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Sunday, March 1, 2009
Bambuddha Lounge
February 2009
We found Bambuddha Lounge online when we searched last minute for a pre-ballet dinner reservation in the area. It's unmarked and in the beginning of a shady neighborhood, so make sure you know where it is (the staff told us that as long as we weren't "bright shiny objects that looked like crack" the people on the streets shouldn't bother us...)
When I met my friend, there were about five patrons in the whole big place. Granted it was 6pm, but it didn't fill up too much more in two hours. Friendly, but average, service.
We ordered the shrimp over papaya salad and the tuna tartare appetizers while we waited for our third to arrive. Both standard Asian fusion fare, if not a bit bland. Had a nice bottle of South African chardonnay. We shared a skirt steak and scallop entrees, of which steak was a little too flavored and scallops were good. The drunken noodle and bok choy sides were good.
Looks like there is a lounge/club scene as well, and it might be a cool space half full, but not sure I have a reason to come back. Final bill ~$45 per person.
http://www.bambuddhalounge.com/
601 Eddy Streetat (between Larkin St & Polk St), San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 885-5088
We found Bambuddha Lounge online when we searched last minute for a pre-ballet dinner reservation in the area. It's unmarked and in the beginning of a shady neighborhood, so make sure you know where it is (the staff told us that as long as we weren't "bright shiny objects that looked like crack" the people on the streets shouldn't bother us...)
When I met my friend, there were about five patrons in the whole big place. Granted it was 6pm, but it didn't fill up too much more in two hours. Friendly, but average, service.
We ordered the shrimp over papaya salad and the tuna tartare appetizers while we waited for our third to arrive. Both standard Asian fusion fare, if not a bit bland. Had a nice bottle of South African chardonnay. We shared a skirt steak and scallop entrees, of which steak was a little too flavored and scallops were good. The drunken noodle and bok choy sides were good.
Looks like there is a lounge/club scene as well, and it might be a cool space half full, but not sure I have a reason to come back. Final bill ~$45 per person.
http://www.bambuddhalounge.com/
601 Eddy Streetat (between Larkin St & Polk St), San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 885-5088
BIN 38
February 2009
I had a lovely pre-movie dinner at Bin 38. It was totally packed at 8pm on a Saturday, with every table booked and a gaggles of yuppie Marina folks around the bar. Our table was out in the front by the bar, so I didn't see the rest of the place.
We had a good bottle of Rioja (well, two between three of us), and then several courses of food to share. The winter crudites were small but refreshing, and the spinach artichoke bruschetta were great. Good crab and citrus salad. Love roasted cauliflower and broccoli (did not love the random patron from the bar who kept asking us about it), and lamb meatballs were pretty good. Not huge portions all around.
It was a bit loud, but a fun girls dinner. Final tab ~$70 per person.
http://www.bin38.com/
3232 Scott St (between Chestnut St & Lombard St), San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 567-3838
I had a lovely pre-movie dinner at Bin 38. It was totally packed at 8pm on a Saturday, with every table booked and a gaggles of yuppie Marina folks around the bar. Our table was out in the front by the bar, so I didn't see the rest of the place.
We had a good bottle of Rioja (well, two between three of us), and then several courses of food to share. The winter crudites were small but refreshing, and the spinach artichoke bruschetta were great. Good crab and citrus salad. Love roasted cauliflower and broccoli (did not love the random patron from the bar who kept asking us about it), and lamb meatballs were pretty good. Not huge portions all around.
It was a bit loud, but a fun girls dinner. Final tab ~$70 per person.
http://www.bin38.com/
3232 Scott St (between Chestnut St & Lombard St), San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 567-3838
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hey Cupcake!
February 2009YUM. I don't even like cupcakes, but YUM. The Double Dose, with chocolate bottom and top, was amazing. And they sell cartons of 2% milk. Which I also don't like but was really good call with the cupcakes. Oh and did I mention it's sold out of a trailer?
http://www.heycupcake.com/
1600 South Congress, Austin, TX 78704
Amy's Ice Cream
February 2009
Huge fan. Had Amy's three times over the course of the weekend - at the airport when I landed (Mexican vanilla with cookie dough), at the South Congress shop (some strawberry neopolitan one), and at the airport on my way out (again the Mexican vanilla with cookie dough).
YUM.
Huge fan. Had Amy's three times over the course of the weekend - at the airport when I landed (Mexican vanilla with cookie dough), at the South Congress shop (some strawberry neopolitan one), and at the airport on my way out (again the Mexican vanilla with cookie dough).
YUM.
