Just Pictures: Four Years = Three Fantastic Meals (Part 2)

For the last two years during "anniversary weekend", we've headed up north to Napa for a meal at Ad Hoc, Thomas Keller's much cheaper restaurant in downtown Yountville.  We wanted to continue this tradition, so we made our way up again this year.  Since I couldn't enjoy any wine-tasting activities, we decided on a chill day of driving up in the morning whenever we felt like, a no frills lunch date, and whatever our hearts desire for the rest of the afternoon until dinnertime.

We discovered the Marin French Cheese Factory last year, thanks to LivingSocial deals.  We visited this factory in Petaluma with our friends on our food-filled adventure day.  They had a fabulous picnic area overlooking a cute little pond, scattered picnic tables all around, and it looked like a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.  I've been wanting to come back here ever since and decided that since we were heading up north anyway, we should stop here for a lunch picnic.

From top left to right, clockwise: fruit salad with plum, asian pear, apricot, and strawberries // spicy pasta salad // castelvetrano green olives // triple creme brie and pesto brie // salami // hummus // garden salad // Dorito chips // sliced french baguette.  A few items from home, a few items from Whole Foods, and cheese from the factory.

We ate, we played games, and we read our books and magazines on a sunny yet slightly breezy afternoon.  All of our worries were washed away for a few hours.

Baby boy at 28 weeks.  I think he enjoyed the relaxing time-off too!

Now on to dinner...

Drinks to start: Ginger beer from Bundaberg (light ginger ale drink... yummy!); chilled Viognier white wine (didn't get a chance to note from where and what year).

First course: Summer pole bean salad - blue lake, romano and yellow wax beans, blonde frisee, pickled radishes, chopped shallots, fingerling potatoes, with meyer lemon vinaigrette.  This salad was pretty darn delicious.  I can eat plates and plates of this!  The pickled radishes were the best thing in the dish.  This is the second time I've had something pickled from Ad Hoc and they never go wrong!!

Second course: Marinated beef skirt steak with parsley cous cous, Indian eggplant, romesco sauce, cauliflower florets, and wilted arugula.  Because of the baby, I have to eat red meat that is thoroughly cooked (no red, no bleeding) so I was a bit disappointed that the main entree this day was steak.  They were accommodating enough to provide us 2 separate steaks so the hubs doesn't have to suffer eating overcooked steak.  As I was cutting through the first slice, it was amazingly easy to slice through.  I was surprised.  Then I took a bite of the skirt steak.  Oh My God.  It was so tender, perfectly marinated, and really THE BEST medium-well steak I've ever had!  Especially since I've been pregnant!  I kept gushing about it to the hubby and finally, he decided to try a piece.  He couldn't believe it also.  When the waitress came to check up on us, I gave her high praises for this amazing piece of skirt steak.  The chef made my day!

Third course: Cowgirl creamery's wagon wheel with pepper stew and paladin toast.  I thought this course was just OK, I think I would have preferred individual slices of different cheeses like last year.  There was a younger diner sitting at the table behind us (he must be around 10 or 12 years old) and when he saw this course, he excitedly screamed, "Oh wow, grilled cheese sandwich!"  That was cute.

Fourth course: Vanilla poundcake with strawberry sorbet, rhubarb compote, candied pistachios, and chantilly cream.  I could have been happy with another scoop of the sorbet! Hmm hmm!

Behind the restaurant sits a fabulous garden and an extension of Ad Hoc, called Addendum, that serves up their famous buttermilk fried chicken and barbecue ribs.  The fried chicken alone is seriously worth a trip up, a definite MUST-VISIT spot when you are in town.  It's only open Thursday - Saturday and from 11 - 2 PM, or whenever they sell out.  I got the chance to try Addendum a few weeks ago when I was in town for my sister's bachlorette party, and that's why I can say this is a MUST-HAVE lunch!

I am amazed and in awe of Thomas Keller's gardens, the one behind Ad Hoc and the grand football-sized garden across the street from The French Laundry (pictured below) are simply fabulous.

