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C is for...cooking
Saturday, 13 May 2006
Connie's Guide to Berkeley's Comfort & Yumminess
These are the specific places & foods that have a special place in my heart & stomach. It's where I have great memories with friends or even where I go when I have a final & I need something familiar & comforting or is just simply delicious. Enjoy!

(not in any particular order)

1. Rivoli - Portobello Mushroom Fritters

It caught my eye one day, while we were driving down Solano Ave. for the first time. It was very hidden & each time we drove down that street we weren't sure if we'd see it again & we joked that it only emerged at night. Then, we saw it on the Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants that year. Chris & I finally went. (I won't repeat the "review.") This appetizer was the most memorable (even though everything was delicious). It was perfectly "crisp/crunch, juicy."

2. Naan & Curry - Chicken Tikka Masala & Naan/Rice

Naan & Curry was my first exposure to Indian food. I had it first on my birthday freshman year with Chanda, Maheen, Audrey, and Farzad. I didn't have the Chicken Tikka Masala until a year later though when we were working long hours at Zee Zee Copy to finish the readers. I remember thinking this was the most creamy and flavorful thing I've ever had & I had to find out what it was. I asked Chanda to find out & have been eating it regularly ever since (though I have expanded since then). I have also yet to have naan that beat Naan & Curry's (even high end ones).

3. Julie's Healthy Cafe - Chili & Cornbread, Sandwiches, Omelettes

I first went here freshman year with the high school gals because they used halal meats meaning Maheen could eat everything. I saw someone get chili & noticed that it came with cornbread. I have been going back just for that cornbread. It has kernels of corn & is not as sweet as other places. The chili also feel healthy. I always go here and crave the chili when I'm stressed out. I used to get the sandwiches on my way home to the dorms and I have shared a few breakfasts especially during tests with Erick and Alex.

4. Yogurt Park - Frozen Yogurt

One of my freshman year roommates used to eat one large one as a meal everyday. I used to check the flavors everyday freshman year because I hoped to try everything at least once. After one taste of Chanda's freshman year with cookie dough topping, it's been one of my topping weaknesses. I also always thought sprinkles were a stupid topping, but I mock no longer. Once Chanda started working there a couple of years ago, Yogurt Park has been a place of laughter & gossiping more than anything. Hours of waiting for customers to clear out so I could talk to her for tem minutes. I also shared many a hilarious chats with Erick here (flirtatious gay guys & milkshake video & those funny songs like "silent e").

5. Asiana Garden, Gomnaru - Spicy Chicken

I've just eaten this so many times. I meet up with Chanda there for a meal, but even more often I buy it to go back to the Etcheverry Lab to eat with my IEOR friends & work on our projects/robots/sanity...

6. Crepevine - Club Sandwich & Dessert Crepe & Macaroon (Porcupine)

The first time I had Crepevine was actually in San Francisco. It was so crowded & I was in awe of it & even though I've had all types of food since then I have to say this is my favorite restaurant/place to eat. It is probably because I have shared with everyone I care about (minus immediate family).
Ken was the one that introduced this little place to me freshman year & I still remember I had the Siena Crepe (nutella w/ strawberries), which I've had sooo many times since then. We brought two back for Chanda & Audrey. We turned the air conditioner on the highest it could go so the ice cream wouldn't melt & I was freezing. I remember playing Cranium that night w/ their floormates, Chanda & Audrey trying to pay Ken back, him running in the elevator, & going down as Audrey tried to throw a $5 at him as the door closed.
The next time I had it was visiting a friend in SF. We went there for lunch. & this whole time I had no idea there was one on the border of Oakland & Berkeley until I looked it up and made it a goal to go there.
Diana came up to visit me when I first moved into the apartment I have now lived in for three years. I had been in math class all day & she was just waiting at home so we could take the bus there to completely pig out. I still remember that she got Tuscany (chicken, pesto, etc savory crepe) & Santorini (mascarpone, pistachio, coconut, walnuts, etc sweet crepe). I got Bari (smoked salmon cream fetuccine) & Jamacian (banana & caramel rum sauce sweet crepe). We could barely walk to the bus after that.
Sophomore year, Audrey & I decided to explore Rockridge. We brought our Zachary's to Crepevine & ate a Siena alongside our pizza. We were overstuffed as we walked into every store in Rockridge.
High school friends took me here for one of my birthday dinners and we also went for Maheen's this year.
I also took Adam here when he visited once.
Chris & I have shared many a dinner/lunches here. We always got a little ultimate cookie porcupine, as we called the huge macaroons. He also finally got the New Orleans (crab cakes & eggs benedict), which we promised to get before we left.
When finals studying, Erick craved a club sandwich & we spent some time people watching here & saw Bay to Breakers runners grabbing food.
Pierre & I ate here after running and scarfed down a horse, or so it felt. We also had brunch here with one of his high school friends, wife, and daughter.
I always said that if I was a local on $40/day, I would tell Rachael Ray to go here.

7. Ajanta - Portobello Tandoori, Papadum w/ Mint Chutney, anything

Pierre & I celebrated our six month anniversary here. It was probably the best quality Indian food I have had as of yet. We both got the prie fix, which comes with appetizer, papadum, entree, rice, naan, and dessert. We got the Tandoori Portobello by recommendation and they were simply amazing. They were super juicy & flavorful. They almost tasted like slices of tender meat. I also got the cookbook for Christmas last year.

8. Vik Distributors - Papri Chaat, Masala Dosa, Uttapum, Sweets

This was probably my first experience with South Indian food. I first went to this warehouse of a place with Chris. Then, I frequented it with the occasional Aaron and Chanda who introduced me to the sweets in the case. I knew to order the Masala Dosa (only on weekends) by Chowhounds. I went there the most probably with Pierre. We ate there until we could barely walk many a weekends. He introduced me to Uttapam. I like to get the Papri Chaat here too because they come with these chickpea flour balls, but last time I went they didn?t have those chickpea balls anymore. Everything there is still cheap & unique though.

9. Chaat Cafe - Papri Chaat, Tandoori Chicken Wrap

In the summer of sophomore year, Chanda & I both took summer school & decided to explore Berkeley. We began the adventure by walking down University (we walked to San Pablo & back). She saw the chaat menu in the window & just disappeared into what we now know is Chaat Cafe. At this time, I had no idea what chaat was. Chanda ordered Papri Chaat and I just took a bite. It was yogurty & sweet & tangy & crunchy & smooth all in one bite. I was so intrigued. I grew to love papri chaat in particular probably because it was my first taste. We continued to go to Chaat Cafe to study/listen to the Indian music. The wraps are yummy too! This was also one of the first places I ate out at for lunch when I worked at the structural engineering firm.

10. Gelateria Naia, Gelato Milano - anything

I remember when I first entered this place, I was so overwhelmed. So many flavors & I just didn't know what to do. I went for my free scoop on my birthday one year. I took Diana there when she visited. I also introduced it to Pierre. Naia (preveiously Mondo Gelato) was what made my mom's friend say she wanted to open a place like that just so she could eat it all. Milano was a newer addition to Berkeley & it's better than Naia cuz they actually make the gelato in the back. I've gone there w/ Chanda & Chris. It's so refreshing & the people are nice & always looking for convo.

