The Napper Tandy. Noting a heavy influence of Asian cuisine on my blog as of late, and knowing tonight will be celebrating the states of Mexico, I thought it prudent to wander out a little bit and find a different cuisine for lunch. On the corner a few blocks away was a beaconing Irish pub. An Irish pub in the Mission? Yes, it is there.

So I walk in -- ooops! I thought -- the bar is the entire first room! And I'm the only woman in sight.. ah, a waitress shows up, and asks me if I'd like the bar or the dining room -- I choose the dining room. It must be authentic, as the only voices I hear have very distinct Irish accents.

It was nearly empty, but a couple of men were enjoying breakfast or rather brunch as it's noon. These gentlemen also have a recognizable Irish brogue. I scan the menu and order Shepard's Pie (hoping it will not be a greasy mess).



First I was brought some brown Irish soda bread by a very friendly waitress who also had a nice Irish accent.



This was an excellent Shepard's Pie, creamy potatoes, and nicely balanced and flavored beef and vegetables -- and importantly, not swimming in grease. It was a bit big, so I took most of it home with the soda bread, which the waitress told me toasts up great in the morning.

The gentlemen I passed in the bar, were exceptionally handsome, 30-40 somethings. Single women take note, if looks are of interest, all the gentlemen there were very fetching!

In search of Epazote. Yes, tonight is "States of Mexico" for the Supper Club, and I chose Tlaxcala as my State, and "Setas con Epazote" as my dish.

I went earlier to fellow foodies on Chowhound to find out the most likely place to find fresh Epazote.

I chose to go into the city, and try Casa Lucas Market on 24th for the herb. A bright and nicely kept shop with friendly people. Eyeing a basket of unknown fresh herbs and wondering which was epazote, I asked a fellow shopper who was quick to point out the right herb.

The neigborhood is a bit run-down, but every so often you happen upon some lovely corner where someone has painted a wall, whether it be a private residence or a more commercial building.

No, I didn't drink coffee. But sleep is difficult after watching "Lady Snowblood" on DVD Friday evening. AFTER watching it, I read some reviews mentioning it was the "Daddy" of "Kill Bill", having inspired Quentin Tarantino.

The picture becomes clearer.

Secrets of Japan. Yes, I'm still working on uploading photos to Flickr, and posting the story of my Japan trip. Trying to keep it in context of date, you'll want to check back occasionally to my end of July - early August archives to see it grow... there are some great food photos to look forward to there as well!

Korean Seaweed. Another trip to 99 Ranch, this time in Daly City. Jo-Ann introduced me there to a Korean style seaweed (nori-type) which is toasted in sesame oil and salt, makes the sheet puffy, not flat like regular nori. It is quite tasty. We also visited Todai, which occasionally suffers from a Korean-type taste to some of the Japanese dishes, but for the most part quite good as a buffet bar.

Last night I met up with Arron and Helen, new friends introduced by my sister Mika in Hokkaido. Helen was teaching English in the same school as Mika, and she wanted to introduce us as Arron had a job waiting in Palo Alto. I introduced them to Japantown, we had a nice meal at Osakaya, and then I took them on a quick tour of San Francisco neighborhoods since it was quite foggy. They are from Calgary, and Helen has a horse to bring down, wouldn't you know it, she found housing for the horse before finding their new apartment!

Saigon Village. Jo-Ann introduced me to a new pho place in San Rafael on "B" Street, Saigon Village. The menu conveniently has photos, and a wide variety of interesting food. I had a 'bun', a rice noodle salad with BBQ chicken and lots of fresh cut veggies, topped with a light sweetened vinegar sauce. Tasty, and very inexpensive as well.

Kabocha nimono. Jo-Ann & Michael dropped in (as planned) for a 'brunch' meeting this morning (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) to catch up and hear the latest cut of Michael's musical creation. Michael also saved Jo-Ann's photos from our Japan trip which she deleted off her flash memory, so I will have some great food photos of the Japan trip after all! We had quite the variety of brunch food, and in the afternoon I made some kabocha nimono as a healthy add to the menu. It's quite simple to make, and delicious hot or cold.

I suppose it would be helpful to give an exact recipe, but really this dish is quite forgiving and there are a number of ways to make it deliciously. Basically, take a whole kabocha, seed it and slice it into irregular pieces, making decorative nicks in the skin. Simmer in a combination of water, dashi, soy sauce, mirin, or use a tsuyu mix to replace dashi and soy sauce. You can also add sugar and sake as you like or substitute those in proportion for the mirin. I like it less sweet and more savory, so I have a light hand with the mirin.

Back. I am back. Biggest culinary adventure stateside - somen. And somen redux. Toran & Aurelia love somen, and they spent some time with me. Didn't snap a photo, but all things considered, it turned out pretty well. Picked up Jo-Ann at San Jose airport today, and we shared our solitary adventures after splitting up in Japan. We both continued to have a dream trip all the way. Now as to dreams... good night ;-)

A quick post from Tokyo. Unfortunately, Blogger doesn't recognize I'm an English-speaker, so this post may be quite funny in appearance...

