Tuesday Lunch with Linda Series- Perry's

In an effort to visit all 3000 San Francisco restaurants, Danville residents Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey took them to Perrys at 155 Steuart Street.

Our experience at Perrys was average as only a few tables had window views and the blue and white checked table clothes were symbolic of a nice picnic but not a fine dining experience. The place was bustling with patrons and the menu was your normal burger and salad experience with special blue plate entrees each day.

Linda had the Chinese chicken salad which was very good. I ordered the Turkey breast sandwich. The turkey was moist and tasty and the proportion was enough to take home for another lunch tomorrow.  They also had home made chips that were seasoned perfectly.

We also sampled the corn bread that was served warm and more than enough for two people.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays from 3 to close bottles of  wine are half price with a variety of appetizers.

From the web site,

"The Beginning – Perry’s on Union Street.
Perry’s, for over 40 years an institution on Union Street in San Francisco, is known for its classic American food, its warm personable service and its bustling bar. Perry’s signature dishes include traditional Cobb Salad, Tomato Bisque, a selection of Prime Steaks, and of course, the renowned Hamburger. Perry’s also serves a fantastic weekend brunch, both Saturday and Sunday, with offerings such as Corned Beef Hash, French Toast, and a variety of classic egg dishes.

In its fifth decade on Union Street, Perry’s remains an enormously popular San Francisco establishment. The original location attracts multiple generations of Perry’s customers, making themselves at home at the cozy neighborhood bar and restaurant to enjoy terrific American food, a well-made drink and friendly conversation.

When Perry Butler initially opened Perry’s in 1969, he brought Union Street the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood saloons of New York’s Upper East Side. The blue and white checked tablecloths, hexagonal tiled floor, wood-paneled memorabilia clad walls, and menu of American classics produced an atmosphere that was comfortable, inviting and cool. Customers quickly transformed into friends, and just as quickly the modest, neighborhood restaurant became a San Francisco sensation.

Perry’s on the Embarcadero opened in 2008, following the same mantra of all-American favorite dishes combined with welcoming service that Butler first made a hallmark in 1969. The décor is warm – murals reminiscent of the memorabilia made famous at the original location, combined with exposed brick walls and its breathtaking views of the Bay – Perry’s on the Embarcadero is the perfect place for a business lunch, to meet after work for drinks, enjoy dinner with friends and family, or dig into brunch on the weekends. Perry’s on the Embarcadero is also conveniently located less than a mile from AT&T Park, making it a popular stop before and after Giants games.
Perry’s at the Design Center has been offering Perry’s fare to the businesses and residents of Potrero Hill since 2010. Located in the Galleria Atrium of the SF Design Center, Perry’s serves coffee and breakfast, lunch and happy hour Monday through Friday."

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: Perry's San Francisco

Thanksgiving 2012 in Michigan

Happy Thanksgiving--Best Holiday Of The Year!

No presents--- just great grape, food, family and friends enjoying each other and the many blessings of our lives.

Great time!

Thanks for the memories! 

Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy 2013!! 
Scroll all the way down!

Ann, Mike and Susan

Leon, Karen, John, Sara and Linda

Nick, Kelly and Susan

Linda's Family

Johnnyprep.net

John and Courtney-Newlyweds

John and Liz Benjamin, The John McColgan Family, The Mike McColgan Family

Lauren and MJ

John, Linda and Mom

Jack, Leon and Jesse

Linda, MJ and Mike

Mike's Family

Ann, Susan, MJ Matthew and Linda

Cutting the 2nd wedding cake

Linda and Sara

Mary and Tom

Grandma, John and Courtney

Beth and Mark

Linda, MJ and Mom

Linda and Liz

Bob, Trey and Candi

Johnny Prep cutting the Turkey

John, Jesse, Lauren and Sara

Liz, John, Dennis, Drew, MJ, Linda, Mark, Beth, Liz, Rita,Amy

Linda, Roy and MJ

Monsignor Zenz

Grandma and Grandkids

Mike and Aunt Liz

Mom, Karen and Linda

Courtney and Karen

MJ, Linda and Mike--"Inspiring Greatness!"

San Francisco Ferry Building- The Slanted Door Restaurant

.

 The Ferry Building is a vibrant gathering at the foot of Market Street which houses shops large and small that celebrate food in all its forms, offering everything from artisan  cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Restaurants and cafés serve cuisine representing the quality and cultural diversity of   SanFrancisco's best chefs and local farmers.  The farmers market is the best in the Bay area open on Thursdays and Saturday mornings and highly recommended for anyone that wants to buy the freshest of fruits, vegetables, oysters and even eggs!

