Put a little *vroom* in your juice

For my two year old Monkey, everything that makes a loud whirring sound is called a *vroom-vroom*. Which explains why whenever I break out the blender to make a smoothie, my toddler says it’s time for *vroom-vroom juice*.

There are a ton of different ways to make a smoothie and it seems like I’ve tried a hundred different varieties without nailing the perfect consistency. The smoothie either turns out too sweet, too bitter, too grainy, or has too many seeds.  This one, however, is my favorite smoothie recipe. And the Monkey loves it, too:

The Monkey’s Vroom-Vroom Juice

• 2 cups organic Acai juice (I prefer Acai with pomegranate juice)
• 1/2 cup of non-fat organic vanilla or plain yogurt
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 small package of frozen organic strawberries
• 1 frozen mango

Optional:

1 tablespoon of flaxseed

When you’re preparing to *vroom-vroom*, make sure to add the ingredients in the order I listed in order to help blend more smoothly and evenly. If the blender doesn’t seem to be working, you may have an air pocket. Safely and carefully, lift the lid and use a spoon to stir up the mixture before proceeding to blend again. You may have to blend for about 2-3 minutes before you get the right consistency.

For toddlers, the best cup I have found for smoothies is the Munchkin Mighty Grip Flip Straw Cups. They’re not the easiest sippy cup to clean and assemble, but toddlers find them very easy and fun to use.

The *vroom-vroom juice* smoothies also make great frozen fruit bars! My favorite mold is the Tovolo Shooting Stars.

Cheers!

In my house, there is only one way to make french toast. With Challah bread.

Challah bread is a traditional Jewish bread that is usually served on Shabbat. You can usually find this type of bread in the bakery section of most major grocery stores, however they may call it “braided egg bread.” I don’t usually buy Challah at the grocery store since I have a few local bakeries that bake delicious Challah bread. Check in with your local bakery before heading to the grocery store. It makes a big difference.

If I’m planning on preparing my Challah french toast on a Sunday morning, I buy the bread on Friday. It’s best to to use 1-2 day old bread for this recipe. Just keep in mind that if you’re buying Challah bread on Shabbat, you may want to call ahead to order in advance.

Ingredients:

• One loaf of Challah Bread (10-12 slices)
• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of milk. I use low-fat, skim, or light soy milk.
• 4 tablespoons of honey
• 4 tablespoons of orange juice
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher/sea salt
• Cinnamon, optional
• 4 tablespoons of butter for grilling purposes only

(Click on pics to expand)

Make sure to have a 10-inch non-stick pan and a cooling rack over a baking sheet ready.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine the eggs, milk, honey, orange juice, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl and whisk well. Dip a slice of bread in the mixture and coat well on each side. Allow the bread to soak for about 30 seconds and then place the battered slice of bread on the cooling rack. Once all the bread slices have been coated, start heating up the griddle pan.

Over a medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan. Place up to three bread slices in the pan but just make sure they can all fit. Cook each slice until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes for each side. Remove from pan and place back on the cooling rack. Once all the slices have been cooked and placed back on the cooling rack, put the baking pan in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. Serve with REAL maple syrup and fresh fruit. I like my french toast with either mixed berries and/or slices of banana.

Bon Appétit

Edited on 6/29/10 to add: Rachel from Peanut Couture informed me about a great recipe she has for a baked challah french toast casserole and I asked her for the recipe. See below in the comments section for the recipe. I haven’t tried it out yet, but doesn’t it sound delicious?

Hot dogs are easily one of the favorite food staples for kids, but sometimes even adults get a craving for a good ol’ hot dog. However, unless I’m at the ball park or passing a hot dog cart in NYC (what is it about those NYC hot dogs?!?) I prefer my hot dogs to be a bit more, shall we say, sophisticated. This means, I like alcohol to be involved.

Instead of buying a package of Hebrew National hot dogs, I either head down to my local butcher or to the grocery store to buy a package of sausages. If you’re buying pre-packed sausages, I have a few favorites. Try the Chicken & Apple from Aidells or the Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage from Trader Joe’s. Both are excellent. You can buy these ahead of time and freeze them since this recipe actually works best with frozen sausage.

This is what you need for the rest of the recipe:

Serves 4

1 package of 4 sausages

2 12oz. bottles of dark ale/beer

1 large white onion (cut into rings)

4 good quality buns (I like the small square or round sourdough rolls from Trader Joe’s)

1 bottle of good quality mustard. Save the French’s Mustard for the kids.

I like to make these adult hot dogs with a side of  flavorful grilled veggies. Our favorite veggies to grill are zucchini, asparagus, and eggplant. Simply cut or slice the veggies and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle on fresh ground pepper, sea salt, lemon pepper, red chili pepper, and garlic powder. Throw on the grill along with the sausages.

Sausage Recipe:

Start by boiling the beer on the stove top and add the onions and sausage. Boil the frozen sausages until thawed and remove them from the pan. Butterfly them before taking them over to the grill. Keep the onions in the pot until the liquid is almost reduced completely, then remove the onion and set aside. You will use these cooked onions as a topping for the sausage.

Mid-way through grilling the sausages and veggies, add the rolls to the grill to toast them to perfection.

