste like wine. What a great world we live in! Sticky, but great.
I moseyed over yesterday and discovered some things I hadn't seen or tasted before. Like: strawberry peaches. White with a bit of blush. Faint berry flavor, super sweet. They're from China originally. And: white apricots. The girl at the booth told me they taste like melons, and THEY DO! And some big fat purple pluots that look like plums and taste like wine. What a great world we live in! Sticky, but great.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The Raw and the Cooked
I love me some sushi, don't get me wrong. Raw fish can be one of the best things around, especially when dipped in a well-mixed puddle of soy and wasabi. One very cool place to partake, especially if you get to sit right next to the aquarium, is Blue Fin Sushi on Clement. While I do enjoy the raw stuff - all of it quite fresh and lovely - my favorite nosh there is a small plate of miso-glazed scallops. Tiny golden coins dotted with green onion, they satisfy the need for umami in a big way. Even JP, who's not a fan of scallops, digs right in.
One more thing: no fish involved, but the shiitake/garlic roll is mighty tasty. Enjoy it as the angel fish glide by, the teensy red lobster-fish waves its whiskers, and something you thought was a rock starts swimming slowly across the tank.
One more thing: no fish involved, but the shiitake/garlic roll is mighty tasty. Enjoy it as the angel fish glide by, the teensy red lobster-fish waves its whiskers, and something you thought was a rock starts swimming slowly across the tank.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Birthday Bites
Well, it doesn't get much better than Nopa.
Kimster, Jantje, JP and I started off with an amuse of fresh, tender green beans in an herbed oil with a tiny cruet of sea salt. It went well with my summery cocktail that tasted of summer: Square One vodka, fresh basil, a sprig of fresh thyme. Prettiest green drink ever.
Shared appetizers: a salad of greens, fresh figs, roasted almonds and feta; baked gigante beans with tomato, oregano, feta and crispy breadcrumbs; and the eye-rollingly good flatbread topped with caramelized onion, maitake mushrooms and goat cheese. Take me now, Lord...
Wait, don't take me till I eat this amazing halibut, roasted so it's crispy outside and moist inside, with a smoky romesco sauce, fingerlings and tiny haricots. Our sides were a ramekin of peas and peapods glazed with butter and fresh mint, and Indian-spiced cauliflower with more peas, please!
Jantje must've tipped off the waiter because our shared creme brulee with strawberries had a candle stuck in it. Wishing for great meals and good health to all of you this year!
Kimster, Jantje, JP and I started off with an amuse of fresh, tender green beans in an herbed oil with a tiny cruet of sea salt. It went well with my summery cocktail that tasted of summer: Square One vodka, fresh basil, a sprig of fresh thyme. Prettiest green drink ever.
Shared appetizers: a salad of greens, fresh figs, roasted almonds and feta; baked gigante beans with tomato, oregano, feta and crispy breadcrumbs; and the eye-rollingly good flatbread topped with caramelized onion, maitake mushrooms and goat cheese. Take me now, Lord...
Wait, don't take me till I eat this amazing halibut, roasted so it's crispy outside and moist inside, with a smoky romesco sauce, fingerlings and tiny haricots. Our sides were a ramekin of peas and peapods glazed with butter and fresh mint, and Indian-spiced cauliflower with more peas, please!
Jantje must've tipped off the waiter because our shared creme brulee with strawberries had a candle stuck in it. Wishing for great meals and good health to all of you this year!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Pre-Birthday Noshing
Tomorrow is the Day. But since I won't be working, the lovely and gracious Elise baked goodies for me and some other July babies: dark chocolate vegan cupcakes with chocolate/cashew butter frosting. Truly a wonderful start to the birthday celebration. I count that as my cake, and cannot imagine anything more delicious.
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