PamelaF

"The Enchanted Broccoli Forest", nothing against Molly Katzen. I have one or two of her more recent books as well. But that book is really a period piece on late 70's vegetarian cuisine.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, June 13, 2007 Signature Salads, Amanda Gold Creativity mixed with seasonal ingredients makes for irresistible combinations Recipes: Amanda’s Signature Salad Beet, Avocado & Kumquat Salad Little Gem Salad with Creamy Herb Vinaigrette Baby Greens with Strawberries, Marcona Almonds, Feta & Red Pepper Vinaigrette Lobster & Burrata Salad with Banyuls Vinaigrette The lunch salad gets even greener, Laura Compton Curry leaves lend soul to Indian cuisine, Janet Fletcher Recipes: Roasted Cashews & Curry Leaves Yellow Split Pea Dal with Curry Leaves & Mustard Seed Seafood by the Season, Olivia Wu Domestic farmed fish go under the microscope What’s New: Opening: Farina Focacia & Cucina Italiana in the Mission, also Little Joe’s new location and ZZA’s Enoteca in Oakland Dry soda, an alternative to wine with meals Market Watch: peaches, apricots and cherries Patisserie Philippe on Townsend Look for the “Buy Fresh Buy Local Food Guide”, in stores, it’s free from the Community Alliance with Family Farmers Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Buffalo-milk mozzarella hard to come by. Cilento and Spinosa brands tie for the top score. Annual Dragon Boat Festival Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer The Restaurant at Meadowood has a sophisticated take on wine country in St. Helena (This review appeared Sunday, June 10, 2007) Dining Out, Tara Duggan Fresh seafood is the draw at Pisces on Judah Street in San Francisco Dining Update, Miriam Morgan Stylish setting elevates Kingfish in San Mateo Dining Update, Michael Bauer Ozumo bites off a little more than it can chew in San Francisco The Inside Scoop New sports lounge for the Miyako Hotel . . . Boonville Hotel for sale . . . and more. Letters to Food Benefits

Apricot Tree, exit 368, looks like a pretty generic coffee shop (with a cheesy gift shop), but IIRC from a couple of years ago the Mexican breakfast, chorizo and eggs, huevos rancheros, were OK. Also just googling for the Apricot Tree location, I found this cool site: Drive I-5

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, June 6, 2007 A place at the table, Stacy Finz Restaurant communal dining catches on The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Up in Arms in the Big Apple: Dumplings capture the flavor of New York Recipe: Lower East Side Potato Pierogi Chef’s Night In, Dabney Gough Larry Tse, chef at The House in North Beach Recipes: Peel ‘n’ East Shrimp with Thai Dipping Sauce What’s New: Tropical fruit at the Alemany Farmers’ Market Cherries, apricots and peaches are in the market now Alter Eco Fair Trade rice AAA discount at many restaurants Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Trader Joe’s fresh OJ makes it into the hall of fame Cook’s Books, Karola Saekel “The Silver Palate Cookbook, 25th Anniversary Edition”, by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins “Vegetables: Recipes and Techniques From the World’s Premier Culinary College”, by the staff of the Culinary Institute of America Recipes: Chicken Marbella from "Silver Palate" Zucchini Pancakes and Tatziki Sauce from "Vegetables" East to West, Linda Furiya Listen to Mom and eat your kelp Recipe: Japanese Power Breakfast Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer French, Spanish and Italian cuisine converge at Nua in North Beach (This review appeared Sunday, June 3, 2007) Dining Out, Jennifer Tomaro Vibrant flavors play off Huynh’s peaceful vibe in Walnut Creek Dining Update, Michael Bauer Americano hits a sweet spot on the Embarcadero in San Francisco The Inside Scoop Mecca team looks at Mendocino . . . 50th anniversary party for Kikkoman in SF . . . renovations at Bacar . . . new chef at Cetrella in Half Moon Bay . . . and more. Letters to Food Benefits

Hi NonBlonde007, you have brought the kids' Halloween to a whole new level. I thought I was being edgy when I made the jello brain mold with the candy eyeballs, but cudos to you, you have moved way beyond that! I am sure you will be happy here at eGullet! On Topic: Can't you usually find insects in lollipops and I think scorpions too, when you are in Arizona or other desert states? Personally, I wouldn't go near them. I hear that the deep fried insects that you get in Mexico are a good crunchy snack, but still . . .

