original joe's is back



As many of you know, I love the old school restaurants (as well as classic hotels, motels, original downtown storefronts, signage,  mid-century modern and on and on).  Original Joe's in San Francisco really meets all the criteria and has been terribly missed since it burned down in 2007.  But that was not the beginning of the story.  The first Joe's was called New Joe's and was located on Broadway in North Beach, having the first open (exhibition, as we call it now) kitchen.  In 1937, after a falling out, one partner teamed up with Louis Rocca and Ante Rodin and opened Original Joe's at 144 Taylor, establishing a SF landmark.

Original Joe's is now re-opened at another famous address in North Beach, 601 Union Street, the former home of one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the US, Fior d' Italia.  The restaurant sports an original sign on the outside, and original sign inside with a few fire scars for character, the exhibition kitchen with counter seats,  most of the classic menu items, black jacketed waiters and the dark wood interior design of Joe's, including the burgundy-red booths, a few saved from 144 Taylor.

Stop in and say hello to Marie Duggan, the owner and her beautiful daughters and be greeted warmly like old friends returning for a long overdue visit.

las vegas raises the bar

Las Vegas, it changes and  morphes faster than one can know.  Brendan's birthday in August was fantastic, a heat wave with all of our friends and family at Vdara. This last week I was a guest in town, that included a visit to a couple of top clubs:  Bond, at the Cosmopolitan, and the Foundation, at Mandalay Bay.  Awesome.

who will win the next iron chef?

This season of The Next Iron Chef on the Food Network is the best ever.  When they promoted  it as the battle of the super-chefs I was a little skeptical, since it seemed to be closer to the battle of the Food Network Chefs, but as I read up on the pedigrees of the 10 contestants I was convinced.

The show challenges have also taken it up a notch, with an extreme outdoor challenge, movie theater food and a Hampton's seafood/passion challenge to name a few.  With the addition of a weekly 30 minute lightening round cook-off between the bottom 2 contestants for that week's challenge featuring such daunting secret ingredients like peanuts, coconuts and party crackers, this nail-biting round is made even more nerve-racking as your fellow contestants stand behind you second guessing your cooking decisions and techniques.

One of my favorites, Robert Irvine, was eliminated in week 2.  I had the feeling that the judge Michael Symon was not a fan, and rumours on the web seem to back that up, since Irvine replaced Symon on the show Restaurant Impossible.  The surprise breakout is Elizabeth Faulkner, from Citizen Cake and Orson in San Francisco.  Several of the other contestants repeatedly remarked that she was JUST a pastry chef.  She has proven she is so much more. Michael Chiarello, (Napa Style, etc.) who was eliminated this week was always regarded as the one to beat, but in the end, it was the elegant, refined classic French style of Geoffrey Zakarian, (Lambs Club, NYC) who will face Faulkner in a final cook-off in Kitchen Stadium.  Bloggers are saying that Cat Cora is being replaced, letting the odds-makers lean toward a win for Faulkner.  Bottom line, tune in Sunday, December 18th, 9pm on the Food Network to find out.

holiday traditions at filoli

I had a lovely evening at Filoli last night.  Friday, November 25th was the Premier Access Shopping Evening featuring an amazing holiday boutique with piano melodies, wine and hors d’oeuvres. This beautiful estate located in Woodside, hosts a variety of events throughout the year, but the Holiday Traditions events are certainly part of the most anticipated. Check the Filoli website for a list of all events, prices, and availability.

Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century.

Filoli was built for Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn, prominent San Franciscans whose chief source of wealth was the Empire Mine, a hard-rock gold mine in Grass Valley, California. Mr. Bourn was also owner and president of the Spring Valley Water Company whose property comprised Crystal Springs Lake and the surrounding lands, areas that are now part of the San Francisco Water Department. He selected the southern end of Crystal Springs Lake as the site for his estate. 

The estate was purchased in 1937 by Mr. and Mrs. William P. Roth, who owned the Matson Navigation Company. Under the Roths' supervision the property was maintained and the formal garden gained worldwide recognition. Mrs. Roth made Filoli her home until 1975 when she donated 125 acres, which included the House and formal garden, to the National Trust for Historic
Preservation for the enjoyment and inspiration of future generations. The remaining acreage was given to Filoli Center.  Happy Holidays!

six steps to perfect roast turkey

I saw this blog post on Foodista by Leah Rodrigues and thought it was worth sharing.  Enjoy a great Thanksgiving dinner!

1. Brine your Turkey: By process of osmosis, the brine will flavor the bird as well as keep it moist. 
2. Flavor the Bird: Make sure to adequately salt and pepper the turkey and fill the cavity with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and lemons.
3. Keep the Turkey Dry: Don't forget to pat down the turkey before putting it in the oven. The excess moisture will prevent the skin from getting crisp. (This does not include fat).
4. Use a Thermometer: A thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. It should register 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the bird.
5. Start the Oven High and then Lower the Temperature: Start the turkey at 425 degrees F to help crisp the skin for 20 minutes and then lower to 350 degrees F until cooked through.
6. Let the Turkey Rest: I know you'll be hungry but letting the turkey rest lets the juices redistribute so that it will be moist and flavorful.

2215 manzanita drive, oakland, ca.

If you are looking for a great value in a home plus excellent location, beautiful views, curb appeal and loads of space, 2215 Manzanita Drive is the home for you.  Offered at only $799,000 and located in the serene Montclair hills, this gorgeous home has it all. With 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, this hilltop contemporary  features level  front and back yards, wonderful flowing floor plan, huge master suite, solarium and SF Bay and Diablo vistas all steps from Hills swim club.  Live the life you deserve!  Call FRITZ, (520.813.7489) at Pacific Union International for all the details and make an appointment to see this home in person.

the old clam house

People who read my blog and make note of my favorite restaurant list have probably noticed:   I love places that hail from the past and have stood the test of time, retaining original signage, menu items, decor (although clean and maintained), charm and character. Well, add another spot to my list, The Old Clam House on Bayshore and Oakdale in SF.  This corner restaurant opened when Abraham Lincoln became president and the Gold Rush was just getting started.  It survived the earthquake and has been an old time watering hole ever since.  It has new owners and has been gently refreshed--keeping that original sign and tin ceiling while doing some Italian/American cuisine classics new justice. Pictured are the escargot and the the crab linguine Alfredo. Definitely worth a visit.

las vegas, august 2011

My dear friend Brendan had a great birthday in Las Vegas last weekend.  I wanted to write a brief shout out to the places/businesses that made it so special.  1st, the hotel, Vdara at the City Center was amazing.  Modern, with clean lines and off the hook beds and pillows, (you can buy their beds--call ) and super customer service.  2nd, Brendan's birthday dinner at Mastro's, in the Crystal Shopping Center.  Don't let the shopping center scene throw you--this is world class shopping and dining, with a tram/shuttle from the hotel and a table in Mastro's tree house.  The service and the amazing food, which included a 22 oz. bone-in rib eye, could not be topped.!!   Oh yes, it could--the decadent chocolate cake delivered by Leopold's of Las Vegas was flawless, and I am not a chocolate fan--but  I consider this the best cake I have every eaten!!  Happy birthday Brendan, well done!  (XXX)