virgoinwonderland

Pretty, yes. Pampered, no.

Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008 by virgoinwonderland

I’ve been so stressed out lately. Work is making me crazy. So when J. and I made plans for dinner, she made us both reservations for manicures in the city. Thank God!

Our favorite mani/pedi spot will always be Polished Lounge in SOMA in the city, but we like to try new spots too. This time we went to The Pampered Girl, a spot in Hayes Valley that’s been open for less than a year.

You can easily make a day of it in this neighborhood. There are lovely boutiques around here and you could even have a great meal at Paul K just down the block.

The first thing you notice when you step into the place is the amount of pink and white. The decor is very retro kitchy glamour, and very Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately, the space is also very small. It’s basically one narrow room that has six plush white treatment chairs. But there’s not much width to the place so astheticians literally bump into each other while performing clients’ services.

To compound the small space, things seemed a bit unorganized. When J. and I were there they were running about 15 minutes behind, and that left people waiting and the owner running around to help out. It made for a harried experience that was the least bit relaxing. They also had nail drying machines lying around on the floor and magazines haphazardly stacked on top of trash cans that were doubling as end tables. It was all a bit messy.

But this place does have its pluses. First, the prices are very affordable. Just $12 for its cheapest mani and $23 for its pedi. For the atmosphere and quality, it’s a good deal.

And secondly, I’m terribly picky about how manicurists shape my nails. I’ve been known to start shaping them myself in the middle of a mani because I get so peeved with carelessly shaped nails that are filed crookedly and left rough. But they did a FABULOUS job with my “Jolene” manicure, as well as with J’s “Amelie” mani. The scrub that came with my manicure was a little stingy, and I would’ve loved a slightly longer massage, but they made up for it with the great job they did on my nails.

It’s a nice little affordable spot to hang out with girlfriends and enjoy an afternoon. But if you’re looking for a relaxing experience, head elsewhere.

The Pampered Girl – 225 Gough – San Francisco – 415.431.GIRL

Food, San Francisco

It was a pleasure, Jack (NOW CLOSED)

Posted on Monday, February 4, 2008Monday, August 24, 2009 by virgoinwonderland

J. and I have passed Jack Falstaff restaurant on numerous occasions after leaving nearby Jeremy’s Department Store in San Francisco (a favorite of ours for obvious bargain shopping reasons). But I’ve never felt compelled to eat there because from the outside, the space looks so large and cavernous, which can be too industrial and intimidating. No warmth.

So imagine my surprise when we walked in and were greeted with low ceilings, soft lighting, luxurious suede mint green walls, rich redwood accents and clean crisp white linens. The space was at once clean, warm, and modern. I loved it already. And the genuinely friendly host was a big plus as well.

We took advantage of the prix fixe lunch and started with a Potato and Leek Soup. We inquired about whether is was a cream based soup or mostly thickened with pureed potato and the waiter confirmed it was the latter. Good thing because that’s what we were hoping for.

The soup was amazingly light, smooth, and flavorful with the brightness of the leeks coming through. And the light drizzle of quality olive oil and chives gave it character, acting not just as garnish. For such a common soup, the flavors really came alive and impressed us.

Next up was the Fried Chicken Breast with Braised Cabbage and Barley. What an interesting combo! Now, you know my love of all things fried, and J. and I have had fried chicken at Town Hall and 900 Grayson, which we love. But this version at Jack Falstaff’s was totally different and another delightful surprise. The batter on the chicken was crispy and flavorful and the breast meat was cooked nicely. And the drizzle of gravy over the dish was the perfect complement, with its sweet soy sauce flavor. It was the perfect light complement to what can be a heavy dish. And the braised cabbage and barley rounded everything out, making the dish feel wholesome and earthy. It was delicious and balanced.

Dessert was the weakest part of the meal, though it wasn’t by any means terrible. Our Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Creme Anglaise and Raspberries had spent just a touch too long in the fryer. The outside was browner than I’d like, giving them a slightly burnt flavor. But the cinnamon sugar was lovely and at least the donuts weren’t dried out.