11. Cheeseboard - Pizza, Chocolate Loaf, Cheese Roll, Scones, Chocolate Thing, Experimental Bread #7

I remember my first week at Berkeley. Victor, my brother, came up to give me a walking tour, so I wouldn?t be intimidated by everything. I walked all over campus & then down University for a bit & then down the other side of Shattuck to Safeway. We passed Cheeseboard & he said that one type of pizza was offered a day & it was always vegetarian & people would sit in the median & eat it. I remember thinking that was really weird. But, I have had it many many many times since then. I think I had it first with Chris. I introduced it to Chanda & Pierre. I had it with Erick on the median probably for the last time last weekend. I remember getting a half pizza with potato and eating it in the Target parking lot with Chanda. & I remember bringing it to Physics review and getting many a jealous & curious looks. & I will always love that extra little sliver on top. This will remain my favorite pizza place in Berkeley, which is saying a lot because I?ve had a lot of good pizza here (Pie in the Sky, Arinell?s, Goia, Zachary?s)
I think I had the breads before the pizza with Chris. The Cheese Rolls are especially delicious when warm. I love the scones (& I don?t normally like scones). The shortbread is also delish. We used their baguette pieces for our Fourth of July blue cheese stuffed burgers. Once, Chris brought me a chocolate thing once when I was down and I sent these goodies to him on his birthday while he was in Florida. I got the cookbook from Chanda as a birthday present. We asked for advice on what cheese to use for a recipe Chris & I developed for a Grilled Cheese Contest (we used English Cheddar for our Cheese w/ Apples Grilled Cheese).

12. Zachary's - Mushroom & Spinach Deep Dish

I first had Zachary?s when I was in Berkeley for high school yearbook camp. I had no idea what it was. Sean Bacon just said his parents went there to get pizzas every time they were in the area. It tasted amazing to me even when it was cold the next day. I had it when Audrey & I were exploring Rockridge and many a times with Chris & Pierre & once with his brother. I totally overeat every time.

13. Acme - Herb Slab, anything

I have technically had Acme a lot. Chez Panisse. Saul?s Deli Niman Ranch Roast Beef Sandwich. Bakesale Betty?s Fried Chicken Sandwich. Cesar. But, Chanda & I went to the original store a couple of times & once with Chris. The herb slab is my favorite. I don?t even want to know how many wedges of brie I?ve had in the past 3 years because of the tasty bread in Berkeley. Plus, it doesn?t hurt that the guy who started Acme (& is a Cal grad) went to France to learn about bread making and Alice Waters sponsored him, which is just cool.

14. Hua Hin - Grilled Chicken Skewers w/ Chili Lime Sauce

This place always perfumes the air with BBQ. It's probably the closest restaurant to my apartment. I've spent many a meals here with Chanda & Farzad. We eat here a lot when we want a break from studying.

15. Farmer's Market Thai Stand (Vassani?) - Chicken Satay

I first had this by myself when I went to explore the Farmer's Market by myself. It was the ultimate satay and peanut sauce. I have since had it with Pierre & Diana when she visited before Christmas this year.

16. Tacubaya - Sope Con Chirizo

I read about this place & was curious, especially about the fresh churros on weekends, which I have yet to have. So, I went with Pierre. We went there 2-3 times. The first time, we ate too much for our own good. We ordered 2-3 of these Sope con Chrizo. That first time, we spent hours there doing Sudoku; it was pretty nerdy.

17. Monte Cristo - Chorizo Con Papas Burrito

I first went here with Chris. We were intrigued. I have gone about a dozen times since then. I introduced it to Chanda & Farzad & friends. Chanda was the one that introduced me to the Chorizo Con Papas Burrito. It is the perfect blend of saltiness & crispiness & deliciousness. I have spent multiple nights attempting to study here. It is a ?chain? with other places in Berkeley. Each have a different focus though. Casa Latina is more of a bakery and Montero?s is a restaurant and salsa dancing place.

18. Blue Nile, Ethiopia Restaurant - anything

Chanda?s 21st birthday dinner was at Blue Nile (now closed). This was my first exposure to Ethopian cuisine. It is so unique and fun. It bonds whoever you?re with too. Even though you can?t tell what things are everything is quite flavorful and yummy. Ethiopia Restaurant?s vegetarian lunch buffet is especially worth it and a great way to taste everything at once.

19. Smart Alec's - Turkey Cranberry Mayo Sandwich w/ Corn Chowder

I?ve been to Smart Alec?s so many times I don?t even remember when my first time was. I think I have a weakness for the combo because it comes with cornbread. It isn?t the best cornbread, but I still love it. The sandwiches were just ok until I had the turkey. The cranberry mayo makes this sandwich divine. They also use real white meat turkey (not the cold cuts kind). The corn chowder is chunky and not heavy. The chili is good too.

20. Cafe Intermezzo - Roast Beef Horseradish Sandwich w/ Vinegrette or Poppy Green Salad

I always ate this freshman year. I bought it on the way home from campus. It?s a huge amount of food and super worth it.

21. Sole Restaurant - Vietnamese Sandwiches, Pho

Pierre introduced me to this place. They have cheap Vietnamese Sandwiches that are huge and delicious. I had the Pho whenever I felt like I needed a warming up or felt a cold coming on.

22. La Note - Brunch

Pierre took me to this place. It was the first restaurant checkoff I shared with him. This was where he told me I was a river tooth.

23. Venus - Flapjacks, anything

I had wanted to go to this place for a while & Chanda & Aaron ate there often, so I finally went with them. The flapjacks were sooo addictive, but I haven?t gone back since because it?s definitely somewhere you?d want to go with a friend. Aaron got ricotta pancakes. They were sweeter, but so fluffy & yummy.

24. Bittersweet - Hot Chocolate

It?s like drinking a thick thick chocolate syrup. If it was closer, it would definitely a place I would?ve loved to hang out.

25. Au Coquelet - Pastries, Tea

I have spent sooo many nights studying here with Chanda and sometimes Farzad. I always got the tea because it was simple and cheap, but sometimes I?d get a sweet. The tarts were consistent & good. I had a weakness for their carrot cake. It wasn?t anything special. It was just a standard but moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. I remember getting overwhelmed at work one day & just heading over to take a break and eat a slice of this wonderful carrot cake.

26. Steve's Korean BBQ - Grilled Chicken

I don?t know when I first started eating here. It was one of my favorite places freshman year because it was so worth it. I shared many meals with friends here.

27. Vietnam Village - Lemongrass Beef w/ Rice Rolls & Imperial Roll

Chanda introduced me to this particular dish. I never ate here much until I ordered this. The beef is tender and salty to be perfectly paired with chewy rice rolls.

28. Cafe Durant - Spinach & Mushroom Crepe, French Toast

I first went here to have breakfast with my high school friends. The portions were ginormous. I then went with my brother the next day to have a Spinach and Mushroom Crepe. That was so good too! Sundeck C soon because one of my favorites because of the French Toast. Everyone loves the White Chocolate and Strawberry Pancakes. I took Diana here when she visited and I introduced a friend to French Toast here. We also went for a late lunch the day of my graduation.