Cissi's Market
February 2009
We came across Cissi's when Jo spotted the enormous flourescent letters on top of the building that read WINE BAR. Turns out Cissi's is also a great gourmet market, bar, and cafe, with super nice people. We sat outside on the street with a bottle of wine, but the folks inside looked like they had some pretty amazing meals too. I'd go here a lot if I lived in Austin.
www.cissismarket.com/
1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 225-0521
We came across Cissi's when Jo spotted the enormous flourescent letters on top of the building that read WINE BAR. Turns out Cissi's is also a great gourmet market, bar, and cafe, with super nice people. We sat outside on the street with a bottle of wine, but the folks inside looked like they had some pretty amazing meals too. I'd go here a lot if I lived in Austin.
www.cissismarket.com/
1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 225-0521
Bess Bistro on Pecan
February 2009This was our big birthday dinner, at Sandra Bullock's restaurant Bess. I actually don't remember enough about it because the drinks were free flowing, but we had yummy shrimp appetizers with the most amazing sauce that we sopped dry with bread. I had a great rare filet.
www.bessbistro.com/
500 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 477-2377
Lamberts
February 2009
By far my favorite restaurant in Austin. We went down to West 2nd Street for Saturday brunch, and it was amazing.
Started with some of the best bloody mary's we have had (and we drinks lots of bloodys). Appetizers of deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes on a bed of some goodness (amazing), and wild boar spare ribs, followed by a brisket and jalapeno sausage link sandwich with a side of mac and cheese. I mean really, does life get any better?
Super cute place, and their upstairs area has live music at night!
http://www.lambertsaustin.com/
401 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-1500
By far my favorite restaurant in Austin. We went down to West 2nd Street for Saturday brunch, and it was amazing.
Started with some of the best bloody mary's we have had (and we drinks lots of bloodys). Appetizers of deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes on a bed of some goodness (amazing), and wild boar spare ribs, followed by a brisket and jalapeno sausage link sandwich with a side of mac and cheese. I mean really, does life get any better?
Super cute place, and their upstairs area has live music at night!
http://www.lambertsaustin.com/
401 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-1500
San Jose Hotel Lounge
February 2009
So maybe this is more bar than restaurant, since they only have small snacks like seasoned edamame and nuts. Super cute outdoor space in "SoCo" neighborhood in Austin. Only beer and wine, but they have some interesting drinks like a cava with bay leaf and some fruit infused champagne.
A little chilly but they have heat lamps for nighttime, which is key.
http://www.sanjosehotel.com/
1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-2418
South Congress Cafe
February 2009Nice and reasonable restaurant in the "SoCo" neighborhood in Austin. We showed up around 9pm and had about a 30 minute wait, but the staff was nice and we perched at their bar area, which is actually pretty big (looked like some were eating there too). Our group of six got a cute corner booth.
We weren't super hungry but were pretty happy with the small plates and appetizers. I had the special beef chili (yum) and a blackened beef dish with horseradish hash. We had several drinks, and wine. Amazingly our final bill was about $22 per person, not bad at all
http://www.southcongresscafe.com/
1600 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 447-3905
Friday, November 28, 2008
Lavanda
Dinner and drinks
Tristen loves this place so much, she went three nights in a row. I was there for drinks on night #2 and dinner on night #3. Really yummy (Tristen claims new chef) and great wine and atmosphere. You can sit at the bar for a nice glass of wine and snacks or wonderful sit down dinner.
Rabbit ragu is wonderful, as is their gnocchi. Brussel sprouts are supposed to be signature but unfortunately they had run out.
www.lavandarestaurant.com
185 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 321-3514
Tristen loves this place so much, she went three nights in a row. I was there for drinks on night #2 and dinner on night #3. Really yummy (Tristen claims new chef) and great wine and atmosphere. You can sit at the bar for a nice glass of wine and snacks or wonderful sit down dinner.
Rabbit ragu is wonderful, as is their gnocchi. Brussel sprouts are supposed to be signature but unfortunately they had run out.
www.lavandarestaurant.com
185 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 321-3514
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Mamacita
Dinner with Shreni
YUM. Favorite fusion Mexican place in the city, it was so delicious. Ceviche was amazing, as was the guac. Both our entres were amazing. Really great margaritas too :)
You can get reservations for half of their seats, and rest is walk-in, so especially prime time, should definitely try for a ressie.
www.mamacitasf.com
2317 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 346-8494
YUM. Favorite fusion Mexican place in the city, it was so delicious. Ceviche was amazing, as was the guac. Both our entres were amazing. Really great margaritas too :)
You can get reservations for half of their seats, and rest is walk-in, so especially prime time, should definitely try for a ressie.
www.mamacitasf.com
2317 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 346-8494
Lotus Thai
Dinner with Yell
Trendy Thai place. It was nice to sit on sidewalk with yummy drinks. I was somewhat limited by Yell's 'no meat, no spicy' but still had pretty good spring rolls, pad keemow and vegetables.
