tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79211898539920437692024-02-20T15:48:54.638-08:00gorgeous grubAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-91380266505906366182015-11-08T10:18:00.000-08:002015-11-08T10:18:32.463-08:00Savoring Sicily<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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lucky me, i got to travel to Sicily to work on a cookbook that will be published next year by Rizzoli. what an amazing way to experience the wonderfully warm, generous people and incredibly diverse regions. the wines and food and landscapes are out of this world. and i learned of the deep, rich, layered history. if Sicily is not on your bucket list yet, it should be! </div>
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country</div>
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city<br />
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spectacular scenery<br />
in between</div>
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caffeine with farm fresh milk</div>
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first breakfast:<br />
country eggs<br />
and home baked bread<br />
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nespole (loquat) fresh off the tree</div>
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precious wild strawberries</div>
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fava beans everywhere</div>
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unique shape of Sicilian lemons</div>
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nearly everyone makes their own olive oil </div>
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heavenly on fresh grilled zucchini</div>
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produce trucks roam every town</div>
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ricotta baskets</div>
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ricotta drained, rolled and pressed </div>
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chile and pepper ricotta</div>
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warm, fresh tuma </div>
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yes, a cheese pig</div>
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dough 'pillow'</div>
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incredible breads</div>
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handmade pasta</div>
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the hands<br />
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wild boar ravioli </div>
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linguine with bottarga</div>
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phenomenal seascapes</div>
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spectacular sea urchins</div>
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certain pastry are particular to a town</div>
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these are found in only one town</div>
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warm, tender dough filled with rich chocolate and fried</div>
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a gelato cake from the gelateria in a small town</div>
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lemon sorbetto</div>
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200+ year old winery<br />
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with rainbows over the vineyards<br />
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olive trees everywhere</div>
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caper plants are the stars of Salina </div>
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(one of the Aeolean islands)</div>
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negronis at sunset </div>
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with a view of active volcanos in the distance</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-48348098085373810742014-11-26T01:56:00.000-08:002014-11-26T03:05:06.691-08:00Vietnam, Food Monsoon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPRDKMXHlPy4zm-k8tZ8Gm8uc7S_pRwfF1BJ_67YBzqowd5kbyKVHtLwpm2cAZcwzm-xCPH8mvYdRUAku3TorvI2nPS_s8Z-x6BaVM690TfmZnsaOXzwlb5MvUs1xsVK2DfQGNLB9ecQ/s1600/photo+4-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPRDKMXHlPy4zm-k8tZ8Gm8uc7S_pRwfF1BJ_67YBzqowd5kbyKVHtLwpm2cAZcwzm-xCPH8mvYdRUAku3TorvI2nPS_s8Z-x6BaVM690TfmZnsaOXzwlb5MvUs1xsVK2DfQGNLB9ecQ/s1600/photo+4-4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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i just got back from vietnam where it's monsoon season.</div>
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lucky for me, the weather was spectacular.</div>
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my brother and sister-in-law live there. </div>
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through them and their wonderfully eclectic circle of friends, </div>
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i experienced central and northern vietnam</div>
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in a unique and adventuresome way.</div>
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plus, </div>
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the food...was...incredible!</div>
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here are some highlights </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfwUqZ6i_T-BYxx1rqtBvg8htVRqeSkTFRUa94KAVHzyRM2MakeybUicIqLtYPM5U6L2HoGGLFWhvpNX1S85lWKXgfSQjpOeDGXCIrH3-ik0w0PIwU01lEdutCwC09xBvXsC7lzRg0m8/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfwUqZ6i_T-BYxx1rqtBvg8htVRqeSkTFRUa94KAVHzyRM2MakeybUicIqLtYPM5U6L2HoGGLFWhvpNX1S85lWKXgfSQjpOeDGXCIrH3-ik0w0PIwU01lEdutCwC09xBvXsC7lzRg0m8/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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(had to sneak in a pic of the beach and warm ocean water)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbP95fWyRu_rWZCYOshlvLk3RKI7cjeV0oS0tXlB20Sykm27DshMd0GPMjSmCWm6FGSAPGoFpQ8YiZClh44TYLlBqyRCzlMBcUT4E1hIRhbfnRqPBX325y7s3tir9xxB0HZppbZhtRyU/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbP95fWyRu_rWZCYOshlvLk3RKI7cjeV0oS0tXlB20Sykm27DshMd0GPMjSmCWm6FGSAPGoFpQ8YiZClh44TYLlBqyRCzlMBcUT4E1hIRhbfnRqPBX325y7s3tir9xxB0HZppbZhtRyU/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a> </div>
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northern style pho bo (beef noodle soup) </div>
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best bahn mi (pork sandwich) in hoi an</div>
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no trip is complete without visiting the market </div>
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rambutan fruit</div>
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fresh hibiscus </div>
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mesmerizing knife proficiency </div>
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crowd controlled crabs </div>
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traditional fishing boats</div>
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-essentially, enormous woven baskets-</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStjtm_4Zn5UtfMLU-UF-8B4UWMlXkqin_Dik6RDxXBcGj-bcodz7cmLb8LPMkw3BKJxHC9KQ4p8fpT9Nyy6w8mHz69N_qnQWKUWkFHQyRZFhfzQ3dbGXmERUKmX-LkJ2flRau8V-V9gM/s1600/photo+1-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStjtm_4Zn5UtfMLU-UF-8B4UWMlXkqin_Dik6RDxXBcGj-bcodz7cmLb8LPMkw3BKJxHC9KQ4p8fpT9Nyy6w8mHz69N_qnQWKUWkFHQyRZFhfzQ3dbGXmERUKmX-LkJ2flRau8V-V9gM/s1600/photo+1-5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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my sister-in-law makes the best </div>
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bun cha (marinated bbq pork with noodles and greens) </div>
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on the face of the planet</div>
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-sadly, i failed to capture the beauty of the final dish-</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYxyBxTkzXvbmjk-w3VJoxdTJALQ_GWNKOo3sxWH9wdbB9-KMO5_GLk-7niYO0toB3jbqgkK-iag87FqADiWovC7v20171ZM6GAVMd-zQgDs64ZnJCPOXaCaiOv_EeJGxXNQ2fQoEUtA/s1600/photo+4-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYxyBxTkzXvbmjk-w3VJoxdTJALQ_GWNKOo3sxWH9wdbB9-KMO5_GLk-7niYO0toB3jbqgkK-iag87FqADiWovC7v20171ZM6GAVMd-zQgDs64ZnJCPOXaCaiOv_EeJGxXNQ2fQoEUtA/s1600/photo+4-5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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nem lui (bbq pork roll) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwSCs2SUT5ECIeUwKXedWtc-eu57qR-KN6H9mq6HsDdaooHom_LNIU6Gkp-rtlPl_Wvz45i_rsAT7oMNj3NOtJtD1S9s70DBSJO3STtU4vK8DopMfjnW98rtJQKyhyOtyRqEBOGdMV00/s1600/photo+4-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwSCs2SUT5ECIeUwKXedWtc-eu57qR-KN6H9mq6HsDdaooHom_LNIU6Gkp-rtlPl_Wvz45i_rsAT7oMNj3NOtJtD1S9s70DBSJO3STtU4vK8DopMfjnW98rtJQKyhyOtyRqEBOGdMV00/s1600/photo+4-3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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make it yourself, your way</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNQwzetfuW_UkpRYvSxtIN7n3SWRY-2_Jteihzrqeg6KFf1lIymTFqNScO2ZVgI9ZY6_0mYxHUXltIooB0gRW-SeffgcffSqiU2cv055klR28aPOztNlvG_voto7jPEsZIJF0wW7Ddv4/s1600/photo+3-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNQwzetfuW_UkpRYvSxtIN7n3SWRY-2_Jteihzrqeg6KFf1lIymTFqNScO2ZVgI9ZY6_0mYxHUXltIooB0gRW-SeffgcffSqiU2cv055klR28aPOztNlvG_voto7jPEsZIJF0wW7Ddv4/s1600/photo+3-5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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thin slices of green banana add crunch</div>
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and unique flavor </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRDe6S7lmC3oVIQCmAaKKEhcYEe4Q0ZUfkUMlg0JvowcDvZdv8z4APAssxfdIPr1FVmtqxSs3mbLj3ban1IstN5I-SAMQ9gfuhdJoIA3FYSd9YvXLZgJpGJDXqJDDZ1p_7iwjM1wgbXs/s1600/photo+2-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRDe6S7lmC3oVIQCmAaKKEhcYEe4Q0ZUfkUMlg0JvowcDvZdv8z4APAssxfdIPr1FVmtqxSs3mbLj3ban1IstN5I-SAMQ9gfuhdJoIA3FYSd9YvXLZgJpGJDXqJDDZ1p_7iwjM1wgbXs/s1600/photo+2-4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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if you like, </div>
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take a bite of red chili and/or garlic with each bite of nem</div>
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for a little extra spice </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWmQy1rspCfhZXOrBXld9N_DV7L2JYDn5cCwRWM78Kb6w5okeGuYR2_mB3m2ZCPwoTvAxOH1Ih9snb0fcouu42JdCeFfqxh9xq5xIFReTo_3_UO3_YDnTUNH2X37gavV7cW6sEqzRFkk/s1600/photo+5-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWmQy1rspCfhZXOrBXld9N_DV7L2JYDn5cCwRWM78Kb6w5okeGuYR2_mB3m2ZCPwoTvAxOH1Ih9snb0fcouu42JdCeFfqxh9xq5xIFReTo_3_UO3_YDnTUNH2X37gavV7cW6sEqzRFkk/s1600/photo+5-3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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bahn xeo (crispy rice pancake) -- filled with </div>
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shrimp, pork and bean sprouts </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W8Y5e003UyNiysjpLNsmLX87Zw7x58HIoqqYlZ7aHHGpt0FUClZDlnnBVBmhoj1ayGPG8CN1ptrWL0s3UM-9gCqXL5AHSgOSO65PFJL1kE34M32gcVY3R6w0shuyzox1FbjJffIxDVs/s1600/photo+1-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W8Y5e003UyNiysjpLNsmLX87Zw7x58HIoqqYlZ7aHHGpt0FUClZDlnnBVBmhoj1ayGPG8CN1ptrWL0s3UM-9gCqXL5AHSgOSO65PFJL1kE34M32gcVY3R6w0shuyzox1FbjJffIxDVs/s1600/photo+1-2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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can be eaten by themselves, or also made into a roll </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheci6jyb5P51CQFGpl427O3iS7hlCUW5-6ihLObYnM2SvTkB82ng9yOVnu7kS0y8AbFJpiRpIEtYli4svmLYlQxV46A3a8tF8zIqhRLapEBz5b7lMO1Cw1RONeKe47aFFvYJzBpPa5oKs/s1600/photo+5-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheci6jyb5P51CQFGpl427O3iS7hlCUW5-6ihLObYnM2SvTkB82ng9yOVnu7kS0y8AbFJpiRpIEtYli4svmLYlQxV46A3a8tF8zIqhRLapEBz5b7lMO1Cw1RONeKe47aFFvYJzBpPa5oKs/s1600/photo+5-4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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lunch for two -- with beverages -- was a whopping</div>
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$4 US</div>
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and we couldn't finish it all</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhlh3W5mhLBV5nCAboBff9IYFWyTKSKT67Z0d-RCPAhQXa-udw-vFoggRWNq6CcyIZITwklWbwv9HG-9OdSMuePZUSBr1PPv3Ym-IBldbzUUUyzcZyN7SjC2ygvywYEUOgaqYVzpFkl0/s1600/photo+3-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhlh3W5mhLBV5nCAboBff9IYFWyTKSKT67Z0d-RCPAhQXa-udw-vFoggRWNq6CcyIZITwklWbwv9HG-9OdSMuePZUSBr1PPv3Ym-IBldbzUUUyzcZyN7SjC2ygvywYEUOgaqYVzpFkl0/s1600/photo+3-2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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a surprising little factoid -- to me, at least: </div>
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vietnam is the world's largest producer of</div>
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black pepper </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGtKmFsKPnu1sNWNy43xaJik7U3fTU_ZuJYR9vtabMPaal2krxfpkyGV96ngIpxNoB8vn5TWPVL-fo2e2qSkN9-_DH4vjI9x7N0EkxshRZY4QIY31Aq6BaxJ007jcJCzXqP35trEH5wU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGtKmFsKPnu1sNWNy43xaJik7U3fTU_ZuJYR9vtabMPaal2krxfpkyGV96ngIpxNoB8vn5TWPVL-fo2e2qSkN9-_DH4vjI9x7N0EkxshRZY4QIY31Aq6BaxJ007jcJCzXqP35trEH5wU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
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i love that hanoi is a city filled with 24 hour food shops.</div>
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we caught the mien ngan (duck noodles) shift late one night </div>
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kumquats are a typical accompaniment and nice addition to this dish</div>
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along with the ubiquitous hot sauces and super hot sliced chilies --</div>
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which our table mate (rightly) suggested adding for the photo </div>
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at the end of the trip, </div>
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my sister-in-law took me to her village </div>
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where we walked through acres of spectacular gardens </div>
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not only was everything meticulously planted and maintained,</div>
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the aroma of the herbs was phenomenal </div>
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here: ginger chicken, perfectly cooked garden vegetables, </div>
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sauteed cabbage, spring rolls, pork stew</div>
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i ate so much amazing food on this trip!</div>
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yet, </div>
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the most special food experience </div>
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was the meal shared with </div>
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my sister in law and her family </div>
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in the house her parents built, where she was raised,</div>
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on the edge of those gardens and rice fields</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-66795484630398398862013-09-30T10:00:00.000-07:002013-10-05T10:10:39.319-07:00New Zealand, Summer. Love.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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i ventured to new zealand for a few weeks of r&r</div>
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at the end of their summer.</div>
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i fell hard for the place.</div>
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i found extraordinary: </div>
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coffee, cafés, baked goods, eggs, </div>
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creativity, humor, wines and landscape.</div>
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i didn't want to leave and can't wait to go back.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-29638813525520829182013-04-22T12:46:00.000-07:002013-04-22T12:47:14.974-07:00Issey Miyake: Fashion as Food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A photographer friend turned me onto this 20th Anniversary campaign for the <a href="http://www.isseymiyake.com/en/brands/pleats_please.html#news_section" target="_blank">Pleats Please Issey Miyake</a> brand. Gorgeous! I tadaki mas-su.<br />
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First edition: Wine
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuW3t_BXArnd_Ig146FQJyxT4a-yqkGFcQYlzEbLbmSwGH17taez8MOWQvsChqzL8E21j3znyC83ZM3bxPLfKAzUqRKgkpnVqZCeQx-z4MY50CAMhgRw6TAsGLumpZAdmG_ylHdnxgzs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-20+at+9.39.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuW3t_BXArnd_Ig146FQJyxT4a-yqkGFcQYlzEbLbmSwGH17taez8MOWQvsChqzL8E21j3znyC83ZM3bxPLfKAzUqRKgkpnVqZCeQx-z4MY50CAMhgRw6TAsGLumpZAdmG_ylHdnxgzs/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-20+at+9.39.58+PM.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Second edition: Japanese sweets
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Third edition: Soft-serve/ice cream
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Fourth edition: Whipped cream and pancakes...
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...chocolate cream and toast.<br />
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Gochiso sama deshita to Taku Satoh, Art Direction and Shingo Noma, Design.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-39004643183772205862013-04-03T19:09:00.002-07:002013-04-03T19:13:01.160-07:00Alder NYC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My lucky day! I'd just arrived in NY for work and from the taxi window I spied 157 2nd Ave. When I searched the address online, I found <a href="http://aldernyc.com/" target="_blank">Alder</a> -- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wylie_Dufresne" target="_blank">Wylie Dufresne</a>'s newest venture, just one week new.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NPSpsLUkPA/UVzQ3V8IMTI/AAAAAAAAC38/UMuLQtj7-Zw/s1600/IMG_3613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NPSpsLUkPA/UVzQ3V8IMTI/AAAAAAAAC38/UMuLQtj7-Zw/s320/IMG_3613.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
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I walked over to <a href="http://aldernyc.com/" target="_blank">Alder</a> just before opening to wait on line. People passing by smirked at the small crowd of us shivering in the cold wind. Little did they know what awaited inside. </div>
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For starters, it may look like a typically stocked bar.... </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnUQlbQzHQI/UVzQpbz9gDI/AAAAAAAAC24/GtGbhg9A0kY/s1600/IMG_3605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnUQlbQzHQI/UVzQpbz9gDI/AAAAAAAAC24/GtGbhg9A0kY/s320/IMG_3605.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
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but the cocktails are far from typical. I imbibed the 'Love Oolong Time' -- tequila, 5-spice, grapefruit and oolong -- made in-house and put on tap. Refreshment perfection.<br />
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To start off, each diner receives a little dish of freshly pickled jardiniere veggies to tuck into and/or enjoy as an accompaniment throughout the meal.<br />
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My first taste of the eve was the Ceasar Nigiri: romaine, egg yolk, parm <br />
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Then came....</div>
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Chicken Liver Toast: cornbread, grapefruit marmalade, chicken skin. Stunning!</div>
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On the enthusiastic recommendation of the bartender, I ordered the Rye Pasta: shaved pastrami </div>
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aka, a bad*ass pastrami on rye, Italian style. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJpqpR05G0Q/UVzQ_05trDI/AAAAAAAAC4k/HASOTCJX9FY/s1600/IMG_3619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJpqpR05G0Q/UVzQ_05trDI/AAAAAAAAC4k/HASOTCJX9FY/s320/IMG_3619.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
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For the insatiable sweet tooth in me.....</div>
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Root Beer Pudding: whipped cream, crushed cashews and root beer candies</div>
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In sum, it was a delectable meal replete with the kind of creativity I would expect from one of Wylie's eateries. Here, it's just more down home. And the vibe is decidedly simple and stylish, with nostalgic nods to the past.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LopzEK8lNf8/UVzRAuPsYcI/AAAAAAAAC4s/0rVPRu6Vb1E/s1600/IMG_3622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LopzEK8lNf8/UVzRAuPsYcI/AAAAAAAAC4s/0rVPRu6Vb1E/s320/IMG_3622.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
To commemorate the experience, rubber bands replace matches in a bowl at the door. I s'pose you could wear 'em on your wrist, but I plan to put it round my water bottle the way it's done at <a href="http://aldernyc.com/" target="_blank">Alder</a>. That way it'll serve as a souvenir and remind me of the fun evening I spent enjoying the thrill of some old favorites, entirely reinvented.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-40371813674418342182013-01-04T20:57:00.001-08:002013-01-04T20:57:34.659-08:00Drawn to Devour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Around the holidays, I was asked to be a judge at a groovy potluck event for <a href="http://slideluckpotshow.com/" target="_blank">Slideluck</a>, a non-profit
organization committed to unifying community through
slideshow-and-potluck dinner events all over the world. Check 'em out!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUByyq3TuUg/UOee5qbZyFI/AAAAAAAACy4/12VvHPnrp70/s1600/4505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUByyq3TuUg/UOee5qbZyFI/AAAAAAAACy4/12VvHPnrp70/s320/4505.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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This event was in SF and during the slide show of local photographers and artists, these lively food illustrations by <a href="http://danbran.com/" target="_blank">Dan Bransfield</a> popped up and off on the screen. I just love 'em!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-53612279733983301852012-08-22T20:33:00.000-07:002012-08-22T20:33:59.482-07:00Japan: Oishi <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxIyLQZYUlw/T2ltw0fxN2I/AAAAAAAACbI/mMA2yYnIclE/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722225487043966818" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxIyLQZYUlw/T2ltw0fxN2I/AAAAAAAACbI/mMA2yYnIclE/s320/IMG_0019.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /> </a><br />