Jo-Ann & I ate our way through Japan after parting from Linda & Olivia in Hokkaido July 3oth. Jo-Ann was taking most of the food photos, and alas! in the ShiroishiZao shinkansen station, she accidentally hit 'delete all' and hoping it can be undone somehow... so my photos upon arrival could have a big hole in them, especially the amazing dinners at the Ryokan in Togatta Onsen. We felt like ancient shoguns for days! One day, nearly the entire office staff stopped to teach us to play hanafuda -- what fun!!

I had my last dinner this evening at a traditional restaurant serving Okinawa cusine, stay tuned for photos and description when I return. I also was FORCED to buy a few more Japanese cookbooks, so some creative dishes may be forthcoming depending somewhat on finding some of the more unusual ingredients. I'm quite taken with Japanese use of dashi, and the many varieties underlying their dishes. Getting the dashi right is quite important and adds the delisious complexity to many dishes. It was also absolutely delightful to have an impromptu cooking lesson from my Japanese mother, Midori, who showed me a delightful way to prepare goya, a bitter Okinawan vegetable - green and hollowed out with a bumpy surface. I was told it is a distant relative of watermelon, and in the gourd family.

Stay tuned for complete trip descriptions when I return. I do try to backdate to log in the days things happened on my trip, so most will be PREVIOUS to this post.

Hugs and kisses to all my friends & fans, and those in the future reading this!

Anna

Hakodate lights. A picture from Mt. Hakodate of the famed night view of Hakodate. I took it from a coffee shop at the top of the ropeway. Unfortunately I got a little exit sign reflection in the photo.

While in Hakodate I enjoyed some 'jingetsukan', the famous "Genghis Khan" dish of Hokkaido. Lamb marinated in a special sauce grilled with vegetables. We ate dinner near the harbor and fish market, although the action had taken place there far earlier in the day.

Miss Olivia's Obon Dance in Iwamizawa

Miss Olivia and Shohei celebrate obon at Shohei's preschool festival in Iwamizawa (Hokkaido) Japan with a special dance. Partial clip. For more photos of the festival and children, see my set at Flickr.

Olivia, the photophobe at Biei. Miss Olivia didn't want her picture taken in the patchwork gardens of Biei, despite her grandmother's attempts... what a shy actress!

More Biei photos posted at my Flickr account.

We traveled to Biei after visiting Tomita Farm -- such beautiful flower fields, and a bumpy but fun tractor ride through the fields!

Shohei and Olivia in the Sunflowers of Tomita Farm - Furano. Shohei and Olivia enjoyed running through the fields of flowers at Tomita farms, and Jo-Ann snapped this cute pic of them

Sooo hot! I have been loathe to do anything the last couple days, even blog! The temperatures have been searing! Today in Sonoma, I caught 113F at 5 p.m.! I couldn't eat yesterday until after 9 p.m. when I ducked out to my neighborhood Pasta Pomodoro for some vendura (roasted vegetables). I did the vegetable thing again tonight, taking my Dad to Deuce in Sonoma. I had the Couscous with roasted vegetables. We did have some crispy calamari as an appetizer. The calamari was great, crispy and light. I enjoyed the couscous, and Dad enjoyed his ravioli filled with ricotta, artichoke and mint. Dad wanted some vanilla gelato before dashing out in the heat, so I had some sorbet - a triple combination of kiwi, tangerine and passion fruit. The room was exceptionally noisy, and there were some service glitches, but all in all a good dining experience.

This morning I attended a RESULTS meeting, I encourage anyone interested in hunger and poverty issues to check them out.

Knowing that the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car" would likely be gone before I get back from my vacation in Japan, I took myself to the late show this evening. Made me feel so agitated about the ridiculousness of it all, that I now don't think I can get to sleep right away. But SEE THE MOVIE for yourself.

Happy 86th Birthday Dad! Tonight Dad and I celebrated his birthday at "Mangia" at the Swiss Hotel. Would that I look so good and be so healthy at 86!

Guests at the neighboring table asked in a very civilized southern accent -- What DO you eat?! You don't look 86!




"Well, I like to bake bread", Dad replied. Is that the secret? - well at least it keeps him happy!

The courses...

Coconut Shrimp


Anna's Cesar

Dad's Mixed Greens

Dad's Fillet

Anna's Spinach Pasta with Scallops


Anna's Lemon Panna Cotta

Dad blows out the candles on his Pistacio and Coconut Ice Cream Cake
May all your wishes come true!

The Butler and the Chef. Met my friend Carl and he introduced me to this wonderful French Bistro. We both had crepes -- buckwheat -- his filled with salmon and cream cheese, Norwegian style, and I had the chicken with dijon filled ones. The crepes were accompanied by spinach salad. Very good, and the atmosphere was very French, a mix of Parisian and what seemed to me themes of southern France. The Butler and the Chef is bordering South Park in San Francisco, a very quiet and pleasant neighborhood. The waiter was appropriately friendly and service good. Definitely recommendable!

Oyaji. Worth a visit! Very distinctively in the style of a Japanese bar (Izakaya). Great small dishes and friendly staff.

