Little Mexico

Many moons ago I was fortunate enough to spend seven weeks in Mexico; working, school, playing and of course eating. I had some of the best Mexican food, all prepared daily by the live in house keeper. It was from her cooking that I now judge the authenticity of Mexican food and if a restaurant here in the states can pass my three-rule test then I will return and tell everyone.
The three things are:

1. Chunky Guacamole
2. Refried Beans
3. Salsa.

Little Mexico did not meet my expectations on the Guacamole, it was only sufficient. There was a slight trace of avocado in what they call a Guacamole Salad, with tiny little pieces of this delicious fruit. However, it was superior to other places in Richmond where the avocado is bright green and almost a puree. I did eat most of it, so bravo to Little Mexico for placing high on my list.

I cannot count how many times I have been served refried beans that are soupy. Yes, soupy! They are almost impossible to eat with a fork; you need corn chips to pick them up. The beans are more like a bean dip. YUK! Well not at Little Mexico. I could actually see that these beans were made from pinto beans . They had a nice texture and had flavor. If I wasn't stuffed with my Chicken Quesadilla I could have finished the beans and believe me I tired. By the way, the quesadilla had lots of chicken in it, which I was very surprised. PASS.

Who likes Salsa flavored Water? Hmm? Anyone? Well that is what 9 out of 10 restaurants serve with the chips. Why? Do they think they are doing us a favor? It is red, it is served in a little carafe, but if you pour to quickly it rushes out like water. Well folks rest assured, Little Mexico actually has pieces of onion in it, and yes it is true onion does exist in salsa. I am not saying this salsa is extra chunky, but at least there is enough consistency on your chip. PASS.

I applaud Little Mexico. It is a nice addition to the fan; my only complaint is that as I was consuming all the food the Gold's Gym Sign across the street was giving me the evil eye. Oh well, next time I will face Cary Street, problem solved. Gracias.

Lindt Chocolate

I love dark chocolate, you can have milk chocolate and until recently I thought you could never feed me white chocolate. WOW! Run, please do not walk..RUN! Lindt International deserves an award for what they created. First, I think their packaging is superb. The first set is to open the outer paper. This is not light weight like some American chocolate, it has some bulk. To me, it signifies quality. The second step is to remove the shiny silver wrapping embossed with their logo. It is as though I am opening a prize, a prize wrapped just for me.

I am thankful that the silver lining is lightweight, it almost flakes off when I peel away at its layer. Starring me in my eyes is a large bar of chocolate embossed with the Lindt logo. It smells the way white chocolate should; creamy, light and sweet. In fact you can almost smell its sweetness.

Do not be scared with the combination of white chocolate and coconut, I was shy at first glance. When my teeth sunk into the creamy bar I instantly knew this was not biting chocolate. This chocolate was created to sit on your tongue and allow it to dissolve slowly so all of your buds could taste its goodness. Once dissolving has taken shape you begin to taste the coconut. It is as thought Lindt knew how to make an explosion of ecstasy in my mouth. I am a happy man after two pieces.

Millie's Diner

I have heard from many people that Millie's is a great place for dinner. Try the fish its fresh and delicious I was told. The prices are a little high for most grad students, but if the opportunity presents itself then GO!

On Sunday they open at 5:30, myself and two others were waiting at 5:25. The interior is very relaxed, old wooden booths and a somewhat open grill faces you at the entrance. I have never been one to be overly impressed with any restaurants decor, I am here to eat not look at a nice table. The food? My rockfish, cabbage and coconut soup had a Thai influence. It was delicious and extremely flavorful, just what I needed since it was raining and slightly chilly. My entree? Oh my entree. I did not go the fish route, I went the duck route. Duck served with Foie Gras Mac and Cheese and Grilled Asparagus. The spears of asparagus were small, I prefer the larger spears. Words cannot describe how succulent the duck tasted, it remined me of beef which was odd because I had not eaten red meat in eight years. The mac and cheese was some of the best I tasted.

My company had the Pork Shank which fell off the bone and was tasty, my other friend had the lamb which he said was great. The lamb came with cauliflower risotto which tasted like garlic risotto and was too mushy for my palate.

