nutcakes

I wonder if it is too late to comment for your benefit. You didn't give much to go on as far as price range or if you are dining alone. Despite the college presence, the area is basically suburban and dining is generally not of the calibur one can expect if eating more toward LA. I've found most places generally pedestrian, but at least there is some charm in the Claremont 'Village' area, immediately next to the colleges, and there are some independently run restaurants. I have not eaten around there enough to be definative. My relatives there are divided between the adventurous aunts and the Uncles who think it's a ripoff if you don't have gigantic portions. There are many restaurants in the Village and many more opening in the newly constructed area just past it, across Indian Hill Blvd. I have not been there recently but I can mention: Viva Madria - solid Spanish Tapas. This was one of my favorite meals there. Tiny, cramped and noisy, and no res, I think, but a solo diner can eat at the bar. Big menu of small plates and I think some big plates too. Tutti Mangia - Italian. A memorable nice antipasto plate that was too large for the two of us and completely unmemorable entrees. One of the fancier places in the area. Harvard Square - another fancier place. Can't remember if the food had a particular focus. I don't remember the food so much as the funny server who kept comping up wine and desserts for his errors. We had a good time and outdoor dining in nice weather. Walters - an institutuion for breakfast and lunch with large menu. More casual, great patio for lunch and inside is a bit nicer at night at dinner time Popular for salads and such but has a few Afgani-flavored items that are mildly interesting, esp if they come with the cilantro sauce (in squeeze bottle.) But nothing like a full-on Afgan restaurant that I've been to that was great. Looks like they have a pastry chef and nice desserts. You can get something small or a big dinner here. The Press - restaurant and bar with music. You can eat at the bar. We heard something pretty good there with no cover. There are lots of vegetarian and 'world cusine' items on the menu, but I've not tried the food. Nice place. A short drive away, about a mile, is my favorite destination and if you are a chowhound type you should hit it. Sanamluang - Thai, really, really good authentic Thai. It's a cute clean place tucked into a incongruous strip mall anchored by a Mexican Grocery store. There is another branch in thai town in Hollywood. I always avoided Pad Thai until I had it here, it's a revelation. I love the grilled beef salad (there are 2, I like the one without the lettuce) but it can be extremely spicy. Last time they told me I can ask for a bit less spicy. I like the fish cake appetizer. The General's soup is a Chinese style soup with a bit of everything, pork, shrimp, meatballs, thin wheat noodles. I think the duck noodle soup too. Big menu, many things to try and fresh juice drinks too. I think they have beer. 1520 Indian Hill Blvd, not too far across the 10 freeway, Pomona. Open late.

I've also eaten at Versailles on the way to the airport, but I went to the one north of the airport at 10319 Venice Bldv, Culver City. The Cuban garlic chicken is awesome, mostly because of the garlic mojo and all the rice, beans and plaintains on the side. Chicken itself a bit dry, but I'd love to have it again, or to try the pork if it has that amazing sauce. You can buy the sauce at the restaurant, has anyone tried it bottled? http://www.versaillescuban.com/locations.html

La Super Rica is the type of place I would eat at almost everyday if I were in the area. I most often get the grilled pepper 'stuffed' with marinated grilled pork and cheese. This is a fresh fleshy triangular shaped pepper that I am used to calling a poblano pepper. The chilequilas look outrageously good, but I've not yet tried them. Ditto the vegetable tamales. Poblano pepper pic: http://tasteoftx.com/recipes/chiles/poblano.html

I think you choices are good and make much sense for ease and convenience. I'm sure you won't walk away disappointed at Slanted Door or Yank Sing. I eat at both regularly and the proximity to your hotel will make for a relaxed visit (I work right there.) A16 is probably a better choice for lunch than dinner as dinner it is a madhouse. Try the proscuitto and burata appetizer, that burata is amazing!

The grilled sourdough burger is really great when you are starving and want a huge juicy burger. Haven't found anything else than the burgers that I like there, except they occasionally have a decent pulled pork special. I like In-N-Out too, but they don't compare--Taylors is more like real food as opposed to fast food.

I went by around 3:30 on Friday and had to wait in line with 30 people ahead of me. After 10 minutes only one person came out with a box, so I didn't have time to wait any longer.

I am shocked that you were sent to Popolo, but that is the kind of place a bunch a businessmen who didn't care what they ate would be sent. I think it survives for being kinda cheap and you can do work things for someone's birthday or something at lunch for 12 or 15 with no problem, which is how I went. I didn't think anyone would go there for dinner. Too bad as you were only a block or two off of Beldon Place (but it might be difficult to seat your party.) You were also within 1/2 block of Medicine Eatstation, a really exciting new place based on Zen temple foods (of course all modernized) and fresh ingredients. It also has nice wines and long long tables that would have worked.

