Pho Kim Long

4029 Spring Mountain Road

Las Vegas, Nevada 89102

Occasion: Vietnamese Food at 8am because a group of drunk obnoxious guys would not let us sleep. 12.19.10

Bun Bo Hue

First time every having it!  I wish there was pork blood in it, but there wasn't.  In my opinion it wasn't too bad. It was very flavorful and not too spicy...just the way I like it.

Spring Rolls

Just mediocre. I've definitely had better and they need to work on the peanut sauce!

Imperial Rolls

I guess it was decent considering it was 9am in the morning. Who eats imperial rolls at 9am -__- only zombie fools like us. haha.

Yasukochi's Sweet Shop

1790 Sutter Street

San Francisco, CA 94115

Occasion: Birthday cake for my sister's 23rd Bday Celebration part 1...since I couldn't celebrate Part 2 with her. 12.16.10

Chocolate crunch cake

There about 4 layers of cake filled with yummilicous butter cream filling topped with chocolate crunch.  It's kind of indescribable, but the texture of the crunch is amazing (You bite into it and it kind of melts in your mouth).  It was definitely a hit!  If you haven't tried, you better run yourself over to this little market and get a piece to try!!

Holiday Cooking

Occasion: Dinner get together @ the Big sis' place 12.12.10

Pesto Chicken Penne Pasta

I thought it was delicious!! First time making it!! Hardest part was draining the penne pasta! 

Mountain Mike's

410 W Harder Rd

Hayward, CA 94544

**Not sure if this is the exact location, since I wasn't the one who ordered it...nor is it in my hood**

Occasion: We got Pizza for dinner at Christine and Justin's place 12.11.10

Pepperoni

Definitely not as good as the one below which is a combination pizza of some sort with a garlic sauce.  I tried a slice of the pepperoni at like 3am as a midnight snack.  It wasn't too bad, but nothing to rave about.

Garlic Tuscan
A frenzy for your taste buds! Topped with Louisiana Hot Sausage, salami, black olives, garlic, fresh green onions, and sun dried tomatoes on our traditional red sauce.

The garlic sauce definitely makes a difference.  It was SOOOOOO goood! Not too meaty, nor too greasy with generous amounts of topping.  I am a fan of mountain mikes....just for this pizza solely.   

PPQ Dungeness Island Vietnamese Cuisine

2332 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94121

Occasion: Celebrating Susan's Bday. 12.04.10.  We had a party of 10, but two got dinner for two and the rest opted for the "Dinner for 8" menu.

Imperial Rolls

How can you possibly go wrong with these deep fried goodies?  They're freaking delicious! Nom Nom.  You can wrap it in a leaf of lettuce and dip it into their sauce. Great way to start the meal off. YUM!

Papaya Salad

Never been a big fan of papaya or papaya salad, but I don't mind eating it.  A little sweet and tangy before grubbing on some good food! It's a filler dish to keep my hungry stomach tamed.

Five Spice Chicken

I personally, think it's not too bad, though other dishes outshine this one.  I like the crispy layer of skin and the juicy and flavorful meat!

Garlic Noodles

There's nothing better than garlic noodles to compliment the crabs.  Though I could have used more garlic, I still think it's pretty bomb! YUM!

Roasted Crab

made with garlic and butter

How can you go wrong with garlic and butter?  It was juicy and flavorful, a lot different from the peppercorn crab.

Peppercorn Crab

I love the flavor of this more than the roasted crab.  The peppercorn flavor adds a different kick to it...and the fact that the outsides is breaded and deep fried, definitely adds to it.

String beans

Finally some veggie! Love string beans and the way they prepare it is simple, yet tasty.  I like that it's not too dry and full of flavor and a sauce.

Sea Bass

I know I've probably said it before and I'll say it again. I think this is my favorite dish! It's easier to eat than crab because you don't have to work so hard for their pieces of meat.  It's flavor is absolutely amazing, as it's sweet yet savory.  The meat is soft and tender and it melts in your mouth. I just love the flavor and the texture of it. You won't understand until you try it, but be sure you're a fish lover!

Holiday Cookie Exchange

Occasion: Holiday Cookie Exchange @ Christine's and Justins. 12.11.10

Carrot Cookie Sandwiches with cream cheese frosting

Recipe from Geoff! Freaking delicious!!!!  It's like a carrot cake in a cookie form. They were definitely a hit!

