FOOD FASHIONISTA

Macarons de Paris at La Boulange - San Francisco

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.

La Boulange Bakery & Cafe

Izumi-ya in San Francisco's Japantown gets Festive for the Holidays

I couldn't help notice the Christmas decor at Izumi-ya as I was strolling through Japantown.  For years, I would frequent neighboring shops Kinokuniya bookstore for my latest Japanese fashion mags & Tan Tan for tea and anmitsu.

Corner restaurant Izumi-ya is known for their Okonomiyaki and other Osaka-type casual cuisine. Will definitely post some pics of the food next time I visit.

Hope you are all enjoying the holidays! 

 

In-N-Out Burger Secret Special Menu Items

On a recent visit, I asked for extra cheese at In-N-Out and got EXTRA cheese (as shown above), but did you know that this insanely popular burger chain has its own secret menu? I'm not talking "animal style" or "grilled cheese", which most regulars already know about. I'm talking about the "Flying Dutchman", "Chopped Chilis", or did you know you could order a Neopolitan shake? Well, now you do. For a full list, visit HERE.

Food Fashionista - Cold Weather Comforts

On a rainy, cold night in L.A., there's sometimes nothing more nurturing that a steamy hot pot of soup and a re-read of the premier issue of Style.com - which I'm currently already obsessed with.

I prepared enough soup for like ten, but I figure it'll keep me warm for the next couple days. Plus, soup often gets better with some time and it was the perfect remedy to cleanse the body after the decadent weekend eating which included goat belly, lamb leg, Little John's English Toffee, Lette (formerly Paulette) macarons, home-made dark chocolate truffles, and several bottles of some splended red...and that was just one meal. With organic meat from Lindy & Grundy butcher shop and a close-knit, casual dinner for friends prepared by friend, chef Dominique Crenn, it was a comfort food type of weekend.

I think it's time to hit the gym soon...

  
  Dom's Lindy Grundy Goat belly with rosemary & thyme potatoes

           Dominique Crenn on a Chef's Day Off...Still working it!

                                   Sunday Supper with Friends

             Dark chocolate truffles & red wine are divine

Small Business Saturday - Support your local Small Brands & Businesses

As a small business owner, I wanted to remind you all to support your local small businesses today (and every day). Started last year by New York City Mayor Bloomberg and American Express, Small Business Saturday takes place on the day after Black Friday. It was created as an easy way to support the local, independently owned small businesses that create jobs, fuel the economy and invigorate retail in communities across the country. In 2010, Small Business Saturday became a huge cultural event that drove major traffic and sparked spending at small businesses across the US in a MAJOR way.

 

This year, the stylish PAPER Mag + AmEx joined together to create city guides for the Small Business Saturday shopping initiative. Inside this guide you will find special deals from local shops, salons, restaurants and bars located in NYC, Chicago and San Francisco. Exclusive offers such as discounts at clothing stores and boutiques, free restaurant tastings and drink deals, special gifts with purchase and more! 

 

While shopping this holiday season, remember all those small businesses and entrepreneurs.

 

For more info on Small Business Saturday, visit HERE

Chef Mourad Lahlou Book Signing at Green Apple Books 11/19 - San Francisco

Last night as I was strolling Clement Street, I had to share one of my favorite San Francisco spots with a dear friend. After some time spent at Inner Richmond gem Green Apple Books, I spotted Chef Mourad Lahlou front and center right on the doorway. The talented Iron Chef winner and Michelin-starred chef just recently released his much-anticipated cookbook, Mourad: New Moroccan and Green Apple Books will be hosting a book signing event this Saturday, November 19th at 1pm.

"Mourad is anything but a dutifully authentic documentation of Moroccan home cooking. While the recipes therein include the great Moroccan classics--the basteeya, the couscous, the preserved lemons, and much more -- Lahlou adapts them in creative ways that take a Moroccan idea to a whole new place." states Green Apple's website.

