Digest: San Francisco Chronicle

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, December 26, 2007

A One-Pot Wonder, Janet Fletcher

France’s iconic pot-au-feu is the perfect post-Christmas dish

Recipe:

Laurent Manrique’s Pot-au-Feu with Gros Sel Sauce

From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan

Wrap up the holidays with a simple crab feast

Recipe:

Dungeness Crab Cazuela

What’s New:

• Opening: Conduit takes minimalist slant in the Mission
  
• Shopping Cart: Holiday crunch, Raincoast Crisps
  

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

Hall of fame opens doors to 10 items, summary of all taste tests in 2007

The Working Cook, Tara Duggan

The shrimp that stirred the pot

Recipes:

Shrimp Etouffee with Polenta

Quick Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Pepitas

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Sens’ food hits the mark in a stunning setting, Sens Restaurant in Embarcadero Four in San Francisco

(This review appeared Sunday, December 23, 2007)

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

One Market chef’s artistry shines

Dining Out, Carol Ness

It’s all about the vibe at Oakland’s Lavende East

Pizza of the Week

Gioia in Berkeley

The Inside Scoop

Citizen Thai and the Monkey closed on short notice . . . Thomas Keller moving ahead with plans for a burger place in Yountville . . . Cottage Eatery to open in Tiburon . . . and more.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Just the flax, please, Stacy Finz

Nutrition pros help find the grains of truth amid the hype about what to eat

Recipes:

Hulled Barley with Brown Butter & Scallions

Wild Salmon with Quinoa & Peas

Seasonal Cook, Melissa Swanson

An onion's beauty is more than skin deep

Recipes:

Short Ribs alla Genovese

Caramelized Pearl Onions

Pickled Red Onions

The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler

When chickens come home to roast

Recipe:

Ekuri

What's New:

• Dining Deals: Dine about town
  
• Shopping Cart: Multigrain instant cereal with some pizzazz
  
• Books: "The Oxford Companion to Italian Food"
  
• Mail Order Meat: Lava Lake lamb
  

Taster's Choice, Carol Ness

Frozen Spinach from China launches the 2008 Hall of Fame, Woodstock Farms brand

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Top Ten Dining Spots of 2007

• Perbacco
  
• Wood Tavern
  
• Café Majestic
  
• BarbersQ
  
• Ducca
  
• Nick's Cove
  
• Laiola
  
• Ubuntu
  
• Plumed Horse
  
• SPQR
  

(This review appeared Sunday, December 30, 2007)

Dining Out, Mandy Erickson

Pleasing Polish specialties at Chopin Café in Walnut Creek

Pizza of the Week

Gaspare's on Geary Boulevard in San Francisco

The Inside Scoop

Chez TJ chef heading to Meadowood . . . more about Citizen Thai & the Monkey closing . . . well know sushi chef Sachio Kojima returns as a guest to San Francisco . . . and more.

Benefits

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, January 9, 2008

What would Michael Pollan eat?, Carol Ness

The reluctant food movement guru writes another book to answer that very question

Accidental Vegetarian, Amanda Berne

Spain inspires an end to resolutions

Recipes:

Smoky Chickpea Soup

Spanish Salad

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

Trader Joe’s organic hot chocolate is the winner, enter Hall of Fame

East to West, Linda Furiya

Reward yourself with warming rice dish

Recipe:

Ochazuke

The Working Cook, Tara Duggan

From pan to plate in mere minutes, how to pan-sear meat and fish

Recipes:

Toasted Cracked Wheat with Steak, Onions & Greens

Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with Buttered Radishes over Rice

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Big food ambitions in a modest space at Odyssey in Windsor

(This review appeared Sunday, January 6, 2008)

Dining Update, Carol Ness

Dona Tomas gets the balance right in Oakland

Dining Update, Amanda Gold

Seafood hit and miss at Seafood Peddler in San Rafael

Pizza of the Week

Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too in Mountain View

The Inside Scoop

End of an era as Washbag, Trader Vic's close doors . . . changes at Lark Creek Restaurant Group . . . Globe to reopen this week after kitchen fire . . . and more.

