Jitlada

1826 Buchanan Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 292-9027

Reviewed 3/20/08
As I am not so savvy about Thai food, I don't know if this food was "authentic" or how it compares to other Thai places. BUT WHO CARES. I enjoyed everything I had, and would order it all again.

Tom Kha Gai w/chicken - the lemon/coconut soup was a little creamy, a little sweet, a little savory and a little tangy. Mmmmmm.

Pumpkin curry - A little bland, a little dry, but yes, I would order it again as I luuuuuv pumpkin and it paired well with the other, spunkier entree we had... (BTW, pumpkin lovers must try Sunnyvale Kabul's pumpkin dish, if they haven't already.)
Speaking of spunky...

Evil Princess - tofu (or meat) with sauteed spinach and napa cabbage in a red sauce. We ordered it mild so it was not very spicy, but it was bursting with flavor. With the rice, the dish was like buttah. This was probably my favorite dish.

Sticky rice with mango -- the rice was black. Now this was new to me. It had this wonderful chewy texture to it. My friend quipped that the mango was not up to par, but I didn't care. I was on a carb high at that point and was managing to tear into the rice despite feeling very uncomfortable along the waistline.

I also had their house lemon grass tea, which--it's a shame--I didn't get to enjoy because we were running late to a festival-movie across the street. Having seen the movie, I can tell you that I would have preferred to have lingered at the tranquil, lovely little restaurant with it's flower beds and fountain sounds.

Shoki

2675 24th St

Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 454-2411

Reviewed 12/27/2008

Talk about turning into a Ramen-Maniac.

LOVED this place. You will too if you like simplicity, authenticity, and tiny, worn interiors where informational flyers are posted up with Scotch tape.

Service: delightfully friendly and cordial; gentle-Japanese without being overbearing and formal.

Noodles: damn good. Loved the chewy texture.

Broth: Shio was seasoned, giving it a bit of spunkiness.

Portions: Excellent. Large actually is large.

Misc: The tuft of steamed cabbage nesting in my noodles was fresh and tender rather than cooked to death.

Can't think of a better meal on a cold day.

To the Shoki staff: Gochi-soh-sama!

Square One Dining

4854 Fountain Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 661-1109
www.squareonedining.com

Reviewed 11/9/2008

Synopsis: A little place in a quiet neighborhood with flaky service and bad-ass beet salad and French toast.

Food: On the menu, the beet salad is without frills but the actual dish is gorgeous and scrumptious.

The beets are cooked to the tenderness of the heirlooms, making them a great pair here. They are topped with a couple scoops of mild and creamy cheese--burrata--which was making me look up at my companions and exclaim "What is this cheese?!" The balsamic dressing drizzled on top has just the right sharpness to bring out the flavor rather than overtake the salad's main features.

I took bites of the French toast off the plates around me. One was straight-up French toast, the other was the banana citrus caramel. Both were so delicious that they melted away my cares, if only temporarily. Beware that they (the banana especially) are rich and filling. But they are something you should try---at least once!

Crowd: Young bohemian men in Fedora hats dot the place, indulging in heaping portions of comfort food. No one looked like a tourist.

Service: Our waitress was in LaLa land (not just literally but figuratively). Couldn't answer simple questions about the menu such as whether the meats they used were organic, or what the soup of the day was. Nevermind. The beet salad and French toast ruled.

BLD

7450 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 930-9744
www.bldrestaurant.com

Reviewed 11/9/2008

In a phrase BLD is classy comfort food.

I love the menu here. It's both simple and quirky. American basics, such as burgers, grilled salmon and chocolate cake are offered alongside California-style dishes such as hemp seed crusted tofu and warm kabocha salad, a special offered the night I was there.

I am often disappointed when I order such things from Joe Schmoe restaurant. Veggie burgers are like glorified Boca burgers or the food is swimming in grease...or the bread is some supermarket brand. But BLD serves up its offerings as if they were its specialities; their food is hearty and satisfying and made as if someone in the kitchen cares about its quality. I am extrapolating from one visit, of course. ;-)

At our table were the veggie burger, beef burger, Philly Style rib eye sandwich and the herb-crusted tofu. I did not sample my companions' choices, but everyone seemed at least satisfied. I enjoyed my tofu and almost licked my plate clean. The sandwiches were huge and photogenic.