I would return, but not for their bread pudding (skip it). I would try the fish. Does anyone want to take me there?

Nicks on Broadway

This place is not in Richmond, it is in Providence. Providence, RI and if you ever get there make sure you get to Nicks. It is located in the Armory District; sure it may be a little less glamorous than the East Side of Providence. The prices were cheap and good, well for lunch. My friend told me that dinner was pricey, well for this grad student’s budget anyway (damn you mr. bush!).

Pulled Pork BBQ in New England? Isn't that like having New England Clam Chowder in Arizona? They have no idea how to make it; low and behold Nicks can make pulled pork BBQ sandwich like no ones business.

For you non-tomato based fans you may not like the sauce. It was flavorful like a delicious fresh Italian cannoli. Think manwich. When you bite into the side, pork slides out the other end. This is not a date sandwich and good thing too, for he would never see me again if he didn’t already know me. Also they have dark chocolate hot chocolate. HELLO! Can you say HMMMM HMMMM GOOD?

The best way to get there is fly via United Airlines to TF Green Airport. Head north on 95 and take the Broadway exit, take a right and Nicks is located 2 miles on the right. CHEERS!

Kuba Kuba

I am sad to say I live 2 1/2 blocks from Kuba Kuba and went their for the first time this week. I do not eat red meat and was told, I would not find anything there. LIARS! You all lied! There are so many options other than meat, they even have a veggie dish or two.

Fresh Seafood, tasty pressed sandwiches. You can go there and spend $10 on a meal or $20. Your choice. Just go already.

Bistro 104

Chicken Salad, you either love it or you hate it. I LOVE IT! Especially if it is made with white meat, lite mayo and celery. My chicken salad has very little mayo and to make up for the "dryness" I add whole grain or dijon mustard.

At Bisto 104 they did not add mustard, but they did grill my sourdough bread. There is nothing quite like the crunch of bread and something great in between to get your mouth watering. My sandwich came with a side of potato salad...this my friends had too much mayo for my taste, but at least the potatoes were firm. Why is it some potato salad is yellow, could it be yellow mustard? Hmmm.

Before my sandwich arrived I had bean empanada's. Lightly fried and filled with beans and cheese, topped with a nice portion of sour cream. Like ketchup another weakness as a topping is sour cream. If I was alone I would have eaten all of the sour cream.

I did enjoy this small place and I would go back. The down fault, it is only open for lunch.

Cafe Rustica

Finally a place in Richmond that serves delicious sandwiches and salads. The bread, oh the bread and it is homemade! The only fault? They are open for breakfast and lunch ONLY! Maybe soon they can bless me with dinner. I will go back as my wallet permits.

Mojo's

For $6.60 I expected a little more then Deli Turkey and a smidge of avacado. I would go back one more time, but not for an over priced sandwich I can make at home.

Si

If you blink you will miss this restaurant on Lombardy Street. Authentic Spanish Tapas, Wines and Sangria. If you sit upstairs it may be close quarters along the bar, there are one too many tables.

The food was great! Calamari, Salmon, Endive Salad, Manchengo Fries, Duck. All the dishes were great! The interesting thing was that all of the servers shake your hand when they approach the table. How personal is that?

Si, of course!

Honey Whyte's

Honey Whyte's I have heard makes great burgers and turkey burgers. One night before a meeting at school, I set out to try these great turkey burgers. The actual cafe is set aside from the bar so you have to walk through the bar to get a table. Lucky for me a very,very pleasant bartender asked "what can I get for you sweetie"; secretively I love it when women say this to me.

I asked for a menu and ordered a turkey burger with l,t,m,o and a pickle which also comes with beef-steak fries. In about 10 minutes I had my food and I was off to school. It was like a Christmas present, I was finally going to have a Honey Whyte's Turkey Burger. When I arrive at school I opened up the environmentally incorrect container (I knew I was not in SF.CA anymore) and immediately thought of Clara Peller from Wendy's; "yeah, where was my beef?"