I don't consider that a good deal, but perhaps you mean good value and I get that. Thanks for posting about the course deal. A couple other 3 course deals to keep in mind: Cosmopolitan Cafe, 3 courses $25 - only from 5:30 to 6:30 PM M-Sat, closed Sun You get about 3 selections in each catagory. Portions are generous. The romaine salad with warm polenta croutons is terrific, but the fennel citrus with Vella jack is also excellent. They change the dishes up a bit but the salmon is always tasty, had a excellent lamb pot roast once. Insanely delicious butterscotch pudding and one time a trio of citrus dessert (oh that one was DAT.) At this sime of day, the place is nicely hushed and comfy. Hayes Street Grill Prix Fixe: Choice of two salad, Grilled or Sauteed Fish (chef's choice), Dessert Served Sunday through Thursday after 7:30 p.m. $29. I have had halibut in choice of sauce and skate wing in browned butter with capers. Dessert was always Creme Brulee and they do a great one.

I work nearby and go fairly often. But not for taco's, there is a taco truck a block from me that has just about as good of tacos and I can get 2 for 2.50. I didn't like the quesadilla mijita at all too rich I only ate half. The best thing is the breakfast. I like the Chilaquiles with an egg over easy on top. Spicy sauce, mild beans the perfect foil and a nice egg. They often have a special of 3 rolled crispy chicken taco's for $7 and they are pretty good. The best thing I ever had was the Tostada Tinga special but I only saw it once and they acted all strange with me when I asked about it. It seemed the kitchen staff didn't want to make it or something. The also never seem to have the cucumber-lime agua fresca which is *crazy good* like a insane limeade. The albondagas soup is very good if you are expecitng a tomato based broth (I like clear beef broth) and I'd get it again. The regular tortilla soup is a puree with a few tortillas and a little cream. Pretty good but not a satisfying complete lunch, I'd like a cup sized portion along with something else. The grapfruit and jicima salad with pepitas is good.

Perhaps you didn't read it because it was from 2003 and stale anyway. I quite like the SD and wouldn't hesitate to reccomend it if price is not a concern. I used to eat there when it was a small place in the Mission, alas the prices are so high now but he has also cultivated organic suppliers for these ingredients where less was available before. I notice I do steer clear of certain things that you can get same or better elsewhere like the imperial rolls, unless I am having a noodle bowl from the afternoon tea menu: grilled lemongrass pork over rice noodles with imperial rolls, cucumber and mint 9.5 I really like the way they do this appetizer, but maybe it's only on the lunch menu: Vietnamese crêpe with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and onions 9.5 Those clams looked awesome.

The San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles area, off 101, and close to 1, has a glut of reputable wineries. I've stopped in a few some years ago, but don't recall. The venerable Edna Valley won the weekly's BEST OF: Edna Valley's tasting room hits the mark: In our voters' minds, this Edna Valley pioneer makes wines second only to Wild Horse, as it did again this year. But when it comes to the spectacular, panoramic view can you think of another Central Coast tasting room that equals it Edna Valley Vineyard is like an Olympic archer; it hits the bull's eye every time. According to tasting room manager Peter Vandersluis, We think of it as wine with a view. Of course, it takes more than eye candy to bring people back, repeat business requires a good attitude from the people pouring wine. If you are in the area Hearst Castle is really something to see, and the tour give a great feel of the life and times of WRH...tour will take a couple hours at least-- included is an interesting IMAX film about the making of...we enjoyed a tour recently and afterward rented The Cat's Meow. The area around here is cute, with a couple small beach towns (Moro Bay, Pismo Beach) and would be a good place to stay overnight. We've been to a U-pick berry farm and enjoyed some decent food. The SLO Thursday night farmers market and BBQ is a MUST. Big Street party with food.

Morrone was opening Chef at Aqua and it was his signature fois gras tuna tower as well as was (is?) the very special ahi tartare, which he once told me he can't recreate because it was 'sold' to the restaurant. Mina was his Chef de Cuisine and became exec chef when Morrone left.

This is the Thai place on Market street near the Safeway, same side of Market, 2 long city blocks up (link has pic). Thai House 2000 Market http://www.ktvu.com/restaurants/1894318/detail.html

I have had the ribs and Powells and thought the sauce was very good, the ribs good but fatty. I don't really like those overcooked sides that comes with soul food, so I can't really say about that. Ditto the fried chix, I can't bring myself to order that in a restaurant, so I only eat it when I make it.