BLD would not be my suggestion for an early-in-the-relationship date, or power meal. But it's a great and certainly classy option for reliable comfort food.

If I can survive LA traffic, I will make an effort to come back for the "B" in BLD. I want to try these ricotta pancakes I╒ve heard so much about on Yelp!

Comme Ça

8479 Melrose Ave

West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 782-1104
/www.commecarestaurant.com

Reviewed 11/8/2008

SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE NOISE LEVEL!

All under 40 years of age, with decent hearing, we were shouting "What?!!?!" and "Say that again?!!" whenever we saw each other's lips moving.

Decor: chic-cosmopolitan--(love brasseries).
Service: efficient and friendly.
Entrees: ordered pork chop, braised beef (Paleron), and New Zealand snapper. Good all round, but nothing to write home about.

Hors d'oeuvres: creamed spinach: silky and buttery. Very good.

Desserts: Lemon tart - a French version of the American version. Nothing special.

Apple tart tatin: AMAZING. Apples were warm and moist, and the soft crust was delicately coated in a thin layer of caramel. On the side was a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream nestled on crushed pistachios. Alone, this dish would have gotten top rating, easily.

Summary of review: Not extraordinary, but certainly superior than comme ci comme ça.

Kappo Nami Nami

240 Castro St

Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 964-6990

Reviewed 5/4/2008

This is not the Cheesecake Factory, ladies and gentlemen. Portions are small, Japanese-style. And prices are high.

Don't go here if you:
a) are on a budget
b) are starved (unless money is not an issue)
c) are neurotic about fatless meat (I usually am but am willing to let it go here)
d) are in a hurry

Do go here if you:
1) want authentic Japanese food, i.e., a non-Westernized menu
2) want to be served by unobtrusive, chill Japanese waitstaff who look like they could have come from the Tokyo fashion pages
3) want a tranquil but hip atmosphere
4) actually would enjoy studying and appreciating what you eat

The dishes are not just to be eaten but appealing to the eyes. Flavors are delicate. Meats are tender and succulent (the black cod is incredible).

If I feel like pigging out (which is the norm, but there are exceptions) I would not go here, but I would to impress someone interested in a real Japanese food experience.

KCRW Radio

1900 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-5183

10/29/2008

KCRW ROCKS. Really, it does. It is home to cutting-edge alternative sans commercials and awesome, super-hip, yet down-to-earth DJs.

Thank god for streaming. Otherwise I would have to move to LA.

KCRW has given me a real appreciation for DJs--I mean these guys (and girls) not only have sexy voices but they know their sh#$. And their music library is incredible. They do not recycle their playlists (did you hear that commercial radio stations?). They are also creative and playful; it is not unusual to hear songs from say MGMT and Flock of Seagulls in the same play set because the DJs play whatever they damned well want!

Listening to their shows, I feel very much in-the-know about what's coming down the pike in alternative, and what is playing in sophisticated clubs around the globe. (Or at least I get the impression that I do.)

KCRW's talk shows are progressive, informative and excellent as well. Le Show. Which Way LA. Good Food... You go Harry Shearer and Evan Kleinman!

KCRW ILY! I'm a subscriber!

Culture Organic Frozen Yogurt

340 S. California Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 324-0440
www.culturefrozenyogurt.com

Reviewed 10/28/2008

It's not bad if you want sorbet.

This is my evaluation of "original" flavor frozen yogurt.

I'll have to go back for chocolate and strawberry--the "Seasonal" flavor. Didn't know strawberries were in season but I didn't question it. Organic places get all kinds of protections from me.

Now, what is worth writing home about is the topping. I had the clustery pumpkin-seed stuff. Is that available in bulk?!? I would love to put it in regular yogurt! It has a scrumptious roasted, honey flavor.

[Terminator voice] I'LL BE BACK!