The portions are perfect here: not too small, not too large. We were comfortably full and satisfied, especially since all our plates were so well orchestrated. Service was surprisingly unpretentious, warm, and friendly. They refilled our water regularly but took a little time to clear our plates. No matter. It was the perfect afternoon for us to chat and linger over a long and delicious lunch in the city.

Jack Falstaff – 598 Second St. @ Brannan – San Francisco – 415.836.9239

Events, Food, San Francisco

Group Dining at the Social Club

Posted on Sunday, January 27, 2008Monday, August 24, 2009 by virgoinwonderland

A get together of friends over dinner was in order, and I was once again, on the lookout for a restaurant that had three elements: 1) reasonable parking, 2) reasonable prices, 3) the ability to accomodate a table of 10-12 people without paying for a private room. These three criteria can be difficult to fill in San Francisco.

So a friend suggested the Presidio Social Club in San Francisco. Because of the location, there was going to be ample parking, the pricepoint was right (entrees $17-$32), and they could accomodate a large table like ours without charging an additional room fee. And the food was good!

We ordered multiple dishes between us and all were solidly tasty (Cabbage Soup, Chopped Salad w/Avocado), but the highlight of the appetizers seemed to be the Frisee and Endive Salad with Bacon and Fried Egg. Both rich and fresh.

For entrees, we ordered several Flat Iron Steak main courses w/Fries (perfectly cooked meat and fabulous fries!!!), White Cheddar Mac & Cheese (not nearly as good as Home Restaurant in SF, but acceptable), and the Oxtail Stroganoff (wonderfully executed with its homey egg noodles). But the standout was the Kobe Beef Sloppy Joe! The meat was fabulously juicy and tender, and that sauce had a great vinegary kick. Just excellent. And those fries again…YUM!

Desserts we ordered included the seasonal Cranberry Sorbet (fresh, sweet, and light) but it was the Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Parfait that made us all swoon. The cakes were full of chocolatey flavor that was deep and rich. And that creamy parfait was the best thing of the night!

Being the dorks that we are, we weren’t interested in the wine list the waiter offered. We were MUCH more excited about the selection of sodas! They have Bubble Up, Mexican Coca Cola, Stewart’s Root Beer and Creme Soda, and a few more that we didn’t get to. Frankly, I think they should advertise this more on the menu since sodas like these are hard to get in the Bay Area. Some of us want to go back just for a soda and that cupcake dessert!

The setting is classically fun and so is the menu, and the waiter was extremely accomodating and friendly. Though we had to wait longer than we wanted for our reserved table, we were apologized to repeatedly and the food, service, and selection more than made up for it. It’s a great place for a comforting American meal, a group dinner, or even some dessert and a retro soda at the bar.

Presidio Social Club – Bldg. 563 Ruger St. – The Presidio in San Francisco – 415.885.1888

Food, Shopping, Travel

Shanghai: Part Two

Posted on Monday, January 21, 2008Tuesday, January 22, 2008 by virgoinwonderland

So again, MSG is in everything here. You’ve been warned.

That said, the food in Shanghai is distinctive, flavorful, and very rich.

Because China is so big, different regions have very distinctive food styles. In the south (Canton, Hong Kong, Guangzhao, Shenzhen, etc.) rice is served all the time and dishes are stirfried. In the north (Shanghai, Ningbao, and the like), meats are commonly braised in rich sauces and their main staples are noodles and dumplings; foods that are heavier, heartier, and made with flour because of the colder climate. In Beijing, there’s lots of hotpot, goat, and lamb. Hunan food is infamously spicy.

So here are three highlights from our trip to Shanghai:

JADE GARDEN – Classic Shanghainese food in a colonial French setting. The place is eternally packed, so make sure you call for reservations no less than a week in advance. We enjoyed the Braised Pork (pictured below) and the Crystal Shrimp served with dark vinegar.

