Suggestions Welcome

So, here's my "Bay Area Restaurant Wishlist," along with some random little notes. Many of these establishments are nationally known or that I've read about in Food and Wine or Tasting Table, others are just places I've passed that looked good.

Napa:

French Laundry -- reservation line opens exactly at 10 a.m.

La Torque

Mustards

Tyler Florence's shop (not really a restaurant but a must-do anyway)

NapaStyle -- ditto to above (http://www.napastyle.com/home.jsp)

wine tastings!

Ad Hoc

Bottega Napa Valley

Bouchon

(Check out http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2012/07/day-trip-yountville for ideas)

SF proper:

Baker and Banker

Absinthe

Pesce (in Russian Hill area)

Craftsman and Wolves

Commonwealth

Tartine

Sons and Daughters

Red Crawfish (http://www.redcrawfishsf.com/menu.html)

Wayfare Tavern

East Bay:

Chez Panisse

Cheeseboard

Adesso

Camino

Dopo

Pizzaiolo

Cesar

La Note

Jack London Square:

Haven

Yoshi's

Bocanova

Il Pescatore 

Scott's

Kincaids

Miss Pearl's

I think I can...haha, get it?

In my desire to savor the flavors of the summer season all year long, I've recently taken up canning -- just add it to my ongoing list of random kitchen projects. Actually, this is something I've been wanting to do for awhile. I like the idea of one, never buying canned goods or jam again, and two, preserving some of my favorite seasonal foods for year long enjoyment. 

I started with two easy "starter" projects -- pickles and strawberry jam. The pickles were really easy, fairly quick, and delicious! I made bread and butter pickles at my roommate's request (they're my favorite, too), and honestly, I'm not sure they'll last the summer, anyway -- kind of defeats the purpose, but its all good (I can always make more, now that I realize how simple it is). I used a fusion of the bread and butter pickle recipe in the plaid Better Homes and Gardens cookbook -- my standby -- and the quick pickle recipe in the most recent issue of Everyday Food magazine. The result was super yummy!

The part of canning/preserving that intimidated me the most was the actual process -- water bath, etc. But I soon discovered that as long as I followed the directions step by step, it was pretty straightforward. I don't have the proper rack for my pot, so I just place the jars in a large stockpot and keep on eye on it -- works like a charm (although I do want the proper pot eventually).

Next came the strawberries. I have learned that if one hits up the farmers' market within an hour before they close, there are great deals to be had. So I bought a flat of strawberries (enough for a dozen half pint jars) for seven bucks -- not bad, eh?

I actually did the strawberries in two batches, and ended up being pleased that I did. For the first half, I used a pectin-free recipe...well, surprise, surprise, it did not work. So now I have "strawberry topping" -- that's what I was going for anyway, right? It's good on angel food cake, shortcakes, ice cream...so it certainly won't go to waste.

After a rather huge ordeal at the local Safeway, I finally found the pectin and tried again. Success! Super delicious strawberry jam that is just the right consistency. I'm quite pleased.

So now I am out of jars and need to get some more (not counting the antique ones my grandparents gave me). According to the guy that runs my favorite cherry stand at the market, this weekend or the next is the last for cherries, so I need to stock up. I might just freeze some for future use, but maybe I'll get creative with my new found canning skills. I do really want to try and make canned peaches (I looooove canned peaches) so that might be next on the list -- that and more pickles!

Update: Last weekend I managed to squeeze in some time to make canned peaches. I only made three jars, but I'm still pleased. I hope they taste good! (haven't tried them yet, because I want to save 'em until peaches aren't in season anymore). Who else out these HATES peeling peaches as much as I do? It never goes as smoothly as the books promise unless the peaches are at the exactly right moment of ripeness. What a pain!

Also, a tip -- I've been having a hard time finding canning supplies (jars, lids, pectin, etc.) at the local grocery stores. The Bed Bath and Beyond up the street does carry some things, although they're kind of overpriced unless you have a coupon. In all honestly, the best place for supplies is...Wal-Mart. I know, I know. But what can you do? Even Target had dismal options. Wal-Mart had tons of stuff, all really affordable, plus the Better Homes and Gardens line had some really cute lids.

