Squeat Mungry

Good, thinking, hshiau! While I don't think of Greens as particularly "romantic", it's certainly not "unromantic", and the food and view are both great.

Thanks, tana. I was afraid I was going to be the one to have to break the bad news. The unfortunate truth is that all the restaurants in San Francisco with great views are decidedly unromantic and/or mediocre. You might have a better chance at a decent, romantic dinner in Sausalito with a great view of the City. Unfortunately, I rarely make it across the Golden Gate these days and can't really recommend any particular place. Anyone? I do know that Eric Torralba, former Exec Chef at Domain Chandon, has just opened the unfortunately-named Antidote there in the old Valhalla space, which has a fantastic view. Torralba is a fan of Ferran Adria, and worked at Paul Bocuse with Pierre Gagnaire, so a dinner there might be more "adventurous" than "romantic". Cheers, Squeat

Okay, I can't believe I actually registered at safeway.com for you people, but here's the skinny at my local (very local, as in right across the street) Safeway: Safeway Lucerne Brand Whole Milk: $4.29/gallon. Dairy Glen Whole Milk with Safeway loyalty card: $2.65/gallon, but it looks like you have to buy two gallons for $5.29. Horizon Organic Whole Milk: $6.29/gallon (same for 1% low fat or 2% reduced fat). Tomorrow I'll stop in at my two local non-chain groceries and see what they're charging.

Oh, sorry. Sometimes I can be quite dense.

Remains a mystery to me why people buy half and half. You should just make up your mind, don't you think, Squeat? Not sure I see your point. I have made up my mind. I like half-and-half in my coffee. (When I drink it hot -- I like my iced coffee black.)

Great review, Juniper, thanks! I had totally forgotten that that was what Annie Gingrass was doing these days. I've got to get out there, but it's difficult to get anywhere in the Presidio if you don't drive. Sounds like it might be worth the cab fare, though. And welcome to eGullet! From what I can tell it's entirely appropriate to link to your blog. Many folks have such links in their sig lines. Cheers, Squeat

I like what this guy is doing with his Safeway card. He's basically got hundreds (thousands?) of people all using the same loyalty number. Here's some random article about it.

Indeed. In the immortal words of Alice May Brock:

I pay for that too, everytime I cross it. Its been a few months, shouldn't GGT be raising it again... Actually I just read somewhere (can't remember... SFGate?) that they're considering it. Back on topic: I don't pay much attention to what I pay for basic groceries, either. (I happened to spot a receipt in the pile of papers on my desk, which is how I got the $1.75 figure for the half-and-half.) But I don't buy groceries at the major supermarket chains. It doesn't really come as a surprise to me that they're screwing their customers. What did surprise me is that California produces over 1/5 of the nation's milk! Who knew?

This time of year nothing beats sliced tomatoes and mayo on good white bread. Preferably eaten outside or over the sink. Cheers, Squeat

Like Janet, I rarely buy milk unless a recipe calls for it. The half-and-half I buy for coffee is about $1.75 a pint. Is that expensive? I don't even know.

Melkor you mean La Farine I think: on College near Alcatraz. Fantastic "rustic baguette". Also excellent croissants.

I'm with Fran Liebowitz: "Food is a very important part of a balanced diet." Squeat

Close. It's 18th/Guerrero, and I second the recommendation.

Thanks for the link, Artichoke! Anybody else find it odd that she would mention baguettes from Della Fattoria (in Sonoma), but not a word about Acme Bread Company, who actually bake their fabulous bread right there in the Ferry Building?

Lisa, I think you're spot on in this. I checked, and FiH was originally published in 1973. From the "About the Author" page: From the Preface: She adds, Cheers, Squeat

jschyun, you should also check out Original Joe's downtown in the Tenderloin for breakfast sometime. They do breakfast the way they do everything else: professionally and old-school. I've been meaning to write this place up for a while. They butcher (from primals) and age their own meat, and have done so since God knows when. If you sit at the bar, you can watch every step of the preparation of your meal. If you choose a table, well -- the waiters defy description, in that they don't even need to be described -- they just come with the package. For my money this place actually edges out Tadich's for old-time San Francisco authenticity. Cheers, Squeat Original Joe's 144 Taylor St San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 775-4877

Rancho, I lost the post I just spent 20 minutes on, but check out Diana Kennedy's latest (From My Mexican Kitchen), page 232: "Uchepos: Fresh Corn Tamales from Michoacan". She talks of a balance between starchiness and sweetness to achieve the texture:

Not exactly funny, but every time I see the word 'gorgonzola' I think of Medusa and her sisters. Um, because I'm a dork, I guess. Squeat

I do admit she's not in your league stylistically, Lisa! Still, there's lots of good information in there if you're willing to plow through it. Cheers, Squeat

Thanks, George! I am so intrigued by this idea that I think I'm going to have to take a shot at it. Cheers, Squeat

I have had lunch at the Asian - you can pay the admission fee, tell them you are going to the restaurant, and as long as you return to the desk within an hour they will return your admission. That's useful info (I didn't know that because I'm a member). In the space of an hour you could also browse in the gift shop. That IS great to know, especially as I'm not a member of the Asian. (I'm not a complete cad, I'll have you know: I am a member at MOMA.) Thanks for the info, Juniper, and welcome to eGullet! Cheers, Squeat

Yay! Thanks so much, Kathy!

Rancho, what breed(s) do you have? At my former job, my friend and cow-orker (haha) brought me eggs from her araucanas: the colors of the shells were amazing, but the fresh flavor was even more amazing! Now, alas, I either have to remember to buy eggs at the Farmer's Market (there are transport issues), or I get stuck with the slightly older eggs offered at the local grocers. I hear they replace that protective layer at the supermarkets with a spray of oil or something. Is that true? Squeat

Actually, aside from the butter-elbows thing, I pretty much attack the cob at random. There is usually much snorting and back-of-hand chin-wiping. But I do get it all. I get all of it. Squeat