XIAO LONG BAO – This isn’t a restaurant but arguably the signature dish of Shanghai (pictured below). It is steamed dumplings filled with pork and sometime some seafood like shrimp or crab. It is so damn flavorful and there’s a special way to eat them so you don’t waste the “tong” or soupy oil that’s sitting inside the dumpling. You can get them at any Shanghainese restaurant but the best have both a flavorful tong/soup and meat filling inside AND a super thin delicate dough. If there’s one thing you HAVE to order while in Shanghai, it’s a steamer full of these puppies.

YU YUAN GARDENS VARIOUS FOODSTANDS – This is a good place to experience “street food” without questioning how unsafe they are. Because these foodstands are within the Yu Yuan Gardens Bazaar, they’re cleaner and a bit safer. And the food is very tasty. You can try classics like soy sauce tea eggs, fishballs, tripe, egg rolls, and my favorite, fried stinky tofu with chili sauce. It’s like cheese for the Chinese because they ferment the tofu much like cheese. Hence the stinkiness. If you are an adventurous eater, it’s not to be missed.

Much of the food we had during our trip was sublime. But I have to admit, my husband and I are COMPLETELY burnt out on Chinese food for quite a while!

Food, Shopping, Travel

Shanghai: Part One

Posted on Monday, January 14, 2008Friday, February 15, 2008 by virgoinwonderland

So let me preface my description of Shanghai with this… Everything you eat will have MSG in it. They don’t use it in “pinches,” they use it by the teaspoon and tablespoon in each and every dish. It’s as normal to them as soy sauce, or salt to us. It’s just the way they live. So eat with caution and drink a lot of water if you travel there.

Now, with that said, my husband and I had a dandy old time in Shanghai. The area is so developed, so metropolitan, it’s scary. I was there just 12 years ago, and its now infamous skyline didn’t exist back then. Yes, that famous skyline has come to fruition in the span of only 10+ years. Amazing and frightening at the same time.

There is a lot of rich cultural history in Shanghai. Hong Kong is much like New York in that it’s so bustling, crowded, and metropolitan. But Shanghai at times can be like New York on steroids. You can’t get into the hottest (and truly tasty) restaurants without a reservation at least two weeks in advance. And unlike Hong Kong, this town has an artistic side. Hong Kong can be a bit too trendy and vapid.

There was a lot of French colonial influence in Shanghai during the 1920’s and 30’s. The classic dresses that women wore called qipao or cheongsam were standard fare during this time. And that French influence was the reason for the riverside area called “The Bund.” All it’s buildings are very European and old (and now houses a bunch of high end bars, clubs, hotels and restaurants).

And because of the French influence during that time, Shanghai has a strong sense of European art and culture. It’s the reason why I love the city. A combination of dirty old China (still very rough around the edges) and European sophistication.

Besides The Bund, here are some districts to visit:

TAI KANG LU –

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I was in a little neighborhood somewhere in Paris. It’s a maze of narrow alleyways and a bit hard to get to. But it’s totally worth it. Great spot to enjoy yourself at a cafe and shop for art, teas, jewelry, housewares, and magnificent photography. We loved this area immensely. It’s so charming.

XING TI DI –

This is the hot spot for the young and trendy. If Paris Hilton were to visit Shanghai, she’d come here. There are some cute little boutiques, but it’s the place to be for coffee, a drink at the hottest bar or club, or dinner at some of the trendiest restaurants in town. It’s worth a visit, but if you enjoy going to bed before midnight, no need to spend too much time here.

YU YUAN GARDENS –

This place is a dizzying maze of little Chinese shops and food galore. It’s a little like an organized flea market, but more like a crowded bazaar. There’s also some classic Chinese buildings (with their distinctive curved and pointed roofs), gardens and ponds. If you want gifts for the folks back home (pearls, other jewelry, accessories, and knick knacks), this is the place to get them. And stop by the many food stands that serve stinky fried tofu, xiao long bao, and other classic food-stand delicacies. Yum!

