Food Friday: Traveling Spoon

I'm big on gatherings around the table. I love to break bread, meet new people over a bite, and discover new-to-me cultures or cuisines. It's honestly one of my favorite things to do. So, whenever there's an opportunity to do just that, that's what I do. Just a few weeks ago, I was recently introduced to Traveling Spoon. I had never heard about it before, but as soon as I learned more about it, I wondered how I hadn't already known about it. If it happens to be new-to-you, too, then here's the 30-second elevator pitch: Traveling Spoon allows you to book a private meal or cooking class with home cooks around the world. Pretty cool, huh? So, let's say you are traveling to Thailand and want to experience true, home-cooked Thai food. Well, you can head to Traveling Spoon, search for the city you are traveling to, and easily book a meal, cooking class or market visit. This time around, I had the pleasure of experiencing true, home-cooked Thai food at a pop-up in SF. It was such a fun night - not only did I learn more about how to cook Thai food (and, of course, enjoy it!), but I also met some rad tablemates. After the jump, see more photos from our feast, prepared by the sweetest visiting host, Pia (pictured with me above!), and learn more about Traveling Spoon.

Food Friday: Ippudo Makes its way to San Francisco

Ippudo SF Yerba Buena 18 Yerba Buena Lane San Francisco, CA 94103



Ever since visiting Ippudo in New York back in 2013, I wished for it to make its way to my little city by the bay. After visiting in 2013, I didn't get to try Ippudo again until 2016, when I visited its Paris location while in France. Then, in 2017, the Berkeley location opened and I knew SF had to be on its way. Finally, this past January, my ramen dreams came true.

Food Friday: Robin

Robin 620 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94102



If there's one thing that you've probably learned about me over these past seven years, it's that my favorite cuisine is Japanese. My boyfriend, who also happens to be half-Japanese, declared very early on that he doesn't know anyone else who eats as much sushi as me. In fact, if I'm remembering correctly, he also stated that it's honestly a wonder that I don't already have mercury poisoning. This last statement, although troubling, should give you an accurate depiction of just how much I love sushi. Luckily for me, my boyfriend also loves sushi and humors me, every time I "surprise" him with a sushi restaurant (or a restaurant that offers sushi, lol) to take him to for his birthday. Our first year together, I took him to Roka Akor, our second year together I took him to Mama's Fish House, and just a few weeks ago, I took him to San Francisco's latest omakase hot spot, Robin.

Robin, which opened in July, is a "hip," omakase-only (meaning chef's choice) restaurant located in Hayes Valley. Its interior is beautiful - shades of pink tiles adorn the wall behind the sushi bar, gold paint drips from the walls, and vibrant plateware stand out once placed against the rest of the restaurant's blacktop tables. Even the wooden spoons used for dessert are cute enough to stick in your pocket (don't worry; I didn't). Omakase begins at $79 a pop and can run all the way up to $179, depending on your hunger levels. For San Francisco standards, $79 for 10-11 bites isn't terrible -- that is, so long as the food is good and you're decently satisfied. So, where does Robin stack up against the bunch? My review, after the jump.
 

Food Friday: Plaj

Plaj 333 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94102

When you hear "Swedish meatballs," your first thought really shouldn't be Ikea. And if it is, that's okay - I'm here to help change that. Cue Plaj (pronounced "play"), a San Francisco Scandinavian spot that you maybe haven't heard of yet. And if you have, then you're already ahead of the game! Plaj, tucked away inside the Inn at the Opera, is the perfect place to stop by before heading to the ballet or the symphony. Better yet, it's the perfect place to stop by if you're looking to spice things up and try something different. I don't know about you guys, but I haven't had a lot of Scandinavian cuisine in my life. (That is, aside from my favorite cake of all time - princess cake!) So, before Plaj, I didn't really know what to expect. If you're nodding along and thinking "me too," then this post is for you.

Food Friday: Maker's Common

Maker's Common 1954 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704

East Bay friends, this one's for you. Maker's Common is the new kid on the Berkeley block. It's an eatery and marketplace by the owners of San Francisco's beloved, Mission Cheese. The eatery is a casual neighborhood gathering place, where folks grab a quick bite, park it outside on the patio, or make themselves comfortable for family-style meals. The marketplace is stocked with goods from local makers and is meant to inspire patrons for their next picnic or gathering. I recently had the pleasure of touring the beautiful open space and delighting in some cheese, meats, and treats for dinner. After the jump, view more of the space, designed by Studio KDA, and see what you can nosh on when you visit.

Friendsgiving with DoorDash

Thanksgiving is in two days, you guys. Two days! Is it just me, or did this year totally zoom by? I honestly can't believe it's nearly December. Every year, around this time, my friends and I host a Friendsgiving potluck, where we gather 'round and stuff ourselves silly with amazingly delicious food and drinks. (Think lumpia, ribs, pies galore, cider, sweet potato mash and more... mmmmm.) Because we lost track of time and forgot to plan, this will be our first year out of the last several that we won't be having one. (Insert sad face, here.) Luckily, we also host an annual Friendsmas gathering, so not all is lost. Even better, Bay Area-based restaurant delivery service, DoorDash recently saved a seat at the table for me at their's, so I didn't have to totally miss out on the Friendsgiving tradition. Aside from chowing down alongside some of my blogging pals,  I also walked away with some fresh ideas for how to "wow" guests at my next gathering. Anyone out there hosting people this year and could use some extra tips, too? Well, my friends, you're going to want to read more after the jump.