29. Joshuya's, TGI Sushi - Lion King

I never loved sashimi and sushi with sashimi much. But, after Berkeley, it?s something I crave from time to time. I first went to Joshuya?s for Ai?s birthday. We were sake bombing. But, I have gone back for food since & they have many creative rolls with sashimi. TGI Sushi was where I?d go in Berkeley when I was addicted to sushi. I first went for Audrey?s birthday. I had gone with Chanda & Pierre since.

30. Bakesale Betty's - Ginger Cookies, Shortcake, Banana Bread, anything

I had heard about this place since it opened. I just didn?t know where it was. I saw this empty looking place on Telegraph with no sign & I turned out to be right. I first went when Chris & I were waiting for our table at Pizzaiolo. We got so many free samples. Once they suck you in though, the samples stop, sadly. But, you?re already addicted, so there?s nothing you can do to resist it. Chris, Chanda, & I went before Zax Tavern and whenever we remember or have the chance. We always say, ?She?s too good!? I haven?t ever been to a bakery at which I liked everything I had. She has Chez Panisse connections, therefore she has to be good! Plus, the blue wig she wears is cool.

31. Soop - Pork & Prune Stew

First had a crouton dipped in Erick?s butternut squash soup. But, it was this Pork & Prune Stew that I had when I went with Chris & Chanda that stood out in my mind. It was so complex. It was slightly sweet, sour, salty, and all delicious.


32. Socca Oven - Pork & Mushroom Socca

I had the chicken version when I first visited Epicurious Gardens, but it was not as addictive as Chris? Pork & Mushroom version. It was a deep earthy mushroom flavor and the prok was incredibly tender.


33. Stonehouse Olive Oil - Silver Medal Extra Virgin, Lime, Blood Orange

On my first visit to the SF Ferry Building with Chris I fell in love with the Blood Orange Olive Oil. Chris loved the Persian Lime. After researching it online I realized that Stonehouse was based in Berkeley. I took Chanda there to get Aaron?s birthday gift. It had just moved to the current Fourth Street location with a tasting room. I splurged and got the Blood Orange & Lime & White Balsamic (made somewhere in Europe). I craved the Silver Medal Extra Virgin. I finally got it the next time I made it back to Fourth Street. The grassy buttery flavor adds to anything I make.


34. Phoenix Pastificio - Olive Bread, Chocolate Pecan Chewies, Almond Macaroons (The Shattuck location is closed.)

I did not know this place existed until I had to walk to pick up food for my cooking decal lab. I saw a huge clock & was very interested in what was inside. I came home & immediately started researching this mysterious place. I then found they were always the last stall on the right at the farmer?s market. I tried their chocolate pecan chewy & best ever almond macaroon & their olive bread here. When I get the chance I make it to their store too. I had lunch at Phoenix Next Door with Chanda & Ellen when she was visiting one day in the summer. It was perfect and a great price. I also shared a lunch there with Erick, Doug, Prashant, and Abinav the last week of their serving lunch ever. It was so clean tasting & fresh. Too bad they will no longer have lunch after the move.


35. T.K. Garden ? Grilled Beef & Pepper Skewers w/ Fried Rice & Chicken Salad (Combo #3)

I know this is the typical Chinese greasy joint. But, there?s something about the family and staff being so sweet here that make it special. I feel like they remember me & they talk to me in Chinese even though I never say it back. I think my brother often ate here when he was a student too because it is ridiculously cheap. I always got the Grilled Beef Skewers w/ Fried Rice & Chicken Salad. The beef is crispy soft and their salad has a hoison based dressing. Their sweet & sour sauce is yummy though & come with Combos #1 & #2. I remember having a craving for Beef Noodle Soup & it just hit the spot when I got it here. I also got Pork & Taro before. This is definitely a comfort spot for me.

36. Great Harvest Bread - Popeye, Fat Free Cinnamon Bun

I was first introduced to this place by my freshmen year roommate. She was on crew and her teammates who all watched their weight raved about this place?s Fat Free Cinnamon Bun. I didn?t care about the weight part, but the cinnamon buns were so delish that I didn?t care. I grew to love their breads too. They offer free sample slices. I remember getting a loaf of the cheddar jalepeno and eating half of it while waiting for the bus and the other half while studying for finals (no exaggeration there). My favorite was the Popeye though. It was spinach swirled with cheese and red bell peppers. I remember wanting to work there for a while too. I even asked for the info. I also took Ranwei here when she visited freshmen year and she bought like 3 loaves.

37. Ruen Pair - Sauteed Morning Glory, Pineapple Fried Rice, anything

I first went here in a series of 3 dinners that Chris & I had to pay him back for paying for Chez Panisse. I read about the Morning Glory & was so curious that we ordered it. I thought it was the flower, but it turned out to be the shoots. They were perfectly sauteed. I also got Duck Curry, BBQ Ribs, and Thai Golden Green Mussels that night. Everything was consistently amazing. I went back with Pierre and he introduced me to the Pineapple Fried Rice. It was amazing. It was different from the other Pineapple Fried Rices I?ve had. The Thai Sausage and Green Curry were good too.

38. Petit Le Cheval - three item combo

I remember freshmen year our Chemistry GSI told us that this place was a great place to eat for cheap. I didn?t really think about it much until Chris & I went during finals. The 3-iten combo is $5 flat. It is sooo worth it. When you get soupy items like curry and stew, they even put it in a separate bowl. If they don?t have an item you want, they will make it fresh just for you if you ask.

39. Eat-a-Pita - Chicken Platter w/ lots of Garlic Sauce (Grilled Chicken, Pita, Rice, Salad, Hummus)

I think I always went here either by myself or with my high school girls. The lean chicken breast is just perfect with the plump & flavorful rice. The first time I ever got it I got a tub of garlic sauce & I?ve been addicted to the stuff since then. I always ask for it because I found out it doesn?t come with it normally. I remember Audrey thinking I was stupid because I said there was this garlicky sauce, which she never got before, but once she tried it she makes fun no longer.

40. A Cote - Mussels w/ Extra Bread

Chris & I only went to this place recently for his birthday. The mussels and extra bread we asked for was the most memorable of the dishes we ordered. The pomme frites were crispy and not oily though and the cashew tart came with a banana ice cream and rum sauce like a deconstructed banana's foster.

41. California Pizza Kitchen - Club Pizza

I know I will get yelled at about this one. Not only is it a chain, it?s not even in Berkeley. But, I have shared so many memorable meals at this chain that I have grown to like it. I used to think the food was very regular & I guess it still is, but the convo & company makes it worth it. I shared a few meals with Erick in LA & Emeryville and one with him & Doug after a tough midterm.

42. Bread Workshop - Vahlorna Brownie

Chanda & I went for sandwiches, but it that portion closed so she got a cheese straw & I a brownie. It remains the best brownie I?ve ever had. I?ve had the Cuban Sandwich with Erick & Alex since. Erick had gotten the turkey or chicken(?) with guac & Alex a mini apple pie that was divine. I?ve also shared a Turkey Meatball Sub and brownies with Pierre. The sub is pricy, but so juicy & wonderful.

