Chinese Valentine's Day

Photo credit:Vanessa Karlsson 

Do you know about Chinese Valentine's Day?  It is August 2, and Fang Restaurant in San Francisco is celebrating with a special one night only dish for romantics. Chef Kathy Fang is cooking up Heart-Warming Spicy Beef Noodle Soup for Two ($15).  The noodle dish features a rich, flavorful broth made from beef bones, short rib, aromatics, and peppercorns, and is served with rice noodles and succulent pork wontons. Couples who order the special dish to share will also receive two sets of beautiful, satin-wrapped chopsticks which symbolize romantic love and are often gifted to newlyweds in the Chinese culture to encourage fertility. 

The background to this day is a love story between the Weaver girl (symbolizing Vega) and the Cowherd (symbolizing Altair).  They were in love but because their love was not allowed, they were banished to opposite sides of the Silver River (Milky Way), but once a year, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, a flock of magpies form a bridge to reunite the lovers for one day. Thus a pair of magpies came to symbolize marital happiness and faithfulness. Currently in urban China people take the opportunity to buy flowers, especially blue roses symbolizing hopeful love as well as chocolates to gift their sweethearts.

Chef Kathy Fang is the daughter of Peter Fang, chef/owner of the famed House of Nanking. Growing up in House of Nanking's kitchen, Kathy found her passion for cooking and received her formal training at  Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School.  Blending her schooling, Cantonese heritage and cooking style with her own native San Franciscan perspective, as well as her global travels she has created a menu with equal parts tradition and inspiration.

Fang Restaurant

660 Howard St.

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 777-8580

www.fangrestaurant.com

https://www.facebook.com/FangRestaurant

Mill Valley's Toast to Close; Kitchen Sunnyside to follow

Enjoy Mill Valley blog reports that Mill Valley's "Toast" to close September 1 and Sausalito's Fred's Cafe owner, Steven Choi will open "Kitchen Sunnyside" after renovations later in Fall 2014. 

Vive la revolution!

Bastille Day cometh!  Whether you are French or not  have fun celebrating the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille. On the day, July 14, Left Bank Brasserie in Larkspur will be celebrating in style with staff dressed in Moulin Rouge garb, as well as decorations in same theme, plus live music, and caricature artist Jon Casey will be available to sketch guests from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Live music will be provided by Orgue de Barbarie musician Michel Michelis who will play from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Besides the regular menu, celebratory al la carte menu specials will be served.  Selected menu items include smoked pistachio sausage wrapped in brioche dough with lamb’s lettuce salad and truffle sauce; herb rubbed Provençal roasted rack of pork with porcini sauce, green beans and baked potatoes; and Provençal fish stew with branzino, local snapper, mussels, clams and prawns served with garlic toasts and spicy aioli.

Left Bank Brasserie Larkspur 

507 Magnolia Avenue

Larkspur, CA 

(415) 927-3331 

www.LeftBank.com

Previously reviewed:

November 9, 2009

January 15, 2007

Get directions on Anna's Map.

Point Reyes Farmers Market Opens June 28

Joanne Weir making gazpacho photo credit: Mary Olsen

The popular Point Reyes Farmers Market opens June 28, 2014 with the opening bell and a toast at 9 a.m.

Caterer Missy Will brings on the appetizers for summer with her quick and easy recipes, among the items will be a strawberry treat wtih Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese and Molly Meyerson's Little Wing Farm strawberry.  She'll also make a BBQ shrimp dish paired with Wild Blue Farm's fresh basil.

Jack Corwin, farmer of Wild Blue Farm, sells organic produc photo credit: Mary Olsen

In the heart of the village, Toby's Feed barn will feature bluegrass tunes played by The Fog Belters.  In the KIDZONE Mrs. Grossman's stickers and new books will be distributed, with bilingual storytelling by Elivira de Santiago all morning with organic popcorn snacks.

Joining Golden Brown and Delicious (grilled cheese sandwiches) will be Donna's Tamales, a new hot food vendor.

Point Reyes Farmers Market is open every Saturday throurgh October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Toby's Feed Barn, Hwy One in Point Reyes Station.

Bio is Coming to Sausalito

I spied a notice on the former El Patio location on Bridgeway in Sausalito.  The former Crêpe o Chocolat in San Francisco transformed into Bio, a French cafe in 2012.  Now Bio is opening a new outpost in Sausalito, and according to its website the new location will be open July 1, 2014.  Bio offers a gluten free menu with organic vegan and vegetarian options.  Lunch items include baguette sandwiches, soup and salads ranging from $5 to $8 at its San Francisco cafe.  Ooh la la!

