3011 Steiner St (between Filbert & Union)
(415) 441-3200
www.terzosf.com
I took Z here, both to see why the reviews on this place are so positive and thinking that I'd see what they see, proving naysayers wrong.
Terzo's menu changes all the time, but Z and I shared the Babba Ganoush, the Heirloom Tomato Salad, Cauliflower Gratin and the Steak with Chimichurri Sauce which the waitress swore was incredible.
What I found incredible was that the food was good, but not great. This isn't a long post, but there isn't really anything to say. And for the price, just ok is not ok!
The Verdict: Not Worth It
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Road Trip: New York
I love New York for many reasons, but one of the things I most look forward to is dining in the Big Apple. The beauty of it is that you can find food at all price ranges that is just awesome - somehow, even the food at street carts in NYC reign supreme. Below were some of my favorites (spots, not street carts):
The Stanton Social (99 Stanton St.): I'd been here before when it was new and hip, but this visit solidified Stanton Social as a standby that has withstood the test of time. Mouth-watering comfort food served tapas style, Stanton Social is the perfect place for a fun dinner out with friends. Make sure you order the French Onion Soup Dumplings, the Chicken and Waffles and the Doughnuts for dessert.
Blue Ribbon Sushi (119 Sullivan St.): I'd heard from several sources that Blue Ribbon Sushi serves up some of the best sushi in town. Surprisingly affordable, Blue Ribbon Sushi belongs to the Blue Ribbon group of restaurants - all of which serve high quality food without the stuffiness. Try any of the sushi with lobster in it...yes, that was new to me too!
Pop Burger (14 E 58th St.): I wandered into Pop Burger by accident as I was looking for a lunch break from my final shopping binge. Set up like a fast food counter, the line was wrapped around the place, but they've got service down to a science. Within minutes, I was eating fresh cheeseburger sliders with some of the best fries I've ever had...all at a bargain!
The Stanton Social (99 Stanton St.): I'd been here before when it was new and hip, but this visit solidified Stanton Social as a standby that has withstood the test of time. Mouth-watering comfort food served tapas style, Stanton Social is the perfect place for a fun dinner out with friends. Make sure you order the French Onion Soup Dumplings, the Chicken and Waffles and the Doughnuts for dessert.
Blue Ribbon Sushi (119 Sullivan St.): I'd heard from several sources that Blue Ribbon Sushi serves up some of the best sushi in town. Surprisingly affordable, Blue Ribbon Sushi belongs to the Blue Ribbon group of restaurants - all of which serve high quality food without the stuffiness. Try any of the sushi with lobster in it...yes, that was new to me too!
Pop Burger (14 E 58th St.): I wandered into Pop Burger by accident as I was looking for a lunch break from my final shopping binge. Set up like a fast food counter, the line was wrapped around the place, but they've got service down to a science. Within minutes, I was eating fresh cheeseburger sliders with some of the best fries I've ever had...all at a bargain!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Mantra (Palo Alto)
632-636 Emerson St (between Hamilton & Forest)
(650) 322-3500
www.mantrapaloalto.com
A and I were in the neighborhood, and decided to check out Mantra because we both love Indian food and it looked like a fun spot. They also have a happy hour special of $7 apps and $2 drafts so we thought, why not?
I ordered a glass of wine to start, and upon noticing that it was poured from the end of a bottle and as a result, tasted vinegary (A confirmed), I decided to do a draft beer instead. We decided to share a bunch of different apps in order to take advantage of the special, so shared the Seared Hamachi, Large Dayboat Scallops, Lamb Lollipops, Handmade Samosas (veg of course), and the Rosemary-Pesto and Parmesan Naan. Every appetizer we had suffered from overseasoning and overcooking - everything was just trying too hard. Both the scallops and the lamb were overwhelming salty. The "seared" hamachi was cooked all the way through and in mind, there is nothing worse that fish or meat for that matter that's supposed to be served rare getting overcooked within an inch of its life. The samosa innards were just mush with no distinguishable flavors and the naan tasted like a really bad pizza. I understand that there is a fusion aspect to Mantra, but sometimes you should just stick to what you know.
