This and that around the Bay Area

Aside from planning out reservations for new restaurants, nostalgic bites, spontaneous eats and recommendations from locals and friends fill the rest of my eating and drinking time in the Bay Area.

My trips back to the San Francisco area always satisfy my cravings for contemporary American bar food, Mexican fare, and Northern Californian wines and beers.  From dishes I used to have as a grade school kid to new discoveries, it all tastes like home away from home these days.

Fish and Chips at Bourbon Pub
Petrale sole, salt and vinegar tots, tartar sauce

A relaxing meal at the Oxbow Public Market

Napa Valley is a place not just for wine, but also for fantastic food.  After all, it's only natural because of how perfectly food and wine pair with each other.

Before, after, during, or instead of a day of the usual wine tasting around the valley, downtown Napa offers a haven for food lovers in the Oxbow Public Market.  This market brought me back to Spain - how it's set up, the cleanliness, and the variety of food vendors selling their dishes and products with passion.

You can nibble around the various small dishes or you can also sit down for a meal.  Ca'Momi is the perfect place in the market for a relaxing meal, and it's great for families and parties.  The Italian restaurant specializes in Italian pizzas, but also offers some memorable slow cooked plates.  They serve one of the best places of liver and onions I've ever tasted.  I'm a huge fan of quality liver and onions, and this topped it in my list.  Even if you don't like the dish, you just might be a convert with how clean and smooth it tasted.  The restaurant also pours delicious wine on tap, and has a variety of fun desserts including cream puffs for a light ending to a big meal.

Glass of Bianco di Napa on tap

Tio Pepe Sherry Tasting in Jerez

Aside from the amazing tocino del cielo, Jerez is also known for its sherry production.  Sherry is fortified wine from white grapes grown in this Andalucian province.  Naturally, Jerez is home to over 20 sherry bodegaas.

The most famous bodega is Bodegas González Byass, also known as Bodegas Tio Pepe.  It is one of the biggest sherry houses, just next to the Alcázar and Cathedral.  Their sherry production opened in 1835 by Manuel María González Angel, who partnered with Robert Blake Byass.  The infamous sherry, Tio Pepe, was named after his favorite uncle and advisor, Tio Pepe.  The bodega opened in 1963 and has expanded over the years.  Today the company is run by 4th and 5th generation González family members.

The best way to learn about this bodega and the process of sherry production is by taking their tour.  There are several tours throughout the day in English, Spanish, German, and French.  Reservations can be made online and you pay when you get there.  The tours include 2 to 4 tastes of sherry and an option for tapas with your tasting.  It's only 18.50 Euro for 4 tastings and tapas.  It's worth it, and the sherry buzz you get afterwards is fun.

Tio Pepe Statue

Outside Bodegas Tio Pepe/Bodegas Gonzalez Byass

A taste of Marques de Riscal in La Rioja

We drove into La Rioja hours later than anticipated all because of our horrible afternoon in Pamplona.  Instead leisurely touring three wineries, we could only choose one.  I opted for the most iconic in the La Rioja region - Marques de Riscal.

Just a short 25 minute drive from Logroño, El Ciego proudly holds one of the oldest and most traditional wineries in the La Rioja wine country.  The winery dates back to 1860 and carries its tradition, while representing the future.  After the success of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Marques de Riscal contracted Frank Gehry to lend his vision in the design of their hotel.  The hotel's outer design is Gehry's interpretation of a red wine bottle - brilliant.

If you can't splurge with a stay at the hotel, a tour of the vineyard is a must.  The property is gorgeous and the facilities are world class.  It only costs 10.25 Euro ($13.80 USD) per person for the 1.5 hour tour which includes 2 tastings.  It's an amazing value for a memorable tour.

View of the vineyard and hotel

Grapes almost ready to be harvested 

Tasting our way around Napa Valley

Before leaving for the states, my parents gave me a list of things to buy.  When they said, "Wine," I didn't understand that as going to BevMo to buy a few bottles.  Of course not!  That clearly meant that I had to take a day trip up to the Napa Valley.

