rslux

Not to be too cynical, but remember the ulterior motive factor. When a company whose raison d'etre is selling fresh roasted coffee, OF COURSE they are going to tell you that you should always buy fresh roasted coffee.

The first time I was in SF for a 5.0 earthquake, I went with a friend to Tadich for dinner about 30 minutes afterwards, on the theory that if there were any aftershocks we'd probably be safe at a restaurant that has been around as long as Tadich has. The food was quite good and we felt safe to boot. :)

bump as the time approaches - what restaurants have you been able to work into your schedule?

*blush* I like some of the Newman's Own salad dressings.

I really miss Stew Leonard's. I've been going to the original one in Norwalk since I was a kid. Ain't nothing like it out here.

One thing we stock up on at Costco is the Gabbiano Chianti. It's usually $7 and change per bottle, and makes a very good house wine. I rarely buy wine at TJ's but they do have some good wine values there too.

We found Roma tomatos for 29 cents a pound today. A very big pot of marinara rustica is almost done.

Found this one today: http://www.foodtv.com/foodtv/recipe/0,6255...5,21197,00.html

I used to eat lunch at House of Nanking when I worked in that part of town. It was good, very fresh food, but not a place I'd go out of my way for.

Thanks, I'll give it a go.

Trader Joe's had a big bunch of baby artichokes on sale today. I'm contemplating risotto or maybe frying them a la Judea, but other than that I'm drawing a blank. Suggestions for preparation would be greatly apprecated!

Another Napa winery to add to your list is the Robery Sinskey vineyard. Excellent pinots, not too expensive.

I'm very partial to the dim sum (and just about everything else) at Tong Kiang out in the Richmond District. But generally speaking, Chinese food in SF is not that fabulous.

Water or Gatoraid. Asprin. Lots of carbos. I like a big diner breakfast with eggs, potatoes, and corned beef hash, YMMV.

Please do so. I bought some as a gift for someone recently & would hate to think I unwittingly gave him crap. :(