No Ordinary Food Court Saturday, April 5, 2008

Courtesy of www.wichcraftnyc.com

You’re probably wondering why on earth I would write about a food court, but the term “food court” really doesn’t do this place justice. It’s not like any other stereotypical one you’ve seen in the standard American mall. Thankfully, there’s no Sbarro, Panda Express, or Hot Dog on a Stick anywhere in sight.

A couple of weeks ago I stayed at the Hotel Palomar in San Francisco for a few days (great boutique hotel with exceptional service, btw). That meant being right next door to the San Francisco Shopping Centre (!) and an endless source of meal options in their famous food court and supermarket, Whole Foods knockoff, Bristol Farms.

I’ll list out only the places I tried.

WICHCRAFT - Fans of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” are familiar with this restaurant chain’s owner, Tom Coliccio. Unfortunately, this place falls into the typical celebrity chef trap: all style, no substance and overpriced. It bugs the crap outta me that the food here was fresh, conceptually inventive, the elements were individually good, but the result was less than memorable. Head to this next joint for a better soup and sandwich…

SAN FRANCISCO SOUP COMPANY - This chain makes delicious homemade soups that are consistantly good and made with top notch ingredients. It’s the best soup you’ll have, and I’ve been to four of their locations in the Bay Area. The Tomato Bisque, Turkey Chili, Tortilla Soup, and New England Clam Chowder are all exceptionally good, along with their Spinach Salad. They have about five regular soups, but also have quite a good selection of specials that change daily.

CATCH ISLE - I loved my first dish here so much that I went for a return visit. I tried the Linguini and Clams (I know, at a food court!) and was wonderfully surprised. It was comperable to a higher end joint and I’d definitely have it again. The flavors were clean, fresh, and came together nicely. Service was consistantly nice too, which helps. I had the Fish and Chips on another visit and a mixed green salad. It was good, but not great. My search for decent fish and chips in the Bay Area continues…

BUCKHORN GRILL - I love this place because they know how to treat a good piece of angus beef! It’s always cooked perfectly, marinated and flavored well, and surprisingly juicy. Order anything with the tri tip beef and you’ll be good to go.

PASTA MOTO - They had a real pizza oven and some tasty roasted veggies. And the Margherita Pizza was pretty tasty for a food court (but it’s no Pizzeria Delfina, of course). But on average…it was average. The weakest meal next to Wichcraft I had here.

ANDALE - There are various locations of this small Mexican chain in the Bay Area. They do a cross between Mexican street food items with a more Californian spin on preparation. I love the Shrimp Fajitas.

BEARD PAPA - You know how I feel about this place… Go!

There are many other restaurants here, including “Out the Door,” by the owner of “Slanted Door” (again, overpriced and overhyped), and some other more standard choices. But all in all, this food court has better options than some higher end restaurants I can think of. All this variety, affordability, and you get some good food to boot.

The Food Court @ The Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre - 805 Market Street, S.F. - 415.512.6776

I Heart Paris: Fave Districts & Shopping Sunday, March 9, 2008

There’s almost no other city in the world that is spoken about with as much love as Paris. And after experiencing it for myself for a week, I finally understand why.

There is a certain charm, sophistication and class that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Add to that their fabulous food, fashion, art and history, and you’ve got an unbeatable combination!

There are so many different sights to see and places to go in Paris. The city’s many different districts all offer a different vibe, which is remarkable in itself. Here’s a list of four that J.Low and I enjoyed most and would recommend for shopping and just getting lost in.

MARAIS

There’s a wealth of fabulous boutiques here on Rue des Francs Bourgeois (between Rue Payenne and Rue Vielle du Temple), like Mellow Yellow for the cutest shoes without totally breaking the bank. They’ve got beautiful patent leather flats in adorable shapes and funky bright colors. Then on the same street, head to La Chaise Lounge for the most fun gifts you’ll find (I got a pair of movable robot cufflinks for my husband there), Les Petits for the most stylish in wearable current fashion, and nearby Muji for sleek Japanese housewares.