In the garden

Currently growing in my patio garden:

Tomato, eggplant, zucchini, jalapeño, romaine lettuce, tarragon, sage, two kinds of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, potatoes, and lavender.

 

I recently harvested the lavender blossoms and have some drying. The rest I used to make lavender scented sugar cookies. Thankfully I froze half the dough, because my wonderful dog and his canine roommate helper decided to help themselves to the two dozen freshly baked cookies. Ah, the joys of pets...

 

I currently have a green tomato and a baby jalapeno growing out there, which I'm pretty psyched about. I've been known to have somewhat of a "black thumb" when it comes to gardening, but so far o good -- it probably doesn't hurt that the weather out here is so ideal.

Summertime flatbread feast

I love summertime, not just for the nice weather but for the food -- of course! Fresh fruits and veggies, lots of seafood...summer is definitely the best season for foodies (unless you count the holidays, but don't even get me started on that). I really look forward to my food magazines showing up this time of year, with all their fresh takes on uses for seasonal produce. This "pizza" -- or maybe "flatbread" would be a more accurate title -- is something I've come up with on my own and make several times throughout the season -- its easy, quick, and delicious. If you have an outdoor grill or a grill pan, use that, but if not, a cast iron skillet (and in a pinch, any kind of skillet, really -- or even a warm oven) will do.

Ingredients (serves two -- or one, if you're hungry)

2 nectarines or peaches, sliced, but don't bother peeling them (see note)

drizzle of balsamic

fresh rosemary, chopped

Drizzle of olive oil

2 pieces wheat pita

Several slices of prosciutto (regular ham works, too, but go with the prosciutto -- the king of meats -- if you can)

Parmesan or another hard, nutty cheese, freshly grated

Salt to taste (optional -- keep in mind that both the prosciutto and parm are salty)

In a skillet, heat the stone fruit over medium heat just until it is warm and starts to soften. Remove from the pan and put in a small bowl, immediately toss with balsamic and rosemary. Set aside.

Brush both sides of the pitas with EVOO. Then add to skillet or the grill, keeping them over medium to medium-high heat (depending on the size of the pan you're using, you may have to do this one at a time. If so, just store one in the oven or microwave to keep warm while you finish the other). Once one side of the pita is crispy, just a couple of minutes, flip and then top with prosciutto and grated Parmesan. Cook until everything is heated through and the pita is crisp. 

Remove from the heat, top with nectarines, and serve immediately. This is also good with some fresh arugula on top.

Note: If you are working on a grill, halve the nectarines and grill them, then slice and toss with balsamic and rosemary.

Eating my way through Jack London Square

Oakland has a bad rap, both in California and across the country. And yes, there are certainly some parts that I avoid -- but there are some really nice areas, too, that are completely underrated. The Lake Merritt area, Rockridge, and Jack London Square are all cute, happening areas with a lot of cool shops and restaurants. Because of its convenient location to my apartment, I've been eating at various restaurants in Jack London Square (and no, not just at Ben and Jerry's...). One of the best things about the area -- besides the awesome farmers' market there every Sunday morning -- is that it's on the water, so not only can one eat outside in the gorg California weather and enjoy a view of the bay, but seafood is abundant. And I know that you know how I feel about seafood.

So far I've hit up Scott's, Kincaid's, and Miss Pearl's.

I went to Scott's fairly soon after I moved in, along with my brother and my roommate -- and we all loved it. Sitting outside with a view of the water was a definite plus. We all shared a shrimp cocktail appetizer, made with bay shrimp, which are quite small -- but that worked out because then there were more to go around! My roommate had a warm lobster roll, which i am going to get next time (it looks delicious, and she loved it). Alex had a seafood saute, which he also liked. Finally, I had the seafood cioppino, a classic San Francisco dish. It had tons of fresh seafood in a slightly spicy tomato broth -- yum! And it was served with a slice of sourdough-turned-cheesebread that was to die for!