I was recently reminiscing about travel to Japan in Spring. That conversation left me longing for the absolutely phenomenal food and hospitality I was introduced to by Japanese friends and colleagues there. 'Oishi' is the Japanese word for delicious and a word I used often.<br />
<br />
These soba noodles with tempura at a little mom and pop food stall outside of Tskiji fish market in Tokyo in the early morning hours remain one of the most outstanding food memories of the trip.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MpUs1u3VFY/T2lvp47UQtI/AAAAAAAACcI/9_GTFcOixbw/s1600/IMG_7098.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722227566997422802" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MpUs1u3VFY/T2lvp47UQtI/AAAAAAAACcI/9_GTFcOixbw/s320/IMG_7098.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /> </a><br />
Because it was cherry blossom season, sakura (cherry blossoms) were everywhere -- including in special brews and on seasonal labels.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DENfbWvz8Zs/T2ltwGsh_tI/AAAAAAAACaw/lIBimTyia7M/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722225474749464274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DENfbWvz8Zs/T2ltwGsh_tI/AAAAAAAACaw/lIBimTyia7M/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> </a><br />
Sakura even made it into and on cheesecake. In the town of Nara, I wandered in the rain trying to locate a tiny café called Nanka, nestled in a residential section. Nanka is part library, part shop (local artisans), part café. Everything
about it was absolutely charming: from the hand written and sketched daily menu to the flawless cherry blossom cheesecake to the apple adorned latte.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58XLXvTEE_3ykbk9JAHJeI6PFFxWEyElZP1woXGFswxuHyTnqaGyj_umxk_Nv8CP7gp1xM4xm6FUFcF1EchaKTg9MHWnAGPt6d5MEq_1a1nMuUVQ80o3fmXfLKfX1taKsl3vZ42HgLIg/s1600/IMG_7121.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722227542689700242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58XLXvTEE_3ykbk9JAHJeI6PFFxWEyElZP1woXGFswxuHyTnqaGyj_umxk_Nv8CP7gp1xM4xm6FUFcF1EchaKTg9MHWnAGPt6d5MEq_1a1nMuUVQ80o3fmXfLKfX1taKsl3vZ42HgLIg/s320/IMG_7121.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> </a><br />
Fish are a symbol of celebration in Japan, so along with sakura season come lots of little sweet cakes in the shape of fish, called 'taiyaki.'<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv93ByJPOlw/T2lyOVI_UCI/AAAAAAAACcs/ptoesToDYU8/s1600/IMG_7280.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722230392069509154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv93ByJPOlw/T2lyOVI_UCI/AAAAAAAACcs/ptoesToDYU8/s320/IMG_7280.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a> <br />
A day trip to Nara led me to the discovery of a traditional taiyaki master. Traditional taiyaki are sweet, crisp pancakes pressed together and filled with sweet bean paste. Rest assured, the shape is the only thing fish has to do with it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWPYSPLd6jLfLBfrRp9mVzHZ5w0RpAB9HWyTYHchw2jOdTu8jhr4u6pcfFVRhDx70SFsJp717i9R4m_NCFmJLTjVAtKwo_8sfcs3MyOAamTe_T_SM9ygwymn9ksUmggkUvCKezUGsEd0/s1600/IMG_7279.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722230384872252082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWPYSPLd6jLfLBfrRp9mVzHZ5w0RpAB9HWyTYHchw2jOdTu8jhr4u6pcfFVRhDx70SFsJp717i9R4m_NCFmJLTjVAtKwo_8sfcs3MyOAamTe_T_SM9ygwymn9ksUmggkUvCKezUGsEd0/s320/IMG_7279.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
The two-sided taiyaki griddle is first heated up...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJmLoaUIfNQ/T2lyO058fwI/AAAAAAAACc4/QK0_qOQJc58/s1600/IMG_7284.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722230400596344578" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJmLoaUIfNQ/T2lyO058fwI/AAAAAAAACc4/QK0_qOQJc58/s320/IMG_7284.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a> <br />
...then gets filled with a light, sweet batter. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkLqJMROE1AA4AdkgW1Pei9shcvZ5oOOoGPtpNI-y2E2KSRVlkmbZOc-F8UVnizGZJQ0bf2PpBU08PNCW2kCbLk-A0MolMTvFz6SU3OS1bCXWqwy4-VLJvhJ1v3-eP4USgRjPQzE-5_o/s1600/IMG_7290.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722230409540637106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkLqJMROE1AA4AdkgW1Pei9shcvZ5oOOoGPtpNI-y2E2KSRVlkmbZOc-F8UVnizGZJQ0bf2PpBU08PNCW2kCbLk-A0MolMTvFz6SU3OS1bCXWqwy4-VLJvhJ1v3-eP4USgRjPQzE-5_o/s320/IMG_7290.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a> <br />
It's cooked over open flame and flipped back and forth, until....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm7THL2LkUU/T2lyNghIOJI/AAAAAAAACcU/EDzZv6jq6dw/s1600/IMG_7316.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722230377943677074" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm7THL2LkUU/T2lyNghIOJI/AAAAAAAACcU/EDzZv6jq6dw/s320/IMG_7316.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
...a warm, crispy sweet treat emerges.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDw1yuVQC18/T2l8ilrBRNI/AAAAAAAACdo/BOKPfz1Gl3E/s1600/IMG_7602.JPG"> </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-2FoHz0EK0/T2ltvnCw4II/AAAAAAAACac/1ieocFfS508/s1600/IMG_7636.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722225466252779650" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-2FoHz0EK0/T2ltvnCw4II/AAAAAAAACac/1ieocFfS508/s320/IMG_7636.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Kyoto is known as a place of refined food from its days of being the seat of nobility. This is seen in even the simplest food in the local corner joint like this grilled eggplant with both red and white miso. The creamy eggplant with the sweet white miso contrasting with the more pungent red was just dreamy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBaRFmFcnQs/T2ltwU58oYI/AAAAAAAACbA/IfrHdI-aVBI/s1600/IMG_7524.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722225478563832194" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBaRFmFcnQs/T2ltwU58oYI/AAAAAAAACbA/IfrHdI-aVBI/s320/IMG_7524.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 246px;" /></a><br />
Nishin soba is a traditional Kyoto dish (this one at Matsuba restaurant). Wow! Who knew I would really, really like dried herring with soba noodles & freshly chopped scallions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EIDxpBr6UZhK0AY-4No_vtIsYxPMrv_TW_P1yXG_2NZtlRq5whSkru7gGs7Act8q817RNWDml_8KSPBlH4RrPpqtk1FmxPiiqjulfJlseUT7dHjQGRgfOMilM-jJb9UTPGPF16es6wQ/s1600/IMG_7532.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722241726001158306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EIDxpBr6UZhK0AY-4No_vtIsYxPMrv_TW_P1yXG_2NZtlRq5whSkru7gGs7Act8q817RNWDml_8KSPBlH4RrPpqtk1FmxPiiqjulfJlseUT7dHjQGRgfOMilM-jJb9UTPGPF16es6wQ/s320/IMG_7532.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 277px;" /></a><br />
I was also introduced to traditional sweet treats in Kyoto, like dango (mochi-like squares grilled on skewers and served with a thick salty/sweet sauce) and anmitsu (in bowl -- jelly squares made with agar + red bean paste + gyuhi dusted with ground sesame powder + fruit + ice cream).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHlXESc1b94/T2ltvw4yAaI/AAAAAAAACao/ACy-D2d6yxk/s1600/IMG_7615.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722225468895265186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHlXESc1b94/T2ltvw4yAaI/AAAAAAAACao/ACy-D2d6yxk/s320/IMG_7615.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
Arashiyama is a quaint, river-flanked, bamboo forested, temple-laden town just a short train ride from Kyoto. I spied this candied citrus -- stem and leaf included -- in a sweet shop in the tiny town. I was intrigued by its size; it was just a little bigger than a cherry tomato. I don't remember the name of the particular citrus but the sweet crunchy candied outside followed by the slightly sour fruit and slight bitter of the rind made for a spectacular flavor explosion well beyond its size.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCkGxuzRe6Q/T2lvo002vtI/AAAAAAAACbk/FWo-CphHL3I/s1600/IMG_7087.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722227548716711634" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCkGxuzRe6Q/T2lvo002vtI/AAAAAAAACbk/FWo-CphHL3I/s320/IMG_7087.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
Fruit perfection is so treasured in Japan that one can easily pay upwards of $150 for a single piece.<br />
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I opted to spend my yen on a gorgeous piece of hand-forged knife perfection from a little known shop called Shigeharu. It's a business that has existed for over 900 years and where no English is spoken. There was much bowing, smiling, pointing and bowing again as I was on my own that day and my Japanese is limited to about 20 words. I was -- and still am -- thrilled with my now favorite knife.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-es5FgbyEN6s/T2li804mqRI/AAAAAAAACYY/ZhhzFge1qrk/s1600/IMG_7832.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722213598678657298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-es5FgbyEN6s/T2li804mqRI/AAAAAAAACYY/ZhhzFge1qrk/s320/IMG_7832.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 221px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
I was first introduced to yuba (tofu skin) in New York. Wylie Dufresne had recently opened his doors at <a href="http://wd-50.com/" target="_blank">wd~50</a> and was using thin strips of yuba as a pasta. Several years later, I found myself watching yuba being made by professionals in Japan for the first time. Then I was next treated by Japanese friends to a most memorable night at a restaurant in Kyoto where we made our own fresh yuba by skimming the top layer from a simmering pan of fresh soy milk --<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgjzYlmtGs0r-4nYw223gdCDQOUH1Jw0zKprfViVpBwA4Oo7xeFopJOQsTpyvpXHdWhwqrIEYd3kU2Q9Qez8uEbS8me9VUvR3BBlUsgHEhPyGzXZuwQtHKd3B-FcOk89PA7oYPsUlnzo/s1600/IMG_7820.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722220583550401778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgjzYlmtGs0r-4nYw223gdCDQOUH1Jw0zKprfViVpBwA4Oo7xeFopJOQsTpyvpXHdWhwqrIEYd3kU2Q9Qez8uEbS8me9VUvR3BBlUsgHEhPyGzXZuwQtHKd3B-FcOk89PA7oYPsUlnzo/s320/IMG_7820.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a> <br />
which we topped with freshly grated yuzu and shoyu. Yuba heaven!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jb1FtZPnGg/T2li7bbSYcI/AAAAAAAACXo/76X-0I1m4oA/s1600/IMG_7789.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722213574664937922" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jb1FtZPnGg/T2li7bbSYcI/AAAAAAAACXo/76X-0I1m4oA/s320/IMG_7789.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a> <br />
The intense cultural drive for mastery in Japan yields outstanding pastry. Patisserie Au Grenier d'Or in Kyoto is a fine example. I wish everyone could experience their outstanding, limited production hyuganatsu marmalade. I'm such a citrus lover (if you haven't yet caught on)! The yuzu pound cake I handcarried home to a picnic in the park soon as I got off the plane was nothing short of perfection. <br />
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I had so many phenomenal food experiences in Japan. One common
thread that stood out -- from simple food stalls to top-secret, 8 seat
izakaya spots to haute Kaiseki -- was the tremendous care and pride
taken by all involved with preparing and serving the food. To everyone who shared all things oishi with me, I'd like to say, gochisosama deshita.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-15775014950773263622012-06-15T13:59:00.000-07:002012-06-15T13:59:18.960-07:00Namu Gaji<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLN_D872h23iXOboEYGc2A7O-6H-8n0GLVxOfSpM-cxUYhEUArmM750LdPM-jOB1C3ml6t1N60V1rxJp9UXkLbJeT6exnmS7XMDhkLR-9pupQGU1BMl_js1at0H1nPHXhoB1s4_R8FIxg/s1600/IMG_1456.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLN_D872h23iXOboEYGc2A7O-6H-8n0GLVxOfSpM-cxUYhEUArmM750LdPM-jOB1C3ml6t1N60V1rxJp9UXkLbJeT6exnmS7XMDhkLR-9pupQGU1BMl_js1at0H1nPHXhoB1s4_R8FIxg/s320/IMG_1456.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5754341513828149634" border="0" /></a><br />I was already looking forward to <a href="http://namusf.com/html/namu.html" target="_blank">Namu Gaji</a> moving to my hood and on the first visit, I was officially hooked (returns have been frequent). The space is casual chic and the vibe friendly.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlxTDd2sCBc/T9ubyk4pejI/AAAAAAAACxU/jhTg3hui9Ds/s1600/IMG_1459.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlxTDd2sCBc/T9ubyk4pejI/AAAAAAAACxU/jhTg3hui9Ds/s320/IMG_1459.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5754364242092980786" border="0" /></a><br />Small little touches like individual baskets to stow your bag/jacket/helmet are spot on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiiDTVOHtfqXFN-4DvA8z9G2LAUSQK7yzm7lmQBIWCSQOqwXb1qssjw5_iBpN-wDh_sMHWJf9DsraNQAgOkmwLZ7ImZeTC3nxVCnHpyAV67jak4MdPU1beuOLr6G8jZ4JUAQ4PSLZ_eY/s1600/IMG_1463.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiiDTVOHtfqXFN-4DvA8z9G2LAUSQK7yzm7lmQBIWCSQOqwXb1qssjw5_iBpN-wDh_sMHWJf9DsraNQAgOkmwLZ7ImZeTC3nxVCnHpyAV67jak4MdPU1beuOLr6G8jZ4JUAQ4PSLZ_eY/s320/IMG_1463.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5754341523767363938" border="0" /></a><br />If you find yourself hungry/thirst on the early side, happy hour is from 4:30-6 with small bites available, like Korean tacos. You can transition into dinner once that menu starts.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjCzFZ7Z5Cs/T8eUy-zpcLI/AAAAAAAACuo/qyu_NE5ORw0/s1600/IMG_1420.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjCzFZ7Z5Cs/T8eUy-zpcLI/AAAAAAAACuo/qyu_NE5ORw0/s320/IMG_1420.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748727052935721138" border="0" /></a><br />Sake pours are not only generous, they arrive in beautiful vessels.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjGHV0O0ePg/T8eVQ_jL-yI/AAAAAAAACu0/_pwYlEbCwPs/s1600/IMG_1422.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjGHV0O0ePg/T8eVQ_jL-yI/AAAAAAAACu0/_pwYlEbCwPs/s320/IMG_1422.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748727568531192610" border="0" /></a><br />I'm a pickle freak, so the complimentary banchan was a bonus. All told: asparagus, cabbage, ramps, kim chi, sprouts and greens.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcR8srUiXr8/T8eVeqzrz-I/AAAAAAAACvw/b1maDq9tkoU/s1600/IMG_1424.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcR8srUiXr8/T8eVeqzrz-I/AAAAAAAACvw/b1maDq9tkoU/s320/IMG_1424.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748727803481411554" border="0" /></a><br />Tender, melt in your mouth, raw scallops with cucumber, grapefruit and marinated kombu, with beet stem garnish. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyk-F3oTHNFezCF990b7GCslhjPOh_oAcgauOzjaItLhbn_Ro_9BJURdrrFUSDpRdHNV2I1PSK3UnArpVuH-zCuR6rnPVpFVc_Uwxdo5lF2Vb5vjWEZXxItci9ox4WoExxYBhgH2Xv78/s1600/IMG_1426.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyk-F3oTHNFezCF990b7GCslhjPOh_oAcgauOzjaItLhbn_Ro_9BJURdrrFUSDpRdHNV2I1PSK3UnArpVuH-zCuR6rnPVpFVc_Uwxdo5lF2Vb5vjWEZXxItci9ox4WoExxYBhgH2Xv78/s320/IMG_1426.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748727604619108802" border="0" /></a> Cold soba salad with tofu, little gem lettuce, pea shoots, scallions, cucumber, sesame seeds, pine nuts and kimchee vinaigrette.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HiDapuMN70/T8eVSC0PQ6I/AAAAAAAACvM/EM6BUADuwrc/s1600/IMG_1427.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HiDapuMN70/T8eVSC0PQ6I/AAAAAAAACvM/EM6BUADuwrc/s320/IMG_1427.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748727586587886498" border="0" /></a> <br />Soft and chewy shitake dumplings in an incredibly rich dashi (drinking the last drop is highly encouraged).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSyuWp6F_oA1HuGk3neyHEWQgnSPFqLzTuuRZgebGA2AEWd3ez6WnSBNX1xJ3mFkPMmf_OFKd6IXoOHp3MksijjJkBUiaobbE1BzjTndstRtKu28FZbvB4HWCoxTbrqbsG3oup_niPzc/s1600/IMG_1430.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSyuWp6F_oA1HuGk3neyHEWQgnSPFqLzTuuRZgebGA2AEWd3ez6WnSBNX1xJ3mFkPMmf_OFKd6IXoOHp3MksijjJkBUiaobbE1BzjTndstRtKu28FZbvB4HWCoxTbrqbsG3oup_niPzc/s320/IMG_1430.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748727571962374210" border="0" /></a><br />In the comfort category is one of my fav dishes: a sizzling stone pot of deliciousness brought to the table with rice, steak, daily banchan, mushrooms, egg and gochujang (spicy Korean chili sauce). Tip: if you leave it sizzling a few extra minutes, the rice on the bottom gets golden crispy.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPuVwj-VXHM/T9uHInMtiQI/AAAAAAAACxE/6FsCCcleRrw/s1600/IMG_1468.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPuVwj-VXHM/T9uHInMtiQI/AAAAAAAACxE/6FsCCcleRrw/s320/IMG_1468.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5754341530926942466" border="0" /></a><br />Okonomiyaki is a rich, savory pancake with kimchee, oysters, yamaimo (root veg), cabbage, scallions, kewpie (mayo), okonomiyaki sauce, and bonito flakes that dance from the heat of the skillet.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkNdp__ZeHdrFHxC-gYtuqYo1MYNHeH-ChxQQkYZ-ylFjt7Lj9NkKAqcOmWOHZUVWfa4cAoof0HfysMqSQr1ZiYoDjV16M2qMp7uO7GQ__CHbqHQ0e7auopu674RGmFoFBVwOYlE4E7E/s1600/IMG_1373.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkNdp__ZeHdrFHxC-gYtuqYo1MYNHeH-ChxQQkYZ-ylFjt7Lj9NkKAqcOmWOHZUVWfa4cAoof0HfysMqSQr1ZiYoDjV16M2qMp7uO7GQ__CHbqHQ0e7auopu674RGmFoFBVwOYlE4E7E/s320/IMG_1373.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748780080158602722" border="0" /></a><br />Shave ice seems to be the dessert of choice at <a href="http://namusf.com/html/namu.html" target="_blank">Namu Gaji</a>. My favorite rendition to date is the caramel-drizzled chocolate with salted peanut butter cookies on the side. <br /><br />Be sure to say 'Hey' if you spy me when you go -- there's a good chance you will.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-49317696818848076112012-05-28T09:46:00.015-07:002012-05-28T12:35:50.381-07:00Glen Ellen Star is Born<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92_8HStiQgI/T8OtEkxn--I/AAAAAAAACr0/lvhfHjytAJQ/s1600/IMG_5365.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92_8HStiQgI/T8OtEkxn--I/AAAAAAAACr0/lvhfHjytAJQ/s320/IMG_5365.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747627843557784546" border="0" /></a><br />I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am that <a href="http://glenellenstar.com/" target="_blank">Glen Ellen Star</a> has moved into the tiny downtown of, yes, Glen Ellen in Sonoma -- a mere hour's escape from the foggy summer skies of San Francisco. [For those of you who knew Saffron, <a href="http://glenellenstar.com/" target="_blank">Glen Ellen Star</a> is in that still charming, though much transformed space -- both indoors and out.]<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYf0G528H3a6Q_VdMyRcSqpMqSRylv6ZerDj14usU7tTMUjiUCcsxI0S31ABqekosOeNxpv5umeJl2vL64wiEi6GhvratGhwPITAYDObbQQOMl-ym1iKz-_Whyhpuu9nyr6HCkl_wv04/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYf0G528H3a6Q_VdMyRcSqpMqSRylv6ZerDj14usU7tTMUjiUCcsxI0S31ABqekosOeNxpv5umeJl2vL64wiEi6GhvratGhwPITAYDObbQQOMl-ym1iKz-_Whyhpuu9nyr6HCkl_wv04/s320/IMG_5371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747627856443746642" border="0" /></a><br />The food, self-described by <a href="http://glenellenstar.com/about/" target="_blank">Chef Ari Weiswasser</a> as 'refined rustic', is just that. The cast iron quick bread with an island of local feta in zaatar spiced olive oil is testament to his description and an excellent indicator of the wonderful feast to follow. Paired with the warm greeting we were met with by the lovely <a href="http://glenellenstar.com/about/" target="_blank">Erinn Benziger-Weiswasser</a>, it was clear we were in the friendly and proficient hands of skilled service.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzsebh5TTpAHT-VceI1rOIkaCUX-rjl6ZVAa2slTchi42l3fO1dEz4zml80kDMUu83kiqT1XTCaHgS5UVbKafezK0hQ-O7H63ULwFpqe4lnTHPWj86oxUBZovYdvMmzI3GOrNRXHEUGo/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzsebh5TTpAHT-VceI1rOIkaCUX-rjl6ZVAa2slTchi42l3fO1dEz4zml80kDMUu83kiqT1XTCaHgS5UVbKafezK0hQ-O7H63ULwFpqe4lnTHPWj86oxUBZovYdvMmzI3GOrNRXHEUGo/s320/IMG_5374.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747635809479506498" border="0" /></a><br />Next out of the wood-fired oven, rolled chili spiked, meyer lemon olive oil drizzled, fennel pollen crusted fennel wedges and blood orange oil, harissa crumble topped golden beets. Yum.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7k0ylDur_MY/T8OtFgI3oEI/AAAAAAAACsM/JYjWHUrRdCA/s1600/IMG_5373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7k0ylDur_MY/T8OtFgI3oEI/AAAAAAAACsM/JYjWHUrRdCA/s320/IMG_5373.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747627859492970562" border="0" /></a><br />I'm a sucker for fava beans, especially when someone else is doing the prep work. This labor minimizing rendition of whole roasted pods in a chunky bacon marmalade is scrumptious and highlights the fava's very best attributes.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ9dhUdC-hE/T8Ot6ispETI/AAAAAAAACs8/s5ZLiYpEyyM/s1600/IMG_5375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ9dhUdC-hE/T8Ot6ispETI/AAAAAAAACs8/s5ZLiYpEyyM/s320/IMG_5375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747628770712949042" border="0" /></a><br />In my opinion, there's nothing like a pizza crust from a wood oven. And this was one skillfully baked pie -- white with guanciale & arugula.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1g2x2ka_TZg/T8Ot7ANE0wI/AAAAAAAACtI/TSj-7mFb7bo/s1600/IMG_5378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1g2x2ka_TZg/T8Ot7ANE0wI/AAAAAAAACtI/TSj-7mFb7bo/s320/IMG_5378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747628778633614082" border="0" /></a><br />Apart from the gorgeous presentation of these wood oven roasted lamb meatballs in a ridiculously tasty tomato soffrito, they are the makings of an addiction.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_sDBlx5ga4/T8Ot7tjTEaI/AAAAAAAACtQ/mVi4DAzv_Nc/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_sDBlx5ga4/T8Ot7tjTEaI/AAAAAAAACtQ/mVi4DAzv_Nc/s320/IMG_5379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747628790806417826" border="0" /></a><br />The wonderfully tender and flavorful grilled flat iron steak came with a lovely fresh, crisp salad of escarole, fingerlings and roquefort. It's definitely on the more refined side and you will hear no complaints from me about that.