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Palm Springs Restaurant Week May 31 - June 6

                      Sangria and Tapas at Tinto

Founded in 2007, Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week showcases the incredibly diverse dining and leisure opportunities in the city of Palm Springs and surrounding communities of the greater Coachella Valley. In just six years, this annual event has grown from fewer than 30 participating restaurants, hotels, and attractions to over 100.

                            Workshop Kitchen + Bar

                 Prawns & Plantains at Citron at The Viceroy

Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week now takes place over 17 days and allows diners to choose from three-course, prix fixe dinner menus available for $26 or $38 per person at over 70 participating restaurants in La Quinta, Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and Indio. Participating hotels will offer an array of perks exclusive to Restaurant Week, including specialty room rates, upgraded in-room amenities, and more. Local attractions—from spas to The Living Desert and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—are also offering special rates and perks available exclusively during Restaurant Week. 

                Dessserts at TRIO Palm Springs

            Palms + Springs on Red Jeep Desert Tours

 

Newcomers this time around include dish-Creative Cuisine in Cathedral City, WORKSHOP KITCHEN & BAR in Palm Springs, and Korakia Pensione, along with the recently opened Mastro’s in Palm Desert and Cork & Fork in La Quinta.

Restaurant Week favorites like Circa 59 at Riviera Palm Springs, Copley’s on Palm Canyon, Sirocco, TRIO,Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Cello’s Bistro, Kaiser Grill, PS Follies, Indian Wells Resort Hotel, and the Ace Hotel & Swim Club—alongside its Feel Good Spa—return with dining deals and not to miss special offers.

          Chef Andrew Copley at Copley's Palm Canyon

 

       Cap off the evening with Kir Royales at Melvyn's

 

My recent visit to sunny Palm Springs was so enjoyable that I'll be sharing more photos and experiences of the getaway in the near future. 

 

A full list of restaurants and reservations for the 2013 Palm Springs Restaurant Week can be found HERE. 

 

 

Baja Style Tacos in Chinatown at Ricky's Fish Tacos - Los Angeles

No visit to LA is complete without a weekend stop at Ricky's Fish Tacos. In the last two months, he has moved from his Hollywood/Silverlake location and has now found a home in a parking lot in LA's Chinatown.

I always order two or three shrimp and fish combo tacos and an agua fresca of the day.

Yup. It's a Costco Chicken Caesar Salad on the table.

Super Bowl Recipes by Super Chefs

Super Bowl XLVI is right around the corner and we know that many of you are either hosting your own game day party, or attending a gathering as a guest. Even if you aren't a big fan of football, we know you're a fan of food, and there's going to be plenty of that to go around on this very special football Sunday. 

Food Fashionista asked some super Chefs to share their favorite recipes for the annual football festivities. Best part of all, you can easily create these unique and tasty recipes at home with the step-by-step instructions and ingredients listed by these professional chefs.

This year, forego being the friend who brings the bag of chips and jar of salsa, and impress your friends with one of the dishes below. We can't predict if it'll be the San Francisco 49er's or the Baltimore Ravens who'll be holding up the trophy this year, but we can guarantee that you'll be a winner in the eyes of your Superbowl party comrades and foes if you make one of these recipes for this coming Sunday's big celebration.

 

Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo Recipe by Chef Justin Simoneaux (Boxing Room) 

Chef Justin Simoneaux's recommended recipe is Smoked Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo, because it’s hearty and can feed a group! Also, since the Niners are playing the Ravens in his home state of New Orleans, it’s like bringing a little taste of the South to San Francisco.

As you can tell from the photo, Justin's team is the Saints!

 

Roasted Chicken Wings in Fesenjoon Sauce Recipe by Chef Hoss Zare (Zare Fly Trap) 

"My recipe is for roasted chicken wings in fesenjoon sauce. This is simple and uncomplicated, the sauce even matches my favorite team, the niners. This recipe is easy and a crowd pleaser. The color is reminiscent of the 49ers. Prediction - 49ers: 36, Baltimore: 24" - Hoss Zare

 

 

Curry Puffs Recipe by Kris Toliao & Yuka Ioroi (Cassava Bakery + Cafe)

Kris is more of a Manchester United Football fan, but he does like the 49er's and Yuka really likes the New Orleans Saints because she says "their story is beautiful."

 

Chipotle Chili Glazed Dungeness Crab Recipe by Chef Mark Dommen (One Market Restaurant) 

"I chose this recipe because I wanted to do something with crab, keeping the main ingredient local as the 49ers are in the Superbowl.  I also wanted to make it finger food and fun so that people had to use their hands to eat it.  I like to compare it to the shellfish version of chicken wings and something that would go really well with cold beer on Superbowl Sunday.  The crab could easily be substituted for head on shrimp in the shell." - Mark Dommen

Mark's favorite football team is the 49ers!

