dinner at hakkasan, san francisco

I just had a wonderful dinner at Hakkasan--- Chinese cuisine done with extreme style . . . a modern salute to Cantonese cuisine.  This is a destination restaurant, a chain, in fact, but with a emphasis on food, detail and decor that reminds us why it is a global brand.  Hakkasan was founded in London in 2001 and has since become one of the world’s most distinguished global restaurant, lounge and nightlife brands.  I enjoyed the Peking duck, so beautifully plated, as to be art and a dessert lemon tart that was topped with a grape sorbet that was world class!  Whether a treat or extravagance---Hakkasan is located at at One Kearney, San Francisco.

thanksgiving 2015

I was so blessed this year to be with my family in Crescent City!  Not only was it a Thanksgiving celebration, but my brother's birthday, as well.  My parents' created and cooked a beautiful menu that included a custom ordered prime rib that was a thing of beauty.  Beef is still king--plus whipped cream horseradish!  Pumpkin pie and peanut butter chocolate cream pie sealed the meal!

good food, great deals in san francisco

 

We all know San Francisco is a wonderful place to live, with culture, creativity and culinary delights. But all that can be challenging to the bank account.  Here are a few great restaurants with delicious food for a super value.

The Mission is loaded with great eats and two of my favorites are Lolo and Limon.  Lolo, located at 974 Valencia is a family-owned restaurant in San Francisco that utilizes local ingredients and offers non-traditional and uniquely inspired Mexican food.  Stop in for the tacos tropical or grilled beef tacos for between $9-$10.  Walk down the street to 524 Valencia for Limón's Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa, marinated free-range rotisserie chicken, slowly roasted over open flame. A quarter chicken with a choice of 2 sides and sauces will set you back about $11.  On upper Market, head to Hecho.
Located at 2200 Market, this energetic space with a great bar mixes classic and new Mexican cuisine.  Order the braised Meyer Ranch beef short rib quesadilla and be ready with your $12!
If you are on Union Square and need a quick bite, stop in Hubert Keller's Burger Bar on the 6th floor of Macy's. Minus the wait and lines of Cheese Cake Factory, enjoy the fish and chips with 3 pieces of fish, slaw and garlic fries for around $9.

 

 

 

eiffel tower restaurant in las vegas

I just had a wonderful birthday weekend in Las Vegas.  Mom came down to San Francisco and we flew to Las Vegas and into it's crazy 110 degree heat. We stayed at the MGM, a marvel of a hotel, with lovely rooms, great beds, amazing pools and so much to do, you might never leave the property. But we did, and we had an exceptional birthday celebration at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Hotel.  The Eiffel Tower is on the 11th floor over looking the fountains of the Bellagio in one direction and a scenic expanse of the strip in the other.

Serene, in soft colors and wrapped in 360 degrees of glass (with no glare or heat, amazingly), you experience perfectly executed classic French cuisine with expert service.  We dined on crab stuffed avocados, baby lettuces with toasted hazelnuts, lemon vinaigrette and the creamiest goat cheese I have ever had.  Pan-sauteed trout with meuniere sauce and wild rice and the paillard of salmon were divine.  We finished the meal with silken creme brulee all washed down with lemon drops--not that French, but damn tasty!  An elegant and delicious spot amidst the desert heat and glitter.

fresh gem lettuce caesar salad

The Caesar is one of my favorite salads, rich and creamy dressing, chunky romaine leaves and crunchy croutons---delicious but perhaps not a salad you can eat everyday.  I came up with my own light and modern version, fresh, crisp and lemony and so easy I have been eating it every day.
I started with little gem lettuces, and separated out the smallest leaves (Trader Joe's sells the gem lettuces--3 heads for only $1.99).  I then made a Caesar dressing and thinned it with the juice of a lemon.  You can do this with your favorite bottled dressing if you like, the result should be lemony and thin enough to drizzle.  I tossed the leaves with crispy turkey bacon lardons, my substitute for croutons, shaved on good parm and drizzled with the dressing.  Cracked black pepper and you are good to go.  Restaurant worthy result!

15 minute tiramisu

 

I love Tiramisu.  I am not in love with hours of prep.  I think I died and went to heaven when I discovered this Martha Stewart recipe for 15 minute tiramisu.  The secret to 15 minutes--have everything ready to go, of course.  I have adapted the recipe slightly, and I think the results are delicious.  Best of all--you don't cook anything!

Pound Cake Tiramisu

Ingredients:
1 and 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz bar cream cheese, at room temperature
5 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
3 tsp of vanilla extract
1/2 cup strong coffee or espresso, room temperature
2-3 tablespoons dark rum or brandy
1 loaf pound cake, sliced
1/4 cup shaved semisweet chocolate
Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

In a large bowl, beat together with an electric mixture the cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla till smooth and thickened.   Combine coffee and rum/brandy.
In a 2 quart baking dish, lay half the cake slices in a single layer, trim to fit.  Brush with half the coffee mixture.  Top with half the cream mixture and half the shaved chocolate.  Repeat.  Dust top with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.