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRBofTuWxSE/T8OuEgn48FI/AAAAAAAACtw/zXdGpF_SM4s/s1600/IMG_5384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRBofTuWxSE/T8OuEgn48FI/AAAAAAAACtw/zXdGpF_SM4s/s320/IMG_5384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747628941954838610" border="0" /></a><br />Dessert is simple, straightforward and delightful: house made ice cream and sorbet, served in little half-pint containers. For me, it conjured a bit of nostalgia of eating ice cream with a little wooden spoon -- though the ice cream of my childhood was definitely not of this caliber.<br /><br />For now, <a href="http://glenellenstar.com/" target="_blank">Glen Ellen Star</a> is open for dinner 7 nights, with lunch Friday-Sunday to come this summer. Personally, I'm calling today to make my next reservation. I highly recommend you do the same while you can still get a table.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-834898996728500942012-04-23T13:35:00.004-07:002012-04-23T14:46:14.079-07:00Local's Corner SF<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmb82HIOdS4/T5XBUiERpDI/AAAAAAAACq4/61xeYzXcn0w/s1600/IMG_5319.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmb82HIOdS4/T5XBUiERpDI/AAAAAAAACq4/61xeYzXcn0w/s320/IMG_5319.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734702259012478002" border="0" /></a><br />The folks behind <a href="http://www.localmissioneatery.com/" target="_blank">Local Mission Eatery</a> recently added a new member of the family a couple blocks away at Bryant & 23rd, <a href="http://localscornersf.com/" target="_blank">Local's Corner</a>. It's got lots of sidewalk space, soon to be filled with outdoor seating.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CCW1gdKN_c/T5XBViKGx4I/AAAAAAAACrQ/SEE-L1g5J-w/s1600/IMG_5320.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CCW1gdKN_c/T5XBViKGx4I/AAAAAAAACrQ/SEE-L1g5J-w/s320/IMG_5320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734702276216801154" border="0" /></a><br />The daylight streaming in from the walls of windows is phenomenal and the decor is decidedly vintage-hip, fresh and clean. You can also watch the goings on in the small kitchen from anywhere in the dining room, or up close at the counter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLrhU5Rl-EB9m60CFlwFjkUYJ1D1nqZgQPyOSwm9MdDb4ZSOHbD4u3n030lmTix9yukh32aHLKztchftVWvc8vFjCOL2SSrcyHVKUMe4CktJzLWH467D8XV9tl2L5Xm6jNZk2Iqe3Yyk/s1600/IMG_5310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLrhU5Rl-EB9m60CFlwFjkUYJ1D1nqZgQPyOSwm9MdDb4ZSOHbD4u3n030lmTix9yukh32aHLKztchftVWvc8vFjCOL2SSrcyHVKUMe4CktJzLWH467D8XV9tl2L5Xm6jNZk2Iqe3Yyk/s320/IMG_5310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734702282959340194" border="0" /></a><br />Dinner service hadn't yet started when I was in recently, but the Daytime menu was in full swing. <a href="http://sightglasscoffee.com/" target="_blank">Sightglass</a> java and fresh-squeezed tangelo juice? I'm in!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9TmsLXdDXM/T5XBWgCgxqI/AAAAAAAACro/hJuqkFxgZQQ/s1600/IMG_5313.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9TmsLXdDXM/T5XBWgCgxqI/AAAAAAAACro/hJuqkFxgZQQ/s320/IMG_5313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734702292827948706" border="0" /></a><br />Tues-Sun, 8-2, you can get breakfast like this poached egg w/ pink salt and toasted brioche soldiers....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsPTOn9KaHI/T5XBUyVdMcI/AAAAAAAACrE/PQUlhARbBfY/s1600/IMG_5317.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsPTOn9KaHI/T5XBUyVdMcI/AAAAAAAACrE/PQUlhARbBfY/s320/IMG_5317.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734702263379505602" border="0" /></a><br />...or you can order up lunch like this creamy turnip soup w/ lemon, evo, brioche croutons and watercress.<br /><br />For those who love oysters, they're a house specialty. The rest of the dinner menu is split into Sea, Land and Larder. Personally, I can't wait to try the trout rillettes and dungeness crab w/ cara cara -- well, and then there's the pork butter.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-30447914613378684252012-04-10T22:31:00.006-07:002012-04-12T22:02:54.118-07:00Isa - Bklyn<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ka_XHM146lI/T4evoefdMiI/AAAAAAAACqU/hkQ78rpR17A/s1600/IMG_1096.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ka_XHM146lI/T4evoefdMiI/AAAAAAAACqU/hkQ78rpR17A/s320/IMG_1096.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730742160766874146" border="0" /></a><br />I think you've gotta love a place that has a colorful, stitched together, hand-crocheted caftan weather curtain to greet you upon entering from the chilly out of doors.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIw9Gp5lKDeHnZqAaKJs1iD64tJn-bhgaKMaMHZyyWRSJjyITicC_dNk_tDNz022T2dhlC_psVriMjcQ-6cw8NhtdJnuYqyd0Pnhy-LCQfzxJDclrux2csKVze4octYacEQ45kk02xyY/s1600/IMG_1095.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIw9Gp5lKDeHnZqAaKJs1iD64tJn-bhgaKMaMHZyyWRSJjyITicC_dNk_tDNz022T2dhlC_psVriMjcQ-6cw8NhtdJnuYqyd0Pnhy-LCQfzxJDclrux2csKVze4octYacEQ45kk02xyY/s320/IMG_1095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730742168917005442" border="0" /></a><br />Even if that's not your thing, I can just about guarantee the food at <a href="http://isa.gg/isa/" target="_blank">Isa</a> will be -- the interior too, with spectacular wood working by <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/fashion/taavo-somer-moves-on-from-life-downtown.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all" target="_blank">Taavo Somer</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhAB9vTPQiz0iYAuUSg4a-_X0-jdIxX1A5GTFfd4ClcmAYF_jnHjRQX4yZnVqjuyH7vZxG5MVJ_IGMvbR2FQgw1bw1uXfUGX6NNXMTUA1JuYNOQEjDR0kZOYyND4YSEzWOL7SL2Ab7nc/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhAB9vTPQiz0iYAuUSg4a-_X0-jdIxX1A5GTFfd4ClcmAYF_jnHjRQX4yZnVqjuyH7vZxG5MVJ_IGMvbR2FQgw1bw1uXfUGX6NNXMTUA1JuYNOQEjDR0kZOYyND4YSEzWOL7SL2Ab7nc/s320/IMG_5255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730013836690139010" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://isa.gg/isa/" target="_blank">Isa</a> is a breath of fresh air. Great style. No pretension. Gorgeous plating. Beautiful flavor combos. Perfect execution. Terrific service. I can't wait to go back.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgp623sX2gk/T4UZP-MpesI/AAAAAAAACo0/vFczAP9C940/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgp623sX2gk/T4UZP-MpesI/AAAAAAAACo0/vFczAP9C940/s320/IMG_5263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730013863083604674" border="0" /></a><br />Killer cocktails. Celray Cup (left): vodka, Chartreuse, celery soda, black pepper. Looking Glass (right): rum, Amaro, ginger beer, molasses.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-YHsS6NG4JpOb_Y37ozZWi7uz8uAFt8O25l-MKtZLWKmBTyiTFulskz7DRoEbIX55W8e_YI9qcqoelnP08_ZfnhYX97ezVcmk6KdGRItrhvqQvoZRLUUqpJMbTLTNlQfvRAHx6gXIIM/s1600/IMG_5265.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-YHsS6NG4JpOb_Y37ozZWi7uz8uAFt8O25l-MKtZLWKmBTyiTFulskz7DRoEbIX55W8e_YI9qcqoelnP08_ZfnhYX97ezVcmk6KdGRItrhvqQvoZRLUUqpJMbTLTNlQfvRAHx6gXIIM/s320/IMG_5265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730013870327425266" border="0" /></a><br />Bread made in-house, yes! Seeded rye and sour levain. Sweet butter with toasted caraway seed, sea salt and a touch of pepper.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9o7ETdXRH4/T4UZPdb3DPI/AAAAAAAACoo/j6m9AWUYaNY/s1600/IMG_5261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9o7ETdXRH4/T4UZPdb3DPI/AAAAAAAACoo/j6m9AWUYaNY/s320/IMG_5261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730013854289038578" border="0" /></a><br />Brussels sprouts (chilled) with yolk, potato and malt.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-Ix1YQVtfKKnPKn27GquEUOKSYGiO3gTO7zd8zhhUwBcDtqAxirz-f30l2iNFiZ_Oxpo1-K9bqx_ub_bY1ZFoTxpgYzKWUhyphenhyphenl7HHAxvy_gFG6jtlx7x3iXivaCyzjqCH2VZHkFt27XA/s1600/IMG_5271.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-Ix1YQVtfKKnPKn27GquEUOKSYGiO3gTO7zd8zhhUwBcDtqAxirz-f30l2iNFiZ_Oxpo1-K9bqx_ub_bY1ZFoTxpgYzKWUhyphenhyphenl7HHAxvy_gFG6jtlx7x3iXivaCyzjqCH2VZHkFt27XA/s320/IMG_5271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730015169846085074" border="0" /></a><br />Mackerel filet with carrots, radish, cilantro and 'eggmulsion'.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrUVKrs-xIV1BBiMPqXQZ7o2aWdPqk2yYcFW3Qvx9QmNkyRwovA5-fkDPA-TBq_HunLxHSzkkBcSHVLd8Fn7lOwtJgN1vTWZoXCZY3L7yjJvFrZkLkfw5gG4VxJaVYsOHkyb_g8LCGog/s1600/IMG_5268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrUVKrs-xIV1BBiMPqXQZ7o2aWdPqk2yYcFW3Qvx9QmNkyRwovA5-fkDPA-TBq_HunLxHSzkkBcSHVLd8Fn7lOwtJgN1vTWZoXCZY3L7yjJvFrZkLkfw5gG4VxJaVYsOHkyb_g8LCGog/s320/IMG_5268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730015163749260818" border="0" /></a><br />Hanger steak, rutabega (nice), orange wine, leaves, marrow.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZFKeMUphU8/T4Uacej1AuI/AAAAAAAACpk/N4d0SrBoYqc/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZFKeMUphU8/T4Uacej1AuI/AAAAAAAACpk/N4d0SrBoYqc/s320/IMG_5273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730015177440821986" border="0" /></a><br />Intermezzo: sorrel ice cream, powdered coconut, toasted genmaicha.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pwky3p4z-1A/T4UadXHz7tI/AAAAAAAACp8/yvF8kJ9wqgY/s1600/IMG_5282.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pwky3p4z-1A/T4UadXHz7tI/AAAAAAAACp8/yvF8kJ9wqgY/s320/IMG_5282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730015192624131794" border="0" /></a><br />Dessert 1: Celeriac, espresso, malt, orange.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi_m6PRXp4m0kEuZFBOcvSKlnHF4btovRfV8TSkeKN-hiBMud5PmwcpKqNtb-Dsdkdm3TOPtfiU2Yxe690MHsLU-Mr27oC4u8FuzPA6KOg2eJntyxfJtBYVRsMnlP2FByBYZudvCHsUg/s1600/IMG_5280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi_m6PRXp4m0kEuZFBOcvSKlnHF4btovRfV8TSkeKN-hiBMud5PmwcpKqNtb-Dsdkdm3TOPtfiU2Yxe690MHsLU-Mr27oC4u8FuzPA6KOg2eJntyxfJtBYVRsMnlP2FByBYZudvCHsUg/s320/IMG_5280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730015184923358434" border="0" /></a><br />Dessert 2: Grapefruit curd, matcha, pistachio.<br /><br />That was one seriously inspired and inspiring meal.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-28288770532001759802012-03-29T21:05:00.003-07:002012-03-30T03:10:33.555-07:00NY Feast<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTCROEXc1bQ/T3Te1heOD9I/AAAAAAAACl8/u-vmIXCpEzI/s1600/IMG_0992.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTCROEXc1bQ/T3Te1heOD9I/AAAAAAAACl8/u-vmIXCpEzI/s320/IMG_0992.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725446037394296786" border="0" /></a><br />It's been much too long, I know. I'm back and full of inspiration (and countless calories) from the phenomenal food I've been relishing at these incredible venues. In 2012, it's going to be more photos, fewer words -- cuz really, that's what you want. Right?<br /><br />Okay. You ready? Let's go!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeWv25rElilwMkn7vHBhbFg1FqNSyQVpdqisoad5FPAlLE6cD0RzSXj8OXpvLJAXLrMWEtl1t90ansW-HV9ONI_HS_SYGfDh330FQ5jULxSigFIMA4iPZc17n7_WpARSvwt9Uqb_XpcM/s1600/Boulud+Sud.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeWv25rElilwMkn7vHBhbFg1FqNSyQVpdqisoad5FPAlLE6cD0RzSXj8OXpvLJAXLrMWEtl1t90ansW-HV9ONI_HS_SYGfDh330FQ5jULxSigFIMA4iPZc17n7_WpARSvwt9Uqb_XpcM/s320/Boulud+Sud.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725530061406196370" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.danielnyc.com/boulud_sud.html" target="_blank">Boulud Sud</a>, across from Lincoln Center, lovely environs and superb food & service.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOG9QBk_WO9Lb3p_QyqisVqWLBzOUwhGelX0uKXcXrrxevaoybf2GZjuvCCMfcL9DelOI0zgmEHuAuh3e3xORvpIzRCDLp7XCEsIIJu7d-Oled58jpxeYa1eT8zJY-2CgqzeZSsh6elA/s1600/IMG_0924.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOG9QBk_WO9Lb3p_QyqisVqWLBzOUwhGelX0uKXcXrrxevaoybf2GZjuvCCMfcL9DelOI0zgmEHuAuh3e3xORvpIzRCDLp7XCEsIIJu7d-Oled58jpxeYa1eT8zJY-2CgqzeZSsh6elA/s320/IMG_0924.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725350196084992130" border="0" /></a>Mediterranean delectables categorized in 3 parts: Sea, Garden and Farm<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3bmVVZkf1c/T3SHqV_iTOI/AAAAAAAACkE/NXjs_atKyOM/s1600/IMG_0926.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3bmVVZkf1c/T3SHqV_iTOI/AAAAAAAACkE/NXjs_atKyOM/s320/IMG_0926.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725350187822632162" border="0" /></a><br />Grapefruit Givré by pastry chef extraordinaire, Ghaya Oliviera: sesame halva, rose loukoum, grapefruit sorbet and fresh grapefruit<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx5-39os110/T3UrQwACMRI/AAAAAAAACmU/bAXmGcRhat8/s1600/Red%2BRooster.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx5-39os110/T3UrQwACMRI/AAAAAAAACmU/bAXmGcRhat8/s320/Red%2BRooster.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725530068034400530" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://redroosterharlem.com/" target="_blank">Red Rooster</a> in Harlem. American, down home comfort food.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BnRKM8rGCB6YQQA62TQjOsh6YJ3l7GuzD9TIG-2LgvXDlSK2sOIXySPb2Hg3HDK8vBt8i4KPa0Jx_ETAqbqAVRGeVgQSwYet9QOobNkp0ZPldN-2N2AQ8XozH6aZ8DjTPkg4Y9tw6f8/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BnRKM8rGCB6YQQA62TQjOsh6YJ3l7GuzD9TIG-2LgvXDlSK2sOIXySPb2Hg3HDK8vBt8i4KPa0Jx_ETAqbqAVRGeVgQSwYet9QOobNkp0ZPldN-2N2AQ8XozH6aZ8DjTPkg4Y9tw6f8/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725350178228964370" border="0" /></a><br />Gospel serenade + jerk bacon & eggs = perfect Sunday brunch.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN16wUE2lwX5iNlUTPAPwJxiQLRJVyNOEkN2418zLp92fyIUdh8s-1cNPo7McWXU7tYPZuMIpNLn08-ecMYyJDu_K2spLf1VZhps-mYp73Rhpj_GCAhNEaryxp0fSqaaaB-QJUPdh3Y8/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN16wUE2lwX5iNlUTPAPwJxiQLRJVyNOEkN2418zLp92fyIUdh8s-1cNPo7McWXU7tYPZuMIpNLn08-ecMYyJDu_K2spLf1VZhps-mYp73Rhpj_GCAhNEaryxp0fSqaaaB-QJUPdh3Y8/s320/IMG_0929.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725436418029009314" border="0" /></a><br />Cheddar cheese grits with balsamic. Never want 'em any other way now!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5RdsTLb6ts/T3SHoBcrlDI/AAAAAAAACjs/G6NzRhkQ3JE/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5RdsTLb6ts/T3SHoBcrlDI/AAAAAAAACjs/G6NzRhkQ3JE/s320/IMG_0930.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725350147947992114" border="0" /></a><br />Caramel filled devils food cupcake with pretzels.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6n5kvHpJqU/T3Uu9D1G_7I/AAAAAAAACms/DNb1_bRKkzU/s1600/Farm%2BAdderley.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 201px; height: 141px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6n5kvHpJqU/T3Uu9D1G_7I/AAAAAAAACms/DNb1_bRKkzU/s320/Farm%2BAdderley.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725534127806414770" border="0" /></a><a href="http://thefarmonadderley.com/" target="_blank">The Farm on Adderley</a> in Ditmus (Brooklyn) is a farm-to-table neighborhood gem.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCMR2TcRr59v3RYoPfJ-yUCsc2F3BzHyIRFMdfaRlYi0lywWE9-Tly65AbrwElxCGWh7m2NEY2EL14mFT3e3gmEpMl2-K3dsuLK25srBphjMmPsi8Ov9i1gTLwLCNsbdPPAkpPPYQaxQ/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCMR2TcRr59v3RYoPfJ-yUCsc2F3BzHyIRFMdfaRlYi0lywWE9-Tly65AbrwElxCGWh7m2NEY2EL14mFT3e3gmEpMl2-K3dsuLK25srBphjMmPsi8Ov9i1gTLwLCNsbdPPAkpPPYQaxQ/s320/IMG_0931.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725348208022716594" border="0" /></a><br />Feast.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfavoNmYXjINoJpkHLPO_PH98cAs0UT2NIhkbQl9WIidW_ToDcnizzm8CTIWqlVckgRS0-fH-EvbZq3nZbinzN_IF_bnLVsCiyp7sfPDAMp-LoA7KFuijVt1YLFA_4FazhhHOsdcV_fQ/s1600/IMG_5124.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfavoNmYXjINoJpkHLPO_PH98cAs0UT2NIhkbQl9WIidW_ToDcnizzm8CTIWqlVckgRS0-fH-EvbZq3nZbinzN_IF_bnLVsCiyp7sfPDAMp-LoA7KFuijVt1YLFA_4FazhhHOsdcV_fQ/s320/IMG_5124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725348223693269938" border="0" /></a><br />House-made ricotta with shaved carrots.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqroVVGu6Foixnq-NvDya85iogqC3bb8aNF9OSdBI2SI9gmvV8bD2NxbNQYnx8cWJs5hJdxhTkstO0eCSxETEPpxTjMyqS1Z0RmbrgAZ_WB-D9YkTGajFqDwpxdVZvscRBFCxOAnhtnMU/s1600/IMG_5122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqroVVGu6Foixnq-NvDya85iogqC3bb8aNF9OSdBI2SI9gmvV8bD2NxbNQYnx8cWJs5hJdxhTkstO0eCSxETEPpxTjMyqS1Z0RmbrgAZ_WB-D9YkTGajFqDwpxdVZvscRBFCxOAnhtnMU/s320/IMG_5122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725350139832631954" border="0" /></a><br />Shaved brussels sprouts with parm.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXHGabma39PWgAb2ZfbRD7K7nQrDF_N0UYkQNA49ijswjQnt8fJ0SlQbeR3dHxFXlMLFP07UVMYlS_LDuZxokyj1UMczsqGC8mK8vXhyDQyYMAvUdRKuTv0CJ52B1vlVtZdLG1aVgyb4/s1600/IMG_5127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXHGabma39PWgAb2ZfbRD7K7nQrDF_N0UYkQNA49ijswjQnt8fJ0SlQbeR3dHxFXlMLFP07UVMYlS_LDuZxokyj1UMczsqGC8mK8vXhyDQyYMAvUdRKuTv0CJ52B1vlVtZdLG1aVgyb4/s320/IMG_5127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725348215081487282" border="0" /></a><br />Pork meatballs with roasted parsnips, chard and hazelnuts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwBG256WNlvqEKgFx58gwZE1rQRgAkAcWG7xwE8fweD8haRK-VEy0_jmPxJ3SDgrXk0PtxCkMOgQGFbW73T0vEgrAC2KzWUjXkypkr7r2RkVyIWqc4XGJF97SBswkG2NUitjHBpWxFbw/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwBG256WNlvqEKgFx58gwZE1rQRgAkAcWG7xwE8fweD8haRK-VEy0_jmPxJ3SDgrXk0PtxCkMOgQGFbW73T0vEgrAC2KzWUjXkypkr7r2RkVyIWqc4XGJF97SBswkG2NUitjHBpWxFbw/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725348184763403266" border="0" /></a>Almond, brown butter cake with quince compote and vanilla i.c.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_maDvnFmIPmXV1N6ulbOM8Q56DJe6Q8S0bn1XKfWcOsUblxkV-9HXmye-3h84iYsMI9DwJzHQb2lPphhwDS4Io-GovQ23gp9VTqQDV0OPbvt2oioNGzVsSsqZI-v73sonFjSusjd4qM/s1600/IMG_5153.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_maDvnFmIPmXV1N6ulbOM8Q56DJe6Q8S0bn1XKfWcOsUblxkV-9HXmye-3h84iYsMI9DwJzHQb2lPphhwDS4Io-GovQ23gp9VTqQDV0OPbvt2oioNGzVsSsqZI-v73sonFjSusjd4qM/s320/IMG_5153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725336729551511298" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://ilbucovineria.com/" target="_blank">Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria</a> in Noho (sister to <a href="http://ilbuco.com/" target="_blank">Il Buco</a>) is like eating in Italy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiButaIp8r3obJNfIwsjD5zi5BJBV5EQJndlMjkAwvkp82YrP5YSSLL4nSQ7mDNOElQB2TcT_VjI1CDhA3IESrbIX-96urX3yRMpy7qkpLIzV1NOyrXd8DwLWtPz-vbv6DnWzVxi_9Jueg/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiButaIp8r3obJNfIwsjD5zi5BJBV5EQJndlMjkAwvkp82YrP5YSSLL4nSQ7mDNOElQB2TcT_VjI1CDhA3IESrbIX-96urX3yRMpy7qkpLIzV1NOyrXd8DwLWtPz-vbv6DnWzVxi_9Jueg/s320/IMG_5129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725339834734710706" border="0" /></a><br />Fresh ricotta, favas, anchovies, olive oil.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BD_fGJzGr-g/T3R-PG3_3GI/AAAAAAAACiA/5mq6vx-qFaQ/s1600/IMG_5130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BD_fGJzGr-g/T3R-PG3_3GI/AAAAAAAACiA/5mq6vx-qFaQ/s320/IMG_5130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725339824303365218" border="0" /></a><br />Perfectly fried baby artichoke hearts (best I've had outside of Rome).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ok6fiofWT8/T3R-OYUZXRI/AAAAAAAACh0/dOtuuFsoN6g/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ok6fiofWT8/T3R-OYUZXRI/AAAAAAAACh0/dOtuuFsoN6g/s320/IMG_5132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725339811806010642" border="0" /></a><br />Raw veggies & bagna cauda (garlic, anchovies, olive oil, salt).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoP0A5SAs8M/T3R-N4AjUuI/AAAAAAAACho/-RVLlTwjxHQ/s1600/IMG_5137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoP0A5SAs8M/T3R-N4AjUuI/AAAAAAAACho/-RVLlTwjxHQ/s320/IMG_5137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725339803132842722" border="0" /></a>Fresh pasta chitarra with ramps, fresh chiles and parm.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSBnZt2RDVM/T3R7bpzQazI/AAAAAAAAChc/g5D6oR4mem8/s1600/IMG_5138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSBnZt2RDVM/T3R7bpzQazI/AAAAAAAAChc/g5D6oR4mem8/s320/IMG_5138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725336741302266674" border="0" /></a><br />Tender, juicy porchetta.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHjpXkqdAkY/T3R7bCX8JWI/AAAAAAAAChQ/mS92j8SxLhE/s1600/IMG_5150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHjpXkqdAkY/T3R7bCX8JWI/AAAAAAAAChQ/mS92j8SxLhE/s320/IMG_5150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725336730718709090" border="0" /></a><br />Blood orange almond cake with amaretto ice cream. Chocolate budino with chocolate wafers.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4lJjv6qw5U/T3R32DBLoSI/AAAAAAAACgc/lIU3Av1U8fk/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4lJjv6qw5U/T3R32DBLoSI/AAAAAAAACgc/lIU3Av1U8fk/s320/IMG_0941.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725332796701647138" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://peelsnyc.com/" target="_blank">Peels</a> in Noho is Southern comfort food -- brought to you by the folks behind <a href="http://freemansrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Freemans</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXouRUvksF9xQbiJ_xTDTSRj2lBV6J5zyKR6vEMaNcpONiMXrjdABSvCyMq7fSL1gt8ufGY67oyAgOI90WptH4v6Z_tI94pR1hMv1A-OcdwaWIsbMgeTEEc5B29QFt2vjC4AoQQqSz6o/s1600/IMG_0937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXouRUvksF9xQbiJ_xTDTSRj2lBV6J5zyKR6vEMaNcpONiMXrjdABSvCyMq7fSL1gt8ufGY67oyAgOI90WptH4v6Z_tI94pR1hMv1A-OcdwaWIsbMgeTEEc5B29QFt2vjC4AoQQqSz6o/s320/IMG_0937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725336715072408370" border="0" /></a><br />Monkey bread with sweetened marscapone.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oynWbq3Ntro/T3R7Zr8WjrI/AAAAAAAACgs/rU5ZeANmd-w/s1600/IMG_0939.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oynWbq3Ntro/T3R7Zr8WjrI/AAAAAAAACgs/rU5ZeANmd-w/s320/IMG_0939.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725336707517550258" border="0" /></a><br />'Build a Biscuit' of your choice. Mine: egg, avocado, bacon on a buttermilk biscuit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAe5QqRiDJtuD22OU-_XVp8lI67LlHPFsc6bIxxEn9P6jiZ_7koz3jvKQ9y65PyGTBHTOr9iSGWMi09QHbYym_Rhy-FrXRNVKtc92cWiUbWwpvrfrisuIQIfwNabrTKQG4NVdg1j-2sU/s1600/IMG_0942.