Here is the trick. The sausages and veggies on the grill take nearly the same amount of time it takes to reduce the beer in the pot. When the beer has been reduced completely, it will likely be time to remove the veggies and sausages!

Cut the sausages, if needed, and place in the bun. Add the onions and some mustard. Along with the grilled veggies, this dish is perfect for a warm summer evening. Make sure to save a glass of cold ale to go with your dinner, too!

Please note that alcohol does not burn off completely during the cooking/grilling process. When I suggest this meal is for adults only, I truly mean it!

Bon Appétit!

You know those *haul* shopping videos on youtube? This is my version.

Who doesn’t love Trader Joe’s?!?

No. Really. I actually want to know who you are, because I’ve yet to meet someone that doesn’t love that place. I’ve been a loyal customer of Trader Joe’s since about 1997 and I tend to move to areas that have a TJ’s within 10 minutes of my house.  When realtors talk about location, location, location, all I want to know is if there is a TJ’s nearby.

All loyal TJ’s customers have their favorites and I am no exception. I may have relied on their frozen meals and cheap wine (Two Buck Chuck!) back in the 90’s, but now I rely on their organic and healthy products to feed my family.  Trader Joe’s proves that organic, healthy, and natural products do not have to cost an arm and a leg. From a starving college student on a tight budget to a mom cooking for her family, Trader Joe’s has come through for me time and time again. The majority of my grocery receipts come from TJ’s, which should tell you everything.

Without further ado, these are my favorite Trader Joe’s products. Prices are current as of this post date:

Breakfast/Bread

Organic Oats & Flax Instant Oatmeal ($3.29) – when I feel the need to have a particularly healthy breakfast, these individual packets of oatmeal do the job.

8 Plus 2 100% Stone Ground Whole Grain Bread ($2.29) – my favorite bread, made with natural whole grains, soy & flax.

Vanilla Almond Crunch Cereal ($3.99) - this cereal is a favorite in my family. It’s good with or without milk!

Trader Joe’s Low-Fat Cereal Bars ($1.69) – made with organic grains, these cereal bars are perfect for a quick breakfast or healthy snack. I always have a few of these in my bag for when the the Monkey gets hungry.

Lavosh Bread ($1.99) - perfect for wraps or a snack with tahini or hummus.

Condiments

Organic Creamy Peanut Butter ($2.99) – this is quite possibly the best peanut butter I’ve tried. When mixed well, it doesn’t dry out, either.

Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce ($2.49) - this mustard is incredible and works deliciously on anything from a turkey sandwich to grilled sausage.

Garlic Hummus ($2.49) – spread on lavosh or pita bread or dip your chips and veggies in it. This hummus is the best!

Organic Marinara Sauce ($2.29) - I use this tasty marinara for individual pizzas on English muffins or in pastas.

Panko Breadcrumbs ($1.69) – I prefer panko breadcrumbs to regular breadcrumbs and this panko is one of my favorites.

Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals ($1.99) – this fabulous pink salt comes with a built-in grinder!

Taco Seasoning Mix ($0.79) - this is a great alternative to other taco seasoning packs because you can actually pronounce the ingredients.

Desserts

Dark Chocolate & Almond Biscotti ($3.99) - perfect for a delicious after-dinner treat with coffee.

Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds ($6.99) – Warning. These are highly addictive!

Tofutti Cuties Vanilla Bars ($2.69) - I love these and they are a much healthier alternative to ice cream sandwiches.

Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels with Sea Salt – you will be hard-pressed to find them now, but when they stock these seasonal treats, buy them! They are delicious!

Meat/Poultry

Organic Chicken Tenders (about $6-$8) – I buy several packages of these every week because they are so versatile to use. I bread them with panko and flax and bake them into healthy chicken strips or cut them into small pieces for tacos.

Organic Whole Chicken (about $13-$15) – want to try my Chicken Soup recipe? This is excellent quality chicken for a good price. I also buy this chicken when I plan on roasting a whole chicken.

Frenched Lamb Rack from New Zealand ($10.99 per lb) – did you see my recent Foodie Friday post for Mustard Crusted Lamb Rack? This lamb rack is great for that recipe. It is free-range, hormone-free, and steroid-free. No need to spend big bucks at your local butcher with this quality lamb.

Produce

Organic Baby Carrots ($0.79) – an ideal snack or add to salads.

Organic Berries (around $2.99) – I buy a variety of their berries and combine them in a bowl at home for a quick and healthy snack.

Persian Cucumbers ($2.29) – slice them up and dip in tahini or hummus!

Organic Bananas ($0.29 each) – I can’t always find organic bananas at the big-chain grocery stores, which is why I’m so glad TJ’s sells them.

Brussels Sprouts ($1.99) – when I can’t find Brussels Sprouts on the stem (TJ’s occasionally sells them that way!), I’ll buy them in a bag. Use them in my roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe!

Quick Lunch/Dinner

I love Trader Joe’s salads for a quick lunch or dinner. My favorites include the Pear and Gorgonzola Salad ($3.49) and the Chopped Chicken Salad ($4.49)

“Just Chicken” Entree ($5.99) - this package of chicken has so many uses. My favorite quick recipe for this item is chicken salad and chicken quesadillas!

