Category Archives: Restaurants

Taking Hawaiian Food To Another Level at Aina

So tender, the meat literally does fall right off these divine ribs at Aina.

So tender, the meat literally does fall right off these divine ribs at Aina.

 

When dear friends recently visited from the Midwest, I knew I wanted to take them somewhere to dine in San Francisco that would give them a taste of something new, fresh, modern, and fun.

The choice, of course, was Aina, because the odds were that they hadn’t experienced much Hawaiian cuisine in Wisconsin, and certainly none on this level.

This small gem in the Dogpatch neighborhood is always packed. In fact, at brunch, there is almost always a line out the door.

Owned by Chef Jordan Keao and his wife Cheryl Liew, and assisted by Chef de Cuisine Chris Yang, Aina’s flavors will be familiar to anyone who’s ever visited Hawaii. But the form that they take has been refined considerably, as our party found on a recent Saturday night when we dined and paid our own tab.

A taste of Hawaii in San Francisco.

A taste of Hawaii in San Francisco.

The chef's counter offers a tasting menu.

The chef’s counter offers a tasting menu.

While the counter seats are reserved for Aina’s tasting menu, the regular dining room orders off the a la carte menu.

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A Potato Salad Brimming with Herbs

Potato salad with yogurt, lemon and a plethora of home-grown herbs.

Potato salad with yogurt, lemon and a plethora of home-grown herbs.

 

In my mind, I’m a passionate gardener.

In reality, I’m often a disgruntled one.

Martha Stewart sure makes it look easy. But does she have to contend with lightening-fast squirrels that seem to think they have squatter’s rights in my yard? I think not.

I water and fertilize diligently, nurturing my plants and trees, and waiting for that moment when they give forth their riches in fruits and veggies. Apparently, the squirrels play that same waiting game. And more often than not, they trounce me at it.

Who will be first to snag the ripe tomatoes and peaches? Usually them, alas. This season, I got so fed up that I picked all my peaches off my dwarf tree just a hair before they ripened — just so I could enjoy them before the critters did. Take that, varmints!

Maybe that’s why I actually get joy from growing herbs. Because for whatever reason, my herbs are mostly left alone, able to flourish undisturbed, enabling me to get my pick of soft green leaves to enjoy.

Saladish

On a recent afternoon, I felt fairly smug, going through my backyard, snipping chives, lemon basil, Italian basil, shiso, tarragon, and thyme, all in pristine condition.

Yes, it was all mine — to incorporate into “New Potatoes with Soft Green Herbs.”

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Happiness Is A Lazy Sunday Afternoon In Berkeley When…

Boiled gyoza afloat in a spicy miso-pork broth at Ippudo.

Boiled gyoza afloat in a spicy miso-pork broth at Ippudo.

 

When the traffic gods cooperate so that Interstate 880 isn’t a nightmare…

When you find parking off bustling University Avenue easily…

And when there is no line at Ippudo, so you can stroll right in for a seat immediately.

Because, I mean really, is there any better way to spend a rare relaxing Sunday afternoon than slurping up a big bowl of ramen?

Surely not.

A column in the center of the dining room.

A column in the center of the dining room.

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to enjoy all of that when my husband and I waltzed into one of the Bay Area’s hottest new ramen joints just before 5 p.m. to enjoy an early dinner, which we paid our tab for at the end. Normally, there would be a line out the door. But we managed to beat the crowd. And this place can fill up fast because it’s not very big. A nice touch are the black boxes underneath the table to stow a purse or backpack so you don’t have to just drop them on the bare floor.

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Join Yours Truly for a Climate One/Commonwealth Event, Plus A Franco-Filipino Feast & More

CommonwealthClimate

“The New Surf and Turf”

Join yours truly in conversation with Patrick Brown, founder of Impossible Foods, and Mike Selden, founder of Finless Foods, as we talk about “The New Surf and Turf,” innovative new protein products that mimic your favorite burger or seafood.

The event takes place at the new Climate One at the Commonwealth Club on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, 6:30 p.m. July 19.

Brown, a former Stanford University biochemist, is the man behind the Impossible Burger, the plant-based burger that actually “bleeds” and has the texture of ground beef. Selden, also a biochemist, founded the start-up that’s aimed at creating real fish meat from stem cells.

With changes in climate, not to mention over-fishing of so many species, their inventions could have a profound effect on the way we eat in the future, as our world population continues to grow.

At the end of this fascinating talk, you’ll also get a chance to taste samples of Impossible Foods products prepared by Jardiniere restaurant.

General admission for non-Commonwealth member is $20. However, use the code, “Neighbor” at check-out to enjoy member ticket prices at $12 each.

Sundays Were Meant for Meat & Threes at Town Hall

San Francisco’s beloved Town Hall restaurant has debuted a fun “Meat & Threes” prix-fixe Sunday supper menu.

Town Hall restaurant's Meat and Three's Sunday dinner with its famed fried chicken. (Photo Copyright Nader Khouri 2018.)

Town Hall restaurant’s Meat and Three’s Sunday dinner with its famed fried chicken. (Photo Copyright Nader Khouri 2018.)

During 5 p.m to 9 p.m., diners have a choice of soup or salad, one of eight meats, three of 11 sides, and a slice of Key Lime pie.

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The Story of Danville’s Bridges Goes Beyond the Food

Tuna stacked atop avocado and sticky rice at Bridges.

Tuna stacked atop avocado and sticky rice at Bridges.

 

On any given weekend at Bridges in downtown Danville, you’ll find smartly dressed couples, families, and wedding parties. It’s the place to be not only for a casual dinner but a celebratory occasion.

It’s also the place to enjoy a bit of cinematic history. Its dining room and kitchen were the setting for the big reveal scene in the beloved movie, “Mrs. Doubtfire.” On a wall leading to the restrooms, there’s even a framed movie poster signed by the late-great Robin Williams, the star of the film.

The success of the movie really put the restaurant on the map. It’s been wildly popular ever since.

When Chef Kevin Gin's mom told him at age 12 that he was getting old and needed to figure out what he wanted to be, he immediately said "a chef.''

When Chef Kevin Gin’s mom told him at age 12 that he was getting old and needed to figure out what he wanted to be, he immediately said “a chef.”

Built in 1989, the restaurant’s name refers to building connections between East and West, according to Chef-Partner Kevin Gin. The former Chinese restaurant there was torn down after the land was purchased by a wealthy Japanese businessman, who spared no expense in creating Bridges. Five types of Japanese wood were used, as well as imported Italian marble, European tiles, and even 24 karat gold painted onto the walls.

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