Yelp

30/6/2011

Madrone Art Bar

I love to dance- but hate the majority of clubs.

I don't like electronic music.
I don't like the B&T crowd.
I don't like leaving my neighborhood.
I don't like paying $20 so I can spend $12 on vodka sodas once inside.

Instead I come to Madrone.

They have a long specialty drink list, which boarders on comical. For instance the "Ike Turner" a shot of Hennesy and a slap in the face. Not sure if the bartender actually slaps you....but I'm really curious. (But not curious enough to order one)

Being far from cookie cutter in decor, the local artists rotate out on their wall space. Paul Madonna is currently featured, and one of my favorite pieces says, "We never change, we just become more of who we really are." And the swamp monster, that one made me giggle.

But here is my favorite part- 90's night. I never understood why the music of your early teen years sticks. At 14 I recognized the phenomena repeatedly in adults and wondered if I would be doomed to listening to Third Eye Blind for the rest of my life. Another Paul Madonna piece asks the question, "In what generation will you get stuck?" I may not be stuck (yet) but I will ALWAYS hold a certain affection for the music of my era. So my whole point is, I love Madrone for their throwbacks plus the giant projector screen showing music videos (do they still make those?).

21/9/2011

Bar Agricole

The basics.

It's the only thing that truly matters, but so often difficult to remember.

You can't help but get back to them when visiting Bar Agricole. Ambitiously calm, softly modern and vibrant where it truly matters; the plate.

A few months ago, a dear friend and I were finally able to carve time out of the circus and find the hatch where time pauses. Seated in a simple setting, the tables are highlighted with a country blue cloth, and ditches the clutter.

We started with toasted baguette slices coupled with a rich helping of pate. The defining crunch slathered with a healthy chilled pate dose could've been dinner itself.

Main course was a transporting carbonara. Pancetta donating flecks of salt and the creamy coating of the eggs were a quick shot of why you never need much to be outstanding.

What truly stands out at Bar Agricole is the cocktail menu. Liquid chemistry in a glass that will consistently knock you away. The Brown Derby: Bourbon, grapefruit, lemon, honey & bitters, will pave the way to wherever you'd like to go.

It's easy to get caught up. Caught up in the minutiae of life and the unrelenting need to answer. However, the difference in shades that can trip us, aren't worth it.

Places like  Bar Agricole are a thankful reminder that in the end, the only thing that truly matters is having a smile across the table, a warm plate, and a bourbon that knows you're home.

14/10/2011

Kabuto Restaurant

If you can't tell already by the 500 + reviews and all the other various outlets that feature this restaurant, it's good - correction: it's damn good! And there are just so many restaurants in our fair city where you can get deliciously fresh sushi, however, I don't need to go any further than 5 blocks from my apartment to find such delicious sushi... Am I lucky? OH HELL YES!

Kabuto is the type of restaurant that mixes traditional with modern, and I feel like that's one of the many reasons why I love Kabuto oh so much. If i want just a classic, simple spicy tuna roll, I can definitely order that without any problems. Now if you turn to their special roll list, you will find a list of unique and innovative rolls that make my taste buds tingle! For instance, the crunchy roll (tempura halibut served with Kabuto special curry sauce) - that curry sauce is so good and addictive! Another roll I must order every single time is the shrimp & crab tartar roll (chopped shrimp and crab mixed with Kabuto tartar sauce served with egg yolk, capers, anchovy, cilantro, and grape) - wowowowow, that roll was magical and beyond delicious!

And you see, Kabuto has a ginormous menu, so no matter how long I've been enjoying Kabuto, I still have so much to try. Yes, of course there are my typical stand-by rolls (see above), but I always want to try something different than what I had ordered the time before - and it doesn't necessarily mean only sushi; Kabuto's menu goes far beyond sushi! They have some of the most delicious gyoza that seems homemade (I cannot confirm this, but it sure as hell tastes fresh & homemade)... The gyoza is so wonderful and satisfying - rich pork stuffing with a thin, yet chewy pot sticker encasing it. It's really tasty, especially combined with the miso dipping sauce and spicy mustard!

Do you really need more convincing that this place is amazing? I don't think so, and honestly, I'm getting too hungry writing this review and thinking about my next visit to Kabuto... The sooner I go to this spot, the happier I will be (immediate happiness upon putting above mentioned sushi rolls in mouth).