[Hest88]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Prime cutlets, Georgeanne Brennan

Quick-cooking Wiener Schnitzel saves the day

Recipes:

Venison Cutlets with Balsamic & Cabernet Sauce

Pork Cutlets with Mushrooms & Pan Gravy

Wiener Schnitzel

Beef Roulades with Anchovy Stuffing

Turkey Cutlets with Creme Fraiche & Green Peppercorns

Chef's Night In, Cindy Lee

Bar Crudo chef goes for the whole fish

Recipe:

Whole Roasted Fish with Sauteed Winter Greens & Mustard Sauce

Food Conscious, Carol Ness

Battle over country of origin heating up

"A recent Taster's Choice column about frozen spinach prompted a mini-storm of e-mail from readers who were dismayed to learn that the panel's favorite brands came from China."

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

Trader Joe's wedge fries panel's top pick for frozen

What's New: Handbag helper, Lynne Char Bennett

"The Luxe Link, a small, flat, collapsible hook (pictured at left), is smaller than a compact but will hold up to 9 pounds. Unwind the chrome tail, hook it around the purse straps then place the flat part on the edge of any table or counter where it will stay..."

What's New: Alemany Farmers' Market report, Miriam Morgan

"With citrus fruits and winter greens at the height of their season, Saturday at the year-round Alemany Farmers' Market is awash in orange and green."

What's New: Restaurants brewing up gourmet blends, Tara Duggan

"After establishing a cult following with kiosks at local farmers' markets, Blue Bottle's fair-trade and organic blends are now in 40 local restaurants."

What's New: Bay Area Restaurant, market openings

Sangha...Yankee Pier Lafayette...Golden Natural Foods and more!

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Sophisticated southern fare at 1300 on Fillmore

(This review appeared Sunday, January 13, 2008)

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

New Mecca menu takes a big step back

Dining Update, Carey Sweet

Casual food fares best at quirky Kelley's No Bad Days Cafe

Pizza of the Week, Michael Bauer

Pauline's in San Francisco

The Inside Scoop

Fifth Floor team set...Myth deal moves forward...and more!

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The new yogurt culture, Amanda Gold

Pro-yo has replaced fro-yo as the trendy snack of choice; appetite for probiotics fuels the market for ‘live’ yogurt

Seasonal Cook, Georgeanne Brennan

Savory ways with sweet grapefruit

Recipes:

Grapefruit, Escarole & Radicchio Salad

Black Cod with Grapefruit Beurre Blanc

Seared Scallops & Grapefruit with Spinach

The Working Cook, Tara Duggan

Rice bowl is simple Seoul food

Recipes:

Kong Na Mool Bahp (Soybean Sprouts & Rice)

Ale-Braised Mussels with Rustic Garlic Toasts

What’s New:

• Restaurants that feature eggs in appetizers and main dishes
  
• Opening: Blue Bottle Coffee debut its Mint Plaza café
  
• Other Openings: Brown Sugar in Oakland, Cocina Poblana in Oakland, Koi Palace opens another location in Dublin
  
• Special Edition: Peet’s “Farley” blend
  

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

House Organic crowned the top tofu

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Genial South Food + Wine Bar showcases down under cusine on Townsend

(This review appeared Sunday, January 20, 2008)

Dining Out, Amanda Gold

Menu takes surprise turns at Olea in San Francisco

Pizza of the Week

Pizzeria Picco in Larkspur

The Inside Scoop

New chef for Chez TJ . . . Cetrella in Half Moon Bay open again after makeover . . . sommelier to stay at Myth . . . Maganani Poultry in Berkeley sold . . . and more.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, January 30, 2008

A fine pickle

Cooking in Common: From Seoul to San Francisco, the cross cultural condiment adds snap to cold-weather menus

Winter pickles are cooler than a cucumber, Karen Solomon

Recipes:

Quick Pickled Daikon with Lemon

Bar Bambino’s Pickled Carrots

Korea’s kimchi addiction catches on in the West, Janet Fletcher

Recipes:

Betelnut’s Udon with Braised Pork, Greens, Kimchi & Poached Egg

Betelnut’s Cabbage Kimchi

Betlenut’s Fried Shallots

Whole Cabbage Kimchi

Kimchi Fried Rice

What’s New:

• Openings: Kuleto’s Epic Roadhouse
  
• Kuleto’s Waterbar
  
• Other Openings: Citronelle in Carmel Valley
  
• Shopping Cart: Raw fare from Roxanne in markets
  

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

Kettle deemed most dip-worthy chip (with ridges), enters hall of fame

From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan

A Super Bowl-perfect prescription

Recipes:

Spicy Chicken Tacos or Tostadas

Vinaigrette

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Lafayette’s Gigi is uneven, but heading in the right direction

(This review appeared Sunday, January 27, 2008)

Dining Out, Mandy Erickson

Rumi’s inspired menu roams Silk Road in San Carlos

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

Portions, prices up at ‘more satisfying’ Terzo in San Francisco

Pizza of the Week

Giorgio’s on Clement Street in San Francisco

The Inside Scoop

Chef changes at SPQR . . . Andronico’s will no longer sell tabacco products . . . changes at Taste wine bar in Berkeley . . . and more.

Letters to Food

Benefits

[Hest88]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Luxe lentils, Tara Duggan

"This time of year, the Bay Area's many Mediterranean-inspired chefs turn to these kinds of lentils for salads, pastas and side dishes that evoke the hearty styles of French and Italian provincial cooking."

Recipes:

French Caviar Lentil, Arugula & Celery Root Salad

Castelluccio Lentils Braised in Red Wine

Warm Lentil Dinner Salad

Lentil & Vegetable Stew (Dhansaak)

The Baker, Flo Braker

A handy cookie recipe

Recipes

Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Lunar New Year soup has sticking power, Cindy Lee

"Now that my family is spread out, seollal is celebrated on a much smaller scale, but we always have to eat ddukguk, the traditional New Year's soup. Other side dishes vary but this soup of chewy, glutinous rice cakes swimming in a rich beef broth is a must."

Recipes:

Egg-battered Zucchini & Shiitake Mushrooms (Jun)

Vietnamese New Year's Stew (Thit Kho)

Korean Rice Cake Soup (Ddukguk)

What’s New:

• Ferry Plaza Farmers market report
  
• Valentine's Day chocolates
  
• Openings: Azzurro Pizzeria & Enoteca in Napa, Xanh Restaurant in Mountain View
  

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

Panel turns up its nose at supermarket spinach dip

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

San Francisco's Yoshi's hits all the culinary high notes

(This review appeared Sunday, February 3, 2008)

Dining Out, Carol Ness

Berkeley's Digs Bistro appealing, but uneven

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Hungering for more at expanded Jai Yun

Pizza of the Week

The Cheeseboard in Berkeley

The Inside Scoop

Scott Howard closes for renovation. . . Myth chef lands new gig . . . Nopa news . . . and more.

[Hest88]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Odd couples, Stacy Finz

Culinarily mismatched mates achieve harmony in the kitchen

Recipes:

Three Bean Chili

Delicate Chocolate Cake (gluten-free)

Lemony Shrimp

Mushroom Risotto

Seasonal Cook, Cindy Lee

For dessert, may we suggest a hot date?

Recipes

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Date & Chocolate Bread Pudding with Goat Cheese Glaze

Dates & Toffee Cake

The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler

Thinking outside the chocolate box on Valentine's Day

Recipes

Romesco Sauce

Deep, Dark Chocolate Mousse

Barcelona Pan-Roasted Garlic Artichokes

Beard Foundation honors wine legend, Cindy Lee

"Winemaker Christian Moueix of Dominus Estate and Chateau Petrus will be honored at the third Legends of Wine event March 2 and 3 in Napa."

What’s New:

• Sweets for last-minute valentines
  
• Letting cheese breathe
  
• Dangerously good brownies
  
• Openings: Cottage Eatery in Tiburon, 2nd Brandy Ho's in SF
  

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

Top-rated non-organic cocoa mixes produce stirring results

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Red Lantern Offers Bold But Inconsistent Asian Flavors

(This review appeared Sunday, February 10, 2008)

Dining Out, Mandy Erickson

San Ramon's Pearl Garden curbs dim sum cravings

Pizza of the Week

Goat Hill Pizza in SF

The Inside Scoop

El Toro reopens. . . Firecracker still open. . . Catahoula to become JoLe. . . and more.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Martin Yan’s Can-Do Attitude, Amanda Gold

The Bay Area’s gregarious TV chef focuses on his native China with a new school and book.