Okay, although the burger was small it had better taste good and it did. It was quite delicious. The bun was soft, the lettuce, onion and tomato was fresh and there was no mayo shooting out the side of the bun. BIG PLUS! The fries were seasoned with salt and the Blue Cheese Dressing I dipped them in was chunky; I really asked for ranch.

I would go back, they had other food items I wanted to try and the bartender was nice enough for me to go back. This is not a fancy bar, but who cares!

Louisiana Flair

I am a fan of mom and pop places. The food is generally authentic and tastes really good. I look for food explosions to happen on my tongue and ladies and gents it did here. Since my step-mother was not around, I figured it was okay to eat my dessert first. My friend, well she had to be convinced it was okay. So a small piece of bread pudding with wiskey sauce arrived shortly after ordering. The sauce looked like melted butter and as long as it was butter I was a happy little boy.

It was yummy, the raisins were plump and the sauce did not taste overpowering. My friend? Well she thought it was tight, but not as in good; as in dense. We both prefer bread pudding that needs to be spooned out rather then cut. BUT! It still was very good.

The fries tasted like the oil was fresh. PLUS!!!! My catfish poyboy served with mayo, lettuce, tomato, grilled peppers and mushrooms was mouthwatering. The bread, was fresh with a crunch to the outside. The slaw was mayo based and fresh, who knew this damn yankee would love catfish. I thought this little place on Grace Street was a gold mine and I will be back with more friends.

Honestly, some of the best service I have experienced in Richmond.

Joes Inn - Bon Air

I realize that there are two locations for Joe's and I wonder if the menu's are the same. While reading this please keep in mind that this is for Joe's Inn - Bon Air. I hade baked feta, veggie lasagna and water. The only good thing about Joe's - Bon Air is the pizza. I have said my peace, goodnight!

Cielito Lindo

Guacamole, Margaritas and Salsa. Are these your favorite things at a Mexican Restaurant? Well they are mine. If you ever want delicious Mexican food then look no more because I found it. YES I DID and I am not telling anymore other then the name.

Relish

I do enjoy relish; it is good with tuna fish and on turkey burgers. However, this Relish is the little eatery in Shockoe Bottom. Tucked between the Wings Factory and the Pigeon Bar is a little oasis of good food, good drinks and a satisfactory salad bar.

My lunch today was a yummy homemade Turkey Burger, topped with melted Swiss cheese, tomato, red onion and lettuce. I would recommend getting the teriyaki sauce on the side; it is a little salty...good but salty.

I liken this restaurant to good quality fresh and healthy food.

Zuppa

I remember the last time I ate at Zuppa. The Thai Chicken Noodle Soup was sweet and spicy, a nice little combination. Last night I went back with two classmates for a meeting about Mini Cooper. The discussion went well, but the food discussion was GREAT! You see it was 8PM, kind of late for me to eat dinner since I already had a huge salad at 6. What would you eat?

That's right! The side of Baked Mac and Cheese and Homemade Bread Pudding with Homemade Coconut Brownie Ice Cream. The mac and cheese came first and it was to die for, even one of my classmates said this. WOW! This is the best mac and cheese I have had next to my grandmothers; yes it is true. Three minutes later my bread pudding came out and I said good bye mac and cheese hello dessert!

Bread Pudding to me should taste like, well bread and here it did; homemade bread. It had raisins in it and was sweet, but not overly. We were the only people in the restaurant, why? Did people think they only had soup? There is so much more now and yes I will be back.

Akida

I like Sushi, actually I just like Tuna. However, I do not like warm Sushi so I do not like Akida.

Southern Railway Deli

Do not be fooled by the name, there is nothing southern about this place and I am thankful for that everytime I go. There are a lot of options: sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, dessert. Walk up to the section you want, tell them what you want, how you want it and voila in 10 minutes or less you are walking to pay for your meal. I love the pasta options, always al dente. Talk about the salads, just like in NYC. Choose your base, and meat and then go for the rest. ENJOY!

It will not break the bank either. You can grab a seat and people watch if you like or take your food to go. I am so greatful that these people opened their doors and speaking of open, they stay open til midnight 3 nights a week. In Shockoe Slip? WHAT???