Snacks

Savory Thin Mini Edamame Crackers ($2.49) – everyone in my family loves these delicious crispy crackers made of edamame.

Omega Trek Mix (individual packs of almonds, cashews, & cranberries) ($4.99) -  a perfect snack to-go!

Organic Light String Cheese ($4.99)  – this is the best string cheese I’ve found. Plus, it has 50% less fat than regular string cheese!

Pretzel Slims ($2.19) - a great snack when you need something salty and crunchy.

Honey Wheat Pretzel Sticks ($1.49) – I love these pretzel sticks because they are both salty and sweet.

Organic Blue Tortilla Chips ($2.99) - the perfect complement to homemade guacamole.

Organic Animal Crackers ($2.99) – a much healthier alternative to the original animal crackers.

6-pack of Organic Yogurt ($3.29) – the Monkey loves this yogurt. Add some berries , granola, or Vanilla Crunch cereal on top for a great treat.

Veggie Stix and Veggie Chips ($1.99) – a much better option to potato chips! And tastier, too.

Another reason I love to shop at Trader Joe’s is for their selection of fresh flowers. I love having beautiful flowers in my home, but I hate spending a ton of money on them.  TJ’s is, by far, the best place to find reasonably priced and excellent quality flowers and plants. I even planted their lavender plants in my garden and they are doing beautifully. I have heard that they select local growers for their flowers, but I can’t confirm that.

Got any Trader Joe’s recommendations that are not listed here? Please share!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated by Trader Joe’s for this endorsement. However, if they want to throw a few free snacks my way, I’ll gladly accept it.

From this view, there is a whole world of wonderful restaurants and delicious food.

It’s been two years since I moved away from San Francisco, a place I called home for about 12 years. I miss many aspects of that city, but I mostly miss the food. For any foodie that has lived in or visited San Francisco, you know that it’s food heaven.

Each San Francisco neighborhood is unique with its own flavor and food culture. From fine dining in Nob Hill and picnic-ing in the Embarcadero to tamales in the Mission and brunch in the Castro to spicy Indian food in South of Market (SOMA) and Ethiopian food in Western Addition, San Francisco has everything. This list of where to eat is my own personal food diary of the places that helped refine my palate.

So, in homage of the fabulous Foggy City and the various neighborhoods and eateries that I frequented, I want to share all my secret and not-so secret places to eat great food and shop for delectable treats.

Note: Not all San Francisco Districts are listed. Neighborhoods are listed in alphabetical order. This list is subject to change.

Bernal Heights

South of the Mission, Bernal Heights is a cute area off the beaten track. One reason to stop in Bernal Heights is for the Alemany Farmers’ Market, otherwise known as “the people’s market.” I loved to shop here on the weekends for fresh, local produce and other good eats.

I ate at Goood Frickin Chicken every month for about a year. Why? Because they don’t lie – they have really goood frickin chicken! This is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers a different variety of chicken platters, including rotisserie, open flame, and shawerma.

Pastores is a great place if you’re looking for delicious chilaquiles or huevos rancheros. For more upscale comfort food in a cozy environment, check out The Blue Plate. For some down-home cooking with a lovely and romantic ambiance,  I recommend The Front Porch.

Castro

If you’re looking for a place to see great live music and enjoy good food, you must go to Cafe Du Nord. I would usually only go for specific performances, but they regularly book  great artists, both local and touring. And, of course, the food is great.

Other than Cafe Du Nord for late-night fun, my favorite dining experiences in the Castro centers around brunch.  Chow is a very charming restaurant in the Castro that has a great breakfast and lunch menu.  Another good place to eat is Home. They cater to the hangover crowd rolling out of bed for brunch, complete with hearty comfort food and a Bloody Mary Bar. Perfect for the morning after a particularly fun evening in the City!

Morning Due Cafe is a place I would often go to grab some coffee (support local coffee shops!) or a quick lunch. They have delicious food and a nice and cozy neighborhood feel to the cafe.

Civic Center/TenderNob (Nob Hill)

Le Colonial has mastered the art of Vietnamese/French fusion. People swear by The Slanted Door, but I prefer Le Colonial. The restaurant is sophisticated and sexy and it’s an ideal place for a romantic date or for a large group. If you’re looking for straight-forward Vietnamese food, look no further than Anh Hong.  It might just be the best Vietnamese food in SF.

Feel like splurging on a ridiculously indulgent meal? Check out Masa’s. Their nine-course menu was one of the most memorable meals of my life. Word to the wise, if you decide on the nine-course, do not eat for at least 5 hours ahead of time and prepare to not eat again for 24 hours afterward.

Cole Valley

Cole Valley is an adorable little neighborhood near Haight-Ashbury and I used to head here all the time for brunch. People will wait in long lines for Zazie’s on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but just next door is Bambino’s which I consider to be an even better spot for breakfast/brunch. Make sure to order their Grand Marnier French Toast!