I aspire towards having a garden like this one day... hey, a girl can dream the impossible, right?

Just Pictures: Big Island Eats

In terms of cooking, I've been MIA for awhile. The reason?  A certain tiny human being has taken over my life and I am either too tired or too achy to step into the kitchen and whip up something.  Yes, we are expecting and our ever growing baby boy is currently at 27 weeks!  We cannot wait for his arrival this late September!

Before the baby's arrival, we decided to have one last go at a real vacation and spent a week on the Big Island of Hawaii.  It was an amazing, relaxing, and food-filling week of sun-soaking, island-exploring, and food-tasting fun.  Take a look at some of the great things (and a couple of "THE BEST" things) we tasted:

Da Poke Shack

Because I cannot eat raw fish (trust me, I was kicking myself over and over again the entire week), I have to rely on my hubby's equally good taste buds to let me know if this place was good. With a raving 5-stars from 223 reviewers on Yelp, and the hubby grinning, savoring each bite of the fish every time he had it, I knew I was missing out on something big.  Daily, there are usually about 4-6 choices of poke, and you can choose 1 or 2 styles of poke, a side, and a big blob of white or brown rice with nori (seaweed) flakes sprinkled generously on top.

Top to bottom: sesame poke with kimchi mussels and white rice; Pele's Kiss with crab salad and brown rice.

Yes, I am drooling along with you.  To top it off, this place was literally right outside our rented condo, so I have to walk by it every day, watching everyone enjoying the delicious poke!  I'm not sure if we'll ever be back, but if we get the chance, I am definitely going to try it, multiple times!!

Island Fruits

Left to right: kona mango - it's just so much better in Hawaii; apple banana - tangy and sweet banana; papaya -  a MUST!

Rotana's Thai Cuisine

One of THE BEST I've ever had - a super fresh papaya salad.  It was the perfect combination of green papaya, tomatoes, carrots, peanuts, lime juice, and fish sauce.  There may be other secret ingredients.  I can eat this every day! 

Sam Choy's

A nice meal with amazing views to round out our week on the Big Island.

Left to right: complementary salad and coconut curry soup, lava flow (virgin and non-virgin), and Kona chicken wings.

Top to bottom: braised short ribs on a bed of chow mien and Kona orange duck with a side of brown rice.

Scandinavian Shave Ice

One can't go to Hawaii without eating some shaved ice!  Super fine ball of ice drenched with mango and passion fruit syrup, with a delicious macadamia nut vanilla ice cream in the center.  Creamy and fruity!

Two Ladies Kitchen

Another THE BEST, AND THE MOST AMAZING MOCHI I HAVE EVER HAD.  EVER EVER HAD.  EVER.  If you are going to visit the Big Island, I highly recommend visiting this small store in Hilo downtown for amazing mochi.  Their signature strawberry mochi is out of this world, and it really is THE freshest thing we've ever had.  I've had the same strawberry mochi in Japan and it wasn't as good as the ones here.  It is as big as your head and can seriously fulfill you with just one.  The nice lady that helped us also gave us an extra one for the road - how nice!

We also tried other flavors, from top left to right, clockwise: lilikoi (passion fruit), marshmallow, peach, chi chi (milk-flavored), peanut butter, and brownie.  We were not able to finish them all in one day, but because they are SO fresh, it was still delicious the next morning.  After we finished them all, we were sad that we did not get 2 or 3 more boxes!

It was a great excuse to get away, and maybe we should have went on multiple babymoons. :)

We love Hawaii...

Baby and Me (at 19 weeks)

Just Pictures: Birthday with a Foodie Adventure - The Mission

I turned 30 this past week.  I was dreading this event about a year ago when I turned 29 and couldn't help but feel like it was just down hill from here.  When my birthday arrived this year, I was at home sick and battling a horrible cough.  The good thing about this year was that I actually did not "freak out" about turning another year older.  Maybe this is what growing up feels like.

To celebrate going over the (small) hill, my dear hubby and friends planned a Saturday of activities for me.  The entire day was a surprise and they kept their mouths shut until the very last minute.  My instructions were to get ready to go by 9 AM, dress comfortably, and bring a "night outfit" to change into.  Interesting.  I did just that and we were off!