Bio Sausalito

2633 Bridgeway

Sausalito, CA 94965

www.biologiquesf.com

LittleCo To Go

Sausalito's Friday night Jazz & Blues by the Bay is back and we have all summer to enjoy it.  Getting to Friday is an achievement, and getting out to a Friday night activity is some more effort. Sausalito's Copita Tequileria y Comida is making the effort way less stressful with its "LittleCo To Go" offerings that are just perfect for enjoying while kicking back and listening to the band.

For this summer, Copita has added some small plates and Mocktails for two to its already popular taco take out choices. From $5-10, the small plates include things such as salads, ceviches, and antojitos. The Cherry Margarita cocktail looks refreshing, and the El Diablo with cassis, ginger beer, fresh lime juice and ice look like an eye-opener.

Copita Tequileria y Comida

739 Bridgeway

Sausalito, CA 94965

(415) 331-7400

www.copitarestaurant.com

Schroeder's expands hours

Photo courtesy of Schroeder's

Larkspur resident Andrew Chun and Jan Wing of Kentfield recently re-opened Schroeder's near the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco.  The managing partners remodeled the interior, keeping historical highlights and keeping the comfortable feeling that has prevailed in its last 120 years.  Schroeder's reopened with dinner service in May, and is now open for lunch as well. It's updated hours are:

Monday ­ Friday: 11:30am ­ 10:00pm (Saturday/Sunday closed)

·      Lunch: 11:30am ­- 2:00pm
·      Dinner: 5:00pm ­- 10:00pm

The Lunch menu is here. And the Duck Pastrami Salad (cabbage, rye croutons, mustard vinaigrette, avocado) $15, and Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich (liver, cabbage, pickles, mustard) $14 are having me want to hop in the car and have a taste.

Schroeder's
240 Front St.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 421-4778
www.schroederssf.com

Ramen Comes to Marin

The Renaissance Center in San Rafael is the temporary home of Uchiwa Ramen, which is expected to open in its own space on B Street in San Rafael in August 2014.  The co-owners, San Rafael’s Kevin Fong and Corte Madera’s Benson “Ben” Yang have been honing their recipes for authentic Japanese ramen at the center and gaining loyal followers for several months.  Currently open on Mondays and Tuesdays for lunch (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) at the Renaissance Center at 1115 3rd St. in San Rafael.

Above Ben Yang takes an order from customers (photo credit: Anna Haight)

Kevin and Ben love noodles, and also aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere much like you were visiting their home kitchen for a friendly meal.  Currently Uchiwa Ramen offers Tonkatsu Ramen ($8.88), Shoyu Ramen ($8.88), Miso Ramen ($9.88), Shio Ramen ($8.88) and Vegetarian Ramen ($8.88) with  an option for extras such as Roasted Black Garlic Seasoning ($.88) or Spicy Roasted Chili Seasoning (mild, spicy or extra spicy ($.88).  A surprise was how many customers enjoy a bit of spice in their ramen.  In addition, there is a changing menu of ramen-friendly sides such as Spam musubi, chicken lollipops, and gyoza.  The broths are made from scratch and toppings are mostly locally sourced.

I had difficulty choosing my first taste of Uchiwa ramen.  Having lived in Japan, I'm particularly fond of ramen, and have brought home a number of books on ramen (in Japanese with LOTS of photos) over the years.  I finally settled on a classic, Shoyu Ramen which consisted of a savory soy sauce broth, chashu (pork slice), soft boiled egg, fish cake and some veggies like moyashi (mung bean sprouts), mushroom, bok choy, sliced bamboo shoots, and green onion.  

The broth was rich without being oily, and wasn't over salty. I was also impressed with the perfection of the soft boiled eggs, a traditional addition for Japanese ramen.  Will I go back?  Yes, this is a repeat-worthy experience, and I plan to sample the entire menu.  I already have some lunch dates booked to introduce friends to the first ramen shop in Marin.

Uchiwa Ramen

821 B Street

San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 891-8528

www.uchiwaramen.com

www.facebook.com/uchiwaramen

Get directions and explore on Anna's Map.