For a night out, my favorite spot is Eos Restaurant and Wine Bar. Their wine list is, as to be expected, incredible and their food is delicious. Plus I love their ambiance for a romantic date night or for a group of friends. For a sweet or savory treat, check out Crepes On Cole.  You cannot go wrong with the Peanut Butter & Nutella crepe!

Embarcadero

When I think of the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building is the first thing to come to mind. I would walk to the ferry building weekly, especially when the farmers market was open. This place is a must for anyone traveling to San Francisco.

Is it a beautiful and sunny day and want to go on a picnic? Here’s what to do for a fabulous (but not cheap) picnic idea: head to the Ferry Building and pick up some fresh baguettes from Acme Bread Company, some Berkswell cheese or a nice aged gouda from Cowgirl Creamery, and a some freshly sliced Prosciutto di Parma from Golden Gate Meat Company (and perhaps a little chocolate dessert from Recciuti Confection) and then walk down the Embarcadero to find the grassy hills practically under the Bay Bridge. On a beautiful and sunny San Francisco day, this is the best way to dine.

Financial District

The Financial District really caters to the 9-5 crowd and there are a ton of  places to grab a quick meal, like Lee’s Deli.  However, there are a few gems for people looking for a more relaxing meal with great food. One of my favorite spots is Perbaco’s, which is an excellent Italian restaurant.

Fishermans Wharf

People often head to the Wharf for bread bowls filled with clam chowder, but the Wharf for me means dressing to the nine’s and splurging at Gary Danko. Fine dining restaurants don’t get much better than Gary Danko, so make sure to head there if you’re looking for a memorable meal to celebrate a special occasion (or just because).

If you’re looking for something more low-key and authentic San Francisco, you must check out The Buena Vista. This place invented the Irish Coffee. It’s true!

Ghiradelli Square is another place to visit since, as you can imagine, there is a Ghiradelli chocolate shop and soda fountain (they hand out free samples, too!).

Haight-Ashbury

Nobody can visit San Francisco without stopping by Haight-Ashbury. This historical neighborhood of love and peace still has that hippie vibe to it (despite that there is a Gap on the corner of Haight and Ashbury!). It’s been there for years because, hey, even hippies need jeans.  But let’s get to the important stuff. Haight-Ashbury has an eclectic range of food choices and offers some great cuisine. Here are my favorites:

A wonderful place for breakfast is Pork Store. This stuff is greasy comfort food and the waitress might spill some coffee on you, but I love it anyways. Cafe International offers great sandwiches and salads as does Squat and Gobble Cafe. For something different, try out The Citrus Club for their excellent noodle dishes (I ate here once a week for about a year!) and Asqew Grill for their delicious skewers. The ahi tuna is my favorite.

If you’re looking for a fun place for dinner, head to Cha Cha Cha for great tapas and sangria. If you want something more upscale (yes, it does exist in the Haight!), try out RNM. This fabulous restaurant is ideal for a romantic night out or for a small group of friends.

Hayes Valley

I adore Hayes Valley. This area is filled with cute shops and great places to eat.

For a more upscale dining experience, try out Absinthe Brassiere & Bar for their delicious food and extensive wine list or Zuni Cafe for their incredible roast chicken (it might be better than mine!) and lovely ambiance.

For something more low-key, try out Suppenkuche for hearty German fare like bratwurst and spatzle served in a rustic environment. It’s best to order those dishes with German beer, too (like I had to tell you that).

Japantown

If you’re visiting SF, a visit to Japantown is a must. It’s a great place to walk around and check out the shops. You actually do feel like you’re in a Japanese mall, except that apples don’t cost $10. If you’re in need of groceries or a quick snack, check out Nijiya Market for some delicious Japanese delicacies and treats. If you’re looking for sushi, my favorite spot is Takara Japanese Restaurant.

Marina/Cow Hollow

Alegrias is a wonderful place for Spanish style tapas. The place is tiny so reservations are a must!

The Mission

The Mission doesn’t just serve up incredible Mexican food (although it’s pretty much a no-fail place for Mexican fare).  However, I still have my favorite Mexican spot: El Farolito.  The carne asada quesadilla is heaven on a plate. Also, if you’re craving tamales, there is only one person you need to visit. The Tamale Lady. You will usually find her in front of a dive bar called Zeitgeist. That is all.

Other Mission spots I adore:

Delfina is one of my favorite places for a romantic night out. It’s a lovely restaurant with excellent Italian-style fare. Another great place to head out for a nice meal is Foreign Cinema. It might be one of my favorite spots in the city for a night out. Not only is the food delicious but the ambiance is simply cool. There is no other word for it.

I love crepes, as you will tell if you read this entire list. Therefore, Ti Couz is one of my favorite restaurants. It doesn’t matter if you crave sweet or savory crepes, Ti Couz will deliver. Have a craving for fries? Check out Frjtz . They have garlic fries and truffle fries and whole range of dipping sauces. Need I say more? 

Luna Park was always one of our go-to places, especially with a large group of friends. In fact, the Dude celebrated his 30th birthday here! It’s always packed on the weekends and you’ll have to wait, even with a reservation. But I think it’s worth it.

Limon is one of my favorite Peruvian restaurants and everything I have tried here is delicious. I also love the decor and ambiance.