We got off San Jose Ave. in San Francisco and I knew we were in the Mission District.  What could we possibly do here so early in the morning (it was only 9:45 AM at this point...)??  They told me we were early, so we found a McDonalds at 24th and Mission St., right in the heart of the Mission, and sat down with a couple of hot drinks.  When it was close to 11 AM, we headed towards the opposite corner of the intersection and stood there, right in front of a place called "Chinese Food & Donuts".  Interesting combination.  We went in to check it out and they literally had chinese food in one corner (smelled so good!) and donuts in the other.  Gotta love diversity in San Francisco!

At this point, I still had NO IDEA what was going on!  After about 5 minutes, I started seeing other people stopping and standing in our corner, looking like people who were also waiting for something.  This one particular girl was holding a piece of paper and so I deviously looked really hard and caught two important words on her printout: Foodie Adventure.  Oh my gosh, how great!  I've always wanted to do something like that!  This event was Chris Milano's Foodie Adventures of the Mission District.  Chris was a wonderful tour guide: enthusiastic, friendly, and really love the culture and the food offered by the people of The Mission.  As he grew up in SF and near The Mission, you can sense a great appreciation and love that he has for this neighborhood.  He started the day by explaining what today's tour will consist of and named all the places and things we were going to eat.  My god.  My mouth was watering so desperately!

I hope that the pictures I took did justice for this tour.  If you love Mexican food and love learning new things, you gotta check it out!

Kings Panaderia (Bakery Cafe)

Believe it or not, this is a Chinese bakery in The Mission!  

Their coconut buns were voted as one of the 100 items to try before you die on 7x7SF for 2011.  Just 60 cents for these bad boys.  We also sampled their fresh baguette rolls (only 30 cents, what?!) and brownies.  I also had my eyes on the cream rolls (bread roll with whipped cream inside... one of my faves), but figured I should pace myself since this was the first place we hit.

Belmar - La Gallinita Meat Market

If you've ever eaten or bought flap meat, this was the place that flap meat was born.  Sal, the owner and knowledgeable butcher, was the guy that found this tender and fatty meat that most were throwing away at the time.  There is a whole story about it, but I will save it for any fellow foodies that would like to experience the tour.

On Saturdays, the taco shop (in a small corner within the butcher shop) sells sesos (cow brain) tacos (first pictured), sesos and other things stuffed in a corn taco shell and deep fried.  The cecina (beef flap meat) taco was my favorite out of everything we ate (second pictured).  The meat was ten...der!

Tortas Los Picudos

This place is known for their giant torta sandwiches, a huge selection of different types of tortas to choose from.  Maybe because of its massiveness, we didn't get to try the torta sandwiches but instead another amazing item on their menu.

We sampled the enchiladas caseras verdes (house special enchiladas, filled with tender chicken and topped with green salsa, queso fresco (fresh cheese), and various veggies) and washed it down with a freshly blended fruit and veggie smoothie (I didn't catch the name), containing beets, carrots, celery, pineapple, watermelon, and a couple more!

La Palma Mexica-Tessan

Known for it's masa (cornmeal dough), this place brings out super fresh tortillas by only making them when you order it.  The dough form goes through a tortilla presser and than on to the hot top grill to cook before it is used to make a giant burrito.  Seriously fresh.

Huaraches (also the word for "shoe" in Spanish), an oblong fried masa and bean-filled dish, with tomatillo salsa, queso fresco, cabbage, onions, and hot sauce.  I've never had this before and it was a delightful discovery.  We bought a pack to go.

La Espiga de Oro

This place is just about 500 feet away and is La Palma's masa rival.  

Pupusas, thick masa dough filled with cheese and chicharron (ground deep fried pork), topped with pickled Mexican cole slaw and salsa.  We also sampled masa tamale (super sweet corn paste, it was dessert-like) and a drink called atole, a masa-based warm drink with sugar and cinnamon.  Many will consume this for breakfast because of the heartiness of the masa in the drink.  I have to say I've never had any of these 3 items and enjoyed them quite much.