Weezies Kitchen

I was surprised to see a new place open on Cary Street, although the building is a little cave like no matter what color you paint the walls. The menu is small and I did have a hard time deciding what to eat. I wanted a salad, but the mac and cheese was calling my name as was the tuna melt and then I saw quesadilla's and nachos. OI VEY! So I decided to get the tuna melt. It was served open face on an English muffin. The tuna fish was good, not too much mayonnaise and flavorful with herbs. The tomato slice was HUGE, I loved it. The best part of the meal was the Soy-Ginger Dressing. I was dipping my tuna in the dressing, I was dipping the nachos in the dressing and I dipped my Mac and cheese there too. Yes, I got the nachos and the Mac and cheese. Ask for sour cream with the nachos!

The Mac and cheese, although it is not better then DeLessio it was nice. I tasted a little wine with the sharp cheddar. Well I approve of this new place. On to the next place. Oh yeah, the best is for last, Weezies stays open late until 1:30A.M...can't beat that!

CHEAP? Well stick to the lighter fair dishes and it is cheap.

Lebanese Taverna - Pentagon Row

This great little place tucked away in Pentagon Row was INCREDIBLE! The Baba Ghannouge was hands down the best I have ever tasted and I know good baba. The ample size portion was served with puffed pita, it was warm and soft. The Hommos was good, but had a little more tahini then I like.

My entree was the fish kabob, which was good and my lunch date had Fatteh Bell Diaje. I have never had it nor know how to pronounce this dish. After I tried a bite of it I did not care I could not pronounce the name, it was SO good! Chicken, chickpeas, radish, pine nuts and garlic smothered with a warm yogurt sauce. WOW! I would go back in a second.

Vapiano in DC

Crispy Thin Crust, Large Prawns, Arugala, Black Olives, of course cheese and sauce made this the best tasting pizza. Yes, it even tops Chicago Deep Dish. $10 for a nice size pie, who could say no! The concept of this chain works well. Walk in, grab a card (similar to a credit card), stand at the pasta section or the salad section or my favorite the pizza section.

Scan your card, and tell them what you want. You can walk to each section and scan your card it you like. Utensils, glasses and napkins are convientely located next to each section. You are given a buzzer that lets you know to come back when you food is ready. I feel cheated living in Richmond, that we do not have this restaurant, even in the West End.

El Toro Loco

Upon my arrival back to Richmond, VA I was craving fresh Mexican Food. Well close to where my car was being inspected is El Toro Loco. I was craving a chicken burrito with fresh salsa and crunchy corn chips. WOW! Was I wrong. What I received was a bland burrito covered with a cheese sauce (which was not good) all served with stale corn chips and water like salsa. UMMM UMMM Good, NOT! Never will I return.

Dos Pinas Taqueria

It took me 11 weeks to find a good Mexican Restaurant and it was four blocks from my trainer’s gym. This lip smacking eatery at the foot of Potrero Hill on Rhode Island and 16th was hmmm hmmm good. The best nachos I have had in a while, topped with fresh salsa, guac, s.cream, beans and cheese. They were not greasy, it all tasted fresh. MOLE! A burrito with mole and beans, avocado and chicken hit the spot.

I am so sad I am leaving because this place is so good I would return. Authentic Mexican food that is not greasy is very hard to find. One can find it at Dos Pinas.

Delessio Market

Sure this is not a true restaurant. They do have food you can buy and there are table, just no body is serving you. I say, who needs it! WOW WOW WOW, I have found the best Mac and Cheese in town, HANDS DOWN!!! It is cheesy, you can taste the cheese, the pasta is tender, its shells and you get your serving our of a cast iron skillet. LOVE IT!!

Their free range chicken is delicious, I have been known to eat the entire bird in one sitting. Dessert you ask? Where do I begin? Well get your happy little butt to Delessio Market on Broderick Street and eat till your heart is content. My first trip there I told the women ringing me up she was evil for all this food. Her reaction? A quick little smirk as she said "yes, I know."

