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 AveOn a recent weekday in October, we drove approximately two hours on a zigzagging Highway 1 to the small and secluded West Marin town of Marshall - population 50. With the exception of my motion sickness, there were spectacular views all 55+ miles. I probably enjoyed ten of them, but that's okay, I did manage to get a few great photos. To my relief, I did find out later, that there was a much simpler way to get there and back from San Francisco, sans the need for dramamine.
The arrival time couldn't have been any more ideal with the picturesque, glowing sun setting down on Tomales Bay. It was absolutely stunning. We checked in to one of the waterfront cottages (Ruthie's), where there was a private bay-view balcony, just feet above water. And, if it couldn't get any better, upon arrival at Nick's Cove & Cottages, guests receive a plate of fresh BBQ'd Oysters - a nice little snack to take in the natural setting while you kick back on the wooden balcony. The location is serene and rural, but the cottage accomodations are first-class, with heated bathroom floors, comfy beds, a well-stocked mini bar and modern amenities.
Don't expect to be yapping on your cell phone or twitter while you are out here. There's minimal internet connection, and that's a good thing. If you really need to make a call, you can use the (gasp) land line. This is meant to be a vacation. A real vacation. A time to relax, unwind, and get back in touch with the beauty and nature of the universe.
Nick's Cove restaurant is adjacent to the cottages and also offers stellar views. In addition, they serve excellent cuisine. Though they are best known for their fresh, local oysters and seafood dishes such as dungeness crab mac & cheese, Nick's offers a whole lot more on their menu. Executive Chef Austin Perkins specializes in serving the finest seasonal, sustainable California cuisine sourced from the area’s abundant Marin and Sonoma County farms. They also have a well-thought out cocktail list and wine selections to match. A favorite dish on the special menu, was the Scallop Ceviche with panko crusted coconut rice. It was finely paired wtih a 2010 Russian River Valley Dry Gewurtztraminer from Halleck Vineyards.
I should also mention their wonderful room service breakfast options including the Dungeness Crab Benedict...
If you aren't tempted enough yet, the wonderful, hospitable folks at Nick's are hosting their inaugural Crab Catch at Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages this Sunday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's a family-friendly affair and throughout the day, various crab-centric activities will be available for crustacean-lovers of all ages including a Tomales Bay crab-catching competition and a cooking demo with Executive Chef Austin Perkins. There will also be a crab-infused cocktail “Crabby Hour;” and a three-course Dungeness crab tasting menu, with a portion of the day’s proceeds benefiting the Petaluma Educational Foundation. If interested, you can register at http://crabcatch.eventbrite.com. For those looking for something a little quieter, you can always book Nick's for a mid-week getaway. Either way, you won't regret it.
For more of my Nick's Cove Getaway photos, including a 10-course, wine-paired dinner, visit my kullection HERE
23240 California Highway 1 Marshall, CA 94940
(415) 663-1033
Living in San Francisco couldn't be better. Not only was SF recently listed as the best city in the U.S. to live in, but last night, our beloved Giants swept the Tigers to become the World Series Champions - a title they've earned twice in the last three years. Indian Summer continued to bless us with radiant weather, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Sunday with friends than at Off The Grid's Picnic at the Presidio. It was, unfortunately the last event of the season, but exciting news is that they'll be back in Spring when the weather will once again be picnic-worthy.
The sun was beaming down all day. (Pictured) - Wing Wings Fried Chicken (what heaven tastes like), Matt Cohen of OTG , Fresh Bloody Mary fixings
Halibut Tacos & Beans from I Love Blue Sea & The Whole Beast
(Clockwise from Top Left) Beer, Bloody Mary + Mimosa Kits for Sale, Cucumber Mimosa, Bloody Mary Lawn Views
Held in partnership with The Presidio Trust, OTG Presidio Picnic is quintessential San Francisco and the location couldn't be any more ideal. Not only were there incredible views, but a variety of excellent eats and liquid libations. I wish I could've tasted a plate of food from everyone who was vending. The restaurants/chefs were high-quality and included local favorites Roli Roti, Chotto, Wexlers, Stag Dining Group, Nopalito, Bar Crudo, Humphry Slocombe, Dixie, The Whole Beast, Del Popolo, I Love Blue Sea, and more.