www.lotusthaisd.com
906 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 595-0115
Trendy Thai place. It was nice to sit on sidewalk with yummy drinks. I was somewhat limited by Yell's 'no meat, no spicy' but still had pretty good spring rolls, pad keemow and vegetables.
www.lotusthaisd.com
906 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 595-0115
Carpaccio
Dinner with Katy and Gerri
Kind of a funny scene - totally hopping for a weekday night in Menlo Park, but a slightly older crowd (say 40s). Yummy Italian food, quite full.
www.carpaccios.com
1120 Crane Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 322-1211
Kind of a funny scene - totally hopping for a weekday night in Menlo Park, but a slightly older crowd (say 40s). Yummy Italian food, quite full.
www.carpaccios.com
1120 Crane Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 322-1211
Zanzibar Cafe II
Brunch with YellWhat a great brunch spot. Downtown San Diego, huge open windows to the street, tall airy space. DELICIOUS brunch. Eggs amazing, really fresh ingredients. Yell had this great looking latte too
(619) 230-0125
Sogno Divino
Dinner with Yell
My favorite place by far in San Diego. Middle of Little Italy, and it's basically a wine shop with a few dishes, but SO good. This eggplant wrap with cheese, tomatoes and goodness (I dont know what) was amazing, as were the paninis and salad.
http://www.sogno-divino.com/
1607 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8887
My favorite place by far in San Diego. Middle of Little Italy, and it's basically a wine shop with a few dishes, but SO good. This eggplant wrap with cheese, tomatoes and goodness (I dont know what) was amazing, as were the paninis and salad.
http://www.sogno-divino.com/
1607 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8887
Kasadela
Dinner with group
Pretty cool izakaya type restaurant in the East Village. Had dinner with a group of 10ish GSB and NY friends - the place does not take well to large groups since it's a pretty small space. Cute bar, then dining room. They have great selection of sake and shochu. Dishes are good but a bit small.
www.kasadela.com
647 East 11th Street (almost corner of Ave C), New York, NY 10009
(212) 777-1582
Pretty cool izakaya type restaurant in the East Village. Had dinner with a group of 10ish GSB and NY friends - the place does not take well to large groups since it's a pretty small space. Cute bar, then dining room. They have great selection of sake and shochu. Dishes are good but a bit small.
www.kasadela.com
647 East 11th Street (almost corner of Ave C), New York, NY 10009
(212) 777-1582
Terzo
Dinner with Wiser, Shane and James
Mediterranean/Italian place that we went to during Heirloom Tomato Week in August. We were not so impressed with their one heirloom tomato dish but the rest was ok. Everything is good (not sure if great), and somewhat limited menu though it's because they source all of their ingredients locally.
www.terzosf.com
3011 Steiner Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 441-3200
Mediterranean/Italian place that we went to during Heirloom Tomato Week in August. We were not so impressed with their one heirloom tomato dish but the rest was ok. Everything is good (not sure if great), and somewhat limited menu though it's because they source all of their ingredients locally.
www.terzosf.com
3011 Steiner Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 441-3200
Aburiya Kinnosuke
Dinner with Joyce and Eddie
Fantastic and authentic Japanese 'robata' grill restaurant. Lots of skewers of vegetables and meat, and their starters are true izakaya style dishes. Tofu is amazing. Good shochu too.
Service is Japanese = amazing. I had dinner with the Wu's before getting on Metro North at Grand Central a few blocks away. When I asked about train schedules, the host actually looked up all of the times online and wrote them out for me. Extraordinary for US, normal in Japan.
Same folks that do Yakitori Totto, which is another favorite
www.aburiyakinnosuke.com
213 East 45th Street, New York, NY 10017
(212) 867-5454
Fantastic and authentic Japanese 'robata' grill restaurant. Lots of skewers of vegetables and meat, and their starters are true izakaya style dishes. Tofu is amazing. Good shochu too.
Service is Japanese = amazing. I had dinner with the Wu's before getting on Metro North at Grand Central a few blocks away. When I asked about train schedules, the host actually looked up all of the times online and wrote them out for me. Extraordinary for US, normal in Japan.
Same folks that do Yakitori Totto, which is another favorite
www.aburiyakinnosuke.com
213 East 45th Street, New York, NY 10017
(212) 867-5454
La Bodeguita Del Medio
Dinner with Kate and Kai
Yummy, if somewhat pricey, Cuban place on California Ave in Palo Alto. Great mojitos. Cute bar too.
www.labodeguita.com
463 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 326-7762 ext 13
Yummy, if somewhat pricey, Cuban place on California Ave in Palo Alto. Great mojitos. Cute bar too.
www.labodeguita.com
463 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 326-7762 ext 13
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