Month: December 2010

So the common question posed to me is, “What restaurants are you wanting to try lately?” I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit, especially since it’s the end of 2010 and you tend to look back on what you’ve done in the last year.

As far as the restaurant wish list is concerned, I think these would be on it:

TRENDY SAN FRANCISCO:

*Frances (SF) – 2010’s hottest new restaurant and I still can’t get a table.
*Marlowe (SF) – Fairly good parking in the area and I’ve heard raves about their burger.
*Cotogna (SF) – Poised to be one of the most buzzworthy restos for 2011.
*Darwin Cafe (SF) – A friend just told me about this tiny spot and I just have to try it now, with their super enticing, daily changing limited menu of tasty skillets at dinner.

OUTSIDE SAN FRANCISCO:

*Martins West (RWC) – It’s English pub food w/California flair. Fish and chips AND a pork belly appetizer.
*All Spice (SM) – Intimate setting, Indian “fusion” menu. Very intriguing.
*Osteria Coppa (SM) – Mixed reviews about this place, but I’m still looking for some good Italian on the Peninsula, so I’m game.
*Ginji (SM) – Some interesting Japanese tapas with a little yakitori and sushi thrown in. I’d go if they’d freakin’ pick up the phone for a reservation.
*Pizzaiolo (Oakland) – Thin crust pizza that’s made news. I’m down.

THE CLASSICS:

*Boulevard (SF) – Someone find me an excuse to FINALLY visit this place, please!
*Bar Tartine (SF) – OMG, I can’t believe I haven’t been here yet! Bad parking and the lure of Ti Couz in the area have previously diverted me. But I will make it a point, damnit.
*Spruce (SF) – I have to save myself for a special occasion for this one. Pricey.

Would any one of you foodies like to join me?

I’ve hit up several food conferences and events lately and had the great fortune to sample a bunch of great food freebies and goodies.

But only a select few are worth mentioning:

Cypress Grove Chevre’s “Midnight Moon” (@cypressgrovers) – This goat cheese company has been on my radar for years, but when I tried their “Midnight Moon” cheese, my mind was officially blown. Throw all your impressions of goat cheese out the window. This is a hard cheese with a great nutty sweet flavor, much like a gouda, and those wonderful salty crystals that make a slight crunch in your mouth. The folks were nice enough to offer me a wedge to take home, where my husband and mother also agreed, it was fabulous!

And if you want the more traditional goat cheese texture and flavor, the “Truffle Tremor” was phenomenal as well. Soft, earthy, delish. Nothing like a little truffle goodness to make something taste even better than it normally does :).

Popchips Salt and Vinegar flavor (@popchips) – Everyone knows these chips are pretty tasty…blah, blah, blah. But when they let me sample their Salt and Vinegar flavor, my taste buds kind of when nuts! It was tangy, salty, a little sour, and it went so well with the special crunch of this chip. Genius!

Nature’s Path Organic Berry Strawberry Chewy Granola Bars (@naturespath) – These bars are pretty good. I got to try all the flavors and this one was my fave. I also like the way this company operates. Their people are passionate about producing good food and it shows. Plus, it’s wheat free!

Cascal’s Crisp White All Natural Soda (@cheerscascal) – This is PepsiCo’s answer to those who can’t drink alcohol. It’s made from fermented fruit juice, much like wine, but without the alcohol content, but they market it as “an all natural soda that pairs well with food.” They claim you can cook with it just like you would a red or white wine, but I don’t think anyone’s going to mistake this for your favorite bottle of bubbly. With that said, it does “remind” you of a nice fruity wine, and this particular flavor was my favorite. It has some white grape, apple, peach notes and was a nice alternative to a sparkling apple cider. Pretty tasty.

*This is not a sponsored post.