The article is here GQ He is not quite as mean-spirited as he was in an article last year about New Orleans here's the thread. He seems to feel that the focus here on organic, local, sustainable (etc.) food, is a bit naive and unrealistic. Is it true that things like the $8 eggs are going a bit too far, or are we justified in taking advantage of, and even celebrating, all the wonderful products we have available?

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, May 30, 2007 Digging Biodynamic, Olivia Wu Restaurateurs look beyond organic in quest to cultivate pristine produce Recipes: Strawberry & Tomato Salad with Maple Pea Pesto Nasturtium Risotto Manresa Vegetable Stock Accidental Vegetarian, Amanda Berne A garden-variety feast Recipes: Goat Cheese-Stuffed Grape Leaves Goat Yogurt Tzatziki Grilled Halloumi Greek-Inspired Grilled Vegetables Greek Marinade Grilled Asparagus with Fetz & Dill What’s New: Classic Coke vs. Mexican Coke Olive oil from UC Davis Circulon Butane Burner Julius’ Castle reopens Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Guittard tops a heap of chocolate chips The Working Cook, Tara Duggan A crispy trout dinner can be ready in a snap Recipes: Crispy Trout with Lemony Roasted Asparagus Pasta with Italian Sausage, Spinach & Mushrooms Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer Rustic flavors appeal to citified tastes at Sebastopol’s West County Grill (This review appeared Sunday, May 27, 2007) Dining Update, Michael Bauer View remains the star at San Francisco’s Carnelian Room Dining Out, Carol Ness Flavors star at Piccino in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood The Inside Scoop Several longtime restaurants are closing, while two new burger places are planned . . . 70th anniversary celebration for Original Joe’s . . . and more. Letters to Food Benefits

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, May 23, 2007 Perfect Picnics Make the most of Memorial Day weekend with excursions to eight great Bay Area spots, plus the best places to get eats on the way. Angel Island: Bay Area's easy escape , Linda Furiya Marina promenade: Prime views, people-watching, Amanda Gold Urban outing: Picnic-perfect Dolores Park in San Francisco, Jane Tunks Go dog, go: Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (near Richmond), Bayside playground is a fetching spot for pups and their pals , Karola Saekel Roll or stroll: Alameda/Contra Costa shoreline path invites biking, hiking, Eastshore State Park (Emeryville to Richmond), Carol Ness Peak experience: Unbeatable views reward hikers at Mt. Diablo summit, Laura Compton Surf and turf: Coastside Trail takes trekkers from wildflowers to waves in Half Moon Bay, Miriam Morgan Have lunch, will paddle: Tour secluded beaches of Tomales Bay by kayak, Deb Wandell Picnic safety tips Picnic classics that are simple to make, easy to tote Recipes: Fattoush with Grilled Lamb (Georgeanne Brennan) Chicken Breasts with Citrus-Garlic Marinade (Tara Duggan) Light American Potato Salad (Robin Davis) Asparagus with Tarragon Vinaigrette (Georgeanne Brennan) Vegetarian Pan Bagnat (Marlena Spieler) Food Conscious, Carol Ness Wal-Mart to push sustainable shrimp What’s New: Eco-conscious options for picnic supplies Picnic snacks Opening: Cassis in lower Pacific Heights Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Vegetarian chili fails to catch fire, highest score only 50 points Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer An accomplished kitchen to match the sublime wine list at Cav on Upper Market (This review appeared Sunday, May 20, 2007) Dining Update, Amanda Gold El Paseo pampers patrons with inspired cuisine in Mill Valley The Inside Scoop Many local restaurants are opening additional locations . . . plans are proceeding for the Mint Plaza restaurant complex at the Old Mint at Fifth and Mission, will open in September . . . Rancho Gordo, Carlo Petrini and Alice Waters . . . and more.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Mothers of invention, Tara Duggan Four experts share their strategies and, most importantly, their recipes Recipes: Miso-Glazed Black Cod & Spicy Green Beans Fish Tacos Wagon Wheel Pasta with Asparagus & Parmesan Braised Country-Style Pork Ribs with White Beans, Olives & Mustard Greens Seafood by the Season, Olivia Wu Long live the wild king salmon Recipes: Olive-Oil Roasted Wild King Salmon with Tomato Gazpacho, Beans & Crabmeat Crisp-Skinned Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce Chef’s Night In, Dabney Gough Massimiliano Conti from La Ciccia cooks a Sardinian specialty Recipe: Gnocchetti Sardi with Sausage Sauce What’s New: Market Watch: Spring produce is in abundance Watch out for sweetened soy milk 15 year anniversary for the Republic of Tea Openings: Kabul City on Beach Street, West Coast Wings in Fremont Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Low-fat cottage cheese is tasted, Lucerne is voted into the Hall of Fame Des Jardins, Keller among Bay Area Beard Award winners Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer A modern take on traditional Filipino fare at Bistro Luneta in San Mateo (This review appeared Sunday, May 6, 2007) Dining Out, Mandy Erickson Nami Nami’s small plates intrigue, unusual Japanese offerings in Mountain View Dining Update, Miriam Morgan Nizza La Bella provides a cozy haven for diners in Albany The Inside Scoop Spago Palo Alto to close . . . MacArthur Park has closed . . . ‘Wichcraft looking for new locations . . . Olema Inn has new owners . . . and more. Benefits