On a sunny Sunday, my friends and I made our way up Highway 29.  Our first stop was Yountville (or as I like to call it, "Michelin row" where four restaurants on one road have Michelin stars) for a necessary macaron start at Bouchon Bakery.  Thomas Keller makes some of the best macarons in the Bay Area.  If you're in area, you have to stop by.

With sweets coating our stomachs, we made our wine tasting stops.  We took our time through three wineries in the course of the afternoon.  Robert Mondavi Winery, St. Supery, and, my favorite winery, Peju.  I love that every pourer is friendly and informative.  Some more so than others, which is definitely the case at Peju.

By the time we got to our third winery, we had alcohol-hunger.  We found Rutherford Grill thanks to Yelp (4.5 out of 5 stars from 800+ reviews had to guarantee a great place).  Local Californian cuisine with a friendly neighborhood/tourist restaurant and bar vibe.  I definitely recommend this if you want a food stop before, during, or after your wine tasting day.

I never tire of trips up to Napa.  With great company, it's always a relaxing and memorable adventure full of great sips of several wines.

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

Taking a Break from Local Cuisine

Escapism appeared to be the theme this trip. Escape from our home cities. And now escape from the city we were in.

As much as I love exploring local cuisine, the chaos of the city had us wanting for a taste of something familiar.

American cuisine, jazz music, and the sight of white people were such warm, comforting images at New Orleans Cafe.

Mulled Wine heated up the chilly night. Fried Chicken and fries brought back familiarity among the foreign chaotic overload. Tandoori Chicken and Roti reminded us where we were. And the Apple Pie capped the night of escape.

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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: New Orleans Cafe - Thamel

Modern Vietnamese at Xanh

When I first moved to Asia last year, I would find myself really craving for Mexican food. My cravings for foods that I grew up with change each time I revisited the states. Mexican, burgers, pizza, ramen, and so on. This time around, I had a craving for Vietnamese cuisine.

Because I come from a family that doesn't plan ahead and doesn't really make reservations until the day of, we weren't able to land a table in Slanted Door. That is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant (Out the Door, included) in San Francisco.

So instead, we revisited Xanh, a Vietnamese restaurant in the Bay Area. We first went to Xanh when it first opened years ago. When they moved locations, across the street, we never had a chance to try it out again. The newer location is nicely set up with a few dining areas and a bar/lounge.

The food has modern presentations, while enjoying it all family style. Overall, the food is enjoyable. But, when you expect Slanted Door quality, it's kind of disappointing. I found myself constantly thinking, "This is okay but Slanted Door does it so much better." I definitely need to book ahead at Slanted Door the next time I'm in the Bay Area.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Xanh

Back in SF, Back in Bocadillos

When you develop a favorite restaurant, the main thing you look for is consistency. You look for some of the same dishes, the same flavors, and the same feeling that keeps you coming back.

Years later, Bocadillos is still my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. The restaurant is still fun, inviting, friendly. And, the food is still so consistent and filled with flavors that excite and comfort.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Bocadillos

Tasting the Hype at Benu

New restaurants constantly pop up in San Francisco. Each year, a handful or less of these restaurants make it to the top lists for food critics and food lovers. For the past year, the one restaurant that keeps trending is Chef Corey Lee's Benu.

Corey Lee made his name as the chef de cuisine at Thomas Keller's French Laundry. Prior to the opening of Benu until even today, the restaurant has been dubbed The SF Restaurant to go to.

Benu creates original Asian and Modern American inspired dishes that delights and surprises. At a place like Benu, the best way to dive in to this cuisine is with the extensive tasting menu. Don't let the cost scare you. $180 is quite a deal for 18+ courses packed with quality of ingredients, artistry, and superb chefs' touches. $10 per course for all that's put into it!

