Nibbling around the San Francisco Bay Area

This last trip back to San Francisco was pretty indulgent, a true eat-fest.

Here are pictures from the many other bites that I had during my two week trip.  It was filled with nostalgic eats (like the chicken wings by my alma mater), fun finds while catching up with old friends (which is the root to my love for bar food), and new bites which I can't wait to have again on my next trip (Smore's Pie at Bi-Rite!)

If you cant see the slide show here, check out my Flickr album: SF Nibblings

Crepes in Menlo Park

On any perfect Bay Area day, it's a requirement to get outside and enjoy the weather.  So for a late lunch, my family and I went Crepes Cafe for some al fresco dining.

I went here years ago when it first opened.  This place is always packed on weekends for lunch.  Locals here love weekend brunches and lunches.  Fortunately, mid-week and mid-day the place was practically empty, so we had our choice of outdoor tables.

These dishes are definitely good for sharing because of the sizes and to get a variety of tastes.  I was happy to come here because I was craving for smoked salmon for a couple days now.  Smoked salmon crepes?  Heck yeah!

Overall, it was a great place to go to enjoy the day.  The food was satisfying enough for a mid-day meal.  I did find the crepes to be on the heavy side, though.  I tend to go to Cafe Borrone when I'm looking for an outdoor meal in Menlo Park, but I'm glad my brother had a certificate to mix things up a little.  Another plus about this place, they have a nice little beer and wine selection.  You can't enjoy the day without some tasty beverages.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

If you can't see the slideshow, check out my Flickr album: Crepes Cafe

Japanese Nights Out

The best thing about Japanese food is that I can eat it everyday. Why? Because it's not the same foods everyday. It varies from sushi, sukiyaki, shabu shabu, izakaya, yakiniku, and so on.


Juban, Menlo Park
This is a yakiniku house where you get to cook your food on the grill in front of you.

Edamame

Namuru
Bean sprouts, daikon, spinach, and soy sprouts

Chicken

Boneless Kalbi Short Ribs

Grilling the food

Grilled Shrimp


Gochi, Cupertino
Japanase fusion tapas
Calpico Shochu
This drink is like childhood, but with an adult twist. I could swim in this.

Lychee Shochu

Grapefruit Shochu

Saba Carpaccio

Gyuniku Reishabu Salad
Shabu beef salad

Chicken Karaage

Yakiudon

GWO - Girls Weekend Out

My girl friends and I took a trip up to the Pacific Northwest. Here's our foodicle adventures:


British Bankers Club (BBC), Menlo Park
Before we even left, we met in Menlo Park for a pre-flight drink and snacks.
Long Beaches and a Stella

Nachos and Fried Calamari
Nothing spectacular, but definitely repeatable.


Aladdin's Gyro-Cery
One of the best late night snacks in the University of Washington district (U-Dub, located on the Ave - as the locals would say). We ordered the Lamb & Beef Gyro. Moist chunks of lamb and beef. The lettuce and tomatoes provided a nice contrast for freshness and texture. The yogurt sauce was nice and creamy. The best gyro I've had so far.


Breakfast at Alki Cafe on Alki Beach

Mimosas
Breakfast with friends make mimosas obligatory. Being on Alki beach make mimosas obligatory.

Omelette with Roasted Potatoes and Toast

Smoked Salmon Omelette with Roasted Potatoes and a Biscuit
Generously filled with salmon and cream cheese.



Pike Place Market
A visit here is a requirement.
Piroshky
Russian bake shop featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations.

Sauerkraut filled Piroshky



Spring Hill
James Beard nominated Chef Mark Fuller's restaurant. It lives up to its hype.

Pinot Noir
Selecting a bottle of wine of the table is no easy matter. After getting a gauge of what everyone was ordering, I selected an Oregon Pinot Noir, 2006 Primarius.

Seared Scallops

Roasted Duck Breast

Rainbow Trout with Hazelnut Brown sauce

Irish Coffee
Nothing like a whiskey with a touch of cream and coffee to end a great meal. Topped with homemade whipped cream


Brunch at Blue Hour, Portland, Pearl District
On the journey back down to the Bay Area, Portland was a necessary foodie stop. I highly recommend Bluehour if you happen to be in the area.

Breakfast Pizza
Topped with bacon, potatoes, fontina, eggs, and a caramelized onion sauce. So delicious!

Fried Egg Sandwich
With slow roasted pork leg and gruyere. Fries on the side.



Voodoo Donuts
A Portland requirement!

Cap'n Crunch & Oreos

Cocoa Puffs & Fruit Loops

Grape!

Cream of Portland