One Market Magic--Chefs Dinner

Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey continued at One Market for their magical 7 course Chefs Dinner. General Manager Larry Bouchard and Chef Mark Dommen have created a special "Foodie" experience in the kitchen of the elegant award winning One Market Restaurant.

The table is designed for 6 people and overlooks the famous "Foodie" Ferry Building while watching the kitchen staff perform their food magic in the open and modern kitchen.

The dinner happens every night for 6 lucky people and reservations are a must as this experience is very popular among the sophisticated San Francisco palates.  Our server Matthew was very attentive and kept our glasses full of the grape carefully selected from each of our wine cellars.

The dinner can also be named and we called ours The Mc Colgan "Foodie Friends" Christmas Feast.  The name is printed on each menu as well as a description of each item to be served.

At each serving, Chef Dommen also explains in detail each dish. If you don't bring your own wine, you can have the food paired with their recommendations. After the 5th entree, you are given a tour of the restaurant which allows you to stretch your legs and see the various private party rooms and wine cellar.

Our meal began with Chestnut soup with smoked squab and truffle which was  very soothing on a chilly San Francisco night. Next we had thinly sliced lamb tongue over lambs lettuce, Asian pear, and puffed quinoa that was delicate and seasoned perfectly.

The third entree was lightly smoked Tasmanian ocean trout "Mi Cuit" on potato rosti, herb vinaigrette and a pastured quail egg that was heavenly.  Next we had pan-seared day boat scallop with artichokes, olive oil mashed potatoes and lobster emulsion that was sensational.

Roasted liberty farms duck breast with duck leg crepinette, cilantro, sweet potato, and chocolate was the next entree that graced our plates with an elegant presentation.

Before the final entry, we all took a break for a tour of the restaurant and to stretch our legs.

 The grand finally was grilled N.Y. Steak and braised beef cheeks with red flint polenta and black kale that was a buttery and beautiful presentation of passion.

Pastry Chef Patti Dellamonica-Bauier then selected 2 volunteers to put on chef coats and help her create some interesting and flavorful sugar sensations.

We ended this "Foodie" Feast with some expresso and Irish coffees.

The night was truly magical and a "Foodie" experience that we would highly recommend. Voted best new restaurant in San Francisco in 1993, the excellence continues in 2012 with spectacular service and Michelin Star Dining.

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: One Market Restaurant | Michelin Star Dining at the San Francisco Embarcadero

Dr. Sue's "A Christmas Carol" Costume Ball

A Great Time was had by all to celebrate Dr. Sue Acquisto's PhD Graduation Party.

The costumes were fabulous and the party was beyond anyone's expectations with wine tasting, falling snow a fantastic band, photo booth, cigars and fabulous chocolate covered strawberries.  The best part of the party was the wonderful Family and Friends who had such an enjoyable evening together.  Enjoy the pictures!

The House- "North Beach Foodie Favorite"




Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey recently took them to The House restaurant in the famous section of San Francisco food heaven North Beach.  

The place is very small so reservations are a must. Lunch is served every day but Sunday and dinner served every day starting at 5:30.

The food is reasonably priced and Chef Michael prepares it with lots of love and attention to detail. There is also a variety of wines by the glass and exotic beers.

We started our lunch out with two house favorites classic fried calamari and deep fried salmon roll with Chinese hot mustard. The calamari rates high on our list of favorites and is served with cole slaw, dipping sauce and fresh lemon. The salmon roll was presented picture perfect and the zesty sauce was a nice touch.

For the entrees, we both ordered the warm wasabi noodles. Linda added salmon to her dish and I added the grilled pork. Linda said that this was the "best salmon" she had ever eaten. The noodles were very fresh and seasoned perfectly.

For dessert there was a variety of sugar sensations to choose. We shared the Coconut Crème Brule and passion fruit puree that was sensational. There is also a nice selection of desert wines and Chinese tea.

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: The House Restaurant

"Hakkasan Arrives In San Francisco"

Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey took them to the newest arrival in the "City By The Bay" Hakkasan San Francisco. With restaurants in New York and Miami, Hakkasan San Francisco is a great new foodie treat located at One Kearney.