43. Flacos - Tamal Plate & Taquitos

I think I?ve eaten this quite a few times with Pierre. The creamy green salsa that comes with both the tamal and taquitos is what makes it great. You would never realize that this stand is vegan. The tamal is in a banana leaf and not corn husk and I looked forward to the one olive hidden in each tamal. Diana also got the tamale plate when visiting in December.

44. Great China - Duck, Dumplings

I had my birthday lunch here. I had heard so many things about their great food. I was so surprised because it?s a tucked away tiny storefront. I ate there with my parents. We had half a Tea-Smoked Duck, Double Skin (transparent noodles mixed with seafood, veggies, hot mustard, and sauce), Honey Walnut Prawns, and Handmade Dumplings. I could definitely crave those dumplings. I made reservations here for my graduation dinner, so I can finally try the whole Peking Duck! Basically anything you order here will be excellently made. We had a tofu that was super crispy and tender. The Peking Duck was amazing. The skin was crispy and defatted. The meat was deboned and defatted as well. It was the best duck I've had. We decided if I would make duck like that I would do nothing else.

45. Cafe Gratitude - I am magical (Stuffed Mushrooms)

Diana, Chris, & I went the day Diana came recently. It is a new age restaurant that focuses on vegan and raw foods. This appetizer blew us away. We didn?t know vegan things could be so good. The mushrooms were juicy and the walnut pate was nutty & dense & flavorful. We shared the live nachos (the bean part was soo good), enchilada with quinoa & red rice, live mahalo pizza (avocado & pineapple & marinara). The Coconut Cream Pie was so creamy & not vegan tasting. You have to be in a certain mood when you visit this place. But, it was nice to be told I was so many wonderful things, surrounded by just positive thoughts, and to eat & sit on the comfortable leather couch.

46. Thai Temple - Coconut Pancakey things, Taro Fritters, Mango & Sticky Rice, Combo, Roti, everything

I read a review that best described this experience as stepping into a foreign country. You are surrounded by people and signs you don?t understand and you need to change your money into the local currency. I had wanted to go for a while, but it was Erick who finally took me. We both had the Thai Ice Tea, Roti (Roti smeared with condensed milk and sugar & rolled up like a sweet layered donut), Taro Pudding-ish things and Yellow Curry. I have since introduced it to Chanda, Aaron, Audrey, and Diana. I?ve also had the noodle soup, which is so complex in flavor. Since the first time, I?ve had a taste of most of the combo items, Rice Rolls, Yellow Curry wrapped in Roti, Papaya Salad, and BBQ Chicken. The past 3 times I?ve gone, they?ve brought back the Coconut Pancakey things and Taro Fritters on the side. The Taro Fritters are like biting into crispy honey disks. It is just so unique to Berkeley and novel.


There are so many yummy and novel places in Berkeley. This list could never do it justice. I didn't even finish my to do eating list though I came very very close. This will always be the place of my first loves of food of all kinds. Even though some of these places will come and go, my memories and the comfort they gave me will always stay with me.

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 3:41 PM EDT
Updated: Saturday, 27 May 2006 4:52 AM EDT
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a much needed update: thai temple, betty's, cancun
ok so i guess my life has been pretty boring food-wise, but i just wanted to touch on some random things before i begin my "reminiscing series: berkeley"

thai temple

they brought back those coconuty pancake things & taro/coconut fritters...
everyone seemed to talk about these things, but i had never seen them until now (i think they took them away for the winter for the noode soup which is still there)
the coconuty pancake things have green onion in them & soft & gooey
the taro fritters taste like fried honey (though i have a weakness for taro to begin w/ so I'm probably kinda biased)

bakesale betty's

i go enough now that i know exactly what i want...
i'm just going to talk about chanda's sad experience there...the girl helping her basically forgot to put half the stuff in her bag, so she paid for & got back to toga w/ practically nothing in her bag...
that's it

cancun

i used to think this place was very regular, but since i spend my life at erick & doug's (cancun is downstairs) i have come to really like this place & its salsas...esp the mango & the pumpkin seed...it's just very clean flavors unlike other mexican places

& the dramatic reminiscing can now commence

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 3:19 PM EDT
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Wednesday, 19 April 2006
A Cote
We went tonight for Chris's birthday. We didn't have a reservation & the hostess said the wait would be 20 minutes, but it ended up being less because we said we wouldn't mind a communal table. We were seated at the end of a table of a large party...it was kinda awkward for me at first...at pizzaiolo it was fine because the communal table was many little parties, but i just felt like we were invading their space...it was a minute detail i guess...(though the latecomers of their party looked at us funny for a sec because they didn't know it was a communal table)

we ordered:

CHOPPED HEARTS OF ROMAINE
with Aparagus, Sieved Egg and Roasted Garlic Dressing
8.

POMMES FRITES
with Aioli
4./6.

MUSSELS
with Pernod from the Wood Oven
12.

GRILLED LAMB SKEWERS
with Fregola Sarda and Fennel-Olive-Pistachio Relish
14.

The salad was sup'd to be one of the best in the world...but i felt like it was well seasoned and not THAT amazing...the asparagus added a nice touch though

The pommes frites were so delish. We got the smaller dish & it was mounded...It was not greasy & well seasoned & sprinkled with parsley. The not greasy part totally baffled me...

The mussels was the best part of the ones we ordered above...It felt like a never ending bowl & the broth was so good sopped up with the bread given (we asked for more & got like half a baguette)... i've never really had mussels like this...& they were super tender & they gave us little forks to pick out the meat...this is something i'd probably crave

The lamb skewers were nice...the relish was very complex. There were only 2 skewers though for a total of about 5 cubes which i felt was pretty pricey for what it was...the lamb was very juicy inside but still not the best lamb i've had (ajanta's was better but i guess the cooking method might've been why it was more tender there...it was in curry)...it was on a bed of jerusalem couscous in a tomato based sauce/stew...it was very complex in flavor as well...but i probably wouldn't order this again...

the dessert though was a different world...
everything was like 4 desserts in one...& we finally decided on

WARM BROWN BUTTER CASHEW TART
with Roasted Banana Ice Cream and Butter-Rum Sauce
8.