I saw Emeril do a Caldo Verde on an old Foodtv show and it turned me into a total convert. Very simple to do. The recipe used to be on the website, but now there are several different ones. I thought I'd post this because the seasoned oil you make at the start is a nice touch. Caldo Verde In a large pot heat: 2-3 Tbsp of good quality olive oil 2 whole cloves of garlic 2 bay leaves, broken in half a good pinch of hot red pepper flakes Let sizzle in the oil a bit and add: 1-1/2 cups chopped onion Stir for a few minutes until tranclucent but not browned. Add: 6 small to medium potatoes, peeled and diced 9 cups water (I use part chicken stock) 2 to 3 tsp minced garlic (optional, if you like it garlicky) Cover and simmer until potatoes are very tender and whisk or mash a bit to help them fall apart. Add: 1 large bunch of kale leaves, removed from stem and sliced into ribbons (or shredded finely). Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile in a skillet, saute: 2 or 3 links of Spanish (not Mexican) style chorizo or other smoked sausage Add to pot and simmer 5 more minutes. Serve. Note: sometimes beans (red, white, chick peas) are added.

Well you can take the Geary bus ($1.25), that is fine. Geary is ok in the day, if I recall, but most of the tenderloin area north of market gets pretty ugly in the day and I wouldn't ever go in there at night. I'd take the bus or approach it from the Van Ness/Polk street side. I found an address for Pagolac which is mentioned in the Bay Guardian this week by a writer who ate the 7 courses of beef dinner ($13.95 each) there... Pagolac 655 Larkin 11 am-10 pm 776-3234 Also in the same issue a write up on a Turkish place in the immediate area, inexpensive and good, ya might wana check it out. A la Turka 869 Geary at Larkin And a go to Olive, a trendy little bar with delicious thin crisp pizza's for a before or after dinner drink. Olive Bar 743 Larkin Street | San Francisco, CA 94109 tel 415.776.9814 | fax 415.674.5142 Hours: Mon 5:30-12:30, Tues 5:30-12:30, Wed 5:30-12:30, Thurs 5:30-12:30, Fri 5:30-12:30, Sat 5:30-12:30, Sun 5:30-12:30 You'll be real insiders after this visit, going where few tourists do.

Can I ask what hotel or the cross street? If you are on the other side of the Tenderloin, you won't want to walk through it to get to Larkin at night for sure. Don't do it

My 2 cents here. I agree that renting a car and driving down to SJ is a huge (and not pleaseant) shlep that will add greatly to your costs, so I'd only do that if you are really on a mission. (That said, I'm making a beeline the next rare occasion that I'm down there). There's a pretty large Vietnamese population here in SF concentrated in the tenderloin. Larkin street is the main drag for restaurants and is on the edge of the tenderloin and not too scuzzy. Larkin street extends West from the SF Civic Center so you can begin or end your restaurant trek with a visit to the new Asian Art Museum if you like. Using the museum as a marker you can walk up the next 5 or 6 blocks and see many options. I like Saigon Sandwich the best, they use Bakers' of Paris bread. Next, I like Wrap Delite. Only the barest if any seating. But don't let that put you off! Squeeze in, eat it walking down the street or find a bench. The sandwiches are $2 to $2.25. These are both on the same side as the museum, Wrap Delite is 2nd block up, Saigon S the third block. I've also noticed a brand new shop catty corner from Saigon S. called Cynthia's. Saigon Sandwich 560 Larkin St at Eddy Wrap Delite 426 Larkin at Golden Gate As you walk further up, there will be many restaurants, mostly on the left. There's a white building with blue writing Turtle Cafe? which is said to be regional and is all local Vietnamese clientele. I've not tried it but the menu looks straightforward and cheap. There was one we tried not too far up...modern looking glass and green marble maybe and #2 in the name (others are in LA), and popular, the Pho was ok but not the clear broth I'm used to. Pagolac is on my list, as they have a nice selection of things to wrap in rice paper I'm told are good, and the catfish claypot. I went to one around the corner from Pagolac. Scope out these and around the corner ones--they are all pretty inexpensive and I bet you can't go wrong. Further up at Geary and Larkin is a great little Thai place, very cute and modern. The food is extremely hot and spicy. This seems so much more authentic than most of the cookie cutter Thai in SF. Thai House Express has some unusual dishes, I've had the salads (so hot!) and a mild braised pork house special (not hot, very homey). They have specials. Anothe Thai option in the area is Sai Jai at 771 O'Farrell St at Hyde. Very inexpensive and I've heard good things. Normally you don't ask for extra spicy in Thai and Viet places, because hot condiments are provided at table. I think it's more the kind of thing at non-Asian clientele places. The Richmond district has even many more Thai and Vietnamese places (Geary Street and Clement Street)--La Vie on Geary is often mentioned. I don't get out there much. Aside from these 2 areas there are stand alone Vietnamese restaurants catering to local (non-Vietnamese) neighborhoods. Tell us where you are staying. But if near downtown, my fav is in Chinatown. Golden Star has a really superior Pho, great broth, and I usually start with salad rolls or something for an appetizer. 11 Walter Lum Place, between Kearney and Grant/Clay and Washington Edited to remove mention of resto with nice decor.