You enter Hakkasan on the first floor and are greeted by friendly staff that direct you to the elevator and restaurant that is located on the second floor. As you enter this upscale, elegant and electric eatery you are drawn to the modern soothing blue bar that serves a variety of local beers and spirits.

If you want, you can sit at the bar and enjoy lunch or dinner. We had a drink at the bar and then were directed to our table. Reservations are recommended as word is spreading fast about this latest arrival to the San Francisco food scene.

The wine list is extensive and the servers are very helpful in selecting from the interesting variety of menu and dim sum treats.

General Manager Amad Wahba started off our Hakkasan experience with their house specialty of Pipa duck that was tender and seasoned perfectly.  I also tried their sweet and sour chicken soup that was very good.

For lunch, we decided to try the taste of Hakkasan that included three entrees and dessert for $29.00. We started out with the steamed dim sum selection that included scallop shumani, har gau, prawn and Chinese chive dumplings that were fabulous. Next we got the Fried dim sum selection that included roasted duck and pumpkin puff, crispy prawn dumplings and xo scallop puffs that were delicate and very tasty.

For the main dish, Linda ordered the Spicy prawn with lily bulb and almond. There were 6 large prawns and the sauce was heavenly.  I ordered the four-style vegetable stir fry in Szechuan sauce that was very light and presented perfectly. Each dish is also served with pak choi, steamed or egg fried rice.

For dessert we enjoyed a colorful selection of macaroons on a bed of chocolate coconut nips that were a great ending to a very lavish lunch. There is also a private dining room available for parties and business events in the rear of the restaurant.

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: Home | San Francisco

Old Ship Saloon--"Where Everyone Knows Your Name"

Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey recently continued at "The Old Ship Saloon" that has a rich history going back to 1851. This neighborhood like Cheers bar and saloon offers great food, friendly service and reasonable prices.

Located in the financial district at Pacific and Battery, this place was originally an old ship named Arkansas that crashed and hit land. It was towed to this location and an enterprising guy named Joseph Anthony cut a hole in the side of the ship and turned it into a saloon. It has been earthquake retrofitted and remodeled owned by Bill Duffy since 1992.

It is a simple place with a vibrant feeling full of business people at lunch time. Happy hour like drink prices are all day every day with a great list of craft beers and wines displayed on a chalk board in the bar area. Water is served in a wine bottle and gives you a warm feeling as you decide what to order. Fresh soup and gumbo is also made each day.

 They do not take reservations unless you have 5 or more so get there right when they open as the place fills up fast.  The large circular bar takes up a large proportion of the restaurant.  You can also eat at the bar and watch your favorite sporting event on one of their multiple flat screen TVs.

We tried one their house favorite hush puppy’s that were very tasty and served with a spicy dipping sauce. For the entree we split their "Make your own Burger" that is grass fed meat and comes with a choice of the soup of the day, french fries or cole slaw.

The burger is $9.00 and for $2.00 more you can order their famous buttermilk onion rings. We tried the rings and they lived up to all their hype and the burger was also very good.  We also sampled the home made cole slaw that was very fresh and fun to eat. Their salads are also served in a large bowl and very good for only $7.00.

So if you are looking for great reasonably priced food and drinks in the"City By The Bay," this is an intimate place that you could frequent and like the famous neighborhood bar Cheers "everyone will soon know your name."

For more information and to make reservations go to: Click here: The Old Ship Saloon

Orignal Joes--"Classic San Francisco Comfort Food Since 1937"

 

San Francisco has lots of famous Joe's. Joe Montana, Joe DiMaggio and Original Joe's.

Original Joe's is a classic Italian restaurant serving comfort food since 1937. Known for its red leather booths and Godfather like atmosphere, this eatery is a 'must do' in San Francisco.

Reservations are recommended as this a vibrant place located in the heart of North Beach. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is always a treat to start out your meal with a Joe's Manhattan made with Cyrus Noble Bourbon, Punt E Mes and Angostura bitters. The clam chowder is also a favorite and the Joe's Hamburger with fries or Original Joe's Ravioli are always great choices.   The spinach mushrooms and jack is also a house favorite and Joe's Famous Corned Beef and Hash is served Friday thru Sunday.