Nice segway into the food discussion… But that’ll have to wait until next week. 🙂

Food, San Francisco

Pizza by Delfina

Posted on Tuesday, January 8, 2008Monday, August 24, 2009 by virgoinwonderland

I LOVE THIN CRUST PIZZA! And my lactose intolerance wasn’t enough to stop me and J. in our quest for an expertly prepared thin crust Neapolitan-style pizza.

Regulars to Pizzeria Delfina know the waits can be long. Fortunately, we were there by 12:10, and I snagged their last two top inside the restaurant.

Their menu is small, but everything we had was exceptionally fresh and expertly prepared. We decided on the Spicy Cauliflower antipasti to start and it was delicious. The capers were the perfect foil for the roasted cauliflower’s nutty flavor. Nice and tangy. And there was just a hint of spice that came from the few bright red slivers of chili pepper.

J. ordered the Salsiccia Pizza, which included slivers of red onion and fresh fennel sausage. The sausage was wonderfully fresh and mild with just a touch of spice and depth from the fennel.

And that crust!!! Words can’t explain that fabulously wonderful crust! It’s not cracker thin so that it snaps. That’s a whole different kind of thin crust pizza. This one was perfectly thin, but still with a touch of doughy bite. It was perfectly crisp on the bottom so that when you bit into it, you could hear the crispness. It was heaven! No two thin crust pizzas are created equal, and this one was exceptional.

I chose the Margherita which had buffalo mozzarella, a mild tomato sauce, and a disappointing two–count ’em, two–basil leaves. The cheese and sauce were obviously fresh and exceptional in quality, but almost too simple and lacking a bit of oomph. But that crust was again, the star of this pie. It made a good pie, truly memorable.

The place is tiny with only a handful of tables and a few counter stools. If you’re willing to take advantage of the sidewalk tables, they do have heat lamps. Everything is very basic so decor and atmosphere aren’t what you’re here for.

It does get loud though with everyone waiting for a table during peak times and the incredibly loud pumping music. Still, the staff are friendly and don’t rush you even when the line is out the door. Something J. and I can appreciate.

There was no room for any dessert on this trip, but we did seem to find some once we walked over to Bi-Rite Creamery just down the street.

Totally worth my lactose intolerance’s consequences.

Pizzeria Delfina – 3611 18th St., S.F. – 415.437.6800

Events, San Francisco, Shopping, Travel

Welcome 2008!

Posted on Saturday, January 5, 2008Saturday, January 5, 2008 by virgoinwonderland

Happy New Year!

Sorry for the long absence VB readers. I’ve just returned from a trip to Shanghai and will write an entry or two in the next few weeks about a couple of my food experiences during my time there. I’m still trying to get over the jetlag.

In the meantime, you shopping fanatics know this is arguably the best time of year to score bargains. I’ve just updated the Sales and Coupons page, but here are some of the best sales out there:

Neiman Marcus – Online After Christmas Sale. Additional 25% off already sale merchandise.

J.Crew – Final Sale of up to 80% off.

Banana Republic – More than 50% off winter merchandise and new markdowns were just taken.

L’Occitane – Up to 50% off select merchandise for a limited time.

Ikea – Winter Sale with up to 60% off select merchandise.

Jeremy’s – Additional 60% off already sale merchandise. Weekends throughout the month of January should have some good sales in general.

Elephant Pharmacy – Up to 75% off a wide array of seasonal and discontinued merchandise, as well as 25% off all body care and cosmetics!

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is traditionally the last big push that retailers will make to get rid of their winter merchandise. Therefore, that will be your last weekend to score great bargains. I know this may sound crazy to many of you, but it’s also the perfect time to do some X’mas and gift shopping. It’ll set you up for the rest of the year.

After that, the bargains will be few and far between.

