hey everyone...

for your viewing pleasure. check out my kumamoto, japan, food blog.

http://kumafood.blogspot.com

cheers,
melissa

It's Alive! Yes, this is an update. Do we still have readers out there? Hello...?

Hi.

Butterfly Embarcadero B

Minus my favorite fellow foodie, I had to make do with my second-best culinary pal Elly to try out Butterfly on Embarcadero. We had both been itching for some upscale dining, so a few weekends ago we headed to SF to try out this SuperFusion restaurant. Located on Pier 33, it's not really Bart-able, although you can Bart to Embarcadero and take the F Trolley along the water. Stop at Bay St. and you'll see the restaurant on your right. Inside, the decor is industrial chic with bright slashes of color and a lot of metal. A dj spins tunes on the weekend and the bar is busy.

We have reservations and we are seated in the quiet corner of the restaurant away from the people-watching and with the other young people. Strike one. Our waitress is nice, but unremarkable. Also, there is no free bread while you wait at Butterfly. Strike two. Okay, I realize it is an Asian fusion restaurant and it's a very Garden-state moment to ask for bread. But, for God sakes give us something to do while we wait for service! The food does make up for some of the resaurant's lack of warmth. We order a starter salad of basic greens and a yummy vinagrette ($6) and the pork lettuce wraps ($10) as appetizer. This is a delicious dish that is almost worth the visit. The pork is pulled and piping hot, and the butter lettuce is farm fresh and in copius amount. There is a type of hoisin sauce on the side, which works very well with the soft pork. I highly recommend this dish. Our main courses were next: Elly splurge on the filet mingon with a macamadamia nut and cheese crust($28). It came with some grean beans and mushroom and some other stuff. She thought it was heavenly, and I have to admit the crust was a great touch. I ordered the pork tenderloin ($19), and in the ultimate fusion move, it was served like cha shou, the red barbeque style that you see hanging in Chinatown windows. The three medalions were tender AND wrapped in bacon, with a plum sauce and a goat cheese souffle on the side. Quite the unusual blend of tastes, but it turned out very well. I'd highly recommend my dish as well.

And while we were at it, we splurged on desert as well. The chocolate cake came with coffee ice cream and was very tasty, but the highlight of the last course was our banana lumpias. 3 flakey lumpias served in coconut ice cream were a great way to end the night.

Overall, the food was inventive and tasty. However, the service and ambiance left a lot to be desired, as they seemed to cater to the hip and trendy bar-hopping set. If you want to have a lot of girlfriends for a celebration, this could be the place.

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Seattle Food!

Ovio Bistro A
The owners of this bustling restaurant in West Seattle call this a “Bistro Eclectico” and the menu fits the name- departing from your usual bistro fare while keeping many of the classics. The entrees here are all very moderately priced for the quality, presentation, and ambiance of this establishment. Jason and I were greeted by a very apologetic hostess who informed us it would be a short wait for a table. As we waited the 5 minutes, 4-5 parties came in to request seating and 3 parties were seated before us. It was a Friday night, but Ovio’s reputation has definitely spread beyond just the suburb of West Seattle. I make it a practice to check out the restaurant’s website before and check out a sample menu to see the food, but more importantly, the prices on the desired dishes. As a note: all fancy or expensive restaurants you consider should have a website and a sample menu if you don’t like to be surprised. I had looked earlier that day and was dying to try out as many flavors as I could. The nice thing about a special occasion dinner is that, in contrast with your usual dinner at the Cheesecake Factory or Chevy’s, you order drinks and appetizers at your whim because you’re spending so much you might as well. We ordered the seared ahi appetizer ($13), which came with seared foie gras and an herb salad to start. This was Jason’s first taste of foie gras and my first real taste. The buttery texture went great with the fresh tuna, and the pinot noir sauce was a nice compliment. We both also ordered the soup of the day ($5.50), which Ovio is also known for- Friday’s was a cream of cauliflower with a goat cheese croquet floating on top. Delish. For our main courses, I let Jason get the pepper-crusted scallops ($19) while I got the fried chicken ($16). See? Eclectic. Jason’s scallops came perfectly cooked, accompanied by a bacon and green chile hash and some greens. My buttermilk infused chicken came atop cheddar cheese and bacon mashed potatoes and long beans. The chicken was tender and juicy and the spices in the skin were just right. The potatoes left a little to be desired, as they were not hot enough to quite keep the cheese from forming big solidified lumps. Enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Noir ($6.75), the meal was very memorable and enjoyable. No dessert here as we were both stuffed and required a digestion-aiding after dinner stroll.