For desert the Italian classic Spumoni is a great ending to a fun, foodie experience.

It is House Blend of Pistachio, Vanilla and Chocolate Gelato with Dried Cherries, Brandy Soaked Raisins, and almonds.

From the web site, "Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for 75 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a Mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.

Lumbering out of the darkness of the great depression, Original Joe’s opened its doors in 1937. The restaurant was opened by Tony Rodin, whose legendary work ethic and love for his restaurant grew Original Joe’s from a 14-stool counter, to one of San Francisco’s culinary landmarks. Three generations later and counting, Tony’s family ensures that classic Italian-American cooking with healthy portions and reasonable prices are prepared behind its iconic counter, exhibition style, for all to see.

Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest."

For more information or to make reservations go to:

Click here: - Original Joes

Il Fornaio-Casual Elegance

The culinary journey of Linda and Mike L. McColgan continues at Il Fornaio in San Francisco. Located next to the headquarters of blue jean giant Levi Strauss, Il Fornaio offers casual authentic Italian food in an elegant setting.

Reservations are recommended and private rooms are available for parties or special business events. The patio is a great place to have lunch or dinner and is a soothing place next to the cascading Levi Plaza waterfalls.

Linda and I highly recommend the happy hour from 4-6 every day. For $5.00 you can enjoy the wood-fired pizzas and drinks in the intimate bar area. If you are still hungry, you can order one the many fresh made pastas, bread and meats cooked in the open modern kitchen.

From the web site, "Our menus are developed collectively by the company's two-dozen Italian chef-partners and are based on authentic Italian recipes. Emphasis is placed on simple, fresh ingredients and Italian cooking methods. Rotisseries are used for variety of preparations. Pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven. Fresh pastas are made in-house daily and our dried pastas are imported from Italy. All meals are complemented by a selection of hand-made breads baked according to traditional methods.

Served at every Il Fornaio restaurant, the core lunch and dinner menus include a selection of antipasti, soups, salads, wood-fired pizza, house made pastas, grilled and rotisserie roasted meats and a wide variety of desserts." 

For more information or to make reservations go to:

Click here: Il Fornaio Restaurants and Bakeries

Golf Today Publication-Sea Island by Mike L.McColgan

Here is the link to the Golf Today Magazine where the article I wrote about Sea Island is featured.
Enjoy!

http://read.uberflip.com/i/96479

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year



 To all Our Family and Friends

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year

Mc Colgan Family--MJ, Linda and Mike- "Inspiring Greatness!"

THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE

02/10/2013 - 01/30/2014 (Water)

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2013 is the Year of the Snake, which begins on February 10, 2013 and ends on January 30, 2014.

The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 Animal Signs.
It is the enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected of the Animals Signs.

Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve. People born in the Year of the Snake are keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise. They are great mediators and good at doing business.

Therefore you should have good luck if you were born in the Year of the Snake

Enjoy some Highlights below for our family during 2012

Sweet 16 game in Phoenix

Dan Majerles in Phoenix

Magic Johnson

Pope

Vatican

Grgich Party July 4



Before the wedding in Connecticut



Arnold Palmer and MJ

Mike Grgich, Ryan and MJ

"Kiss Legends Golf Tournament Keeps On Rockin!"

The 4th Annual Pacific University's 2010 Legends Golf Classic hosted by Tommy Thayer was recently held at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, Oregon. My son MJ (3 times National Special Olympics Golf Champion) and I were guests of Tommy Thayer. Tommy has his roots in Portland and is on the Board of Pacific University. The University was founded in 1849 and is one of the finest liberal arts, education and health profession universities in the country. There are 1485 undergraduates and 1728 graduate students. This year the tournament rocked and was bigger and better than ever. Celebrity's like Chili Davis, Tommy Armour III, Geoff Bodine, Sean Fister, Gene Simmons and many others were treated like royalty for two days of golf and fun.

