Gastronomie

Qu'est-ce que c'est... or, Where in the world is Fatemeh?

Seven Hours in Memphis

I know I sometimes have a warped view of my world... For example, for the past several years, I've flown over 100K miles per year on United, which has bestowed upon me the status of "Premier Executive 1K". Which basically means I'm that schmuck you hate as you're boarding, who's usually seated in Business Class with a glazed look in her eyes, trying to remember which city she's heading to next.

There are, of course, some nice perks to this program -- the aforementioned upgrades usually clear, I get treated pretty well if there are irregular operations (e.g., weather, equipment problems, etc), and... and... OK, maybe that's mostly it.

But the thing is, once you get used to the perks, it's really hard to think about going back to a lower level of status. Like I said, a warped view.

What does this all have to do with Memphis? Well, United was running a double-miles promotion, and I've always wanted to eat at C's favorite barbeque joint, the Bar-B-Que Shop, so on a total whim, we booked a ticket that would put us on the ground in Memphis for almost exactly seven hours.

It was an exhausting journey (we were in the same clothes for exactly 28 hours), totally indulgent (three meals in 5 hours), and totally invigorating. It was one of those days that leaves you marveling at how amazing the world we live in is, and was a reminder to throw caution to the wind and take life by the balls sometimes.

 

Tags: Food, Food & Drink, BBQ, Beer,Photography,United,Travel,Memphis,Oakland,San Francisco

Falling... the Mint Gimlet

Remember this post?

Remember how I struggled with my decision? I posted on Facebook, I update my Twitter, I asked everyone who would indulge me. I studied every review, every YouTube demo, every blog post about the Canon EOS XSi.

And then? I ordered it. I waited with bated breath as my delivery window was posted on Amazon, and then delayed by two days. I said goodbye to my loyal little point-and-shoot. The one that followed me from Burning Man to Italy, and re-ignited my zeal for photography.

Yesterday, my brand-spankin' new camera was delivered. And in the evening, a special angel arrived bearing a "Congratulations" gift bag loaded with the things a newbie dSLR owner may not know she needs: a polarizing filter, a UV filter, a lens hood, and a cool Lowepro shoulder-strap that lets me carry around an extra battery (also gifted).

And today? Today I must admit that I have fallen completely and totally in love with my new camera.  Why? Because I am more confidently taking photos that make me feel legitimized, if you can imagine that. Even after two of these:

Hangar One Mint Gimlet

• 2 oz Hangar One Kaffir Lime vodka
• Juice of one Key lime
• 6 torn mint leaves
• Agave nectar to taste

I like the mint flavor to be slight subdued in this drink, otherwise I think it overpowers the delicacy of the vodka. It's why I don't muddle. Simply shake all ingredients, with copious cocktail ice, until frothy and ice cold.

I love, love, love whizzing lime zest, sugar, and the tiniest bit of kosher salt in my spice grinder  to rim this cocktail. It makes the presentation a little more special, and only serves to subtly enhance the flavors in the drink.

Tags: Food, Food & Drink, Cocktail, Hangar One,Canon,Camera,dSLR,Photography,Oakland,San Francisco

Olive

Olive is nine months old... It's hard to believe the time has flown by so fast since she was this wee thing.

Raising a puppy is hard, HARD work, and C really does deserve 80% of the credit for this one. In exchange, he gets the undying adoration of that adorable brindle face, who thinks he's the neatest thing since sliced bread. Or Nylabones.

PS - Does anyone know how to set my blog posting settings in Flickr? I don't like the way it sets up posts at all... but it's so damn convenient!

Tags: Food, Food & Drink, Dogs, French Bulldog

MoNo, My Little Monkey

You know that cute little place around the corner? That neighborhood bistro where everyone knows your face, if not your name, and you have a favorite server, and a favorite table? Where the food might not be life-changing, but is consistently executed and delicious and never gets boring?

Until a couple of weeks ago, my neighborhood didn't have that place. But then, two lovely people with long histories in the San Francisco restaurant world decided to start their own dream place -- close to home. And so, MoNo (say "moe-no") was born.

Having now had three meals here, I can honestly say that MoNo is going to make it that much easier for me to stay in Oakland for dinner.

Standouts from the menu have included the Dayboat Scallop Crudo ($13), Asparagus with Prosciutto, Parmigiano, and a fried egg ($9), and the Meyer Lemon Risotto ($18). The risotto, while not overtly lemony, bears a sublimely floral fragrance, and is beautifully cooked -- just this side of al dente -- with several plump, juicy, caramelized prawns.

The Red Miso Grilled Lamb Chops ($21) had stellar flavor, though I wished there were two thicker chops rather than the four thinner chops on my plate; they were cooked a bit more than the medium rare I'd specified, and that's not uncommon with thin chops. Served with amazingly prepared baby bok choy, and tender spears of garnet yams, this is an already-great dish that will only benefit from a bit of fine-tuning in the kitchen.

Lunch portions are generous and reasonably priced: my Seared Tuna sandwich ($10) was big enough to share, and accompanied by a small green salad. (Admittedly, I thought the vinaigrette on the salad too acidic and under-salted. But I wasn't there for salad, so I just ignored it.)

Ms. Eggbeater herself has been consulting on the pastry menu, though I understanding she's just about winding down her gig there. Hopefully, the kitchen will be able to reproduce her Spicy Gingerbread ($6), because my GOD, it's incredible.

The wine list at MoNo is outrageous, giving them lots of credibility as a wine bar. From a section dedicated to artisanal sakes (including a sparkling sake!) to a selection of 15 wines available by the half-bottle, they make it very easy to try something new at each visit. The staff, as green as they are, do a nice job talking about the list, and rumor has it that there will be a sommelier on the floor on weekend nights.

MoNo is a wee little place (maybe 30 seats plus bar seating) and I can see it going the route of Wood Tavern pretty quickly -- packed to the gills every night with locals and regulars. Here's hoping!

MoNo Restaurant and Wine Bar
247 4th Street, Oakland
510.834.0260

Tags: Food, Food & Drink, Wine, Sake, Restaurant Review, Mono, Oakland, San Francisco