Summer cooking camp with The Culinary Dudes

Graphic Courtesy of Scott Davis

Chef Scott Davis started his cooking career early, at age seven to earn a merit badge while in Cub Scouts. From there he continued cooking while earning a degree in Early Childhood Education AND a degree from Le Cordon Bleu Program at the California Culinary Academy.

Sounds like the perfect background for creating and running summer cooking camps for kids.

This summer The Culinary Dudes are offering the following camps:

Summer Cooking Camp-June 16-19-All Ages-Gross Foods You Can Eat
Summer Cooking Camp-June 23-26-All Ages-International Cuisine
Summer Cooking Camp-July 7-10-TEENS-International Cuisine
Summer Cooking Camp-July 14-17-All Ages-Healthy Meals and Snacks
Summer Cooking Camp-July 21-24-TEENS-Healthy Meals and Snacks
Summer Cooking Camp-July 28-31-All Ages-The Americas
Summer Cooking Camp-August 4-7-TEENS-The Americas
Summer Cooking Camp-August 11-14-All Ages-Seasonal Cooking 2

Not only that, but there is a Single Parent Family scholarship rate of $200, that's $100 off the regular rate of $300.  There is also the possibility of a scholarship as the "Dudes" are offering two free scholarships for each of the sessions that are running.  See the website for more detail.

The Culinary Dudes offer classes in San Rafael, Napa and Sacramento.

The Culinary Dudes
www.culinarydudeontour.com

info@theculinarydude.com or 971-30-DUDES(38337) for specifics

Tiburon Tavern celebrates Tiburon's 50th

Photo Courtesy of The Lodge at Tiburon

Celebrate with Tiburon Tavern May 30 for the town of  Tiburon's 50th birthday.  At lunch or dinner order “The Bees Knees” -Woodstock Honey Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup, served with a small order of Fried Herbed Rice Balls with lemon thyme aioli all for only $2. One order per adult at the table only.

Tiburon Tavern
1651 Tiburon Blvd.
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 435-5996
http://lodgeattiburon.com/amenities/tiburon-tavern/

DeLoach Vineyards' Pinot Classic Paulée Dinner

Photo credit: Paul Miller

The Pinot Classic Paulée Dinner at DeLoach Vineyards will feature food by Michou Cornu, Director of Cuisine and Hospitality at Boisset Family Estates who will prepare a three-course, Pinot-inspired menu. In Burgandy France, the original Paulées celebrated the end of harvest where the winemakers would enjoy a meal out of a sauté pan and bring a special bottle of wine to share.

Photo credit: Paul Miller

Dine al fresco and rub elbows with the wine personalities including more than 15 winemakers on site, such as Arista Winery, Bacigalupi Vineyards, Benovia Winery, Bucher Vineyard, C. Donatiello Winery, Davis Family Wines, DeLoach Vineyards, Hartford Family Winery, Iron Horse Vineyards, La Crema, La Follette, J. Vineyards & Winery, Joseph Swan Vineyards, Kosta Browne, Merry Edwards Winery, Russian Hill Estate Winery, Siduri Wines, Thomas George Estates, Trione Vineyards and Winery, Williams Selyem. Of course these winemakers will bring special bottles of wine, and you are invited to bring yours as well.  Because the number of people will be larger than can accommodate a meal out of one sauté pan, so to should you bring multiple bottles or a magnum of your choice of wine to bring.  Bring a wrap, and ladies, leave the stilettos at home unless you want to be trapped in the lawn.  This is a once in a lifetime type event, and TOMORROW, May 24 from 6 p.m.  To insure your ticket, call ahead to the vineyard, online sales have ended but there are a few seats left.  The cost is $250 per person.

DeLoach Vineyards
1791 Olivet Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707.755.3309
www.deloachvineyards.com

Harmonious

Harmony - fresh, light and organic, and tasty too.  I recently enjoyed a meal at this popular Mill Valley Chinese restaurant.

I love that their Crisp Living Butter Lettuce Cups with minced chicken and celery, organic carrots, water chestnuts and shitakes ($12) comes with the plum sauce on the side so controlling the amount of sweet flavor is easy.

And why did I wait so long to try the Organic Tofu infused with shitake mushrooms, wrapped in seaweed, lightly fried, tossed w/ garlic, chiles, cilantro, scallions ($9.50)?  I saw it on the menu, but couldn't picture the dish, then one day took the leap, and now it's frequently in my favorite dish rotation when dining at Harmony.  They also are very good about assisting people with special diets such as gluten free.  Service was stellar and consistent with past experience.