The tournament kicked off with a silent auction fueled by the famous Kiss Goodnight cocktails (Black Cherry Vodka and cranberry juice.) A  4 course sit down dinner featuring 2008 Desert Wind Ruah Bordeaux blend, 2009 Duck Pond Pinot Gris and 2005 Duck Pond Semillon Desert Wine was perfect with the entree grilled flat iron steak with parsley red skin potatoes, baby carrots and wild mushroom demi-glace. The emcee was acclaimed sportscaster and Monday Night football broadcaster Lisa Guerrero.

The live auction was full of energy and raised lots of money for the university. 3 people bought signed Kiss guitars for $15,000 each. Gene Simmons sweetened the purchase with invitations and back stage passes to a future Kiss concert.

The highlight was a special concert with Tommy Thayer and friends. Jake Blades of the famous band Night Ranger, Danny Seraphine original drummer for Chicago, Johnny Lee Urban Cowboy fame and biggest hit Looking for Love, and Ray Kennedy famous song writer with Dave Mason, Brian Wilson and Fleetwood Mac entertained the crowd with lively music, dancing and fun. Former LA Ram Leroy Irvin and others joined this vibrant group on stage to help Tommy and crew do a few songs. Kiss favorite "Rock and Roll All Nite" had everyone dancing and smiling into the wee hours with many "Goodnight Kisses."

Golf the next day was highlighted by a clinic with one of the top rated teaching professionals Tommy Masters. He is rated as one of Golf Magazine's top 100 instructors. Long drive Champion Sean Fister also hit some long bombs. He told us that he has hit the ball over 500 yards and can carry it 360 yards. A putting contest, lunch and cocktails preceded the 1:00 Shot gun that filled both the North and South courses at the Reserve. A brief opening ceremony featured Tommy and Gene wishing everyone good luck. Gene had the cameras follow him around for his Family Jewels program and has not played much golf before so it will be a very interesting future TV segment.

We got paired with some great golfers and good guys. Eddy Goldenberg and Alan Skuba from Palm Desert and Dr. Brett Johnson a local dentist. We had the good omen of starting out on lucky number 7. Having played in many of these kinds of events, I know it was going to be a good day when Eddy nearly aced the par three number seven. We finished 15 under par and won the Pro-Am with each of us getting Callaway drivers. I was lucky and made a 50 foot putt on one hole to secure a one stroke victory. Alan Skuba is a long time manager with Big Horn in the desert and his long time friend Mack Wiebe rode along with us. Mack is the proud father of Senior Professional Mark Wiebe and had some good tips for Alan to lead us to victory. A final awards presentation was held and followed by a golf ball drop. 500 people bought a chance to win closest to the hole when a helicopter dropped the 500 balls on the putting green.

The weather was perfect and Pacific University benefited from very generous patrons. My partner Alan Skuba summarized the day when he said on our last hole, 'I can't believe we are on the last hole already. It is days like this that you never want to end." Tommy said he promises to make it even bigger next year. Great event Tommy! MJ and I are looking forward to "rockin" with you and Gene again next year!

Forbes Island: The Floating Restaurant James Bond Would Love!

 Linda and Mike L McColgan's culinary journey continues at the enchanting floating restaurant Forbes Island off of famous Pier 39.  The 3 minute boat ride to this unique San Francisco restaurant tells your mind that you are going to experience a very special dining experience. James Bond would enjoy this special place as you are right on the water in an intimate setting overlooking Alcatraz and the beautiful vistas of the San Francisco Bay.

Originally built in Sausalito, in 1975 by Millionaire Houseboat Designer, Forbes Thor Kiddoo as a private floating home. The 40 foot Lighthouse is the only privately built Lighthouse in the United States and is equipped with an authentic Fresnel Lens on loan from the US Lighthouse Society. The Fresnel Lens was built in France in 1820 and was first lit using whale oil.

The menu at Forbes Island has a variety of entrees to choose from including the Seafood Special of the day, lamb, steak and ribs.

The service is special and the ambience of the city lights makes one feel a sense of heavenly peace.  When they say water view, this restaurant is over the top being on a floating island with a unique underwater dining room.

The restaurant is small and very busy so reservations are recommended. They also specialize in private and memorable special events. 

 From the web site,

"AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME"

"Forbes Island provides a fantasy experience, beneath the sea or on the white sand patios with incredible views of SF Bay, Downtown, Alcatraz, Sea Lions, Coit Tower & the Golden Gate Bridge."