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, May 02, 2007 Cooking in a vacuum, Tara Duggan A far cry from boil-in-a-bag, French sous vide technique mesmerizes Bay Area chefs Sidebar: The science of sous vide, Where to sample sous vide From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan Grilled shish kabab, Mexican style Recipes: Beef Alambres Potato Rajas Hash Avocado Sauce The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Spicy Malaysian soup revives weary travelers, as Marlena reports on her first trip to Asia Recipe: Chicken & Tofu Laksa What’s New: Healthier tortilla chips for Cinco de Mayo Openings: Split Pea Seduction on Sixth Street, Gator's Neo Soul Cafe in San Mateo, Bar Bambino near 16th and Mission, and Riva Cucina in Berkeley Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Panelists vote Trader Joe's corn tortillas as best with Mission brand a close second Chefs muse sets up shop in San Francisco, "Le Sanctuaire", for hard to find professional cooking tools, Amanda Gold Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer Presidio's La Terasse is still searching for its niche (This review appeared Sunday, April 29, 2007) The Inside Scoop Chez Nous will change hands and reopen as a Roman osteria . . . Blupointe will become Gitane featuring food from southern France, Spain and Portugal . . . another Out the Door to open in the Fillmore . . . Cortez reopens after repair work . . . and more.

I'm going to arrive in Baton Rouge on Sunday, I suppose that they will be farther north by then. Darn! A near miss.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Food Conscious: Eating Locally for Less, Carol Ness Sticking to a budget and nearby food sources proves a challenge for some, a cinch for others Recipes: Asparagus Fritatta Nicolas Petti’s Wild Fennel Sausage-Stuffed Artichoke Apple Granita Pollo Local Hash Ethereal Cream of Potato-Blue Cheese Soup (Don’t Step on My Blue Spud Soup) How to be a locavore One Burger, Hold the Carbon, Carol Ness The Urbanite: Staffer steps up to the plate, Jane Trunks The Foragers: Mendocino restaurateurs, plus baby, take local philosophy to heart, Olivia Wu The Pros: San Rafael couple have local eating down to a science, but aren't immune to cravings, Carol Ness Cook’s Books, Karola Saekel “Twist of the Wrist: Quick Flavorful Meals with Ingredients From Cans, Jars, Bags, and Boxes”, by Nancy Silverton “The Perfect Scoop: Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, and Sweet Accompanients”, by David Lebovitz “Classic Starts Desserts”, by Emily Luchetti “Lidia’s Table: 140 Simple and Delicious Recipes From the Ten Places in Italy That Lidia Loves Most”, by Lidia Matticcho Bastianich “The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink”, edoted by Andrew F. Smith Recipes: Seared Scallops with Sweet Corn, Edamame & Brown Butter (Nancy Silverton) Fried Chickpea Polenta (Panelle) (Lidia Matticcho Bastianich) What’s New: Where to find churros Restaurant Openings: Bonarda in Burlingame and Tajine on Polk Street Market Watch: Strawberries and red mangoes New book: “The Wheat-Free Cook: Gluten-Free Recipes for Everyone”, by Jacqueline Mallorca Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Rosarita’s refried beans join the Hall of Fame, Amy’s brand and Taco Bell are close behind Guittard protests proposal to allow vegetable oil in chocolate, Carol Ness Bay Area Cookbook Winners Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer Refined Hawthorne Lane is reinvented as rustic Two in San Francisco (This review appeared Sunday, April 15, 2007) Dining Out, Tara Duggan Practice makes perfect at Regalito Rosticeria in San Francisco Dining Update, Amanda Gold Weathered decor doesn't lessen Taco Jane's appeal in San Anselmo Dining Update, Michael Bauer Navio features earthy flavors in a refined setting, at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay The Inside Scoop Lots of changes in Bay Area kitchens . . . PJ Steak closes in Yountville . . . new service on the web: Tablestalker . . . and more. Benefits