This was super delish...it was like bananas fosters decomposed...the tart shell was cookie-ish almost because it was sweeter than most crusts...the filling was a less sweet and lighter colored version of pecan pie filling w/ cashews...the butter rum sauce was exactly like the bananas foster syrupy sauce & the roasted banana ice cream was to die for...i could eat a pint of it myself...it was basically caramelized bananaish & soo good...we agreed we'd lick the plate if it was appropriate...

the server was very not personable..i felt like just another customer...& then at the end of the meal i was given the receipt for our meal but they charged the large party's meal (at the communal table)...good thing i noticed otherwise that meal would've cost me about $350....which would not have made me a happy camper

i liked the meal overall, but now i know what to order to make it worthwhile

random things i liked: water was served in an old washed out wine bottle w/ labels removed; the outdoor patio was made indoor w/ real lights & chandelier & covering & heat lamps...this added over 10 smaller tables & one communal table


Posted by blog/c_is_for at 4:12 AM EDT
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Saturday, 15 April 2006
aqua
so i remember wanting to go here when we went to go see jamie oliver in sf

it was the lunch part of the interview & we walked across the street & remember thinking as i saw the window..hmm i wonder what restaurant this is..it's so nice inside... & then we walked in! & it was aqua & i accidentally interrupted the "interviewer" jason & said "omg i've always wanted to come here!"

it turns out it was ok cuz he was a foodie too

we sat down & jason recommended the ahi tuna tartare appetizer...so i got that & the wild sea bass & he got the seared foie gras (which was on the tasting menu but the waiter said it could replace the trio of foie gras if he wished) & the black cod.

i had never received a better explanation of all my food before...the waiter was very precise in everything he said "the lemon adds a tart freshness & the slivered almonds are for texture....."

i got water & jason got ice tea..it came with a small plate of lemon w/ a mini pitcher of simple syrup...that pitcher made me wish i had gotten the ice tea...

a waiter specifically carry a plate of different breads & rolls covered in a cloth asked what kind we wanted...i chose the olive roll & he got the sourdough...he used tongs to place them on our bread plate & placed a boat of butter in the middle of the table

when the tartare came...it was a flat rectangle of cubed tuna with basil chiffonade & a raw quail egg atop & coriander sprinked around the plate w/ strips of toasted flat bread on the far side & a line of ingredients facing me of lemon zest, slivered almonds, & i think more spices...he used two spoons...picked up the egg & began to mix all the ingredients explaining it to me as he went along...it was soo delicious...i have never had anything like it...i also tasted a bite of jason's foie gras..it was so perfectly buttery & melt in your mouth...

i definitely didn't feel like i was focused on the interview anymore...

i loved how the waiter...even though there was space between our table & the next would walk the perimeter of the restaurant to get to me instead of slipping through the gap

so the entrees came...jason's wrapped in bacon black cod looked super good & mine was lined up sea bass w/ a piquillo pepper in the middle with a fried calamari garnish (which was super crispy & good i wish i had more)& it had a pesto rectangle outline around the whole entree...the waiter had a small plate with two mini pitchers & he said this is a piquillo pepper sauce w/ something & he poured the sauce around the plate & i realized the pesto rectangle was to prevent it from totally soaking the entree...jason's got a similar treatment with carrot something reduction...

the sea bass was incredibly tender & barely pink inside....it was fabulous...the stuffing of the piquillo pepper however was questionable...i think it had calamari stuffing but it was a very strange texture & i couldn't make out what was inside...so i didn't finish it..it was crunchy but soft but yea i don't know...

we looked at the dessert menu but didn't order anything...one stood out to me....

Citrus Tart
Creme Fraiche & Blood Orange Swirl, Cardamom Crumble, Tangerine Foam
$11

But then I remembered that it wasn't about the food...I was sup'd to be impressing the interviewer...



Tartare of Ahi Tuna
Moroccan Spices, Lemon Confit, Fresh Herbs
$17.00

Wild Sea Bass
Calamari Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Arugula
$23.00

Trio of Cold Artisan Foie Gras
Orange Terrine, Syrah Poached, Truffled Torchon
$20.00

Artisan Foie Gras
Almonds, Grapes, Smoked Duck, Shallot Sherry Sauce

Alaskan Black Cod
Smoked Bacon, Tomato & Date Chutney, Glazed Carrots
$23.00

With a decent tip, the total for two people lunching was $115.

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 1:05 AM EDT
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Sunday, 2 April 2006
lots to update! bakesale betty again, east bay restaurant supply, gelato milano, epicurious gardens, gioia pizza
ok ok...i know the title is long but i will keep it short...

bakesale betty's
went w/ chris a while back again & then w/ chanda yesterday
chris & i finally tried her famous fried chicken sandwich & i must say it's delish...it had a oil & vinegar based coleslaw (not mayo!) (cabbage, jalepeno, shallot, carrots) & it was on an acme sweet roll i believe? & the chicken was perfectly peppered & crispy
i finally bought a scone w/ apricots. chris had the shortcake later w/ fig jam courtesy of my cousin via mail:). i had a carrot cupcake w/ cream cheese frosting...i don't think i really liked cream cheese frosting til this...it was soo fluffy! i also had the banana bread w/ brown sugar topping it was yummy...it was denser than a normal banana bread & no nuts which was sad but good for chris...as we keep saying she's too good!

east bay restaurant supply
everything is ginormous
i bought pouring spouts...they have those 1 oz pouring spouts we saw in napa...
but yea everything is cheap but i think they might be cheaper at that place in sf pierre took me to...but there's nothing i want as of now...cept maybe a dessert display case for my oh so many cakes i bake a day

gelato milano
chris & i dropped in for a taste after browsing half price & promised to go back after dinner...the asian guy who i think is the owner was very nice & talkative...we decided everyone that works there is really bored & wants to talk to anyone...
they actually make their gelato in the back room which is very cool more than i can say for gelateria naia & you can taste the difference! it's so much i dunno..fresher?
so, we samples & tasting each others i've tried: pistachio, asian pear, gianduja, after 8, panna cotta, chocolate, mango, something flan/caramely...i think my favorite so far is still the pistachio..but that is one of my weaknesses sooo yea (diana you might not have known that one either!)...& of course the fruits are all good..oh yea it's the cheaper than most too! $3 for a small 2 flavor cup

epicurious gardens
went back w/ chanda & chris...he got the pork socca w/ mushrooms..it's soo good it was better than the chicken by far simply cuz it was so infused w/ flavor...i got the apricot, prune, pork stew w/ polenta at soop...it was sooo good...we still crave it...the polenta was super buttery & creamy...& the stew was chunky & fall apart in your mouth pork w/ slightly sweet hints...yum!

gioia pizza
i never knew where this place was but i had always heard of it...so when i saw it when we went to monterey market for the first time i got really excited...
it's supd to be new york style pizza w/ a california flair
it's almost like the pizza nazi someone said
because you can't choose your own toppings...they have stuff & you just pick which one
we went after my physics review & we were super hungry...we both got the student special $3 for slice & drink of choice (pretty darn cheap if you ask me)...the choices were (better described but i can only remember the main ingredients): mushroom (crimini w/ gorgonzola something), asparagus w/ something cheese, pancetta w/ red onion, sausage, margerhita, cheese...
we saw them in the display case & both went for the asparagus (i saw chunks of cheese & i wanted) & i got the pomegrante lemonade which was a bit tart but really refreshing...the slice was thinner than i'd ever had & the crust was super super thick & chewy....it was sooo good i wanted like a whole pie for myself...it was pretty crowded in there but for good reason!




Posted by blog/c_is_for at 11:48 PM EDT
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Friday, 24 March 2006
update: Venus & Epicurious Garden
Venus

I went for brunch w/ Chanda & Aaron & I got the 2x2x2 which was 2 flapjacks or french toast, 2 eggs, 2 meat of choice. I got flapjacks (added blueberries) & scrambled eggs & their housemade country sausage.