Nearby on Clos des Blancs-Manteaux there’s also Les Touristes for drapes, table runners, and cosmetic bags (J. found a large cosmetic bag for only 8 euros in an adorable French provencal fabric), as well as Romane, a boutique that carries chic sophisticated women’s fashions. This was my favorite district in Paris. Great food, shopping and interesting people.

SAINT GERMAIN

Besides Le Bon Marche (the department store real Parisians shop at) and its Le Grande Epicerie (the king of all gourmet food stores), there’s one street for bargain hunters that can’t be missed: Rue Sainte-Placide.

J had a great time finding a pair of ballet flats for 29 euros, boots for 75 euros, and a lined trench coat for 20 euros. Great prices, especially for this part of the world. Stores like Rudy’s and Mode offer good deals on cool shoes, both designer and not. And Le Generale Pharmacie sells European skin and haircare brands like Phyto, La Roche Posay, Roger & Gallet, Klorane, Weleda, Biotherm and Rene Furterer for as much as half off U.S. prices, and slightly less than other Parisian pharmacies, which made me happy.

Rue Sainte-Placide is not a long street so browse around and you’ll find some bargains.

LATIN QUARTER

Alleyways to get lost in, pubs to chat in, and bistros to linger in. Plus, a great array of little boutiques in those alleyways and larger chain stores near the main roads like Promod (similar to H&M) and Minelli for shoes and handbags (where I got a lovely “leather-esque” metallic silver handbag for 49 euros).

RUE de FAUBOURG SAINT HONORE

If you’ve got the cash, you can plunk it down here. This famous street right behind the Louvre has a storefront for every name brand European designer you can think of. A little rich for my blood, but if you’re into window shopping, it’s worth the trip.

As for the usual department store suspects like Galleries Lafayette and Printemps, I wouldn’t suggest it for most shoppers. It is such a madhouse in there that it’s enough to make you run for the hills. I’m an expert shopper and it made me run for cover. And there are much more interesting items to be found in the boutiques around town anyway.

It’s easy to love Paris. But by the time I left, I felt like it could love me back. And that was the best part.

Pretty, yes. Pampered, no. Monday, February 11, 2008

 Courtesy of www.thepamperedgirl.com

I’ve been so stressed out lately.  Work is making me crazy.  So when J. and I made plans for dinner, she made us both reservations for manicures in the city.  Thank God!

Our favorite mani/pedi spot will always be Polished Lounge in SOMA in the city, but we like to try new spots too.  This time we went to The Pampered Girl, a spot in Hayes Valley that’s been open for less than a year.

You can easily make a day of it in this neighborhood.  There are lovely boutiques around here and you could even have a great meal at Paul K just down the block.

The first thing you notice when you step into the place is the amount of pink and white.  The decor is very retro kitchy glamour, and very Marilyn Monroe.  Unfortunately, the space is also very small.  It’s basically one narrow room that has six plush white treatment chairs.  But there’s not much width to the place so astheticians literally bump into each other while performing clients’ services. 

To compound the small space, things seemed a bit unorganized.  When J. and I were there they were running about 15 minutes behind, and that left people waiting and the owner running around to help out.  It made for a harried experience that was the least bit relaxing.  They also had nail drying machines lying around on the floor and magazines haphazardly stacked on top of trash cans that were doubling as end tables.  It was all a bit messy.

But this place does have its pluses.  First, the prices are very affordable.  Just $12 for its cheapest mani and $23 for its pedi.  For the atmosphere and quality, it’s a good deal. 

And secondly, I’m terribly picky about how manicurists shape my nails.  I’ve been known to start shaping them myself in the middle of a mani because I get so peeved with carelessly shaped nails that are filed crookedly and left rough.  But they did a FABULOUS job with my “Jolene” manicure, as well as with J’s “Amelie” mani.  The scrub that came with my manicure was a little stingy, and I would’ve loved a slightly longer massage, but they made up for it with the great job they did on my nails.

It’s a nice little affordable spot to hang out with girlfriends and enjoy an afternoon.  But if you’re looking for a relaxing experience, head elsewhere.