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 11, 2007 Shell Game, Janet Fletcher Taking a crack at fresh coconut leads to delicious results Recipes: Spicy Grated Beets with Coconut Beet Thoran Kerala Fish Curry (Meen Molee) Dave Brayer’s Seafood Noodle Soup with Coconut Milk Green Curry Chicken (Lili Kari) Making and using coconut milk, Janet Fletcher Where to find coconut grating stools Additional Recipes: Carrot & Raisin Salad (Gajar nu Salad), Adapted from "My Bombay Kitchen: Traditional and Modern Parsi Home Cooking" by Niloufer Ichaporia King Lemongrass-Scented Coconut Rice (Nasi Uduk) , adapted from "Cradle of Flavor: Home Cooking from the Spice Islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore," by James Oseland The Accidental Vegetarian, Amanda Berne Handheld turnovers are perfect for picnics Recipes: Smoky Potato Pie Broccoli, Green Garlic & Ricotta Pie Chef’s Night In, Dabney Gough Grilled lamb chops take on a German accent from chef Fabrizio Wiest of Suppenkuche Recipe: Grilled Lamb Chops with Red Beet Salad What’s New: Restaurant Openings: Piqueo’s, Peruvian cuisine in Bernal Heights and Zadin Vietnamese in the Castro Texas raised “Akaushi beef Sancho’s Taqueria in Redwood City expands Market Watch: Strawberries and Delta asparagus, cherries coming soon, looks to be a good year for local fruit Taster’s Choice, author King Oscar Tiny Tots Sardines are head and tail above others Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer Impressive wine list matches eclectic cuisine at Nectar in Burlingame (This review appeared Sunday, April 8, 2007) Dining Out, Carol Ness New Orleans hospitality is alive and well in Berkeley at Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen Dining Update, Michael Bauer Touch of the South in Sonoma at The General’s Daughter

I'm not from Philadelphia, but some friends who are seem to think this place is pretty good for California: Cheesesteak Shop Their San Francisco location is on Divisadero near Bush, lots of other locations around the Bay Area. They make a point of "importing" the Amoroso rolls and other ingredients from back East. I would prefer a roast pork sandwich, but I haven't seen anything like that here.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 4, 2007 Two Easters in one, Karola Saekel East Bay family’s meal draws on ancient traditions of Palestine Recipes: Roasted Game Hens on Sumac-Onion Bread (Mousakhan) Palestinian Hummus Mint & Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Laban bi Khiar) Rice with Minced Lamb Easter Cookies with Dates (Kaak bi Ajwa) The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Memories are made of sturdy matzo pancakes Recipes: Banana-Nut Matzo Brei with Brown Sugar & Sour Cream Savory Mushroom (or Chopped Pot Roast) Matzo Brei Plain Matzo Brei The Baker, Flo Braker Dreamy shortcakes celebrate spring Recipes: Spring Fruit Shortcakes What’s New: Book: “A Pig in Provence”, by Georgeanne Brennan Upscale chocolates for Easter Restaurant Opening: BarbersQ in Napa Participate in the Zagat survey New food vendors at the ballparks New Market Opening: Mi Pueblo Food Center in Oakland Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Safeway produces the best frozen peaches The Working Cook, Tara Duggan Transitional dishes suit the fickle weather of spring Recipes: Apple-Smothered Pork Chops Butterfly Pasta with Smoked Salmon & Asparagus Restaurants Dining Out, Jennifer Tomaro Walnut Creek tackles “S.F.” cuisine at The San Franciscan Restaurant Dining Update, Miriam Morgan Dynamite wine list accents French menu at Bistro Elan in Palo Alto The Inside Scoop Home on Union to become Palmetto . . . Mariquita Farm no longer selling at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market . . . local chef Sean O’Brien of Myth is one of Food & Wine’s best of 2007 . . . more burger joints opening . . . and more. Letters to Food Benefits