The flapjacks were awesome. I could crave those. They were wheaty but not too textured. They were also huge! I couldn't eat everything. The scrambled eggs were a bit runny for me & I remember liking La Note's better. The country sausage was yummy, but I couldn't finish that either.

I stole some of Chanda's home fries which were perfectly crispy (but she said it was inconsistent) & Aaron's strawberry riccotta flapjacks w/ candied almonds & special almond syrup I think it was. His were sweeter than mine, but they were so fluffy & lightly sweet I kinda wish I had those!

Overall impression was good, but I felt like we weren't getting as much attention from the waitress as we should've.


Epicurious Garden

I got a chicken socca from Socca Oven. It took a while, but that's because it was made to order. It was more like a pizza than I expected. The toppings were piled on! It was all white meat chicken flavored w/ lemon piled on to a thin chickpea flour pancake w/ roasted tomatoes. & it was drizzled w/ a red sauce & came with a little container of olive oil that was really yummy (Erick dipped his soup bread in it). I really liked the socca cuz it was reminiscent of cornbread & the thicker parts of a masala dosa or uttapam. (~$7)

Erick got butternut squash & pear soup w/ croutons. I had a crouton dipped in his soup. The soup was more granular than he expected, but he thinks it was because of the pear & last time he had the soup it was finished w/ cream. The crouton was perfectly crispy & flavorful. (~$6, $.50 for croutons)

We tasted the sample at Allegio which was a chocolate covered peppercorn. Needless to say we were surprised because we just thought it was little chocolate balls. The flavor was sweeter and more subtle than I would've thought. It almost tasted like a passion fruit seed.

We ended the meal w/ small of apricot chardonnay & blackberry cabernet gelato ($3.75). The carbernet was pretty winey, but as I told Erick, it got less & less alcoholic tasting & the chardonnay one just tasted like apricot. It was tasty (but more melty & icy than say naia's). I also tried the blood orange which was too icy for my taste. They had a chocolate guiness & fromage blanc, which I want to try next time.

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 2:01 AM EST
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Wednesday, 1 March 2006
Cafe de la Paz, Bakesale Betty's, Zax Tavern, Thai Temple
Cafe de la Paz

Chris, Chanda, Ai, Jon G, & I went there to celebrate my birthday!:) Chanda had made reservations online, but they never called for a confirmation & alas, they didn't have it in their books. But, we got there at a good time & there was an empty table for us.

When you enter a bar is to a right, & forward is the banquet room, which was empty, & upstairs was the normal dining area. The banquet room was about the same size as the dining area, which I was surprised about.

We ordered:
Tapas:

Cachapas de Jojoto - $6.95
The Cafes Signature Venezuelan Corn Cakes.

Platanos Fritos - $3.95
Ripe Fried Plantains with Ancho Chile Creme.

Quesadilla - $6.95
The quesadilla tonight was different than the one on the menu. It had smoked chicken & mango salsa.

Llapingacho - $5.75
Ecuadorian Potato Cake w/fried Plantains.

Entrees:

Argentinean BBQ - $14.95
Grilled certified Angus carne asada with grilled onions, peppers and chimichurri - a piquant cilantro, parsley vinaigrette served with chipotle-mashed potatoes and black beans.

Xim Xim de Pollo ~ Brazilian, Chicken Skillet Stew - $12.95
Chicken, selected vegetables, & roasted almond pieces in a coconut milk-jalepeno cream sauce served with rice

Tamal Azteca - Vegetarian Tamale Pie - $11.95
Zesty organic roasted tomato & red chile sauce, fresh mushrooms, corn & spinach layered with jack cheese & corn tortillas, served with black beans & avocado

Dessert:

Fresh Fruit Crisp with Kahlua-whipped cream - $5.00
Tonight it was with mango, pineapple, & other fruits

Drink:

Classic Mojito - $6.00

I loved the corncakes. But that's probably because I love sweet & savory things. The plantains were awesome as well. Everyone loved the quesadillas. They were very fancy & yummy. Everything was topped with the ancho chile cream.

I haven't had a mojito before & this was a good one. The mint was not as strong as I thought it'd be, but that's probably the way it was sup'd to be.

The BBQ was good, but not fabulous. There was a lot of salad & beans & not very much meat. The Brazilian stew was interesting. The almonds in it added a nice crunch. As Chanda later said that I agreed with is it reminded us of Thai coconut based curries & we liked those better because there was a lot more complez flavors. The tamal pie was delicious, but I could definitely see myself making that myself. It was out of the ordinary. Instead of actual tamal corn masa-y base it was layered with corn tortillas. It was also very difficult to split & eat because it was just big layers. So, we ended up with random layers of the "pie."

Tapas were REALLY good though. I would order a bunch of those instead of any entrees. I wasn't as impressed.

The dessert was not amazing either. The crisp part wasn't as crispy as I had hoped & it was hard to tell the difference between the fruits inside. The whipped cream, however, was amazing. It had just the right amount of Kahlua.

The night was great though. The ambience was very romantic. & the owner was surprisingly nice to us (despite the past experiences of jon g & chris)



Bakesale Betty's

it was busy this time so no freebies or discount which was disappointing but that's ok i guess. chanda got choc chip & choc chip & walnut cookies..she said both were good. she also got the lemon bar & brownie & lamington...chris & i shared a bag of 6 ginger cookies & i also got a brownie & lamington...then we all shared a vanilla shortcake

the shortcake was phenomonal...it was fresh & warm & like a sweet vanilla biscuit topped with sugar...we finished it before heading to zax

the lamington was a vanilla sponge cake with strawberry jam filling & then covered w/ chocolate & coconut...it stayed soft til the next day! i was surprised...it was delish

the brownie was only ok for me...the main part was soft & fudgy but cakey too, but the top was hard & crunchy...some people may like that but unfortunately it's not my favorite...i like consistently soft & chewy texture for a brownie...my favorite is still bread workshop's valhorna brownie..though i have yet to try scharffen berger's adult brownie

i think my favorite there is still the ginger cookie...it stays soft & chewy forever! it's been 3-4 days already! (i've been rationing it)...it has chunks of crystallized ginger that are not too spicy but sweet & add good texture...soo good



Zax Tavern

We didn't have reservations so we were seated near the front window. The hostess seemed to be a little too good for us (we were not dressed up), but tried to not let it show. Our waitress, though, was very friendly and added to our conversation.

We sat next to a man & woman that we couldn't figure out if they were married or not. We were both eavesdripping on each other.

We were very excited to see the butter in a little ceramic bowl (like Chez Panisse). It was yummy.

We started with the twice-baked Goat Cheese Souffle with apple, celery, fennel salad, and cider vinaigrette ($8). It was delicious. The goat cheese was very subtley there & the salad was the perfect complement. It was very light & fluffy.