I roasted rinsed canned chickpeas right in with the cauliflower and onion wedges. 2 nights ago I roasted at 450 for about 35 minutes. They are not dry and crisp like wasabi peas. They are crunchy on the outside and regular inside. First toss all with a little olive oil. Then, I mixed a nice curry with a sweet ground garam masala (Penzy's) and lightly sprinkled the spices, salt, pepper on. Hit with a little lemon juice after it comes out of the oven. Even when we finished dinner, we nibbled on all the remaining chick peas. I'm sure cooked dried beans would be even nicer. Cumin spiced would be a good idea too.

Geeze, I finally looked at the dates. Apologies for reviving this tired old thread. Why is it highlighted on the front page?

Apologies to Frye with last few pages (which I finally skipped, it looked like pages were growing with 'chat' as I was reading this). I don't know if there is any point in going back to CF discussion now, but... I have done mystery shopping for CF, so I found Frye's comments interesting. I do believe that SF has a service disconnect that causes long delays and errors. Each section is trained and scripted, yet do not work well together. I took a couple kids once as a treat, and one didn't get served her meal until we asked for the check; no water or drink orders either. It's improved since then, but still many problems. The portions are really very large and items will be packed to go. I was informed that all of the recipes were developed to taste and look good when reheated. Everyone I take as my guest is delighted to go. I once took a Chinese coworker whose family does not eat out much and she couldn't wait to return with them. The best thing I've ever has was the luau salad. It was weird that there was a sweet layer on the large, crisp wonton, but the salad tasted so fresh and crunchy I've thought about going for it at times. The chicken marsala is one of the most popular dishes, but I haven't tasted it. In the '80's, when there were just 3 cheesecake factories in LA, it was *the* place to go for afterwork drinks. It went corporate in '92.

I first tried roasted cauliflower a few years ago in a mixed roast vegetable tray from a Jamie Oliver recipe that looked appealing on a Naked Chef episode. The tray of vegetables sits under a marinated leg of lamb that's roasted on a rack so the juices drip on the veg. The tray roasted vegetable combo did not survive on the website (although the lamb did), but it was composed of potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, onions, garlic and chick peas, maybe even sweet potatoes, iirc. And seasoned with s&p, evoo, and sweet garam masala spices. Delicious. But the cauliflower and chick peas really stood out, so I have roasted those together with onions, sometimes squeezing lemon juice over at the end. The lamb was interesting too. Very efficient in that the unusual marinade, which combined mashed chick peas, yogurt, and mint, had a reserved portion which was used as a sauce/dressing. This link contains the recipe: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/nakedchef/recipe_wk4.shtml March 2002, Fine Cooking magazine had a roast cauliflower article, including a cauli and frisse salad with a mustardy dressing, a roasted cauli soup and others. Cauliflower soup is particularly fine with a few drops of white truffle oil.

Haven't been to Langers in 10 years, don't get to LA much, but what stands out in my mind was the incredible bread they make the sandwich with.

Girl Chow, Hopefully you have got the idea that to eat near the Wharf is generally a bad idea. North Beach is only a mile away, so why don't you do L'Osteria for lunch instead of dinner? They serve all afternoon, so you can stroll around NB before or after. You can get an assortment of small dishes, maybe one of the excellent small pizzas or the sandwiches on their house made focaccia. The small listing of specials are usually great. This is a small unassuming storefront--not really a destination dinner spot. They do a cocktail I like called the Shakerato (campari with orange, shaken with ice). Or Mario's on the corner of the same block of Columbus does have great local atmo and great sandwiches on famous focaccia from Liguria bakery. Then Drive through the wharf area, maybe stopping at the Cannery or the Ghirardelli end. The other end is real junky tourist crap, chains etc. Only thing worthwhile are maybe the sea lions you can see from Pier 39. Then you are free for dinner at Zuni or Delfina. I'd pick Zuni for an out of towner. Or if you still want Italian. Try Da Flora back in North Beach. A very eceletic and personal resto, rustic and romantic as well.

I am surprised by the lack of enthusiasm about silpat. I have heard praises from bakers sung for ages, and finally broke down and bought 2 on sale. So far, I am really happy with the results, and am producing the best and most consistent cookies. I'm mostly making a large (4"diam) molasses crinkle cookie and various biscotti. Also have made a type of sugar cookie that you chill and slice. Random others. The baking seems more even, and of course, nothing sticks to it. Plus you don't grease the pan, and your pan is clean in the end. I have never seen them made for putting in cake pans. You cannot cut them so it does not work for baking cakes unless you bake in half sheet size. I have noticed the price dropping, not rising.