On a high note, we left stuffed for under $25 each, hence my verdict.
The Verdict: Worth It ONLY For Happy Hour
(650) 322-3500
www.mantrapaloalto.com
A and I were in the neighborhood, and decided to check out Mantra because we both love Indian food and it looked like a fun spot. They also have a happy hour special of $7 apps and $2 drafts so we thought, why not?
I ordered a glass of wine to start, and upon noticing that it was poured from the end of a bottle and as a result, tasted vinegary (A confirmed), I decided to do a draft beer instead. We decided to share a bunch of different apps in order to take advantage of the special, so shared the Seared Hamachi, Large Dayboat Scallops, Lamb Lollipops, Handmade Samosas (veg of course), and the Rosemary-Pesto and Parmesan Naan. Every appetizer we had suffered from overseasoning and overcooking - everything was just trying too hard. Both the scallops and the lamb were overwhelming salty. The "seared" hamachi was cooked all the way through and in mind, there is nothing worse that fish or meat for that matter that's supposed to be served rare getting overcooked within an inch of its life. The samosa innards were just mush with no distinguishable flavors and the naan tasted like a really bad pizza. I understand that there is a fusion aspect to Mantra, but sometimes you should just stick to what you know.
On a high note, we left stuffed for under $25 each, hence my verdict.
The Verdict: Worth It ONLY For Happy Hour
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
DOSA
995 Valencia St (between 21st & Liberty)
(415) 642-3672
www.dosasf.com
Oh my DOSA. DOSA has now taken a well-deserved space rivaling my most recent favorite - Range. It was SO good, that moments after L and I left I wondered when I might get to go again.
I suggested DOSA because I've been wanting to try it for so long. Luckily L agreed to it. I'd read reviews that portions were a bit small, so we decided to order a 4-course tasting meal and an entree, all to share. The 4-course tasting is a steal at $39. We chose to start with the Dahi Vada which consisted of lentil dumplings, topped with cool Strauss organic yogurt, piped with tamarind & mint. Served in a sort of shallow casserole dish, the flavors were absolutely explosive which was surprising because I almost never like cold dishes (raw fish aside.) Next, we had the the signature Chatni Masala Dosa - a South Indian savory crepe filled with creamy, spiced Indian potatoes, onions, cashew nuts with a spiced chutney spread of blended baby eggplant. Next, we had the South Indian Lamb Kofta – spiced natural & free-range lamb meatballs in a creamy sauce of tomatoes & spinach served with lemon basmati rice and raita. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and this coincidentally was the only dish that could even be considered conservatively sized. We had also ordered the Kerala Chicken & Cauliflower which consisted of tender free-range chicken in a grated coconut sauce with green beans and tomatoes. Though good, we so didn't need this extra dish as we were close to vomit status by now - splitting the 4-course would have been plenty!
When the server suggested the Deep Chocolate Sorbet, I had my doubts. One - I don't really enjoy sorbets. Two - I fancy baked desserts. It turns out that this sorbet was one of the most incredible desserts that have passed my lips. Apparently DOSA's sorbets are hand-made by a neighborhood purveyor, and literally, the fudginess and dense chocolate decadence made me not only forget how full I was, but actually made me consider veganism.
DOSA is the ideal combination of some of my favorite things - Indian flavors, reasonable prices, organic clean ingredients and preparations devoid of excess grease. I heart DOSA. I wish I could eat here every day.
The Verdict: Worth It, Worth It, Worth It!
(415) 642-3672
www.dosasf.com
Oh my DOSA. DOSA has now taken a well-deserved space rivaling my most recent favorite - Range. It was SO good, that moments after L and I left I wondered when I might get to go again.