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAe5QqRiDJtuD22OU-_XVp8lI67LlHPFsc6bIxxEn9P6jiZ_7koz3jvKQ9y65PyGTBHTOr9iSGWMi09QHbYym_Rhy-FrXRNVKtc92cWiUbWwpvrfrisuIQIfwNabrTKQG4NVdg1j-2sU/s320/IMG_0942.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725332787900950018" border="0" /></a>S'mores cupcakes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvA3xQFXxTCxTR9-ab5D-ef5_wW64dWGgM_r3EtCB90Tud_Qfq3mmEobD18RvZzMPa5TPhldPFj__Wa6fvAkmMfuGFZplpoIkDfEY3X069Q97u4U3c9z4hSRPOeuIZ_0VURhQtK74UtCY/s1600/IMG_0950.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvA3xQFXxTCxTR9-ab5D-ef5_wW64dWGgM_r3EtCB90Tud_Qfq3mmEobD18RvZzMPa5TPhldPFj__Wa6fvAkmMfuGFZplpoIkDfEY3X069Q97u4U3c9z4hSRPOeuIZ_0VURhQtK74UtCY/s320/IMG_0950.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725332760965154642" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ilovebuvette.com/" target="_blank">Buvette</a> 'gastroteque' in the West Village is worth the inevitable wait.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00C8YJvU2grp0nt45ABc9L7BOrZnANisHcLGqsojAvKIj_3ZixGFuQtk0EZEuC_nDtiMhH2GHFcLNSUPqjvE0d8wkp2jHHUKo3Q_AkJYJ6aNgaa9HzfgdCUO5gg0KY1VVUSGqpy6K9Hg/s1600/IMG_0951.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00C8YJvU2grp0nt45ABc9L7BOrZnANisHcLGqsojAvKIj_3ZixGFuQtk0EZEuC_nDtiMhH2GHFcLNSUPqjvE0d8wkp2jHHUKo3Q_AkJYJ6aNgaa9HzfgdCUO5gg0KY1VVUSGqpy6K9Hg/s320/IMG_0951.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725332772949976306" border="0" /></a><br />Yep, that's a pop-up in the menu. Wait til you see the wine list.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HynqKCmoWBs/T3TX1fObuuI/AAAAAAAACko/norLn_7UoWA/s1600/IMG_5157.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HynqKCmoWBs/T3TX1fObuuI/AAAAAAAACko/norLn_7UoWA/s320/IMG_5157.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725438340209818338" border="0" /></a><br />Gorgeous artichokes, peppers & olives. And that not so pretty lump in back is a pesto di parma (prosciutto, parm & sage) tartinette -- she defies her looks!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5AQXpQXIXc/T3RpH8vLYkI/AAAAAAAACew/Se_KabWgG_A/s1600/IMG_0957.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5AQXpQXIXc/T3RpH8vLYkI/AAAAAAAACew/Se_KabWgG_A/s320/IMG_0957.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725316611578749506" border="0" /></a><br />Coq au vin.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UV91lK1bsc/T3RpIQ0WV-I/AAAAAAAACe8/7ZHWjqShjjU/s1600/IMG_0960.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UV91lK1bsc/T3RpIQ0WV-I/AAAAAAAACe8/7ZHWjqShjjU/s320/IMG_0960.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725316616969148386" border="0" /></a><br />Leeks with vinaigrette.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi8ho6DM1yvWFUVkESDshcFYfZ6-CoCG0ez66Dhwzd2_z-PK-ke4UMp3WAixjihyq1vdahiaob-adE_T37CjgDZHDnIWLVzKkzX0uFgeXI788Lwg5qg4KMHFCwlDMRQZTV4mHFd3x7RY/s1600/IMG_0970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi8ho6DM1yvWFUVkESDshcFYfZ6-CoCG0ez66Dhwzd2_z-PK-ke4UMp3WAixjihyq1vdahiaob-adE_T37CjgDZHDnIWLVzKkzX0uFgeXI788Lwg5qg4KMHFCwlDMRQZTV4mHFd3x7RY/s320/IMG_0970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725316625876469666" border="0" /></a><br />The tarte tatin that stole my heart.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvTBnsSh-P3mNDnh7nwXkuq2k3uwQeKDvIzqpUE0aBPImNAoc7cErFD2ja_9EqRVZY28r4UzXY9YWS33KaASD_jKtwF44DrjlGyOkHE_yz7T5H0LaX5xpftDjY_Fks80VCYJCQRB1-Uo/s1600/IMG_0972.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvTBnsSh-P3mNDnh7nwXkuq2k3uwQeKDvIzqpUE0aBPImNAoc7cErFD2ja_9EqRVZY28r4UzXY9YWS33KaASD_jKtwF44DrjlGyOkHE_yz7T5H0LaX5xpftDjY_Fks80VCYJCQRB1-Uo/s320/IMG_0972.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725441495940248258" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.themodernnyc.com/#/restaurant/barroom" target="_blank">The Bar Room</a> at <a href="http://www.themodernnyc.com/" target="_blank">The Modern</a>, next to <a href="http://www.moma.org/" target="_blank">MOMA</a> (post Cindy Sherman & Atget exhibits).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN0HoOLHj5CjQQR-1xwZdoOyEJVrp8ztNw2IYDCZ9D3Q1Q4mofPgf5v2l16BRvtUe1nN-mmJfBaepaU5dCiCwzndEn_cyqEkjo0gRHNn5DgNqRitS6jqB-eVMaC7O5QowVgMW1xpvK18/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN0HoOLHj5CjQQR-1xwZdoOyEJVrp8ztNw2IYDCZ9D3Q1Q4mofPgf5v2l16BRvtUe1nN-mmJfBaepaU5dCiCwzndEn_cyqEkjo0gRHNn5DgNqRitS6jqB-eVMaC7O5QowVgMW1xpvK18/s320/IMG_0973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725441501646146706" border="0" /></a><br />Tarte Flambée (Alsatian flatbread) with hen of the woods mushrooms, chive and Alsatian Münster cheese + red endive and arugula salad with bosc pear, pomegranate, ricotta salata & pumpkin-pistachio vinaigrette.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mhnpqRiya0/T3UrRBJOoiI/AAAAAAAACmg/joLT5KLHQ8M/s1600/Lambs%2BClub.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mhnpqRiya0/T3UrRBJOoiI/AAAAAAAACmg/joLT5KLHQ8M/s320/Lambs%2BClub.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725530072636367394" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.thelambsclub.com" target="_blank">The Lambs Club</a> bar in Midtown, is a gorgeous Art Deco lounge.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bC-EdPyPeJo/T3RpJkE-OfI/AAAAAAAACfU/N5D3hnThXT0/s1600/IMG_5159.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bC-EdPyPeJo/T3RpJkE-OfI/AAAAAAAACfU/N5D3hnThXT0/s320/IMG_5159.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725316639319013874" border="0" /></a><br />Blistered piquillo peppers and shrimp cocktail & my new favorite cocktail, the St. Hilaire (cava, St. Germain & lemon)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7c_ECZzBiIw9gN1vEUljWSZYHYocblG8JLrXvjd0yNVLFq43llpsvxFCys-CN_RTJC94JUorqbaxz-K06IYMhKyap1dL0bzGFzQdlrhcDoj0RIhSuGbgm5ASx0E91G9IKhnhwDTf0rw/s1600/IMG_0988.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7c_ECZzBiIw9gN1vEUljWSZYHYocblG8JLrXvjd0yNVLFq43llpsvxFCys-CN_RTJC94JUorqbaxz-K06IYMhKyap1dL0bzGFzQdlrhcDoj0RIhSuGbgm5ASx0E91G9IKhnhwDTf0rw/s320/IMG_0988.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725442477691730482" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mileendbrooklyn.com/" target="_blank">Mile End</a>, artisan Jewish delicatessen, in Boreum Hill (Brooklyn). A total gem.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_HWzb9aEVY/T3TaxUmJoWI/AAAAAAAAClk/BKUqY9G2H6Y/s1600/IMG_0987.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_HWzb9aEVY/T3TaxUmJoWI/AAAAAAAAClk/BKUqY9G2H6Y/s320/IMG_0987.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725441567171912034" border="0" /></a><br />Artisinal everything.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKmzdG8fhuENhCARhXtDL5veVlaEVsBo0BoS5bRdkfybyY19G_jF-rK-8XLS1yr703wS87xJgNdyd8nqUF2Qt25ZlDwtCHtjUR_9YELBozIh4-V0OFu2kLkyXh5bRrEtvVcLVR0_J3Yc/s1600/IMG_0978.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKmzdG8fhuENhCARhXtDL5veVlaEVsBo0BoS5bRdkfybyY19G_jF-rK-8XLS1yr703wS87xJgNdyd8nqUF2Qt25ZlDwtCHtjUR_9YELBozIh4-V0OFu2kLkyXh5bRrEtvVcLVR0_J3Yc/s320/IMG_0978.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725441521901486370" border="0" /></a><br />Smoked lamb sausage with harissa-spiced slaw. 'Grandpa' smoked turkey w/ turkey rillettes and pickles on rye. Heaven.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxrsYyg2j94/T3TavaiP4iI/AAAAAAAAClY/IgLYrQVD6GA/s1600/IMG_0986.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxrsYyg2j94/T3TavaiP4iI/AAAAAAAAClY/IgLYrQVD6GA/s320/IMG_0986.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725441534406418978" border="0" /></a><br />Cookies: almond lemon, Mandel Brodt (biscotti), coconut macaroon w/ <a href="http://stumptowncoffee.com/" target="_blank">Stumptown</a> coffee.<br /><br />Whew!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-50304684041105230232011-10-30T06:43:00.002-07:002012-04-15T08:19:17.143-07:00Eat+Drink+Bid for Good<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil9E_-cKwgAHi1Y29ifxuEs9VtkxQSHM2JC0F2eTYEJhGO2xatVu4Tqv2naM9o8eRlefIq2gHi4NcMnxNuyR8ZrmTnjCfBPNxYAXBid2U-A7cDIfKpkVWBIb6TQ8flGm-OmSPhMLunsU/s1600/IMG_3520.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil9E_-cKwgAHi1Y29ifxuEs9VtkxQSHM2JC0F2eTYEJhGO2xatVu4Tqv2naM9o8eRlefIq2gHi4NcMnxNuyR8ZrmTnjCfBPNxYAXBid2U-A7cDIfKpkVWBIb6TQ8flGm-OmSPhMLunsU/s320/IMG_3520.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669338346797636354" border="0" /></a><br />This past year I started a non-profit project to build a pre-school and elementary school in a rural village where I lived and worked Mali, West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. To say it's been been a crazy year, running a non-profit in my 'free' time, feels like a bit of an understatement.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbWMurbVgGc/Tq2K3zKPSsI/AAAAAAAACVk/D_-bCxFGMxc/s1600/IMG_3721.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbWMurbVgGc/Tq2K3zKPSsI/AAAAAAAACVk/D_-bCxFGMxc/s320/IMG_3721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669340197159914178" border="0" /></a><br />But on October 3rd, the school opened and the first classes began -- with 91 first graders enrolled! It was a thrilling moment to witness and I am immensely grateful for the incredible generosity of the community of people from all aspects of my life who have come together to help make it happen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq2OxMyB9gjEWJyZDgFsmfA0Ms5lmDH9_ht4sJ_XB8Tc05mo6SZjFB7JrgM9tdN5nUMMiqnUSSwstILE2EsC36n7Chhds8PsDKx_SZGmltfixvUfa0OR5qjEfBpR-0mXCcF7xfvUGb4k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-26+at+8.29.08+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq2OxMyB9gjEWJyZDgFsmfA0Ms5lmDH9_ht4sJ_XB8Tc05mo6SZjFB7JrgM9tdN5nUMMiqnUSSwstILE2EsC36n7Chhds8PsDKx_SZGmltfixvUfa0OR5qjEfBpR-0mXCcF7xfvUGb4k/s320/Screen+Shot+2011-10-26+at+8.29.08+AM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669341546077524994" border="0" /></a><br />On <a href="http://malikalanso.org/Events.html" target="_blank">Sunday, November 6 from 4-6 pm</a>, we are celebrating the opening of the school and raising further funds to install a clean water pump and establish a scholarship program.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHOdEsxJ3ARyjV_LRAWZV83aN6xfL5CtzWNPWVnpH8rr9-4bGZQ_y358if400wu7A2Y4Pb-5PbngQ6Q0w0gg4z05g_ScYos1izC73Zsh4UFcE3uozBENcXBFvO7-Ur93NCUENy6P-1SU/s1600/buildOn+group+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHOdEsxJ3ARyjV_LRAWZV83aN6xfL5CtzWNPWVnpH8rr9-4bGZQ_y358if400wu7A2Y4Pb-5PbngQ6Q0w0gg4z05g_ScYos1izC73Zsh4UFcE3uozBENcXBFvO7-Ur93NCUENy6P-1SU/s320/buildOn+group+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669342418534470210" border="0" /></a><br />We were fortunate to have a group of Bay Area teens come help us construct the school. They are incredible youth who participate in the <a href="http://www.buildon.org/our-programs/" target="_blank">buildOn</a> afterschool program. Some of them will be at the event where you can talk to them about their experience and how a short two weeks in the village have had a significant impact on their lives.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ04y-rgDv8/Tq2YvYMmrwI/AAAAAAAACXQ/xj1PkCHLUuU/s1600/tartine%2Bbread.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 245px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ04y-rgDv8/Tq2YvYMmrwI/AAAAAAAACXQ/xj1PkCHLUuU/s320/tartine%2Bbread.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669355445645913858" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ddT5jYuAHl4/Tq2YqjAqEoI/AAAAAAAACXE/lfZe6YKvyhE/s1600/super%2Bnatural%2Bevery%2Bday.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 244px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ddT5jYuAHl4/Tq2YqjAqEoI/AAAAAAAACXE/lfZe6YKvyhE/s320/super%2Bnatural%2Bevery%2Bday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669355362649248386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.malikalanso.org/" target="_blank">Mali Kalanso</a> is offering advanced online bidding on a number of <a href="http://www.biddingforgood.com/iwdc/malikalanso" target="_blank">auction items</a> from our upcoming event <a href="http://www.malikalanso.org/Events.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Eat+Drink+Bid for Good</span></a>, plus some items that are only available online -- like a ton of great <a href="https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Browse.action?categoryId=144041122&auctionId=144041116" target="_blank">cookbooks</a>, some of them signed by the authors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3Nz5GA4y3I/Tq2V1fbMqOI/AAAAAAAACWg/VTz0QRnHWVs/s1600/FourBarrel.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3Nz5GA4y3I/Tq2V1fbMqOI/AAAAAAAACWg/VTz0QRnHWVs/s320/FourBarrel.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669352252130502882" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqeLkZz6vn4/Tq2V9sc2LbI/AAAAAAAACWs/_KVkFdxI7NU/s1600/PizzaPolitana.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqeLkZz6vn4/Tq2V9sc2LbI/AAAAAAAACWs/_KVkFdxI7NU/s320/PizzaPolitana.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669352393066032562" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGjrI_EiLoRYEqMCnAKHesiloOaLcu_HJJHMB-gRXxBBh1_VE_2YHKmwD0Y_s9zwc21b6vhyphenhyphenZwubpXIG_EUVhqMPw8vg3PjjkYchbbNJedi88Y_v3OKIfIXY2FWAslWjkzAiC9muS0ng/s1600/MBC+1.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGjrI_EiLoRYEqMCnAKHesiloOaLcu_HJJHMB-gRXxBBh1_VE_2YHKmwD0Y_s9zwc21b6vhyphenhyphenZwubpXIG_EUVhqMPw8vg3PjjkYchbbNJedi88Y_v3OKIfIXY2FWAslWjkzAiC9muS0ng/s320/MBC+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669359597042421010" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGjrI_EiLoRYEqMCnAKHesiloOaLcu_HJJHMB-gRXxBBh1_VE_2YHKmwD0Y_s9zwc21b6vhyphenhyphenZwubpXIG_EUVhqMPw8vg3PjjkYchbbNJedi88Y_v3OKIfIXY2FWAslWjkzAiC9muS0ng/s1600/MBC+1.png"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A few unique experiences are being offered exclusively through the auction for supporters of <a href="http://www.malikalanso.org/" target="_blank">Mali Kalanso</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://fourbarrelcoffee.com/" target="_blank">FourBarrel Coffee</a> -- cupping, brewing workshop and roastery tour for 10 people<br /><a href="http://missionbeachcafesf.com/" target="_blank">Mission Beach Cafe</a> -- pie baking class with Pastry Chef Alan Carter for 4 people<br /><a href="http://www.pizzapolitana.com/" target="_blank">Pizza Politana</a> -- pizza-making party & wood fire cooking for up to 12 people<br /><a href="http://www.pocodolce.com/" target="_blank">Poco Dolce</a> -- holiday production tour, tasting and chocolate treats for 4 people<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z75MuoTLV6g/Tq2OVgwByQI/AAAAAAAACWU/HYAhTx1QymI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-10-25%2Bat%2B11.58.28%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z75MuoTLV6g/Tq2OVgwByQI/AAAAAAAACWU/HYAhTx1QymI/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2011-10-25%2Bat%2B11.58.28%2BPM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669344006149097730" border="0" /></a><br />And yours truly will be teaching a <a href="https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/BuyNow.action?id=144439264" target="_blank">food styling workshop</a> for the home cook that will be held in this gorgeous space provided by <a href="http://cookhousesf.com/" target="_blank">Cookhouse</a>.<br /><br />I want to give a big shout out to the incredible community of fine folks who have generously donated to the event thus far:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.18reasons.org/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 136px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar8eFI2hkrc/Tq2DT3QEWFI/AAAAAAAACUc/_1lwBGWy_zM/s320/18ReasonsLogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669331883201419346" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://101cookbooks.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 40px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkEpd_uHD6E/Tq2FByQYMGI/AAAAAAAACUw/3lNiGI4cnzw/s320/101%2BCookbooks.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669333771646152802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4505meats.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 144px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXB-7jn-k9c/Tq2CTb-PppI/AAAAAAAACUE/rYKbPX9O_80/s320/4505.logo.2x2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669330776367277714" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://ateliercrenn.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 95px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk5u94BKSFM/Tq1laG6rjPI/AAAAAAAACPA/AekWp0YflMM/s320/ateliercrenn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669299005137063154" border="0" /></a><a href="http://barjules.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 45px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gR7BlLefv9Q/Tq1iVedxSBI/AAAAAAAACOM/jSvaKqYkUu8/s320/barjules.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669295627024025618" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://batterbakery.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 140px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ci4Sqjw_CQ/Tq1lbFzzJ6I/AAAAAAAACPw/3jh0-onG5cA/s320/Batter%2Blogo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669299022019635106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://biritemarket.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSk3FYrGumRk5MEWGo6zBBt7wUWVMsbTueYrT_owGOh9y128-IUuqMKp2V3OW0RV2NOaqAvj66s9CrcJcYdWwxR0B77XjU0mLEzrXCmzO3v4mMTwDrGbuVW-bdxajXPJIT8l4-ByVKNEc/s320/BiRite+logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669301086001866722" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSk3FYrGumRk5MEWGo6zBBt7wUWVMsbTueYrT_owGOh9y128-IUuqMKp2V3OW0RV2NOaqAvj66s9CrcJcYdWwxR0B77XjU0mLEzrXCmzO3v4mMTwDrGbuVW-bdxajXPJIT8l4-ByVKNEc/s1600/BiRite+logo.png"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://blueplatesf.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 86px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zM7fR7y9d_o/Tq1iXJupC6I/AAAAAAAACOU/CByi_ZkJZnY/s320/blueplate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669295655817382818" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gR7BlLefv9Q/Tq1iVedxSBI/AAAAAAAACOM/jSvaKqYkUu8/s1600/barjules.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.brassicanapavalley.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 173px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlHvB_ieb-E/Tq1iJOJkJPI/AAAAAAAACNs/KGvPrvMolP4/s320/brassicalogo.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669295416485881074" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.caminorestaurant.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 39px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicm-wnQh2fVFgiE3nM5oPeFVtFezDkCIjkPrA1wPy6ztD_inURenSpo7decbfM-Y7I0xeSBnnYm-fa8tGFB_cWiSjalIfc02SA8buZocpQRu_8eqLo3xPaFAqjSse55vtd4O0SKN5LOA/s320/Camino.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669301086763522802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cancancleanse.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 156px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-No9Jd-7ESko/Tq1iHLtG8XI/AAAAAAAACNg/WnibDtM7xNI/s320/CAN_CAN_Logo.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669295381469917554" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://chezspencer.net/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfYIrjQJjTQUK6pDmB9b27-QpFb2dKgmE7ac_4u0cqjPgzLOEPfEJRpMpgFKbn1sjMJUv456V-HxexMYv0Nlsg9igY3ctXAWSbLQCMaAPvhL23G6OYXpUFGbW5t7AuVCE9OMXgU5iQt8/s320/chez_spencer_logo.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669295353743578914" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfbB5MGn-0PLdbDVis7eixp3Vm2cU979qsGPp5eCmpXgcRijA6tAT-qdAluLw1Za7TCXTVrR8GMUv2N9J4ShLm2EZEhlcJAyitfE5REPnpApCeTi42Q_oqEpSQP_AKrkfesHNsImMg9A/s1600/Chronicle+logo.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 56px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfbB5MGn-0PLdbDVis7eixp3Vm2cU979qsGPp5eCmpXgcRijA6tAT-qdAluLw1Za7TCXTVrR8GMUv2N9J4ShLm2EZEhlcJAyitfE5REPnpApCeTi42Q_oqEpSQP_AKrkfesHNsImMg9A/s320/Chronicle+logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669303360661107874" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFyXLHAVasHAkfGEinzF7wMta6h4srdQW7YXkAwHk-2Q5KTX417458bboOq67eo7oGHecSEw13kVhARSOO80ikCLxrYmIWdaQOndIgyfgslUgBmNYJsxR5nYlDQiwPUD3TQofkTNNUA4/s1600/CBK+asparagus.tiff"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.commonwealthsf.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 42px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVBno2bhC_1-RQxPZ5ENJsuuYlAWLmp4_MPxvaiZPIVS13XRWvhgiZ3Ars4MS2qQN9HkyqWEU0gpuuNHDhe0-TQeva8VKcvEFolml7aMmMZX9ZyA1b_w2yxj_Wod4F7UThP9gxvU6EDI/s320/small+commonwealth+logo.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669301102991050018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cookhousesf.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C59dTu9xo_c/Tq1iGbk4JGI/AAAAAAAACNQ/rHT4gGP5siE/s320/cookhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669295368550491234" border="0" /></a><a href="http://cookingwithrosetta.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 33px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYodEQxONQ8/Tq1g5kFdjOI/AAAAAAAACJU/H9Ax7MEaYOU/s320/rosetta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669294047984717026" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.cyrusrestaurant.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 78px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_usL3vqcfgA/Tq1hoN0UHBI/AAAAAAAACMA/jCa1lxm-4C4/s320/image001.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669294849461066770" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.digwinesf.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 126px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl2NVyg6ZNM/Tq1pXrKZMGI/AAAAAAAACRI/hr8CRA2lDyU/s320/dig%2Blogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669303361373548642" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.foreigncinema.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 35px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQL86-iXkMY/Tq1hnrQeF0I/AAAAAAAACLc/e3sjfVzn-fE/s320/foreign%2Bcinema_logo.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669294840183920450" border="0" /></a><a href="http://fourbarrelcoffee.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20UcKmSgDsePt_EdKEPWn6e3ErGocFRdIn591Ar3ty74hHPbm9JbAJocWvmKkOClLe1lwWu7NfC-0grKBzToyFT1ukRqohFIJpUnRazuaQqf5iDpMJPTBj22L6lkojI5oF-HnD2GSxtU/s320/4b+window+logo+%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669303516612806818" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.frangage.com/"><img style="display: block; 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margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 79px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzWgmBN7vFDiCU1a4O-wd47wg2Upu6AHeO3xufwdOt_nj2iw9zkvJe5Fef274ZkS3hTxiNyI_wuGKYgOXB12WB9A4P3EWwUcksNpb2TyQqvrhRCzfr3iV6OsKvohpDltK6X4kfyCJS_s/s320/Terroir+logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669321579954606162" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.theolivepress.