29/1/2012

Foot Dream

The best $25 dollars you will ever spend. Trust.

Where else can you get a decent 60 minute massage for that amount? True, its not a fancy establishment fully equipped with a relaxing spa and jacuzzi, nor is an appointment even required.

What you get for your money is a no-frill, hardcore massage in a communal area. There are 6 massage chairs in one dimly lit room, with sheer drapes acting as dividers. Just pray nobody falls asleep and starts to snore during your visit. The first part is relaxing- concentration on your head (while feet are soaking in a bucket of warm water) and then onto your feet. The last part is killer good, especially if you have knots. Beware, they aren't afraid to go to work and get them out for you. Just remember to think happy thoughts.

Bottom line:
Big bang for your buck. I'll be back.

Their version of a "happy ending":
A styrofoam cup of the best tea ever and a handful of their yummy asian store bought candy.

27/3/2012   Premier à donner un avis

McCoy Church Goods Company

I'm a strong supporter of all local small businesses, and McCoy's Church Goods is one in particular that I hold near and dear.

I've been coming to this store for years, as my Mom first suggested McCoy's when I was looking for Baptism presents for my godchildren. A friendly face always greets you upon arrival, and is willing to help should you need assistance. This store has everything, from books, rosaries, crosses, jewelry, prayer cards and greeting cards to name a few of the many items. The store is clean and well maintained. Its layout is very easy to navigate, with labeled sections/tables.

Believe me when I say  McCoy's is your one stop shop for presents whether it be for a Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, etc. and any church related goods. Prices are definitely reasonable. Usually, my quick stop at McCoys turns into a much longer one, as I've have some difficulty choosing as there is a such a great selection of items.

If you're lucky, sometimes they serve the danish cookies from Anna's Danish Cookies (across the street from McCoy's) by the cash register. :)

McCoys is open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.

No doubt, I'll be back to McCoy's. What a blessing to have them in San Mateo.

14/3/2012

Craw Station

Time to get Crackin' (again)

Creole-style seafood is hard to come by in San Francisco unless your willing to drive 50 miles south to San Jose (I'm a Boiling Crab fan). But hold up, have you seen the price for gas nowadays!? You must be cray.. or just got a girlfriend with Crawfish Fever!

Your Mains:
- Crawfish (about $11 per lb)
- Dungeness Crab ($30-35 for a whole 2-2.5 lb crab)
- Shrimp ($11.99 per lb)
- Clams ($9.99 per lb)

I hate Crawfish because why pay for something so small, with minimal amount of meat, and your really just sucking on a shell.. but damn, these suckers over here are huge! Each roughly the side of the shrimp; these guys looked like baby lobsters!

Speaking of lobsters.. WHY NO LOBSTER ON THE MENU STILL!? BOO!

Your Seasoning:
- Simply Boiled (for you sodium watchers)
- Lemon Pepper (pass and just ask for limes + salt/pepper)
- Garlic Butter (WHY NO LOBSTER!?)
- House Cajun (MAX-imum sodium intake but the my choice)

Your Spice Level:
- Non Spicy (weak)
- Mild (weak)
- Medium (weak)
- Dynamite (get it)

Your Do's and Don't's:
- You have to ask for Limes and Salt + Pepper.
- Skip the Fried Starters, it's not worth it.
- Raw Oysters are good but pricey. (half doz. $11 and doz. $19)
- Pass on the Potatoes.
- Get the Sausages and Corn (THROW IT IN THE BAG)
- The Gumbo is good and pretty hearty.
- Sweet Potatoes Fries are A-Must: super light and crispy!
- Cajun Fries have a surprisingly nice kick!
- DON'T WEAR WHITE or bring Tide to Go Stain Remover!

18/7/2011

Bottle Cap

What a perfect second date!!!

Bottle Cap opened recently, it's near my place, and I had been looking forward to trying it. When my date mentioned he had made reservations for Saturday night, I was delighted! And the night had not even begun yet!

The place is open and spacious. Sometimes that can make a place feel like a cafeteria, but the lighting was perfect - not overly dark, and still created that romantic ambiance we all want on a date. I was surprised the place was not crowded. It didn't even seem like we needed reservations, although it helped score a nice spot by the window.