Events, San Francisco

The Most Wonderful Sale of the Year…

Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 by virgoinwonderland

It’s the sale I wait for ALL YEAR LONG… People ask how I can afford a premier designer bag. This once-a-year sale is the single reason I can…

It’s the Saks Fifth Avenue After Christmas Sale!

From the moment they open on December 26th in the morning until 12 noon ONLY, they’ll take an additional 50% off ALL already sale merchandise for a total of up to 70% off!!! One year, I got a Hogan leather handbag for only $250 (original price was around $1000), and a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes for around $75 (original price was around $300), and my husband got a Hugo Boss suit for $250! You can’t afford not to go!

But this sale is for the serious designer shopper, so you’ll need some inside tips:

1.) The sale is advertised to start at 8am, but it DOESN’T! IT STARTS AT 7AM!!! (San Francisco and Phoenix stores only. All others nationwide do open at 8.) You can thank me later 🙂 .

2.) You cannot arrive to this sale any later than 6:30am. Why? There’s a line that starts to form outside the store. Trust me, it is THAT worth it. And if you arrive after 7:30am, you might as well stay home. Seriously. All the good handbags and shoes will totally be gone.

3.) Once the doors open, it will be a madhouse. You’ll want to hit the handbags first, shoes second. That said, go to the handbags and pick up the bags that are already on sale. These are the ones that will be marked down an additional 50% off. Sometimes, there’s only one of each bag (the Guccis and Pradas, especially), so don’t waste time lingering.

4.) At the SF location, we forget that they’ve moved some of the designer bag labels (Juicy, Kate Spade, Marc by Marc Jacobs) upstairs to the Contemporary department. If you love handbags as much as I do, you may want to head there before everyone else does to avoid the crowds. You may be able to score a Kate Spade for 100 bucks or less! Again, you can thank me later.

5.) The shoe salon will be just as chaotic, if not more. Pick out all your shoes, and I mean ALL of them, and then go get the salesman to help you. Again, plan wisely.

6.) Last, head upstairs to apparel. At the top floor is the newly remodeled Contemporary Women’s department. You’ll find labels like Nanette Lapore, Marc Jacobs, Vince, Rebecca Taylor, Theory and all the others. Selection will be vast and a lot of it will be 70% off.

7.) The best advice my Mom ever gave me when it comes to serious sales: “Buy first, think later.” At Saks, you can return your sale merchandise, with receipt, within 30 days. If you like it even remotely, buy it. You can return it later. Because if you linger too long, it’ll be gone…

This sale will take stamina and patience, and only the most serious of shoppers will survive.

I know you’re laughing, but I’m serious!

This is not for the faint of heart, so wear comfortable shoes, don’t wear a big coat (it’ll get hot in there with all the people), and eat a good breakfast. But you’ll be rewarded with some fantastic finds.

I know this is probably the most shallow entry I’ve ever written, but I don’t care. A serious sale is seriously fun.

Oh, and you’re welcome. 🙂

Food, San Francisco, Shopping

The Bay Area’s most overrated spots

Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007Wednesday, December 19, 2007 by virgoinwonderland

A new year is almost upon us, so let’s talk about some of the most overhyped and over-recommended places that have disappointed me in the last year. And to start the new year off right, I’ll recommend some places you should visit instead, right alongside them.

First, some restaurants…

OVERRATED: Slanted Door (S.F.) / INSTEAD: Bong Su (S.F.) or Tamarine (Palo Alto)

I enjoy Vietnamese food so much, but I just can’t justify a one month wait for a reservation to a place that is all style over substance. You pay for the view and the rising chef that’s making the food. It’s tasty, but you can get the same or similar dishes at a hole in the wall down the street for a quarter of the price. Bong Su, or its sister restaurant Tamarine, are so much more innovative in their ingredients, preparation, and flavors.

OVERRATED: Limon (S.F.) / INSTEAD: Scott Howard (S.F.)

I know, Limon serves Latin cuisine and Scott Howard contemporary American. Totally different foods. But Scott Howard is the best restaurant in San Francisco that not enough people are eating at. And Limon is definitely one of the most overhyped (right behind Slanted Door).