The owner is hugely funny and entertaining, and even gets more so if you buy him a drink!

Sachiko and I had a wonderful meal here tonight, with special off-menu items that I don't have a name for, but enjoyed nonetheless.

Lots of Japanese congregate here for true atmosphere and foods, the sound of Japanese is all over the restaurant. Great for practicing your Japanese language skills, and everyone is SO tolerant.

Oyaji is located on Clement Street in San Francisco, near Lincoln Park.

La Fleur de Lyon. Guy Birenbaum, Chef and Owner of La Fleur de Lyon creates the most luscious brioche! The crusts are perfect, and hearing the description of the efforts he puts into the fillings, well you know you have SLOW FOOD here!

Easy directions (and quick for the end user!) -- pop these in the oven for 15 mintues, add a salad and a glass of wine and you have a great light meal!

I find Guy at the San Rafael Farmer's Market on Thursdays, but I know he also can be found at other Farmer's Markets, and some fine food stores such as Scotty's Market in Terra Linda.

Earlier this month, I brought my nephew Colin (9 years old) to the Farmer's Market since he has aspirations to be a chef. Given this introduction to Guy at the market, Guy told Colin of the efforts it takes to be a good chef and told him to always find passion and love in life! Good advice for anyone, and you can taste Guy's passion in every bite of his brioche.

Strawberry Gourmet Delicatessen. This cool find is hidden in the less popular arm of Strawberry Village. Unassuming from the outside, the food is good and has nice touches. I've been here several times, and it is consistent. Today, I picked up some food to go to supplement leftovers at the house.

Strawberry Gourmet also has cleanly maintained wooden tables and chairs to eat within, or umbrellaed tables outside to enjoy al fresco dining.


I chose potato salad and hummus. The potato salad had bits of fresh celery, parsley and red onion in it. The hummus had a nice smoky flavor. I also spied french feta and tabboulah in the deli case. Definitely a great place to pick up a quick lunch, or supplements to your menu.

The proprietors, Alfred Baumann and Mare Salman have over 30 years of catering and restaurant business experience and would be delighted to assist with any catering needs as well.

Robata Grill and Sushi. Today was 'Dad's Day' in that we worked on making sure all his doctor's appointments were caught up and he had all the supplies needed while I'm off to Japan for my extended visit. I thought he would enjoy lunch at the Japanese restaurant close to my Mill Valley home, Robata Grill and Sushi. I have not reviewed Robata before, mostly because it's so uneven, I haven't been sure what to say about it. Perhaps simply, it's uneven!

The daily lunch box at Robata is highly recommendable. It has a nice variety of delectable items, and changes daily to include fresh creations.

The concept of Robata originated with Japanese fisherman who cooked small bites over the fire, and in the spirit of sharing, passed tastes oar-to-oar among the ships in the harbor. If you sit at the Robata bar, you will be passed your food on an oar in the old tradition. Kids really love this!

I've been to Robata many times, and particularly enjoy their 'hella' roll, made with asparagus and tempura bits. I also enjoy ordering off their special Japanese menu (you have to ask for it), for authentic delights such as chawanmushi, and a steamed chicken and vegetable pot.

Their yakisoba is pretty consistently too dripping with sauce, otherwise it would be a nice mix. Every time I've ordered scallops, they are exceedingly DRY and tough. They also 'paint' on the room temperature teriyaki sauce, and it often cools down the whole dish.. not my favorite way. Many of their rolls suffer from the US Japanese restaurant syndrome -- upsizing. Sushi in Japan is usually made in very manageable bite-sized pieces, with the mark of an excellent sushi restaurant being besides freshness, the proportion of filling/topping to rice favoring the filling/topping by an obvious amount. This is often in reverse in the US. To Robata's credit, they don't over do the rice/filling ratio, however the sizes are generally, just too big overall.

This too bigness was emphasized to me again with my father's struggle as an 86 year old with dentures in being able to enjoy the sushi and other offerings in his bento box. He had a difficult time being able to eat the huge rolls without them falling apart, and the broccoli spears really needed a knife to eat properly as they were too crispy to bite off in pieces easily, and way too big to put all in your mouth at once.

This being said, I do enjoy eating at this neigborhood Japanese restaurant, and just pick and choose my dishes carefully from experience.

In the evenings, they also have a great selection of specials, with freshly made examples with labels spread out as you pass through the door to the lobby. These are usually really tasty. They do a good job with light and inventive desserts too.

Back in Sonoma in the evening, we went to Mary's Pizza Shack for dinner and caught a movie at the Rialto - Peaceful Warrior. It has a limited showing and is based on the Dan Millman book, "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior", which I enjoyed reading years ago. Dad and I both enjoyed the movie. Mary's was good, but it has grown too corporate since I started going there. They no longer serve fresh lasagne, but microwave frozen, and 50% of the time it's come partly frozen, so I no longer order it. The clam linguine I had last night was acceptable, and Dad enjoyed his special "Sonoma Wrap", which contained chicken, avacado, bacon, and spring mix rolled in a tomato tortilla. We also ordered Mary's Pizza sticks, which used to be included in the meals, and they tasted as good as I remembered.