Category Archives: California

February 19, 2009
12:00 PM
by: Uhockey

The Butler & The Chef Bistro, San Francisco CA

Quaint, tucked-away, the kind of place you have to know about or go out of your way to find – the definition of “a neighborhood gem.” No tourists, ample parking, lots of locals dining inside…I went to Paris when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Breakfast, California, Coffee, Croissant, Food, French Toast, Pork, San Francisco, The Butler and The Chef, Vacation, Waffles

February 19, 2009
12:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Aqua, San Francisco CA

With one night left in San Francisco our dinner plans were originally to experience the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton; these plans fell through when their daily menu changed and left nothing desirable to the tongue of my traveling companions. … Continue reading →

Posted in Aqua, Bread Basket, California, Dessert, Foie, San Francisco, Souffle, Sushi, Vacation

February 18, 2009
5:45 PM
by: Uhockey

Love at First Bite Cupcakery, Berkeley CA

Located in an attractive sidestreet near the famous Chez Panisse in Berkeley’s gourmet ghetto you could almost walk by Love at First Bite without noticing – unless of course you were a foodie who thinks “hmm, I bet I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Berkeley, California, cupcakes, Dessert, Food, Love at First Bite, Vacation

February 18, 2009
5:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Chez Panisse Cafe, Berkeley CA

Alice Waters needs no introduction – an innovator, a pioneer, a champion of the locally-grown/sustainable/organic movement, possibly a genius and certainly one of the most important names in American (and especially Californian) Cuisine. I’ve read Chef Waters books and have … Continue reading →

Posted in Berkeley, Bread Basket, California, Chez Panisse, Food, Pizza, Vacation

February 18, 2009
1:30 PM
by: Uhockey

Citizen Cake Patisserie, San Francisco CA

Citizen Cake is a bit of phenomenon given Chef Falkner’s appearance on multiple Food Network episodes and her loud/vibrant personality. Being unsatisfied with our purchases at Boulangerie, my family and I decided to stop by the Patisserie on a Wednesday … Continue reading →

Posted in Breakfast, California, Citizen Cake, Coffee, cupcakes, Dessert, Food, San Francisco, Tiramisu, Vacation

February 18, 2009
12:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Boulangerie, San Francisco CA.

“No picture, no picture, pictures not allowed” stated the small oriental lady behind the counter. Really – of bread? Get over yourself. After a night of the most gracious and unpretentious service ever at The French Laundry I find it … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulangerie, Bread Basket, Bread Pudding, Breakfast, California, Croissant, Food, Macaroon, San Francisco, Vacation

February 17, 2009
7:00 PM
by: Uhockey

The French Laundry, Yountville CA

“The Best” is an interesting concept to me – especially in a subjective realm like the arts; whether visual, music, or culinary. What makes Dali or Picasso a genius? What makes Zeppelin better than the Who? Who decides that what … Continue reading →

Posted in Bread Basket, California, Coffee, Dessert, Foie, Food, Gnocchi, Lobster, Macaroon, Pork, Sushi, Tasting Menu, The French Laundry, Truffle, Vacation, Yountville

February 17, 2009
5:30 PM
by: Uhockey

Bouchon Bakery, Yountville CA

“In the end, a great meal is not about the food and the wine. A great meal is an emotional experience. We try to make it an extraordinary one by creating a beautiful place, one filled with staff who cares … Continue reading →

Posted in Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery, California, Dessert, Food, Macaroon, Vacation

February 17, 2009
5:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Bouchon Bistro, Yountville CA

On December 17th my mother managed to secure me February 17th reservations at The French Laundry – without overstating too much, my entire trip to San Francisco was prefaced by this event. Knowing that we would be in Napa/Yountville/Sonoma on … Continue reading →

Posted in Bouchon, Bread Basket, California, Coffee, Food, Vacation, Yountville

February 17, 2009
12:15 PM
by: Uhockey

Kara’s Cupcakes, San Francisco CA

Knowing that we would be getting an early start up to Muir Woods, Napa, Sonoma, and Yountville my family and I decided to grab breakfast-y treats the day prior. Items for this gluttonous smorgasbord included the left-over Devils Food Cake … Continue reading →

Posted in California, cupcakes, Dessert, Kara's, San Francisco, Vacation

February 17, 2009
12:58 AM
by: Uhockey

One Market, San Francisco CA.

