wannabake

We liked much of the food at Piperade our small and large plates were excellent. Unfortunately I can't say the same about our desserts they were terrible. And the service, oh the service...our waiter was fairly disinterested, the bartender was abrasive and the hostess was rude. Our waiter had no comment when asked for recommendations for any of the food and especially the wine. We had to wait over an hour for our table and received no apology...and the bartender kept riding us to order something at the bar. The hostess kept getting us confused with another table (long story); I guess it was an off night, but so much so that we will not be returning.

FG, Thanks for the link to the website...now I have a migrane . I hope they do a better job with their pudding .

Cook's Library...(323) 655-3141. I just called and they have Spanish only. I asked to be put on the list for the english and he remarked that there are no plans to publish it in english Misinformed?

Is this it?...I can't tell if it's the english or spanish version.

My hubby and I went to Maui for our Honeymoon. We went all out. And enjoyed some great food. We stayed at the Four Seasons and enjoyed their restaurants quite a bit. They also suggested a number of great spots that we went to and were never disappointed. Pacific Cafe was one...we also went to a great sushi spot at a hotel down the road that I now can't remember, but we went 2xs it was awesome (Royal Prince, maybe). I could check a map if you are interested.

I read it in one day and enjoyed every minute of it.

Burrito Place- El Taqueria Fantastic Dinner- Gary Danko, Masa's, Fifth Floor, or Elisabeth Daniel Good Italian- Defina (not really a "joint", but excellent -- must have panne cotta ), Buca Giovanni or Bocce (for more of North Beach joint type place). Best Dim Sum- Yank Sing (at Rincon Center is open during the week and on Saturdays not sure about Sundays), Ton Kiang (very good, but always packed), Harbor Villiage (only on weekends), and if you want to venture to China Town either Four Seas or China Village. Great Bakery- Tartine!

The Original Kohr's Custard in Seaside...I love it ! I can still remember eating fresh custard just out of the machine -- delicious! I spent 6 summers working there and I would do it again in a second .

Here's a great site www.vegan-food.net for a bunch of cakes just in case...

Tan, What is this? I have no idea what I was just looking at, but it is AMAZING. My mouth is still watering...Is this a shop or what is it?

You can do a braid in a simple way and it makes for such a cool looking little loaf. ANd Matza with seeds of some kind (sesame or poopy)...yum.

it might also be fun to have an untraditional flavor added to it (citrus or herb).

There seems to be a trend in minis or mini samplers. Making the customer feel ok about ordering a treat for just themself or a sampler for the table. Just a thought.

How about a small challah loaf. They proof well in the fridge are fairly durable and pretty difficult to mess up.

Buca Giovanni is one of my favorite "neighborhood" spots in North Beach. Has anyone else tried The Northbeach Restaurant I had a nice meal there about a year ago, has anyone been there recently? I also like Aperto very much, but they do lack consistency and they added a brunch menu that is pretty blah. I think they are trying to compete with all of the "chezs" that have recently overun Potrero. But I have to say that I love the staff and the owner; we had a party there and they treated us very well and the food was terrific!

Reading this thread is giving me a headache (or maybe it is lack of caffeine). I love eGullet and this thread epitomizes why. I read the banter regarding Steve Klc and his most recent article and had to keep on reading. I started to search the site for more posts along the same lines and came across this one. I worship you guys your wit and moxy. It is a great combination that makes a good read for a neophyte, like me. I love reading reviews; the language, the cadence, the content; all the heady stuff that I sometimes don't get, but I love nonetheless. I long to think like that...to recognize all of the subtleties and be able to express them to others. But unfortunately that is not a talent of mine. I go to restaurants to eat, drink and hopefully feel satisfied by the experience. Friends know me, as a good "recommender." I can tell you a good spot to check out, with great parking that is amenable to a toddler-tag-along , but that is about it. So I just wanted to let you all know that your work (posts) is greatly appreciated and your talents recognized -- even if just by lil-ol me .

Yabbies and Swan Oyster Depot are 2 of my favorites for good cheap (priced) seafood. And I know you said --no Asian fusion, but man I LOVE Straits Cafe for seafood -- YUM YUM!

I love Michael Recchiuti (www.recchiutichocolates.com)! Simply spectacular.

Well I went to the restaurant last night and in short I LOVED it... We had a wonderful dining experience. The menu was skillfully prepared. I can say that I have had "finer" (Aqua, Hawthorne Lane, Everest and Trotters in Chicago) dinners, but this one ranks up there. The service was very attentive. And overall it was a very nice experience. I would definately go back

I've never noticed that, and I go to Bi-Rite (Up 18th, a few doors down from Delfina) regularly. Anybody have a comment on the cheese selection at the Italian grocer, about 24 and Valencia? I go there for olives, and other gourmet items (I discovered Dulce De Leche there -- ohmygod), but have never sampled their cheese or meats. It is where Lady Baltimore used to be.

Thanks for the address correction on Tartine--I wouldn't want anyone to miss it on my account...

Wingding, First of all...last I checked I am on a FOOD forum, not a political one. So if I choose to become overly dramatic about my small life and its insignificant problems just ignore me. Obviously there are bigger issues in my life and the world at large than whether a single night out with my husband goes well or not. I was simply responding (one of the few times--if not my last) to a post on a forum that I enjoy very much. Do me a favor don't make me feel badly about it. I read the string because I was interested in the topic. I was asking for help regarding wine choices; yes my question was more of a plea, but it was how I was feeling at the time. So thanks for making me feel small because that must make you feel superior. J.

Okay...I read this entire string and I have to say I'm frightenned of what is awaiting me on Friday night when I dine at CP. I am a new Mom and as any new parent know your opportunities to get out of the house for a special evening are few and far between. My husband, friends and I were going to go to FL, but I squashed the idea last minute; too far from SF and the baby, but now I am starting to think that the disappointment from my meal is going to be so great that I should have waited another year to leave the house and go to FL. I am really scared; this was my idea and now it is going to be a bust. I need help. I checked out the menu for Friday and was very excited (this morning--pre-post reading). I am not a very educated wine person so I usually go with the pairing choices when dining in a fine-restaurant. I am going to be lost and it sounds like there is no one there to rescue me... I NEED HELP!!! I have a lot riding on this. Wine suggestions from someone who has been there recently would be greatly appreciated. THANKS, J.