Sauce

I have not been excited to visit a restaurant in a while like I was about Sauce in Hayes Valley. On the radio they raved at how delicious the Mac and cheese is and they use homemade pasta. Well, I am not one to turn down Mac and cheese let alone homemade pasta. This dish sounded interesting as it was served with asparagus and chicken. Well for $19 dollars I was hoping for the best.

My first bite.... hmm is there cheese in this? Second bite.... is this American cheese? Third bite...wow this sucks! How can one screw up Mac and cheese. Honestly, I would have been satisfied with Annie's Box Mac and Cheese.

My conclusion is that San Francisco has concentrated on healthy food or California cuisine for so long, that no one here can make food that is flavorful and rich. I suppose I will go back to my grandmother's recipe for Mac and cheese made with sharp cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.

Oh and by the way their signature dessert of PB&J, well I could taste the jelly, but it was as though the peanut butter was just blown onto the plate because I could barely taste it. I would not return to Sauce.

Betelnut

Betelnut-Betelnut-Betelnut

My first impression was how good can an Asian Restaurant be in an area that is a bland as Vanilla icecream? Well this little hot spot on Union Street proved me wrong. The overaly down trendy boutiques were stale compared to this restaurant. With that said I can see why some love this area nestled close to the Marina. The atmosphere of Betelnut was high energy, techno playing in the background, the tables intimately close to your neighbor; you almost wanted to reach over and try their food.

Before you read on, do no order the entrees!! Order the apps and starters, they are half the price and the same size. This way you can try more dishes for the same money. The dishes are considered "family style" no not Italian Family Style; I asked. The dishes are small, and come out when they are ready. It is almost like a SURPRISE!

With all that said, you still should try the Pork Entree, wrap the pork, carrots and cucumbers in the lettuce leaves. YUM YUM!! The spring rolls were fried, but not too greasy. The scallops with coconut rice cakes had a spice to them. My dark and stormy drink was great the first time and the second time.

I would go back to Betelnut, but not on a weekend, the area is not my flavor.

Range

Simplicity, Fresh Ingredients, Knowledgeable Service encompasses the experience I found at Range in the Mission. The restaurant is slightly narrow, with the main dining room in the back (a little loud at times, especially if there is a loud mouth woman behind your table). Mirrors adorn the walls so those facing the wall can see around the restaurant. Our server helped us out from the cocktails to our entrees and it was an explosion of delight with every bite. If you like spirts then you need to try the Dark and Stormy, I liken it to an Arnold Palmer with a BIG kick!

Heirloom Tomatoes with Sheep's Milk Ricotta and Basil Oil - so soft yet firm tomatoes, the basil oil is to die for
Roasted Chicken with a sausage, gypsy pepper and cornbread dressing, lemon herb jus - who knew chicken could taste so good
Slow Cooked Pork Chop with Peruvian Beans, Broccoli Rabe and Herb Glaze - Let me tell you that you will not want to share this and the Herb Glaze you may want to drink in a glass. YES! It was that good. Fear not, the beans taste like little potatoes.

For dessert, Bittersweet chocolate - armagnac souffle. I have never had a souffle. It came out as I imagined, in a souffle cup, so delicately risen over the lip. I skipped the bittersweet sauce and oh heaven, it was as thought I was eatting whipped chocolate.

I would run back for the opportunity to eat at Range, well once a month since the menu changes often.

Escape From New York Pizza

You Say Potato. I say potato. Me thinks I hit the holy grail of pizza. Flat crust, pesto sauce, roasted garlic, mozz cheese and seasoned red potato. Yes potato. I have never had potatoes on pizza and if you haven't then you should. What could be better? Well a little grilled chicken of course, everyone needs protein.

Spork

Remember when KFC served a spork with the potatoes and gravy, hmm do they still? Who cares, because in the Mission there is a great place called Spork and rumor has it the building used to be a KFC. A spork was served with my dinner, in fact anything you order can be eaten with a Spork. These are not the old plastic sporks, they are new, metal and have some weight to them. The beer list is interesting, do not try using the spork, it is not effective; of course I tried.