Coconut Cookies

Don't let the looks of it fool you. Yes, I know it looks a tad bit like Florentines...but they're not.  They were supposed to be macaroons, but I think an ingredient was missing, therefore they turned out super flat.  Salted butter was used instead of unnsalted...which is probably the reason why the cookies had a salty after taste. In my opinion...this was the no bueno. Thanks Therese, who had mistaken baking soda for baking powder. LOL!

Holiday Cooking

Mussels

seasoned with minced garlic

First time making it and not too shabby! Next time, I'll cook it less.  It was actually more flavorful than I had thought it would be. Proud!

Stuffed Mushrooms

stuffed with chopped bell peppers, italian sausage, chopped white onion, minced garlic and topped with bread crumbs

Great turnout. Love love love mushrooms and thought it was delicious.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

loaded a lot of garlic. nom nom nom.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Therese accidentally bought the wrong type of potato for her garlic mashed potatoes, so we had to put this to use. We just cut it into pieces, seasoned and baked it. Not too bad!

Thanksgiving Treat

Occasion: Thanksgiving day sweet treat! Too bad I had food poisoning/stomach flu...luckily I still got to try it!

Rice flour based sweet treat

I have no idea what this is called, but from the taste of it I know it's rice flour based, it was deep fried and it has a ginger caramelized based coating.  I was suffering from food poisoning and I was barely able to eat anything. Everything that I ate would come right back out, but to my surprise. My stomach was able to hold this down.  Since I didn't get to eat it right when it was fresh...what I did to heat it up as if it was fresh was by sticking it in the microwave with a wet paper napkin over it. That way, the microwave will take the moisture from the wet paper napkin instead of from the pastry itself (which would lead to a hard, dry crunchy pastry).  I thought it was pretty good! It wasn't too sweet and the rice flour base was kind of chewy. It reminded me of sesame buns from dim sum (the mochi ish part).  This is definitely something new, but still enjoyable.

Andalu

3198 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Occasion: KDPhi Fam Bam Dinner for Christina's belated Bday dinner! 11.23.10

Ahi Tartar Tacos

with Chili and Lime, Mango Salsa 
They're only $1 on Tuesdays! Yay for taco tuesdays!  These little tacos were delicious. I've always been a fan of tuna tartar, so this was a definite must get item.  They were mini tacos, which was perfect so you don't feel overwhelmed by an actual whole taco, leaving you feeling like you've had too much.  The mango salsa complimented the tuna tar tar very well and the taco shell was not too thick nor too thin. It was a delightful little treat to snack on. YUM!

Curly Polenta Fries, Spicy Tomato Vinaigrette

I had arrived when these were out already and had no clue what they were, but they definitely looked interesting.  I think this must be my first time having polenta fries and I loved it.  It had a cornmeal taste to it, but had a potatoey consistency to it.  It was delicious especially dipped in the spicy tomato vinaigrette.

Duck Confit Dumplings with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Another fried item, but no complaints for me, even though I was sick.  Dip it into the sweet chilli sauce and it's amazing.  The duck meat inside  were not in chunks, instead it seemed to be ground up.  It was good, but not the best thing we ordered.

Crispy Mac and Cheese with Herb Tomato Vinaigrette 

This was interesting. I've never had mac and cheese in a stick form before.  At first it looked like a fried mozzarella cheese stick.  It had a deep fried bread battered outsides like that of  mozzarella cheese sticks,
 but the insides were filled with mac and cheese. How amazing is that?  It wasn't the best tasting mac and cheese, but it did the job and satisfied the taste buds.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Grilled with Wam Slaw and Mustard Demiglaze

I've made it a point probably quite a few times in my entries, but I'm not big on bacon.  But for some reason I love anything that is served with bacon wrapped around it; including this dish.  Also, I'm not a big pork person, so the fact that I like this makes it worth trying for others who are reading.  It's freaking flavorful, the meat is tender and they serve it in slices for you. The mashed yam/sweet potato was soo good!!

Coca-Cola Braised Short-ribs with White Bean Salad

One of my favorite dishes.  Though I didn't taste the "Coca-Cola" I did think the meat was very tender and juicy.  It was slathered in some kind of delicious sweet-ish teriyaki like sauce.  The meat was so tender it fell off of the bone. So worth a try!!!

