Off Hiatus!

Hello there, lovely fans. I realize it has been quite some time since my last post but I'm BACK. Now that Lent is over, I'm able to indulge in all things fried once again. This weekend I satisfied my craving for tempura (french bean, to be specific!) as well as french fries (garlic truffle). I'm getting hungry just thinking about all of it.

Rob and I ferried up to Sausalito for the weekend, which was every bit as relaxing and fun as we thought it would be. We shopped, ate, walked through the small town, enjoyed some great Japanese food and played a game of Scrabble right near the water.

Pizza was on the agenda also, which we had with a lovely SF view.

I can't wait to go back to Sushi Ran, which is where we ate on Saturday night. We ate:

scallop-chive dumplings
vegetable taster (fried potatoes, bok choy, ginger eggplant, spaghetti squash)
miso black cod with french beans (insanely good; not sure I can eat fish anywhere else now)
unagi
chicken teriyaki (don't laugh)
french bean tempura
rice
some kind of hamachi dish with grapefruit and avocado

...and a huge bottle of sake.

Good thing I am getting back into running shape!

Weekends in the City

Saturday mornings at the Ferry Building, Blue Bottle coffee in hand, are just another reason to appreciate living in San Francisco. When the sun is shining and people are perusing the endless stands of apples/pears/artisanal cheeses/breads/pasta, you know it is the start to a great weekend.

My love for the Farmers Market is almost as great as the love I have for Slanted Door. I know it has seen a lot of hype, but I think there is something to be said about Charles Phan's ability to create innovative dishes without compromising authentic Vietnamese characteristics. While it is often impossible to get a reservation, Out the Door, the to-go version of the restaurant, is always a trusty standby.

I recommend getting any of the rice dishes, since the broken rice is nothing short of addicting. The grapefruit and jicama salad is a nice accompaniment, so look for it when the season is right.

Lemongrass pork and vegetable:




Grilled 5-spice chicken sandwich:



I also recommend the following places/items in the Ferry Building:

• Lulu Petite- their homemade potato chips are amazing
• Ciao Bella Gelato - I'm not a fan of their gelato, but their blood orange sorbet is to die for
• Acme Bread - green onion bread or epi loaf (same bread they serve at Salt House)
• Delica-rf - Japanese deli that specializes in bento boxes; try the mabo tofu salad
  
• Blue Bottle Coffee - best coffee in the city (permanent residence in Hayes Valley, but they have a Farmers Market booth on Saturdays)
  

During the summer, the Farmers Market has a booth with fried asparagus. The line will be long, but I assure you that it's worth it!

Soon, you won't be able to start your weekend without a trip to the Ferry Building either.