El Farolito

Our last stop was at the famous El Farolito, a chain taqueria that was born in the heart of The Mission.  Chris told us a story that the last time Lady Gaga was in town for a concert, she wanted to experience the true Mission District and therefore stopped by El Farolito for a burrito.  He stated, quite jokingly, "If it's good for Gaga, it's good for us!"

Taco al pastor (slow-cooked pork) and a surprising horchata (never had one that was so concentrated!).  We can't wait to come back to get some more of these meaty goodness!  My second favorite place!

Sweet souvenirs from the tour, courtesy of Chris.  From left to right, clockwise: Pelon push pop - tamarind and chili gooey goodness.  It's sweet, sour, and spicy all at the same time! I'm addicted to these now.  De la Rosa's Mazapan - peanut-based chewy sweet confection.  Aldama's Cajeta - goat milk caramel.  Lightly sweet, soft and chewy.  I also got a bottle of habanero hot sauce because it was my birthday.  I'm quite scared to try it.

The day ended with a delicious Italian dinner at Osteria Coppa in San Mateo.  I blew out these huge "30" candles on a chocolate truffle cake from Victoria Bakery.  Although not on this exact day, I also received a jaw-dropping present (yes, my jaw literally dropped and I screamed "holy crap!") from the hubby - a MacBook Pro!  I seriously love this thing!  It was truly a wonderful and splendid 30th birthday.  Thank you to my hubby who planned this amazing day.  And to my dear friends and little sister that brainstormed and reassured the hubby's decisions (as I was told).  My birthdays are normally mellow and uneventful, since it happens soon after everyone is partied out from Christmas and New Years, so this one tops as one of the best birthdays, hands down!

Another Year, Another Birthday

It's the hubby's birthday again!  I swear, the past year flew by like a flash.  In keeping up with last year's post, I wanted to share one thing that the hubs enjoyed in 2011:

Crab Roll from Fish in Salsalito, CA.  

Happy Birthday, you!

Just Pictures (New York City Edition): Casual Meals

And to think I had no more to share about NYC... but I do!  This is actually my last post for the "New York City Edition" series of pictures.  I hope you're not sad.  I am a little sad since it will be awhile before we get to roam the streets of New York City again.  It was a really great trip!!  Thanks to our wonderful hosts, E and A!

I leave you with pictures of a few casual lunches and dinners.

Crif Dogs // East Village

Hot dogs are our counterparts' favorite thing to eat, and a few months before this trip, the boys bought coupons to Crif Dogs: $8 for $16 worth of food.

(From left to right, clockwise)

Chihuahua - bacon wrapped hot dog, avocadoes, sour cream
Good Morning - bacon wrapped hot dog, melted cheese, fried egg

Veggie Special - veggie dog with onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and jalapenos

Jersey's Finest - taylor ham wrapped hot dog, mustard, onions, secret chili sauce

(From left to right, clockwise)

Spicy Redneck - bacon wrapped hot dog, chili, cole slaw, jalepenos

Good 'ol waffle fries

Crunchy tater tots smoothered in melted cheese

Grimaldi's Pizzeria // Brooklyn (under the Brooklyn Bridge!) and other locations

As I previously mentioned, before this trip, we have never stepped out of Manhattan.  The hubby heard of an amazing pizzeria under the Brooklyn Bridge and we thought this trip would be a perfect opportunity to explore one of the New York burroughs.  Good decision.

Long lines right before opening!  We were part of that line too.

Fresh garlic, mushroom, sun-dried tomatoes, pepperoni, italian sausage.  It doesn't look like anything special, but it was amaze-balls.  Yes, I said it, amazeballs.  Thin crust and hot piping cheese and ingredients.  So, so good...

Ippudo // East Village

Our "must-hit" spot whenever we visit New York.  This wonderful ramen restaurant comes straight from Japan, and is the only location in the states.  The homemade noodles are thin-cut and freshly made downstairs (you can see them make it on your way to the bathroom), and the broth is just simply amazing.  If you are ever in New York, you have to try Ippudo!