Atlas Foods B
Seattle has this thing with chains that make you think they aren’t chains. Elliot Bay and Union Square Grill (reviewed later) are part of a chain, as is Atlas Foods. But the key is to name all the restaurants something different, even though ownership is the same. Atlas is your usual Seattle-style American restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. By Seattle-style, I mean that there is always a fish special and crab cakes on the menu. Jason ordered the BBQ Pork Sandwich ($8.75) and I got the Joe Scramble ($9.25), which consisted of eggs scrambled with shrimp, onion, mushroom, and spinach. Large sides of hash browns and fries accompanied these meals and I also got a glass of tomato juice. There is nothing better than tomato juice in the morning (or afternoon). Plus it makes Jason gag. The rest of the brunch menu looked okay, although the corned-beef hash at the other table looked great. Food envy, sigh.

Elliot Bay Oyster House A-
The boys like to pretend to be oyster connoisseurs, so we went to a fancy, shmancy restaurant on the waterfront downtown. It was a late dinner, so the crowd had died down but the service was excellent as the waiter gave us a dozen of his favorite variety of raw oysters to start with ($24.50) along with our very fresh fried calamari ($8.75) with a lemon-garlic sauce. The oysters were all very good, with the American Eagle variety my favorite and the Chefs Creek the boys’ fav. Very good, but very expensive. Hog’s Island spoiled me, dammit. For our main courses, Paul got the Sirloin Oscar ($32) which consisted of a sirloin topped with Dungeness crab meat and a béarnaise sauce and your standard sides. He reported it being very good, although the steak, like most restaurant steak, wasn’t big enough in contrast to the big ass plate. Jason got the Dungeness-stuffed prawns ($27) and I got a cup of red clam chowder ($4) and the Crab Chop salad ($17) which featured lots of crab meat on top of a cobb salad. Very large portions for the salad, although the crab meat was eventually picked out and the leaves left. ;) It did happen to be Dungeness month at the restaurant, so all entrees were ordered off the special menu. Again, no room for desert although the chocolate soufflé looked incredible as it passed us. The service at Elliot Bay was great- our waiter (let’s call him Charlie) was very personable and made conversation with us even though we were younger and scruffier than their standard crowd (middle-aged tourists from the looks of things).

Union Square Grill A-
Doesn’t the name just conjure up the image of old people sitting around on dark wood chairs and booths? Well, that’s exactly what it was but with delicious food. I had read that this was the best steak place downtown, so I made reservations for that night. The décor was very Art Deco swanky with lots of crystal and business types. Let’s get down to the food: Butternut squash and tomato basil bisque ($5 and $4) and their delicious truffle fries ($7) to start. I got the pear martini ($7) which was heavy on the vodka (grey goose if you wanna get loose) and Jase got the pomogranate martini ($9) which went down very very smooth. As the main course, I got the jambalaya ($17) which was HUGE with scallops, shrimp, sausage and chicken over rice. Jason got the top sirloin ($27), served with greens and buttery potatoes. Overall the service was impeccable and the food was delicious, if pricey. I would highly recommend the jambalaya as it’s enough for two meals. Again, no room for dessert dammit. I didn’t get desert once on this trip! But we did hit $100 for the first time on the trip. Woot. And of course, it was my treat.