It is a holiday Monday in San Francisco; you had Tartine for breakfast and were blown away, you had Boulevard for lunch and were very impressed – you want to keep with the great yet classic concept but your companions … Continue reading →

Posted in Bread Basket, California, Crab, Dessert, Foie, Food, Octopus, One Market, San Francisco, Vacation

February 16, 2009
7:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Boulevard, San Francisco CA

After an early breakfast at Tartine and plenty of time driving around viewing the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Academy of Sciences the goal was a visit to California’s oldest restaurant for some lunch around 2:00 – little … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulevard, Bread Basket, California, Crab, cupcakes, Dessert, Macaroon, San Francisco, Truffle, Vacation

February 16, 2009
12:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Tartine Bakery, San Francisco CA

On my recent trip to San Francisco, the basic plan was as follows: Light bakery breakfast, small/moderate lunch, and fancy dinner. The first of these breakfasts was partaken at Tartine bakery and given the glowing reviews and Beard awards the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bread Basket, Bread Pudding, Breakfast, California, Coffee, Croissant, Dessert, Food, Macaroon, San Francisco, Tartine Bakery

February 16, 2009
12:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Restaurant Gary Danko, San Francisco CA

Going into my much anticipated visit to San Francisco, Restaurant Gary Danko was #2 on my “Great expectations” list; behind only The French Laundry. Arriving earlier in the day after an overly long (and twice delayed) flight from Ohio and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bread Basket, California, Crab, Dessert, Foie, Gary Danko, Gnocchi, Lobster, Macaroon, San Francisco, Souffle, Tasting Menu, Truffle, Vacation

February 15, 2009
5:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Ferry Plaza Seafood, San Francisco California

On a trip that included 8 days and 20ish meals plus myriad snacks and desserts, our first stop in San Francisco was the famous Ferry Plaza Marketplace for some fresh seafood at Ferry Plaza Seafood. To be fair, we were … Continue reading →

Posted in Bread Basket, California, Crab, Dessert, Ferry Plaza, Food, San Francisco, Vacation

February 26, 2008
11:43 AM
by: Uhockey

Crumbs Bake Shop, Los Angeles California

On my most recent visit to So. California I decided to fully experience the cupcake rage that is sweeping the nation and just now finally arriving in the midwest. During my visit I tried Yummy, Crumbs, Sprinkles, and Mrs Beasleys. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Crumbs, cupcakes, Dessert, Los Angeles, Vacation

February 26, 2008
11:38 AM
by: Uhockey

Doughboys Bakery, Los Angeles California

While visiting from Ohio, I went to Doughboys with my family on President’s Day and was actually very happy with the food, price, and service. While not quite as unique as Griddle Cafe, there are far less scenesters and hipsters. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Cornbread, Dessert, Doughboys, Los Angeles, Pancakes, Vacation

February 26, 2008
10:51 AM
by: Uhockey

Spago, Los Angeles California

In late February, during a family vacation to LA, we decided to experience Puck’s flagship and I can honestly say it was worth every cent. The famous patio, solid silver serving platters, worldclass service, the incredible flatbread, and surounded by … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dessert, Food, Los Angeles, Pizza, Vacation

February 26, 2008
12:08 AM
by: Uhockey

Griddle Cafe, Los Angeles California

In short, I’ve been to the Griddle Cafe twice and consider them to be the two most audacious breakfasts of my life…..and the two most delicious. This is the best breakfast I’ve ever had and the prices are amongst the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Coffee, Griddle Cafe, Los Angeles, Pancakes

February 25, 2008
7:42 PM
by: Uhockey

Mastro’s Steakhouse, Costa Mesa California

I had the pleasure of visiting this wonderful restaurant during a trip to California in Feb ’08. While I think a 3.5 rating would be best, I’ll bump up to 4.0 for the customer service and Buttercake. First of all, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bread Basket, Buttercake, California, Dessert, Gnocchi, Lobster, Mastro's