Recipes:

Shangri-La Beef

Spice Market Fish

Tangerine Peel Chicken

Seasonal Cook, Janet Fletcher

Chefs hail Tuscan kale

Recipes:

Creamy Polenta with Tuscan Kale

Tuscan Kale with Anchovies, Golden Raisins & Pine Nuts

From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan

A salad for pleasure, not punishment

Recipes:

Tender Greens with Pears, Caramelized Wlanuts & Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Caramelized Nuts

What’s New:

• Shopping Cart: Ramen lightens up
  
• Shopping Cart: Crock o’Clover
  
• Xroads sea salt from the Philippines
  
• Restaurant Openings; Taylor’s Refresher and Pica Pica Maize Kitchen, Venezuelan cusine, both in the Oxbow Market in Napa
  
• Books: “Eat This, Not That”, by David Zinczenko
  

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

Panel warms to just one frozen lasagna, Michael Angelo’s brand.

Cook’s Books, Amanda Gold

Baking lessons of the melting pot: “Baker’s Odyssey”, by Greg Patent

Recipe:

Lamingtons

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

O Izakaya riffs on Japanese tradition with winning food in the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown

(This review appeared Sunday, February 17, 2008)

Dining Out, Amanda Gold

Sudachi riffs on Japanese classics, on Sutter Street in San Francisco

Dining Update, Carol Ness

Soizic Bistro seduces with interplay of flavors in Oakland

Pizza of the Week

Cucina in San Anselmo

The Inside Scoop

Slow Food Nation plans taking shape . . . executive chef leaving the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco . . . new wine bar for the San Francisco Hilton . . . remodeled Fifth Floor to reopen . . . Hog Island Oysters to open in Oxbow Market in Napa . . . and more.

[Hest88]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Going whole hog, Georgeanne Brennan

A 'day of the pig' feast celebrates the animal in all its glory

Recipes:

Braised Pork Shoulder with Mustard & Capers

Pork & Tomatillo Stew (Chile Verde)

Caillettes

Taylor Boetticher's Porchetta

Rillettes du Porc (Online-only recipe)

Pigs Trotter Terrine (Online-only recipe)

Beans make the perfect housewarming dish, Amanda Berne

"In the midst of unpacking boxes, it's great to have a Dutch oven on the stove, with gently simmering beans lightly scented with chiles, oregano and thyme."

Recipes:

Giant Crusty & Creamy White Beans with Greens

Pot of Beans (Online-only recipe)

Piperade chef pleases picky palates at home, Victoria McGinley

Gerald Hirigoyen discusses appealing to picky young palates.

Recipes:

Pan-Fried Chicken with Lemon & Herbs

Mickey's Chocolate Chip Cookies

What’s New:

• Market Watch: Winter's still on
  
• Opening: Fifth Floor in San Francisco
  
• Opening: Orson, a Falkner-Riddle production set in SF
  
• Other Openings: Double Decker, Leonidas Fresh Belgian Chocolates, Zitouna
  

Author Pollan addresses eaters,

"You can hear author Michael Pollan's take March 5, in a program sponsored by Cal's Graduate School of Journalism, where Pollan teaches."

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Flora paves the way for great food in a changing hood

(This review appeared Sunday, February 24, 2008)

Dining Out, Carey Sweet

Rosso's rustic fare rewards wait

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

Simple ingredients shine in hands of Poggio chef

Pizza of the Week

Firewood Cafe in SF

The Inside Scoop

Frisson chef heading to Anchor & Hope. . . Ken Frank moving La Toque . . . Kelly Fields at Sens . . . Greens opens for Sunday dinner.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Rising Star Chefs 2008, Michael Bauer

Christopher Kostow, The Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena

Recipe: Citrus-Cured Sardines with Escabeche Vegetables

Richard Corbo, Ducca, San Francisco

Recipe: Arancini

Jonnatan Leiva, Jack Falstaff, San Francisco

Recipe: Foraged Wild Mushroom Tart with Blue Cheese Fondue

Ian Begg, Café Majestic, San Francisco

Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Soup

Jeremy Fox and Deanie Hickox Fox, Ubuntu, Napa

Recipes: Frozen Meyer Lemon & Yogurt Parfait with Rhubarb & Rose Geranium

Spiced Carrot ‘Crumble’ with Vermouth, Orange & Crème Fraiche

Rising Star chefs 2007 – Where are they now?