I didn't order it this visit, but the Chocolate Sesame Ball ground lotus seed flour, sweet bean paste, melted chocolate and crushed almonds ($5) is quite a unique taste treat; I don't usually associate chocolate with Chinese restaurants.

Harmony Restaurant

800 Redwood Hwy, Ste 401

Mill Valley, CA 94941

(415) 381-5300

www.harmonyrestaurantgroup.com

Previously reviewed:

August 10, 2007

July 17, 2007

February 23, 2007

Get directions and explore on Anna's Map.

Thai Restaurants in Marin

photo credit: iStockphoto

Here's an update on Thai cuisine in Marin.  Marin continues to have a wide variety of choices for eating good Thai food.  The last time I summarized the list was May 7, 2009. Links to reviews on this blog, or other information about the restaurants appears organized by city below.

Thai Restaurants I've discovered

Corte Madera
Tub Tim Thai

Fairfax
Siam Lotus

Larkspur
R'Noh Thai
Tha Siam
Sea Thai Bistro - to be visited

Mill Valley
Boo Koo (Fusion) - to be visited
Thailand Restaurant - to be visited
Thep Lela

Novato
Arun Thai Restaurant - to be visited
Chao Praya
My Thai II - to be visited
Thai Bistro
Thai Kettle (Farmers' Market) - to be visited

San Anselmo
Auryn Thai Cuisine - to be visited
Bann Thai - to be visited

San Rafael
Bankok Thai Express
Bay Thai Cuisine
Calgang
My Thai
Royal Thai Restaurant
Savory Orient (Fusion)
Signature Thai
Thai Smile
Tommy's Asian Bistro & Grill (Fusion) - to be visited

Sausalito
Arawan Thai Cuisine
Kitti's Place
Thai Terrace

Other Greater Bay Area Thai places I've reviewed

East Bay
Da Nang

Sonoma
Sukhothai
Thailand Thai Cuisine

Grads Eat Free (with two others)

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt San Francisco

Looking to celebrate a high school or university graduation? OneUP at the Grand Hyatt in San Francisco is offering a celebration deal - 2014 grads eat free with two adult paid meals per graduate. OneUP takes more of the work out of celebrating with the Grand Hyatt San Francisco’s concierges coordinating graduation lei deliveries direct to the restaurant from local florists including Leis for Kokomo and Aloha Leis. Graduates who stay at the Grand Hyatt will be treated to a special in-room welcome message, another recognition of their dedication and hard work to complete their studies. What's on the menu?  Dishes include seafood Louie with Dungeness crab and shrimp; organic fried chicken breast with warm potato salad and buttered baby kale; grilled New York steak with smashed Yukons, sautéed kale and blue cheese garlic butter; and chocolate royale.  All for $25 per person for lunch and $35 per person for dinner, exclusive of tax and gratuity.  Full menu can be found here.  Offer ends June 30, 2014. Go to the website for full details.

OneUp
Grand Hyatt Hotel
345 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
For reservations and more information call 415.398.1234

Tried and True

Daniel and I had dinner at Joe's Taco Lounge in Mill Valley a couple days ago.  Daniel had recently discovered  and asked me why I'd never taken him there. Why indeed?  The festive and casual atmosphere is still a happy one with intergenerational presence.  There are hundreds of hot sauces to choose from lining the shelf that encircles the inside of the restaurant.  Daniel enjoyed the Grilled Pacific Snapper Burrito with rice, black beans, cheese and salsa negra ($7.50).  He keeps coming back for this filling and healthy meal he likes it so much.

I was tempted by the chalkboard special- Pollo Adobado ($15.95).  The small print read tender chicken marinated in achiote, garlic, lime, salt and pepper, served with refried black beans, Spanish rice, sour cream and guacamole. Not mentioned was the bit of shredded lettuce and pico de gallo that completed the plate.  The chicken was tender and well marinated, and a taste of achiote, garlic and lime was distinguishable.  The servers were attentive and we enjoyed our meal.

Joe's Taco Lounge 

382 Miller Ave.

Mill Valley, CA 94941

(415) 383-8164

www.joestacolounge.com

Facebook

Previously reviewed:

July 11, 2009

May 26, 2007

Get directions and explore on Anna's Map.