Blue C Sushi B
This is basically a very pop-cultured version of the sushi boat. Plates are color coded to match prices, and the plates also feature different subway lines in Tokyo (or wherever). On the walls, video of breakdancing Japanese youth play alongside of still photographs. The sushi is served on a conveyer belt on little stands that tell you what you are eating. At around $2.75 for your standard Nigiri (tuna, salmon, mackerel), the whole meal cost us around $30.00 for 2. Very good saba, and they also had a sockeye salmon that I thought was better than usual. But it’s kinda a novelty and they love their sushi in Seattle. I’d recommend Chiso in Fremont where we ate last time as well. Very fresh sushi and very good cocktails.

a special JAPAN post...

i won't post about a specific restaurant, but just about general eating practices over here. food is a passion of the Japanese so I am finding that most pleasant.

japanese food goes way beyond just the teriyaki and tempura that we have back in the states...

- red bean (anko) is a staple of their diet here. you will find anko in almost EVERY single pastry/dessert served in japan.
- they love the pork. you won't find as much beef offered in dishes/at restaurants over here. they love fatty bacon and thick pieces of pork. takes some getting used to, but im getting there.
- sushi here is fabulous. so fresh and so affordable in every market. i honestly think the different taste of the soy sauce makes a huge difference too. the soy sauce here is a bit sweeter and thicker than it is in the states.
- mayonnaise and nori (seaweed) is bound to creep up in 90% of the dishes you order anywhere over here.
- chocolate and desserts: the sweetness is understated in a lot of their desserts, so its actually really nice and you appreciate flavor more than just the sugar.
- you better LOVE noodles and rice cause you will be eating it EVERY single meal. no lie. i didnt finish the rice at one of my schools and the kids were scared that i disliked rice. another teacher explained that i enjoy rice, but cant eat more than a cup at each and every meal.
- individually wrapped snacks. honestly, everything is about the packaging here. you can buy a package of cookies, but inside, each cookie will be individually wrapped. soo nice.. portion control.
-its more than acceptable to buy your meals at convenience stores (7 elevens and ampms abound over here)- bento boxes are everywhere and sooo good and generally really healthy. and you wont spend more than $5 on it.
-the japanese find a way to combine things like peaches and bell peppers (a juice box i had bought) and manage to make it work. crazy fashion combinations translate into crazy food combinations that just work...

i can go on and on, but will stop. come over to japan and i will share a meal with you!

sayonara...ganbatte!
melissa

Hog Island Oyster Company A-

Located at the aforementioned Ferry Building, this small oyster bar/seafood counter features Happy Hour specials every Monday and Thursday from 5-7, with $1 oyster specials and $2.50 pints of beer.

Raw oysters are an aquired taste, but must be my favorite taste experience in the world. And they must be had fresh, so don't attempt your first raw oyster in the buffet at the Monte Carlo or in Manila... get it from a trusted oyster shucker. The oyster of the day is the $1 special and it varies from day to day, but can always be trusted to be GOOD. We shared 24 oysters, two beers (I.P.A and Hef) and the free sourdough bread, all for about $30 dollars! The service is brisk, namely because of the special, and the lines really back up right at 5, so try to get there a little early if you can. Squeeze a little lemon onto the oyster and you'll be good to go, trust me.

Our favorite foodchick Melissa left for Japan this past weekend. We love you Melissa!!

Hey Francis, and welcome. I'm not completely gone (yet), so here's a great place I tried last month:

Zax A

Upon browsing the Chronicle's Top 100 Bay Area restaurant's list, I noticed a place that I pass all the time on Telegraph on the way to the highway. Zax Tavern is this nondescript restaurant a few blocks down from Parker (trust me, you know where it is) that has been consistently lauded by reviewers but is practically unknown by Cal students. The diners were mostly post-work professionals; we were the only young couple there. The menu featured items like grilled salmon, pork chops, scallion horseraddish mashed potatoes, sorbets, and amazing appetizers. They are known for their goat cheese soufle, which at around 8 dollars was creamy and delicious. Another famous appetizer is the warm duck-liver salad. YOU MUST GET THIS DISH. Mustard dressing, baby greens, bacon, duck liver, and a poached egg on top. Seriously heaven at $9.75. For the main course, I got one of their gourmet hamburgers ($10). Jason got the rack of lamb, a much better choice at $18. Zax features several tasty sounding desserts; try the blueberry pastry with vanilla ice cream ($6.50), a great way to end your meal.

