Squeat Mungry

I have the same problem. Maybe a twelve step group could help. "Hello. My name is Brooks and I am a worcestershireaholic" Nah, I can stop anytime! Okay, you're right. I can't. I need help! Oh, that looks good! I can see a new habit forming...

Scuppernong? Concord? Can someone give us a rundown on native North American grapes? I'm confused.

Any actual information, reasoned speculation or wild guesses on the impact on the reopening date for French Laundry, which is still given as "May" on the FL website?

Well for me I guess it would have to be Worcestershire, since that's the only one I habitually keep two of: one for cooking and one for taking swigs directly from the bottle when no one else is around!

Ooh, ooh! Rosewater! And lest Brooks take me to the First District Court of Thankyou, let me thank him publicly right here for a fantastic blog! Cheers, Squeat

This is still my favorite game! I remember watching TFG. I had already learned the basics of cooking (and to love to cook) from my mother and her mother and sisters, but I do remember how thrilled I was by the look into other cultures. For explanations of techniques, classic dishes, etc., however, I much preferred Julia.

I have a co-worker who drinks the Whoop Ass stuff all the time. She'll drink anything, though. I'm not kidding. Cheers, Squeat

I can't seem to find it online but I read a news article recently that said Cali's smoking ban has gone un-enforced by police and ignored by many bars. This was at least partially true for about a year after the ban was enacted, but rigorous enforcement of the ban has pretty much brought everyone around to compliance. With the exception of the sole-proprietor places I mentioned above, it's been quite a while since I've seen anyone light up in a bar during business hours.

I'm not sure of the details of the NY law, but here in California there is apparently a "sole proprietor" exception that allows a bar to permit smoking if it is wholly owned and operated by one individual (i.e. no employees) who chooses to allow it, and posts clearly that smoking is permitted. I only know of one place in San Francisco that does this (located conveniently near my apartment!), but there are several in Oakland. BTW, these places are usually packed. Is there no such provision in the NY law? Cheers, Squeat

Why wouldn't you do both? Merry Pesach! Squeat Edited to explain: I'm actually curious about both traditions, because I know very little about either one.

I can't speak to the South or East Bay, but if you ever make it into the City, check out Drewes Brothers on Church Street at 29th Street. They're actually fairly easy off the freeway (just off 280 at San Jose Drive exit) and I'd imagine you could park there (on the street) easily as well. They have a great selection and much of it is organic or grass-fed or free-range etc. They're very helpful, too, and have made custom cuts for me with enthusiasm. Oddly and endearingly, you can rent a video and pick up some tasty fresh bread there, as well! My other favorite is not far away, but I don't think I'd recommend driving there, because I'd think parking would be impossible. It's the Mission Meat Market inside the mall at 22nd and Mission. Their stuff is always very fresh and goodlooking and they'll always cut/trim it the way you want it (would probably help if you had at least kitchen Spanish -- and even if not: mine's very bad). The thing there is that you'll likely have to talk them through the cut, so it can be an adventure, but the quality and the price is right. I've gotten great rabbit here. I've heard their seafood is fresh and of good quality, as well, and I believe it. (By the way, DON'T go into the only butcher you can easily see from the outside on that intersection, which is not actually on the corner but much more visible and open to the street (in fact, apart from a very small sign, you won't know where the Mission Meat Market is until you enter the mall), because when you see that meat you'll think I'm insane. Mission Meat Market is between 21st and 22nd, NOT 22nd and 23rd.) Inside the Ferry Plaza Building is The Golden Gate Meat Company, which is definitely worth checking out, especially if you're visiting the Saturday Farmer's Market. Unlike the FM, however, they're open every day, and definitely know their stuff, which is fresh and varied. I haven't been disappointed there yet. On Saturday mornings and Tuesdays from 10:30 - 2:30 you can also buy from Prather Ranch at the Ferry Building. This can be worth a special trip. Cheers, Squeat

Better hurry if you want to go to Powell's -- they will serve their last crispy wing on Easter Sunday! Dang! Another one bites the dust. The article does offer some hope though: I really, really hope that works out for him. Thanks for the heads-up, Squeat

Not sure if this is what you are talking about, but Boudin Bakery, which has been in business here in San Francisco since 1849 (gold rush, don't you know) has a tradition of serving clam chowder in a sourdough "luigi bowl". Cheers, Squeat

It is sad indeed. So, are these the shadows of things that will be, or things that may be only?

I know, it's fun! Plus, it's a little like watching a toddler take his first steps. Hmmm... pictures, Steven?

Yesterday's San Francisco Chronicle Food Section's lead article was about artichokes. It includes a discussion of the growing season and how they are harvested. Among other recipes, there is one for Incanto's Shaved Artichoke, Arugula & Parmesan Salad . The recipe notes: Cheers, Squeat

Pissaladiere!

Great-looking breakfast, Owen! Even the split in the omelet looks elegant. Thanks for the great blog. I'm consumed with jealousy of your home. Even at non-wide-angle, I think my entire tiny apartment could fit in your kitchen! Thanks for the photos of the Farmer's Market, too. At those prices, I think you should consider building the master bath/laundry addition out of potatoes! Cheers, Squeat

I guess I don't have anything substantial to add to this thread, but I can't resist registering how repellant, how repulsive I find this. In fact, now that I have decided to do so, I find myself at a loss of words. I'm so sorry. It's so sad. Squeat

Just beware that non-seafood options are severely limited to non-existent at Hog Island and Swan. Edited. Man, I cannot type today!

I found the whole list here. First on list: SF's own Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market. Score one for the home team! Cheers, Squeat

Hi, Ingrid! You had me doubting myself, since I was sure I had eaten at Delfina on a Monday, so I just called them to make sure. They are, from 5:30 - 10:30. It is kind of unusual though for a restaurant of that caliber so far from Union Square to be open on Monday. Cheers, Squeat

Good suggestions so far. I thought I'd add a few more. (BTW the Monday night dinner downstairs at Chez Panisse is an absolute steal at $50 per person, but I agree it might be a little too far away under a time constraint.) Many of San Francisco's better restaurants follow Zuni's practice of closing on Monday's, but the following are exceptions. Also near Union Square, Jeanty at Jacks does a good job with bistro fare in a beautifully restored space. Union Square destinations would all be the Powell BART station. If you decide to visit the SFMOMA (also Powell station), you might want to have lunch at their cafe, which actually does a bangup job. Two stops further on BART will put you at the Embarcadero, where you could check out the shops in the Ferry Building, as mentioned. The Farmer's Market won't be there on a Monday, however. Also at Embarcadero is the celebrated Boulevard, where we will be having a Bay Area eGullet gathering in May. Another beautiful dining room, and justly praised fare. Near the 16th Street station in the Mission are a bunch of other stops of culinary interest. Some of the best Italian in SF (my opinion of course) is to be had at the tiny Delfina. Be sure to reserve if you decide to go here, though. It's very small and very popular. The superb bakery Tartine is also in this block. 16th is also the stop for some popular taquerias, including La Cumbre and Pancho Villa. My favorite, La Taqueria, is one stop further at the 24th Street station. Hope this helps, Squeat Eddittedd for speeling

Okay, I finally followed the link upthread and it looks like it is the place on 3rd that turned into Chickpea. Alas. RIP.

Is that the same St. Marks Pizza on 3rd Ave that was there in the early 80s? I used to practically live there! (Actually, I lived three blocks away at St Mark's and Ave A.) It wasn't the absolute best pizza, but it was cheesy and tasty, and the price was right. Sigh. Too bad.