(Recommended) Places To Eat List

thanks for the links Dean. the LA Times article was entertaining. I have to admit being that guy....whether it be at a restaurant, store, street....where ever... i'm usually always taking pictures. I think the locals wonder when this tourist will return home....lol.

 

I take a lot of food pics but have never brought my actual camera with me to a fine establishment (Hodad's didn't make the "fine" list...sorry). I just use my iphone with the sound off. I haven't ventured farther than that. I think using flash or making a big deal about "setting up the shot" does indeed take something out of the experience for yourself and others.

The article mentioned cameras with built-in "food" settings now. Someone should take it one step further and make a camera with no sound, the ability to shoot in very low light and/or a small focused spotlight, image stabilization and/or built-in tripod, a small keyboard to type notes on each photo, and Wifi/3G/4G capabilities. Might as well be blogging while you're eating right?!

 

I miss the Alain Giraud-Bastide days. Ludo was too experimental for my taste.

 

I use the flash in the dark, w/out too many problems (i think), hold the camera in my hand (no tripod) ... but it takes some practice. If i can find the image on the LCD (sometimes I just guess!), i can usually get the shot. I try to work fast, show sensitivity to the people around me, and be considerate to everyone.

Giraud at Bastide was heaven on earth.



hand held, w/flash, close-up, at night (Per Se)

 

It's beautiful, but what's the quenelle? Strawberry sorbet? Kinda looks like a riff on strawberry shortcake. Are those tapioca pearls at the base?

 

Yes, tapicoa pearls... i forget exactly what Keller called that dessert, but it was bascially a minimalist ice cream sandwich! You can see, I took the close up photo w/flash in about 5 seconds ... the ice cream didn't even have a chance to drip!

Here's a photo (not by me) taken Friday of bad boy Ludo 'no photos please' Lefebrve

 

Dude Ludo! I don't hate him the way everybody else does. Never had his food though.
I tweeted it but I'll say it again...Unless someone else has Jawbreaker tattoo on Top Chef Masters, graham elliot is the clear winner.

Ok so Back to food. Here is a local favorite. The epitome of a Fancy Sandwich(shameless plug http://www.twitter.com/fancysandwich): The Naked Lunch in north beach. boom:

Artisan Foie Gras Torchon & Duck Prosciutto Sandwich!

w/ butter lettuce, tomato and black truffle salt.
I loved it but my friend who ate the other half said it was "a little much". What does she know though??? Well a lot, but none the less I feel there is no room for opinion here.
Though, Joe you would probably hate this as you seem to feel things are salty all the time. BUT maybe you'll enjoy the other sandwich I had...

Fulton Family Farms Fried Chicken Sandwich

Buttermilk cole slaw, garlic Aioli on a Pain De Mie bun
Normally a friend chicken sandwich is never something I order. It just never delivers but Fulton Farms has GREAT chicken. I think I liked this as much as I can personally enjoy a sandwich like this. The Pain De Mie bun pretty much sold me. I'd eat a fucking twizzler off the road if it were in one. Anyways I plan on going back here quite a bit.

With that said, for those who won't know where it is, the neighborhood is well...famous-ish. For many reasons. It's not called the Naked Lunch for nothing.

 

Damn, both those look good!
Especially that duck prosciutto.
And have to agree that Pain de Mie bun looks delicious.
Will have to check these out.

 

Foie Gras Torchon, for me, ends up tasting like a really rich butter. I usually like it plain on a brioche with maybe something sweet or tangy to break up the richness. Alex, how did it taste in that sandwich? Can't picture how it would do alongside the lettuce and tomato.

 

I was overload for sure but I enjoyed it. My friends complaint was that it overpowered everything including the prosciutto. I think it did well with the prosciutto. It's definitely not for everyone though.

 

I'm thinking it might go better with some good maple bacon. That richness mixed with some smokey sweet goodness.

 

awaiting kirk's review of a napa valley restaurant.

 

lol... I saw Lalo in Napa right before dinner at Ad Hoc in Yountville aka Foodie Mecca.





Price Fix Menu $50 per person - four courses


Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles..!!



Best Fried Chicken ever? If not, pretty damn close. Juicy, tender, fall off the bone fried chicken. batter was crispy and not greasy at all which was the best surprise. It went well with the the buttermilk waffles. the syrup was really light which was nice. so you got some chicken, stuck it on the waffle with some syrup and eat it all together. yum. The corn was a bit tangy which was un-expected, but went really well with the meal. I would go again just for the chicken.

 

Looks damn tasty.
Haven't had good fried chicken in awhile.
Tried Hard Knox Cafe the other day, it was meh.
I hear The Front Porch has really good fried chicken.

 

PS when I saw the email of the menu for that day I said to myself "if this is the day Kirkland went I'm going to punch him on pure principle"

 

This is behind the bar at la Cabane à sucre Au Pied de cochon (pig's foot sugershack)

It's a traditional joint own an opperated by one of Québec's greatest chef, Martin Picard.
He had a program on FoodTv Canada called The Wild Chef
- if you like decapitations, look that up !
I have my reservation for next week. I'll post some pics after I deflate.

 

I hate kirkland now.

 

x2

 

the fried chicken looks great!

Have you tried anything from the ad hoc cookbook?

 

x3^2

 

hahaha. I hate myself sometimes. especially when i've eaten an entire bowl of fried chicken and waffles.....!

 

Did I mention I hate you?

 

Anyone try Ike's cold pre-mades (all the dirty flavor--no wait)?

Only $4.94 for half a sandwich plus fruit OR chips. M/W/F Menu *Gouda Time Roast Beef,Horseradish,Gouda *Tony Soprano Ham,Turkey,Salami,Italian Dressi...ng,Provolone *Julius Chicken,Caesar,Provolone *Prowler Veggie Turkey,Cranberry Mustard,Pesto,Cheddar

 

Does anyone go to Flour & Water?