I suggested DOSA because I've been wanting to try it for so long. Luckily L agreed to it. I'd read reviews that portions were a bit small, so we decided to order a 4-course tasting meal and an entree, all to share. The 4-course tasting is a steal at $39. We chose to start with the Dahi Vada which consisted of lentil dumplings, topped with cool Strauss organic yogurt, piped with tamarind & mint. Served in a sort of shallow casserole dish, the flavors were absolutely explosive which was surprising because I almost never like cold dishes (raw fish aside.) Next, we had the the signature Chatni Masala Dosa - a South Indian savory crepe filled with creamy, spiced Indian potatoes, onions, cashew nuts with a spiced chutney spread of blended baby eggplant. Next, we had the South Indian Lamb Kofta – spiced natural & free-range lamb meatballs in a creamy sauce of tomatoes & spinach served with lemon basmati rice and raita. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and this coincidentally was the only dish that could even be considered conservatively sized. We had also ordered the Kerala Chicken & Cauliflower which consisted of tender free-range chicken in a grated coconut sauce with green beans and tomatoes. Though good, we so didn't need this extra dish as we were close to vomit status by now - splitting the 4-course would have been plenty!
When the server suggested the Deep Chocolate Sorbet, I had my doubts. One - I don't really enjoy sorbets. Two - I fancy baked desserts. It turns out that this sorbet was one of the most incredible desserts that have passed my lips. Apparently DOSA's sorbets are hand-made by a neighborhood purveyor, and literally, the fudginess and dense chocolate decadence made me not only forget how full I was, but actually made me consider veganism.
DOSA is the ideal combination of some of my favorite things - Indian flavors, reasonable prices, organic clean ingredients and preparations devoid of excess grease. I heart DOSA. I wish I could eat here every day.
The Verdict: Worth It, Worth It, Worth It!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Madison & Fifth (Palo Alto)
367 University Ave. (between Waverley and Bryant)
(650) 323-3900
madandfifth.com
I'd been to Madison & Fifth once before on a whim with B while we were shopping in PA, so when we were wandering University for a spot to celebrate Mom's b-day and Dad started salivating over the menu up front, I didn't have any reservations recommending we give it a try.
This meal, like the first one I had at Madison & Fifth was spectacular - I have yet to have even a dish that was anything short of delicious. We started with the Warm Burrata Mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, basil and corn, though the fam had some doubts due to not being huge tomato fans - and there were lots (three different kinds!) Once they tried it though, they quickly changed their minds. The only weird thing was that the accouterments to the cheese were different than the specials menu stated.
I shared with Carrot Gnocchi with braised rabbit ragout, wild mushroom and rosemary sauce as well as the House made Basil Linguine with pumpkin, leeks, hazelnuts and goat cheese fondue topped with black truffles with Dad. Both were a departure from the traditional pastas you'd expect at an Italian restaurant in an exotic and tasty way. Mom had the Black Ravioli stuffed with lobster, scallops, shrimp and asparagus in a light spicy tomato sauce. The ravioli was good, though I'm not generally a fan of minced pasta stuffing - I like my meat in pieces, thank you! D is not a huge fan of Italian food, so he apprehensively ordered the Balsamic Chicken Breast Rollatini stuffed with provolone cheese and spinach, and served with vegetables and wild rice. D's dish was the family favorite and he gobbled it down happily.
I'd happily return to Madison & Fifth when in the mood for a modern twist on classic Italian and I think it's safe to say that my family would too!
The Verdict: Worth It
(650) 323-3900
madandfifth.com
I'd been to Madison & Fifth once before on a whim with B while we were shopping in PA, so when we were wandering University for a spot to celebrate Mom's b-day and Dad started salivating over the menu up front, I didn't have any reservations recommending we give it a try.
This meal, like the first one I had at Madison & Fifth was spectacular - I have yet to have even a dish that was anything short of delicious. We started with the Warm Burrata Mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, basil and corn, though the fam had some doubts due to not being huge tomato fans - and there were lots (three different kinds!) Once they tried it though, they quickly changed their minds. The only weird thing was that the accouterments to the cheese were different than the specials menu stated.
I shared with Carrot Gnocchi with braised rabbit ragout, wild mushroom and rosemary sauce as well as the House made Basil Linguine with pumpkin, leeks, hazelnuts and goat cheese fondue topped with black truffles with Dad. Both were a departure from the traditional pastas you'd expect at an Italian restaurant in an exotic and tasty way. Mom had the Black Ravioli stuffed with lobster, scallops, shrimp and asparagus in a light spicy tomato sauce. The ravioli was good, though I'm not generally a fan of minced pasta stuffing - I like my meat in pieces, thank you! D is not a huge fan of Italian food, so he apprehensively ordered the Balsamic Chicken Breast Rollatini stuffed with provolone cheese and spinach, and served with vegetables and wild rice. D's dish was the family favorite and he gobbled it down happily.