Food Friday: Bluestem Brasserie's New Brunch Menu

Bluestem Brasserie 1 Yerba Buena Lane

Bluestem Brasserie recently welcomed Trevor Ogden into their kitchen as their new Executive Chef. Chef Trevor hails from Park Tavern and brings with him over 15 years of experience, as well as a new weekend brunch menu, which I got to experience for the first time just this past Saturday. It should be no surprise that I couldn't pass up a brunch tasting at Bluestem. I frequent the restaurant often for happy hour and anytime I have a hankering for my favorite cake in the city.  I was really excited to try Chef's take on brunch, because it's truly my favorite meal. So what was on the menu? See more after the jump.

Food Friday: Pacific Catch

Hello, Friday! Or should I say, "Aloha"? Why you ask? Well, one of my favorite places to grab a bite, Pacific Catch, is now offering Aloha Friday, where you can grab Mai Tai's for $5 all day long, so long as you show up in Hawaiian attire. Not a bad way to celebrate Friday, eh? Not into cocktails? No sweat. Pacific Catch offers HH deals on delicious bites Monday through Friday, so you can score some dollars off any day of the week. I happen to love Pacific Catch for their shrimp tacos and rice bowls (Japanese Wasabi bowl, Cali-style poke, half brown rice, half salad is my go-to, in case you're wondering!). I recently stopped by to fill up on all of their other tasty offerings including sushi, calamari, poke and more. Verdict? Everything is worth a taste. Stop by one of these upcoming Fridays and see for yourself!

Food Friday: Santa Clara's New Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 2762 Augustine Dr, Santa Clara, CA‎



Late last month, I had the pleasure of attending a restaurant opening for Santa Clara's latest hotspot - Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. I've been to many a steakhouse in my day, and I know that you have been, too. So, what makes Fleming's stand out in a sea of steaks? Well, for one, their wines. Fleming's boasts an impressive 100 wines, specially curated, featuring esteemed vintages and local favorites. The fact that these wines rotate each year makes the quest to taste each even more enticing - can one really drink them all? I don't know, but I am willing to find out. But what's wine without the perfect pairing, right? At Fleming's you can have it all - surf and turf. And, if you know me, you know that I love a good cut of meat, as much as a I love a good selection of seafood. Like most steakhouses, Fleming's also offers a delicious array of sides to accompany your main course - mushroom, potatoes, spicy mac and cheese and greens. Why pick, if you don't have to? So long as you still have room for dessert. And trust me, you'll want dessert. So, now that you've got the overview, let's hear about my night, shall we?

Food Friday: 3rd Cousin

3rd Cousin 919 Cortland Avenue

I'll be the first to tell you that I don't spend much time in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood. It's pretty much on the opposite side of the city for me, and without a car, it's a bit of a trek. That being said, I live by the saying, "Will travel for food." So, no distance can keep me away from great eats. Cue, Bernal's 3rd Cousin, a New American restaurant serving California cuisine. I'd never heard of it before, but after being invited to experience the restaurant's tasting menu, I quickly looked up photos of its Uni Creme Brulee on Instagram and my stomach couldn't wait. Nor shall yours after reading this post.

Thirsty Tuesday (Is that a Thing?): Souvla's New Private Label Wine

I know what you're thinking. Another post on wine?? Okay, so it's been a big wine year for this little lady, but you know what? Girl's gotta grow up some time. In all seriousness, you guys already know that I'm a big fan of Souvla. So, when we were invited to celebrate Souvla's new private label Greek wines, we were there in a flash.

Food Friday: Bob's Steak and Chop House

Bob's Steak and Chop House 500 California Street 

There are some great combinations in life, classics, if you may. Peanut butter and jelly, wine and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs - the list goes on, my friends. One pairing that I haven't had for ages, but can never say no to is surf and turf. Ask yourselves - when is the last time you sat down for some delicious steak and lobster? If it's been too long to recall, I'm hoping this post will help change that. 

Food Friday: Farallon

Farallon 450 Post Street 

Growing up, my favorite Disney movie was The Little Mermaid. I owned Ariel stuff up the wazoo, you guys. My Little Mermaid fandom (obsession?) went hand in hand with my love for seafood. Crab? Yeah, I like that. Shrimp? The more the merrier! Fish? I'll take a school of 'em. No sea creature was safe (except for eel, still really not into that...). Shellfish was my jam, and I admittedly, I really liked going to that one lobster chain you might have heard about. Fast forward about 20 years and while the obsession with Ariel has died down, the love of seafood has steadily persevered. In fact, friends are often really impressed (disgusted?) with how much sushi I consume. (I became somewhat concerned with my consumption rate and preemptively read up on the warning signs of mercury poisoning - JUST IN CASE.) Anyways, moral of the story? This Stacker loves her seafood. Cue Farallon - a San Francisco classic filled to the brim with tasty creatures from the sea. (Also, I know that's a photo of meat up there, but like surf and turf, right?)

