CRUSHPAD

Calling all wine lovers, group event seekers & those who enjoy doing something a little different... I introduce you to CRUSHPAD. This place, which is an actual winery, teaches you the art of making and blending wine. If wine blending isn't of any interest to you, they have a wine making courses and others to choose from. Most classes are about $35 a person and go for 2 hours. My team took the wine blending class after work one night and had a blast pretending we knew what we were doing. I've never been a sucker for chemistry, but I had a fun time blending different types of wine into beakers and tasting my blends until my taste buds approved. And what's wine without cheese, fruit, meat & crackers? They fully stock your trays so you can munch throughout your entire class - it's perfect.

Here were MY biggest learnings:

• Wine "out the barrel" is rarely ever good, though better if you blend different ones together.
• I can't smell "a full bouquet," "oak," "cherry," and whatever else connoisseurs can smell when they sniff wine.
• Having snacks and wine around you during a class are very distracting.
  

Oh and one more thing, you can even get your blends bottled and delivered to your home with personalized labels. Very cool.

Chicken Soup For the Cold

The weather has been freezing lately, colder than I'm used to. Though, my goosebumps are exposed at any temperature below 70. To stay warm, fill my stomach and get the most bang for my buck, I purchased a Safeway rotisserie chicken the other day for under $8 and it's seriously the best $8 I've spent. On the purchase date, I had a late night at work and didn't have time to make dinner so I grabbed one of these bad boys, made some brussel sprouts & rice and that was dinner #1. That same night, I took the meat off the carcass and stored it in the fridge. Next day, I make soup for dinner #2.


Ingredients:

• chicken meat
• chicken broth
• fresh chopped carrots
• fresh chopped celery
• chopped onions
• clove of garlic
• garlic salt, pepper, parsley to taste
• medium pasta shells
• optional: fresh spinach

I don't have exact measurements, because well, I never measure anything when I make this soup. I pretty much just throw everything together since it's such a fool-proof dish. The easiest way to do this is boil the chicken broth (you can boil it with the carcass for added flavor) and in a seperate pot, cook the pasta. Add a spoon of olive oil in a seperate pan and heat your garlic, onion, celery & carrots until they're soft. Add seasoning. Once you've brought the broth to a boil and let sit for about 15 minutes, you can throw in the cooked veggies and eventually throw in the pasta at the end so it doesn't absorb too much of the soup. Throw in the spinach at the very end since it cooks fast and you're done :)

Dinner #3, chicken tacos? Or if that's chicken overkill, I can make something else then make chicken again the day after! Under $8 and 3 dinners, you get the point...

P.S. Sorry for the mass food posts, but eating is the only thing I really love to do when it's cold & raining outside.

Parmesan Fish Sticks

Courtesy of Giada at FoodNetwork.com

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While watching Giada whip up some fish sticks on the Food Network, I realized I had almost every ingredient in my kitchen to recreate her meal. The next day, I pick up some salmon at the local grocer and bada bing - parmesan fish sticks for dinner!

The recipe was really easy to follow and it turned out pretty good - though I had to season my own bread crumbs (garlic salt & italian seasonings) because the ones in my cupboard were plain. It probably would've had more flavor if I added more seasoning or just used the right crumbs. I also made the mistake of serving it with pasta salad (sorry, I was really lazy) because it's not a good pairing - though Craig's collard greens were. Lastly, I didn't make her dipping sauce (again, I was lazy - i'll try it next time). Bon Apetit!

P.S. speaking of "Bon Apetit" - I'm so glad Meryl Streep won the award for Julie & Julia. I adored both characters and absolutely loved the movie to pieces. Go bloggers.
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Ingredients:

• 1 (18-ounce) center-cut salmon fillet, about 9 by 4 inches, skinned
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Dipping Sauce:

• 1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup lowfat plain yogurt
  
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives

For the Fish Sticks:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Rinse the salmon fillet and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the fish in half to make 2 fillets each about 4 by 4 1/2-inches in size. Starting on the longest edge, slice the fillets into 1/2-inch pieces. Lay the widest pieces, from the center, cut side down, and slice in half lengthways so all the pieces are equally about 1/2 by 1/2 by 4 1/2-inches in size.

Place the flour in a medium bowl and season with the salt and pepper. Place the egg whites in another bowl and beat until frothy, about 30 seconds. Combine the Parmesan and bread crumbs in a third bowl.

Coat the salmon pieces in the seasoned flour and pat to remove any excess flour. Dip the floured salmon in the egg whites and then into the Parmesan mixture, gently pressing the mixture into the fish. Place the breaded salmon pieces on a liberally oiled baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with the olive oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

For the Dipping Sauce:

Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon mustard, and parsley (or chives, if using) in a small dipping bowl.

