Hodgepodge of SF Restaurants

December 22, 2015December 23, 2015Leave a comment

A varied assortment of restaurants from fall 2015, ranging from burgers and beer to authentic Mexican burritos.

Biergarten (Hayes Valley)

Outdoor beer garden serving authentic German beer and food at communal tables. Their sausages and pretzel sandwiches are delicious. The atmosphere is lively and social. Their beer menu changes but I usually order whatever dark beer they have on tap. Recommend: Bratwurst with potatoes. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Roam Burger (Marina and Lower Pac Heights)

Artisan burgers. A little pricey ($11 for just a burger, no fries). Recommend: French and Fries Burger (a burger with parmesan truffle fries, gruyere cheese, avocado, and caramelized onions). (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Slider Shack (Financial District)

Kalua Pork with a fried egg on Tater-Tots

Food truck that serves Hawaiian burritos and sliders. They use 100% grass fed meat. They slow cook their beef for 10 hours until the meat falls apart. The servers are very enthusiastic and eager to talk about the menu. Recommend: BBQ Pulled Pork Slider. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Nick’s Crispy Tacos (Russian Hill)

Great Taco Tuesday deals. $5 for 2 large and delicious tacos. Be sure to get them “nick’s way” which adds guacamole and a crispy taco inside your taco. This is a pretty lively and rowdy Taco Tuesday scene. Recommend: Any taco nick’s way. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Taqueria Cancun (Mission)

Simple burritos and tacos. Make any burrito super if you’re feeling ambitious. Pictured above. Recommend: Chicken burrito. (3 taste, 3 atmosphere, 3 service).

Mamacita (Marina)

A trendy and upscale Mexican restaurant. Less authentic and more expensive than Nick’s but the food is high-quality and delicious. Recommend: Veggie and Carne Asada tacos. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Gott’s (Ferry Building)

Upscale diner food. They also serve beer and have outdoor picnic tables where you can enjoy your meal on a nice day. Recommend: Burger and Fish Tacos. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Asian SF Restaurants

December 21, 2015December 21, 2015Leave a comment

Chubby Noodle (Marina and North Beach)

Spicy Ramen Noodles

Kung Pow Wings

Korean Pork Tacos

Modern Asian food with a trendy atmosphere. Small portions and high-quality. Recommend: Spicy Garlic Noodles, Tuna Poke, Korean Pork Tacos (best thing on the menu), Kung Pow Wings, and Garlic Green Beans. They also have good sake. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Saiwalks (Marina)

Pho Comfort

Casual Vietnamese food. Best Pho in the neighborhood. Perfect for a rainy day or when you feel under the weather. Recommend: Pork Shrimp spring rolls and Pho Comfort. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Blackwood (Marina)

Spicy Eggplant and Pad Kee Mow

Dinner Stone Pot (my favorite)

Thai-American fusion. Great brunch and dinner. Recommend: Pad Kee Mow, Spicy Eggplant, Dinner Stone Pot, and Chilean Prom. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service).

Pabu (Financial District)

Happy Spoon Oysters

Upscale sushi. Our waiter was very passionate and enthusiastic about the food. Recommend: Happy Spoon Oysters, Chicken Meatballs, Squid Okonomiyaki1 (Squid Pancake with an egg on top), and Blue Ocean roll. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Tamashisoul (Marina)

Crazy Love Roll

Good reasonably priced sushi. Recommend: Crazy Love Roll (salmon tempura and avocado, topped with torched spicy tuna). (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Happy Shabu Shabu (Lower Pac Heights/ Japan Town)

Japanese shabu-shabu. You cook your own meat and veggies at the table in broiling broth. I came here for the all-you-can-eat deal with a group of friends. Tip: If it’s your birthday your meal is free. Recommend: All-you-can-eat deal. It’s $40 for unlimited meat, sake, and beer. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Healthy SF Bites

December 19, 2015Leave a comment

The Plant (Marina and Pier 3)

Fully Belly Salad

Shiitake Spring Rolls

Udon

Casual local and organic cafe serving healthy dishes and fresh juices. Recommend: Shiitake Spring Rolls, Udon Noodles, and Full Belly Salad (kale, roasted beets, pea shoots, quinoa, avocado, hummus, pickled onions, and sunflower seeds). (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Blue Barn (Marina and Russian Hill)

Winter Salad

Truffle Sandwich

Delicious sandwiches and salads. They also have good seasonal soups. You order at a counter so it can be quick but there is usually a line and the food that takes a while to prepare. I usually order ahead of time and pick it up. Recommend: Winter salad and Truffle sandwich. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 3 service)

HayDay (Financial District)

Healthy Sandwiches and sides. The menu changes seasonally. It’s a block from my work so I come here frequently for lunch. They also serve breakfast— rich Straus greek yogurt (with lots of topping options) and avocado toast. Recommend: Moroccan Chickpea Salad, Smoked Rainbow Trout toast, and Roasted Sweet Potato and Romaine Salad. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Zucchini Fritters

December 8, 2015May 13, 20161 Comment

2 cups grated zucchini

1 cup flour (I used whole wheat)

2 eggs (beaten)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4th cup nutritional yeast or 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon fresh garlic (minced)

1/2 onion (minced)

Oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Grate the zucchinis and squeeze out the water.
Mix the ingredients together.
Roll into small pancakes and fry. Brown well on both sides.