Seasonal Cook, Victoria McGinley

Two-for-one vegetables are the bargain of the produce bin

Recipes:

Roasted Root Vegetables with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Turnip Green Vichyssoise with Pickled Turnips & Malt Froth

Sautéed Beet Greens with Crispy Fried Garlic

What’s New:

• Opening: Luce in San Francisco’s new InterContinental Hotel
  
• Opening: Le Club in San Francisco’s Nob Hill
  

Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness

Café Rouge’s fresh, sweet Italian sausage is the winner

The Working Cook, Tara Duggan

If inspiration won’t strike, wing it

Recipes:

Sesame & Ginger Chicken Wings with Roasted Broccoli

Creamy Macaroni with Sausage, Peppers & Mushrooms

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Serpentine – Comfort food in an unexpected location, San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood

(This review appeared Sunday, March 2, 2008)

Pizza of the Week

Patxi’s in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley (also in Palo Alto)

The Inside Scoop

Moose’s to become Joey & Eddie’s . . . Scott Howard closed . . . Chez Papa chef leaves to open Le Garage . . . Myth chef on TV on “Top Chef” . . . new chef at Brix in Napa . . . more guest chefs at Manresa . . . and more.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Soups & Salads, Georgeanne Brennan

Late-winter pairings make the perfect seasonal dinners

Recipes:

White Bean Soup with Wild Arugula & Meyer Lemon

Creamy Rutabaga & Barley Soup

Leek & Potato Soup

Spicy Pork & Rice Soup with Lime

Frisee, Escarole, Bacon & Fried-Potato Salad

Radicchio & Parsley Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Chopped Salad with Cilantro & Parmesan

Spinach & Satsuma Salad with Orange-Infused Vinaigrette

Tripe lovers reveal their offal secrets, Janet Fletcher

Recipes:

Dona Tomas’s Menudo

Taverna Santi’s Trippa alla Fiorentina

What’s New:

• Top Chef: San Francisco? Four Bay Area contestents
  
• Market Report: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco
  
• Cravings Dept.: Tracking down Girl Scout cookies
  
• St. Patrick’s Day: Where’s the (corned) beef?
  
• Restaurant Openings: Clementine and L’ardoise both in San Francisco
  

Taster’s Choice, Amanda Gold

Frozen garlic bread leaves panel cold, top-scoring Safeway Select brand only get 52 points

Cook’s Books, Tara Duggan

Indian authors take cues from American sensibilities

“Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet”, by Padma Lakshmi

“American Masala”, by Suvir Saran

“Complete Book of Indian Cooking”, by Suneeta Vaswani

“Quick & Easy Indian”, by Madhur Jaffrey

Recipes:

Pan-Seared Flounder in Chipotle Yogurt Sauce (Padma Lakshmi)

Chipotle & Date Chutney (Padma Lakshmi)

Saag Gosht (Lamb with Spinach) (Madhur Jaffrey)

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Fun atmosphere, serious food at sleek Conduit in the Mission

(This review appeared Sunday, March 9, 2008)

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

Michael Mina enters the four-star galaxy in San Francisco

Pizza of the Week

Pizzeria Delfina in San Francisco

The Inside Scoop

Restaurant openings in the East Bay . . . Scott Howard to go to Left Bank in Larkspur . . . Last Supper Club remodeling in the Mission . . . and more.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Dreamy desserts, Janet Fletcher

Italy’s famed ricotta stars in dishes that celebrate Easter, tradition and the season of rebirth

Recipes:

Whipped Ricotta with Candied orange, Pistachios & Chocolate

Ducca’s Ricotta Cheesecake with Brown Sugar Crisp Topping

Ici’s Ricotta Ice Cream

La Ciccia’s Saffron Ricotta Cake

Caramel Ricotta Pudding (Budino di Ricotta)