Alex and I went to Kincaid's (pictured above) pretty recently. The service was okay, but not great (a trend I've found in most of these places), but the food was really good. We both had clam chowder to start, made with bacon and leeks. Seriously some of the best clam chowder I've ever had. Alex had never had it with bacon before -- which makes zero sense to me, consider that clam chowder and bacon are two of his favorite foods of all time -- so he was in heaven. The restaurant serves these really garlicky rolls, which were outstanding...I ate way too many of them, and then barely had room for my entree. I actually had an appetizer -- the hot crab dip -- as my main course. It was okay, although it seemed overly sweet to me. But maybe I was just too stuffed to really tell at that point. Alex had a twist on seafood etouffee, which he enjoyed -- and it was served on cheesy bacon grits instead of rice, which was delicious. And then we had dessert. I know, I just said I was ridiculously full -- but when has that ever stopped me before? Alex had some kind of crazy chocolate cake with homemade hot fudge sauce, and I had a waffle sundae with homemade butterscotch and hot fudge. Both were crazy good, definitely the highlight of the meal. Alex couldn't even finish his -- another first. Of course, I somehow manged to eat all of mine...

And then Alex and I went to Miss Pearl's for lunch just last week. We sat outside in the glorious sunshine, so that was awesome. He had -- wait for it -- clam chowder to start! (Shocking, right?) It was good -- also containing bacon -- and had something else that I can't quite put my finger on that gave it a certain uniqueness -- fennel, maybe? We shared some cornbread, which was good, although a little dry, and then he had a fried chicken sandwich and I had fish and chips with sweet potato fries. We were both happy with the main course. The batter on my fish had some Cajun spice in it, giving the dish a neat spin. Also, I know this is weird, but the iced tea was really good.

So, we still have to hit up Bocanova (small plates), Il Pescatore, and Haven, as well as the chicken and waffles place across the street. I'll keep you posted!

Three weeks in California

So, I’ve been in California for exactly three weeks, and I have so much to ramble on about, I’m going to do it as bullet points (of course, if I’d bothered to update in the past few weeks, I wouldn’t have that problem – but you move across the country and then tell me if you have time to blog right away).

Awesome things I’ve had to eat so far:

-Seafood cioppino with cheesy sourdough at Scott’s Restaurant

-Breakfast at the Oakland Grill twice – and the best chicken apple sausage – a surprisingly popular menu item around here

-Sweet crepes at Crepevine in Berkeley

-Dinner at Liaison in Berkeley – Alex had the trout almandine (a favorite of both of ours) and I had the canard a l’orange…and profiteroles for dessert

-Indian food I actually enjoyed at a little hole in the wall up the street, and pretty decent Chinese – and some Korean BBQ at a random food truck at the Treasure Island Flea Market

-Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee on every corner. You know I’m in heaven.

-Fruit at the farmers’ market. It’s like, oh, so that’s what a strawberry/peach/raspberry/cherry/orange actually tastes like

Awesome things I’ve done so far and that I love about living here:

-Death Cab for Cutie at the Fox Theater last week (they closed with my favorite song, with a freaking orchestra! It was epic)

-Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee on every corner

-Treasure Island Flea Market

-Target right up the road

-Sweet new patio garden going on

-Seeing the ocean every day

-Fresh crab meat for 5.99 at Safeway (the real stuff)

-Having money to spend on coffee and crab and cherries, and not constantly being on the verge of a mental breakdown due to a lack of funds

-Seeing my brother at least once a week

-Direct deposit!

-Weekly farmers’ market right next door

Places in Oakland I must check out – not even getting into the numerous Berkeley and San Francisco destinations (although, I must mention, I have never been to a Sur La Table shop and can’t wait…and Tyler Florence’s shop up in Napa…):

http://rockridgemarkethall.com/

http://www.urbanuniversity.biz/urban_furniture.htm

http://urbanindigo.com/

Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day, mom!

In season now

So over the weekend, I read 'Alice Waters and Chez Panisse' by Thomas Mcnamee -- it seemed fitting, considering that I'll be heading out that way on Saturday (excited squeal). The book included several examples of menus at CheZ Panisse over the years, most -- if not all -- which include local, seasonal produce. So that got me thinking -- what is in season in northern California right now? Like, what can I expect to find at the farmers' market next Sunday? Here's what I dug up:
In late April, here's what one can expect to find: Apples, Asparagus, Avocados, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cherries, Fennel, Grapefruit, Halibut, Pacific, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Nectarines, Okra, Onions, Oranges, Peas, Pistachios, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Scallions, Shrimp, Pink, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Turnips.
So I guess the question really is, what's NOT in season in northern California right now?
Just wanted to share...and gloat a little, too :)