this'll cure what ills ya...

I've been itching to make Chicken Barley Soup for quite some time now.

So, since I wasn't feeling so hot [when i made this], I decided to call M's Mum and asked for her recipe.

It wasn't difficult, tho' a bit time consuming.

Ingredients.

Stalk and leaves of celery.

Parsley

Barley

Rutabaga

Carrots, Onion, and Turnips.

Green Beans.

Zucchini.

I also added some peas.

the result...?

Tada!

J-town and the 'Mish w/ Rej

Went for an early dinner with Rej in J-town.

Had a huge bowl of Ramen at J-Town.

Glad, he liked it.

Then I took him to this place called New People.

In this building, there's a Cinema (where they show old Japanese movies); art gallery; artsy paper and things; and a clothing store.

For dessert, I took him to 'Mish (short for Mission).

We had coffee and shared a slice of Banana Cream Pie --- I fin'ly found my pie!

They have great Pies and not to mention community spirit (they are involve in SF's youth advocacy).

Hapa Ramen @ Fort Mason, SF

I was able to fin'ly go and check out Off The Grid (street food carts coming together) last Friday.

Yes, it is what it is in the photo --- cold and windy, such a drag! But that did not deter me from going and enjoying the scene and the food =). They have live music, drinks, and great foods =).

They have different vendors every Friday. But my sole reason for going was to taste Hapa Ramen bowl of noodles.

I got the Slow Cooked Pork Ramen Bowl.

They do offer vegetarian ramen noodle, the Miso Market Bowl.

The greens (chard and green beans) were perfectly cooked.

The egg was slow-cooked and super delicious!

The braised pork was tender, juicy and flavorful.

But... the only component that was a letdown was the salty broth =/ Yups, it was a tad salty (even for can't-help-salt crazy like me), otherwise, everything was great. Barely tasted the "flavor between delicate-sweet-dashi and rich-fatty-porky." (haparamensf.com) Must have been bad timing.

I will give them another try...

My Path to Ramen Enlightenment

Lately, I have been in search of the BEST ramen in the City.

So far, my search has led me to some awesome findings and tasty treats.

There's this place called Suzu, Noodle House in Japantown. And I think their noodles are to die for! Chewy, great texture, and homemade.

Below is the Spicy Mabo Ramen (tofu, crumpled tasty pork, boiled egg, and green onion).

Lol! I guess I was sooo hungry that I forgot to take a photo of this ramen at Oyaji in the Inner Richmond.

It was not great, but decent. I came to this place in particular b/c I heard that the broth of their ramen was fresh tasting and didn't have that weird MSG taste.

I thought otherwise, it was good but not the best.

Izakaya Sozai in the Sunset, I heard/read that this place makes one of the best ramen dishes.

Now... in comparison to the broth (pork) in Suzu and Oyaji, this one is the best.

Fresh and tasty, simply delish!

And the cha-su (roasted pork slice), I've never had anything like it. Didn't have that weird taste, it was tender, juicy, and no chemical taste. For the first time, I actually ate my cha-su, instead of shoving it aside.

Below is the Tonkotsu Ramen.

Next... is Namu.

What's for Lunch...?

Lunch at Axis Cafe in the City.

Tomato Basil Soup

[crème fraiche · chervil · crostini]

perfect for cold weather =)

African Bush Tea ---

i want/need to drink more of this

Cod Fish Taco

[napa cabbage · salsa verde · guacamole · greens or house fries]

fresh and delish!

recent Culinary Highlights

As my taster said, "these things had to be tasted to be believed. A chef can sometimes unwittingly create jaw-dropping versions of well-known standards and this was one of those times."

1) Arugula, carrots, red bell peppers, sliced pear, topped with Parmesan. Dressed in my own artisanal vinaigrette.

2) I have been craving this for ages.

Tuna Melt in toasted multi grain bread.

Ingredients: Wild caught, hand-packed, dolphin safe yellowfin tuna, balsamic vinegar, dill pickle (but I used chopped French Cornichons), mayonnaise, and old style dijon mustard. The original recipe [that I found online] called for shredded sharp cheddar cheese; I used sliced sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack.

3) Allura's Asian Stir Fry --- small florets of Broccoli and firm tofu, stir fried in garlic chili oil.

4) Orzo, Asparagus, and Black Winter Truffle Butter.

This was heavenly.

The slightly sweet crunch of fresh asparagus. A hint of smokey black truffle. Mixed with al dente Orzo, topped with creamy parmesan and salty Pecorino.

Bon appetite!

Insatiable cravings --- cake run!