OVERRATED: Salt House (S.F.) / INSTEAD: Town Hall (S.F.)

Salt House does have a great vibe and fabulous atmosphere. But the food is not up to snuff, plain and simple. Ironically, its sister restaurant, Town Hall, has fabulous food and also a happening scene. Go there instead.

OVERRATED: The Counter (Palo Alto) / INSTEAD: Jeffrey’s Hamburgers (San Mateo), Taylors Refresher (S.F. and St. Helena), In-n-Out Burger

Why on earth would I return to a restaurant that has some of the worst service I’ve ever experienced in my life? Easy, I don’t. The mediocre food could never possibly warrant such poor service from the waitstaff, and the management obviously doesn’t care. And worst of all, the food isn’t very good! If you’re in the area and are jonesing for a burger, go to Jeffrey’s instead. They’re friendly, clean, and no frills. Oh yeah, and the burger is pretty damn tasty. And if you’re further north, both Taylor’s Referesher outposts are good, too. Hell, In-n-Out has a better burger and service than The Counter ever will.

And now, some shopping…

OVERRATED: Daiso (Daly City) / INSTEAD: Ichiban Kan (S.F. and San Mateo)

Daiso is Japan’s largest discount retailer. Ichiban is a chain of two Japanese “dollar stores” in the Bay Area. How do they compare? In the words of my husband, Ichiban may be smaller, but their merchandise is much better. You get Japanese name brands that you can trust in food and healthcare products, like Kanebo, Calbee, Meiji, and others. Daiso may be as big as a Target store, but it’s void of anything worth buying. It’s a huge waste of time.

OVERRATED: Gilroy Premium Outlets / INSTEAD: Great Mall (Milpitas)

This one used to be the other way around. But with the addition of Neiman Marcus Last Call and its competitor, Off 5th, Great Mall now wins this challenge. Now all they need is a Barneys New York outlet and it’ll be perfect.

If you have any thoughts on what’s overrated in the Bay Area, let me know. Until then, Happy New Year!

San Francisco

Living the Lush Life

Posted on Saturday, December 8, 2007Saturday, December 8, 2007 by virgoinwonderland

Courtesy of www.lushlifenailbar.com

My pal Kous and I were in the mood for a little R&R and I needed to get the tootsies done for the two holiday parties I was going to over the weekend.

We had no reservations anywhere and wanted to go someplace other than the tiny sterile place down the street with the mean ladies who talk about you in foreign languages as they work on your toes. Our first choice was the Polished Lounge (which still remains my fave spot no matter where I go), but they’re always so booked, so a walk in was out of the question.

A call to pal Jen steered us to Lush Life Nail Bar on Fillmore between Union and Lombard.

The place is very retro and clean, like something out of the W Hotel with a South Beach vibe. There was lots of white, some pink and some neon, and a flat screen HD television with one of the Charlie’s Angels movies playing. Semi relaxing, but much more of a “seen and be seen” scene. The clientele was hip, with some Marina soccer moms thrown in.

We were without a reservation, but only had to wait 15 minutes until they could take us for our basic pedis. The service was alright by our manicurists, but the front desk could’ve been a bit more personable. They seemed disinterested and were just waiting for quitting time. The bathroom and back room could’ve also been a bit cleaner.

They did a very good job on our pedis and never once rushed us out of the place. They let us chat, linger, and just chill out in our white chairs. But it was nothing…special. More attention to the details (a scented footbath, slightly longer massage) and a little more service (we didn’t even get offered any beverage, though they had some water sitting in an area) would’ve made this experience one to remember. The lack of details and extra service makes it a good standby if you’re in the area, but nothing to write home about.

And for $26 for a basic pedi (standard for these kinds of spots), I would’ve liked to see just a little bit more if they wanted me to return.

Lush Life Nail Bar – 3108 Fillmore – SF – 415.776.LUSH