Food Friday: Charcuterie with Columbus Craft Meats

If there's one thing I love, it's a three-day weekend. They're far and few, so when they come around, I'm all about them. More often than not, I prefer to get out of town and get to exploring. But, when an extra day is involved, I love hosting, having people over, and sometimes, taking that extra day just for me! Sometimes, it's nice to put together a little somethin' somethin' - whatever the occasion. Girls' night? You betcha. Date night for two? Yes, yes. Solo night in? Absolutely. So, in the spirit of the three day weekend, I've partnered with Columbus Craft Meats to give you three easy peasy charcuterie plate ideas. You can take one, take all, mix, match - whatever works for you!

Food Friday: Gaspar Brasserie

Gaspar Brasserie 185 Sutter Street



Earlier this month, I was treated to a weekday fun lunch at Gaspar Brasserie. It's not often that I make it to a sit-down lunch during the week (that work life, you know?). But every now and then, be it a special occasion or event, I get to sneak out and enjoy some sit-down noms. This was one of those times.

Food Friday: The Keystone SF

The Keystone 68 4th Street
5 / 5 stacks


You've seen the snaps and the 'grams, but it's time to do this place justice with this week's edition of Food Friday. Say hello to my new favorite brunch spot in Union Square - The Keystone. Conveniently located just a walk away from the mall, this is your new go-to spot for charging up before hitting those shopping bags.

Food Friday: Nico

Nico 3228 Sacramento Street

San Francisco is envied for more reasons than one. Despite its occasional Karl the Fog days and higher than average rental market rates, everyone wants a little piece of the city by the bay. One of my favorite reasons for living in this city is being able to experience all of the magical restaurants that pop up around town. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to dine at Pacific Height's Michelin-rated, Nico. Nico quietly sits on Sacramento Street and you can easily walk by it's simple exterior not knowing about the hidden gem you're about to pass by. But, if you're in the know (and you usually are if you're a true San Franciscan foodie), you know that Nico is a place you don't want to pass up.

Food Friday: Hog and Rocks

Hog and Rocks 3431 19th Street 

5/5 Stacks

I don't know if I've officially gone on the record about this, but if not, here it is - brunch is my favorite meal of the day. Don't get me wrong, I love a good dinner, but there's nothing like a good brunch in my humble opinion. So, when the Hog and Rocks team invited me to try their brunch menu one lovely Saturday afternoon, there was just no way I could say no. So, I didn't. 

Food Friday: Hecho

Hecho 2200 Market Street


Ready for another serving of Food Friday? Last week, I talked to you guys about a little walking food tour I took along Market Street. So, to continue the tour, this week, I'm sharing another stop we took along the way! Hecho is an adorable Mexican restaurant and bar located near SF's Castro district. The restaurant is open for dinner throughout the week and brunch on the weekends. It was my first time visiting, and I immediately fell in love with the restaurant's interior and decor. Because the restaurant gets such great natural light, the space feels open and airy. The first thing you'll probably notice when you visit the space is the amazing bar seating. Now that Hecho has officially launched its new weekday happy hour ($5 coronas, $6 quesadillas and $7 margs!), you can bet you'll find me seated at the bar, snapping Instagrams and taking advantage of the 5-6-7 deal. It's the cutest place to grab a drink with friends on a Friday after work, and an even better choice if need to fill up before heading to the Castro for a full night of dancing. As for the food, we were treated with refreshing margaritas upon being seated, along with nachos a la plancha, fresh guacamole, and seasonal veggie quesadillas. Since we only were able to try a sample of their appetizers, I'm definitely looking forward to heading back and trying something off their dinner or brunch menu.

Treat your eyes to more food porn after the jump!

Food Friday: M.Y. China

 M.Y. China 845 Market Street  You've waited long enough, so I present to you another edition of Food Friday. Last week, I was invited to attend a walking food tour of San Francisco's Market Street - quite the great idea, right? SF has so many great eats to offer, why not break it down by street? I hadn't been to any of the places on the tour before, so it was fun to try each spot's bites and beverages. The first place I went to was M.Y. China, which is conveniently located in Westfield Mall. I know what you are thinking - mall food? For all intents and purposes, I guess you could call it "mall food," but it's really not what you think when you think of mall food. Reason being? M.Y. China feels like a cozy restaurant tucked away in the mall - a place to grab happy hour, or just a bite to eat if you're in the area and want to get away from the mall's fast-paced environment. We had a selection of small bites including a delicious citrus glazed chicken (served on a skewered pineapple!), shrimp tempura bites with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, and their new lychee sangria with bursting boba.