I highly recommend this place- the food that we tried (including the free bread) was all quality.

Gordo's Taqueria B

Hi there y'all. I'm the newbie around here, and first and foremost I'd like to thank Melissa and Lydia for entrusting you readers with my palate. While technically not a food chick, I hope I can live up to your reputations =). Tonight's review is a place dear to my heart, because I grew up eating at this establishment in San Francisco. Fellow Berkeley-ites can fancy its offerings right next to the famous Trattoria Siciliana on College and Ashby.

As far as Mexican places go, Gordo's isn't the cream of the crop. The burritos and tacos are decent, but aren't too distinguishing in taste (though in terms of size, the super burrito is well worth its money). However, the two jewels of Gordo's would be its carnitas and its quesadillas. With these two combined, you have the best quesadillas this side of California (and even some places in Mexico). The carnitas is a perfect combination of slightly crispy pork, but not too crispy that it loses its moistness. And the quesadillas are perfectly fried so there's a slightly thin crispy layer before your mouth is engulfed in cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce, and whatever other delights you want (sour cream and guacamole are extra). The quesadillas run about $5.50 with the extras, and are a satisfying meal coupled with a Jarritos soda.

Unfortunately, Gordo's chips and salsa aren't free. However, if you like a spicy adventure their salsa is juicy and spicy, and the chips never stale.

So engordar yourself and happy fooding =)

Rick and Ann's A-

I'm afraid that my review of this Berkeley brunch establishment cannot be completley unbiased, since this place has been talked up by everyone from my roommates to my coworkers. However, I've avoided the tiny restaurant by the Claremont Hotel due to my phobia of restaurant waits which clouds my love of breakfast goods. But with a rare lunch off from work, I decided to finally give the place a try.

Let me say, I love breakfast food. For around $8-9 dollars each, Rick and Ann's offers a variety of breakfast specials that involve pancakes, sausage, and eggs. I got the Down South special: two buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, and turkey sausage. My dining companion Jason got a special with a waffle, two eggs over easy, and chicken apple sausage. Other specials on the menu included omlets and hashes, which Rick and Ann's is famous for. I regret not getting the home fries, which looked great on the dishes of those around me. When you're seated, take a minute to look around the crowded quarters and feel free to ask those around you what they ordered if it looks good.

A small freshly squeezed orange juice goes for $2.50, tomato juice for about $2.00. We went on a Wednesday, and there was a short wait at around 11:30. Rick and Ann's is an insanely small space, so be prepared to be up close and personal with those around you, especially at the community table where you are seated at a long table with others. The small kitchen also means quite a wait for your food, so be prepared for that as well (there is a small bakery next door if you simply cannot hold out). I recommend that you try the place at least once, but on a weekday where it is worth the wait.

For obsessive brunchers, try Rockridge Cafe (College just past Claremont). Melissa and I tried it out a few months ago after attempting to go to Crepevine. The crowd is VERY local and the nice people in line highly recommended the place. Not only was our breakfast delicious, the lunch food I saw on the tables around me (food envy) also looked great. Prices were a little cheaper than Rick and Ann's and I'd rate the quality about the same. Melissa loved her scone. ;)

Raleigh's B

Surprise, surprise, this Telegraph bar also serves bar food. French fries were crispy, onion rings were nicely battered, hamburger was huge, and a dozen plus beers on tap. The avocado, swiss and bacon burger (as do all burgers) comes on a great sourdough bun with a choice of sides ($7.75). Accompanied by a glass of Bass Ale (3.50) and a Guiness for the boy ($3.75), it's filling bar and good quality bar food to enjoy while watching assorted sporting events.

A Berkeley staple: Everett & Jones BBQ (San Pablo Location) A

What did I do Memorial Day? I headed to the take-out location for Everett and Jones with a few of my closest friends for some damn good BBQ. Why did it take me four years to finally get my ass over here? I’ll never know the answer to that question, but am really thankful that I finally did make it over there!