Matterhorn is listed on the web under "T" for "The Matterhorn ..." It looks like all the restaurants I'll be going to during the end of April are listed in the Top 100, except for one ... in Sonoma ... ← Ah, oops, my mistake. Cheesy goodness preserved. ← We might need to persuade Michael Bauer to post here and give the real story why this fortress of fondue remains on the list And, yes, please rjwong let us know about your plans.

Yes, Matterhorn is still on the list. At least in the print version, seems to be missing from the web listing??? An "interesting" new feature on the Top 100 website is a 360 view of the interior of each restaurant. They also include handy links to the restaurants' websites, and a Google maps link for each restaurant. This year 64 out of the 100 are in San Francisco proper. Well, there is one that is in both San Francisco and Lafayette. In any case, after several years of sliding the other way, this year is the second increase in the San Francisco to out of town ratio. And, oh my gosh, Matterhorn is no longer on the list! ←

The San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 Bay Area restaurants for 2007 The full listings, plus Michael Bauer's introduction, maps and links to previous years' lists. Restaurants by cuisine American Ad Hoc (Yountville) Bix Boulevard Buckeye Roadhouse (Mill Valley) Canteen Chow (San Francisco and Lafayette) Dry Creek Kitchen(Healdsburg) Firefly French Laundry (Yountville) Manresa (Los Gatos) Michael Mina Range Slow Club Tartine Bakery Town Hall Asian Betelnut Poleng Lounge Basque Bocadillos Piperade Barbecue Bo's Barbecue (Lafayette) California Ame Bay Wolf (Oakland) Cafe La Haye (Sonoma) Coco500 Coi Cyrus (Healdsburg) Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant (Forestville) Foreign Cinema Gary Danko Martini House (St. Helena) Mecca Myth Nopa Pescheria Picco/Pizzeria Picco (Larkspur) PlumpJack Cafe Redd (Yountville) Rivoli (Berkeley) Rubicon Scott Howard Silks Terra (St. Helena) Chinese Jai Yun Koi Palace (Daly City) Ton Kiang Yank Sing French Bistro Aix Bistro Jeanty (Yountville) Bouchon (Yountville) Clementine Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton Fleur de Lys Jardiniere La Folie Masa's Greek Kokkari Indian Amber India (Mountain View) Dosa Junnoon (Palo Alto) Mantra (Palo Alto) Vik's Chaat Corner (Berkeley) International Va de Vi (Walnut Creek) Italian A16 Acquerello Antica Trattoria Bistro Don Giovanni (Napa) Cucina (San Anselmo) Delfina Dopo (Oakland) Incanto Oliveto (Oakland) Park Chow Perbacco Pizzaiolo (Oakland) Quince Japanese Kaygetsu (Menlo Park) O Chame (Berkeley) Ozumo Sushi Ran (Sausalito) Latin American Fonda (Albany) Mediterranean A Cote (Oakland) Cetrella (Half Moon Bay) Chez Panisse (Berkeley) Terzo Zuni Cafe Mexican La Taqueria Maya Town Hall Tres Agaves Moroccan Aziza Peruvian Limon Seafood Aqua Bar Crudo Farallon Hog Island Oyster Co. Pesce Pescheria Swan Oyster Depot Spanish Cesar (Berkeley) Zarzuela Swiss Matterhorn Vegetarian Greens Vietnamese Slanted Door