Bar Tartine is a wonderful place for dinner, but I particularly love Tartine Bakery for their baked goods and desserts. Save some Weight Watchers points for this place – it’s well worth it! If you’re looking for good comfort food for breakfast, try the Pork Store (another location is in Haight-Ashbury) or Boogaloo’s.

North Beach

Yes, this is the “little Italy” of San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean it’s all Italiano! Some of my favorite spots aren’t Italian. Mama’s is probably the best breakfast in town, however, you will have to wait for it. There is always a  line out the door, so don’t go too hungry. For incredible (and cheap!) chicken, check out the no-fuss Ill Pollaio.  I used to eat here almost weekly and I still dream about their char-broiled chicken and salad combination plate.

For excellent seafood, head to Sotto Mare for what they call an old-school Italian/Seafood experience. Still need traditional Italian food? Trattoria Contadina is, hands down, my favorite Italian place in the city. Some people will argue with that one, but I won’t budge on my opinion. This was one of the first restaurants I ventured to when I first moved to SF in 1997 and it remained one of my favorites.

No trip to North Beach is complete without coffee. Head to Graffeo Coffee Roasting Company for delicious hand-roasted coffee. And for dessert, check out XOX Truffles for unforgettable delectable truffles (make sure to get the hazelnut!). For vegetarians/vegans, they make truffles for you, too.

Pacific Heights

One of my favorite restaurants in Pac Heights is La Mediterranee. They serve exceptional Mediterranean food and I love the cozy atmosphere.  For desserts and coffee, try out a hidden gem called Cafe Murano. It’s fantastic.

Portrero Hill

Home of OJ Simpson, the Dogpatch neighborhood (headquarters of the Hells Angels), and the crookedest street in San Francisco (it ain’t Lombard, folks!), Portrero Hill is an interesting place to visit. It also offers some great food, too.

If you’re in the mood for a small live show or want to enjoy a game with some good food and beer, head to the Connecticut Yankee. It’s a fun and friendly place with a cozy neighborhood ambiance. For good Southern food with exceptionally friendly service, try out Hard Knox Cafe. For pizza, I always loved Goat Hill Pizza.  For great sandwiches to-go,  Hazel’s Kitchen is fantastic. You can’t sit there to eat your sandwich, so bring it over to Farley’s where you can eat and enjoy their delicious coffee.

Richmond (Inner)

There are a few reasons why I would specifically drive to the Richmond district for food. One is Ton Kiang, an excellent dim sum restaurant that’s worth the wait. Another reason is Mandalay for unbelievably good Burmese food. Now, everyone will tell you to eat at Burma Superstar for great Burmese food. I disagree. Mandalay is even better and the wait isn’t nearly as long.

Richmond (Outer)

If you happen to be in Outer Richmond and you’re craving burritos, stop at either Chino’s Taqueria or Gordo Taqueria. They are my favorite places for burritos outside of the Mission district.

South of Market (SOMA)

I’m biased since I called SOMA home for about 5 years, but I truly loved so many restaurants in the area. Mehfil Indian is, hands down, my favorite Indian restaurant. Period. We would eat there every Sunday for years. Tres Agaves is another favorite. For brunch, the chilaquiles are a stand-out. For lunch or dinner, the carne asada and fish tacos were always my go-to menu items. Also, make sure to check out their tequila bar. It’s like Mecca for tequila lovers.

Yank Sing is a fantastic place for dim sum for gringos. It’s pricier and less authentic than most other dim sum restaurants, but the quality of the service and food make it worthwhile. Consider it fine-dining dim sum. If you’re looking for a cocktail at a swanky locale, look no further than the St. Regis Hotel Lobby Bar. Feeling hungry and indulgent? Check out AME in the St. Regis for an incredible meal.

Another great plce to visit is Samover Tea Lounge in the Yerba Beuna Gardens, located across from the Museum of Modern Art. It’s a wonderful place to sit back, drink delicious tea, and enjoy the view.

If you need a beer and burger, my go-to spot is 21st Amendment. It’s a great bar/restaurant to catch a game and they brew their own beer, too!

For upscale traditional food, I recommend Salt House or, one of my favorites, Town Hall.  Both have excellent American-style fare at reasonable prices. I also love the ambiance (brick and dark woods) at both establishments but, take note, that Town Hall actually sounds like Town Hall. It’s louder than a Sarah Palin Rally, so it’s not the best spot for a quiet and intimate evening. I also love Bacar for good wine and great live jazz music. For special occasions, try Boulevard. You will not be disappointed.

Sunset (Inner)

Izakaya Sozai is a wonderful sushi spot in the Sunset area. You may have to wait a while for table since the place is tiny, but it’s worth it!

For some good traditional comfort food, check out Park Chow, the sister restaurant to Chow in the Castro, and make sure to eat upstairs. Pluto’s is another great option for really tasty sandwiches and salads (they have another location in the Marina). For a sweet treat, I love Crepevine. If I could live off their Nutella crepes, I would.

Union Square

Other than the great shopping, the best reason to head to Union Square is to enjoy a meal at Michael Mina. I believe Michael Mina is one of the better fine-dining options in San Francisco, which says a lot since there are quite a few.