The Pampered Girl - 225 Gough - San Francisco - 415.431.GIRL

Living the Lush Life Saturday, December 8, 2007

 Courtesy of www.lushlifenailbar.com

My pal Kous and I were in the mood for a little R&R and I needed to get the tootsies done for the two holiday parties I was going to over the weekend.

We had no reservations anywhere and wanted to go someplace other than the tiny sterile place down the street with the mean ladies who talk about you in foreign languages as they work on your toes.  Our first choice was the Polished Lounge (which still remains my fave spot no matter where I go), but they’re always so booked, so a walk in was out of the question.

A call to pal Jen steered us to Lush Life Nail Bar on Fillmore between Union and Lombard.

The place is very retro and clean, like something out of the W Hotel with a South Beach vibe.  There was lots of white, some pink and some neon, and a flat screen HD television with one of the Charlie’s Angels movies playing.  Semi relaxing, but much more of a “seen and be seen” scene.  The clientele was hip, with some Marina soccer moms thrown in. 

We were without a reservation, but only had to wait 15 minutes until they could take us for our basic pedis.  The service was alright by our manicurists, but the front desk could’ve been a bit more personable.  They seemed disinterested and were just waiting for quitting time.   The bathroom and back room could’ve also been a bit cleaner.

They did a very good job on our pedis and never once rushed us out of the place.  They let us chat, linger, and just chill out in our white chairs.  But it was nothing…special.  More attention to the details (a scented footbath, slightly longer massage) and a little more service (we didn’t even get offered any beverage, though they had some water sitting in an area) would’ve made this experience one to remember.  The lack of details and extra service makes it a good standby if you’re in the area, but nothing to write home about.

And for $26 for a basic pedi (standard for these kinds of spots), I would’ve liked to see just a little bit more if they wanted me to return.

Lush Life Nail Bar - 3108 Fillmore - SF - 415.776.LUSH

Bouchon shows ‘em how it’s done Friday, September 14, 2007

Imposters take note.

Brunch may seem like a simple thing to execute successfully.  But if you visit Thomas Keller’s Bouchon at the Venetian in Las Vegas, you’ll realize that it’s all in the details.

The setting is classic French bistro with dark hardwoods, tiled floors, and the typical high ceilings and large lighting fixtures.  Nothing extraordinarily special, but it definitely says classic sophistication, which tells you exactly what you’re in for.

And what we started with was probably my favorite part of the entire meal…the bread.  Usually, it’s barely an afterthought when someone brings the breadbasket to the table.  But here, it was a sign of things to come.  I haven’t had bread this absolutely tasty in YEARS!  It was the perfect french bread roll.  Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft, airy and slightly sweet on the inside.  And the butter (covered with a piece of parchment decorated with a whimsical beach ball illustration) and jam were heavenly, as well.  You could tell that jam was made with fresh blueberries because of their sweet natural flavor.  Mmmm…  It’s great how with all the complicated dishes that restaurants put out, something as simple as bread can still impress you.

I ordered the omelette special of the day with zucchini, chorizo, and a mild cheese served with brioche and sausage.  Everything on the plate was obviously of supreme quality right down to the brioche.  It makes a world of difference just in their presentation, and of course, clearly in the way they taste.  The omelette was perfectly prepared, light, and fluffy.  Just an expertly prepared, perfectly portioned dish.

My husband had the steak and eggs, medium rare.  I told myself that how close they come to “medium rare” will be a sign of how much expertise is in the kitchen…

They were right on the money. 

The fillet of beef he ordered was perfectly medium rare and the cut of beef superior.  It was melt in your mouth buttery and good.  And again, the eggs were fluffy and light (though he would’ve liked to have a little more of them on the plate).  And those homefries were fantastic!  They were a cross between a french fry (crispy on the outside, meaty and soft on the inside) and a homefry.

Our waitress wasn’t the most experienced or polished server we could’ve asked for.  But what she lacked in finesse she made up for in genuine friendliness, and that’s all I need.

It’s no secret the onslaught of celebrity restaurants in this town and the glitz and glamour that go with them.  With Bouchon, however, Thomas Keller shows us that substance can never make up for style, no matter how how glaring it is in Vegas.