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Cupboard cuisine, Amanda Gold Spring cleaning can stir up fresh ideas using your pantry’s larder Recipes: Velvet Corn & Mushroom Soup Steak & Pinto Beans with Red Chile Sauce Pasta e Fagioli with Spring Peas Herbed Rice and Tuna Salad with Chestnuts Mixed Vinegar Dressing Chef’s Night In, Dabney Gough Chef Jay Foster of Farmer Brown restaurant in San Francisco Recipes: Chicken & Dumplings Something sweet for Passover, Stacy Finz Recipes: Fudgy Coconut Macaroons Phoenix Pastificio’s Almond Macaroons What’s New: Restaurant opening: West County Grill in Sebastapol Beck’sWild Seafood dips Where to get Passover fare to take home Book: “Bento Box in the Heartland”, by Linda Furiya Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Top tamari balances sweet and salty, Eden brand is the winner Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer There are many fish in the sea, and most of them turn up at Go Fish, one of Cindy Pawlcyn’s restaurants in Napa Valley (This review appeared Sunday, March 25, 2007) Dining Out, Amanda Gold With fine-tuning Harmony could sing. Harmony Restaurant in Mill Valley Dining Update, Michael Bauer Ambience outshines the food at Le Colonial in San Francisco The Inside Scoop Hubert Keller will open a Burger Bar location in San Francisco and also in St. Louis . . . new chef at Ozumo . . . 55th anniversary celebration at David’s Delicatessen on Geary . . . and more. Benefits

Must have been a slow news day, because the headline story on the front page of today's San Francisco Chronicle is a story on food-blogging: Food bloggers dish up plates of spicy criticism The article covers lots of interesting ground: the damage that on-line reviews can do to a new restaurant, restaurants offering to comp meals for prominent bloggers, review sites offering restaurants paid ads that feature good comments, can a restaurant sue a web site.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Straight from the source, Carol Ness New Series: Food Conscious: this new feature will explore food supply questions, issues Local tap water bubbles up in restaurants, Carol Ness Seasonal Cook, Karola Saekel Green garlic heralds spring Recipe: Budin de Ajo Verde y Coliflor (Green Garlic & Cauliflower Pudding) The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Bare facts about bears Recipe: Mushroom Barley Lima Bean Soup What’s New: The EVOO-lution of Rachael Ray Single-varietal ice cream Openings: Sotto Mare in North Beach ”Ron’s Box of Fish”, special menu at the Ritz-Carlton Market Watch: Green garlic, fennel, broccoli, mandarins, clementines, rhubarb, strawberries, asparagus are all in the market!!! Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Two top mascarpones hail from Italy, Ciresa and Igor are the top scorers Bay Area chefs snag Beard nominations From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan Liquid chocolate tempts both saints and sinners Recipes: Velvety Foamy Chocolate In a Cup Chocolate Atole Cook’s Books, Karola Saekel Crock-Pot recipes for single eaters Recipes: Chicken Mole Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer Classic American fare, fair prices at the Presidio Social Club (This review appeared Sunday, March 18, 2007) Dining Out, Mandy Erickson Quiet refuge comes to San Carlos, Azure restaurant does Continental/California cuisine Dining Update, Karola Saekel A trust old spot loses its charm, Inn Kensington Dining Update, Michael Bauer After 15 years, LuLu still going strong Between Meals, blog by Michael Bauer The Inside Scoop Lots of changes on the San Mateo coast . . . new restaurant in Winterland space . . . restaurateurs discuss the impact of an increased minimum wage . . . and more. Benefits