I'd happily return to Madison & Fifth when in the mood for a modern twist on classic Italian and I think it's safe to say that my family would too!
The Verdict: Worth It
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Road Trip: Los Angeles
I maintain my elitist food POV - LA food will never be what SF food is. No matter how hard I've tried to go to the most popular spots, I've been disappointed 99% of the time with a burning hole in my pocket. I did on my last couple of trips manage to find some places I've enjoyed (see below), though as a rule, I think mom-and-pop shop is the way to go when in La-La Land. LA just isn't a food town - it's about image. And the illusion of good food does good food not make. Do people in LA eat?? Please - if you know of a good place I should try next time I'm in LA, please let me know - I would welcome the suggestions!
Koi (730 N La Cienega Blvd): Yes it's trendy and perhaps, ok definitely, overhyped, but after visiting Katsuya (what I will now refer to as poor man's Koi), I maintain that the meal I had at Koi was damn good. The Crispy Rice topped with spicy tuna was to die for and I have yet to see the same dish on a menu in SF.
BREADBAR (10250 Santa Monica Blvd): So it's in a mall (really), but brunch here was unforgettable. Part of the Slow Food movement, BREADBAR uses fresh, seasonal and organic where possible ingredients and it's rare to get food that's good for you as well as unbelievable. The innovative pastries are nothing to scoff at either!
Bond St. (9360 Wilshire Blvd): Caveat: I may have only sampled sushi rolls off the trays of bikini-clad cocktail waitresses, but every roll I had reminded me of how much I love the truly unique and amazing sushi experiences I've had at the original Bond St. in NYC. It's a splurge, but so so worth it.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Spices!
294 8th Ave (between California & Clement)
(415) 752-8884
www.eatspices.com
Spices! is a commitment. A commitment to drive and park in the middle of nowhere and a commitment to bust a gut. Z's friend A was in town and since he was short on time, we agreed to meet him at dinner with some of his gf's friends.
Spices! is a true hole-in-the-wall from its practically offensive tacky decor and tight quarters to its rock-bottom prices. Z and I shared the Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic Sauce - large enough to share and unexpectedly tender after we pulled of the sizable piece of fatty (yet traditional) skin. The pork was well-seasoned with enough sauce to sop up with rice, but points off for the four measly pieces of bok choy. Given that A is a vegan, I didn't deign touch his eggplant dish (how do vegans get full anyway), and since I had just met everyone else, didn't think it would go over well to stick my chopsticks in their food. But it LOOKED great!
Service was atrocious - I mean, how many times can you ask for water before you finally get it at the end of your meal? However, surprisingly chic presentation, Asian comfort food and dirt cheap prices mean I may be back if I'm in the neighborhood.
The Verdict: Worth It From What I Can Tell
(415) 752-8884
www.eatspices.com
Spices! is a commitment. A commitment to drive and park in the middle of nowhere and a commitment to bust a gut. Z's friend A was in town and since he was short on time, we agreed to meet him at dinner with some of his gf's friends.
Spices! is a true hole-in-the-wall from its practically offensive tacky decor and tight quarters to its rock-bottom prices. Z and I shared the Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic Sauce - large enough to share and unexpectedly tender after we pulled of the sizable piece of fatty (yet traditional) skin. The pork was well-seasoned with enough sauce to sop up with rice, but points off for the four measly pieces of bok choy. Given that A is a vegan, I didn't deign touch his eggplant dish (how do vegans get full anyway), and since I had just met everyone else, didn't think it would go over well to stick my chopsticks in their food. But it LOOKED great!
Service was atrocious - I mean, how many times can you ask for water before you finally get it at the end of your meal? However, surprisingly chic presentation, Asian comfort food and dirt cheap prices mean I may be back if I'm in the neighborhood.
