"Big Wow for Park Chow"

The latest in the culinary journey for Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan took them to Park Chow, located in the inner sunset and close to world famous Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. 

The adventure destination was a Segway tour through Golden Gate Park which was a wonderful way to see over a 1,000 acres of the Park in a 4 hour time period.  Additionally the Segway tour guide provided wonderful history of the park and made stops at the most notable areas.  The Music Pavilion, Dalia and Cactus flower gardens, the Japanese Tea House the Conservatory of Flowers as well as the California Academy of Science and the De Young Museum were all wonderful stops along the way.  We would highly recommend that if you are curious to get to know Golden Gate Park this is a wonderful way to get an introduction.  After the tour we went to the De Young museum and took the elevator to the top to see a beautiful view of the city and surrounding park areas, which by the way is free of charge.

On our way back after our tour, we stopped at the restaurant Park Chow which is located conveniently close to the 9th and Judah Muni transportation stop which we took to get to Bart and then back to Bart Walnut Creek.
Park Chow is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  When entering the restaurant you immediately feel a warm and soothing sensation with the wood burning fire warming your soul from the cool and foggy inner sunset weather.

We started off with breakfast, before the tour, with a warm cup of coffee and pancakes with organic maple syrup.
After the tour we returned for Lunch where we found the restaurant packed with happy patrons enjoying the warm ambience and great food of this fun place. We started our lunch with a glass of nicely priced red house cabernet from Argentina and wood baked artichokes with lemon that were savory and fresh.  For the main course, Linda ordered a specialty pizza, recommended by the manager Renee. Cooked in a wood oven, it was summer corn, pesto, heirloom tomato and arugula. I ordered a spicy dish of Thai style noodles with steak, chicken, peanuts, and spicy lime chili garlic broth that was sensational.  For desert, we experienced the "Big Wow" at Park Chow-Ginger cake with organic pumpkin ice cream and caramel sauce.  
After lunch, we walked a few blocks to the 119 year old Little Shamrock Bar and enjoyed their famous Irish Coffees that completed a heavenly day and lunch. We also bought the locally roasted coffee beans that we had in the Irish Coffee at The Beanery which was across from the muni stop.

Needless to say, we had a remarkable day as we set out to really get to know Golden Gate Park. 
For more information, about the Segway Golden Gate Tour call 415 474-3130 and to make reservations at Park Chow go to: Click here: Chow Restaurant

"Navio " Arrives At The Coastal Castle On The Sea

In a quest to eat al all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting), Linda and Mike L.

Mc Colgan's culinary journey recently took them to Navio at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. Recently completing a 1 million dollar renovation, Navio, meaning ship, is elegantly decorated with spectacular views overlooking the deep blue sea and 18th hole of the famous Old Course. This Ritz property is a very special experience for anyone who wants to enjoy a time of pure luxury and elegance.  The staff throughout the entire resort is friendly and anxious to make your time an “experience” to remember. Five stars for the Service.*****

The Castle on the coast is conveniently located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. It has received many awards for excellence and has two world class golf courses. The experience of playing golf at either the Ocean or Old Course and having a treatment at the world class spa is a taste of heaven.  At sunset the special part of any day at the Ritz is the piper playing bagpipes coming up from the hills overlooking the water. The piper playing at sunset is better than “Mass at the Vatican" which I have had the privilege of experiencing both.

Sitting by the outdoor fireplace in your room patio, the hotel also offers an over the top golf cart dressed up as a wine and fire caddy. The knowledgeable wine and fire chap drives his golf cart stocked with wine, cheese cigars and smores kits that you can purchase from the convenience of your outdoor room patio. It is another touch of class to the elegant Ritz experience.

Before dinner at Navio, you can stop at the Eno wine bar and sample various flights of wines. The wine bar is a beautiful room cover with rich dark wood and soft lighting that adds to the wine tasting experience. The extensive wine cellar is stocked with wines from around the world including several bottles of the French Petrus Pomeral Wine which sells for $7500 per bottle for those with a discriminating taste for wine.