Tuna, Pork, Peaches and Goat Cheese, Ricotta and Fresh Fruit.....it can all be eaten with a spork. Of this place is grand. Try the bread with the butter....you were warned!

The Girl and The Fig

Not everything is fig here. Located on the Sonoma Square, it is a must stop in, have a glass of wine at the bar, sample some cheese and fig spread at the cheese bar or if you are hungry sit on the patio and have lunch or dinner. I have the best quiche, so light, so fluffy and the crust was DE-LIC-OUS. Their Bloody Mary's are small but oh so tasty. I never knew I could get Fried Green Tomatoes that were good so far from the south.

Barracuda

I do not mean the song from Heart. This is a great place for Sushi. Dimly lit tones of orange and yellow accented with brown. It is as thought they brought "Fall" into a restaurant. Before I came to SF.CA I promised myself I would not eat at the same restaurant twice, I think I may break my rule. Located on Market Street in the Castro, you will certainly have enough to look at. Oh yeah the Sushi is good too! I have been to other places in the city and their Sushi was almost too big to eat in one bite and who wants to cut Sushi? BTW their rolls are a perfect size to put in your mouth and your date will not wonder what that bulge is in your cheeks. Bon Appetite.

Polkers Gourmet Burgers

So what is someone to do if they like the concept of burgers, but they do not eat read meat? I often look at a burger menu and salivate at the endless options you can have with your cow. All the toppings, the cheese, grilled onions, lettuce and tomato; OH MY! HMMMM! Well I have found my oasis at Polkers. I noticed in the fine print, you could substitute with ground turkey or salmon. WHAT????? Is this true, can you actually have a delicious Basil Burger with Provolone Cheese or a Blue Cheese Burger? Why yes, Virginia you can.

Polkers is located one minute from my apt in Russian Hill and I wish I knew about it a month ago. The fries are cooked well and the ranch dressing is dipable. The service is well...who cares though you can have a burger! Yes Polkers is good and yes it is reasonably priced. Who cares that there is no parking in Russian Hill, I take the bus.

Fresca

So I have only been here for brunch. Sure the salmon and egg club sandwich was tasty. The decor was small yet warm, but go go go for the $7 bottomless mimosas. You read that correctly, $7 all you can drink, mimosas. If you drink one it is $7, drink 6, it is $7. Get the point? Good!

Yummy Yummy

I am serious here, the name of the place is Yummy Yummy and it is YUMMY! This little Vietnamese place in Sunset is about as authentic as they come. I love a place that is not mainstream and you can dress in jeans and a t-shirt or shorts and not worry about the dress code. All I care about is good food at a good price and I found it here. The menu is written in English, it is numbered and it is written in Vietnamese. I have been 3 times and never had the same thing twice. Try the Vietnamese Iced Coffee for dessert, it is so rich and sweet you will need it for dessert. The soups are nice and hot; the fresh spring rolls have the right amount of basil. I do not even mind that the place has a funky carpet, mirrored walls and glass table tops. Who the heck cares about a non-fancy place? Run to Yummy Yummy for authenticity with a big smile. Oh yes, you can even pick put your own crab.

Stacks

So who does not love pancakes? Stacks located on Hayes Valley is a must run to and not just go to for breakfast food. If you have to wait, then help yourself to the iced tea which has a hint of sweetness or have some coffee. As for the inside of Stacks, the two brothers who own and run the place did a nice of making it feel warm and welcoming. On your mark, get set GO! Try the signature pancakes, but they are sweet really really SWEET! Banana, Macadamia Nut and Coconut pancakes, sound good? If there are two of you you may want to get one, but no more then 2. They have your basics; eggs, bacon, sausage, toast and real hashbrowns. If you want crepes, they you have a plethera of choices, oh you say waffles then dig in to a variety of toppings. Really people, you can not miss out this incredible place to eat. Oh yeah, I will be back!