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 138px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7w3BECWx-G4/Tq1-2_iH0bI/AAAAAAAACTY/chKdDb_JzvY/s320/TOP%2BSq.%2BLogos5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669326989161910706" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.vietworldkitchen.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 41px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8gosVqseTwE/Tq16QazFoDI/AAAAAAAACS4/4YIjXav546U/s320/Viet%2BKitchen.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669321928419418162" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.wentevineyards.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 103px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYtTU4PLogM/Tq1gnnwt_gI/AAAAAAAACIM/UnKQ7m3RFNw/s320/Wente%2BVineyards%2Blogo_300%2Bdpi.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669293739733810690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wexlerssf.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 75px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiN50kaMVN0/Tq1gnnvLUiI/AAAAAAAACIg/tNPE24CJxfA/s320/wexler%2Blogo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669293739727344162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha_5c3yemnE/Tq1goAmK8iI/AAAAAAAACI0/BKpbuLJhD2s/s1600/terroirwine.jpg"><br /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-6440047357547238432011-10-23T10:26:00.000-07:002011-10-23T11:41:57.506-07:00yam'Tcha Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfIETbWhNnA/TqN89hfFKLI/AAAAAAAACHk/je0vBIv7_vk/s1600/IMG_3910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfIETbWhNnA/TqN89hfFKLI/AAAAAAAACHk/je0vBIv7_vk/s320/IMG_3910.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week I had the great fortune to dine at <a href="http://www.lefooding.com/restaurant/restaurant-yam-tcha-paris.html" target="_blank">yam'Tcha</a> in Paris, a hidden treasure, tucked away on a tiny side street between Les Halles and the Louvre . I silently thank my gracious [and persuasive] Parisian friend daily for getting us a table on a cancellation.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9CnYnXPkwQ/TqN88kn8Q9I/AAAAAAAACHE/JjHosD-ciZ4/s1600/IMG_3916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9CnYnXPkwQ/TqN88kn8Q9I/AAAAAAAACHE/JjHosD-ciZ4/s320/IMG_3916.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Not only did we get in to this 20 seat gem [the typically wait is two months], we got the best seats in the house: the kitchen table.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKQrxoAwOWY/TqN889podGI/AAAAAAAACHQ/k6TWU4CDbzA/s1600/IMG_3914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKQrxoAwOWY/TqN889podGI/AAAAAAAACHQ/k6TWU4CDbzA/s320/IMG_3914.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Watching Chef Adeline Grattard and her crew create her Cantonese inspired dishes in the tiny space was an incredible pleasure. For me, the deft, practiced efficiency of a kitchen like this is a thing of beauty.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xnPhhztUWw_v2MIg5bBjsBX-IGxsSgrvebAjuKuC985Om4Nvjyh3uocGQZZ0b4NyoeMHraKZoiDgOYRkNrD2uPb0G9brVmt6lO98oCMbozSE76omyVcpRYXmlzRN1Av8gqykIuy-3a8/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xnPhhztUWw_v2MIg5bBjsBX-IGxsSgrvebAjuKuC985Om4Nvjyh3uocGQZZ0b4NyoeMHraKZoiDgOYRkNrD2uPb0G9brVmt6lO98oCMbozSE76omyVcpRYXmlzRN1Av8gqykIuy-3a8/s320/IMG_3911.JPG" border="0" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Being served this soft, rich oolong just after being seated, I knew I was in for a really good ride. To go along with the meal, guests can choose a wine pairing, tea pairing or combination of the two. I went the combo tea and wine route, because I just want to experience it all.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wzch-k8QtSvwWnQe0WiKxa4eEbYB7HAVhGlgYMqTRW-LX-TjRYDFlp5dkNuisSyOyUiBd-drDBxJaaRMWzoOurFLQ3a3ALl1gnW8Td0LPvI0GB-LJkqsnEfJv5irUslh-U7741nqVfI/s1600/IMG_3949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLh82M2ed-GnjHRaDrG6ur5mHY5bWXVzTPR-0oNI20zG0TSoo6-ZQ25KuCy5Ubw20EIVME5rI0hVmR6Jp0dq_vjNZKDgK-mq7dxmMZNNRfxHck6yrOnqBLCiJXw_8P0QPWOeRMZZDi2E/s1600/IMG_3945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko1AkdfMpcH_TwX13lyOlL5OhjXaa-vd6YF91BYqdk45qW0WzJM24vgmWlDCFcOVzyZjsQ1JgiK7vGRZXCdV9Ngo-F6pP1oje5r3fIy9-6mWyeCu6Zqda9CAk05IT3t0NCNqqoPw3mu8/s1600/IMG_3918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko1AkdfMpcH_TwX13lyOlL5OhjXaa-vd6YF91BYqdk45qW0WzJM24vgmWlDCFcOVzyZjsQ1JgiK7vGRZXCdV9Ngo-F6pP1oje5r3fIy9-6mWyeCu6Zqda9CAk05IT3t0NCNqqoPw3mu8/s320/IMG_3918.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />No less enticing was this amuse of slivered beans, wok seared tofu and sesame just layered with bright, crisp ginger and citrus.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTaetII9yoo/TqN7SxVshzI/AAAAAAAACGs/hoqFUonrPN8/s1600/IMG_3920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTaetII9yoo/TqN7SxVshzI/AAAAAAAACGs/hoqFUonrPN8/s320/IMG_3920.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />The barely seared, marinated tuna belly atop a perfectly citrusy melange of miniature Mexican cucumbers, chanterelles, radish, cherry tomatoes and mussels was a gorgeous combination of flavors and textures. And the pork fat scented, steamed buns just melted in the mouth.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXIYDt2efflEX2t50oBBdFGFYyZjCCRBMYvsOy_z6aGq_pb0eo91VzGwsuegY_K_pTPcWMDlUcZfSIRAurDXZqpmoVlTqxGRaggRXTCETRJ3GWCvFCZcEzA8k-dUEYZ-k13BPFmjDI_g/s1600/IMG_3923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXIYDt2efflEX2t50oBBdFGFYyZjCCRBMYvsOy_z6aGq_pb0eo91VzGwsuegY_K_pTPcWMDlUcZfSIRAurDXZqpmoVlTqxGRaggRXTCETRJ3GWCvFCZcEzA8k-dUEYZ-k13BPFmjDI_g/s320/IMG_3923.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />This dish is a revelation for me: blanched celeriac slaw topped with perfectly seared scallops. Hiding there under the foam is citrus roe and a sprinkling of salt. [Note: those are not the same buns -- the first round had already been devoured!]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0LQzKV0KrTsdfyltE9Szn1F2TBfZ5at_ppSoGESm9SeAsUzCNvDInD_Q0sDP2oRPaH3O7-uo5-vyH_NwqV11d_x-dCvLGNb_aekNR0Stoat19cgzRDTT0dD-N1C7dGDWw6xjeMTpWuY/s1600/IMG_3932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0LQzKV0KrTsdfyltE9Szn1F2TBfZ5at_ppSoGESm9SeAsUzCNvDInD_Q0sDP2oRPaH3O7-uo5-vyH_NwqV11d_x-dCvLGNb_aekNR0Stoat19cgzRDTT0dD-N1C7dGDWw6xjeMTpWuY/s320/IMG_3932.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />The morue fillet was flash basted with wok oil and served atop dry sauteed shrimp and delicately spiced blackbean braised cabbage.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wzch-k8QtSvwWnQe0WiKxa4eEbYB7HAVhGlgYMqTRW-LX-TjRYDFlp5dkNuisSyOyUiBd-drDBxJaaRMWzoOurFLQ3a3ALl1gnW8Td0LPvI0GB-LJkqsnEfJv5irUslh-U7741nqVfI/s1600/IMG_3949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wzch-k8QtSvwWnQe0WiKxa4eEbYB7HAVhGlgYMqTRW-LX-TjRYDFlp5dkNuisSyOyUiBd-drDBxJaaRMWzoOurFLQ3a3ALl1gnW8Td0LPvI0GB-LJkqsnEfJv5irUslh-U7741nqVfI/s320/IMG_3949.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />The wines were divine: a Coume del Mas from the Collioure region (near the border with Spain), a crisp chardonnay from the Jura region (near Switzerland), and a Christophe Abbet rouge with lots of character from the Valais region in Switzerland.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wzch-k8QtSvwWnQe0WiKxa4eEbYB7HAVhGlgYMqTRW-LX-TjRYDFlp5dkNuisSyOyUiBd-drDBxJaaRMWzoOurFLQ3a3ALl1gnW8Td0LPvI0GB-LJkqsnEfJv5irUslh-U7741nqVfI/s1600/IMG_3949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjZCavMnJTuk3B6x3SW56Xp26MrkkYIWLsHNdJeTRAmTk4mGUMwt0nRC9Y89bX_pvmo4rWAPXQy7BtsG_gV8RWXWnCCBZI2j_sfh0Xc65ddB8o0tB5WhOJXGugFVLWfxRZWr2qyYWXYA/s1600/IMG_3938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5iAn5_h68g/TqN555rrUUI/AAAAAAAACF8/BkgUHn-fi_k/s320/IMG_3937.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />This is the most deeply umami (and as my dining companion accurately phrased it: masculine) dish I think I've ever eaten. Smoky, marinated sweetbreads atop a rich mixture of chanterelles and cherry tomatoes, draped with paper-thin, smoked Ibérican pork belly.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjZCavMnJTuk3B6x3SW56Xp26MrkkYIWLsHNdJeTRAmTk4mGUMwt0nRC9Y89bX_pvmo4rWAPXQy7BtsG_gV8RWXWnCCBZI2j_sfh0Xc65ddB8o0tB5WhOJXGugFVLWfxRZWr2qyYWXYA/s320/IMG_3938.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />The cheese course is the only patently 'French' part of the meal. The mild, luscious cheese is made by the monks at St. Nicolas abbey in Cîteaux from their own herd.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLh82M2ed-GnjHRaDrG6ur5mHY5bWXVzTPR-0oNI20zG0TSoo6-ZQ25KuCy5Ubw20EIVME5rI0hVmR6Jp0dq_vjNZKDgK-mq7dxmMZNNRfxHck6yrOnqBLCiJXw_8P0QPWOeRMZZDi2E/s1600/IMG_3945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLh82M2ed-GnjHRaDrG6ur5mHY5bWXVzTPR-0oNI20zG0TSoo6-ZQ25KuCy5Ubw20EIVME5rI0hVmR6Jp0dq_vjNZKDgK-mq7dxmMZNNRfxHck6yrOnqBLCiJXw_8P0QPWOeRMZZDi2E/s320/IMG_3945.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xnPhhztUWw_v2MIg5bBjsBX-IGxsSgrvebAjuKuC985Om4Nvjyh3uocGQZZ0b4NyoeMHraKZoiDgOYRkNrD2uPb0G9brVmt6lO98oCMbozSE76omyVcpRYXmlzRN1Av8gqykIuy-3a8/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dessert was a perfect marriage of the chef's French and Cantonese allegiances: fresh mango, raspberry and passion fruit with lightly sweetened fromage frais, topped with a raw sugar tuile.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFqc_GObN20/TqObAvMjqqI/AAAAAAAACH4/lYVK6T8JE0E/s1600/IMG_3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFqc_GObN20/TqObAvMjqqI/AAAAAAAACH4/lYVK6T8JE0E/s320/IMG_3943.JPG" border="0" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Dessert was paired with a delicate, sweet jasmine tea -- balancing out the tart passion fruit and citrus. Like everything throughout the meal, on its own, the tea was wonderful: as a partner to the dessert, it enhanced the other component and was in turn enhanced by the food. The whole of the evening was just phenomenal. Merci beaucoup!<br /></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-54566687864034635952011-09-06T07:48:00.000-07:002011-09-06T09:05:51.251-07:00Brassica Napa Valley<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gb-UbjmZ1F02T6aGEkhHam4KUUtCvfmhvUlJ73pQBdtsFrZO0fO-J809p6uN1jCfqqqhmsIhX-ObomVTsojpxi8eG3axENgV8CpQ0araC6OjbZutQ_A9oAFFreUgv4-pnlxD-COveP4/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gb-UbjmZ1F02T6aGEkhHam4KUUtCvfmhvUlJ73pQBdtsFrZO0fO-J809p6uN1jCfqqqhmsIhX-ObomVTsojpxi8eG3axENgV8CpQ0araC6OjbZutQ_A9oAFFreUgv4-pnlxD-COveP4/s320/IMG_3450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647850658939889026" border="0"></a>Lucky me, I was invited this past week to the friends and family tasting at <a href="http://www.cindypawlcyn.com/" target="_blank">Cindy Pawlcyn's</a> new restaurant <a href="http://www.brassicanapavalley.com/" target="_blank">Brassica</a> in St. Helena. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4acMRLnl_CI/TmEyRDmE0KI/AAAAAAAACDs/E8IKE-9MczQ/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4acMRLnl_CI/TmEyRDmE0KI/AAAAAAAACDs/E8IKE-9MczQ/s320/IMG_3455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647850676303483042" border="0"></a><br />It's in the former 'Go Fish' location, with a little bit of interior restyling and the same wonderful outdoor patio for those fabulously warm days and balmy nights in the Napa Valley. <br /><br />They're also doing something new and brilliant with the wine program: <a href="http://www.brassicanapavalley.com/" target="_blank">Brassica's</a> offering the entire wine list -- which includes a dozen small producers without tasting rooms -- by the glass *and* in 2 oz pours so you can pair each and taste a broad range of different wines. See what I mean? Brilliant!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3znM4-HRtl9T0uqfHiVJuVHitTDC8ovaDkxCyLlkTqq5n20bRRN7IwIH80o0Ru2q26T1q9ZMNL-SgM7khEUoWdPSqwfkZoISgIZgKgQyrFt2PY8saDPbohA4GE2bJqb14M5_Y-SjoBMs/s1600/IMG_3451.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3znM4-HRtl9T0uqfHiVJuVHitTDC8ovaDkxCyLlkTqq5n20bRRN7IwIH80o0Ru2q26T1q9ZMNL-SgM7khEUoWdPSqwfkZoISgIZgKgQyrFt2PY8saDPbohA4GE2bJqb14M5_Y-SjoBMs/s320/IMG_3451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647850665963693634" border="0"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyozzqaSOWH17KvJt-eDTMTvJvMl2j98wkvd5Gh0nEKxb8TZD_VwDI9NSDq7L9eW8BKUAyXGeM19CmpJRumyjfnz6UpRNZbMZ6AkJYceWPA_Huen9I-ZGkSLzI_bfSb9dV06RSnfmplW8/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyozzqaSOWH17KvJt-eDTMTvJvMl2j98wkvd5Gh0nEKxb8TZD_VwDI9NSDq7L9eW8BKUAyXGeM19CmpJRumyjfnz6UpRNZbMZ6AkJYceWPA_Huen9I-ZGkSLzI_bfSb9dV06RSnfmplW8/s320/IMG_3431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647848115409293394" border="0"></a><br />The<font style="text-decoration: underline;"></font> menu is truly inspired and encompasses flavors from all areas of the Mediterranean-- Southern Europe, N. Africa and the Middle East. Everything from the kitchen is made with tremendous care...even the ceramic salt cellars and olive dishes were made by Cindy herself [because she clearly didn't have enough to do in opening a new restaurant].<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVibyOUSojQ/TmEv7JvQEcI/AAAAAAAACDE/VkgwYGzQo7Q/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVibyOUSojQ/TmEv7JvQEcI/AAAAAAAACDE/VkgwYGzQo7Q/s320/IMG_3432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647848100972204482" border="0"></a>We started off the meal with the lightest, fluffiest, creamiest hummus I've ever had -- almost the texture of a mousse, but with substance (if that seeming contradiction makes any sense). The fava bean ful in the center, perfectly cooked farm egg and freshly made pita bread right off the grill just elevated the it to a whole other level.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leJs_lE59aE/TmEv667_NsI/AAAAAAAACC8/I5l8_GwDf-Q/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leJs_lE59aE/TmEv667_NsI/AAAAAAAACC8/I5l8_GwDf-Q/s320/IMG_3435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647848096999093954" border="0"></a><br />I love haloumi cheese and was so excited to see it on the menu. This amazing fresh haloumi seasoned with oregano, chili and garlic was heavenly. In addition to the little cast iron skillet being a sweet presentation, it kept the cheese perfectly warm and tender.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSe2MKqeE7GUp1O_qblWGk09RKclZc0e4bdTDWwKMs_fZk9LAl8_cTCvlH1NRPdzlDrRPDV2IeXAvt2PLHG7PLb-lRj8gW3eS6FhiyMACIUwMRw-3zXkuVl-ti7RiF7IvCxyIuqo_RLI/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSe2MKqeE7GUp1O_qblWGk09RKclZc0e4bdTDWwKMs_fZk9LAl8_cTCvlH1NRPdzlDrRPDV2IeXAvt2PLHG7PLb-lRj8gW3eS6FhiyMACIUwMRw-3zXkuVl-ti7RiF7IvCxyIuqo_RLI/s320/IMG_3437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647848085476083122" border="0"></a><br />If you like a good fruit/cured pork combo like I do [think bacon-wrapped date], these delicious salty/sweet pancetta-wrapped and roasted Colavolpe figs are right up your alley. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3GV_s12HsM/TmEv6oxCKQI/AAAAAAAACC0/_f7YTmT6uDs/s1600/IMG_3436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3GV_s12HsM/TmEv6oxCKQI/AAAAAAAACC0/_f7YTmT6uDs/s320/IMG_3436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647848092121311490" border="0"></a><br />For all you shrimp fans, these wild shrimp with espelette and plenty of garlic are so flavorful and tender, they just melt in your mouth.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQpSr4g4WyU/TmEnRV542uI/AAAAAAAACCk/6xRzlZMAHxY/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQpSr4g4WyU/TmEnRV542uI/AAAAAAAACCk/6xRzlZMAHxY/s320/IMG_3438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647838586590517986" border="0"></a>Okay, I've had eggplant fries before but I have to say that previous encounters were nothing -- and I really mean 'nothing' -- like these light as air, za'atar seasoned strips of satisfaction. The spiced yogurt dipping sauce is bright and the perfect companion.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5vmkGMT41E/TmEnQLVQvdI/AAAAAAAACCE/EObqUbhw6jg%20%20%3Ca%20onblur=" try=""><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79rfgd37fU4/TmEnQ6Er4PI/AAAAAAAACCc/0036ouVGECU/s320/IMG_3440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647838579119612146" border="0"></a><br />I must confess that I am not generally a sardine fan. However, my dining companion adores them and I like to share and taste, so was game to try. The verdict from this non-oily fish loving girl: the crunchy skin and rich flavor of the fish combined with the tang of the mustard vinaigrette on the bitter greens salad was just the right balance and I liked it so much, I just might order it on my own next time. Swear!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_EXC4rtxpU/TmEnQjCp3YI/AAAAAAAACCU/r4TXoMbSz80/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_EXC4rtxpU/TmEnQjCp3YI/AAAAAAAACCU/r4TXoMbSz80/s320/IMG_3445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647838572937076098" border="0"></a><br />Despite having an already full belly, I called on my dessert stomach to come to the game and was so happy it was able to rally. This lemon, ricotta cake made with ground pinenuts was divine -- great texture, light and lots of lemony goodness. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnxE7lzrbAh4ulpMv5gF0GAPRBM0k1czVl03iLOqHSI4FBGL82SdriK2phTJ0kCe9VkT7oF8Q40vdecB8C9XzkGZl64pUBLFZgECIbofwfpdokNZ2A9_YvWnZx5PiQWqGONjtbEwaqb8/s1600/IMG_3447.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnxE7lzrbAh4ulpMv5gF0GAPRBM0k1czVl03iLOqHSI4FBGL82SdriK2phTJ0kCe9VkT7oF8Q40vdecB8C9XzkGZl64pUBLFZgECIbofwfpdokNZ2A9_YvWnZx5PiQWqGONjtbEwaqb8/s320/IMG_3447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647838569465643186" border="0"></a><br />These spiced, poached figs in orange blossom sauce with vanilla ice cream and a date and honey stuffed phyllo 'cigar' were rich with flavor, not too sweet and a wonderfully satisfying end to the meal.<br /><br />There's so much more I had the desire yet no physical capacity to try: leek and pancetta risotto with friend egg, coriander & thyme braised rabbit with pappardelle, Turkish lamb with fig & onion yahni, and, and, and....I guess that just means I'll have to return a few more times with more friends in tow so to taste it all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-54915361432516615372011-09-01T08:29:00.000-07:002011-09-01T08:31:46.270-07:00Dogpatch Days of Summer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPOYDPYH6L8IUqR_0J_lAbU0cqGIJAv60tZs0JoUq0c8jFLn43vYGlYVrbBY-4VCdKmZjOTINS_-slM9hTp-TfRYTvs7yYd1dl7uVH1GXhVURqNjS2neRKdDySmnI6Fwojj73Ye3DsTY/s1600/IMG_3397.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPOYDPYH6L8IUqR_0J_lAbU0cqGIJAv60tZs0JoUq0c8jFLn43vYGlYVrbBY-4VCdKmZjOTINS_-slM9hTp-TfRYTvs7yYd1dl7uVH1GXhVURqNjS2neRKdDySmnI6Fwojj73Ye3DsTY/s320/IMG_3397.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647259339864017090" border="0" /></a>
<br />There's so much exciting change afoot in <a href="http://pier70sf.org/dogpatch/dogpatch_history.htm" target="_blank">Dogpatch</a> lately, with even more to come. There's a fantastic new wine shop called <a href="http://www.digwinesf.com/" target="_blank">Dig</a>, which is just next to the new <a href="http://www.piccinocafe.com/" target="_blank">Piccino</a> location [well, there's actually a new MAC (Modern Appealing Clothing) shop separating the two....details, details].
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs1k5yVX9sg/Tl8YcQuqbxI/AAAAAAAACBk/eA-ovbE0Iic/s1600/IMG_3393.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs1k5yVX9sg/Tl8YcQuqbxI/AAAAAAAACBk/eA-ovbE0Iic/s320/IMG_3393.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647259331551981330" border="0" /></a>
<br />I do love our local wines, but sometimes I crave a French or Italian style with a lower alcohol content so I can sip the evening (or afternoon) away without getting blotto. <a href="http://www.digwinesf.com/" target="_blank">Dig</a> has a fantastic collection of exclusively French and Italian vino, and Wayne, the owner offers expert guidance to whatever suits your taste and pocketbook.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOc9ElmcEaPI_McxTukF8LcUGa1Q-JTbIFxYswVjHX2p9ylKZNBTC0Cupg-bfSCC4BwInVVPEwDhaHDZzfwxX3J453iPT_DFQ1Imz2lIhZdx96TSNUzIV77O9ORppUmvZRrEIq6oQ1xcc/s1600/IMG_3403.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOc9ElmcEaPI_McxTukF8LcUGa1Q-JTbIFxYswVjHX2p9ylKZNBTC0Cupg-bfSCC4BwInVVPEwDhaHDZzfwxX3J453iPT_DFQ1Imz2lIhZdx96TSNUzIV77O9ORppUmvZRrEIq6oQ1xcc/s320/IMG_3403.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647265660626576802" border="0" /></a>
<br />The <a href="http://www.piccinocafe.com/" target="_blank">Piccino</a> move brought with it a bigger, brighter, more expansive coffee shop space where you can enjoy some superb <a href="http://sightglasscoffee.com//" target="_blank">Sight Glass</a> java...
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh-gkkdhAXM/Tl8Yc0yEISI/AAAAAAAACB0/FD6Ft2iPwMg/s1600/IMG_3400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh-gkkdhAXM/Tl8Yc0yEISI/AAAAAAAACB0/FD6Ft2iPwMg/s320/IMG_3400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647259341229924642" border="0" /></a>
<br />and one (or more...who's counting?!) delectable baked treats.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkFR14SJygI/Tl8YbVjVx6I/AAAAAAAACBU/AgvbGpDVkE0/s1600/IMG_3387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkFR14SJygI/Tl8YbVjVx6I/AAAAAAAACBU/AgvbGpDVkE0/s320/IMG_3387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647259315666798498" border="0" /></a>
<br />Just down the street and around the corner, you can find where San Francisco is now the proud recipient of it's new French butcher shop. So if you have a hankering for one of your favorite French cuts, go see <a href="http://www.oliviersbutchery.com/" target="_blank">Olivier</a>.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5SvZwphhUI/TlQjfNqBIeI/AAAAAAAACBE/iIf3i7l-irM/s1600/IMG_3383.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5SvZwphhUI/TlQjfNqBIeI/AAAAAAAACBE/iIf3i7l-irM/s320/IMG_3383.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644175252150886882" border="0" /></a>The man is serious about his profession.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGMbEGVqEQI/TlQjfmQTMPI/AAAAAAAACBM/_q-3e3bfHeM/s1600/IMG_3382.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGMbEGVqEQI/TlQjfmQTMPI/AAAAAAAACBM/_q-3e3bfHeM/s320/IMG_3382.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644175258753904882" border="0" /></a>
<br />And the cuts are gorgeous.