The new renovation of the Navio Restaurant offers an elegant ship like feeling with large windows overlooking the ocean. Our server was very attentive and helpful in choosing our dinner items.  For appetizers we started with the PEI mussels with shallots, garlic, savignon blanc, creme fraiche and parsley. We also tried the ahi tuna, with yuzu aioli, padron peppers, asian pears, pickled carrots, green beans and puffed barley.  The Sea scallops with sweet pea and wild mushrooms risotto shaved parmesan and balsamic syrup and Brentwood sweet corn soup warmed up our appetites for the main courses.

For dinner Linda order the local black cod and Berkshire pork belly with grilled Monterey calamari, chorizo and chick peas which was prepared to perfection and heavenly to eat. Our National Champion Special Olympics golfer and son Mj ordered the New York steak with grilled Yukon potatos, mushroom conserva, glazed cipolin onions and red wine jus that according to him was "the best he has ever eaten."

I ordered the 48 hour Navio braised short rib, with Yukon gold potato puree, port wine glaze royal trumpet mushrooms and asparagus that was tender and seasoned to perfection.

Desert was highlighted by the Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee and French pressed hot coffee that completed a dinner to always be remembered

We look forward to our return to this special Coastal Castle on the Sea. For more information call 650-712-7000.

 

Hard Water-Charles Phan's New American Whiskey Bar

 In a quest to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting), Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey recently took them to Charles Phan's latest addition Hard Water.

This new creation was designed by famous architect Olle Lunberg who also partnered with Charles on this new venture. It features a selection of over 150 whiskeys to make your visit memorable and unique.

The menu also features a wide choice of oysters and Charles Phan's New Orleans theme of interesting cajun recipes. Manager Laura Markham was very helpful in suggesting some popular dishes to try and Olle Lunberg was also eating there that day. The place was full of energy and every seat occupied with happy faces.

We started out with the pork cracklins which are pork bellys seasoned to perfection and washed them down with Louisiana Ambita Amber beer.

 We also shared a cocktail A La Louisiane which was mixed perfectly at the open bar. It consisted of Rittenhouse 100 rye, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Benedictine, and Peychauds bitter that was hand mixed and served in a chilled glass. It was described by the bartender as being a Louisiana Manhattan.

Since there are only 37 seats in the modern circular bar and restaurant, everything that was served looked very fresh and very good. Linda selected the seafood gumbo with andouille popcorn rice that was a hearty proportion of culinary excellence.

I chose the fried chicken sandwich with mortadella, provolone and pickled peppers that was excellent and large enough for two people to split.

For desert, we sampled the warm banana butter-scotch fried pies that were served warm and a satisfying ending to a fun and fantastic lunch.

We will definitely return and sample the various flights of whiskey. This new eatery will definitely be a hit among the "San Francisco Foodies" that appreciate high quality at a reasonable price.

For more information and to make reservations, go to:

Click here: About — Hard Water

SEAGLASS--"Sensational Views Of The Bay and Sushi Bar"

In a quest to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants, Linda and Mike L. McColgan culinary journey recently took them to the new opened SEAGLASS restaurant sitting gracefully at Pier 15 home of the new Exploratorium.

Linda and I enjoyed the awesome views and sensational sushi bar. Everything was very fresh and prepared with delicate perfection. The sushi bar has a dry ice display on the bar that simulates comets revolving around the sun.  In addition, there are Food Tricycles—solar-powered, Dutch-style tricycles—parked around the perimeter of Pier 15, selling coffee, baked goods, and organic soft-serve ice cream. The Exploratorium is also a treat for young or old who appreciate many scientific inventions.
We would definitely recommend this great new addition for the great city by the bay for great family food and fun.