Slanted Door

The best Vietnamese Restaurant in Town!
Oh it is so delicious!
You will love it!
The previous three brief statements are what I heard before I went to the Slanted Door. My old roommate was Vietnamese and I have eaten is at some great restaurants so I had my reservations about an "Upscale Vietnamese" Restaurant. If you can go you should. No more sitting on plastic covered chairs, not more cheap table cloths. Sure you still have cloth napkins and chop sticks, but the condiments on the table are a thing of the past at Slanted Door. PLUS! You have a view of the watersince it is located in San Francisco's Ferry Building. From the Clay Pot Chicken with a scrumcious carmel sauce to the Japanese eggplant, you cannot go wrong. The eggplant was tender the chicken juicy. The servers are all smiles, it seems everyone is happy happy to work at the Slanted Door. Try the Alaskan Halibut with a spicy giner fish sauce (I warned you), Caramelized Prawns with a chili sauce and the Dirty Girl Haricots Verts for all you dirty girls. The five of left feeling full, but not stuffed and hungry in 30 minuters.

Tangerine

This little eatery located in the Castro on 16th has some great Brunch fair. My friend that I was with even liked it and it is not easy pleasing a man who has an aversion to carbs, cheese and egg yolks. His scrambled egg whites, shrimp and avacado dish with a side of fresh fruit looked great, NOTE! They had apples in this fruit side, yes apples! It was not your boring Whole Foods fruit cup here people.

I had a hard time deciding between the Coconut Pancakes with Ginger Maple Syrup and the Salmon Latke with 2 poached eggs. Well the Latke won and it was GOOD!

Hahn's Hibachi

This small Koren BBQ on Post Street is a must to eat. The inside sits about 18 people and no more. The menu is in English so those nervous about reading Korean, do not need to take the Zanex on that trip. I ordered the Beboppin' Bi Bim Bop, it is said it's a "Traditional Korean Favorite" so why not go for something traditional...oh and I ordered it Sizzling. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. In about 10 minutes I heard a sound similar to fajitas, you know the sound of them sizzling at Chili's or Applebee's. After I was told to mix all of the veggies, rice, raw egg and chicken together, I was then instructed NOT to touch the bowl. Well if something in front of me is making a sizzling sound and can cook a raw egg without electricity or a gas flame, then yeah I am going to stay away.

Be prepared to wait at leat 5 mintues, because this food was hot, very hot. Once you can handle the temperature, try the hot sauce. This is a quick easy simple dinner, that I would eat again and again.

NOPA

So if you were wondering what the name NOPA mean? Well wait no more, North of the Pan Handle. You know that small piece of heaven that extends past Golden Gate Park.

At first I did not understand why people raved about this place. Make a reservation (ask to sit upstairs) or sit at the community table and you will find out quickly. Having put myself thru undergrad working in restaurants it is hard to find fellow servers who understand teamwork; well at NOPA they have it down to a "T".

Research bottle water and you will find out that approximately 25% of H2O bottle are actually recycled..."GASP" YEAH! and do some more research and you will find out that the amount of bottles in our 1,500 landfills is growing faster then the bottles made. If you look further you will notice that it takes more energy to recycle bottles = more harmful gases released into the air. EAH! So feel guilty about buying bottle H2O, when you can use a Brita filter? Well Nopa has done something about this. They use tap water in their restaurant. Hold on, not just regular tap water and a slice of lemon. BUT, Nopa uses tap water and a soda fountain style carbonating machine to make the water sparkling. GENIUS! On to the food.

Salmon Carpaccio was divine with the arugla and lemon. It was fresh and a great starter.
The fish stew was so good, I wanted to see if I could feed it thru intravenous, seriously it is that good! It is a hearty meal, very filling.
Their marinated squid salad was light and just the right bite for my entree; I had to save room for dessert. The squid paired with kalamata olives burst with flavor after the first bite.
My friend had the Braised Lamb Shank. I think it was good because his eyes rolled behind his head and he was smiling the entire time and it was not just the company.
There is more! Try the Chocolate pot de creme and cocoa nib cookies, WOW! This is where my eyes rolled back in my head. You may not want to share this dessert.

So I hope that you can now understand why there is a wait for NOPA. I hope your experience was or will be as memorable as mine.