Pre-theatre meal…at the museum Thursday, August 30, 2007

Photo from www.asianart.org

The Asian Art Museum is one of my favorite spots in all of San Francisco.  It’s full of fascinating art covering a vast variety of Asian cultures.  But its design is also very soothing, light, and airy.  It’s not at all intimiating like some modern museums can be.

So when my hubby and I were in need of a meal before heading to see Avenue Q at the Orpheum Theatre, we needed some options.  And because we parked for free right in front of the Museum, we decided to eat there.

I know, why would I write about what is basically a cafeteria in a museum?  Because it’s not ordinary cafeteria food.

The food at the Cafe Asia inside the Asian Art Museum is excellent.  For something quick yet delish, it’s the perfect spot.  And it’s worth a trip whether you’re visiting the museum for the afternoon, or not.  Just go to the front counter and tell them you’d like to eat at the Cafe.  They’ll give you a sticker and you’ll be allowed to eat at the Cafe and even browse the Museum Store!  Cool tip, huh?

It’s a little pricier than the usual food court restaurant or cafeteria, but it’s also much better.  Entrees run anywhere from $6 to $10 each. 

I had the Japanese Pork Pot Roast with Rice and Bok Choy.  The pork was tender and glazed with a thick miso type glaze and garnished with red pickled ginger.  It was a tasty dish that was both subtle yet hearty.  The flavors were classically Japanese, but the combination was very different from anything you’d find at a typical Japanese restaurant.  An innovative creation with wonderfully fresh, clean, creative flavors.

My husband had the Shrimp Stirfry with Black Bean Sauce and Veggies, served over rice.  The dish was clean and light, yet flavorful and satisfying.  The black bean wasn’t too overpowering and heavy, like it can be at many Chinese restaurants.  I never knew black bean sauce could be so subtle.  And the vegetables were cooked a perfect tendercrisp (the way they should be) and wonderfully fresh.   

On another previous visit, I had a bowl of Miso Soup and a pot of one of their traditional Japanese teas.  It was a wonderful snack because the soup had a clean flavor that wasn’t overly salty like so many miso soups can be.  And their tea selection is excellent.

The food here is elegantly presented on shinly white tableware that’s ergonomically pleasing with smooth, curved lines.  It adds to the zen feeling of the place.  This clean, simple, elegant design esthetic, along with the subtle yet distinctively flavored food is what sets this place apart from other casual eateries.  And if you happen to visit on a sunny day, there’s plenty of outdoor seating as well.

Food and service is quick, and despite my Japanese choices, they serve other Asian fare as well (pho, thai soups, curries, etc).  Some of their menu items also change periodically.

My hubby and I had such a nice meal at the Cafe Asia, we were practically skipping all the way to the Orpheum. 

And by the way, Avenue Q was fabulous!

Cafe Asia (Asian Art Museum) - 200 Larkin Ave. - San Francisco - 415.581.3500

Cupcakes Make People Happy :) Saturday, June 2, 2007

There’s something both magical and playful about a cupcake.  I know, I know, they’re about as trendy right now as skinny jeans and platform peep toes.  But let’s face it, even someone like me who doesn’t have a big sweet tooth can’t pass up a well frosted cupcake.

Maybe it’s the fact that Carrie Bradshaw was known to chomp on a few while talking to Miranda on the corner of Bleeker and West 11th St. in New York City.  But I suspect the real appeal of a cupcake lies in the fact that they are a perfectly sized piece of portable cake, so cute and pretty with their little colored sprinkles and swirled buttercream frosting.

There’s no chance of a visit to Magnolia Bakery in New York City today.  So I had to settle for the smell of sugary baked goods wafting through the Bay Street shopping area in Emeryville.  It was coming from Teacake Bake Shop.

I immediately ordered two cupcakes: red velvet with cream cheese frosting and a chocolate devil’s food cake with dulce de leche frosting.  The huge chewy snickerdoodles sprinkled with cinnamon would have to wait for another day.  (Though I now regret not buying the huge five pack of “less pretty” cookies for a mere two bucks.)