Entrance

(From left to right, clockwise)

Karaka Men - original "Tonkotsu" soup base, special blend of hot spices, pork chashu, kikurage, cabbage, onion, minced pork, and scallions

Akamaru Modern - original "Tonkotsu" soup base, secret "Umami Dama" miso paste, pork chashu, cabbage, kikurage, scallions, and fragrant garlic oil

Wasabi Tonkotsu Ramen (special of the day)

Vegetarian Ramen

Food Gallery 32 // Koreatown (Midtown West)

I love Korean food courts.  There is one near my area and I tried to go whenever I can.  My friend suggested Food Gallery 32 in Koreatown as part of our itinerary and I was excited the moment I saw it.

Nestled in busy Midtown, the entrance to this place can be easily missed if you don't look hard enough.  All of the food are purchased downstairs, and you can find seating on the all three different floors.

From Noodle 32: bibim-nangmyun, much like cold noodles, Korean-style.  Buckwheat noodles mixed in a spicy and thick red pepper sauce.  Lots of veggies, such as cucumber, radish, carrots, cabbage, and kimchi.

From Hanok: Vegetarian bibimbap

From O-de-ppang!: Spicky pork teppan-yaki.

From Bian Dang: Xiao Long Bao (although these buns are more like regular meat buns, and not soup dumpling xiao long bao's, they were still good!)

Just Pictures (New York City Edition): More Markets

We visited three other markets on this trip: Chelsea Market, Union Square Green Market, and Union Square Holiday Shops.

Chelsea Market // Chelsea

The Chelsea Market reminds me of the San Francisco Ferry Building, but bigger.  It's an indoor market with lots and lots of different shops and restaurants, from bakeries to seafood markets, gourmet shops and various cuisines.  Besides eating to your heart's content, there are also stores where you can shop to your heart's content.  It is like a girl's paradise!  My friend and I spent hours inside a sample sale store (designer clothing at a much lower price) and drooled as I went window shopping for food.  Little food shops were everywhere.  Love.

Shops and stores all along the way and freshly baked breads from Amy's Bread.

Eleni: a unique bakery with giant cupcakes and fancy (and quite expensive!) cookies.

Fresh seafood galore!

Right next to the Chelsea Market was an area called The High Line.  It used to be an old railroad situated above ground and in the last few years, turned into a public park.  The High Line stretches about 18 blocks with lots of shrubbery and trees, along with office and residential buildings along the way.  We saw a couple of residences that were placed right next to the High Line, with large windows that people can look in (and the homeowners can look out).  I'm not sure why anyone would want to live there?  We were lucky and caught a weekend of nice high 60's degree weather in New York, and we had a leisurely little walk on the High Line.

Union Square Green Market and Holiday Shops // Union Square

I have been to the Union Square Green Market before, but it was nice to come back again to roam around and sample various items.  Because of the holidays, the Union Square Holiday Shops were also open, right next doors.  First off, the Green Market:

So much produce, unique plants, and fragrant flowers!  They were also selling beautiful fresh holiday wreaths.  I would of bought one if I lived there!

A couple of goodies we picked up - apple cider doughnuts and pretzels. 

Then on to the shops.  The Holiday Shops was an overwhelming gathering of local stores in New York, selling anything and everything. We saw cool artists' paintings and pictures, creative T-shirts, and super cute animal beenies. Of course, there were edible items mixed in, from Belgian waffles, to macarons, and spices, olive oils, and salts.  My favorite purchase was the black truffle salt from The Filling Station (the main store is actually inside of Chelsea Market).  Ever since I've had the truffle salt in my posession, I think of every occassion to get a little bit of the delicious truffle salt on my food!

(From left to right, clockwise)

Salted Caramel, Nutella, and Pistachio macarons from Macaron Parlour.  Belgian waffles from Wafels & Dinges (I really wanted to try this but was so stuffed from lunch!).  Tahitian vanilla ice cream from Coolhaus (pictures of the truck to the left).  Black truffle salt from The Fililng Station.