The Verdict: Worth It From What I Can Tell
Monday, September 8, 2008
B Star Bar
127 Clement St. (between 2nd & 3rd)
(415) 933-9900
www.bstarbar.com
When L suggested B Star, I thought she was referring to Burma Superstar, B Star's infamous sister restaurant. She reassured me that we would not be waiting in an endless line, but that the food was just as yummy. Being that I haven't been to either, I was up for being wowed.
We started with the Tea Leaf Salad - a palate pleasing Burmese salad curiosity of textural flavor including garlic chips, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, peanuts, sunflower seeds, ginger, sesame seeds and of course tea leaves. The tea leaves were ground up into a pulp and sprinkled on top of the salad - and as bizarre as it sounds, the salad was delicious and unlike anything I have ever tasted.
L had the Chicken Biryani - a baked Indian-flavor-like rice dish with chicken, peas, toasted almonds, eggs and cilantro. I on the other hand had the Thai Salmon Green Curry Pot Pie as recommended by our server which consisted of Thai style salmon and veggies, green curry and scallions in a sesame puff pastry served with a side salad. The flavors of my dish were good but from our experience, I'd have to agree with L that her Chicken Biryani is off the heez.
Friendly service, reasonable prices and a wide array of other enticing dishes (I could hardly make up my mind) ensure that I will definitely be back to B Star.
The Verdict: Worth It
(415) 933-9900
www.bstarbar.com
When L suggested B Star, I thought she was referring to Burma Superstar, B Star's infamous sister restaurant. She reassured me that we would not be waiting in an endless line, but that the food was just as yummy. Being that I haven't been to either, I was up for being wowed.
We started with the Tea Leaf Salad - a palate pleasing Burmese salad curiosity of textural flavor including garlic chips, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, peanuts, sunflower seeds, ginger, sesame seeds and of course tea leaves. The tea leaves were ground up into a pulp and sprinkled on top of the salad - and as bizarre as it sounds, the salad was delicious and unlike anything I have ever tasted.
L had the Chicken Biryani - a baked Indian-flavor-like rice dish with chicken, peas, toasted almonds, eggs and cilantro. I on the other hand had the Thai Salmon Green Curry Pot Pie as recommended by our server which consisted of Thai style salmon and veggies, green curry and scallions in a sesame puff pastry served with a side salad. The flavors of my dish were good but from our experience, I'd have to agree with L that her Chicken Biryani is off the heez.
Friendly service, reasonable prices and a wide array of other enticing dishes (I could hardly make up my mind) ensure that I will definitely be back to B Star.
The Verdict: Worth It
Friday, September 5, 2008
Candybar
1335 Fulton St. (at Divisadero)
415.673.7078
Dear loyal readers,
I apologize for my rather long hiatus. I won't do it to you again - promise. And to make it up to you, I give you Candybar.
A & L had been telling us about this dessert place by their house that they'd been wanting to try. So we walked into a warm, home-like destination - as in you'd never know it was there if you weren't looking for it.
We ordered the rose champagne because we were feeling festive and rounded it out with some desserts to try. The first was the Mocha Dark & White Figs/Basil Meringue. The basil meringue was actually a foam and the concoction came with white chocolate ice cream and espresso chips. Think Top Chef in a hidden SF treasure. Stuff that doesn't seem to go together but works amazingly so.
Next we had the Chocolate Olive Creameaux which was served with watermelon sorbet and a chocolate communion wafer and praline nibs. Another example of sweet and salty working with one another in a counterintuitive way.
Lastly, the crown jewel. Vanilla Brioche/Elderflower Apricot/Cherry Pit Ice Cream. Easily the crowd favorite with its masterfully brulee'd top and the perfect contrasts of hot & cold, sweet & savory, creamy & crisp.
I can hardly wait to try Candybar's entrees like the Papardelle & Crispy Ravioli/Braised Rabbit/Yellow Nectarine and the Kobe Bavette/Chocolate Cherry Cola.
What can I say? Innovation is king in this world of food that starts to all taste the same.
Thanks for the pics L!
The Verdict: Sweet & Savory at its Best is Always Worth It
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