Mediterranean Wraps

433 S. California Ave

Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 321-8189
http://www.kanzeman.com/medwraps

Reviewed 10/28/2008

I used to love Med Wraps. The word shawarma would set off a flight-or-fight response that screamed: destination Med Wraps.

But now that I've tried other Middle Eastern places, the sympathetic NS says: destination Elsewhere.

This place is good for fast food. It's well priced and quick and the service is delightful. Also the men preparing the food always look like they are enjoying themselves, and the owners care about the customers. This has been the case for years.

But the tabbouleh is consistently too lemony, the humus a bit bland, and tonight the dolma was filled with mush. It was like porridge inside. And the bread is just, well, you could get it from Safeway.

Falafel is the best offering of what I have tried. Actually the chicken shawarma is (or used to be) good too.

I like the festive, inviting and casual and I'd keep going with some improvements in But for now, I‘d rather get my Mediterranean cravings elsewhere. :(

Chow

215 Church Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 552-2469
http://www.chowfoodbar.com

Reviewed 9/28/2008

What is all the fuss about Chow?

$15 for a Numi tea and a cobb salad that consisted of just a handful of greens and not even a full egg! And the dish wasn't even attractive!

I actually brought my camera so I could take pictures of the food! But I decided not to take any because my salad was so like the kind I would fix for myself.

Ultimately my server charged me for a "medium" salad because she agreed, when I said, "Is that a large?" that it seemed a little skimpy.

The Chow experience started off on a bad note.

When I asked the server for the brunch items, she said they only served those until 2PM.

BUT I SCHLEPPED 2.5 MILES FROM THE CALTRAIN STATION WITH VISIONS OF A 1,500 CALORIE PLATE OF PANCAKES OR WAFFLES TOPPED AND FILLED WITH SOMETHING CREAMY AND SINISTER. PLUS IT'S ONLY 2:30!! CAN'T YOU DO SOMETHING!?!?

I decided to start with hot cider.

Sorry, I was told. They no longer serve that.
*BUT LOOK UP THERE! IT'S LISTED ON THE WALL!*
Distraught because my carby-breakfast items were not orderable, I asked what were favorites adding that I don't eat red meat.

She gave me a few options--mostly pastas, and the cobb salad--but said that most of the popular items had meat in them.

*BUT I THOUGHT THIS WAS A VEGGIE FRIENDLY PLACE!*

I didn't say the words in the asterisks--aloud, that is. But I was yelling them in my head.

While eating, I tried to enjoy the great window seat I had, while ignoring the perfect view of the sidewalk sign advertising delicious ORGANIC BREAKFASTS.

To be fair, my salad tasted better than average (prime greens, tender, organic chicken, creamy avocado and great thin slices of bread). But it was obviously not chow enough for me! I was too miffed to order dessert. I just didn't want any more chow from Chow. Ok, I'll end there.

Ciao.

Kara's Cupcakes

855 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 326-2253
karascupcakes.com

First reviewed
9/22/2008


OMG. This was a slam-dunk/love-at-first bite experience.

I had the Sweet Vanilla and Chocolate Velvet--two of the hottest sellers, I was told.

The cake seems to dissolve in your mouth, and the sprinkles add a delicate crunch giving you multiple flavors and textures in one bite! Chocolate Velvet is chocolaty and almost semi-sweet. It totally meets my cacao standards! And I love its just-right sweetness.

Both cupcakes were moist and light. Afterwards, you don't feel like you've eaten a highly toxic, artery-clogging bomb, which is how I feel post-cupcake a lot of the time.

I can't wait to try Fleur de Sel--chocolate cake w/CARAMEL filling--OMG--topped with ganache, AND finished off with rock salt. OMG. Reminds me of this incredible olive-oil-and-sea-sa lt ice cream topping I had at Bi-Rite. Not to digress or anything.

Man, I live for this stuff.

BTW, the store-front is brown and pink. Supercute, appealing to my girly instincts.

AND get this, they use local and organic ingredients. Did I make clear that I love this place?

Updated Review
12/8/2009

OMG.

I repeat: OMG.