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 14, 2007 Irish cuisine comes of age, Georgeanne Brennan Emphasis on fresh, local ingredients is right at home in the Bay Area Recipes: Coleslaw with Blue Brie Dressing Steak & Oyster Pie Scallion Champs Irish Cheeses Baileys Pots de Creme The Accidental Vegetarian, Amanda Berne Vegan stew from Provence Recipes: Artichoke Bouillabaisse Socca What’s New: Irish breads from John Campbell’s Irish Bakery Restaurant openings: Nua and Rouge et Blance, wine bars, Café Bellissimo, Butterfly Bistro in San Bruno, Jovino, Namaste in Berkeley Cook’s Books: “A Year at Ballymaloe Cookery School” by Darina Allen Market Watch: Strawberries from southern California, Delta asparagus are in. The summer stone fruit crop should be plentiful. Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Buttermilk Pancake mixes are tested and the clear winner in Aunt Jemima, which enters the Hall of Fame with a score of 90 points. The Working Cook, Tara Duggan How to fry a fine kettle of fish Recipes: Salt & Pepper Calamari with Watercress Salad Chicken with Tangerine-Almond Bulghur The Baker, Flo Braker Homemade loaves can come from a can Recipes: Date-Nut Bread Apricot Compote Restaurants Dining Out, Amanda Gold Think global but eat local and don’t skip dessert at AVA in San Anselmo (This review appeared on Sunday, March 11, 2007) Dining Out, Tara Duggan New-wave sushi at Tsunami on Fulton Street Dining Update, Carol Ness A taste of France on Russian Hill, Le Petit Robert The Inside Scoop Original Joe’s passes to the next generation and gets an update . . . new East Bay openings . . . plans for downtown Redwood City . . . and more. Benefits

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 7, 2007 Rising Star Chefs 2007, Michael Bauer The 15th class -- the youngest to date -- represent a wide range of styles, also profiles of their restaurants Nate Appleman, A16, Karola Saekel Recipe: Octopus & Ceci Bean Zuppa with Escarole Chris Kronner, Slow Club, Stacy Finz Recipe: Braised Pork Shoulder with Umbrian Farro, Spinach, Toasted Hazelnuts & Amarena Cherries Tim Luym, Poleng Lounge, Carol Ness Recipe: Dungeness Garlic Crab Butter Noodles Jennifer Kenny Nguyen, Salt House, Tara Duggan Recipe: Maple Walnut Tart with Banana Cream James Syhabout, PlumpJack Cafe, Michael Bauer Recipe: Leek & Potato Soup with Melted Leeks in Ash & Marcona Almonds The class of 2006 -- where are they now?, Amanda Gold Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Cornichons were tasted and the French brand Maille was the winner Seasonal Cook, Janet Fletcher Putting the heat on late-winter salad greens Recipes: Basic Braised Greens Radicchio Risotto Linguine with Arugula, Tuna & Hot Pepper Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer Striking setting, uneven fare at Carneros Inn’s Farm in Napa (This review appeared Sunday, March 4, 2007) The Inside Scoop Mexico DF to open downtown . . . new chef for Bacar . . . problems for Oakville Grocery . . . Helmand restaurant closed to repair landslide damage . . . and more. Benefits

Have you tried Noceto's Sangiovese? They are in Amador County, the Sierra Foothills, which is mostly associated with Zinfandel, but Noceto specializes in Sangiovese. I was introduced to them when I found their wine on the (short) wine lists of two very different, but favorite restaurants. Prices are quite reasonable too.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Abalone's lustre grows, Olivia Wu Seafood By the Season: Eco-friendly aquaculture lures endangered mollusk back onto Bay Area menus Recipes: Koi Palace's Abalone Poached in Rich Sauce Manresa's Abalone, Meuniere Style Chefs Night In, Dabney Gough Chef Keiko Sakuma of Kaygetsu in Menlo Park Recipes: Sake-Steamed Tai Snapper Tofu Miso Soup What’s New: Flat Earth Veggie Chips from Frito-Lay Opening: District wine bar South of Market, Avenue G on Stockton Street and another BurgerMeister location at Westlake mall in Daly City. Market Watch: Asparagus and artichokes are coming into markets, citrus supply is better than expected The Working Cook, Tara Duggan What's Up, Doc? Sweet winter carrots Recipes: Hearty Chickpea & Broccoli Soup Lamb Chops with Turkish Carrots & Yogurt Restaurants Dining Out, Michael Bauer Asian-fusion flashback lacks innovation at Umami in the Marina (This review appeared Sunday, February 25, 2007) Dining Out, Karola Saekel Food, music and books join in perfect harmony at The Musical Offering Cafe in Berkeley Between Meals, blog by Michael Bauer The Inside Scoop Cortez closes for repairs . . . Medicine Eatstation closes to redo their concept . . . AsiaSF will open another location: AsiaLA . . . Rouge et Blanc wine bar to open downtown . . . Pisces in Burlingame to close . . . and more. Letters to Food Benefits