A sweet hereafter for candy lovers, Jane Tunks

Seasonal Cook, Molly Watson

Keeping up with the Meyers

Recipes:

Spicy Meyer Lemon “Pickle”

Whole-Fruit Meyer Lemon Marmalade

What’s New:

• Taste Test: Dunkin’ Donuts coffee
  
• Easter: Basket-worthy bunnies and eggs
  
• Gadget: Instant juicer
  
• Top Chef: S.F. chefs grab the limelight
  

The Baker, Flo Braker

Bread makes quick work of tart shells

Recipes:

Toasted Bread Tarts

Caponata

Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

The Working Cook, Tara Duggan

Make salad or eggs the main cours

Recipes:

Steak Salad with Arugula, Parmesan & Crispy Capers

Farmer’s Omelet

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

A few hits, but mostly misses at Burlingame’s Ristorante Brio

(This review appeared Sunday, March 16, 2008)

Dining Out, Karola Saekel

Sushi Solano’s menu casts wide net in Albany

Dining Update, Miriam Morgan

From restrained to bold, playing with Southeast Asian flavors

Sirayvah Organic Thai Cusine in San Carlos and Three Seasons Vietnamese in San Francisco

Pizza of the Week

Pizza Antica with locations in San Jose, Mill Valley, Granite Bay and Lafayette

Readers’ Comments from Michael Bauer’s Blog

Readers’ Platform: Four-star differences

The Inside Scoop

Cowgirl Creamery and Cyrus restaurant branching out . . . Greenleaf, Inc. changes hands . . . Food and Water Watch campaign to “Take Back the Tap” . . . and more.

Benefits

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Kids’ menus grow up, Tara Duggan

Chefs are reaching out to families with special plates for children

The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler

Meatballs evoke memories of Grandma

Recipes:

Big Meatballs

Berlin-Inspired Potato Salad

The Accidental Vegetarian, Amanda Berne

A beet hater explore the root of the matter

Recipe:

Beet-Hater’s Salad

What’s New:

• Opening: Candybar in San Francisco, featuring 4-course dessert tasting
  
• Openings: Domo in Hayes Valley, Bellanico in Oakland’s Glenview, Poesia in the Castro
  
• Top Chef: Feeding a crowd, gorilla style
  

Taster’s Choice, Amanda Gold

Organic applesauce land in the Hall of Fame, Mollie O and Eden Organic are winners

From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan

Baja-style fish tacos take a detour through New Orleans

Recipes:

Halibut Fish Tacos

Favorite Green Salsa

Favorite Red-Hot Salsa

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Well-balanced, hyper-local fare at Fish & Farm on Taylor Street in San Francisco

(This review appeared Sunday, March 23, 2008)

Dining Out, Amanda Gold

Pacifica Catch reels in families on Ninth Avenue in San Francisco

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

Potrero Hill’s Baraka maintains its allure

The Inside Scoop

James Beard nominations . . . Café Saint Rose to expand . . . changes at Sens restaurant . . . Western Regional Barista Competition in Berkeley . . . and more.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Kids’ menus grow up, Tara Duggan

Chefs are reaching out to families with special plates for children

The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler

Meatballs evoke memories of Grandma

Recipes:

Big Meatballs

Berlin-Inspired Potato Salad

The Accidental Vegetarian, Amanda Berne

A beet hater explore the root of the matter

Recipe:

Beet-Hater’s Salad

What’s New:

• Opening: Candybar in San Francisco, featuring 4-course dessert tasting
  
• Openings: Domo in Hayes Valley, Bellanico in Oakland’s Glenview, Poesia in the Castro
  
• Top Chef: Feeding a crowd, gorilla style
  

Taster’s Choice, Amanda Gold

Organic applesauce land in the Hall of Fame, Mollie O and Eden Organic are winners

From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan

Baja-style fish tacos take a detour through New Orleans

Recipes:

Halibut Fish Tacos

Favorite Green Salsa

Favorite Red-Hot Salsa

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Well-balanced, hyper-local fare at Fish & Farm on Taylor Street in San Francisco

(This review appeared Sunday, March 23, 2008)

Dining Out, Amanda Gold

Pacifica Catch reels in families on Ninth Avenue in San Francisco

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

Potrero Hill’s Baraka maintains its allure

The Inside Scoop

James Beard nominations . . . Café Saint Rose to expand . . . changes at Sens restaurant . . . Western Regional Barista Competition in Berkeley . . . and more.