The red velvet was first up.  The frosting was as delicious and luscious as it looked.  Creamy, sweet, and a noticable tang from the cream cheese.  But the cake itself wasn’t as good as I’d hoped.  It had a nice subtle, yet noticable chocolate flavor (red velvet is basically just chocolate cake with red food coloring).  But in order to fulfill my visions of grandeur for this cupcake, it would’ve had to be a lot moister.  It wasn’t dry, but it should’ve been a lot moister.  True red velvet always is.  And if it weren’t for that frosting, I might’ve been able to do better with a box mix.

The devil’s food chocolate was better.  The cupcake itself was moister and had better flavor than the red velvet.  The chocolate was rich and satisfying without being overly dense or sweet.  Much moister than the previous cupcake and better texture.  But again, it was the creaminess of the frosting that made the cupcake complete.  Individually, the frosting and the cake couldn’t stand alone.  Together, they were heaven.

But one complaint…  The dulce de leche frosting on the chocolate cupcake didn’t taste like caramel.  It tasted more like a mocha!  Very strange.

Was it tasty?  Yes.  Was the whole esthetic of the place cute and trendy?  You bet.  Does it warrant a repeat visit?  If I’m in the area, sure.  Besides, I’m still jonesing for a snickerdoodle…

Teacake Bake Shop - 5615 Bay St. - Emeryville - 510.655.0865

Some Enchanted Evening Sunday, May 27, 2007

Courtesy of www.caffesociale.com  

The minute you step off the Sacramento St. sidewalk and through the gate down the brick alleyway, through the foliage, past the flower shop and the spa, you see it:  the charming twinkle lit courtyard of Sociale Restaurant in San Francisco.  But you’d swear you’ve stepped into a picturesque Italian postcard.

Call ahead and request a seat in the courtyard (much more interesting than their indoor seating) and you’ll be golden.  My hubby and I were celebrating our anniversary and this was the perfect restaurant. 

He started with the Duck Meatballs in a hearty tomato sauce, and I ordered the Bone Marrow appetizer.  The Bone Marrow was tasty, but nothing exciting.  It turned out to be the weakest part of the meal.  But my husband loved his dish, and I don’t blame him.  The meatballs were dense and earthy with the rich duck meat and herbs.  They were moist and flavorful.  The tomato sauce was sweet and bright.  A great match for the rich meat.  It was so delicious my husband practically licked his bowl clean.

We then moved on to our Wild Boar w/Pici Pasta and Ribeye Steak entrees.  The wild boar meat gave my pasta dish depth and richness.  The meat was moist and flavorful.  And the tomato sauce was surprisingly sweet.  Again, a perfect foil for such a rich meat.  The pasta tasted housemade and was cooked perfectly al dente.

My husband’s steak was cooked to an absolute perfect medium rare and it was obviously a quality cut of meat.  The meaty flavor wasn’t weighed down by too many flavors and it benefited from the grill and its perfect texture.  The fresh corn and dandelion greens tasted just picked and worked well with the steak.  All in all, two great entrees.

The meal was paced so well with perfect spacing between courses and the service was unpretentious and helpful.  Our server went above and beyond to make our meal memorable.  She helped us get the very last fruit sorbet of the night (The Jasmine and Cassis Sorbet was so subtle and fragrant.  A real winner.) and even an extra chocolate chip cookie because she knew it was our anniversary.  (It was probably the best cookie I’ve ever had in my life.  Really, it was that good.)  And when we couldn’t decide between different entrees, she steered us in the right direction.

It was a perfect destination if you want an intimate setting, good food, and unpretentious service.  It would also be great for out of town guests, too.  The ambience is really this restaurant’s best attribute.  So if you have an occasion to celebrate, there’s really no better place to go.

Oh, and the other big thing is EASY STREET PARKING!  When was the last time anyone said that about San Francisco?

Sociale - 3665 Sacramento St. - San Francisco - 415.921.3200

Food as Medicine Monday, May 21, 2007

I’ve been wanting to visit this place for a while because of it’s intriguing premise.  Medicine Eatstation in the Crocker Galleria in San Francisco, serves a type of cuisine called ”shojin” style Japanese food, but with a modern twist.  Shojin is the ancient food of Buddhist temples where they believe food is medicine.  Sort of takes all the fun out of eating, but I’ll give it a shot.