Arrange the fish sticks on a serving platter and serve with the dipping sauce.

Note: The fish sticks can also be dipped in ketchup, marinara sauce, pesto, ranch dressing or vinaigrette.

SF MOMA's 75th Anniversary

To celebrate SF MOMA's 75th Anniversary, it was free all weekend with popular street food trucks parked on Minna Alley directly behind the museum. Before heading in, we decided to stroll down the alley to take a peak at the food selection and stumbled on Seoul on Wheels. I've heard of it many times before, but haven't had the opportunity to check it out since it's one of those food trucks you have to follow on Twitter to find out where it's parked.


For $3, you can have the rib eye, chicken or carnitas taco. The taco was filled with meat, lettuce, crema, chili sauce, and daikon. Unfortunately, by the time I got there, they were out of the beef, so I opted for the pork and it was delicious. The seasonings/ marinade on the pork made it so flavorful and the taco stayed in one piece from beginning to end. It was the perfect snack before heading into the museum.


The MOMA was a bit crowded for my liking this past weekend, but I did enjoy the exhibits dedicated to San Francisco with pieces dated back many years ago to current works of art. They also had original pieces from Matisse, Picasso and Warhol. Gotta love free museum dates.

Nick's Crispy Tacos

#10 Baja Style Fish Tacos at Nick's Crispy Tacos
Russian Hill - 1500 Broadway
7x7 The Big Eat SF 2009: 100 Things to Try Before You Die

Walking into this dimly lit and chandelier filled restaurant, I first thought, "Oh great, another overpriced taco spot." After approaching the menu on the wall a few seconds later, I realized I was wrong. Everything is well below $10 and for about $14 total, we were both full.

If I lived down the street from this place, I would gain a good amount of weight because I'd likely dine here 3-4 times a week. The Pescado, baja style fish tacos "Nick's Way," are so far, the best thing on the 7x7 list. The fish is deep fried in batter than placed in a semi-crispy tortilla with cabbage, some type of sauce and topped with guacamole and a squeeze of lime. I was even surprised to find Elote (grilled corn on the cob with butter, fresh grated cheese and chili powder) on the menu. Ever since I first tried Elote at Cafe Habana in NY, I've been searching long and hard for a place in the Bay Area to fulfill that craving. So glad to have found it here!

I seriously left my heart at Nick's Crispy Tacos. I walked out that door immediately feeling withdrawals. During my meal, I almost bought more tacos even though I was already stuffed. Another plus about this place, it's connected to a bar/ nightclub (was once called Rouge, not sure if it still is) so once you're done ordering your food, you can take your number to your table and grab a cocktail or beer while you're waiting and check out whatevers showing on one of the flat screens.

Verdict: Soooooo good. I'm dying to go back - NOW.

Corned Beef Sandwich with Gruyere

#74 Corned Beef Sandwich with Gruyere at The Sentinel
37 New Montgomery (at Stevenson Alley) - SOMA/ FiDi
7x7 The Big Eat SF 2009: 100 Things to Try Before You Die

Every day that I don't bring a lunch is a reminder of how lucky I am to be working in the SF Financial District because there are countless equally amazing food joints that line the streets. Today, I opted for a corned beef sandwich at the Sentinel. It's on the 7x7 list and although I've had it before, I never had the opportunity to photograph it for all of you to see.

Corned beef, gruyere, cabbage (seems to be somewhat pickled) and russian dressing fill 2 slices of warm foccacia bread for $8.75. Yep, kinda steep for what it is, but unfortunately these are the prices you pay for lunch in the city. Though they change the menu with the seasons, you can expect this one to stay on throughout the year.

It's hard not to like this sandwich (since I love all of those ingredients separately), but make sure you eat it while it's hot. No one likes a cold corned beef sandwich without the gooey cheese. Also, if you're here during the summer, try the watermelonade - it's super refreshing and tastes like you just bit into an ice cold slice of watermelon - but better.

Verdict: If you love corned beef and cabbage, what's not to love about this?

East Bay Love

The East Bay is very underrated. Not only does it get the best weather in the Bay, it's filled with a wide variety of independent restaurants, clothing shops, cafes, bookstores and more. Although San Francisco is where my heart is, I never hesitate to explore another area in search of new favorites. Here are a few new faves I stumbled upon recently...

BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE - Oakland
*certified organic, fresh - only sells coffee that's been roasted within the last 48 hours

Before I discuss the details, I have to mention that I totally goofed. Blue Bottle Coffee is on the 7x7 list and I completely forgot to order the Gibraltar! Instead, Craig & I ordered a cappuccino, drip coffee du jour, a saffron snickerdoodle & a rosemary pine nut shortbread. My cappucino was just right and the cookies were delicious. I was so intrigued by the weird combination of flavors that I couldn't leave without trying one. Good thing I enjoyed my first visit to the Oakland location, now I can return to the SF ferry building and check #28 off my 7x7 list and order the right item next time.