There are several favorite places that we love at the ferry building that include the Stonehouse Olive Oil Company (Persian Lime Oil is our favorite) San Francisco Wine Merchants for wine tasting/shopping and the Cowgirl Cheese Factory.  Additionally the Hog Island Oyster Company and Delices are restaurants that we have enjoyed.

Our favorite restaurant in the Ferry Building is the “Slanted Door Restaurant”. Here we enjoyed modern Vietnamese Food cooked to perfection.

The chef’s menu changes on a daily basis.

Several specialties we tried were the Slanted Door spring rolls with gulf shrimp, pork, mint, and peanut sauce. We also sampled the crispy vegetarian imperial rolls with taro root, cabbage, glass noodles and peanut sauce that were warm and equally as good.  We also tried the daikon rice cake with shiitake mushrooms, shallots, sweet chili and soy that was over the top.

Linda ordered the gulf shrimp and wonton soup with five spiced pork and egg noodle. I had the chicken noodle soup with thin noodles, scallion and caramelized shallot that was seasoned perfectly.

For the entree, we ordered the gingered beef sirloin with rice vermicelli noodles, field greens and roasted peanut that was plenty to share.  I would compare it to eating angel food.

For dessert our knowledgeable waiter JJ, recommended pastry chef's Chucky Dugo's lemon meringue tart that lived up to its grand billing.  Dessert wine suggestions are also offered to pair with your selection.

We loved the Vietnamese food that the Slanted Door prepared.

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: The Slanted Door / Modern Vietnamese Cooking

"Perfect Golf"

Have you ever hit a 'perfect' shot every time in the round of golf? Sure there have been 59's scored in golf, but to be technically perfect in this game one would have to 'Ace' every hole and score 18. Obviously this is impossible even for Tiger Woods. However, in Special Olympics Golf there are no bad shots. Every shot is 'perfect' as these amazing athletes overcome many adversities and inspire many as you watch them play.

My son MJ is one of these athletes and has accomplished an amazing amateur record in Northern California and around the world. He has won 3 National Championships, 9 straight N. California State Championships, many Regional's and been inducted into 3 Hall Of Fame's. In 2004 he was inducted into the San Francisco Hall Of Fame and in 2006 he was inducted into the Michigan Hall Of Fame having been born there. In 2011 he will be inducted into the San Ramon Hall Of Fame for his accomplishments on and off the golf course. He has also participated in 3 Summer World Games Dublin, Ireland in 2003 Shanghai, China in 2007 and 2011 in Athens, Greece.

Having just returned from the 2011 World Games in Greece and seeing these amazing athletes from 185 nations, it inspired me to write this article about this challenging game called golf. CEO Tim Shriver summarized the 2011 Summer Games in Greece by saying,

"“The great examples of these athletes in the 2011 Games go on and on, but one thing is clear: as our athletes continue to spread the spirit of unity beyond the borders of Greece, we have an opportunity to join them. We can play unified with them, and we can live unified thanks to them.”

Golf is a difficult game. Pittsburgh Steeler and Hall Of Famer Lynn Swann has said, "I come off the golf course and I am always down. So I go home, take a shower, I put on my 4 Super Bowl Rings and say, "I am an athlete." After being involved with Special Olympics Golf for the past 10 years, I am never down in golf. As long as the shot is in play, it is 'perfect'. Elizabeth Kubler Ross became famous for writing about the 7 stages of grief. These stages can also be applied to golf.

·         Shock stage: Initial paralysis at hearing the bad news.-Hitting a Bad Golf shot

·         Denial stage: Trying to avoid the inevitable.-Denying that one could hit a bad golf shot

·         Anger stage: Frustrated outpouring of bottled-up emotion.-Swearing, throwing a club getting mad

·         Bargaining stage: Seeking in vain for a way out.- God-Get me out of the bunker and I will never be angry again

·         Depression stage: Final realization of the inevitable.-Realizing that I will not be a scratch golfer

·         Testing stage: Seeking realistic solutions.-Taking lessons to improve my golf game

·         Acceptance stage: Finally finding the way forward.-Realizing that I will never break 70, 80, 90 or 100 and enjoying the game, the people the surroundings and making a few great shots or putts--

From changing times.com,

Getting stuck

A common problem with the above cycle is that people get stuck in one phase. Thus a person may become stuck in denial, never moving on from the position of not accepting the inevitable future. When it happens, they still keep on denying it, such as the person who has lost their job still going into the city only to sit on a park bench all day.
Getting stuck in denial is common in 'cool' cultures (such as in Britain, particularly Southern England) where expressing anger is not acceptable. The person may feel that anger, but may then repress it, bottling it up inside.
Likewise, a person may be stuck in permanent anger (which is itself a form of flight from reality) or repeated bargaining. It is more difficult to get stuck in active states than in passivity, and getting stuck in depression is perhaps a more common ailment.