The restaurant is heaven for vegans, but they recently added some protein “add-ons” to the menu.  The decor is thoroughly modern Japanese with its stark white walls and its zen-like space.  The light wood rectangular tables exemplify the clean lines of the place.

Service is friendly and helpful.  They seem happy enough to answer any questions.  The food is Japanese, but the ingredients, presentation and innovative preparation are what make it different.  They also offer refrigerated ready to go bento box options, as well.

All their ingredients are organic, locally grown, sustainable, and healthful.  Their preparations truly highlight the freshness and flavor of quality vegetables.  I had the Wild Mushroom Ramen with a side of Sweet-soy Marinated Whitefish for protein.  The mushrooms, carrots and peas were bright with flavor and their preparation highlighted their pure natural sweetness and farm-fresh texture.  The noodles were perfectly chewy but firm, and the broth had a classic smoky soy flavor.  But as with a lot of Japanese food, it was a bit too salty.

The fish was delicately mild and tenderly fried.  The tempura-esque batter was so light that it broke apart with the first bite.  It was so light and mild that it bordered on bland.  But it was its texture that made the dish.  Only the accompanying sweet soy-like dipping sauce gave it the extra punch of flavor it so needed.

The worst thing about this place is that it isn’t cheap and the portions are far from hearty.  But the dishes are pretty to look at with their artfully stark and simple presentation.

It’s definitely worth a try just for the experience.  But $16 for a small bowl of pretty ramen and four tiny pieces of delicately fried fish isn’t my idea of a practical, affordable lunch.

Medicine New-Shojin Eatstation - 161 Sutter St. - S.F. - 415.677.4405

Some boutiques, a nail spa, and a sale. Thursday, April 12, 2007

 

Photo of nail salon within Azalea boutique from www.azaleaonline.com.

I love the fashions you can find at boutiques.  The stuff is different from what you’d find at Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s.  But boutique shopping can be expensive.  

However, there are the occasional exceptions.  There’s Find Outlet in Manhattan (gotta check it out if you’re there!), Pearl Wonderful Clothing in Larkspur (great deals in their Sale Annex), Red Dot in Marin and My Roommate’s Closet in SF.  (I’ll write more about those places some other time.)  But there are two that are worth mentioning this week.

Jeremy’s is the best in bargain boutique shopping.  Their South Park location in San Francisco and College Ave. in Oakland are both having a huge sale worth talking about.  On April 14 & 15, they’re marking down their already hugely discounted prices an additional 30-60% for women’s fashions, shoes and accessories.  And that’s definitely worth mentioning because their prices are already more than half off to begin with.  It’s only for one weekend.  Then the following weekend will be the mens’ sale, and then the weekend after that (April 28 & 29) they will mark everything down again for the final time, just for that weekend.  You’ll risk a limited selection by then, of course, and that’s the trade off for waiting till final markdowns. 

The Oakland location has lower priced items from stores like Barney’s, J.Crew and Anthropologie.  Some items can be slightly damaged, so make sure you inspect before you buy.  The store in S.F. has stuff that’s higher end (and therefore a little more expensive) from major expensive department stores.  I’ve even seen Prada bags there for way cheaper than usual just because they’re a few seasons old.  Either way, they’re both a hotbed of major bargains, especially with their sale.  It’s not to be missed.

The second store worth mentioning is Azalea.  It’s a bustling boutique in Hayes Valley in SF and it’s on a great street where you can do some fun shopping on a weekend afternoon.  And Azalea even has an adorable nail salon WITHIN the boutique that takes walk-ins.  It’s a great concept.

But what may be even better is their online store.  If you go to www.azaleaonline.com, just check out their Sale section.  There’s a “Bargain Bin” full of great distinctive fashions, some even as low as just $20!  And they even have free shipping, so you don’t even have to be in SF to enjoy the bargains!  I can’t confirm if they have the same bargain section in the store (if they do I haven’t noticed it yet), but if you get free shipping online anyway, you can’t loose.