The beverage pairing price maybe be intimidating, too, but again, it's such a deal for 10 high quality beverages. Plus, it's like a lesson per pour. You get to enjoy the wine, the pairing, and the information about the pour from the sommeliers.

Finalizing the brilliant tasting experience is the friendly staff. I was worried that the reception might be snooty and stiff. It's totally the opposite. They are so friendly, welcoming, and humorous. The service matches the atmosphere and the food - five star. Attentive and detailed.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Benu

Wolfgang Steakhouse in NYC, A New Favorite Restaurant.

When my family buys high quality steaks and my dad has the ability to grill it up better than an average or above average restaurant, it's so hard to eat a steak outside of the house. It's a rare find for us to enjoy a quality steak in a restaurant. But, I think we finally found a place that makes it as good as home.

Wolfgang Steakhouse in Manhattan. (There are 5 locations in the city. We visited the Midtown East location.) Wolfgang Zwiener is the former maitre d' of the infamous Peter Luger Steakhouse. His steakhouse is very similar to Peter Luger, except you get a Manhattan steakhouse experience. At Peter Luger, you get Brooklyn service in a very casual and old setting. Here at Wolfgang, you get white table cloths with a pleasant surrounding and friendly service.

The whole experience was so memorable.. that we drove into the city from Connecticut the very next night to eat another steak dinner. Yes, it's that good.

And, on our 2nd night, Wolfgang, himself, came up to our table to greet us and take pictures! (I'm not posting the picture because it's a whole family shot - you know, privacy reasons.) He's quite the charming old man and is well dressed in a suit every night. What a fine job he's done with his steakhouses! I can't wait to go back.

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The slide show here runs of Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Wolfgang.

New York's Grimaldi's in Las Vegas

When I'm back in the states, I have specific cravings. Burritos, ramen, burgers, pizza, beers, bloody marys..My stomach just grumbled..

My pizza craving was totally satisfied. I enjoyed it in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and in New Haven. I love artisan and Neapolitan pizzas. The toppings are quality and the pie is chewy, yet fluffy, yet crispy and well baked. Just pure goodness.

In Las Vegas we visited the newly opened Grimaldi's Pizzeria. Yup, Grimaldi's from New York. The interior is very family oriented and welcoming. We went there twice. The food is hit and miss. The first time was a fantastic first impression. The pizzas were perfectly baked and delicious. The second time around, the wait for our pizzas was ridiculous and the pies came out overbaked and overly crisp. If you do go, hopefully you'll catch it on their better days.

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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flick album.

Red at Makati Shangri-La

After our experience at The Fireplace (see post below), my parents and I decided to enjoy a meal at Red at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati. Red is turning out to be one of my favorite occasion restaurants. And some occasions are simply a celebration of life.

When we got to the restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised to see a special 7-course menu specifically for Valentine's Day weekend. There were two menus: the black side for the men which had more meats and the red side for the women which had more seafood. So my mom and I selected the black side which sounded more appetizing and fulfilling because of the meat course.

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Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slide show here.

Paella at Home

My mom's signature dishes, even if she describes them as "party food", are my all time favorite comfort foods.

After coming from a trip and eating out a lot, it's really enjoyable to stay in and enjoy a high quality meal at home. One of my mom's signature dishes is her paella. I totally believe I'm not saying this because she's my mom, but I think she's got one of the best paella's out there. We've tried so many across Spain and the U.S., and they don't come close. Not even Jose Andres's paella is as good as my mom's. It's a bold statement, but I stand by it. Perhaps Chef Andres should accept my BFF invitation (and BFF invitation, part 2) and try out my mom's paella!

Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slide show here.

A Five-Star Steakhouse Meal at Home

Our local butcher in Las Vegas, The Butcher Block, is our go-to place for some of the best quality steaks. For one of our last meals at home in Vegas, my dad usually grills some steaks. At $50 per pound of New York Steak, we hesitated for a moment and considered going to a five star steak house on The Strip. But, we realized that the way we eat at home (the cooking, the wine, the table setting) is just as five star as in a restaurant out on The Strip. Plus, these steaks, if you know how to cook them, are so worth the price.