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFFBjXLlNzc/TlQgk630sfI/AAAAAAAACAM/vz-BgFcXeac/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFFBjXLlNzc/TlQgk630sfI/AAAAAAAACAM/vz-BgFcXeac/s320/IMG_3411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644172051652850162" border="0" /></a>
<br />There was a little micro-hood event put on recently by <a href="http://thebolditalic.com/events/3209-3rd-base-a-dogpatch-microhood-/" target="_blank">the Bold Italic</a> and we got a little slider taste of <a href="http://www.oliviersbutchery.com/" target="_blank">Olivier</a> goods off the BBQ. The housemade, baguette-nestled merguez sausage I devoured was spicy divine.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuLivFAfZdLxbO9bqairvI-JRVsu_Lu00v64oOijUL7WLxnRtd6MdwrUDI5aO4_TNjw3swuneksaRla3DruxaWW-tes57M2klgSKHnmInSwtuTAPTHSnf1PmV-7bqKe17nMmNwtIGruM/s1600/IMG_3407.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuLivFAfZdLxbO9bqairvI-JRVsu_Lu00v64oOijUL7WLxnRtd6MdwrUDI5aO4_TNjw3swuneksaRla3DruxaWW-tes57M2klgSKHnmInSwtuTAPTHSnf1PmV-7bqKe17nMmNwtIGruM/s320/IMG_3407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644175234694897954" border="0" /></a>
<br />Carl Sutton of <a href="http://www.suttoncellars.com/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Sutton Cellars</a> is dedicated to filling and corking all of his wines by hand and hosts the occasional barrel tapping where you can walk away with one of these fabulously stylish jugs -- filled, of course.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZISYLmewkg/TlQgl2Z1ZII/AAAAAAAACAk/03nih6hNIoc/s1600/IMG_3408.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZISYLmewkg/TlQgl2Z1ZII/AAAAAAAACAk/03nih6hNIoc/s320/IMG_3408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644172067633194114" border="0" /></a>
<br />The night of the event, we got to sample just about everything in the current portfolio for a very modest tasting fee of five bucks. Nice.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsm6R0MOLTdP0DigOu34kD3lXMseUcXQWtMrKFJdBpopy5FuMlyZs2hAopq5RDkHMApnB4L3bRYy4sloHlgXe7VvUOC1f5q1vQoIy3DEEeI95RkseOacihtVvBwiFY3yTEJ9E6HLvej4/s1600/IMG_3410.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsm6R0MOLTdP0DigOu34kD3lXMseUcXQWtMrKFJdBpopy5FuMlyZs2hAopq5RDkHMApnB4L3bRYy4sloHlgXe7VvUOC1f5q1vQoIy3DEEeI95RkseOacihtVvBwiFY3yTEJ9E6HLvej4/s320/IMG_3410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644172057377997410" border="0" /></a>
<br />I've already raved about <a href="http://blog.gorgeousgrub.com/2010/07/scream.html" target="_blank">Mr & Mrs Miscellaneous</a> in a prior post, so I'll spare you the repeat. I stand by my claim that this is some of the best ice cream in the city and decidedly the best housemade cones. And it's definitely the sunniest spot you'll wait on line.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWtag3H5Noj2bQ8oPcmplhewT8khPzmX7PwtH2F1LS6G_GLfbpiTAtDdUBX9AsSQ-T-9_narZqVRnRWbc4GP_HNGtm6ahClCNydgp26N0tlf0PWshs_YCTjZEoVwHiXsexbgo0q0jG1Y/s1600/IMG_3404.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWtag3H5Noj2bQ8oPcmplhewT8khPzmX7PwtH2F1LS6G_GLfbpiTAtDdUBX9AsSQ-T-9_narZqVRnRWbc4GP_HNGtm6ahClCNydgp26N0tlf0PWshs_YCTjZEoVwHiXsexbgo0q0jG1Y/s320/IMG_3404.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644175244616267314" border="0" /></a>
<br />Now, the gals at <a href="http://www.pocodolce.com/" target="_blank">Poco Dolce</a> are among my chocolate heroines. Just when I've gotten addicted to their latest chocolate 'tile', they throw yet another flavor combo ditty into the mix. Sesame toffee you say? Uh, yeah!! I mean, 'yes please'.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGy4-YVAi94/TlQjeXUBl8I/AAAAAAAACA0/u189ZzN-o7o/s1600/IMG_3406.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGy4-YVAi94/TlQjeXUBl8I/AAAAAAAACA0/u189ZzN-o7o/s320/IMG_3406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644175237563127746" border="0" /></a>
<br />It may not look like it with them working away, filling orders at their desks, but their store front on 3rd Street, really is a retail shop, too. Don't just peer in the windows, pop on in and start your own addiction.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqrEwYlrEtc/TlQgknKGR7I/AAAAAAAACAE/qbKU1j0P54w/s1600/IMG_3413.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqrEwYlrEtc/TlQgknKGR7I/AAAAAAAACAE/qbKU1j0P54w/s320/IMG_3413.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644172046360790962" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://www.acupuncturekitchen.com/" target="_blank">Acupuncture Kitchen</a> is not only a the most stylish environs to get your needles on, but the owner also makes some killer chocolates, specially formulated for her patients [it's pretty hard to argue with a LAc who prescribes chocolate]. And for the recent micro-hood event, the 'kitchen' mixed up some mighty tasty herbal elixers for folks to sip while enjoying a webisode on coffee, a cowgirl foot massage by the fabulous <a href="http://nellwatersmassage.com/" target="_blank">Nell Waters</a> -- resident massage therapist-- and/or the newly offered, old-school barber shop services by master barber Ruben Padilla for the gents.
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<br />These are just some of the latest & greatest destinations in <a href="http://pier70sf.org/dogpatch/dogpatch_history.htm" target="_blank">Dogpatch</a> with more coming soon -- like a branch of <a href="http://www.magnoliapub.com/index.html" target="_blank">Magnolia Brewery</a> and the new savory cafe project [in the former Piccino space] by Jacky & Michael <a href="http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html" target="_blank">Recchiuti</a> whose chocolate workshop was one of the original artisan production houses to move into the area nearly 15 years ago. So what I'm sayin' is, if you live in SF, I suggest you come enjoy it all while the crowds are small. Cuz soon, the 'hood is gonna be the dubbed the next 'gourmet ghetto' and you know what that means.
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-24927959758742997292011-08-02T11:54:00.001-07:002011-08-02T12:51:56.436-07:00Sage Provisions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsx9PlE22pY3MRi8Liz5owzoJnlYc_ZRwmexQHqbsDgORvxsAPEqimf3k-w7WFsEyLel_GqNRlhk-bgdOtlYPbyQUZgzNKM0ut6uWOIVBCOlv4VzN9WeEIt4sqUkTMEjGnHKxVhTL39Q/s1600/DSCN0280.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsx9PlE22pY3MRi8Liz5owzoJnlYc_ZRwmexQHqbsDgORvxsAPEqimf3k-w7WFsEyLel_GqNRlhk-bgdOtlYPbyQUZgzNKM0ut6uWOIVBCOlv4VzN9WeEIt4sqUkTMEjGnHKxVhTL39Q/s320/DSCN0280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335410683536514" border="0" /></a><br />Have you ever found yourself near the junction of Arnold Drive and Carneros Hwy, on the border of Sonoma and Napa valleys, unable to make a decision which wines to explore cuz your belly is rumbling?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhjpVssPx94/TjhIkPcUBbI/AAAAAAAAB-k/ZdZfr91BzAA/s1600/DSCN0258.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhjpVssPx94/TjhIkPcUBbI/AAAAAAAAB-k/ZdZfr91BzAA/s320/DSCN0258.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636334721111950770" border="0" /></a>Next time, you just might want to stop in to grab a bite at <a href="http://www.sageprovisions.com/" target="_blank">Sage Fine Food & Provisions</a> in the heart of <a href="http://www.cornerstonesonoma.com/index.php" target="_blank">Cornerstone</a> (that place with the big, exaggerated, undulating white picket fence).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-QSuimbqusC8D-ZWDsBYUpe-P2bgNapCCuoCEkTYDpIIJxmE2Pk-0tDdeg4jYajUuDL1eGZ5et8DUcnFj9xXzVabt3Ss5ftoJ2hmlRqOBXRZyYJYuuaRVvB2ksQEzaQ1JEu37f3toyY/s1600/DSCN0276.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-QSuimbqusC8D-ZWDsBYUpe-P2bgNapCCuoCEkTYDpIIJxmE2Pk-0tDdeg4jYajUuDL1eGZ5et8DUcnFj9xXzVabt3Ss5ftoJ2hmlRqOBXRZyYJYuuaRVvB2ksQEzaQ1JEu37f3toyY/s320/DSCN0276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636336643393595106" border="0" /></a>They've got something for just about everyone [in case you have a car full of disparate palates]. In my many varied and numerous samplings over time, it's been consistently fresh, flavorful and satisfying.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0uaZ3sUjnqk/TjhIkif_-wI/AAAAAAAAB-0/T8F7bxrUdh0/s1600/DSCN0262.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0uaZ3sUjnqk/TjhIkif_-wI/AAAAAAAAB-0/T8F7bxrUdh0/s320/DSCN0262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636334726227688194" border="0" /></a><br />Everything from gorgeous beet and greek salads<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ezer3w7GZWE/TjhIlWJtHCI/AAAAAAAAB_E/gnKkBnyEHkk/s1600/DSCN0266.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ezer3w7GZWE/TjhIlWJtHCI/AAAAAAAAB_E/gnKkBnyEHkk/s320/DSCN0266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636334740092820514" border="0" /></a>to Italian roasted chicken<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lag6S5zFzQU/TjhIlCq5-uI/AAAAAAAAB-8/dQ3vmvNLgjs/s1600/DSCN0263.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lag6S5zFzQU/TjhIlCq5-uI/AAAAAAAAB-8/dQ3vmvNLgjs/s320/DSCN0263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636334734863366882" border="0" /></a><br />to marinated grilled veggies<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0uaZ3sUjnqk/TjhIkif_-wI/AAAAAAAAB-0/T8F7bxrUdh0/s1600/DSCN0262.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqFqCxS7tkHYCfB9rSf6LQNiD0WO-y38dwEmPB8smRXqketJO48fXCnCh0akBD3nU2LuvlHb1WoJtz8GgLsf92Y2HOPcY4bI9VeCCNxZ3w4EZVBY0GTlIaAjAbVi4hATuBYAV9OWQ1TQ/s1600/DSCN0267.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqFqCxS7tkHYCfB9rSf6LQNiD0WO-y38dwEmPB8smRXqketJO48fXCnCh0akBD3nU2LuvlHb1WoJtz8GgLsf92Y2HOPcY4bI9VeCCNxZ3w4EZVBY0GTlIaAjAbVi4hATuBYAV9OWQ1TQ/s320/DSCN0267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636342673755587874" border="0" /></a><br />to noodles<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2yUaryjpKc/TjhIkVc9OaI/AAAAAAAAB-s/KnMrRYgOOe4/s1600/DSCN0261.JPG"> </a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0uaZ3sUjnqk/TjhIkif_-wI/AAAAAAAAB-0/T8F7bxrUdh0/s1600/DSCN0262.JPG"><br /><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xwnXpWMzjJXXPSCppyQ-Bmj5tBT7FXVtMOHt5xxdvlqDKy777LlvSk2RDFZiDREccu4kldN411h76P3VSndkkx8alpcKyA6xFPLNg4vXTupJCV9F-PQRnhvILshhWnQdG5YCH9JVXR8/s1600/DSCN0270.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xwnXpWMzjJXXPSCppyQ-Bmj5tBT7FXVtMOHt5xxdvlqDKy777LlvSk2RDFZiDREccu4kldN411h76P3VSndkkx8alpcKyA6xFPLNg4vXTupJCV9F-PQRnhvILshhWnQdG5YCH9JVXR8/s320/DSCN0270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335403796059218" border="0" /></a>and a wide variety of sweet treats. **Tip for chocoholics dining al fresco: If it's one of those gloriously heat-filled wine country days and you have a hankering to try their chocolate truffles, enjoy the truffles as a first course, before the sun gets 'em [this tip comes to you courtesy of personal experience].<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhjpVssPx94/TjhIkPcUBbI/AAAAAAAAB-k/ZdZfr91BzAA/s1600/DSCN0258.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emm30rn2QMc/TjhJLXFmUyI/AAAAAAAAB_M/-YiQU3ypDeU/s1600/DSCN0273.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emm30rn2QMc/TjhJLXFmUyI/AAAAAAAAB_M/-YiQU3ypDeU/s320/DSCN0273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335393179063074" border="0" /></a>There's also indoor seating with abundant a/c for those not seeking to defrost themselves from the chill of San Francisco's summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsx9PlE22pY3MRi8Liz5owzoJnlYc_ZRwmexQHqbsDgORvxsAPEqimf3k-w7WFsEyLel_GqNRlhk-bgdOtlYPbyQUZgzNKM0ut6uWOIVBCOlv4VzN9WeEIt4sqUkTMEjGnHKxVhTL39Q/s1600/DSCN0280.JPG"><br /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-49680518452361022992011-06-28T07:19:00.000-07:002011-06-28T07:32:13.865-07:00Nojo to Table<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5zcyGAPMhw/TgXw4I-MH5I/AAAAAAAAB-c/RyAPrNLtiuk/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5zcyGAPMhw/TgXw4I-MH5I/AAAAAAAAB-c/RyAPrNLtiuk/s320/IMG_3266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622164557113597842" border="0" /></a><br />There's a new little taste of Japan in SF called <a href="http://nojosf.com" target="_blank">Nojo</a>. Nojo means 'farm' in Japanese, so you'll find farm to table fare served yakitori and izakaya style -- and a list of the nojos supplying the goods on the daily menu. For chef/owner Greg Dunmore [former Exec Chef of <a href="http://www.amerestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Ame</a>], the deciding inspiration for <a href="http://nojosf.com" target="_blank">Nojo</a> was a visit to a yakitori bar in Osaka. Lucky us, we now have a sweet spot in Hayes Valley to sip sake and beer while enjoying some great bites and really nice hospitality.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6sv9aoYh4Q/TgXw3_0fd_I/AAAAAAAAB-U/83t5xQ4Z2Sc/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6sv9aoYh4Q/TgXw3_0fd_I/AAAAAAAAB-U/83t5xQ4Z2Sc/s320/IMG_3248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622164554657003506" border="0" /></a><br />The choices are plentiful and it was not easy to decide, but we started at the top with the simple, bright flavors of Spring tsukemono -- pickled daikon, cucumber and curried cauliflower.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97EYDzjBIj0/TgXw3ghMzTI/AAAAAAAAB-M/vxEk4dZoBeY/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97EYDzjBIj0/TgXw3ghMzTI/AAAAAAAAB-M/vxEk4dZoBeY/s320/IMG_3251.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622164546254589234" border="0" /></a><br />There are lots of options 'on a stick' and the tsukune (basically a chicken meatball cooked yakitori style) with egg yolk sauce was savory delicious.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qCEnTRmMddrrLTIJoosQv7vNpADSysJA00P1kjRcA-VO3oxRcKxGzBV26yOM3emQgICVp1_ykkkqVTeaV0h1WKtfsU9yf5vrHy31kJMjvkrFLqF-PhHv74FY1MH27fOMh4Yxw5leVjw/s1600/IMG_3254.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qCEnTRmMddrrLTIJoosQv7vNpADSysJA00P1kjRcA-VO3oxRcKxGzBV26yOM3emQgICVp1_ykkkqVTeaV0h1WKtfsU9yf5vrHy31kJMjvkrFLqF-PhHv74FY1MH27fOMh4Yxw5leVjw/s320/IMG_3254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622164544736728178" border="0" /></a><br />This juicy chicken breast on a stick was topped with fresh wasabi leaves and rested on a dollop of freshly mashed avocado.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Ac9gVvnkY/TgXwCrYU2QI/AAAAAAAAB98/mTAqLsIZc_o/s1600/IMG_3255.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Ac9gVvnkY/TgXwCrYU2QI/AAAAAAAAB98/mTAqLsIZc_o/s320/IMG_3255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622163638637091074" border="0" /></a><br />Okay: almond pork rice ball with miso mustard. Need I say more?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh7iSqEYJog/TgXwCfEglpI/AAAAAAAAB90/3-hl8GtpYOI/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh7iSqEYJog/TgXwCfEglpI/AAAAAAAAB90/3-hl8GtpYOI/s320/IMG_3257.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622163635332748946" border="0" /></a><br />Loved the crisp and light tempura of Maitake mushrooms, Meyer lemon slices & Blue Lake beans with spicy ponzu mayo. Meyer lemon slices? Oh yeah!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isEPHNBxTyk/TgXwCENu94I/AAAAAAAAB9s/RlVZ45RM64I/s1600/IMG_3260.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isEPHNBxTyk/TgXwCENu94I/AAAAAAAAB9s/RlVZ45RM64I/s320/IMG_3260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622163628123682690" border="0" /></a><br />I'll try pretty much anything made with umeboshi (pickled sour plums). This handmade umeboshi somen, topped with uni and fresh shiso leaves, was incredibly delicate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfQCyhFz17U/TgXwBznbDHI/AAAAAAAAB9k/dthMdo5-tdI/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfQCyhFz17U/TgXwBznbDHI/AAAAAAAAB9k/dthMdo5-tdI/s320/IMG_3261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622163623668026482" border="0" /></a><br />The tender tonkatsu (fried pork) comes with a fresh salad full of shaved daikon, sweet cherries and roasted almonds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKtM_3fpOEk/TgXwBjBjctI/AAAAAAAAB9c/YSosqENRVVM/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKtM_3fpOEk/TgXwBjBjctI/AAAAAAAAB9c/YSosqENRVVM/s320/IMG_3263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622163619214226130" border="0" /></a><br />It was a tough call choosing 'dezaato' (the charmingly Japanified word for dessert). All in the offing are creative and intriguing, and the vote this particular eve went to the buckwheat crêpes with ginger muscavado syrup, plumcots and white miso ice cream. It was an excellent choice and stellar finish to a really enjoyable meal. <br /><br />Anyone in for a repeat?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-6193023545078759952011-06-01T14:27:00.000-07:002011-06-09T23:46:47.067-07:00Grazing in Madison<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJh3I_c7XCk/Teawrj3LXKI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/oQWOwswM5gQ/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJh3I_c7XCk/Teawrj3LXKI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/oQWOwswM5gQ/s320/IMG_3192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613368247971437730" border="0" /></a><br />I ventured to Madison, Wisconsin recently for a friend's wedding and I honestly had no idea what to expect on the food scene. I did know there was a James Beard Best Chef nominee this year, but other than that, clueless. I quickly learned that not only is Madison home to the country's largest producer-only farmer's market (who knew?!), there are two fantastic restaurants within one block of each other: <a href="http://grazemadison.com/index.php" target="_blank">Graze</a> and <a href="http://www.harvest-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Harvest</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMVolk-iYljEcDUBEZLIFDLtRkx6P3lr9Iztll3mVZWXSZpv0a0xPVXN3JKPxd44ZIFpKXG7z4Nc2lMoIsJPSCf5KkkiJCr0KxHNh5WvvHM65MhyphenhyphenFYHInaYJ2Utn9fylzCH3LHpZf1yA/s1600/IMG_3213.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMVolk-iYljEcDUBEZLIFDLtRkx6P3lr9Iztll3mVZWXSZpv0a0xPVXN3JKPxd44ZIFpKXG7z4Nc2lMoIsJPSCf5KkkiJCr0KxHNh5WvvHM65MhyphenhyphenFYHInaYJ2Utn9fylzCH3LHpZf1yA/s320/IMG_3213.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614515618397855490" border="0" /></a><br />Just across the street from the State Capitol building, <a href="http://grazemadison.com/index.php" target="_blank">Graze</a> is the stylish and more casual gastro-pub cousin to the eponymous <a href="http://www.letoile-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">L'Etoile</a>. Both establishments' kitchens are under the guidance of Tory Miller, the 2011 James Beard nominee I was referring to.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEPGRjgKOcdF8BJLUYB1q2kKuRvV_BvxX85TW1Fcbs8tcHWLBWIPY98n7YGPvea7pgh-C0GDfJbmAOA6Ca6khZe3KjckE6o6sfMawzIGcQispH4-sZg_4oTXYXvgS5qniAQuAwszjfoA/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEPGRjgKOcdF8BJLUYB1q2kKuRvV_BvxX85TW1Fcbs8tcHWLBWIPY98n7YGPvea7pgh-C0GDfJbmAOA6Ca6khZe3KjckE6o6sfMawzIGcQispH4-sZg_4oTXYXvgS5qniAQuAwszjfoA/s320/IMG_3203.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613368242959707202" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://grazemadison.com/index.php" target="_blank">Graze</a> is all about haute comfort food. And no visit to Madison, so I was told, would be complete without indulging in the local delicacy of fried cheese curds. Yes folks, fried cheese. With housemade ranch dressing for dipping. That's some serious decadence!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjuqkHM8cxc/TerENnVDquI/AAAAAAAAB9M/DEHmd0qVHTM/s1600/IMG_3215.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjuqkHM8cxc/TerENnVDquI/AAAAAAAAB9M/DEHmd0qVHTM/s320/IMG_3215.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614515623645391586" border="0" /></a><br />Wisconsinites are devoted to their cheeses and producers. At <a href="http://grazemadison.com/index.php" target="_blank">Graze</a>, the daily local cheese offerings are announced on a large blackboard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNylt1lQQBiyI6ip1-Cqi88JrituaWaIF23yiJ9nKhoIFBYvPhD1F33Av7Xvb55Jamb5zFbjVqI7a5Z2p_vIsX62sNa-Hela-oahO1-FtjE6avRIg5JfE2v7nMo6Qoz_6276XuCQG7gos/s1600/IMG_3218.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNylt1lQQBiyI6ip1-Cqi88JrituaWaIF23yiJ9nKhoIFBYvPhD1F33Av7Xvb55Jamb5zFbjVqI7a5Z2p_vIsX62sNa-Hela-oahO1-FtjE6avRIg5JfE2v7nMo6Qoz_6276XuCQG7gos/s320/IMG_3218.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614515631484305202" border="0" /></a><br />As are their 'Conservation Farmers of the Year' purveyors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mniHtazQjCo/TeaypVUCA2I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/6VzYnO6_5ww/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mniHtazQjCo/TeaypVUCA2I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/6VzYnO6_5ww/s320/IMG_3200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613370408729445218" border="0" /></a><br />Not only is there American comfort food on the menu, but there are pan-Asian inspired offerings woven throughout, like the House pickle platter featuring escabeche, Persian cukes and beets...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUqV8L_ZyM4/TeaypsCPj3I/AAAAAAAAB8g/k57IxXYJM8g/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUqV8L_ZyM4/TeaypsCPj3I/AAAAAAAAB8g/k57IxXYJM8g/s320/IMG_3201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613370414828851058" border="0" /></a><br />... squash, kim chee and daikon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaIKAPb5jz4/TeayrEhLqfI/AAAAAAAAB8w/ljboGrL7Ujs/s1600/IMG_3197.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaIKAPb5jz4/TeayrEhLqfI/AAAAAAAAB8w/ljboGrL7Ujs/s320/IMG_3197.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613370438580939250" border="0" /></a><br />The silky smooth asparagus and spring onion soup with tarragon, topped with lemon crème fraîche was essentially Spring farmer's market in a bowl.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj_8lgNPl7gPB1NvJhB_y1n124NWFbeuw4Dbw98l2qMdTwqwdnz4sDBDdCG_J2ht2cWsnJ9YzDGPF9KC9kZKVSf25C6eloYLd6H-s9kBZPUACEiczaFpjhMPeGzKQQFzKcJekFGhpxUE/s1600/IMG_3207.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj_8lgNPl7gPB1NvJhB_y1n124NWFbeuw4Dbw98l2qMdTwqwdnz4sDBDdCG_J2ht2cWsnJ9YzDGPF9KC9kZKVSf25C6eloYLd6H-s9kBZPUACEiczaFpjhMPeGzKQQFzKcJekFGhpxUE/s320/IMG_3207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613370445521375906" border="0" /></a><br />And back to Vietnam with a hyper-fresh version of Bún with grilled halibut and shrimp, rice noodles, spring veggies, peanuts, chopped cilantro, mint and a chili-lime vinaigrette.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVoSwchDIfg/TeawrF20JZI/AAAAAAAAB8A/IZPv0rRrjxw/s1600/IMG_3212.