From the web site,”

The Exploratorium at Pier 15 features two eateries and a food program developed by Loretta Keller, Executive Chef, and Clay Reynolds, Operational Partner, both of iconic San Francisco restaurant COCO500. Working with Bon Appetit, the Exploratorium’s official Food Operations Partner, Chef Keller has devised a family-friendly, multicultural, seasonal, locally sourced food program that showcases small producers.
The SEAGLASS Restaurant is the Exploratorium’s flagship dining spot—a sit-down venue with stunning views at the east end of the museum campus. Menu items range from the bold to the familiar. Family-friendly offerings include tacos and quesadillas with organic black beans, Welsh rarebit (our riff on grilled cheese), pizzas, salads, and sandwiches made with just-picked seasonal ingredients. You’ll also find Chef Keller’s signature batter-fried green beans made with local ale, and fresh seafood approved by the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch list. Adventurous eaters will find organic grain salads made with kelp gathered in Marin, Mendocino, and Monterey counties, and “living foods” like traditional Japanese pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Large-scale versions of Icy Bodies and Thermal Mixing exhibits are incorporated into the restaurant’s interior."
For more information, go to: Click here: Restaurant & Café | Exploratorium

MY China--"Martin Yan Rocks"

In a quest to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting) Linda and Mike L McColgan's culinary journey recently took them to famous chef Martin Yan's new San Francisco eatery located at 845 Market in the Westfield Center home of Nordstroms and many other retail stores. It is also conveniently located to the Powell Street Bart Station.

From the web site, "James Beard Award winning chef and TV host Martin Yan transports the sights, tastes and discoveries of modern day Chinese food to America. He and his all-star crew create a fun and approachable restaurant where every visit offers a new experience.

See, taste and discover authentic Chinese cuisine in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Inspired by years of experience traveling through China, we bring back the best ingredients, flavors and techniques. Watch our chefs in action as they prepare every dish in front of your eyes. See world champion noodle dancers pull giant balls of dough into thousands of thin noodles in minutes using only their bare hands. Taste delicate hand-folded dim sum. Discover ancient Chinese tradition brought to life and interpreted in a thoroughly modern way."
Martin Yan's personality is reflected in this new restaurant that features modern decor, world champion noodle dancers, dim sum, wok and roasted dishes that are fresh creations of Chinese food excellence.
We sat at the noodle bar and watched the chef spin giant balls of dough into thin noodles. The noodle show is very fun to watch and the results are very pleasing to the various dishes that they compliment.
There is also a variety of wines by the glass, beers and specialty cocktails such as "Wealth and Turbulence"(Kraken Rum, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice and ginger beer) that are unique and exciting like Martin Yan.
The manager Chris was very helpful in suggesting a lunch entree. We selected the Beef Hand Pulled Noodle Soup with slow cooked rib eye, baby bok choy and star anise that was seasoned perfectly and graced with fresh noodles from the noodle show.
For dessert, there is a choice of Macau egg tarts, Sugar egg puffs, Sesame seed sweet cakes and DeLise Ice cream or sorbet to satisfy any palate.
Martin Yan offers a unique foodie experience. It is definitely a place to add to your list of places to go in the great city by the bay.

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: M.Y.China

Waterfront- "45 Years of Making People Happy"

In an effort to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting), Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan’s culinary journey recently landed them at the Waterfront for their famous 3-6 Happy Hour.

The moment you enter this San Francisco landmark, you immediately feel comfortable and relaxed with the massive windows overlooking the breathtaking Bay views. They also have an outside patio and all the tables overlook the soothing Bay.

They are open for lunch and dinner serving an extensive selection of culinary treats.

It is a great place to decompress after a long day at work or walking back from a Giants game for their happy hour from 3-6.  They have a variety of $5 dollar wines and $3 dollar beers as well as signature cocktails for $7. The menu has $5 pizzas, Calamari, Sliders, Truffle Parmesan Fries and Oysters for 99 cents each.

We sampled some of each and they were all very good. They also pour a generous glass of wine.

We will definitely return.

