Just a note that I’ve decided to split the subject I love into separate blogs. This site will continue to share with you my ideas about Interaction Design, while Masimuddy Eats! will speak about my culinary adventures. Check it out ; )
This past weekend I went to a cooking demonstration at the Riz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay by the chef from Junnoon. The demo is part of a series from Inside the Kitchen. I chose to attend this one in particular, because I love the restaurant. Kirti Pant serves up truly excellent modern Indian style cuisine.
The class was full, and he demonstrated how to cook 3 popular dishes from the Junnoon menu: Tangy Semolina Shells, Konju Pappas (Shrimp in tomato/tamarind sauce) and Rice-flaked Sea Bass with Kokum Sauce. It was great for me, since I’m not really familiar with using Indian spices so I think I learned a little. The class was accompanied by a tasting of the 3 dishes (a decent portion, actually) matched wines and a take-away booklet with the recipes. Plus the hotel is really, nice and a good excuse to head to the seaside (if you need more excuses).
There is one more class in the series which I plan to attend … more soon!
After a recommendation I got from a friend, I sought out a specific cheese. Humboldt Fog, named after a county in California, is a soft chevre with a little bit of vegetable ash. Well worth a try! I found some at Whole Foods.
“Our signature offering, Humboldt Fog is an elegant, soft, surface ripened cheese. The texture is creamy and luscious with a subtle tangy flavor. Each handcrafted wheel features a ribbon of edible vegetable ash along its center and a coating of ash under its exterior to give it a distinctive, cake-like appearance. An American Original!”
My friend Jenn was up this weekend and was able provide some input into a taste test. We tried chocolate chip cookies from Tartine Bakery and from Bi-Rite Creamery and Bakeshop and both agreed that the ones from Tartine were better.
On second thought, I’m not sure … I’ll go do the taste test again I think!
I can’t believe that in the year that I’ve been in the area, this past weeked was my first taste of Bi-Rite Creamery ice cream. We came to the city for an exhibit opening and dinner. Dinner was planned at the lovely Delfina’s, but we had to wait to be seated since it’s quite popular on a Friday night. So as we walked around, we pasted the Bi-Rite ice cream shop and I just had to try some. Even my friends who were cold (it IS still winter here) took one taste and had to go buy their own. I tried the Orange Cardamon and Chocolate flavours. Just divine.
Their ice cream is hand-made on premises with organic and seasonal ingredients.
It is well worth a side trip, but you will have difficulty deciding between ice cream at Bi-Rite, or a tart at Tartine Bakery, which is just at the other end of the block. Or just have both ; )
I’m constantly searching for good coffee. Perhaps, living in Italy spoiled me by having a good cup of espresso or cappuccino available in almost any bar you walk into. Sadly, that isn’t the case in the west and we must search. My search lead me to the Bluebottle Coffee Co. The espresso I had was amazing; as rich and flavourful as an esresso should be. The cappuccino my friend had was one of the best I’ve had on this continent, with the milk the perfect texture. It’s clear the people here love their coffee and take a lot of pride in creating a great cup for their customers to enjoy. Thank you I say! For a coffee lover, it’s a must visit. Bluebottle also sells beans to take home. Head over to their website for tips on how to brew the coffee at home.
Recently, they just opened a new cafe on Mint St., and I believe they still have an unassuming little kiosk in Hayes valley, as well as the Ferry Building on Saturdays. It’s worth the wait in line : )
Bluebottle Coffee Co. website
kiosk is at: 315 Linden Street, San Francisco, CA
cafe is at 66 Mint St. in SOMA, San Franciso, CA
Most people who know me, know I carry around “The Book” which I consult when I get a little hungry. “The Book” is the San Francisco Michelin guide and has always led me to an enjoyable meal. It doesn’t mean, I won’t eat somewhere not listed in the book ; ) but it has never led me astray.
When you are travlling, or are new to the area, the book can recommend somewhere for a special evening. I found that they have the Michelin rated restaurant listed in the online Green Guide (the Red Guide is the restaurant and hotel guide I carry with me). You can have a peak before you travel, or maybe hep you find a new destination point 
The online search engines also led me to Andy Hayler’s 3-Star Guide, where he has an interesting break down of countries, number of 3-star restaurants and a history. It seems Eastern Europe is in urgent need of some stars.
Hidden on a quiet street near downtown Mountain View lies a 2 star Michelin rated restaurant named Chez TJ. Most of the restaurants of this caliber seem to be in San Francisco (I’m new to the area and I’m still exploring) so a friend and I decided to sample the local establishment. The atmosphere is relaxed and quiet, and rather romantic in this old Victorian house. The service is prompt and friendly.
You can choose between the 4 course gastronomic menu or the 12 course tasting menu. I chose the tasting menu, to experience a larger range of offerings, and had a very pleasant evening as a result. The food was presented beautifully and the wine pairing with the food was excellent.
The meal started with more simple and subtle tastes and progressively got more adventurous. Some items that stood out for me were:
Glazed sweet potato soup with a vandouvan marshmallow - the soup was perfect velvety texture, and being complimented by a marshmallow was quite surprise but very enjoyable.
Artisan fois gras and apple smoked custard - Fois gras is on of my favorites, but the the pairing with the apple flavouring was magnificent.
Lobster and sweetbread ravioli - Cooked perfectly and flavored with truffles which made the dish absolutely exquisite.
The staff mentioned they change one dish fairly often, so there can always be something new to try.
Chez TJ is great for a quiet dinner of exceptional food and wine, and if you aren’t to concerned with the upper limit of your bill.
see more info at > 