[Hest88]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Chef's Night In, Victoria McGinley

After work, a standing date in the kitchen

Recipes:

Manila Clams with Italian Sausage & Fresh Fettuccine

Pan-Roasted Shrimp with Garlic & Chiles

Seasonal Cook, Melissa Swanson

Asparagus fans support the delta's stalk market

Recipes:

Cast-Iron Roasted Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus with Hazelnuts & Chervil

Asparagus with Brown Butter-Basted Egg

Spoonbread gets a seasonal makeover, California style, Amanda Gold

"Though this comfort food classic stems from a very basic recipe, it can be adapted - and updated - to mirror today's culinary trends, especially with the addition of the Bay Area's seasonal and local ingredients."

Recipes:

Strawberry Spoonbread with Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote

Green Garlic, Spring Onion & Gruyere Cheese Spoonbread

Asparagus & Herb Spoonbread with Feta Cheese

Roasted Poblano Pepper, Sweet Potato & Monterey Jack Spoonbread

Maple-Glazed Bacon Spoonbread

Basic Spoonbread

What’s New:

• Opening: Chez Papa Resto opens in Mint Plaza
  
• Openings: Acquacotta in Alameda, Beretta in the Mission
  
• What's New: Miss Vickie's chips
  
• What's New: 'Top Chef' sends San Francisco chef home
  

Taster’s Choice, Amanda Gold

Berkeley Farms wins chocolate milk match

Benefits

Taste of Tamales and Five-Star Night

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Neighborly Local on Rincon Hill

(This review appeared Sunday, March 30, 2008)

Dining Out, Mandy Erickson

Mezes make the meal at Agora in Pleasanton

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

Barndiva in Healdsburg plays it a little too casual

The Inside Scoop

Cortez changes hands . . . From Ponzu to Perry's. . . Pescheria closes. . .Burgers at Cyrus. . . and more.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Spring Entertaining: Keeping it simple, Georgeanne Brennan

Let the season’s most pristine produce guide your menu

Recipes:

Menu 1

Radishes & Favas with Butter & Sea Salt

Asparagus with Tarragon Mayonnaise

Roast Chicken Stuffed with Thyme

Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes & Artichokes

Strawberry Meringues

Menu 2

Toasts with Green Garlic & Farmer’s Cheese

Green Herb Salad with Black Trumpet Mushrooms

Slow-Cooked Lamb with Leeks & Rosemary

Butter-Braised Carrots, Peas & Favas

Rhubarb & Strawberry Shortcakes

The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler

For the love of potatoes

Recipe:

Turkish Potato Salad

What’s New:

• Opening: Mono debuts dinner at Jack London Square
  
• Other openings: Portelli Ross in Novato and Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill on Kearny Street
  
• Event: Chocolate Salon
  
• Holiday: Prepared foods for Passover
  

Taster’s Choice, Amanda Gold

Yehuda matzo still the Passover favorite

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants

(This review appeared Sunday, April 6, 2008)

Dining Out, Carey Sweet

Lively Eat comes up short in the kitchen in San Anselmo

Dining Update, Michael Bauer

Fringale keeps its French spirit South of Market

Dining Update, Amanda Gold

Classic cuisine reigns at le Bistro in Petaluma

The Inside Scoop

Palmetto to close . . . tricky balancing act between Chapeau and Clementine . . . MacArthur Park in Palo Alto changes hands . . . new Perry’s to open at the Embarcadero . . . and more.

