When I mention Portola as an SF neighborhood, most locals look confused. Like me, you probably don’t spend a lot of time eating south of Bernal Heights. But I’ve kept quiet for too long about two gems full of dingy charm on San Bruno Avenue. In the midst of Asian food hole-in-the-walls, fast food joints, banks and ethnic markets, lies… Read more →
I realize Oklahoma is far from a culinary mecca and I do struggle to find noteworthy meals here. Variety and quality are not standards in any area but one: beef. Similar to neighboring Texas, OK has tasty beef everywhere, from steakhouses to BBQ (albeit sadly not grass fed or humanely raised in most cases). If you find yourself in the… Read more →
“The roaring of the wind is my wife and the stars through the window pane are my children…” – John Keats Spring arrives, the rain is pouring more than usual, but green abounds in promising lushness… new things are birthed out of the longest winters. This month in The Established, we’ll explore Dim Sum alternatives to the most popular, overpriced spots.… Read more →
After you’ve tried the hyped, delicious, but overpriced local dim sum kings Yank Sing, Ton Kiang or Daly City’s Koi Palace, check out these much cheaper options and see if they don’t fit the bill for your dim sum craving (minus the roving carts at all three spots): Shanghai Dumpling King3319 Balboa Street (between 34th & 35th Avenues)415.387.2088Mon, Wed-Fri 11am-9pm,… Read more →
It wasn’t as apparent years ago, but to my profound pleasure, I’ve noticed that SF has become a damn great coffee city – one of the best in the country. Here are a few favorites in a city blessed with coffees rivaling the quality of Italian greats: Blue Bottle Coffee: (Hayes Valley, Ferry Plaza, Mint Plaza) – The Bay Area’s… Read more →
Less than 30 minutes drive from the city, Half Moon Bay has long been a charming excursion offering stunning Pacific vistas along Highway 1 and an idyllic small town both on Main Street and in the canyon. I love wading through tide pools and seeing seals (go at low tide or you won’t see a thing!) at nearby Fitzgerald Marine Preserve… Read more →
“The trees down the boulevard stand naked in thought. Their abundant summery wordage silenced caught In the grim undertow, naked the trees confront Implacable winters long crossquestioning brunt.” – D.H. Lawrence, Winter in the Boulevard, 1916 February is the month of love…or so they say. As always, I think it appropriate to celebrate with those you love, whatever month it… Read more →
Valentine’s I think Valentines as we know it is lame, with true love reduced to teddy bears, cherubs, bad chocolates… and overcrowded restaurants with ridiculously costly “special” menus that have become synonymous with a Valentine’s date. So if you ask me, I would avoid going out that night at all. But I just might go out some other time this… Read more →
A morning excursion across the Bay Bridge provides many pleasures… here are merely a couple of my favorite non-restaurant food stops in Oaktown: Bakesale Betty 5098 Telegraph Avenue (at 51st Street) Oakland, CA 94609 510-985-1213 www.bakesalebetty.us Hours Monday: 7am-3pm Tuesday-Saturday: 7am-7pm Yes, we San Franciscans have a wealth of bakery options, including near legendary Tartine, which I am thrilled to… Read more →
Dining pleasures are boundless in this stunning country… cheese and chocolate may be the items that come to the uninformed mind, but if you dine at a noteworthy restaurant in most Swiss cities or villages, you’ll also experience savory meats, the freshest of lake fish, generous vegetables, and always… clean, fresh cooking. LUCERNE After two visits, Lucerne remains my favorite… Read more →