Monthly Archive for November, 2008

Manresa

Published on November 30, 2008 in Food. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Note: This meal took place on August 16, 2008

David Kinch’s restaurant is set in Los Gatos, in a neighborhood that is completely surrounded by houses. If there is any commercial real estate here, they look like homes as well. Manresa is a Michelin two star but many argue it should be three. The same people say it bests The French Laundry, making it the best restaurant in California, and possibly the country. You can see why I was so excited to eat there. I had no problems getting reservations, though ours were a bit late. We did the extended tasting menu, which is not even listed. I also made a special request: pig trotters with abalone. The receptionist could not have been friendlier, and even called me a few times to confirm details.

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Chez Panisse

Published on November 29, 2008 in Food and Friends. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

Note: This meal took place on August 16, 2008.

A date to visit Prakash was quickly set which is par for him and I. We don’t dabble in dates and scenarios. We just set a date and work at planning for the trip. And what planning I did! I had the obligatory Google Map laid out with key shops and restaurants I had to eat at. The best part? Prakash was up for anything! Love that guy!

Dave and Jessica met us out in Berkeley for lunch. I had to try Chez Panisse, Alice Waters famed restaurant. I was not expecting much other than dependable (possibly boring, but) delicious food. One person I spoke to described it as a restaurant that really pushed San Francisco into the culinary spotlight but really never moved on. So it’s important in that it inspired many other chefs and restaurants but now it’s sort of aged, like Citronelle in D.C. Anyway, this description was spot on.

We had reservations for a slightly later lunch. The Barcelonas came from Alameda and we came from Sunnyvale. We met up within 15 minutes of each other. We ate upstairs. The service was nice, perfect for the price and atmosphere. The decor was nice, not modern but not rustic either.

I had the squid because what I really wanted, the duck, was sold out. It was good, though some pieces were kind of pasty tasting. The citrus note really saved the day.

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Monterey Bay squid roasted in the wood oven with shell beans, peppers, and salsa verde

Dave had the chicken which he confessed to not liking later on. In fact, he seemed to have diner’s remorse after, saying he didn’t think it was worth it. I sort of agree, and would definitely agree if the prices were only $5 more.

I think Chez Panisse is a very important restaurant in SF culinary history and still is a wonderful place to dine at when you want a nice meal without having to spend too much or dress up too much. I am glad I was able to check it off my list. I doubt I’ll be back.

New Toys

Published on November 20, 2008 in Shopping. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , .

Oh boy, there have been many cool additions to my kitchen lately. Check them out!

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Dyson DC07 All Floors – Ok, not a kitchen item but I’ve always wanted a Dyson and this factory refurbished model fit the bill.

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Drew took her KitchenAid so I had to get another one. Look at the finish on this baby. It’s like rock hard anodizing (not really) and nicely textured.

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Sausage Maker 5 Tray stainless steel dehydrator. What do you need a dehydrator for, you ask? You’ll see.

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My roommates took their pots and pans when they moved. No matter. I just picked up this bad ass Calphalon One nonstick 10” pan. They sometimes call it an omelette pan which is a dumb move on their part because I almost did not buy it.

Sorry the blog has been slow. I just wanted to share some new stuff I got. I have loads of restaurant reviews from my DC trip I haven’t done yet. I don’t even remember if I did the San Francisco coverage yet either. Then I have stuff with Rotaract and Goleta Teen of the Year.

It’s Cool To Be An American, Again

Published on November 6, 2008 in Politics. 1 Comment Tags: , , , .

One of the thousands of reasons why this election and this President-elect has me so excited is I finally feel that I am proud to be an American again. Of course I was not fed up enough to do something drastic like moving (though others have threatened it, jokingly).

I remember talking to a Norwegian friend about moving to Norway and how much fun that would be. I asked him if the girls there liked Asian men, since they would be “exotic” and different. And he said no, they would not like me. When I asked him why, he said “It’s not because you’re Asian, it’s because you’re American.” I was speechless. This was what the last 8 years has brought us. The most powerful (and best) country in the world has become the most hated and despised.

William Kole, and expatriat living in Vienna said:

For longtime U.S. expatriates like me — someone far more accustomed to being targeted over unpopular policies, for having my very Americanness publicly assailed — it feels like an extraordinary turnabout.

Like a long journey over a very bumpy road has abruptly come to an end.
And it’s not just me.

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