 Longtime owner Al Fachi runs a first class show and his place reflects his quest for perfection. Al is always around and constantly monitoring the food, drinks and service which makes for a great experience.

From the web site, "In 1969, Al Falchi converted a former San Francisco longshoremen's bar
into a restaurant called The Waterfront.
A mile from Fisherman's Wharf, and with a view that eclipsed that
famous tourist hub, it soon became a favorite of local politicians and business people.
And, in time, local and foreign visitors were drawn by its breathtaking Bayscape.

Long a cut above its competition, in 1997, Al committed to a multi-million dollar
renovation to transform The Waterfront into one of San Francisco's
foremost dining destinations.
Not just brick and mortar changes,
but a complete overhaul of its long-standing seafood menu.
And, it's worked.

Today, The Waterfront is the choice of presidents and princes, celebrities and
travelers who want to make their San Francisco dining experience a memorable one."

For more information and to make a reservation for lunch or dinner, go to:

Click here: Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe: Home

"Hot New Foodie Fun In The Desert Sun"

In a quest to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting), Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey recently took them to warm Palm Desert California and the new kid on the block Mitch's.  Mitch Epstein's new restaurant is a hot new creation that offers something for everyone. Valet parking, a modern bar buzzing with excitement,  live music, large TV screens, daily happy hour and outdoor  patio dining complete with fire pit serving  an extensive menu of seafood, steaks and sushi.  There is also an upstairs room that can accommodate weddings and private events.

We had the pleasure of experiencing this oasis in the desert twice. We had dinner on the patio on a warm desert evening and sampled mussels, barbecued shrimp, onion soup and Caesar salad that were very good with an attentive and knowledgeable server. In addition, the warm ambience of the soft lighting on the patio made you feel like you were dining at an exclusive Mediterranean resort.

We also went back for the daily happy hour and watched sports on the large flat screen TV’s.  Happy hour is 7 days a week from 3-6:30. They offer a nice selection of $5.00 wines and beers and a nicely priced menu with lots of variety featuring sensational sushi for $7.00 each.  The crunchy shrimp, calamari, ahi poke tacos, and kobe sliders were all good proportions served picture perfect.  

Mitch's attention to detail and hands on management makes this restaurant a "must do" while you are in the desert on vacation or living there year around.

Our magical question about our extensive culinary experiences, is would you return? We have been there twice and look forward to coming back soon.

For more information and to make reservations, go to:

Click here: Sushi, Steaks & Happy Hour - Mitch's on El Paseo, Palm Desert

From the web site, "Mitch’s on El Paseo is a concept developed by long-time restaurateur, Mitch Epstein, who brings his 31 years in the restaurant business to team up with respected sushi master and chef, James Holder – who was raised in Japan as the son of an American serviceman and a Japanese mother, and remembers learning to ‘cut fish’(as he calls it) when he was 13, in his village of Hiyama."

Michael Mina "Elegant Excellence"

Michael Mina San Francisco: "Elegant Excellence"

Linda and Mike L. McColgan's culinary journey to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting) recently took them to Michael Mina San Francisco located next to the famous Tadich Grill on California Street.

According to restaurant manager Ro Flores, they have been at this modern and friendly location for almost 3 years. There is a fresh feeling when you walk into this establishment with large mirrors and service that is over the top.

There is a friendly bar and lots of business people enjoying power lunch in a quiet sophisticated atmosphere. An extensive wine and drink list is also offered with a unique variety of wines by the glass.

We started off with the soup of the day which was carrot and a hint of ginger which was steamy hot and very tasty. Of course, we ordered the tartare which is made table side with habanero infused sesame oil, asian pear, pine nuts and quail egg yolk which is "simply the best."

For the entree, we split an order of Black Cod Fish and Chips that was tender and lightly breaded. It was served with pommes pont-neuf, ginger scented asian slaw, malt vinegar and oribiche aioli. Linda commented that it was so fresh and delicate that it almost "melted in your mouth."