Chris got the Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs
w/ Yukon gold potato puree, rainbow chard and horseradish cream ($19.75). Chanda got a pressed sandwich with Black Forest Ham, Gruyere cheese,
caramelized onions, and balsamic mustard ($8) and a side of Yukon gold potato puree ($3.75) I got the Seared Day Boat Scallops with warm pancetta-dandelion green salad, potato-chive croquettes and Meyer lemon beurre blanc ($21). We shared a side of crispy sage polenta ($3.75).

Chris' was fall off the bone delicious. Chanda said hers was a bit salty after a while, but the bite I had was yummy too. The puree was very very smooth & naturally buttery. My scallops were super tender & perfect with the meyer lemon buerre blanc. There were only 3 on the plate & I kinda felt skimped. The pancetta was cubed & it was good but it was hard to enjoy in chunks especially in the salad. The croquettes were basically the Yukon gold potato puree with chives in it & pan fried. The buerre blanc made the whole plate. The sage polenta was a perfect rectangular prism. It was perfectly crispy on the outside & so creamy & smooth on the inside.

Then we got the brownie turtle parfait for dessert. It was layers of fudge, pastry cream, roasted pecans, brownie, and whipped cream. It was rich & delicious.

We were soooo full. I think the sides put us over the edge.

At one point during the evening, Chris said he was going to do drinking tonight (motioning drinking w/ his cupped hand to mouth) & the woman at the next table just started laughing. We looked at her & she said "sorry sorry! i just heard i'm going drinking tonight & no you aren't young man!" chris said "but i'm 23!" & she said "you're still too young!" & he said "well i'm staying over afterwards!" & she said "ok i guess that's ok. at least you're being safe about it" & chanda & i were just laughing cuz she sounded like his mom & the man w/ her was listening but seemed annoyed & then motioned to their table "our dinner" & motioned to our table "their dinner" & repeated the motion "our evening" "their evening."

The bill was almost $100 for the 3 of us. It was really good, but not good enough to go back.

We were the only minorities & definitely the youngest at the restaurant. It made us feel a little awkward.



Thai Temple

Chanda & I went at 10:15 ish. It was already a lot more crowded than the first time I went. Chanda got the yellow curry, squash curry, & pad thai over rice. I got the noodle soup. It looked like pho, but you could choose the noodles (vermecelli, rice stick thick or thin). The soup was complex: salty, spicy, sweet, sour. It came w/ a little bit of meat, meatballs, celery, cilantro, pickled something. It was really good. I would totally crave it. Then we shared a mango w/ sticy rice for dessert. It was so good. I've never had it before. We got the plain one because I thought the other one had red bean & chanda isn't a fan of that, but it turns out it was just black sticky rice like the one my mom used to make. Some came with this custardy stuff. We will get that next time. The sticky rice was mixed with sugar & coconut milk & chewy in contrast to the sweet/tart and crunchy mango. Yum-o

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 2:49 AM EST
Updated: Wednesday, 1 March 2006 1:08 PM EST
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Monday, 20 February 2006
passport to thailand, dinner at ina's, & "40 sightings a day"
so yesterday erick & i went to thai temple brunch at about 10:30am

i didn't even notice the temple until we actually walked to it & i saw colorful adornments on the building with gold and a walkway into the back that reminded me just of taiwan night markets

there was fast talking in thai behind the stands but confused Americans wandering around looking at each food & sign trying to understand

we first went to convert our money to "the local currency" as erick put it which were aluminum tokens imprinted w/ thai temple donation and pictures (1 token = $1)

then we proceeded to stare at everything because we really didn't know what anything was called & even when we ordered we just pointed & said "that"

erick got a "rotie," some sort of sugary coconut thing in a tub, & yellow curry (which was vegetarian by accident (we were observing carefully enough)) & i got the rotie & curry & this other sweet thing that was made of sugar, coconut milk, & taro & we both got thai ice tea

sweet things: $2/each
curry: $4
thai ice tea: $1

the yellow curry was good & filling

the rotie was basically a pancake w/ many many layers filled with sugar & condensed milk & then rolled into a long shape & wrapped in foil

it was like a really really oily & sweet & never ending doughnut we agreed

erick said, "next thing you know all the police will be walking around with these" & we both pretended to look like tough police people

& my taro coconuty things were good..they kinda were like a harder mochi texture...i gave the rest to my mom to try

they unfortunately didn't have the coconuty pancake things everyone seems to talk about & erick is sad cuz the last two times he's gone they haven't had them...

but it was super yummy & highly recommended

......

great china

i've been wanting to go for a while thus it being on my list & since my parents are probably better at knowing what to order i went with them today to celebrate my birthday

i ordered what chowhounds said to order (duck & double skin)

so...we got the tea smoked duck (because it was a half & we didn't want a whole)($12.95), double skin($11.95), honey walnut prawns(?), and seafood dumplings($6.95)

there was complimentary hot & sour soup that tasted really fresh

the double skin was a thick clear noodle w/ shreds of egg & cucumber & carrots & sea cucumber & shrimp & squid & wood ear & pork...it was then tossed at our table with sauce & hot chinese mustard...it was very good...(it was a cold salad)

the tea smoked duck was fab...it was garnished w/ oranges & served w/ two steamed buns...the skin was crispy & the meat tender & you could definitely smell the tea smoke

the honey walnut prawns were not as lightly fried as the more chinese places but we agreed it was still good because the prawns were so big

oh yea & the seafood dumplings were soo good...handmade wrappers (haven't had that since my grandma still lived with us) & it was filled with pork & all sorts of seafood & it came with a garlic chili soy dipping sauce that was light & yummy

& the fortune cookies as "take as many as you want" because there's a basket above the fish tank

it was really yummy & i'm glad i went w/ my parents cuz otherwise i wouldn't have ordered so much & tried so many different things

it's more of a korean-chinese or san dong cuisine

i will definitely be going back for dumplings for myself!

.....

yesterday chris & i had a very food nerdy conversation about food network

we talked about who's life we wanted the most out of all of them & we both agreed on barefoot contessa's ina garten

as the commercial says "she's a caterer, a partygiver, and a hostess who knows how to have fun!"

to describe her life briefly...she's a caterer w/ what looks like a rich husband (& they're totally cute together) & she has all these gay friends that help her do a lot of the decorating if needed (she's great at doing it herself too) & she's always having friends over for parties & she makes everything look soooo simple & she goes to beach picnics & what not & she has a garden w/ all sorts of veggies & fruits & herbs...ANYWAYS

so we decided we wanted to be her friend & chris said it would suck too though because when it was our turn to cook she'd just laugh at us cuz we suck!

& i said she'd say "these are my good friends chris & connie & they're always good for a laugh!"

& then we started saying all sorts of stuff she'd say (cuz after watching too many shows you just know)

& then we got to dessert & chris said she'd make something reminescent of our childhood..ice cream sandwiches! w/ scharffen berger chocolate

& then she'd say "this one is for chris, the big messy one!" (she always seems to give the guys the big pieces)

& after this convo was over chris said, "i wonder if this is what sports fanatics do...sit around & dream up a hypothetical situation in which him & his favorite player are playing"

me: "probably not..."

.....

& then a few minutes later i had the funniest image of a show on food network about the other food network stars

like paparazzi photos of them leaving their house & then footage of them at the gym!