For something more low-key, try out Cafe Dolci for excellent banh mi Vietnamese sandwiches and Cafe Madeleine for delicious sandwiches and desserts.

Western Addition/North Panhandle (NOPA)

If you’re looking for some delicious deep-dish pizza, Little Star is a must. I have to say, I do prefer Zachary’s Pizza in Albany or Berkeley, but that would require a trip across the bridge. They apparently opened a Little Star in the Mission District as well, but I never checked that one out.

For good Mexican food, Papalote’s is a great choice and for incredible Ethiopian food, try out Assab Eritrean Restaurant. It is a fun experience (you eat with your hands) and the entrees are packed with flavor.

West Portal

I adore this little neighborhood in the City. With a small-town feeling in a 1950’s time warp, West Portal is a hidden gem that not many people venture to for food. Considering I went to college nearby and worked in the area for a few years, I got to know West Portal very well.  A few of my favorites spots include Fresca for delicious Peruvian food (order the plantains!), El Toreador for good Mexican food served in a funky and colorful restaurant, and Bursa for fantastic Turkish cuisine mixed with other Middle Eastern flavors. If you’re looking for something simple, like Italian, check out Spiazzo Caffe for excellent food or the pizza at Paradise Pizza & Pasta. Paradise pizza is so good that I blame it entirely for my freshman 15.

Do you have any favorite San Francisco restaurants or food memories you want to share? Please do!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated by any establishment listed. These are just some of the restaurants, markets, and specialty food shops that I adored and frequented during the many years I lived in San Francisco…and still return to when I visit.

perfect Sunday breakfast (click to enlarge)

According to Ben Franklin, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”  Much as I’d like to believe that, I find bacon more reliable proof of divine benevolence.  Combined with the some good ingredients, patience, TLC, and the right soundtrack, that cured pork treat serves as the foundation of a perfect Sunday morning frittata. (More pics after the jump.)

The Setup

Put the White Album on the hi-fi, turn your oven to 350F, power up your espresso machine, park the little one(s) in front of a blank notebook and crayons, and begin prep.

The Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick bacon, diced
• 1 onion, small dice
• 4 small zucchinis, sliced into 1/8”-1/4” rounds (use the slicing disc on your food processor or a Japanese mandoline)
• a handful of freshly-grated parmigiano-reggiano
• 8 organic brown eggs (six plus two egg whites)
• lemon pepper
• chili powder
• tbsp of freshly-minced garlic
• fresh-brewed double-shot Americano

Cooking

After prepping the  ingredients, place a large oven-safe Teflon fry pan — egg dishes being one of the few acceptable excuses to use Teflon — on your stovetop at medium heat.  Add the bacon.  The goal here is to render the fat from the bacon without cooking the meat too quickly (or, worse, burning it).  So, keep the heat moderate and use the slow rendering process as a chance to enjoy that Americano.  By now, Clapton is wailing on While My Guitar Gently Weeps, you’re caffeinated, and the house smells like bacon.  Life’s good.

Once the bacon has melted and there’s a healthy (“healthy” here a synonym for “sufficient”) layer of fat in the pan, slowly add the onions.  Remember what you learned in elementary school: Oil and water don’t mix.  And here you’ve got very hot bacon fat (oil) and onions (basically, water).  You don’t want splattering.

Toss the bacon bits, onions, and liquid pig candy every couple minutes to ensure that everything cooks evenly.  Once the onions start to caramelize, add the zucchini slices.  Same warning as before: Zucchinis are basically all water, too.  If you add them too quickly or too early, you’ll risk splattering, will overcrowd the pan, and will end up with soggy vegetables.

While everything slowly sizzles and you ponder Rocky Raccoon’s plight, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl.  Pour in the cheese (yes, into the liquid eggs) and season with chili powder and lemon pepper.  Grab a fork and whisk well.

Once the zucchini has shrunk to about half its volume and the onions are golden brown, add the garlic.  Sauté for a minute, then pour in the egg mixture.

I’ve never been a fan of frittatas cooked well on the outside, but soft on the inside.  So, even though you ultimately will finish the frittata in the oven, I suggest first par-cooking the eggs on the stove.  The best consistency seems to come from quickly folding the outside edges of the eggs into the middle as they start to firm up in the pan.  Repeat a few times until the mixture resembles half-cooked scrambled eggs throughout.  Place the pan in the oven for approximately 20 minutes.

One of the best parts about meals that finish in the oven is the ability to do most of your cleaning before you eat.  Take a few minutes to wash and dry everything while the frittata cooks to perfection.  You’ll enjoy breakfast that much more knowing that the kitchen is already clean.

Once the top (soon to be the bottom) of the frittata has browned, remove the pan from the oven.  Don’t forget that the metal handle on the pan is now 350 degrees.  Use a good silicone potholder to move the pan to your countertop and leave a rag or potholder on the handle to remind you that the handle is hot.  (This is a mnemonic to remind our brains, typically accustomed to seeing fry pans on stovetops with cool handles, to be careful.  I’ve made the mistake of grabbing them before; it ruins your week.)

Now it’s time to flip over the frittata.  Place a cutting board on top of your pan, and then quickly (but carefully) turn both over.  There’s enough bacon fat that the frittata should slide out easily.