Just tried the Peppermint Twist (dark chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting and bits of candy cane). It's the subtlest flavor of the ones I have tried. Cake is nice and daaaark, and the frosting is magically dense and light at the same time.

Surreal........sublime....

Every cupcake I have had here has had WOW! factor in every bite.

It is beyond me how a sweet tooth could not possibly love this place as I do.

Ha! And I thought I was getting over my sweet tooth.

Kara's is still The One for me.

Josie's

300 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10023
(212) 769-1212
http://www.josiesnyc.com/josie_west/josie_west.html

Reviewed 7/29/2008

This place was a balm--no, more like a blast of chilled air flowing through the tresses--on a sweltering July evening.

A girlfriend and I were foraging for eateries following a few hours of dancing at Lincoln Center. We were sweaty and tired but needed fuel before meeting up with Batman around midnight. [Okay so it was just a showing of "The Dark Knight," but we can fantasize.]

We didn't know what was good on the Upper West Side (it's been a while since I lived there) and were just too F-ing hot to walk farther uptown.

We passed by Josie's initially, then returned to it a block later. It is neither particularly stylish nor conspicuous, so why we didn't just stop there in the first place is ironic for us given our grungy preferences. The heat had gotten to us perhaps.

Josie's accommodates opposing food preferences, offering a fair variety of meat and veggie dishes. A Hindu-style eater, I had a tofu stir-fry over brown rice, and Lil' Carliners, a/k/a meat-devourer, had turkey meatloaf. We were both very satisfied. And our waitress was wonderful. She kept callings us "girls," which I found endearing because her tone made it sound like she knew us. (We aren't exactly spring chickens anymore, though might be mistaken for them--in the dim light, anyway.) Plus, being called "girls" somehow reminded me that I was in NY rather than, well, where I live now.

We wanted the scrumptious-sounding desserts (I remember something heavy and chocolate on the menu. Not delicate stuff, but hardcore comfort food material) but didn't want to be sans seat at The Dark Night so we left.

If I were still living in the Gotham, I could totally see myself becoming a regular at Josie's. The prices are reasonable and the place seems to offer frill-free, stick-to-the-ribs fare.
As a visitor of the city on this particular summer night, Josie's fit the bill. It fed us, cooled us off, and refreshed us for the remainder of our evening with the Big Bat.

Pastis

9 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10014
(212) 929-4844
www.pastisny.com

Reviewed 7/27/2008
Disclaimer: I am biased towards Frenchy things.

Pastis, je t'adore.

It was a Sunday morning in July, already sweltering, when I stepped into the bistro. And I immediately fell in love.

The service was gracious and accommodating upon arrival. Though I was twenty minutes early, I was promptly seated. Chilled water and coffee arrived immediately. Even after sitting there alone for TWENTY minutes, they accommodated me with kindness when I told them that I needed another table because, unexpectedly, an additional guest--girlfriend M's brother--was arriving.

It is casual dining, but it is French, and so it is refined. The service is not only attentive, but works harmoniously--I was waited on by at least five people if you include the hostesses, and everyone was working in synch, complementing one another.

Bright with natural light, the place is inviting, and inclusive. Something about the way the tables are set up evokes the warmth of a meal in someone's dining room.

And you can show up in jeans there.

The food is awesome...well, truth be told, I haven't had anything substantial enough to critique; but, I am so taken by the place that I have near-blind confidence that everything will be good. If it's any indication, my chilled orange and carrot soup, with its slight tang, was incredibly refreshing on a hot and humid day--and my yogurt with granola and fruit was exactly that--pure and simple--with no detectable funky additives. You actually can mess up a simple dish like this by using chalky yogurt, store-brand granola, and out-of-season fruit. By the way, their coffee was perfect. Very possibly it was laced with something that made me very happy to be there. Because I was.


I went to Pastis again later that day to pick up bread for friends, and a very kind waiter, who saw the streaks of sweat staining my blouse, offered me a glass of iced water. It was a nice touch that won me over. Again.

I almost went to Pastis again the next day, alas, there are too many awesome restaurants in Manhattan, and I was running out of time. So I went to Jean Georges instead. It was also excellent (and I ate a real meal there), but beneath it all, I'm more of a Pastis kinda-girl.