Brussels Sprouts Sauteed in Caper Brown Butter   
Nothing spectacular about this dish. Just sauteed brussel sprouts. I liked it though!

Golden Gate Bakery

1029 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133

Occasion: PCW's patient always brings in goodies when she has an appointment. And I am NEVER EVER able to resist from the goodies she brings. 11.23.10

Egg Tart, Coconut Tart, Coconut Sponge Cake with flaky crust

My all time favorite would be the egg tart.  I've been coming here since they first opened; it's been over a decade! Love love love it here. Soft eggy middle with a buttery flaky crust. AMAZING. As for the coconut tart, it was actually my first time having it.  It was good and I'm surprised I've never had it before.  It has a dense cake base and in each bite, you taste the coconut shavings mixed into the cake.  The top had a hard muffin like top. I've never had the coconut sponge cake thing either.  It's kind of like a combination of the egg tart and the coconut tart.  The flaky pastry puff reminded me of a napoleon and also the crust of the egg tart.  The middle had a coconut custard like filling.  It was freaking amazing, everything from the texture to the flavor. SOOOOO freaking good, I wish I had discovered this earlier.

Bang San Thai Cuisine

791 OFarrell St
San Francisco, CA 94109

Occasion: My sorority's Alumnae Luncheon. 11.21.10. The restaurant itself is pretty small, so our whole party took up their restaurant from 12-3pm

Eggrolls

The first thing I got to put in my stomach. I was so hungry, I scarfed it down and thought it was delicious.  Dip it into some sweet and sour sauce, or whatever it is and its perfect.  I got there right after they had served this, so luckily it was still warm.

Samosa

filled with potatoes and curry sauce

These were good! Not the best I've had but pretty decent. I like potatoes and curry sauce, so I was happy with this.

Cucumber Salad

Served cold.  It had a sweet tangy taste to it and was very refreshing.

Papaya Salad

It was way too spicy for my liking!  I was hoping to chow down on some refreshing and sweet papaya salad, but nope...I bit into what I thought was a cherry tomato to only find out that it was jalepeno or spicy pepper of some sort. It was SOOO FREAKING spicy I drank my whole cup of water and tried to eat other things to take the spicy feeling off of my tongue. I didn't touch the papaya salad anymore.

Pad See Yew

Typical. Nothing too special. I guess you can say it's decent.  Serving size was ok, but definitely not enough to feed 6 people.

Pumpkin Curry

I was so excited when this came out, but too bad it didn't meet my expecttions.  The curry was a tad bit too sweet, the rice it came with seemed undercooked and there just didn't seem to be much ingredients in the curry. Disappointed!

Pad Thai

I actually thought it was pretty good. Not only was it good, but they served a decent amount compared to the dinky portion of the Pad See Yew.

Roti with Green Tea Ice Cream

Probably my favorite part of the meal. DESSERT!  The roti had condensed milk drizzled over it and was crispy but a little soft. It was perfect with the green tea ice cream. YUMMY!!!

AJ's Place

Occasion: Pumpkin Pie Party and fooding it! 11.19.10

Chicken Skewers

with mushrooms, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, chicken

I didn't know something so simple could be so good. I seriously watched her make it and it wasn't time consuming at all. They were perfect and delicious. A healthy little appetizer for us to enjoy while we were baking the pumpkins.

Orzo Salad

with feta cheese, olives, parsley

Another simple little dish! It was sooo delicious even with the olives in it. I'm not usually big on olives, but it was perfect with the salad.  It's still so hard to beleive that something so good could be so easy to make (not time consuming at all). AJ is truly talented. She can whip anything up. Love it!

Lazy Man's Sushi
Jean's creation. The name explains it all.  It's rice baked with crab and some kind of delicious sauce. There were packs of seaweed where you can grab a piece and slab a spoonful of this baked deliciousness on top and there you have it: Lazy man's sushi.  You don't have to roll it up as you would with sushi. It was delicious and such a genius idea!

Cheese bisquit  bread
Bisquick mix with cheese sprinkled on top
Warm, buttery, fluffy and DIVINE! Perfect little appetizers!

5a5 Steakhouse

244 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94111

Occasion: Celebrating BFF's 24th. Party of 10. 11.13.10

Complimentary bread
One had bacon bits in it and the other was plain
I thought it was pretty unique and the bread with the bacon bits was not too bad. Definitely adds flavor to the bread. Yum.