 

Cioppino, Crab Toasts, and Crudite Recipe by Chef Michael Mina (Mina Group & CookTasteEat)

Chef Michael Mina is a 49er faithful and these are Chef Mina's “San Francisco” recipes in honor of the 49ers going to the Super Bowl (crab, seafood, RED food...)

Charleston Tacos with Braised Short Ribs Recipe by Chef Jet Tila (The Charleston LA) 

 

"My favorite Team has to be the Jets because I was named after them back when they would win in the 70's!  

Even though it's labor intensive, these tacos can be done DAYS ahead and bring the Big game a fancy factor!.  Braise the beef days ahead, keep warm during the game, and guests can make their tacos during the breaks in the game!  These will definitely take your game to another level!" - Jet Tila 

 

Crispy Maryland Soft Shell Blue Crab Slider with Old Bay Aioli and Slaw

vs.

California Dungeness Crab Cocktail with Avocado Mousse, Micro Cliantro, Red Chili Sauce Recipe by Chef Francis Hogan (Bluestem Brasserie)

Chef Hogan BLEEDS green...meaning he is a die hard Philadelphia Eagles fan (from his home town). He doesn't dislike the Niners at all, but he believes "you have to stay true to your roots."

Sourdough Cheese Steak with Homemade Chez Whiz and Crisp Onions Recipe by Chef Thomas Weibull (Velvet Room at CLIFT) 

"Why is this dish my favorite? Well coming from Philly you can't watch football without Philly Cheese Steak. It's like drinking water for us. I think I had my first Cheese steak when I was 5 and then once every weekend since then...well when I lived there that is, I can still smell those Amorosa Rolls though this version is more a West Coast style." - Chef Thomas Weibull

Chicken Katsu Sandwich Recipe by Chef Richie Nakano (Hapa Ramen) 

Chef Richie Nakano of Hapa Ramen may be known as a die-hard baseball and San Francisco Giant's fan, but he hasn't forgotten that his city is represented in this year's Super Bowl. 

 

 

 

King Valley Tea House Dim Sum - Pinole, California

If you find yourself craving dim sum in the East Bay, look no further than King Valley Tea House in Pinole. On Saturdays, there's even a local, year-round Farmers' Market right across the street where you can grab fresh produce, kettle corn, pizza, and artisan gifts. Who knew?

 

King Valley Tea House

795 Fernandez Ave
Pinole, CA 94564

(510) 724-1668

MICHELIN Guide San Francisco 2013 Bib Gourmand Selections

This year 70 establishments made the list—a list that represents a sizable geographic area, including the entire Bay Area and Wine Country.

The 2013 Bib Gourmands were selected by Michelin's esteemed and anonymous food inspectors and they represent restaurants that serve two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included). Most importantly, they are the restaurants that the company's inspectors frequent themselves.

While the famous Michelin stars remain the most celebrated international distinction in the MICHELIN Guide, the Bib Gourmand is also a highly desired distinction among restaurateurs. In the 2013 edition, 21 different types of cuisine are represented among the Bib Gourmands and include restaurants across the region, including San Francisco, East Bay, Wine Country, Marin, South Bay and the Peninsula.

The Bib Gourmands are selected by Michelin's famously anonymous inspectors who dine across the area regularly. These local inspectors are trained to scrupulously apply the same time-tested methods used by Michelin inspectors for many decades throughout the world. This ensures a uniform, international standard of excellence.  As a further guarantee of complete objectivity, Michelin inspectors pay all their bills in full. For more information on the inspectors and the guide go to www.michelinguide.com