These are best eaten as soon as they’re ready so eat as you go! I serve them with a traditional Korean dipping sauce: 2 parts soy sauce with 1 part rice vinegar (regular vinegar will work) and crushed roasted sesame seeds on top. Enjoy!

Vegan Chocolate Coconut Banana Bread

December 3, 20151 Comment

This is an altered recipe from Popsugar. I honestly decided to make this recipe because I ran out of eggs and was craving chocolate and bananas. I was impressed with how well this bread turned out. You cannot tell it does not have eggs or dairy. I guarantee it will satisfy your chocolate cravings!

Ingredients:

3 medium overripe bananas (mashed)
1/3 coconut oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup almond milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (this is slightly less than what the recipe calls for)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup coconut shreds

I used almond milk and coconut oil. I also added 1/4 cup coconut shreds. If you are not a coconut fan then use regular oil and leave out the coconut shreds.

Directions:

Mix bananas, oil, sugar, vanilla, and almond milk together.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and coconut shreds.
Mix the dry and wet ingredients together. Sprinkle coconut shreds on top.
Bake at 350ºF for 45-55 minutes. The bread should rise and be slightly cracked.
Cool for 10-15 minutes.

SF Brunch

November 30, 2015December 19, 2015Leave a comment

Here are some of my favorite SF brunch places (so far). Click here to see my full list of restaurants.

Sweet Maple (Lower Pac Heights)

Salmon Open Face (a poached egg and avocado on garlic sourdough)

Millionaire’s Melt (egg sandwich with bacon and gouda aioli)

South of the Border (breakfast tacos)

the Millionaire’s Bacon (bacon cooked in brown sugar).

I arrived at 9:30 am on a Saturday with 3 three friends and there was already a 45 minute line. But don’t worry they serve complimentary coffee while you wait. When you sit outside they give you a blanket to stay warm. We ordered the SM Omurice (rice with scrambled eggs and ribeye), South of the Border (breakfast tacos), Millionaire’s Melt (egg sandwich with bacon and gouda aioli), the Salmon Open Face (a poached egg and avocado on garlic sourdough), and of course the Millionaire’s Bacon (bacon cooked in brown sugar). Recommend: the Millionaire’s Bacon, Salmon Open Face, and Millionaire’s Melt. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 3 service)

Lovejoy’s Tea Room (Noe Valley)

A flowery and eclectic tea house with mismatched furniture and nick-nacks. A fun place to come with a group of girlfriends and gossip. It’s very kid-friendly. There were 3 little girls sitting at their own miniature table. We ordered the high tea special which comes with 2 sandwiches, scones, salad, chocolate biscuits, and unlimited tea per person. Recommend: Chestnut black tea (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Don Pistos (North Beach)

Huevos Rancheros

Tamales

Popular Mexican brunch place. The waiters are extremely attentive and friendly. The owner even sent out 4 free margaritas—we would have been more grateful if it wasn’t 11 am! The food is excellent. The portions are small but filling. Recommend: Huevos Rancheros and the tamales. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Home Plate (Marina)

Complimentary scones

The New Yorker (salmon and avocado scramble) with carrot potato latkes

The Eggs Benedict served with carrot potato latkes

I came here at 7:30 am (it opens at 7) and it was already busy. It is extremely crowded by 9. They serve complimentary scones. Most dishes come with their homemade carrot potato latkes. The coffee is good too. It is one of most reasonably priced brunch places you will find in the marina. Recommend: The New Yorker (salmon and avocado scramble) and The Eggs Benedict. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

East Side West (Marina)

Dirty Hippy (squash blossoms, garlic greens, hollandaise, and truffle oil).

Fresh Off the Boat (cheesy red enchiladas with poached eggs and avocado)

A popular bar in the marina. The food is mediocre but it is a fun place to come with friends. Very lively. A lot of people come here to watch games and order beer. Recommend: Dirty Hippy (squash blossoms, garlic greens, hollandaise, and truffle oil). (3 taste, 5 atmosphere, 3 service)

Café Roses (Marina)

A simple Italian brunch spot in the Marina. They use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Very popular so arrive early. The menu is small but you cannot go wrong. I like to sit outside on a nice day. Recommend: Crescenza-Stuffed Focaccia breakfast pizza with an egg. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Caffe Sapore (North Beach)

Veggie bagel

Loxs bagel

Neighborhood coffee shop serving hearty and satisfying bagel sandwiches. A perfect place to come on a rainy day to sip on coffee and read. Recommend: Bagel and loxs. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Pescatore (North Beach)

Veggie Frittata

Cute and reasonably priced Italian restaurant. I’ve only been for brunch but they also serve lunch and dinner. Not the most trendy brunch place in town but it is a perfect place to bring your relatives. It is in the Best Western Hotel. Great service. They brought my friends and I each a complimentary pancake! Recommend Veggie Frittata. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Gluten-free, Dairy-free Pumpkin Pie

November 30, 2015November 30, 20152 Comments

Polynesian Coconut Pumpkin Pie (Gluten-free and Dairy-free)

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Sorry my pumpkin pie recipe is a little late. Things always get hectic around the holidays. The goods news is that this pie can be made throughout the holiday season. Enjoy!