(Clockwise from Top Left) - Dolly's Doughnuts, Frog Hollow Farms pears, Friend Shadows, Three Babes Bakeshop Pie
We enjoyed lounging in the hot sun, drinking brunch-like cocktails, and indulging in Wing Wings finger lickin' good Fried Chicken. This all happened while watching people play Bocce ball and listening to the DJ spin old-school jams (Salt n Pepa's Push It, Prince's Kiss...). Presidio Picnic is a casual, yet sophisticated outdoor event for friends, family, children, and canines - all of the above are welcome and from what I witnessed first hand yesterday, a fun, flavorful and festive time for all. Can't wait for Spring.
The second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, Los Angeles ’premier culinary extravaganza, is taking place next week August 9-12 in Downtown, Hollywood , Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. Headquartered at L.A. LIVE, the event, which benefits St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, features culinary experiences, demonstrations, and exclusive dining experiences.
The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival also revives the Celebrity Chef Power Lunch Series, featuring notable chefs Wolfgang Puck and Charles Phan at WP24; Joachim Splichal and Hubert Keller at Patina Restaurant and Ari Rosenson and Lydia Shire at CUT. Santa Monica plays host to Summer At The Shore Hosted By Graham Elliot and, in Beverly Hills , I Heart Champagne & Caviar will take place at The Montage Beverly Hills.
Rounding out the weekend are the marquee events hosted at L.A. LIVE; Giada's Festa Italiana hosted by Giada De Laurentiis, Asian Night Market hosted By Andrew Zimmern, Lexus LIVE On The Plaza With Wolfgang Puck & Friends featuring a musical performance by Third Eye Blind and Saturday and Sunday’s Lexus Grand Tastings. Presented by Coastal Luxury Management (CLM), Los Angeles Food & Wine spans the length of the city and offers guests the chance to sample the cuisines and products from some of the world’s most prominent epicurean influencers, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the entertainment industry’s brightest film and musical talents.
For more info and to Purchase Tickets, visit www.lafw.com
See Food Fashionista's photos from last year's LAFW LEXUS Grand Tasting HERE
My friend was craving a Cheeseburger. I was craving vegetables. We were in the East Bay.
What better way to meet in the middle than a visit to Barney's Gourmet Burgers. He got his spicy chipotle burger special. I got this GIANT montrosity of a vegetarian burger.
Although service was a bit wonky, I did enjoy snapping pics and shortly thereafter, consuming this meaty fungi sandwich all to myself. If you are wondering how it was done, I cut it in half and squished it down. Yes, it did ooze out of the bun, but that's okay. That's what the knife and fork were there for. Splashes of tabasco and squirts of ketchup kept it extra tangy.
on Instagram
Roasted Chicken w/pine nut cranberry panzanella, garlic chips, arugula
Since opening last August, Local Cafe has become a popular, family-friendly, go-to spot for brunch and lunch on Piedmont Avenue. Evident by the consistent, loyal following packing the 30-seat restaurant week after week, Local Cafe has now decided to open its doors for an afternoon happy hour and weekend dinner service. We think that's a smart idea.
Chilled blended spinach soup w/lemon foam
Started by first-time business owner, Megan Burke, this creative home cook, occasional caterer and insatiable restaurant-goer had a dream and passion of opening up a "welcoming, non-pretentious neighborhood gathering place with honest, nurturing food." One visit to Local Cafe, and you'll feel the vibe of the close-knit staff with a focus on community. The community effort was very vital to the success of Burke's vision and she "wanted to give people work that hadn't worked in a while". As a mother of two young girls, Burke envisioned a "good place with good food where kids can get loose." And speaking of kids, there's a chalkboard in the middle of the dining space where everyone can doodle and explore their creativity. Proving that talent starts at a young age in this family, the contemporary paintings adorning the walls are the works of Burke's 10-year old daughter, Natalie.
Little gem salad w/apple, walnuts, black river blue cheese
Now on to the food. The kitchen, from day one has been run by Executive Chef Jhon Gomez (Oliveto, A Cote') and Consulting Chef Colin Etezadi (Boot & Shoe Service, Camino, Pizzaiolo). From jams and pastries, to cheeses and wines, you'll find the persistent use of local purveyors (Inna Jam, Straus Family Creamery, Graffeo Coffee, Queen of Sheba Honey Farms, Donkey & Goat Wines, Tara's Organic Ice Cream) on the Local Cafe menu. Gomez has already built a fan base for his delectable daytime dishes such as the B.L.A. Sandwich with apple smoked bacon, lettuce, pickled shallots, and avocado ($9) and his Eggs Benedict with parma prosciutto and savoy spinach ($10). And starting just this past weekend, he debuted his dinner service.