Hamachi Shooter

with avocado, ginger, yuzu tobiko, ponzu

I heard the shooters here are better than those at Alexanders, so I just had to try it. I have to disagree to that comment. Honestly, it was a bit too salty for my liking and the ones at Alexanders were way way way better.

Truffle Fries

sriracha aioli, truffle oil

Seriously most delicious and addicting fries ever. They're really as good as people say it is. It's a must get if you're here. There's something with sriracha and truffle that makes it so addicting.

Bone in Ribeye

roasted red onion, aged balsamic demi glaze 25 oz

I'm not usually a steak person and have no experience in ordering it either. I'm used to getting what I do know...the filet mignon. I wanted to try something different after briefly getting educated on the different cuts.  I decided for the bone in ribeye, not knowing how HUGE it was. It was ginormous and I wish I had shared it with someone. But no worries, the piece of meat lasted me three meals. Everyone who tried it loved it!! It was very tender and full of fatty flavor, well DUH...it is the fattiest cut, or so I was told.  I ordered it medium rare and it was more on the medium side, which was absolutely fine with me.  I would definitely recommend this cut, because in our opinion it was the best cut!

Mac and Cheese

gruyere, mozzarella, cheddar

Freaking amazing. I'm not a big mac and cheese person because mac and cheese is usually too rich for me. I get sick of it after a few bites, but not 5a5's mac and cheese.  It's freaking delicious. Maybe because there's three different cheeses in it. It's seriously something worth trying!

Bar Crudo

655 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Occasion: Friday Happy Hour with the coworkers. 11.12.10

$1 Oysters.

Every day from 5pm-6:30pm; for 8 people we got about 7 dozen

So worth it. Love it with the mignonette sauce.

Clam chowder

Seriously, my favorite clam chowder in the whole city.  It's creamy, flavorful with generous chunks of clams as well as potatoes. Love, love love it!

Monk's Kettle

3141 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Occasion: Dinner with Jason 11.11.10.

Artisan cheese plate with candied walnuts, Marshall’s Farm organic honey,

balsamic reduction, fresh Bosc pear and toasted Metropolis bigio

We chose two cheeses one was for sure the Rouge et Noir Triple Creme Brie (cow’s milk) – CA, the other was either Caprino Piemontese (goat’s milk) – ITA or Pecorino Calabrese Riserva (sheep’s milk) – ITA . I really really enjoyed the brie. It was very soft and had a buttery taste. The other cheese was good too, but it had a different texture and in my opnion a less pungent taste (could be due to my lack of taste because I was coming down with something).  The cheese wasn't as soft and had a harder consistency to it. I loved dipping the walnuts into the honey and enjoyed the combination of items on the cheese plate.  I even used the pear they provided and wrapped it with the prosciutto from the charcuterie plate.

Charcuterie Plate with pate, house-cured magret duck prosciutto, house-made sausage, Hobbs salami, artisan prosciutto, cornichons, stone ground mustard, cherry tomatoes and toasted Metropolis bigio

I loved this plate too. Everything on the plate was amazing. What stood out to me was the duck prosciutto because I've never had it before and the pate. I love love love pate. I could have ate that with bread all night. The mustard was a pretty good too; as I used it as a spread on the bread. This plate went really well with the cheeses.

Maredsous Tripel (12 oz) Belgian Tripel Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat, Breendonk-Puurs, BEL

My drink of choice because I wanted to order some kind of belgian beer so I could say that I tried #50. An obscure Belgian beer at The Monk’s Kettle on SF BIG EATS 2010 list.  I thought it was pretty tasty!

Superior Farms Lamb burger grilled to order, and served with lettuce, organic tomatoes, fresh red onions

and a cucumber mint tzatziki sauce on a Metropolis sweet french roll

I saw it on the highlights of the yelp reviews and really wanted to try it, since I've never had it before. I got it medium rare. It was really good!! Second night in a row having a burger and this was definitely the better of the two.  It was pretty good especially with the extra added sliced avocado.

Coleman Natural Hampshire beer-braised Pulled Pork with house made Porter BBQ sauce,

served on a Metropolis poppyseed kaiser bun with jicama slaw

The pulled pork was pretty soft and tender, but the BBQ sauce was just too spicy for me.  It had a sweet teriyaki like bbq taste, but the spice just got to me and was somewhat unbearable. If it were not as spicy, I probably would have enjoyed it more.