In addition to a meet and greet with Chef Lahlou himself, samples of Moroccan bites and drinks willl be served. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it since I'll be in Napa that day, but for all of you who are in San Francisco, I highly recommend you attend. And if you can't make it to the signing, check out Mourad's restaurant Aziza which also calls the Richmond District home. 

 

Mourad Lahlou Book Signing

Saturday, November 19th 1pm

Green Apple Books

506 Clement St

San Francisco,California

 

Samovar Tea Lounge's Cherry Scones - San Francisco

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).

 

Samovar Tea Lounge

 

Originally featured on HeardAbout.com

RUE Mag + HD Buttercup + Food Trucks - San Francisco

Better late than never, but here are some pics from the Rue Magazine anniversary party at H.D. Buttercup, San Francisco. Food trucks, several bars, and a chic set of attendees mingled and struck a pose in the photo booth, all while surrounded by eclectic interior pieces in SF's SoMa neighborhood.

             DJ beats and four bars satisfy rue mag party-goers.

                      The Fab Four Pillow at H.D. Buttercup

    Curry Up Now Truck feeding stylish guests at Rue's Soiree
              Le Truc's Pulled Pork & Niman Ranch Beef Sliders

                   Four Barrel Coffee in the house!

             A cup of British Royalty at H.D. Buttercup

                 Dishware interior design at H.D. Buttercup

           Cheers to many more anniversary celebrations, Rue! 

 

 

For all the pieces we featured above, visit HD Buttercup.

For more info on RUE Magazine, visit HERE

MICHELIN Guide San Francisco 2012 Stars Announced

 

 

The List ("*" denotes a newly starred restaurant in that category):

THREE STARS (exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey)

French Laundry (The)
Restaurant at Meadowood

TWO STARS (excellent cuisine, worth a detour)

Baumé*
Benu*
Coi
Cyrus
Manresa
Saison

ONE STAR (a very good restaurant in its category)

Acquerello
Alexander’s Steakhouse
Ame
Applewood
Atelier Crenn*
Auberge du Soleil
Aziza
Bouchon
Boulevard
Campton Place
Chez TJ
Commis
Dio Deka
étoile
Farmhouse Inn & Rest.
Fleur de Lys
Frances
Gary Danko
La Costanera*
La Folie
La Toque
Luce
Madera
Madrona Manor
Masa’s
Michael Mina*
One Market
Plumed Horse
Quince
Redd
Santé
Solbar
Sons & Daughters*
Spruce
Terra
Terrapin Creek*
Ubuntu
Village Pub (The)
Wakuriya

Win Ticket to see Ferran Adria live at Castro Theatre 10/10 - San Francisco

Congratulations to our randomly selected winner, Linda who won a sold-out ticket to see Ferran Adria in San Francisco. Thank you to all who entered and please check back for more fabulous giveaways in the near future. Cheers!

 

Ferran Adrià. The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adrià

"Legendary chef and owner of El Bulli, Ferran Adrià, is coming to San Francisco to talk about his new cookbook,The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adrià, his storied career as as one of the most innovative chefs in history, and his future as the head of the El Bulli Foundation, a creativity center and think tank for creative cuisine and gastronomy."

The Castro Theatre
San Francisco, CA

7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:15 )

 

FOOD FASHIONISTA is giving away 1 ticket to see Ferran Adria live this Monday, October 10th at the historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco.

 

For your chance to win, just follow the simple instructions below:

1) Leave a comment on this blog post below.

 

* For an extra entry, follow us on twitter @FoodFashionista or Facebook page at Food Fashionista (one is fine, both are fantastic) and either post a FB comment tagging our page or tweet us using hashtag #FerranAdria. 

 

Example: I'm entering @FoodFashionista's contest for a chance to see #FerranAdria live in San Francisco.

  

 

 

*Contest closes on 10/8 at 10 pm pst. Winner will be chosen randomly and contacted and announced by Sunday 10/9.

 

*Winner will receive one general admission ticket to the Castro Theatre on October 10th. Ticket is non-refundable and may not be sold or issued to a third party.