P.S. The cookies are only $1 each.




CAFE PLATANO - Berkeley
*Salvadoran cuisine

Talk about great lunch & happy hour deals (8.95 for 2 pupusas, beans, sour cream & plantains - $3 sangria/ wine/ beers)! During my meal here I began planning what I would order during my next visit - that's how you know I loved it. Pupusas make the perfect lunch. We each had 2 different types with stuffing ranging from pork to cheese & black beans. The avocado salad is soooo good - the dressing definitely makes it. We spent several minutes trying to figure out what ingredients were used (we do this a lot - I think we watch too many food shows). I can't wait to come back.


In addition to these locations, I found a new favorite clothing store (plus a few really great thrift/ vintage stores) and although I normally spread fashion news like wildfires, I've decided to keep my mouth shut on this one. Try and explore - you'll be amazed at the hidden treasures lurking around in your own backyard.

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog in the Mission

#92 Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog in the Mission (preferably when drunk)

Usually in or around Mission St./ Valencia/ 16th

7x7 - The Big Eat SF 2009: 100 Things to Try Before You Die

There's not much to say about these hot dogs except that they definitely do the job after several drinks during a night out. The thought of buying street food from a person who passes hot dogs out to inebriated party goers without ever washing his/her hands kind of freaks me out, but when you're hungry at 2am, it serves as a great meal (and a cheap one). Of course, bacon makes everything great.

You may have heard the constant debate of whether or not SF stole this from LA, but who the hell cares. It's a damn hot dog for crying out loud! Just eat it and enjoy.

(photos taken on a drunken night in 2008)

Verdict: Steer clear if you have germaphobia. If not, dig in - if you don't like it at least you only wasted a few bucks.

Out the Door - Fresh Spring Rolls

#87 Fresh Spring Rolls at Out the Door
Westfield SF Centre - Concourse Level - 845 Market St., #80
7x7 - The Big Eat SF 2009 - 100 Things to Try Before You Die

(forgive the cell phone quality image)
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In an effort to kick off one of many resolutions, I visited Out the Door during my lunch to grab an order of their fresh spring rolls with shrimp, sliced pork, mint & peanut sauce. Growing up in San Jose, I developed a love for authentic Vietnamese food so I'm a huge fan of spring rolls, pho, bun, the list goes on. Although these rolls were delicious, the taste difference didn't justify the $9.31 total. The thickness of the peanut sauce threw me off & I forgot to ask for Sriracha! I'd much rather step into my neighborhood hole in the wall and get the same amount for under $5, or get a bowl of pho with that for the same price. Hours after devouring this, I'm still wondering how it made the 7x7 list.

Verdict: good/ your standard spring roll/ not worth the price tag

Every Woman Loves Flowers

...and a woman that says she doesn't is lying.

Flowers are the key to brighten up anyones day. Growing up, I thought Orchids were my favorite (almost every filipino mom I know collects them). Mom & Grandma always had countless pots of all types in the house/ backyard and they truly are beautiful flowers, however, I recently discovered my love for Peonies & pink Tulips. Of course, as with most other things, I googled to see if they had a significant meaning and they do.

Peony - healing, live, happy marriage

"The traditional floral symbol of China, the state flower of Indiana, and the 12th wedding anniversary flower, peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage."


Tulip - symbol of perfect love

Pink Tulip - caring

"Although different tulip colors carry distinct meanings,...The 11th wedding anniversary flower, it's said that the tulip’s velvety black center represents a lover's heart, darkened by the heat of passion. With the power to rival roses in their red variety and the sweet charm to express simple joy when yellow, it’s no wonder that in addition to all its other symbolism, in the language of flowers, a tulip bouquet represents elegance and grace."

Happy New Year!!!

Hope everyone had a memorable NYE! I spent loads of time with my family the entire weekend and had a really great time. Overall, my holidays were very low-key and this is the first time in awhile that I've showed up to a family party on NYE. Most other times, I go out with friends, end up spending a ton of $$$ and get sad at countdown when my fam is all together with me being the only missing member. Not this year! Though I didn't go out, we had a blast singing karaoke, playing games & shooting Patron all night.

In addition to ringing in the new year, we also celebrated my youngest niece's 1st birthday. Happy 1st Birthday Nyla Madison!!!

Check out the winter one-derland decor/ cookies.

[photos of Nyla from month 1-12]

[snowflake shortbread cookies from scratch]