& chris said "it could be called 40 sightings a day! or stalks on the street"

& then we both agreed that we would have too much footage of sandra lee, giada delaurentis, & michael chiraello because they're all in california

wow...we really are losers...actually i'd rather be called a food nerd:P

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 7:39 PM EST
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Sunday, 19 February 2006
monterey market & food nerdy
went to monterey market for the first time today it was quite exciting...i went with chanda & her friend jon who also enjoys cooking

it was like an indoor cheaper farmer's market

it was really cute...

there's also a butcher & fish market & cheese shop right next to it...

i will definitely go back

they were squeezing blood orange juice which i will probably try next time


.....

me: i was thinking that planning a brand new kitchen from scratch when i get a real one would be so fun but soo much work...& then i started thinking about how i wanted to use an olive oil sprayer instead of pam but then i thought but i can't use that for baking so i need 2 cuz i need one for vegetable oil & i had this whole convo in my head & then i was like wow i'm a loser

chris: sometimes, when I'm not thinking of any really, i think about how fun it is to sear things.
i love searing steaks and breading chcken pieces and pan frying them. i also like the idea of rendering bacon and then adding a veggies to it and scrapping the brown bits off the bottom

me: have you seen that calphalon one anodized cookware commercial?

chris: hahhaa, i just saw it today

me: when they scrape [the pan after they pour in the red wine & say "richer pan sauces"] i'm always like ooooh

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 3:39 AM EST
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Saturday, 18 February 2006
much needed update
i haven't updated this thing in months & i apologize

so...

1) the cheesesteak shop

the farthest back i can remember that i never said anything about was the cheesesteak shop...there is one on university ave. & it's a chain so there's probably one near you...

pierre got the pizza cheeesteak & i the spinach mushroom. both were dripping w/ juices as we bit into it & both were very good. it was a lot better than i thought it'd be. plus you get a frequent sandwich card thing to win a free one after 10 or so...

2) maggiano's

pierre came down to visit me at home & we went to maggiano's...we got the bombalina platter because i was very interested in tasting the other appetizers everyone seems to love...everything was yummy on the platter but i have to admit that zucchini fritters are still my favorite (i dunno if it has to do w/ the memories or taste)...we also got the chopped salad as usual & the large Farfalle, Chicken, Asparagus, Spinach, Parmesan Broth...the pasta was way too big & even pierre couldn't eat anymore...i was stuffed beyond belief i probably gained 5 lbs that night...

i probably won't get a pasta again because it kinda gets boring since it's so much of it but i still love maggiano's

3) pizziolo

chris was up in berk working w/ the improv group & so we got dinner together...it was raining & it was an hour wait but we're dedicated eaters so we waited:P plus it gave us the opportunity to go to bakesale betty's which is a few doors down...

we got the fritta misto (?) for the appetizer, greens with housemade sausage and red onion pizza & braised beef w/ roasted butterball potatoes, fennel, carrots & roasted pear w/ creme, caramel, and chocolate sauce...

the fritta misto was basically a fried platter but fried so lightly & crisply...there were brocolini & lemons & artichokes &...i can't remember but i know it was served w/ a lemon aioli:)...super tasty

the pizza was very very thin & crispy yet still chewy it was very good but i don't know if i'd say it was my favorite..the crust was sprinkled w/ sea salt which was very nerdily cool for us & gave it a nice crunch...

the braised beef (i forget the exact description because i forgot to take the menu!) was really good oh yea..it had a horseradish cream drizzled over it & it was a very good amount of food on the plate...the roasted vegetables were my favorite part..i don't think i've had fennel before but this definitely left a good impression...& we agreed this was probably a better deal than the pizza

the dessert on the other hand was amazing...chris & i argued over whether the pear would be sliced or whole & i won...(it was whole) haha...it was super good...tender but not mushy & the caramel & chocolate & creme were perfect compliments...

we actually sat at a communal table in the back (for a shorter wait) & we had run into chris' theater rice friends so we talked a lot & they had gotten pizza ala pizzaiolo (the chef does whatever he wants & they got red onions & pancetta & egg i think?) & this mushroom pasta thing (& part of the reason why they ordered that was cuz the mushroom's name sounded like fag) & sorbet w/ cookies..they said everything was yummy

4) Bakesale Betty's

let me just start out by saying that chris & i want her life...

she & her husband run the place a few doors down from ex-colleague at chez panisse at pizzaiolo & she lives literally in the apartment upstairs...she just comes down in the early morning & starts baking

she gave us samples of the lemon bar (which i found out were the same as the ones i had the night before at pierre's sister's bday party & i didn't know!)..they're super tart...but i can't say they're my favorite...the crust is a bit too crispy for me

she was sooo super nice..telling us recs for pizzaiolo & talking to us about everything food related

i had heard about their sticky date pudding w/ caramel sauce from chowhound so i got that ($12) it was kinda pircey but after i realized it lasts forever (cuz it's so many servings) it wasn't so expensive...

chris was REALLY excited because she doesn't use nuts in anything & he doesn't like nuts & raisins...which i kinda forgot about...

so he got a loaf of banana bread & we got a cookie each that we split (one chocolate chip & the other ginger) i loved the choc chip but i loved the ginger even more...

she asked out names & everything

i really want to try the chicken pot pie & the fried chicken sandwich everyone seems to be talking about...

basically w/ all the samples she transforms you into a bakesale betty loving machine! it's evil! but oh so yummy

5) Ruen Pair

I went w/ pierre to ruen pair for the 2nd time & i'm reminded again how good that place is...like i know it was good but when i think about it i'm like oh it was ok i guess nothing special...but it's soo freaking good...like i didn't know thai could be so yummy

we got the grilled thai sausage, veggie green curry, pineapple fried rice....

the pineapple fried rice was soo good...i didn't know it could taste like that (i mean i like it already but it was different) it had curry & pineapples & cashews & raisins & shrimp & chicken & onions (both green & white)..i plan to try to make it myself...but i told my mom & she said she tried to make it once & my brother & i refused to eat it...so maybe if she can't replicate it, i can't either:P

the green curry was good but not spectacular i guess & the thai sausage was yummy though i dunno how to describe it...


6) Bread Workshop pizza crusts

last time i was at berk bowl i saw rosemary pizza crusts made by bread workship i was curious so i bought them..they were about $2.69 for 3 small crusts...i LOVE them...i've never used those premade ones before & it's fun...i made mine zachary's esque w/ spinach & mushroom & chicken w/ chunky basil tomato sauce & just piled it on...tasty:) a bit messy though but that's part of the fun

7) Julie's Healthy Cafe

this is not a great food whatever but it's always been a place of comfort for me since freshman year i dunno why..it's probably cuz of the chili & the nice ppl...the chili is't even that great..it's just pretty healthy cuz it's basically all beans & tomato....& they have the best cornbread i've had in berk thus far...granted i've only had a few...but it has the kernels of corn which i like..



oh yea i passed by epicurious gardens & they are very very close to done w/ that place & i'm super excited:)!

anyways..that basically sums up my food adventures for the past month

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 2:10 AM EST
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