Pastis is like the man I am willing to hold out for: simple yet refined, unpretentious, yet brimming with understated charm.

Anyone know any places like it in the California Bay Area, please e-mail me. I don't like long-distance relationships.

Sultana

1149 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 322-4343
www.thesultana.net

Reviewed 7/12/2008

Think: creamy and thick... I think I may have found my Middle Eastern restaurant--in Silicon Valley anyway. Definitely on the Peninsula.

All the offerings on my veggie combo plate, except of course for the tabbouleh and dolma, were thick and creamy...and delightful. They could call their plate Turkish Delights but of course that might cause confusion. But each offering on that plate was a treat, like the candy.

I can't give it top billing yet since I just got take-out. But I'll gladly give it another star if I continue to enjoy my experiences there, as I did eating out of my Styrofoam container.

So on this day, a mediocre hummus would have satisfied me given the intense craving I was having. Instead I had possibly the best hummus and babaganoush I have tasted short of the kind my Lebanese-raised friend, G, makes. Dolma too. And throw in the tabbouleh.

I can't tell you how often I will order this combo elsewhere and it is too lemony, or salty, and I need a fire hydrant to cool my throat. But I'll order it anyway because I am too lazy to make it myself and I am howling for this stuff. But it looks like I no longer have to settle!

It was my first time trying ezme, which is described as "blended fresh tomatoes, onion walnut, and spices." I would call it a creamy spread the color of roasted pepper soup. It's slightly sweet and a little tangy. And then after you decide you like it, it kicks you in the back of the throat. Ditto for kizartma, which reminded me of ratatouille topped with yogurt. LOVED it.

This place is potentially habit-forming. I feel an addiction coming on.

I want to try the lavash wraps and the lentil soup that I have heard much about.

Will Sultana become the Sultan of my Middle Eastern restaurant options? To be continued, because I will be coming back here.

Red Mango

429 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 324-1811
www.redmangousa.com

Reviewed 6/15/2008

Thought process at Red Mango, first visit:

1. After trying a sample of Green Tea: Flavor is wonderful with a real matcha taste. Needs no toppings.

2. While eating: Too bad the portion is so meager that I can finish my cup in three spoonfuls.

3. Watching friend finish her medium size: $3.85 is way much for the skimpy portion I got. She got a better deal. But even a medium is expensive for what you get! Hmph! Yumi Yogurt rules.

4. Leaving Red Mango: Red Mangos are sprouting, and some people are getting disgustingly rich...I am helping them by coming here...

*Alas, Gidge, isn't this why you weren't sure you wanted to come here in the first place? But as a froyo slave, you ignored your politics and patronized the place--shame, shame!*

I'll get my matcha fix some other way.

6. An hour later: I'd much rather portions of my salary go to Fraiche.

Beard Papas

835 Middlefield Rd
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 365-7272
www.beardpapa.com

** Location since closed--what a shame!--but other locations open**

Reviewed 6/15/2008

Little puffs of heaven.

No funky aftertaste like you get from doughnut shops.

The delightful little clouds are filled with custard that tastes incredibly fresh and creamy without heaviness.

I could finish a six-pack in a sitting, I am sure of it. Have had to restrain myself from doing so.

If it weren't a chain, and didn't have the look of a chain, I would give it five stars (out of five). (It is unquestionably a five-star chain!)

Great post-flick treat. And comfort fix.

Fraiche Yogurt

644 Emerson St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 566-0055
www.fraicheyogurt.com

First Reviewed
5/18/2008

Bluebottle coffee, yogurt and dark chocolate--all organic--...these are the foods of the gods, no? Well, were I a god, I would deem them so.

And it does feel divine eating at Fraiche. I feel wholesome and satisfied at the same time. Isn't that what it feels like to be a goddess?

Anyway.

I do feel awfully conformist about raving about this place...who doesn't like Fraiche?!

I used to whine that Fraiche was a haughty place in a haughty town, and that the prices reflected that. (In contrast I love the (relatively) working class charm of Yumi Yogurt.)