The crust is an adapted cookie recipe from Wheat Belly. The pie filling is a Polynesian coconut filling that my mom and I adapted from Epicurious.

Gluten-free, Dairy-free Pumpkin Pie CRUST

1 cup of coconut flour
1 cup of ground almonds [I throw whole almonds into my vitamix to grind them to flour]
1 cup of almond flour [almond “meal” is easily found at Trader Joe’s]
a handful of coconut flakes
1 tablespoon honey
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup almond milk
1 cup melted butter [I use Earth Balance]
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and grease pie pan.
Stir together all dry ingredients in large bowl.
Whisk almond milk, butter, maple syrup, vanilla and eggs.
Add to dry ingredients.
Mixture should be like cake batter, so add a small amount of water to thin it, if necessary.
Mold into pie pan and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.It does not puff up much.

Gluten-free, Dairy-free Pumpkin Pie FILLING

3 eggs
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup honey
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon rum
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch of ground cloves
1 partially baked 10-inch pie shell

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.
Whisk together the eggs and the brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the honey and whisk until smooth. Stir in the coconut milk, pumpkin puree, and rum. Add the salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves and mix until incorporated.
Pour mixture into the pie shell. Bake the pie for about 30 minutes, until set. Cool the pie to room temperature and then serve with ice cream. Yum!

15 Super Foods

November 10, 2015November 10, 20153 Comments

Here are 15 super foods that are easy to incorporate into your daily diet. I included links to my recipes that contain the ingredients.

Rainbow Chard (and other dark leafy greens)

Extremely high in Vitamin K and A.
Excellent for blood sugar regulation.
Great source of dietary fiber.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Coconut and Coconut Oil

Contains fatty acids the body needs.
Helps the body burn fat.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Ginger and Ginger Chews (from Trader’s)

Helps soothe the stomach and treats nausea.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Chia Seeds

High in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Flaxseeds

Lowers cholesterol.
High in micronutrients.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Sprouts

High in Vitamin K.
Contains protein.
Alkalinizes the body.

Read more here.

Cinnamon

Loaded with antioxidants.
Anti-inflammatory.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Lowers cholesterol, clears sinuses, fights bacteria, aids in digestion, and provides extra energy.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Blueberries

One of the most nutrient rich fruits.
Extremely high in antioxidants.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Gogi Berries

High in Vitamin C.
Great source of antioxidants.
Add to your smoothies.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Gim (a.k.a Seaweed or Nori)

I grew up eating Gim (Korean for seaweed) with rice and Korean side dishes. My family buys it in bulk from the Korean market. It’s recently gained popularity in mainstream supermarkets. Trader Joe’s sells single snack packs. Eat it plain or with rice and veggies.
High in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium.

Read more here.

Cocoa Powder

Reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Satisfies your chocolate cravings without the guilt!
Recipes.

Read more here.

Hemp Seeds

Contains essential amino acids.
High in protein.
Add to shakes and smoothies.

Read more here.

Nutritional Yeast

Cream or cheese substitute.
High in protein and fiber.
A good source of B12 (great for vegetarians because B12 is typically found in meat).
Try sprinkling nutritional yeast and spike on popcorn.
Recipes.

Read more here.

Easy Fish Recipes

November 4, 2015November 4, 20151 Comment

Cod in white wine sauce

Ingredients:

Cod (3 pieces)

1 lemon

½ teaspoon lemon zest

½ cup white wine

1 shallot

Salt and pepper to taste

Parsley for garnishing

Directions:

Mix the lemon, parsley, wine, and shallot together.
Pour over the fish.
Cook at 200 for 20 minutes.

Sriracha Glazed Salmon

This is a slightly modified recipe from epicurious.

Ingredients:

Salmon

1 1/2 tablespoon Sriracha

2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)

1 tablespoon lime (or orange) juice

1 teaspoon lime (or orange) zest

1 teaspoon ginger (fresh)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Pinch of Chili flakes

Cilantro

Directions:

Mix the ingredients together and pour over the salmon.
Roast at 425ºF until flaky.

Easy Veggie Sides

November 3, 2015Leave a comment

Honey Glazed Carrots

10 carrots

1/4^th cup honey (I like to use maple syrup)

juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon thyme

olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Cut the carrots into thin rectangular slices (about 2 inches). Mix the rest of the ingredients together and pour on top. Roast at 400ºF for 20-25 minutes.