Located on San Pablo, right off University Avenue, three picnic tables sit in front of the actual restaurant. One foot in the door and you know you’ve arrived at a BBQ place. Smoke infused air fills your lungs and you make your way over to the counter. Three of my girlfriends and I decided to split a whole slab of pork ribs and opted for the medium spicy sauce. The slab comes with three sides of potato salad and slices of store-bought wheat bread. Served on paper plates and wrapped in foil, this was down-to-earth eating. I was ready to get down and dirty and rolled up my sleeves and got to it. The meat basically fell off the bone and the sauce was SO good- brown sugar perhaps, worstechire, tomato, garlic, molasses… these are all guesses but this is what it tasted like to me.

The potato salad was SO creamy and good- simple concoction, no fancy apples or anything thrown in. The bread was bread. Although our hands were covered in sauce and our plates were soaked through, all of us agreed that Everett & Jones gets a thumbs up, way up.

Fellow foodchick Lydia and boytoy Jason and friend met up with us and thoroughly enjoyed the E&J as well.

So PLEASE don’t be a dumbass like me and wait til your time is up in the Bay Area and get to Everett and Jones on a nice sunny day or evening and be a good carnivore.

As the owner of E&J told me when I lamented how sad I was that this was to be my first and last visit at E&J, “Don’t worry baby, the taste will get you comin’ back up here in no time!” She’s right…

cheers,
melissa joy

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Kentucky Fried Chicken C-

Yes, I risked Melissa's wrath by telling her about my latest food outing. But in my defense, if it's 11pm on a Sunday night and Outback Steakhouse is closed and your pantry is empty, where do you go but to KFC? Exactly.

My love/hate relationship with KFC started at an early age when my best friend's mom used to deliver her lunch to school. Yes, her mom would buy her lunch from a fast food restaurant and drop it off in front of Cupertino High. And while I ate my cafeteria fries (with ranch), I stared longingly at her buscuit, mashed potatoes, and two piecies of fried chicken. Later, KFC would again be made desirable by the image of Aiden lying on Carrie's bed with a bucket of chicken, asking her to rub his stomach. Sexy. And then something about gay porn.

So now to the details. Jason and I split the latest deal at the KFC down Telegraph: 4 pieces of fried chicken, 4 chicken strips, a large popcorn shrimp, two big sides, and 4 buscuits for $14.99. I have to say I have a weakness for buscuits, so I thought they were pretty yummy. They come with a side of solidified margarine in a condiment packet, for your convenience, but I much prefer the gravy dipped buscuit myself. Otherwise, the chicken strips were the best part of the meal- mostly white meat but not too dry. The fried chicken was NOT crispy as advertised. And the popcorn chicken was mostly popcorn and not enough chicken. I didn't dare taste the cole slaw, but it was reportedly "soggy."

Would I eat at KFC again? Well, it is attached to another favorite of mine, Taco Bell. I doubt I'll be returning anytime soon, even for the cute $1 snacker sandwich. But I like myself some fried chicken. I guess I have been meaning to check out Popeyes...

Hong Kong East Ocean Restaurant A-

On the very end of the marina in Emeryville, Hong Kong East Ocean is a relatively upscale dim sum place that my wonderful family took me and my friends for grad lunch. Being that it was a while back and I can't remember specifics, I do know that this is a good alternative to Peony's in Oakland's Chinatown. Located right on the waterfront, the restaurant features a great view of Treasure Island and San Francisco in the background. Dim sum here is not pushed around on carts (how unclasssy), but instead ordered and brought to the table. Highlights included the black bean spareribs (my favorite), the shu mai, the barbeque pork buns, and the dicon pancakes, which my parents thought were the best they've had, anywhere. If you're in the mood for fancy dim sum on your parent's bill, then Hong Kong East Ocean is absolutely the way to go.

The Buffet at Wynn A-

Lastly, I covered this a little in my own blog, but the Wynn Buffet is "damn good." Hand-scooped ice cream, creme caramel, smoked fish, steamed mussels, flank steak, soup, hand-tossed salad, and great wicker chairs at all tables. $20.00 for lunch, so try it out if you find yourself in Vegas (lucky you).