Slice into 6 or 8 pieces like a pizza and serve with a second Americano (you’ve earned it), a slice of whole-grain wheat toast, and the Sunday paper.  Easy like Sunday morning.

Bon Appétit!

I love lamb.

Lamb is such a great protein and an excellent source of essential amino acids, zinc, vitamins B12 and B3, and is relatively low in fat once it’s trimmed. Can’t beat that! As a huge fan of lamb, I’m always looking for new recipes to try out. I’ve recently adapted a quick and easy mustard crusted rack of lamb recipe from Emeril Lagasse and made a few small changes to make it my own. Since I’ve prepared it a number of times now, I can vouch that it is absolutely delectable.

Quick tip: Rack of lamb can be expensive to purchase however, if you have a Trader Joe’s nearby, go there first for their excellent New Zealand rack of lamb.  I always prefer organic, grass-fed, and local but, if it comes down to buying a $15 rack of good quality lamb versus a $40+ rack of organic local lamb, you can guess where I’ll be spending my money.

(click on pics for a larger view)

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of lamb, trimmed (about 1.5 lbs) – if you have to trim the fat yourself, make sure to use kitchen scissors
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (I prefer whole grain Dijon for better texture and flavor)
• 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
• 1/4 cup of seasoned bread crumbs (I prefer organic panko )
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (Do not use the stuff in a green canister! Grate fresh Parmesan yourself)

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees F.

Season rack of lamb well on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over high heat and add the oil when hot. When the oil is almost smoking, add the rack of lamb and brown on both sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a plate and set aside to let cool.

Combine the mustard and garlic and then spread evenly over all sides of the lamb.

In a mixing bowl, combine the panko and grated cheese. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over all sides of the lamb, pressing firmly to make sure it adheres to the meat.

Place the rack of lamb on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 450 for about 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven. Once you remove the lamb, let it sit for about 5-10minutes before carving into chops.

I love to serve my rack of lamb with couscous and my fabulous no-fail Brussels sprouts recipe. You will love this recipe and so will your family. Trust.

Bon Appetit!

If you’re a regular reader of mine, then you probably know that my sister is a civilian lawyer working in Afghanistan. I cherish all the stories and pictures she shares with me about the Afghan culture and way of life. Since my sister moved there nearly one year ago, she has undoubtedly lived a challenging life, a life that is vastly different from what most of us will ever know. But there are perks, too. And one of them is, without question, the local Afghan cuisine.

Just today, my sister sent me a batch of pictures about a recent excursion involving a sheep slaughtering. She spared me the photos of that aspect, but she did send me photos of locals preparing what is probably the most popular dish in Afghanistan – kebabs and kofta kebabs (ground meat). Needless to say, the kebabs were prepared from the freshly slaughtered lamb.

Once the kebabs have been grilled and prepared to perfection, they are then wrapped in Naan bread. Naan bread is popular in Afghan cuisine, but also Indian, Persian, and Pakistani cuisine.  Haven’t tried Naan bread? It’s not nearly as good as fresh homemade Naan, but stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods carry it. Another Afghan staple is rice and most dishes are prepared with a side of it. The many different variations of Afghan-prepared rice is considered the most important part of any meal and the wealthier you are, the more rice you eat.

When people think of Afghan crops, the controversy of poppies often come to mind. However, many of the Afghan regions are known for producing high-quality nuts and fruits, both of which are Afghan dietary staples. My sister sent me pictures of almond trees in full bloom recently which, as you can see in, are absolutely stunning.

Most American cities don’t have Afghan cuisine, but you can certainly attempt to cook it yourself! I have had the good fortune of eating authentic Afghan food and I can vouch that it is truly delectable. However, I have yet to cook it on my own. I plan to change that soon enough. The next time my sister visits me in California, I plan on preparing a large Afghan feast in her honor. But, knowing her, she’ll probably prefer a burger from In & Out instead.

If you’re interested in cooking Afghan food, check out this website, Afghan Cooking Unveiled. The recipes look fairly easy and the food looks absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to try out their recipes.

The folks over at POM Wonderful graciously sent me a box of their 100% pomegranate juice a few weeks back. It was very kind of them. The only problem is that I don’t drink much juice and neither does my family. So, instead of drinking the juice, I decided to try out POM Wonderful in a recipe. I had been looking to change up my usual way of preparing pork tenderloin and thought that a nice pomegranate marinade or glaze would make a great meal. Since I was too lazy to try to create my own recipe, I checked online and found this pork tenderloin with pomegranate glaze recipe on www.myrecipes.com. I made a few slight changes and went from there. The meal was a huge hit with my family and we all thought the POM glaze was fantastic.

Check it out:

Pork Tenderloin with Pom Glaze

2 cups of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice
1/4 cup of organic brown sugar
3 lbs of pork tenderloin, trimmed (I prefer organic)
1/2 teaspoon kosher sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 450.

Combine juice and sugar in a medium sauce pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1/2 cup. Pour half of the glaze into a small bowl and set aside. This portion will be used on the cooked pork, so make sure to keep it away from the raw pork!

Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Place pork on the rack of a broiler pan coated with cooking spray and place in pan. For an easier clean up, line the pan first with tin foil. Brush the pork with half of the glaze. Also make sure to remove the extra glaze that dripped down into the pan before putting it into the oven (see pic below – don’t do that!) Otherwise, the extra glaze will burn and the entire kitchen will fill with smoke. I know this too well. Trust.

Bake at 450 for about 15 minutes or until the thermometer registers 145. I suggest using a digital thermometer.  Baste pork with remaining glaze in saucepan.  Cook an additional 5 minutes of until the thermometer registers 150.

Remove the pork from the oven and baste with the glaze you set aside earlier (the portion of glaze that did not touch the raw pork — this is important to avoid contamination!). Let the pork stand for 10 minutes. Cut the pork across the grain into thin slices and serve with the glaze mixture.

I served my pork with sauteed organic Haricot vert with lemon juice and almond slivers. It complemented the sweetness of the pork beautifully.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 3 ounces pork and 2 teaspoons glaze mixture)

Bon Appétit!

My little Monkey is now nearly 29 months old and we don’t go out to very nice restaurants with him at this point. If we do eat out as a family, we’re usually relegated to restaurants that primarily serve pancakes or chicken fingers.  Or that have parrots hanging from the ceiling. Or that not only dole out the crayons, but have crushed crayon on the floors and scribbles on the table. Those are the places that make me feel comfortable and safe when I venture out with the little dude.

It wasn’t always this way.

Within weeks after the Monkey was born, we started to venture out to our favorite places to eat in San Francisco. From about 2 weeks to 6 months, the Dude and I would roll our Monkey along in his carseat to some of our favorite places, including upscale restaurants. Think we’re crazy? I beg to differ. We knew his nap routine perfectly and he always slept like a dream in his carseat. I say to all new-parent friends – go out with your newborn. Take advantage of their nap schedule AND their ability to sleep through anything. Don’t be nervous. There is a very good chance that your newborn will be better behaved than most other patrons.

Around 6 months, his sleep routine changed and so did his activity level. We started to hire babysitters more often.

When we do take the Monkey out, there are a few tips that have helped me along the way. Now, my child is no angel and I would never pretend otherwise. He is a very normal and active toddler who can scream and flail like a banshee when his freedom to do as he pleases is restricted. That said, I have still managed to garner a few compliments from other patrons about his behavior at restaurants. Why? Because I put myself in the shoes of other patrons. I do not like dining around unruly children. I do not want my child to be THAT child. Yet it is inevitable, though. Your child will throw a temper tantrum at some point in public and it is very likely that it will be at a restaurant.

How To Avoid Tantrums (and how to deal with them when they occur):

• Before you head into a restaurant with your child, explain your expectations. Tell your child that you expect them to sit in their seat and behave. If they have a favorite menu item, tell them that if they behave, they will get (insert chicken fingers, hamburger, etc…). Children respond well to rewards. However, I do not reward with dessert or new toys. I create a reward system out of mundane things. For example, my child loves driving around in the car. I tell him that if he behaves, we will drive around. I also reward with one of his stuffed animals that he adores or with stickers or crayons. When he expects a (small) reward, he usually behaves appropriately.

• I don’t give my child toys to play with at the table at home, but it’s another story at restaurants. Come prepared with crayons, a coloring book and a few small cars or dolls. Most parents agree: diversion and entertainment can work wonders.

• Bring a favorite (healthy) snack just in case they are picky about the menu items. It also helps if the service is slow or the kitchen is busy. I also usually order my child’s food before my own and ask the waiter to bring it right away, like an appetizer. We all know: hungry children  =  cranky children.

• When your child is behaving well, compliment him on his good behavior. Children love attention from parents, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. However, they ultimately love it when mommy and daddy are smiling and happy with their good behavior. A positive response to appropriate behavior will usually ensure that the child will continue that behavior. Ignoring good behavior is the equivalent of not clapping after a great performance. If you want more, you need to validate it.

• If your child is acting up and has become unruly in a restaurant, do not ignore it. Start with a warning and let them know that you will have to leave with him or her if they continue to act up. If it escalates to a tantrum, do not ignore it. Now, this can be tricky because chances are good that you heard ignoring temper tantrums is the best way to stop them. Yes, that’s true. But there is a time and place for everything. Do not subject other restaurant patrons and employees to a temper tantrum. When my child throws himself on the floor at home, I ignore him. When he does that in a restaurant, I take him outside in order to calm him down. I again explain my expectations of him and tell him that there will be a reward for his good behavior. I also inform him of consequences (take away a toy, no story, etc…). If the child is not able to behave appropriately after a stern warning, remove him from that environment. We have had to end meals very quickly a few times. This is just a part of parenting and being conscientious of the people around you.

• Whatever you do, do not let your child run around the restaurant or go to other tables. No one thinks it’s cute or funny. In fact, it’s dangerous. Speaking from experience as a breakfast waitress for many years during my time in school, I have personally spilled hot coffee and hot plates of food on children running under my feet. Do not let that happen to your kid.

Have any other tips or ideas about children in restaurants? Or just want to share a story? Please comment!