Alas, I have been a hypocrite; I have patronized Fraiche on a number of occasions, mostly with visitors from out of town. In the process, I have come to be a loyal fan.

The service is friendly, and the yogurt--dense and creamy--is not at all limey or sorbet-flavored, like at some places (Harmony and Gelayo Gusto's "natural" flavor come to mind). I also love that Fraiche doesn't look factory-manufactured and isn't some mass copy of itself.

If I were in celestialdom, I'd be enjoying the SF Chronicle Special every morning. Just call me Queen Fraiche.

Updated Review
July 2008

I tried chocolate flavor.
Absolute bliss.

Kabul Afghan Cuisine

135 El Camino Real
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 594-2840
www.kabulrestaurant.net

Reviewed 5/17/2008

I really wanted to jump on the bandwagon and like this place, but it was just OK. Nice ambiance inside (from the outside it looks like they could be selling real estate...or bail bonds) but the food was nothing to write home about.

I had the veggie platter with the eggplant, spinach, and pumpkin. The veggies all looked like they came from cans. That was disappointing. The pumpkin reminded me of canned peach halves, and they were actually a little watery looking.

Not that anyone was was forcing me to clear my plates, which I did in timely fashion...the restaurant was just below par per my expectations.

But my foodie bud liked it, and raved about the pumpkin which she wants to order three portions of the next time she goes...though it might be with another friend!

It's worth mentioning that the service was pretty good.

I think I prefer the non-related Kabul in Sunnyvale for the food. But then, their service was not nearly as good.

Cirque du Soleil - Kooza

Grand Chapiteau at AT&T Park
San Francisco, CA 94199

Reviewed 1/20/2008

I am not a circus-goer, and got Kooza tickets as a gift from my boss--or I doubt I would have ever gone. Just not my thing.

But I was floored.

Unlike John S, who sounds way more knowledgeable about Cirque, I was WOWing the whole way. I kept repeating, "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" and "NO WAY!!" and "There's MORE?!"

The act involving the gerbil-wheels with humans, I think properly called "wheel of death," was, I agree, the best part of the show. But, I also loved the juggler--he had like six (or was it eight?!) pins in the air and was rotating a ball from shoulder to shoulder while playing "Chopsticks" on the piano. Well, not the last thing, but I would hardly have been surprised. As far as I was concerned, he was a genius.

Contortionists were amazing, but they are just freaky to me. I kept wondering if they were humans or sea monkeys. But I could just be envious.

The show (truly a circus on a measure of spectacle and chaos) is one of those things you have to see to believe.

Yumi Yogurt

3955 S El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 341-0939

First Reviewed
1/6/2008

Now serving NATURAL TART YOGURT flavor which they say is organic!! I can't verify that, but who cares---YAAAAAYY!!! Mondays, Weds, and Sats for the moment, we were told.

We got laughably ginormous servings, WITH topping, for $4.75. There was like a pint of yogurt in there--easily twice the amount I got at Fraiche, and I paid more than $5 there.

Fraiche is so Palo Alto, in both good and annoying ways: it has shaved chocolate and fruit toppings, is more elegant and is healthier; but prices are steep. Yumi is more ghetto, relatively speaking.

At night, the place looks like a pink shoebox with lights on it. It's very cute in a cartoony, Simpsons kind-of-way. And when you see the display of turquoise ice cream with multi-colored flecks in it, you know their priority is not on health but fun and maybe the 70's...but i be goin there over Fraiche for the most part now.

Thanks Yums!

Updated Review
1/3/2009

i gotta give yums top billing.

i still think fraiche has the best flavor of all the froyo i've tried, AND i am an organic-anti-additive-snob, but i find yummy to be irresistible. it gives hysterically generous portions, and the look and feel of the lil' shack is unpretentious and retro. service is efficient and friendly too.

plus it seems to have gotten a holiday make-over and it looks adorable at night. reminds me of charlie brown's christmas tree after it's been decorated.

even on a near-freezing evening, the place was happy and cozy and standing-room-only.

yumi yogurt shack--that's where it's at!