Benefits

[Hest88]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Not your grandma's Passover, Melissa Wagenberg Lasher

Bay Area cooks create new holiday traditions by adding fresh California twists

Recipes:

Roasted Carrot Soup

Tangy Chopped Liver

Matzo Balls with Parsley & Sage

Seasonal Cook, Cindy Lee

Pea shoots get the green light

Recipes:

Young Pea Shoots with Caramelized Shallots

Pasta Carbonara with Pea Shoots

Cook's Books, Amanda Gold

Kitchen emporiums share tips, tools

What’s New:

• Openings: Third Mixt Greens
  
• Dunking doughnuts and more for dessert
  
• Menlo Park Farmers' Market report
  
• Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds
  
• 'Top Chef' sends second S.F. chef packing
  

Taster’s Choice, Amanda Gold

Near East by far the best rice pilaf

The Baker, Flo Braker

Rhubarb tarts up dessert

Recipe:

Milano Rice Tart

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Epic portions, epic prices at Kuleto's Roasthouse

(This review appeared Sunday, April 13, 2008)

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Eclectic Sea Salt broadens its appeal

Dining Update, Mandy Erickson

Redwood City's Flaming Fresco a find

Pizza of the Week, Michael Bauer

The Red Grape in Sonoma

The Inside Scoop

Siegel group bails out of deal to buy Myth. . . Miette opens East Bay branch. . . Garcon partners open up new shop. . . and more.

[PamelaF]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Goodbye King, Hello Coho, Janet Fletcher

Chefs and home cooks do have alternatives to the local beloved salmon

Recipes:

Delfina’s Paccheri Amalfi Style

Sauteed Ling Cod with Leeks & Aanchovy Butter

Halibut Baked in Pumpkin Seed Mole

Broiled Sablefish with Coriander & Paprika

Judy Rogers’ Four-Minute Egg Gribiche

Hotdog days of spring, Georgeanne Brennan

Recipes:

Jerry’s_Style Red Hot

Currywurst mit Brotchen

The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler

Malaysian stew inspires a song in her heart

Recipe:

Rendang

What’s New:

• Opening: Anchor & Hope in San Francisco
  
• Other Openings: Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastapol and Le Garage in Sausalito
  
• Top Chef: And then there was one
  
• Pantry Primer: A how-to gift set
  
• Media: Cook’s Illustrated lightens up
  

Taster’s Choice, Amanda Gold

Mollie Stone’s cheddar makes Hall of Fame

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Views, Seafood compete for attention at Waterbar on the Embarcadero

(This review appeared Sunday, April 20, 2008)

Dining Out, Amanda Gold

La Trappe encourages going Belgian in North Beach

Dining Update, Miriam Morgan

Bigger Xanh rolls out edgy design, more dishes in Mountain View

Pizza of the Week

A16 in San Francisco

The Inside Scoop

Michael Mina to open a cocktail lounge in the Westin St. Francis hotel . . . new chef at Marché in Menlo Park . . . Berkeley’s Hotel Durant to undergo renovation . . . Dine About Town to run again June 1 – 15 . . . and more.

Benefits

[Hest88]

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Michael Mina's magic touch, Janet Stacy Finz

"Running through the summaries - usually on his cell phone as Mina drives from his Novato home to his self-named flagship restaurant at the Westin St. Francis hotel in San Francisco - has become imperative. It's how the 39-year-old chef-restaurateur keeps on top of quality."

Recipe:

Michael Mina's Seafood Bake

The Accidental Vegetarian, Amanda Berne

Springing forward with greens galore

Recipes:

Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas, Asparagus, Ricotta & Brown Butter

Green Onion Crepes with Creamy Eggs & Wild Mushrooms

SOUTH TO NORTH, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan

Happy Cinco de Margaritas

Recipes:

Guacamole with a Balloon Whisk

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Orange Chipotle Glaze

Turkey Tenderloins & Sausages with Agave Marinade

Salsa de Molcajete

What’s New:

• Opening: Uva Enoteca opens in San Francisco
  
• Opening: Hopmonk Pampas opens in Palo Alto
  
• Top Chef: Last S.F. contestant booted from 'Top Chef'
  
• Balloon whisk for guacamole
  
• El Cerrito, Berkeley market reports
  

Restaurants

Dining Out, Michael Bauer

Beef is what's for dinner at Stark's in Santa Rosa

(This review appeared Sunday, April 27, 2008)

Dining Out, Carol Ness

Berkeley's Maritime East a hidden gem

The Inside Scoop

Frisson A No Go. . . Nua closes. . . Bakesale Betty expands . . . Mobile bars . . . and more.