There is also a nice selection of sweet sensations to complete your meal. Although tempting, we decided to pass on dessert.

This Michelin one star restaurant and Esquire Magazine restaurant of the year serves its famous Michael's Classic Ahi Tuna Tartare and other interesting treats from 4-6 Monday thru Friday during happy hour for only 10 dollars.

Michael Mina San Francisco is best described "elegant excellence."  Even their toothpicks are like pieces of crystal. We are already planning another visit for happy hour and Michael's famous  Ahi Tuna Tartare. 

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: MICHAEL MINA, San Francisco

Perbacco--"Let the Good Times Roll"

Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey and quest to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500plus and counting) continued at Perbacco located at 230 California next to the famous Tadich Grille.

For 6 years, Proprietor Umberto Gibin has created a fun environment and great food selection that is always bustling with business men and women enjoying power lunches and sophisticated foodies enjoying quiet dinners. He also owns a more casual environment restaurant Barbacco located nearby.

From the web site, "
“Perbacco” is an Italian word to accentuate positive comments. It can also be an expression of pleasure and surprise, as well as a reference to Bacchus, God of Wine and “good times.” A fitting name for a ristorante so thoroughly steeped in the traditions of Italy, yet with a refreshingly modern feel and attitude. Perbacco introduces urban San Francisco to the full range of flavors found in the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria, with a touch of France by way of Provence."

Our server Alexandria was very helpful in selecting entrees from the detailed menu. An extensive wine list is also offered as well as a very interesting cocktail selection.

We started off with patron favorite Piastra Seared Local Squid/Corona Bean Passatina/Celery Heart/Argula/and Preserved Meyer Lemon that was prepared elegantly and very good.

For the entree Linda ordered Insalata Di Tonno with olive oil poached albacore tuna, potatoes, fennel, celery, farm egg and lemon aioli that was tender and seasoned perfectly. I ordered the Raviora-pasta filled with green garlic ricotta,asparagus,young onion and tarragon butter that was delicate, presented perfectly and very good.

For dessert, Alexandria recommended we share the burnt caramel gelato with Tahitian sea salt and pangolin cookie.  Umberto also insisted on us trying the Brutti Ma Buoni "Ugly But Good" hazelnut cookies. Both were the expression of "pleasure and surprise" in the Perbacco tradition.

Perbacco has a modern and refreshing ambience that definitely meets their goal of good times and great food and wine. We will definitely return.

For more information and to make reservations go to:Click here: PERBACCO: San Francisco Ristorante + Bar

Holding Company "A San Francisco Tradition For 39 Years"

Holding Company--"A San Francisco Tradition For 39 Years"

Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting) continued at the cozy Cheers like place in the center of the financial district at Embarcadero 2.  The Holding Company has served financial foodies for 39 years.  This place has a friendly atmosphere with great food and happy hour at modest prices.

Along time patron recommended the famous Holding Company burger. Linda and I split the generous 9 ounce burger with a choice of fries, house made chips or pineapple coleslaw.  You can have it served with an onion roll, bun or sourdough roll. We chose the onion roll and it was very good. The fries were also very fresh and seasoned to perfection.

Each day there are also specials served. The shrimp scampi, roast pork loin sandwich and grilled chicken salad all looked very good. We also tried the special appetizer fresh grilled calamari marinated in spices over garlic wilted spinach and sour dough crostini which was a unique way to serve calamari and very good.

There are an assortment of craft beers and drinks to choose from that are all $2.00 less for the daily happy hour from 3-7. In addition, many appetizers including thin crusted pizza are offered.

Desserts include chocolate cake, New York cheese cake, carrot cake, warm apple pie and pear-berry pie.

So if you are looking for a refuge from the stress of the business world this gem of the financial district is a great place to have lunch and to wind down after the rigors of the day for happy hour.

For more information and to make reservations go to  www.theholdingcompanysf.com