One of the greatest joys in life is savoring each bite of a melt-in-your-mouth quality steak. Pair it with a good sauce and a well-aged wine - happiness.

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Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slide show here.

A Sunday Dinner Italian Style

For our last meal in New Haven and in the east coast, my family and I enjoyed some comforting Italian food for our Sunday dinner at Basta. We dined here before when we first visited New Haven. With the feast in front of us, it was truly an Italian Style Sunday Family Dinner. The portions are so generous - perfect for family style eating.

I should have busted out with my Italian accent to make the meal even more authentic.

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Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slideshow here.

Il Pesce in Eataly

Prior to our second meal at La Pizza & Pasta, we dined at Il Pesce, the seafood eatery at Eataly. All fresh in raw, roasted, fried, and so on. The few orders we got were all memorable. This was some of the best fritto misto (fried seafood) and whole roasted fish I have ordered in a restaurant. Cooking seafood is all about the timing, and the chefs got it perfectly at this eatery.

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La Pizza & Pasta in Eataly

For two dinners, my family and I visited La Pizza & Pasta in Eataly. It's quite simple - pizzas, pastas, and some salads paired with Italian wines and/or beers. With Batali and Bastianich's expertise, everything was so delicious! The pastas were perfectly cooked and properly coated with the right amount of sauce. And the pizzas were so thin and topped with high quality ingredients. Plus, the pairing with Bastianich wines makes for a most enjoyable dining experience.

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Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slideshow here.

Todd English's Ca Va Brasserie

Christmas Day! So our choice for Christmas lunch had to be special - yes, I felt the pressure of choosing a great restaurant for our family's special meal. The problem is that my family books reservations (at restaurants, for trips, for flights, etc.) last minute. So for Christmas, it limited where we could go. A lot of places were closed and a lot more places were fully committed.

When I research places to eat, I tend to research restaurants of my favorite chefs. In that list of favorite chefs is Todd English. I consider him one of the earlier modern day celebrity chefs. Did you know he cooked some summer grills on MTV's Spring Break? (Do any of you still remember MTV's Spring Break?)

Chef English's latest restaurant is Ca Va Brasserie. It's his take on a modern day brasserie - and it's so well done! The restaurant is the connected with the Intercontinental Hotel in Times Square. He has great menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The whole atmosphere is modern and inviting. Overall, it was a great experience, especially for a special holiday meal.

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Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slideshow here.

Snowed In.. So Dinner at the Hotel Bar

The night after Christmas in New York City was buried under a full blown blizzard! ..Which meant it limited the places for our dinner. We already had a late afternoon meal at DBGB, so we decided to have a light meal at our hotel's bar, the Gilt Bar.

It was already 10pm, so a few items on the menu were already sold out, especially because a lot of the other hotel guests got the same idea as we did to stay in the hotel for dinner. The bar atmosphere was very cool and trendy - very midtown east NYC. The food was pretty good and satisfied our stomachs for a light meal.

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Check my Flickr album if you can't see the slideshow here.

Wayfare Tavern - One of the Year's Best New Restaurants!

Even though I've been living in Manila for this past year, I still keep up to date with the latest food/restaurant news in San Francisco - thanks to the San Francisco Chronicle and Twitter.

So when I heard about Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern, I knew that this was one of the first restaurants I had to try when I went back to the Bay Area. It lives up to all the hype! I'll proclaim it to be one of the best new restaurants of the year.

I absolutely love the whole "tavern" theme which is present all throughout the details - from the decoration to the table setting. The service is excellent and so friendly - totally reflective of the top. Chef Florence is more than a celebrity chef - he's a true chef/restaurateur/artist.

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Check out my Flickr album if you can't see my slideshow here.