Now to the food! I had the sea scallops and prawns with avocado salsa. What a treat! The seafood was cooked to perfection and the salsa was sooo delicious I already tried to replicate it at home. We had the 2010 garnacha (waiter's recommendation). It didn't only compliment my plate very well, but it also complimented my date's plate, which was the iron steak with heirloom tomatoes and smashed potatoes. Who is to say that red wine doesn't go well with seafood? :-)

We shared warm brownie with caramel ice-cream for dessert. Do I need to tell you the combination was fabulous? I was in heaven as I finished my meal!

What makes Bottle Cap stand out is the simple, and yet diverse menu. The quality of the ingredients, the beautiful presentation, the casual, but also elegant atmosphere. The service was also up to par! We felt taken care of and free to stay for as long as we wanted, enjoying the whole experience and getting to know each other more.

I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu!

9/4/2011

Cotogna

Cotogna. San Francisco's new hot spot. Situated on a beautiful block in the financial district, right next door to a little place called Quince. Rustic Italian cuisine brought to you by one of this city's most celebrated chefs, Michael Tusk.

Clearly, Cotogna has a lot going for it - and many people have noticed. This establishment has attracted a huge amount of attention, so much that on my first visit there was such a cloud of hype surrounding this restaurant that it was hard to even see the front door. Having dined at Quince several times, I had always left with the feeling that, while delicious, it never quite lived up to its widespread publicity. So, in all honesty, I walked into Cotogna with a bit of an attitude, entering with my chin held high as if to say, "Okay hot shot. Impress me."

And let me tell you...it did. As much as I wanted to be underwhelmed, everything about my three dining experiences amazed me.

Although the menu may seem rustic and relaxed, the plates that come out of the kitchen are sophisticated. I was hooked as soon as I took my first bite of the starters: a Salad of Chicories with pomegranate, olio nuovo & burrata ($10), and a serving of Grilled Monterey Bay Squid with grapefruit & puntarella ($10). The salad, while uncomplicated, was perfectly balanced, refreshing, and not overly dressed; much can be said about a restaurant that serves impeccable salads. The calamari was perfectly executed - not rubbery at all and incredibly juicy.

Next came the pastas, the most notable of which is the Farm Egg Raviolo with brown butter ($16) - also the most decadent dish of the meal. A beautiful, delicate farm egg is cooked in 180 degree water for 2-3 minutes, until the yolk is runny enough to spill slightly when cut, but firm enough to not run out over the entire plate.

Skip the pizza. However, a side order of Ember Roasted Onions with fonduta & hazelnut ($6) left a lasting impression on my mouth (that's what she said...) Smothered in cream and layered with different textures, a simple onion became supple, rich, smoky, and outstanding.

SPIT ROASTED PORK with wild fennel & hot pepper ($24) came as an entrée, and absolutely blew me away. I usually don't adore simple, roasted meats, but this pork loin was so moist and so well-seasoned that for me it is one of the most stand-out dishes on the menu.

Finally, but importantly, the desserts. After 1 bite of the Crème Fraiche Panna Cotta with pinenut cookies ($7), it's clear that this is not a place where you should skip dessert.

Don't expect to walk in and be seated within 15 minutes; the wait at Cotogna, even on a weeknight, looks more like 60-90 minutes. It doesn't matter who you are, if you don't have a reservation you're going to wait. But the food is worth it. Luckily, there's a wonderful bar right next door in Quince to make that wait a little less painful.

3/12/2011

Devil's Teeth Baking Company

I love the Sunset District. Many of my favorite neighborhood eateries reside here.  A pleasant addition to the neighborhood is Devil's Teeth!  I came here with my dear friend Jonathan W. to indulge our sweet ol' teeth on their $1.00 Beignet's during what they call Beignet Sunday.  

Upon walking up to this new spot, I first noticed a chalk-colored sidewalk just outside of the bakery.  There are benches on both sides of the entrance door, and buckets full of jumbo chalk for little kids and big kids alike to enjoy! What a cute little idea!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...

Devil's Teeth has such a cute beachy feel to it, with a company-name surfboard mounted on the wall, to the uneven wooden counter tables. I love the laid-back feel.