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVoSwchDIfg/TeawrF20JZI/AAAAAAAAB8A/IZPv0rRrjxw/s320/IMG_3212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613368239916852626" border="0" /></a><br />The grilled cheese special of the day featured beets, local feta and bacon on pumpernickel. The flavors were all so satisfying (and the food filling), that dessert was just not do-able. Maybe even a first for me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEoF83WQ-F0/TeawqPxWstI/AAAAAAAAB7w/0moAwCb9BrU/s1600/IMG_3220.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEoF83WQ-F0/TeawqPxWstI/AAAAAAAAB7w/0moAwCb9BrU/s320/IMG_3220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613368225398436562" border="0" /></a> <br />Just one block down is <a href="http://www.harvest-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Harvest</a> and I'm sorry to say I don't have any photos of the food to share. I know, but it was the wedding rehearsal dinner I was off duty (a girl's gotta draw the line somewhere.) I do, however, have a very vivid memory of the wonderful meal, and can't gush enough about the grass-fed beef co-op grilled flat iron steak seasoned with harissa, topped with pickled red onions & mint and chickpea fries. Seriously, the steak was extraordinary. Don't just take my word for it, go enjoy it yourself!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-26974664798932424782011-05-11T08:19:00.002-07:002011-05-13T14:02:22.637-07:00Forage SLC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXmv26EQgsUgOIX78kXQdhvG6ab37TMGbAucYZhaBT3aLCLAke-9EVcIweyVWxAB-a1OR1F1YNI94ZsatwerHwEEbGuIR6QMdkQRJ8mHUh9twbF7aAn_K9b0dENV8hccN-Si0xX_Uv-E/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXmv26EQgsUgOIX78kXQdhvG6ab37TMGbAucYZhaBT3aLCLAke-9EVcIweyVWxAB-a1OR1F1YNI94ZsatwerHwEEbGuIR6QMdkQRJ8mHUh9twbF7aAn_K9b0dENV8hccN-Si0xX_Uv-E/s320/IMG_0737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605480746961641026" border="0" /></a><br />I had no idea what a treat I was in for when I booked my birthday dinner at <a href="http://www.foragerestaurant.com/index.html" target="_blank"> Forage</a> in Salt Lake City, UT. It was to be a great weekend of skiing with friends from NY and took a little turn for the unexpected on my first run. When we arrived at this charming house converted into restaurant, I was minus an ACL in my left knee, plus a knee brace and crutches, and full of determination to enjoy the meal. Let me tell you, it was truly one of the most creative and inspired meals I've had. Period.<br /><br />Chefs Viet Pham and Bowman Brown are super-talented and were rightly nominated for a James Beard Award in 2011. In my humble opinion they also should've been recipients of said award, but unfortunately, my vote doesn't count. Let me just say that if you are EVER in SLC, you really ought to book a table. You'll be glad you did. Promise. Here's why...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HVfrLVBT5OZVh6Dt1iiYuQsOq_CsrfXwQgTgddfY2b_7N0cEywQrtN-BXM7ObMnnkil3DnJyy35swL2BKegNHvv0_0kCNsuR5vIuBuSDzreSprN49ptuXdnh2FT5utT2N1sHuBzHy1Y/s1600/IMG_0706.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HVfrLVBT5OZVh6Dt1iiYuQsOq_CsrfXwQgTgddfY2b_7N0cEywQrtN-BXM7ObMnnkil3DnJyy35swL2BKegNHvv0_0kCNsuR5vIuBuSDzreSprN49ptuXdnh2FT5utT2N1sHuBzHy1Y/s320/IMG_0706.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605501419603973458" border="0" /></a><br />Soon as I popped the amuse into my mouth -- a croquette with liquid fennel center -- I knew I was in for a great ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_Bp7u2bBDU/Tcq91qJPBAI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/ae93jMFSB8s/s1600/IMG_0707.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_Bp7u2bBDU/Tcq91qJPBAI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/ae93jMFSB8s/s320/IMG_0707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605501415759741954" border="0" /></a><br />Next up: super-soft scrambed egg with maple syrup and crème fraîche.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuVgyYAVxseMkq0-OcpXFLBCOLFnLfuAHGWKoeMKozZn-fhKu5nyJoCO_L-L3te7W2ZoLl7k-X0UkaNwNuuoFJsLpYH0zQWlRyDoSoF3Ky2tyTr6h3LjTQEy2IWHrrneF8L4xua7d_ZI/s1600/IMG_0709.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuVgyYAVxseMkq0-OcpXFLBCOLFnLfuAHGWKoeMKozZn-fhKu5nyJoCO_L-L3te7W2ZoLl7k-X0UkaNwNuuoFJsLpYH0zQWlRyDoSoF3Ky2tyTr6h3LjTQEy2IWHrrneF8L4xua7d_ZI/s320/IMG_0709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605501412203217858" border="0" /></a><br />This silkly sunchoke soup with puffed rice and pickled radish was extraordinary.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHKy36twywU/Tcq91NHnnUI/AAAAAAAAB7I/mFQRq_Xrm90/s1600/IMG_0710.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHKy36twywU/Tcq91NHnnUI/AAAAAAAAB7I/mFQRq_Xrm90/s320/IMG_0710.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605501407968337218" border="0" /></a><br />House made butter! and buckwheat bread, still warm from the oven.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AS-PqHdwyxI/Tcq901UqdOI/AAAAAAAAB7A/8sB3Ifg6P-A/s1600/IMG_0711.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AS-PqHdwyxI/Tcq901UqdOI/AAAAAAAAB7A/8sB3Ifg6P-A/s320/IMG_0711.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605501401580598498" border="0" /></a><br />Perfectly cooked scallop topped with puffed rice, rhubarb and chicken vanilla sauce.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg_3wBjKjdoUMhM22FmkFTAcT2Q1OkBqpVfowXbIk4Vz-1bJI2SgX4t3Cmwu45882XQbXCBNVIsjo1HCM-dHz4ij_XzNoFK-_Q3m7-bXHNrxl7Yx8m5-Gyh0NobsvNVxh3CKp4RaC-9I/s1600/IMG_0714.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg_3wBjKjdoUMhM22FmkFTAcT2Q1OkBqpVfowXbIk4Vz-1bJI2SgX4t3Cmwu45882XQbXCBNVIsjo1HCM-dHz4ij_XzNoFK-_Q3m7-bXHNrxl7Yx8m5-Gyh0NobsvNVxh3CKp4RaC-9I/s320/IMG_0714.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605500961617321202" border="0" /></a><br />Poached farm fresh yolk on a bed of rosemary cured onions, beets, pork and chi broth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLTz7YNJCJ4/Tcq9a_xArNI/AAAAAAAAB6w/_pi-13jv7ZE/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLTz7YNJCJ4/Tcq9a_xArNI/AAAAAAAAB6w/_pi-13jv7ZE/s320/IMG_0715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605500957707250898" border="0" /></a><br />Charcoal potatoes, smoked buttermilk, radish and fresh cheese.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58S0anLX522qo8GmbGc_9JQq45cPOJdi1FitvF1YY_Rt_DsgQkfaTb80lZKSNkHCVl45joX_hkAW23ax07xTjmfhmBc1YTwGlhljSBlgqbdP_Iv8wn8t9cbAMHNProzfa78EN1iBk7f0/s1600/IMG_0719.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58S0anLX522qo8GmbGc_9JQq45cPOJdi1FitvF1YY_Rt_DsgQkfaTb80lZKSNkHCVl45joX_hkAW23ax07xTjmfhmBc1YTwGlhljSBlgqbdP_Iv8wn8t9cbAMHNProzfa78EN1iBk7f0/s320/IMG_0719.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605500948058964034" border="0" /></a><br />I thought you might need a little breather to peek at the room....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvEUCc0-85c/Tcq9ahgNMYI/AAAAAAAAB6o/wQ6j4wmAKhs/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvEUCc0-85c/Tcq9ahgNMYI/AAAAAAAAB6o/wQ6j4wmAKhs/s320/IMG_0717.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605500949583704450" border="0" /></a><br />Charcoal encrusted Hamachi belly, white asparagus, celeriac, toasted farro, smoked bacon and braised savoy cabbage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSowQUV0E_NJWvb7O91CzBfMrCVE4wmVAPPbHdIuzFT-4I0o4WR234u-hl-p0Skc6Oe4Mcx45TBb30_XTWJ9TLE6FRrb7tgXksh6uUQto3g0KKhQJRMwgCZBUKuvadIdv_WeWmUsv3us/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSowQUV0E_NJWvb7O91CzBfMrCVE4wmVAPPbHdIuzFT-4I0o4WR234u-hl-p0Skc6Oe4Mcx45TBb30_XTWJ9TLE6FRrb7tgXksh6uUQto3g0KKhQJRMwgCZBUKuvadIdv_WeWmUsv3us/s320/IMG_0724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605549243984542674" border="0" /></a><br />Melt in your mouth pork loin with potato crust, squash puree, trumpet mushroom, bok choi and a honey brown butter sauce.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3MsGg1fFMM/Tcq9aF0SofI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/eRhYNp01epE/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3MsGg1fFMM/Tcq9aF0SofI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/eRhYNp01epE/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605500942151754226" border="0" /></a><br />A mild tomme with green apple jam and house made crackers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oP03YQBShXM/TcqrDwdMhQI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/ndnPnMYqFos/s1600/IMG_0731.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oP03YQBShXM/TcqrDwdMhQI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/ndnPnMYqFos/s320/IMG_0731.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605480767251318018" border="0" /></a><br />A phenomenal and refreshing palette cleanser of grapefruit sorbet, ricotta cream and poppy seeds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZP2y3LF1yBRJjZTgYUTAT9orEGdXmHPpTbxevn5_Jv3cAyOAYsn30WnK-QJ2E6KBewnOn_mWGUDwp-NZynywPcOFgenlEkR8rS7pZNIYbLq870HoVtkoso9dCgNDMEHLp1J9A5JHJSU/s1600/IMG_0732.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZP2y3LF1yBRJjZTgYUTAT9orEGdXmHPpTbxevn5_Jv3cAyOAYsn30WnK-QJ2E6KBewnOn_mWGUDwp-NZynywPcOFgenlEkR8rS7pZNIYbLq870HoVtkoso9dCgNDMEHLp1J9A5JHJSU/s320/IMG_0732.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605480762640497746" border="0" /></a><br />Parsnip and milk sorbet, pear mousse, dehydrated yogurt and burnt hazelnut. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WPavlyPC_k/TcqrDOUL7RI/AAAAAAAAB6A/hWfUEhrViAs/s1600/IMG_0734.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WPavlyPC_k/TcqrDOUL7RI/AAAAAAAAB6A/hWfUEhrViAs/s320/IMG_0734.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605480758086724882" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amanochocolate.com/" target="_blank"> Amano</a> chocolate three ways -- with dehydrated raspberry crumbles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6JHsNxB8Uo/TcqrDMQW4WI/AAAAAAAAB54/qhy9ScN5I2A/s1600/IMG_0736.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6JHsNxB8Uo/TcqrDMQW4WI/AAAAAAAAB54/qhy9ScN5I2A/s320/IMG_0736.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605480757533794658" border="0" /></a><br />Meyer lemon marshmallow migniardises were perfectly refreshing (and light!) at the end of the meal.<br /><br />I couldn't have dreamt up a better birthday meal! The service was impeccable and a really sweet touch by the entire staff was a lovely, handmade birthday card signed by all the staff. Thanks to everyone at <a href="http://www.foragerestaurant.com/index.html" target="_blank"> Forage</a> for turning the day around 180 degrees! And next time I'll remember to bring my 'real' camera.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-64852573655255143552011-02-16T21:47:00.000-08:002011-02-17T09:30:42.933-08:00Thermidor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL4Tl9IPz6m_gUzI666JaRsOn7Xk2N6LqE1sWct-8LVzI2XO3ozEgr1DElewqq-IM7soNYhbNI0Q8lVSR_bNw_L8dXeQtUIqk6MuxHVaYTBvmnSUy39oQ7pRyOjeyjHMxnX75_lqZTIg/s1600/IMG_9202.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL4Tl9IPz6m_gUzI666JaRsOn7Xk2N6LqE1sWct-8LVzI2XO3ozEgr1DElewqq-IM7soNYhbNI0Q8lVSR_bNw_L8dXeQtUIqk6MuxHVaYTBvmnSUy39oQ7pRyOjeyjHMxnX75_lqZTIg/s320/IMG_9202.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513704779668132626" border="0" /></a><br />At the moment, I'm wrapped up in thoughts of cocktails and caftans as I prepare for a 70's cocktail party photo shoot. I figured what better place than <a href="http://thermidorsf.com/index.html" target="_blank"> Thermidor</a> to spark inspiration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISdSkeadyI/AAAAAAAABzo/ktRSbtniiX8/s1600/IMG_9208.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISdSkeadyI/AAAAAAAABzo/ktRSbtniiX8/s320/IMG_9208.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513704786162775842" border="0" /></a><br />If you were around in the 70's, <a href="http://thermidorsf.com/index.html" target="_blank">Thermidor</a> is not only a big slice of nostalgia, it's got that wonderfully sleek style that makes a girl want to slip on her Pucci caftan....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISd63EK6AI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/gMA1MNIX7Mc/s1600/IMG_9215.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISd63EK6AI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/gMA1MNIX7Mc/s320/IMG_9215.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513705478347745282" border="0" /></a><br />sip cocktails...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISdTHWiBPI/AAAAAAAABzw/o1M2jWxareo/s1600/IMG_9209.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISdTHWiBPI/AAAAAAAABzw/o1M2jWxareo/s320/IMG_9209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513704795524957426" border="0" /></a><br />...and nibble into the night on things like chips and caviar with crème fraîche and smoked trout,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdjrBOnbClLy_k5kuWJbRMvk08j8AiYlxoR4ZTRt6HlgKyCbfGm3wNg4EeimpVmEbZXwy91UCJ_ybMWOG5j7fjDt3s6pkbqYwQZSzpjV_nxNTjfNVHRnzefT4XuhcLFYWVzzfyrtmiMU/s1600/IMG_9210.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdjrBOnbClLy_k5kuWJbRMvk08j8AiYlxoR4ZTRt6HlgKyCbfGm3wNg4EeimpVmEbZXwy91UCJ_ybMWOG5j7fjDt3s6pkbqYwQZSzpjV_nxNTjfNVHRnzefT4XuhcLFYWVzzfyrtmiMU/s320/IMG_9210.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513704806336123314" border="0" /></a><br />pommes dauphine with lobster butter,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I5cWIqi4wqkVKtkub_z4v6zY1G_YREJOVRj2EyMBf1geWmWrcRPj73kMzHQEty9V0mdFtx8jMfkT5xHygt6Exx3UFLcVgHfQV3zYOQvlU7doE5MmAfkph7lcqle1Yv1mpSJug2aEITk/s1600/IMG_9212.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I5cWIqi4wqkVKtkub_z4v6zY1G_YREJOVRj2EyMBf1geWmWrcRPj73kMzHQEty9V0mdFtx8jMfkT5xHygt6Exx3UFLcVgHfQV3zYOQvlU7doE5MmAfkph7lcqle1Yv1mpSJug2aEITk/s320/IMG_9212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513705466570500946" border="0" /></a><br />braised oxtail croquettes with horseradish cream & chives.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiljlw5Dkz6OjfJ7ShHN5M9kNQBPSs_cO-cNODK7Oi4mdJwbxwO8Xl1fSTDv9ZFHCEvLeenqjiMCIOQ7A5Y6W7oQpHIQN8q2SQ5hV0lx9cGUplAoMopQ7PpSwjQH5SerDxPfKz5HI1C3k/s1600/IMG_9216.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiljlw5Dkz6OjfJ7ShHN5M9kNQBPSs_cO-cNODK7Oi4mdJwbxwO8Xl1fSTDv9ZFHCEvLeenqjiMCIOQ7A5Y6W7oQpHIQN8q2SQ5hV0lx9cGUplAoMopQ7PpSwjQH5SerDxPfKz5HI1C3k/s320/IMG_9216.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513705485923423346" border="0" /></a><br />Moving on to a perfectly pan crisped sole almandine with fresh gnocchi bathed in a prosecco-almond sauce.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISd6jWTg9I/AAAAAAAAB0I/ZReuvpMZfU4/s1600/IMG_9213.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISd6jWTg9I/AAAAAAAAB0I/ZReuvpMZfU4/s320/IMG_9213.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513705473055097810" border="0" /></a><br />Let us not forget the eponymous Parker House roll with just the right amount of sea salt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISd785uN8I/AAAAAAAAB0g/AbzcDuVNDdo/s1600/IMG_9218.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISd785uN8I/AAAAAAAAB0g/AbzcDuVNDdo/s320/IMG_9218.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513705497094404034" border="0" /></a><br />There's nothing like butter fried cake with crème fraîche ice cream and a berry coulis for dessert.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISeDP5ZldI/AAAAAAAAB0o/XzNRWY04XtU/s1600/IMG_9223.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISeDP5ZldI/AAAAAAAAB0o/XzNRWY04XtU/s320/IMG_9223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513705622452409810" border="0" /></a><br />Absolutely everything was delicious, down to the tiny, lemony madeleines that came with the tab.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-7473777802778273232010-11-24T11:33:00.000-08:002010-11-24T11:33:36.189-08:00Gratitude<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzUeBof6lI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/ij7cltDh9-A/s1600/IMG_8714.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzUeBof6lI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/ij7cltDh9-A/s320/IMG_8714.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543038853685701202" border="0" /></a><br />I lived in this village in Mali, West Africa nearly twenty years ago. I was a Peace Corps volunteer, and that experience forever changed the way in which I view my life and the world. I think about my Malian friends often, and especially at Thanksgiving. I am so incredibly grateful for all they taught me about finding joy and laughter throughout every day.<br /><br />I thought I'd share with you all a little food diary from my visit to Mali this past summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzS7fLRB8I/AAAAAAAAB3o/MT9nooaPIJs/s1600/IMG_8386.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzS7fLRB8I/AAAAAAAAB3o/MT9nooaPIJs/s320/IMG_8386.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543037160809105346" border="0" /></a><br />This breakfast porridge is called 'moni.' It's made with millet flour that's rolled into little tiny balls. It has some tang to it from the millet and because we were guests, a little sugar was added (which makes it much better!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzfKa40YxI/AAAAAAAAB4o/CS3LvC5pOGE/s1600/IMG_8971.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzfKa40YxI/AAAAAAAAB4o/CS3LvC5pOGE/s320/IMG_8971.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543050611495559954" border="0" /></a><br />All cooking starts with water, pulled by hand from a well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzgqFDnhvI/AAAAAAAAB5A/XRzKRtvlMuw/s1600/IMG_8755.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzgqFDnhvI/AAAAAAAAB5A/XRzKRtvlMuw/s320/IMG_8755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543052254902716146" border="0" /></a><br />For those with enough means, they will take their grain to the village mill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-G_YdOpAfeDkF-Mgd9lWb-3OBik4ccAGcIFR6sk8SYYr5yFTcsXSkyD8nsxX4E098FJtobmMZ2KeIDyornW3isqFG37TK-s_1j7B4_-KleS7XinsUs188agwFRWk3HZvjaPDSymtpAY/s1600/IMG_8881.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-G_YdOpAfeDkF-Mgd9lWb-3OBik4ccAGcIFR6sk8SYYr5yFTcsXSkyD8nsxX4E098FJtobmMZ2KeIDyornW3isqFG37TK-s_1j7B4_-KleS7XinsUs188agwFRWk3HZvjaPDSymtpAY/s320/IMG_8881.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543052240572550658" border="0" /></a><br />And those who don't, pound it the traditional way: by hand with a mortar and pestle. That pestle, by the way, weighs about 20 lbs (9 kilos) and takes hundreds of strokes to grind the grain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzUcf3aOXI/AAAAAAAAB34/pS6y20CAO4o/s1600/IMG_8435.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzUcf3aOXI/AAAAAAAAB34/pS6y20CAO4o/s320/IMG_8435.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543038827441568114" border="0" /></a><br />Once it's ground, the next step is winnowing and sifting the grain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGbxfR4jzfjC3Qr8kUkZxI5JM1yhuOEmmDLAMsayHEzjoSZO4UQBKrFQClpWeP6Zg2idv1bFmRXyARCLKSjmhxB5cvZRN3m2MkWvDTNalQG97U7tl7gVKXtlMOxu7-Xta0_N5QqqHMro/s1600/IMG_8791.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGbxfR4jzfjC3Qr8kUkZxI5JM1yhuOEmmDLAMsayHEzjoSZO4UQBKrFQClpWeP6Zg2idv1bFmRXyARCLKSjmhxB5cvZRN3m2MkWvDTNalQG97U7tl7gVKXtlMOxu7-Xta0_N5QqqHMro/s320/IMG_8791.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543038861746202450" border="0" /></a><br />You may know of the legendary Baobab tree. It's leaves are the primary ingredient for the traditional sauce.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzUc2tam_I/AAAAAAAAB4A/gYdS5SCYEP8/s1600/IMG_8765.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzUc2tam_I/AAAAAAAAB4A/gYdS5SCYEP8/s320/IMG_8765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543038833573665778" border="0" /></a><br />The other principal ingredients in the sauce are okra and tomatoes -- and a Maggi cube (eg bouillon cube).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzS6efDtQI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/7fm0lc9njns/s1600/IMG_8284.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzS6efDtQI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/7fm0lc9njns/s320/IMG_8284.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543037143443813634" border="0" /></a><br />After cooking the bajeezus out of the millet, you get a texture something akin to hyper-stiff polenta and it's called 'toh' -- pronounced like your big Toe. If the name isn't unappetizing enough, the sauce seals the deal. To eat toh, you take a handful -- with the right hand only, please -- dip it in the slimey okra/baobab leaf sauce and pop it in your mouth. Mm-mm-good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzgoITJmoI/AAAAAAAAB4w/x-jQVNCtp48/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzgoITJmoI/AAAAAAAAB4w/x-jQVNCtp48/s320/IMG_8382.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543052221413431938" border="0" /></a><br />The soft food allows everyone from infant to elderly (the toothless ends of the life spectrum) to eat the same meal. It's all very practical.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzS7wFTkiI/AAAAAAAAB3w/Gw5iFS-bzJA/s1600/IMG_8359.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzS7wFTkiI/AAAAAAAAB3w/Gw5iFS-bzJA/s320/IMG_8359.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543037165347508770" border="0" /></a><br />During the dry season, gardens yield other delicacies, like sweet potatoes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyA_jxawJWqstwn6A8qtjzgd7s-rCo6dLDK5yS51uAgsa1DcedQoX15Gazj-yhCjPcVFjFu3li6Uwu6Rgn-9UZHhC_Ag9WXmuPgwc6hyYaQPoNS1KvaE4NfSKzDOweQDyrQLp8xc1caA/s1600/IMG_8381.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyA_jxawJWqstwn6A8qtjzgd7s-rCo6dLDK5yS51uAgsa1DcedQoX15Gazj-yhCjPcVFjFu3li6Uwu6Rgn-9UZHhC_Ag9WXmuPgwc6hyYaQPoNS1KvaE4NfSKzDOweQDyrQLp8xc1caA/s320/IMG_8381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543037153059742898" border="0" /></a><br />For villages flanking the banks of the Niger river, fish is part of the diet. I was fortunate to live in one of these villages, though I must say I did not count myself so fortunate when the fish ended up cooked in the toh sauce.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzZyw8qBVI/AAAAAAAAB4g/lHAaFNxeD7s/s1600/IMG_8776.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzZyw8qBVI/AAAAAAAAB4g/lHAaFNxeD7s/s320/IMG_8776.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543044707542238546" border="0" /></a><br />This gorgeous fruit is called 'tabacoumba'. I have absolutely no idea if there's an English name for it. Anyone?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzS6qu3MxI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/wYebRAZ0PT4/s1600/IMG_8298.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TOzS6qu3MxI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/wYebRAZ0PT4/s320/IMG_8298.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543037146731328274" border="0" /></a><br />And these are beautiful, ripe melons plucked fresh from the vines. Sadly for you, in my bliss among the mango trees, I failed to capture the absolute rapture of biting into the best mangoes on the face of the planet (mental note to self duly registered).