Crispy pan-seared halibut, fava puree, dandelion greens
Expect to find a consistent, seasonally-inspired menu with a few daily specials. Local Cafe understands that customers fall in love with particular dishes and come back for their favorites. I can appreciate that. There's nothing like craving a dish you just tried, only to find out that you will never be able to order it again. Dinner items will include comforting, affordable plates such as the Pork and Beef Meatballs with crostini and red sauce ($11), Salads ($8-12) and entrees including a crispy Half-Roasted Chicken with seasonal vegetables ($15), and a Flat Iron Steak with grilled aspragus, celery root mash, and garlic drizzle ($16).
Chef Jhon Gomez cranking out high-quality goods in his modest kitchen
A California-centric wine list, and beer by the bottle from several local breweries (Linden Street, Sudwerk, Bear Republic Breweries) were chosen to pair well with the food. If you are in need, the staff will be happy to suggest items or pairings. There's also a walk-up counter for those looking for food on the go. Wherever you may be visiting from, a visit to Local Cafe' will have you too feeling just like one of their preferred locals.
Starter Bakery chocolate tartlettes w/strawberries & crushed hazelnuts
4395 Piedmont Ave
(between Brandon St & Pleasant Valley Ave)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 922-8249
Just in time for Spring, one of my favorite healthy spots in LA, M Café has a new seasonally-inspired menu. Their updated Spring Clean(s)ing menu is a simple decision when eating healthy looks and tastes this good. They are also offering a 3-day D.I.Y. juice cleanse program based on their popular seasonal juices with recipes, tips and a daily suggested calendar of juices for guests to follow at home. And just in case you don't need another reason on top of the 13 appetizing ones below, bathing suit season is just around the corner.
Expect to see the following on M Café's Spring Seasonal menu:
NEW! Barley & Green Garbanzo Bean Salad (photo 3)
NEW! Kale & Shiitake Ohitashi (photo 1)
NEW! Raw Almond Sushi (Photo 2)
Raw Cauliflower Tabbouleh
Spring Seaweed Salad
Speltberry Salad
Chickpea & Dandelion Salad
Grilled Spring Vegetable Salad with Avocado-Lemon Dressing
Grilled Spring Vegetables
NEW! Chilled Edamame Vichysoisse
Creamy Broccoli Soup
Split Pea & Barley with Lemon & Dill
Brazilian Black Bean Soup
In the last couple years, La Boulange in San Francisco has become a cherished neighborhood stop. For your morning caffeine, fresh baked pastries, salads, sandwiches, or a box of macarons, this restaurant with 10 (and counting) locations in the city is always a fresh, affordable alternative. The Hayes Valley La Boulange is a particular favorite.
Brief Dish Blurb: The captivating aroma of fresh baked, just out-of- the oven Cherry Oat Scones will have you in a dreamy state of mind at this tranquil escape in the midst of bustling San Francisco.
The Dish: Topped with oats and sprinkled with sugar, with yes, cherries on top, the Cherry Oat Scones at Samovar Tea Lounge are prepared with love daily. The hearty, delicious Samovar version of the Scottish-originating scone arrives with a side of caloric and thick Devonshire cream – a double-clotted cream that is decadently delicious and a rarity to find in the city. A berry jam is also served which varies seasonally from strawberry, raspberry or blackberry. On occasion, apricot or pear ginger jams are also featured. For breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these flaky, filling and flavorful scones are a hearty snack. Complete your Samovar Cherry Scone experience by pairing them with a suggested Earl Red or Lychee Black tea.
Key Ingredients: oatmeal, cherries, butter
The Place: On the Upper Terrace of SOMA’s Yerba Buena Gardens, Samovar Tea Lounge sources their high-quality environmentally sustainable tea and seasonal herbal fusions from small family farmers, who they call “artists of the leaf”. This relaxed urban getaway is the ideal retreat for those needing some quiet time to wind down during the often hectic and fast-paced city life. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it is an ideal setting during both chilly, and those rarely warm SF days (and nights). Complementing the extensive tea selection and service are a variety of salads, sandwiches, and sweets. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available upon request.
Other menu musts: Hence the name, the tea is the ultimate must-have at Samovar Tea Lounge. The sweet, spicy Masala Chai is a favorite.
Extra facts: In addition to the Yerba Buena location, there are two other Samovar Tea Lounge escapes in San Francisco including one in the Mission-Castro neighborhood, and one in the San Francisco Zen Center (how fitting).
Originally featured on HeardAbout.com
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