So Beignets!  Freshly baked Beignets made to order for only a $1.00.  We ordered 4 between the two of us.  They arrived pipping hot in a brown bag, and coated with powdered sugar. Anything covered in powdered sugar is a plus for me!  However, I prefer my Beignets to be lightly sprinkled on the top with sugar, rather than having them completely drowning and overpowered.  There was a tad bit too much powdered sugar complimenting my order, and at times it became hard to enjoy the dough itself.  But none-the less, I very much enjoyed these sugary sweets! And for a buck each, I will definitely be coming back on Sundays!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...

I also ordered a Banana Cream Puff and Lemon Bar. The puff itself was very light and airy, as was the cream inside.   I would have liked if the banana was incorporated into the cream or as a custard instead of just being what it was...which was just sliced banana in the middle.  Lemon bar was delish, with subtle hints of lemon, and definitely not over-powering at all.  
http://www.yelp.com/us...

A nice little touch, Devils Teeth also offer free doggie treats to their customers! And the really terrible thing about this, is that the doggie treats looked and smelled just as good as all of their other treats! I was so tempted to steal me one of them doggie treats for myself also.  =X

Lol...*Calm Down Cassie!, There's plenty of sweet treats to go around, no need to dig into the doggie sweets just yet!*

In the end, 4 Beignets, Banana Cream Puff, and Lemon Bar set us back about 10 bucks. Not bad, not bad at all...I will definitely be back!   Thank you dear Jonathan W. for yet another fun time rotting our already cavity-infested teeth!

12/7/2011

Bistro SF Grill

I MISS THIS BURGER PLACE ALREADY!!

and my first and last time there was only this Sunday.

So on Sunday, my bf and one of our good friend decided to get dinner together.  As we were pondering on where to go ( we wanted to try someplace new), all of a sudden it hit me!! I thought about reading reviews by Heather C and Cherylynn N on some delicious exotic meat burgers such as ostrich and alligator.  So i suggested that to the boys and needless to say, we got up and rushed to the car, off to the city!

Parking was a tad bit difficult, but wasn't too bad, according to city standards HAHA.  We parked about 3 blocks away in the residential area.  For a Sunday night, the streets were quiet and dead.  Since it was our first time, we looked at signs as we walked in search for the place.  

The restaurant was tiny but very cute and elegant.  There were music playing as we arrive by the door outside.  As soon as we stepped in, the room was filled with detailed european - like decor.  The walls were painted a warm red.  There were a couple booths to the left and about 3-4 tables on the right hand side.  There were also some bar seats.  

We were greeted by a gentleman, whom i think is the owner.  We waited for about 3 mins and was seated in one of the booths.  The booths were a tad bit small even for 2 people.  But that didnt bother me.  We carefully examine the menu and noticed that they have many choices of exotic burgers.  Ostrich, alligator, boar, buffalo, lamb, and couple other ones. MMM all look so delicious!! :)

I settled with a buffalo which was called Iggy on their menu.  http://www.yelp.com/us... it was massive! I added guacamole and mushroom on mine.  I can't stress how much i liked the burger.  The meat was juicy and very tender.  It was fresh.  The burger bun was soft but not soggy.  There were also some blue cheese in it.  The guacamole and mushroom complimented the burger very well.  Every bite was filled with mushroom, guac, blue cheese, and buffalo meat!

Aside from that, I have also did my research on yelp and saw that Blueberry shake was delightful, so i ordered mine! http://www.yelp.com/us...  lots of blueberries on the bottom and in every sip.  Wasn't too sweet which was great, because i dont think i could've finished my burger if the shake ended up too sweet.  It would kill my appetite.  YES YOU HEARD ME, I KILLED THE BURGER!

On the other hand, boyfriend ordered the lamb burger and he loved it.  I didnt try it since I don't eat lamb.  My guy friend Gar had the wild Boar and he also loved it!  Needless to say, by the end of our meal, we were left with empty plates.  The boys also ordered coffee.  Gar, whom was a coffee lover, enjoyed his coffee served by Blue Bottle Coffee.  Total was about $53 w/ tip.

This place is definitely a great place for some exotic burgers.  The ambiance is comfortable and very welcoming.  They do play some loud music in my preference but it's not a biggie.  The service here is definitely great.  Very friendly.  I love good customer service, it is definitely part of my dinner experience in my book.  

I can't wait to come back and try their ostrich and alligator burger :)