• 
  

Entebbe Breakfast

My first impression of Uganda came as I tiredly stumbled out of Entebbe airport into the dark, greeted by a noisy throng of drivers of all types, waving signs of the names of each intended pick up, names that looked to be from every corner of the world. I was with fellow traveler Lee, and we were scanning for a familiar face, Peter, Executive Director Emeritus of Global Partners for Development, a veteran of many a visit to Uganda. 

Ah, there he was and we were quickly whisked off to our lodging at the Gately Inn. It was so dark for an urban area, yet alive with all manner of transport from bicycles to boda-bodas, a kind of scooter or motorbike boost driven by a young man for a small price.  

Waking up the next morning the first impression was of sound, a riot of birds chirping and insects humming. The Inn had breakfast service on its veranda, and I chose eggs Benedict on "whole meal" bread. Rustic looking, as pictured above, but tasty and satisfying with the telltale dark yellow yolks of pastured chickens. So started my three week trip to Africa in February.

Happy 10 years of Marin food blogging

Today marks 10 years since I started writing a blog that I thought that no one would find.  Anna's Cool Finds quickly became focused on food adventures in Marin.  What fun paths it has led me down!  From consistent blogging to writing Bread and Butter each week for the Marin Independent Journal, for more than three years.  Looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years brings.  

Pizzalina

I was intrigued by Pizzalina from the beginning.  I caught Louise Franz (owner) blogging all about the experience of opening a restaurant from scratch, and in particular, about Pizzalina in San Anselmo.  I visited in February for a bite when I was in the area.

When you walk in the cheerful vibe is noticeable, and the fact that someone cares about the place is evident.  Louise was on the floor, greeting pizza lovers and said hello to me too.

Having life interfere with my blogging, I seem to have misplaced the take out menu I brought home to prompt memory of the pizza I ordered, and since Pizzalina is in tune with the seasons, it isn't on the current posted menu.  I hope it comes back.  It was composed of some of my favorite things!

The pizza had a name after a train stop, and it was composed of prosciutto, figs, caramelized onions and bleu cheese topping the flavorful mozzarella cheese and perfectly crisp and bubbly crust.  I'm getting hungry all over again just describing this.

The pizzas range from $10-$18 currently, and there are salads, pasta, entrees such as wood roasted quail ($22) as well.  The emphasis is local and seasonal, there are wines on tap (Cal-Italian) and microbrews.

The latest Marin County food inspection reports are here.

Pizzalina
914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
(415) 256-9780

For directions, try Anna's Map.

The Cantina

On a warm summer's day I dropped into The Cantina for lunch, and a few days later found myself there for brunch with family.  The Cantina was a long lived restaurant in Mill Valley that left for a bit, replaced by Maria Maria, then it came back with some reinvention.

 

Chips and salsa arrived soon after I sat down, and I found that the chips are gluten free and made fresh every day on premises.

 

I enjoyed an old favorite, and found a new twist.  This arroz con pollo had a pounded chicken breast atop Mexican rice.  Along with the ranchero sauce, there were chunky pieces of red and green bell peppers and onions.  Usually I've had this dish where the chicken was served over the rice in tenders, and not with such fresh and colorful peppers and sweet onion as toppings. Also my experience of this dish at other places is without the corn cake, refried beans and green lettuce.  This dish shined.  The only thing I would have changed is to have some kind of dressing or topping for the plain, yet crisp and fresh lettuce.

 

A second trip for brunch found me irresistibly drawn to the crab omelet. The omelet was accompanied by soft potatoes, sour cream and pico de gallo. I was happy with this dish.  The crab was very smooth and paired well with the egg envelope.

The latest food inspection reports can be found here.

The Cantina
651 E Blithedale Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 381-1070

For directions, try Anna's Map.

Closures

photo credit: iStockphoto

Well it comes time again to clean up the side bar and refresh what's here and gone.

Closures since I last updated the list:

Mill Valley
Caffe Oggi

Novato
Anhoka
Fu Zhou Super Buffet
Sam's Roadhouse

San Anselmo
Chinese Kitchen
Lanna Thai
LoCoco's Italian Pizzeria
Orchid Thai Restaurant

San Rafael
California Bakery & Cafe
Pinky's Pizza (July 28, 2013)

Sausalito
Giovanni's Pizza

Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach Grill

A few have been closed for some time and I missed those until now...