Going in cycles

Another trap is that when a person moves on to the next phase, they have not completed an earlier phase and so move backwards in cyclic loops that repeat previous emotion and actions. Thus, for example, a person that finds bargaining not to be working, may go back into anger or denial.
Cycling is itself a form of avoidance of the inevitable, and going backwards in time may seem to be a way of extending the time before the perceived bad thing happens
Special Olympics Golf has taught me that there are no bad shots and to accept each shot as being 'Perfect'. Understanding this concept, will make the game more enjoyable for golfers at all skill levels. Accept your skill level and realize that if you shoot your handicap that you will be doing very well. Studies have proved that if your handicap is legitimate that you will only shoot below it 25% of the time. Finally, learn and accept that there are no bad shots in this game, every shot is 'Perfect'.

Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence's: "Wonderful Wayfare Tavern"

Celebrity Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern is a fun place with some great food.  Reservations are recommended as the place is always bustling with energy and happy food junkies.   We were fortunate and got a nice table in front of the fireplace that warmed our senses from the rainy day weather. A variety of interesting appetizers and oysters fill this menu full of love.  We tried the deviled eggs which were old bay yolks, bread and butter pickles celery and gulf shrimp that were different and delicious.  6 of them were served which made it more than enough to share.

For the entree, we shared the Wayfare Burger. It was a good idea as it was a very large burger with grass fed proprietary grind, marin brie, roasted onion, smoked bacon, and brioche with sunny side up poached eggs.  We also tried the french fried kennebec potatoes with parsley and salt that were very tasty.

Many sugar sensations are offered for dessert but we passed on these treats. A billiard room that can be converted into a private room for 14 is also available for events. 

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: Wayfare Tavern| San Francisco

Tommy Toys: Exquisite Chinese Cuisine

Tommy Toy's has been the host of many famous people. The wall of fame as you enter the restaurant has pictures of presidents, sports figures, and movie stars. It's elegant decor gives you the feeling of power and passion.

The attentive staff, sterling silver, fresh flowers, and opulent setting prepares your palate for a dining feast. The 3 course lunch special with a glass of wine could be the best deal in town for $16.95.   Having enjoyed many of these luncheons here, they are always productive and etched eternally in your guests minds. 

The Tommy Toy's Signature dinner for $75.00 is also a special treat for a birthday or anniversary. Tommy was still alive and served our family for a special dinner when we celebrated my mother in laws 65th birthday.  They have private rooms for these type of events that are very elegant.

The 6 course Signature Dinner also includes a live Maine Lobster and the presentation of each dish is a work of culinary excellence.

Tommy Toy's Signature Dinner

* all items included

First Course

Crispy Prawns Chinoise with Five Spices and Baby Greens

Second Course

Seafood Bisque Oven Baked in Fresh Coconut, Crowned with Puff Pastry

Third Course

Fresh Whole Maine Lobster with Golden Chives in Peppercorn Sauce Served over

Angel Hair Crystal Noodles

Fourth Course

Peking Duck in Lotus Buns Served with Hoisin Sauce *Carved Table-side

Fifth Course

Medallions of Beef Wok-Charred with Garlic and Rosemary in Red Wine and

Balsamic Vinegar Reduction Accompanied with Tender Asparagus Spears and

Four Seasons Fried Rice

Sixth Course

Peach Mousse in Strawberry Coulis

From the web site, "Dining at Tommy Toy's Cuisine Chinoise is not only a dining feast, but also a visual experience. Once you walk into the restaurant, the opulent setting transports you back to the royal grandeur of the ancient Qing Dynasty.

Tommy Toy's decor was fashioned after the 19th century quarters of the Empress Dowager's sitting room, a treasure of the finest art and domestic comforts. The restaurant has also graced its walls with three hundred year-old tapestries, hand silvered mirrors, powder paintings framed by sandalwood, etched glass panels, carved wooden archways, silk draperies, and Tommy's personal collection of original Chinese fans.