San Francisco MICHELIN Guide 2013

Bib Gourmands =

Area	District	Restaurant
East Bay	Lafayette	Artisan Bistro
San Francisco	Marina	A 16
San Francisco	Mission	Bar Bambino
San Francisco	Mission	Bar Tartine
East Bay	Oakland	Bellanico
San Francisco	Marina	Betelnut
San Francisco	Marina	Bistro Aix
Wine Country	Napa Valley	Bistro Jeanty
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Bistro 29
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Boon Eat + Drink
Marin	Corte Madera	Brick & Bottle
San Francisco	Richmond & Sunset	Burma Superstar
Wine Country	Napa Valley	C Casa
San Francisco	Richmond & Sunset	Chapeau!
East Bay	Lafayette	Chevalier
East Bay	Oakland	Chu
East Bay	Berkeley	Comal
San Francisco	Castro	Contigo
Wine Country	Napa Valley	Cook St. Helena
East Bay	Berkeley	Corso
San Francisco	North Beach	Cotogna
Peninsula	Redwood City	Crouching Tiger
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Cucina Paradiso
San Francisco	Mission	Delfina
San Francisco	Civic Center	Domo
Peninsula	Redwood City	Donato Enoteca
San Francisco	Marina	Dosa
East Bay	Berkeley	FIVE
San Francisco	Mission	flour + water
San Francisco	SoMa	Fringale
San Francisco	Mission	Gajalee
East Bay	Berkeley	Gather
South Bay	Saratoga	Hachi Ju Hachi
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Hot Box Grill
Marin	San Anselmo	Insalata's
East Bay	Berkeley	Ippuku
South Bay	Santa Clara	Kabab & Curry's
San Francisco	Richmond & Sunset	Kappou Gomi
Wine Country	Sonoma County	K & L Bistro
San Francisco	North Beach	Kokkari Estiatorio
Wine Country	Sonoma County	LaSalette
San Francisco	SoMa	Le Charm
Marin	Sausalito	Le Garage
San Francisco	Marina	Mamacita
Marin	San Anselmo	Marinitas
San Francisco	SoMa	Marlowe
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Monti's Rotisserie
Wine Country	Napa Valley	Oenotri
San Francisco	Richmond & Sunset	Old Mandarin Islamic
Peninsula	San Mateo	Osteria Coppa
San Francisco	Financial District	Perbacco
East Bay	Oakland	Plum
Wine Country	Napa Valley	Redd Wood
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Risibisi
East Bay	Berkeley	Rivoli
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Sazon
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Scopa
San Francisco	Richmond & Sunset	Sichuan Home
San Francisco	Financial District	Slanted Door (The)
San Francisco	Mission	Slow Club
San Francisco	Marina	Sociale
San Francisco	Castro	Starbelly
Marin	Sausalito	Sushi Ran
East Bay	Danville	Thai House
Wine Country	Sonoma County	the girl & the fig
San Francisco	Richmond & Sunset	Troya
Wine Country	Sonoma County	Willi's Wine Bar
East Bay	Oakland	Wood Tavern
San Francisco	SoMa	Yank Sing
San Francisco	SoMa	Zero Zero

 

SOURCE Michelin

City Target Opens at the Metreon, San Francisco

      TCHO Chocolate Ice Cream at the City Target Opening Party

San Franciscans no longer have to drive all the way to Daly City, or the East Bay for their Target fix. City Target opened this week in SOMA's Metreon complex, but not without a little soiree last week. Tacolicious, Rye on the Road, Anchor Steam Beer, Smitten Ice Cream (above) and other local favorites, were on hand serving guests bites, cocktails, and fuel for some in-store shopping and mingling. Now, if only there were a Rye on the Road bar in the store serving cocktails every day. That, I guarantee would lead to a sales boost.

City Target

4th & Mission, San Francisco

McDonald's Unwrapped - An Evening of Culinary Inspiration for Charity

This beautiful culinary creation by Chef Sophie Uong may appear very unfamiliar to you, but I guarantee that many of you have tasted parts of this dish at one point in your lives. You are probably wondering what I'm talking about, but if I tell you that the main protein is an actual deconstructed McDonald's Filet-O-Fish would you believe me? Well yes, it is true.

Last night, I attended a Charity dinner for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Three Chefs including Top Chef alumnus Ryan Scott, Beverlie Terra, and Picán Restaurant's Sophie Uong created unique courses using purely deconstructed McDonald's ingredients. It was fascinating to say the least. 

The event was held at the California Culinary Academy, and as soon as you stepped through the entry door, the familiar scent of Mickey D's fries lingered. Nine courses of wine paired, haute Mickey D's awaited us.

With the exception of the late-night sundae, I hadn't eaten McDonald's in almost 10 years. My table mates were shocked. Who knew my reunion with McDonald's would be in the form of a hash brown gnocchi and a Big Mac streusel. I couldn't have even imagined.

In the end, whether or not the dishes were a one-bite taste, or worthy of a Gold(en) arch medal, the evening was a fun, once in a lifetime experience all for a great cause. Even if there were only one french fry on my plate for the entire evening, I was happy to be there amongst a wonderful group of people supporting a worthy cause - The Ronald McDonald House.

See all of the photos from the event, including eight other dishes created solely from McDonald's products HERE

Food Fashionista at Eat Real Festival in Oakland

Some photos from this past weekend's Eat Real Festival in Oakland's Jack London Square:

Mason jars of Anchor Steam Beer ($6). Very useful ERF souvenir.

                        Rolling in the Alter Eco Food Tuk

         Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Sandwich at Whole Foods

          Chef John Fink (The Whole Beast) & his lamb gyro

Rewinery - Affordable Home Wine Delivery in San Francisco

Rewinery may have just become my new San Francisco BFF and it's Romy (the cat) approved. Two bottles of selectively-curated wine delivered by bike anywhere in San Francisco within your chosen time frame for only $30. My order impressively arrived within an hour of placing order by a friendly (and extemely fit) cyclist.

Now until 9/28, use code "foodfashionista2" for $15 off to make it ONLY $15 for two bottles of wine and delivery directly to your front door. The French Seguin Blanc de Noirs (pictured above) is only available thru the weekend, so act fast if you want some sparkling bubbles in your life.

Cheers, to Rewinery.