When Mikey-ike arrived, he told me about this particular cake.

As he was describing it to me, I was salivating and my head was screaming, "I want it now!"

I grabbed my canvas bag and off I went.

I only had 15 mins left before our grocery store closed.

I walked fast.

When I got to there, I immediately went straight to the pastry case.

I asked for it and I didn't care if it wasn't perfect (the side of the cake was brushed off, just a little bit).

I took the cake.

Just to make sure, I checked my bag if my wallet was in it...

... wah! Wallet? NOT inside! =/// Major headache coming on...

I looked at my phone, and I only had about 8 mins left, before they closed.

I thought for a sec.. and I decided that I could make it.

So, I ran and ran --- 8 sets of stairs!

I was huffing and puffing by the time I reached the apt.

I grabbed my bloody wallet and ran back to the store.

Running back to the store was much easier, but still... all for a cake?!

And to top it all off, at the same time, I was having major cramps...

But victory was MINE! I got there just in time! Lol!

Still had 3 mins left!

Phew!

Here is my PRIZE...

Once a month I have these mad cravings.

This time, it was this Strawberry Chiffon Cake.

I was huffing and puffing just to get a taste of this goodness.

Light, creamy icing--not-too-sweet.

White chiffon cake--airy but moist.

Fresh strawberries---sweet and succulent.

I patted myself on the back for my efforts and ate my cake.

It was worth it (until my next craving).

Me and My Java

Morning coffee at Tartine.

Perfect timing, usually this place is swarming with people--- people lined up out the door.

We came in just right on time...

It was nice just to talk and 'relax'.

And listening to Willie Nelson =) Most of the time they have cool tracks playing in the background.

I heart their scone---perfect texture and scrumptious.

Butter croissant is so-so... I think what's putting me off is its huge size.

Tartine's mini bar.

*i promise next time, that hideous hair will be chopped off.

What's for Lunch...?

It's been difficult lately...

Little treats, like having lunch at our favorite coffee shop helps a bit.

For lunch, we went to Blue Bottle.

We had, of course, a cup latte.

Mikey-Ike had a mortadella sandwich (not pictured).

And I had this simple but delicious cheese sandwich.

And... We tried their mediocre cookies (but hey, as my Dad would say, "it's better than nothing").

The snickerdoodle tasted like artificial vanilla.

However, the chocolate cookie was a hit; perfect with our latte =)

i hope things are well with you.

Hearts, A

What's for lunch...?

roasted Brussel Sprouts and Garlic Brown Rice =)

Not fond of sauteed brussel sprouts, I heart it roasted.

Nutty and crunchy.

Moroccan Kefta Tagine

I've been wanting to make this in ages...

And here it is... my Moroccan Kefta Tagine =)

Not bad for my first try.

Perfect with Baguette =)

Early Birds

Woke up early and quickly dashed off to the Market.
We missed out on these amazing eggs these past 3 Saturdays. I swore to myself that today I'd wake up extra early and wouldn't miss it again --- it paid off.

I love going to the Market before everyone does. Peaceful and the tourists are not awake yet (not that I have anything against them...). And I like looking at the produce nicely laid out - fresh and untouched.

Anyway, after the Market we headed back and had our delicious meaty-hearty brekkie.

For ages, I have been looking for really good Spicy Italian Sausage.
I tried different specialty stores, but to no avail

Until today, I think I finally found it @ Bocallone. *Yippie!

Above: Bocallone Spicy Italian Sausage w/ toasted baguettes.
Meaty and fresh (nothing like the store brand).

The "Soft boiled egg" - they're the kinda eggs that Nigella would have. Wasa. Half of the Spicy Italian Sausage. and Jamon Serrano.

And a cup of GenMai.

*smiling*

Bake Sale at Kichenette

Started my Day with these treats.

KichenetteSF - "spontaneous, organic, covert, nourishment"
They are located near the Docks in a 'huge' warehouse.
Be there as soon as they Open, otherwise you'll be Sorry (they're open from 11:30am - until they run out...)
They don't serve the same thing everyday... Also, the chefs are apparently different everyday.

Earlier today, I found out that they were having a Bake Sale. When I saw the menu... I did not have the courage to refuse - I'm sorry =/. I am hopeless sometimes - no discipline.


the sleepy hollow:
mini meyer lemon meringue tartlet, mini red velvet cupcake, cheesecake lollipop

the chocolate gobblin’

mini chocolate chile tartlet with creme fraiche, cheesecake lollipop with cocoa nibs, red velvet cupcake

*Mmmm...