Tommy Toy has created an authentic replica of the Empress’ royal setting by incorporating the mood of Imperial China with an extraordinary display of Oriental antiques and his own personal style.For more information and to make reservations go to

 Click here: Tommy Toy's Cuisine Chinoise :: 655 Montgomery Street, San Francisco :: 415.397.4888

"Timeless" Tadich Grill

Tadich Grill is the oldest restaurant in California. It is still a bustling busy place as the place fills up every day starting at lunch. They take no reservations but the wait is well worth it. They served 22,000 of their famous Cioppino last year. It is always excellent and highly recommended.

The rich story of Cioppino goes like this.  As Fisherman came in from their expeditions, they threw various kinds of fish or "chipped into" steaming pots on the wharf to make this fresh and famous San Francisco treat.  Ala the name Cioppino.

  In addition to Cioppino, all of the items on the menu are the freshest you can get and the daily specials are always a great way to go. Of course sour dough bread goes great with the cioppino and all of the fresh seafood dishes.

From the web site:"Tadich Grill, like many well-known restaurants, likes to keep tabs on its famous customers, such as politicians. You could hardly be, or even run for, mayor of San Francisco without being a familiar face at Tadich Grill. Many other political leaders, from Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia to George H. W. Bush, have partaken of the Buich family’s fresh fish. Sports figures, such as Joe DiMaggio, were a common sight. And after battling each other on the gridiron in 1985, quarterbacks Joe Montana and Dan Marino had lunch there together. Hollywood legends have been seen at the tables over the years: Groucho Marx, Bob Hope, Lana Turner, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Danny DeVito, Jack Nicholson, George Lucas, and Francis Ford Coppola, among many others. Herb Caen, of course, was a regular. But perhaps the most honored guest ever appeared in January 1949 to celebrate the hundredth year of the restaurant’s operation: ninety-four-year-old John Tadich. (His daughter, Ruby, ate there regularly until 2008 when she passed away at age 104.)

San Francisco treasures tradition, longevity, and the honoring of history. Few, perhaps no, other city establishments can equal Tadich Grill in exemplifying those qualities.

For more information go to:

Click here: Tadich Grill | San Francisco, CA

"Panacea At Trump And Terranea"

Having played golf and stayed at many famous resorts such as Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and St. Andrews, Trump National Golf Club and newly opened Terrenea Resort are two more to add to my exclusive "Excellent List" of must places to stay and play golf.  Located only 20 miles from Los Angeles, Trump National Golf Course sits high above the Deep Blue Pacific and has received high accolades from various Golf Magazines of top places to play. Trump National is managed by David Conforti and his graciousness and class reflects and results in a premier golfing experience. As you drive into the golf course, you feel a sense of excitement when you see the large American flag flying proudly over the elegant clubhouse.

The golf course features 5 sets of tees for all skill levels on the par 71 golf course. The Black tees feature 7242 yards and has a rating of 75.0 and slope of 146. The yellow tees are 4538 yards and have a course rating of 68.6 and slope rating of 124.

In flamboyant Donald Trump style, the first hole begins with a stunning 340 yard par 4.  You drive up to an elevated tee with a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, flanked by manicured bunkers and a huge waterfall behind the green.  After playing the hole, you drive your GPS guided cart thru the waterfall similar to the 18th hole at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas.

The opening hole makes a statement that this is going to be a special golf experience. All of the holes have breathtaking ocean views and require precise golf shots with lakes, bunkers and undulating greens. The 17th hole is a 181 yard par three from the white tees for us mortal golfers.  It has a magnificent waterfall as a backdrop and you can hear the powerful water splashing over the rocks from the tee.  Number 18 is a spectacular par 4 that plays 512 yards from the Black tees.  Like an Eagle, the Black tee is perched high over the hole overlooking the Ocean. It is a tee that many may want to try their luck as you have to climb around 50 steps to get to the top. The view of the ocean, 17th hole waterfall, and elegant clubhouse with the large American flying with pride makes it "Hard to Trump."  For more information go to www.trumpnational.com

Three miles from Trump National Golf Club is a newly opened resort(June 2009) called Terranea that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.  It has a secluded ambience with breathtaking vistas that make one quickly forget the rigors of city life.