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYleuucjP5J4dNvyo7oAo19vIbG8WQDq4rokhkw5pi9C9-aL7iFvdqQs1ebGhJ8TJ_GalxdIEA62aIq71nc7KY0kJkyV3273VRs5LHxL6DOw-3edG9CuLlUSe-ur-taF4hPIt9Pa24Vs/s1600/IMG_8764.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYleuucjP5J4dNvyo7oAo19vIbG8WQDq4rokhkw5pi9C9-aL7iFvdqQs1ebGhJ8TJ_GalxdIEA62aIq71nc7KY0kJkyV3273VRs5LHxL6DOw-3edG9CuLlUSe-ur-taF4hPIt9Pa24Vs/s320/IMG_8764.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543052267830579666" border="0" /></a><br />No afternoon is complete without a round of tea-- 3 cups, to be exact. The first is very strong and bitter....and gradually getting lighter and sweeter with the subsequent rounds. Sharing tea is a matter of heartfelt hospitality, and that is an area in which Malians excel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TO1mmA2-BQI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/YnpYQ4VxMgk/s1600/IMG_8819.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TO1mmA2-BQI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/YnpYQ4VxMgk/s320/IMG_8819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543199519614567682" border="0" /></a><br />My time living in Mali left me forever cognizant of the opportunities I have been given in my life, particularly education. If you've noticed that my posts have been a little less frequent of late, it is because I launched a non-profit this year called <a href="http://malikalanso.org/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Mali Kalanso</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TO1mnIvwi7I/AAAAAAAAB5Y/e8VRO1w7Dug/s1600/IMG_8904.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TO1mnIvwi7I/AAAAAAAAB5Y/e8VRO1w7Dug/s320/IMG_8904.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543199538911677362" border="0" /></a><br />We're building a school so the children in these photos can have the opportunity to get an education, break the cycle of poverty and create their own destiny. I'd like to invite you to join us in making a difference.<br /><br />To contribute and help spread the word, visit <a href="http://malikalanso.org/Welcome.html" target="_blank">MaliKalanso.org</a>. Happy Thanksgiving!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-19849873652928702512010-10-29T09:02:00.000-07:002010-10-31T19:06:08.484-07:00Salt + Chocolate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMrzrmE7Q7I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/5V9gnSow1KU/s1600/IMG_0106.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMrzrmE7Q7I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/5V9gnSow1KU/s320/IMG_0106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533503022459208626" border="0" /></a><br />I've got a thing for salt, so when <a href="http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html" target="_blank">Michael Recchiuti</a> told me he was doing a chocolate and salt workshop with <a href="http://www.atthemeadow.com/shop/" target="_blank">Mark Bitterman</a>, I signed up as soon as I could logon (I'd have signed up instantly using my iPhone, but, well, that means AT&T and we know how well that's working out...) Little did I know when I signed up for the workshop, that I'd be greeted with this refreshing, sparkling vermouth cocktail garnished with a grapefruit peel twist and a chamomile-infused fleur de sel-glazed rim.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMrzrS29h0I/AAAAAAAAB2Q/gCJPQXy0VQA/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMrzrS29h0I/AAAAAAAAB2Q/gCJPQXy0VQA/s320/IMG_0110.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533503017300363074" border="0" /></a><br />This <a href="http://www.suttoncellars.com/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Sutton Cellars</a> is some seriously sumptuous vermouth!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMryydwg2UI/AAAAAAAAB2I/x3wJuaI7Ico/s1600/IMG_0111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMryydwg2UI/AAAAAAAAB2I/x3wJuaI7Ico/s320/IMG_0111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533502040973564226" border="0" /></a><br />A slideshow of the salt harvest process in Ghana ran on the wall as we gathered in the space at <a href="http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html" target="_blank">Recchiuti Confections</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMryyMqu2cI/AAAAAAAAB2A/CknS-lXu5ZE/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMryyMqu2cI/AAAAAAAAB2A/CknS-lXu5ZE/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533502036385913282" border="0" /></a><br />The first course was a savory rosemary & olive oil cracker topped with aged manchego, basil, a drizzle of evoo and sprinkled with a caramel-y fleur de sel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMryx_2qUbI/AAAAAAAAB14/Pdb27S7eWsA/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMryx_2qUbI/AAAAAAAAB14/Pdb27S7eWsA/s320/IMG_0130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533502032946287026" border="0" /></a><br />Course Two was a layered pumpkin cake, milk choc crémeux (using Michel Cluizel Papua New Guinea 55%) and salted struesel topped with Bali kechil salt -- a clean, bright, mild box textured salt...one that I actually happen to have in my personal collection!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9Srtl2ybOs_UV4kAqKsbfuVx5b3e0aBRjY75Rld_WnPA3UI-C_dVk2FwuuiOgGGKMuL7qC7ZF9IYazYpWLjKyPWDbL0l5PmSnWjXtnlnYaYEvQAr7U-LdN5BHHDpg5bB7weZ8iXhKoI/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9Srtl2ybOs_UV4kAqKsbfuVx5b3e0aBRjY75Rld_WnPA3UI-C_dVk2FwuuiOgGGKMuL7qC7ZF9IYazYpWLjKyPWDbL0l5PmSnWjXtnlnYaYEvQAr7U-LdN5BHHDpg5bB7weZ8iXhKoI/s320/IMG_0135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533500755317654018" border="0" /></a><br />Course Three: this almond-free, cocoa nib 'flour' macaron was THE best chocolate macaron I've ever had the pleasure of tasting -- and I've pretty much tried all the best Paris has to offer. The cocoa flavor was incredible. The little pipette was filled with burnt sugar, cocoa nib and grappa for infusing as we wished. The miniature white chocolate salt cellar housed the finishing touch: cocoa-infused fleur de sel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm9n0e3x-QNpBSiwcdy8GiFphTLrfClBaWl7rGIdVyF0nvzJBuO3pw_sMaplGSN_OzZFsp69aH8OJwFdT3NjblYC5BtgJcJ2QmcoYxd2BKfR12lamNizM-Z8axbO4K_XUlc5iS8AHdm8/s1600/IMG_0144.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm9n0e3x-QNpBSiwcdy8GiFphTLrfClBaWl7rGIdVyF0nvzJBuO3pw_sMaplGSN_OzZFsp69aH8OJwFdT3NjblYC5BtgJcJ2QmcoYxd2BKfR12lamNizM-Z8axbO4K_XUlc5iS8AHdm8/s320/IMG_0144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533502021557963154" border="0" /></a><br />Course Four: these little cassia cinnamon bonbon's were served in combo with sauteed apples....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMrxndBg70I/AAAAAAAAB1g/S1fHVay2vPY/s1600/IMG_0148.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMrxndBg70I/AAAAAAAAB1g/S1fHVay2vPY/s320/IMG_0148.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533500752286248770" border="0" /></a><br />....in tiny cones and were eagerly washed down with freshly brewed pumpkin ale.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMrxmzQVVJI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/EPS0HMUTq7E/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TMrxmzQVVJI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/EPS0HMUTq7E/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533500741074113682" border="0" /></a><br />Course Five: the flight included three Japanese salts new to me (left to right): Moshio sea salt, Shinkai deep-sea salt and smoked Shinkai -- all in their own, custom chocolate salt cellars. We dipped the chocolate caramel squares into each of the salts and cleansed our palates with the tarragon syrup laced grapefruit granita. Yeah, it was a rough afternoon!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JzT79xMLIfmyAVvvSzgl1qGX-Ozn1soRB0uLVf65YPjKUzsTeWvTYKQktlban_r33dIpNg6vBL6bAg_wt69VVAL6Pf1shgPSJjPmasVlxt1Ry40m8gYi1G2TQH_Hxo2AQmmd2KmCCno/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JzT79xMLIfmyAVvvSzgl1qGX-Ozn1soRB0uLVf65YPjKUzsTeWvTYKQktlban_r33dIpNg6vBL6bAg_wt69VVAL6Pf1shgPSJjPmasVlxt1Ry40m8gYi1G2TQH_Hxo2AQmmd2KmCCno/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533500740163507538" border="0" /></a><br />Despite the overload of decadent goodness, we forged ahead to the sixth and last course: a truly fantastic pain au chocolat by William Werner of the much-anticipated <a href="http://telltalepreserveco.com/" target="_blank">Tell Tale Preserve Co.</a> <a href="http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html" target="_blank">Michael</a> concocted the decadent white tube of house-made gianduja and <a href="http://www.atthemeadow.com/shop/" target="_blank">Mark</a> paired it with a Halen Môn smoked sea salt, making the whole thing a little nugget of hazelnut/chocolate heaven. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TM4fzrgT6oI/AAAAAAAAB3A/oDsCnH_VeNU/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-31+at+7.02.21+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TM4fzrgT6oI/AAAAAAAAB3A/oDsCnH_VeNU/s320/Screen+shot+2010-10-31+at+7.02.21+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534395964796955266" /></a><br />I rolled on out of there on a chocolate & salt high, well-informed, fully entertained with a copy of <span style="font-style:italic;">Salted</span> under my arm and eager to see what <a href="http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html" target="_blank">Michael Recchiuti</a> comes up with for the lineup of 2011 workshops!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-82765436976300032842010-10-17T00:06:00.000-07:002010-10-17T00:33:13.087-07:00Knead Patisserie & Local: Mission Eatery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TLqT0LCgk4I/AAAAAAAAB1A/Pm2qR9TahmA/s1600/IMG_8135.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TLqT0LCgk4I/AAAAAAAAB1A/Pm2qR9TahmA/s320/IMG_8135.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528894017076499330" border="0" /></a><br />I've been horribly remiss in not sharing my adoration of (er, obsession with) <a href="http://www.localmissioneatery.com/" target="_blank">Local: Mission Eatery</a> and <a href="http://www.localmissioneatery.com/" target="_blank">Knead Patisserie</a>. It's a little gem in the heart of the Mission bustle on 24th St near Folsom in SF. Yaron Milgom is the brainchild of the venture and the über-talented husband and wife team of Jake and Shauna Des Voignes make the perfect flavor team: Jake on savory and Shauna on sweet. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TLqTz_nCFhI/AAAAAAAAB04/nhC_Uj8J3Kk/s1600/IMG_9601.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TLqTz_nCFhI/AAAAAAAAB04/nhC_Uj8J3Kk/s320/IMG_9601.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528894014008464914" border="0" /></a><br />Both are classically trained, so everything's prepared with the utmost attention to detail and technique.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEob2C5gt3k-iheJpDzRu6IQ4UD2F4pdoMScIDh3PsfqPjVWkSg24Bwd0OY8KmpnU5PxrFboRIT_tPQE2oYHRvf1AXus3nDqLf1HYS9pfuJc4q3DYeE1o5uNtWxbMJwMFDofK7Rt1pJ8/s1600/IMG_9581.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEob2C5gt3k-iheJpDzRu6IQ4UD2F4pdoMScIDh3PsfqPjVWkSg24Bwd0OY8KmpnU5PxrFboRIT_tPQE2oYHRvf1AXus3nDqLf1HYS9pfuJc4q3DYeE1o5uNtWxbMJwMFDofK7Rt1pJ8/s320/IMG_9581.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528894007852749410" border="0" /></a><br />And their dedication to providing 'local, humane and housemade' eats is genuine. On their one day 'off' each week, Jake and Shauna head to their family farm in Lodi where they tend to an enormous garden that supplies produce for the restaurant.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISZyGJ7p0I/AAAAAAAAByA/NSkWI7hY0_Q/s1600/IMG_9584.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISZyGJ7p0I/AAAAAAAAByA/NSkWI7hY0_Q/s320/IMG_9584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513700929733109570" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.localmissioneatery.com/" target="_blank">Knead Patisserie</a> is tucked away in the back of the space -- except when the cart is wheeled out front weekdays for early morning commuters to get their breakfast pastry fix.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8WBeZk0VQuGKExJimSyQJq3xJpu2Dn0c2IaSpbFhJUtXZOjnPgJw0HibmykfF9QZ9nBFJMb1Z9iVhfuDjlSJ2K7Te56VIi8_ONWgG01trdRw_zdgAOZAWMK6QDWaY7XQYDvZ1tuHV1o/s1600/IMG_8129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8WBeZk0VQuGKExJimSyQJq3xJpu2Dn0c2IaSpbFhJUtXZOjnPgJw0HibmykfF9QZ9nBFJMb1Z9iVhfuDjlSJ2K7Te56VIi8_ONWgG01trdRw_zdgAOZAWMK6QDWaY7XQYDvZ1tuHV1o/s320/IMG_8129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528894019646415986" border="0" /></a><br />In addition to her signature fleur de sel chocolate cookies, Shauna creates all kinds of temptations like chocolate pot de crême smores filling that comes in individual little jars alongside homemade graham crackers. Then there are the pommes d'amour tarts (puff pastry, pastry cream and caramel), almond twists, fruit preserves and all kinds of new surprises all the time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISZzIo9hrI/AAAAAAAAByQ/779-2UjrAzg/s1600/IMG_9589.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISZzIo9hrI/AAAAAAAAByQ/779-2UjrAzg/s320/IMG_9589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513700947579995826" border="0" /></a><br />And there are the lemony madeleines!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipdbWwEIAiMkgjw54XLOkp4wGxT48diyfAoQJGxcHYaF7YUpvsUzeH9yjHCGZLUt6wDCcUNs0mECx_MLLI5uvBImBvfoUx-hnUff28EVDFlcTWzjbfwIbBfSK5jIo8HR2MKaasSwUOBU/s1600/IMG_8139.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipdbWwEIAiMkgjw54XLOkp4wGxT48diyfAoQJGxcHYaF7YUpvsUzeH9yjHCGZLUt6wDCcUNs0mECx_MLLI5uvBImBvfoUx-hnUff28EVDFlcTWzjbfwIbBfSK5jIo8HR2MKaasSwUOBU/s320/IMG_8139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513697403229840834" border="0" /></a><br />The menu changes with market availability and as of a couple months ago, dinner's now a regular affair. So now you can grab brunch, lunch and dinner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzi8HviLKb5rPfCRd9dkYgYmNrt9ieguaUEBqVMgM-ndeVfC7sgv2AzQzjQ7sK5LP6E2r6XhpkdvY7jWjgCCtE-LzXUjfKN6Q3sF08NY6JZ14OAkWjJXHOqmuMbg3tN97LJOjfPZmalQ/s1600/IMG_8138.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzi8HviLKb5rPfCRd9dkYgYmNrt9ieguaUEBqVMgM-ndeVfC7sgv2AzQzjQ7sK5LP6E2r6XhpkdvY7jWjgCCtE-LzXUjfKN6Q3sF08NY6JZ14OAkWjJXHOqmuMbg3tN97LJOjfPZmalQ/s320/IMG_8138.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513696988021583522" border="0" /></a><br />And for those who have a cookbook obsession but don't have the space to store or inclination to purchase an entire library, can check out a broad collection by joining the cookbook lending library.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRXeRfRlx81O3POZUQmvLLiYScdH-WLY5ewWMw5XFylUSUd45LApcE4MKQWQiR3BvffoyjrJveILQKVDBVdy_kxfwCw_S0GvnIbGt3FwldXLufYvJTdJMrOASLRXz-AaB8A_hFyRtOU0/s1600/IMG_8134.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRXeRfRlx81O3POZUQmvLLiYScdH-WLY5ewWMw5XFylUSUd45LApcE4MKQWQiR3BvffoyjrJveILQKVDBVdy_kxfwCw_S0GvnIbGt3FwldXLufYvJTdJMrOASLRXz-AaB8A_hFyRtOU0/s320/IMG_8134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513696963712990786" border="0" /></a><br />This roasted potato sandwich with garlic ricotta, pickled shallots and dandelion greens is the first thing I ever tasted at <a href="http://www.localmissioneatery.com/" target="_blank">Local: Mission Eatery</a>. It was to-die-for!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISYx-hkpKI/AAAAAAAABxY/z2tit9NU_1A/s1600/IMG_9592.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISYx-hkpKI/AAAAAAAABxY/z2tit9NU_1A/s320/IMG_9592.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513699828173153442" border="0" /></a><br />And the cream of corn soup seasoned with taragon and filled with hunks of dungeness crab is obsession-worthy (I order it any time I see it on the menu).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISZLCG_lhI/AAAAAAAABxw/RIEiCm4yGxU/s1600/IMG_9597.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TISZLCG_lhI/AAAAAAAABxw/RIEiCm4yGxU/s320/IMG_9597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513700258632144402" border="0" /></a><br />I love pickles but am particular (there's something new!) These farm-fresh, quick pickles were exceptional: crisp and the flavors shone through. The fennel was particularly memorable.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhSfnoiWxjob-5xj2SjVui8dbqiFoBPdvOLrhPA3TgbaKEwX1q5XobbF6JDNCUURbrbc9PMQtIx9JssHpjboymu6QWJLk7p4OPezAF2h1H4TZoQ0R-OMpf3Mqeq0XsC2CnyNsyH4oBE8/s1600/IMG_9593.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhSfnoiWxjob-5xj2SjVui8dbqiFoBPdvOLrhPA3TgbaKEwX1q5XobbF6JDNCUURbrbc9PMQtIx9JssHpjboymu6QWJLk7p4OPezAF2h1H4TZoQ0R-OMpf3Mqeq0XsC2CnyNsyH4oBE8/s320/IMG_9593.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513700248737408338" border="0" /></a><br />I've craved this masterpiece often: toasted <a href="http://www.localmissioneatery.com/" target="_blank">Knead</a> brioche topped with a slow-poached egg, creamed corn, tarragon and topped with thinly sliced, just-picked summer squash. Heaven!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921189853992043769.post-26493299795491685732010-09-10T06:21:00.000-07:002010-09-10T06:22:06.261-07:00Roadtrip!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFydgt8yAhI/AAAAAAAABvA/hM6N76q6jOM/s1600/IMG_9189.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFydgt8yAhI/AAAAAAAABvA/hM6N76q6jOM/s320/IMG_9189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502446030155809298" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonoma-CA/The-Fremont-Diner/101342817963" target="_blank">Fremont Diner</a> is a gem of a find tucked on the side of Carneros Hwy between Sonoma and Napa. It's a perfect roadside stop up in wine country, open for breakfast and lunch - 7 days a week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFycPFj8AjI/AAAAAAAABug/rjjJqJdhA_A/s1600/IMG_9187.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFycPFj8AjI/AAAAAAAABug/rjjJqJdhA_A/s320/IMG_9187.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502444627744784946" border="0" /></a><br />Before being lovingly renovated, I zoomed passed this roadside shack a hundred times without stopping....and almost bypassed it accidentally when I went looking for it. It's a joy-filled place that feels like you've stepped back in time.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgQ6s3a1SH_LgMVib0chGA66bz0SFeHu45fPYYaN2xHE9gqLj6aiyGf5hdmEznKtQEchRuNKMSEdbt7l96Vina1mnV-YFu8fzMxftxrQ0D_xTwRkMX1hDZ_njcBARb_r8FR9YVjSwQ6k/s1600/IMG_9180.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgQ6s3a1SH_LgMVib0chGA66bz0SFeHu45fPYYaN2xHE9gqLj6aiyGf5hdmEznKtQEchRuNKMSEdbt7l96Vina1mnV-YFu8fzMxftxrQ0D_xTwRkMX1hDZ_njcBARb_r8FR9YVjSwQ6k/s320/IMG_9180.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502444637737180434" border="0" /></a><br />The menu board changes with the daily availability of ingredients and may seem a little intimidating at first glance -- mostly because it's filled with so many delectable options. The entrance area is chock-full of childhood edible road-trip memorabilia (Abba-Zaba anyone?).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOebRXtGtS49xXF86QJtwXmjzpsYTAJIzdNS5B2SRVQR6re-wW9L4hZXc2AkdcyVthyHhpBGUZ4g-oz31crJNPKeFgq-Nn2EIwWqoCKtagx7ybK1j96Hr6kK8j-wnKAK22FtN2-lAo6s/s1600/IMG_9175.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOebRXtGtS49xXF86QJtwXmjzpsYTAJIzdNS5B2SRVQR6re-wW9L4hZXc2AkdcyVthyHhpBGUZ4g-oz31crJNPKeFgq-Nn2EIwWqoCKtagx7ybK1j96Hr6kK8j-wnKAK22FtN2-lAo6s/s320/IMG_9175.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502444641732381298" border="0" /></a><br />Every little detail is tended to...(okay, so maybe the cash register doesn't count...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFyfqx4jIDI/AAAAAAAABvg/atQY-scwykU/s1600/IMG_9173.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFyfqx4jIDI/AAAAAAAABvg/atQY-scwykU/s320/IMG_9173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502448402033745970" border="0" /></a><br />The kitchen is open to the dining room and, should your lil' ole heart desire, you can pull up a stool and sit ringside right at the counter. As you can see, while it may be a diner, it's far from being a greasy spoon (or 'greezy' as my grandma used to say).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFycQijU-7I/AAAAAAAABu4/Ew28gmRwXEM/s1600/IMG_9176.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFycQijU-7I/AAAAAAAABu4/Ew28gmRwXEM/s320/IMG_9176.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502444652706724786" border="0" /></a><br />They sell their own seasonal preserves and such, like these pickled cherries seasoned with bay, chili and cinnamon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFydhJVchvI/AAAAAAAABvI/WihXWGgLsGA/s1600/IMG_9181.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFydhJVchvI/AAAAAAAABvI/WihXWGgLsGA/s320/IMG_9181.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502446037507016434" border="0" /></a><br />And for any of you looking for a good source of freshly rendered lard, this is your spot!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfKguYfZdMT5TQjYUYy9Qn4AfxCFIa60SYRUlAf-apm2gZzxwlRDCB8v3k_r-uimOsTJhwWVlfy8nNTdaYcPzvT8N1X00glZxWdFA5YE5rTMpzgIHJAjvRgy95fe5ghBrujeerB14KAw/s1600/IMG_9172.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfKguYfZdMT5TQjYUYy9Qn4AfxCFIa60SYRUlAf-apm2gZzxwlRDCB8v3k_r-uimOsTJhwWVlfy8nNTdaYcPzvT8N1X00glZxWdFA5YE5rTMpzgIHJAjvRgy95fe5ghBrujeerB14KAw/s320/IMG_9172.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502446039455194450" border="0" /></a><br />The menu offerings I tried were are homey renditions of comfort food. And with the high quality local, sustainable, small farm ingredients, you can be certain your to-die-for pulled pork sandwich is made up of only the best stuff. I haven't yet made it in for breakfast, but from what I can judge, I just might be dodging an addiction. Seriously...biscuits & gravy, grits, hash, donuts...need I say more?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFydiPlId1I/AAAAAAAABvY/r1nZ968aG30/s1600/IMG_9174.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFydiPlId1I/AAAAAAAABvY/r1nZ968aG30/s320/IMG_9174.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502446056363292498" border="0" /></a><br />(How sweet is that pitcher....!?!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFycOlX7VoI/AAAAAAAABuY/kULcpvwkcLc/s1600/IMG_9182.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vk-r1PqFxTk/TFycOlX7VoI/AAAAAAAABuY/kULcpvwkcLc/s320/IMG_9182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502444619104474754" border="0" /></a><br />Nothing makes me happier in the middle of a foggy San Francisco summer, than finding a place to be outside in the warmth of Sonoma. Here you can sit outside at one of the aqua painted picnic tables and enjoy your grub roadside -- whichever direction you're headed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573620447462020684noreply@blogger.com1