The new resort is owned by Lowe Enterprises and its recent opening was the culmination of a 10 year journey to bring this gem of the Pacific to reality. The location has a rich history of many movies and television shows such as Charlie's Angels, Sea Hunt, Aviator and Pearl Harbor to name a few. This 100 plus acres resort has 4 restaurants, world class spa, elaborate pools, walking trails, richly appointed rooms, casitas and villas for sale, and a fantastic 9 hole Links at Terranea Golf course.  In addition, the Resort Managers like Kimberly Gardner and staff make your stay  memorable and pleasurable experience. The joy of working at a first class place like this is reflected in their smiling faces.

The Links at Terranea is managed by Director of Golf John Fitzpatrick. John's wealth of golfing experience makes for an enjoyable time on this 9 hole par 27 designed by Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design. The holes range from 104 to 173 yards and with a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, artful bunkering, challenging greens, and natural surroundings make for a fun round of golf.

The Links is also reasonably priced at $30 and will not take all day to play. It has numerous tees for all skill levels and pull carts to make for an enjoyable walk overlooking the ocean. With advanced notice you can also arrange a golf cart for anyone that may have a walking disability. John arranged a golf cart for my son MJ, 3 time National Special Olympics Champion.  For more information on this special refuge from the rat race go to www.terranea.com

Silverado "Napa Southern Comfort"

Recently, my wife Linda and son MJ, 3 time National Special Olympics Golfer and Hall Of Famer had the opportunity to stay  and play golf at Silverado Resort.

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley and world class grapes, Silverado Resort offers a refreshing break from the rigors of high stress business and life challenges. It is also great for a wedding, birthday or anniversary celebration.

The resort is a short ride from the "City By The Bay" San Francisco. The peace and serenity is immediately felt as you drive into the Southern style mansion. It sits on a pristine piece of property that features 2 world class golf courses, full service spa, 10 pools, restaurant, bocce and tennis courts.

It is also located to many famous wineries. Golf in the morning, golf massage at the spa, world class wine tasting and dinner make for a "Perfect" day.

Hall Of Fame golfer Johnny Miller and two other businessman recently purchased the resort in July 2010. The golf courses have a rich history.

Per Wikepedia, "The original 18 hole golf course at Silverado opened in the year 1955. In 1966, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. re-designed the original course and added a second course. The courses have played host to several PGA Tour events including the Kaiser International Open Invitational from 1968 through 1976 and the Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic from 1977 through 1980 as well as the Champions Tour event The Transamerica from 1989 through 2002. The resort also has 16 tennis courts, 10 swimming pools, 280 guest condo hotel units and private cottage suites. There are 300 privately owned condominiums on the grounds of the resort.

The resort's centerpiece southern style mansion was built by General John Franklin Miller in the 1860's Amfac, Inc. developed the property as a resort in the 1960's and it was purchased by Robert Meyer in 1984 for $20 million who sold it to Isao Okawa in 1989 for $110 million his son Setsuo Okawa inherited the property after the death of his father. The property was listed for sale by the Okawa family in September 2009.^[4] Golf legend and businessman Johnny Miller, Rug Doctor Corporation founder Roger Kent and its CEO Tim Wall assumed ownership of the resort under a partnership agreement named Silverado Resort Investment Group LLC on July 1, 2010. ^[5] Dolce Hotels and Resorts Company was hired by the partnership to manage the resort. ^[6]
Miller made several changes to freshen up the two championship courses including lengthening the north course by 250 yards, widening fairways, repositioning bunkers and rebuilding tees. He also lengthened the club's driving range and added a teaching area to the range."^[7]

We played the North Course and it was very friendly and fun with wide fairways and tees that challenged all abilities ranging from 6793 yards to 5187. Linda found the ladys tees to be very fair and the fairways wide and open. The snack shack on number 7 also serves the famous hamburger in a hot dog bun made famous at the San Francisco Olympic club. You can order one by phone on tee number 6 and if still hungry order another on hole number 13. They definitely add to the class of the entire Silverado golf experience.

After golf, I would recommend a golf massage at the Spa located across from the golf course. There are also a variety of other treatments available and the staff is very professional and polite.

The grille also has a variety of tasty appetizers and full lunch and dinner menu with a panoramic views of the scenic Napa Valley and putting green.

In conclusion, Johhny Miller has big plans for the "Gem" of the Napa Valley Silverado and I predict that its rich golf history will continue with another PGA/LPGA event in its future.

For more information and reservations to soothe your soul from the rigors of everyday life go to:Click here: Napa Valley Luxury Hotels - Silverado Resort & Spa - California Wine Country Vacations