For more information and to make reservations go to

Click here: Forbes Island

Capture the Magic of San Francisco: Capps Corner

Capps Corner is located next to Club Fugazi home of the famous Beach Blanket Babylon show. Steve Silver created this "one of a kind" show in 1974 and it is the longest running musical revue in American history. The show continues to be updated with current look alike stars performing such as Adele and Lady Gaga so seeing it once a year is always fun and different. The Christmas Holiday show is also a special treat.

For a magical time in the "City By The Bay," dinner at Capps Corner and then attending the show makes for a perfect San Francisco evening.

Since 1963 Capps Corner has been serving friendly food for many famous people.  Legend has it that local resident and baseball great Joe DiMaggio often ate here. Your memorable meal always begins with a tureen of minestrone soup, sour dough bread and salad served family style. Dishing out the soup and salad for your guests puts you in the mood for a hearty, happy dining experience.

Everything on the menu is very good and makes you understand why many famous people have dined here. The atmosphere is friendly and gives you a feeling that you are in a live movie. I especially like the homemade ravioli's and meat sauce that is better than fantastic.

For dessert Capps serves classic spumoni ice cream. This long time Italian favorite is a perfect ending to a great meal. Spumoni is a molded Italian ice cream with 3 layers of of cherry, chocolate, and vanilla with a fruit nut layer between them. It is fun to share an order as it is a large proportion and very colorful ending to a great meal.

From the web site: "In 1963 local boxing promoter and raconteur Joe Caparole turned a former Basque restaurant with a turn of the century back bar into Capp's Corner. Joe offered hearty portions of pastas, seafood, and roast meats served family style on long checker boarded tables in an atmosphere keeping with his colorful personality. Along with the pasta came his stories and innate hospitality that made Capp's a lively and welcoming place. The Corner soon became a gathering place for the famous and the infamous.

A North Beach restaurant of the old school, the traditions and character remain today. We serve familiar Italian dishes—linguini with seafood, veal tortellini, lasagne Bolognese, and leg of lamb roasted with rosemary and garlic. Fine Art, San Francisco memorabilia, and pictures of our friends and patrons—the great and not so great—grace the walls, while a clock remains earthquake stopped. Since 1963 Capp's has been a friendly, comfortable, and popular destination to eat, drink, and live."

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: Capp's Corner

"Healthy Decadence" The Plant Cafe Organic

"Tuesday Lunch With Linda In The City By The Bay" recently stopped at the Plant Cafe Organic at 3 Embarcadero. The restaurant is very unique with Bay views and a menu that has fresh local fun food.

Our server Moez was very helpful in selecting some menu favorites. The chef started us out with two of the favorite appetizers. Shitake spring rolls with carrots, tofu, cabbage, basil cilantro rice paper wrapper, and roasted onion peanut sauce were prepared to perfection. There were 4 large pieces and the presentation was elegant and pleasing to the eye. The crab cakes with tomato and avocado salsa with avocado crème fraiche was also delicate and presented in picture perfect form.

For our entree, we decided to split the signature Plant Burger.  It is house made from lentils, mushrooms, beets, cashews, and bulgur wheat. It is served with roasted onion, leaf lettuce, tomato chutney, aioli, mixed greens and herb roasted potatoes. It was very good and more than enough to be split with two people.

For dessert, the chef prepared an assortment of the most popular sugar sensations.  Raw Raspberry Cashew Cheesecake with coconut, pecan-date crust, and blackberry pepper sauce was only to be topped by the Concord grape sorbet and Eggnog Sandy with hazelnut, caramelized apples, bourbon caramel, and cranberries that definitely gets you in the Holiday mood.

The Blue bottle French press coffee is also a great ending to a "healthy and decadent" lunch experience.

From the web site, "the Plant café organic, at Pier 3, is a casual upscale café and restaurant. Situated on San Francisco's Embarcadero, minutes walk from the Ferry Building, it offers both open and covered outdoor seating along the waterfront and Embarcadero. Sourcing ingredients from many of the same farms you'll find at the nearby farmer's market, The Plant prepares local seasonal fare, with the Pier 3 location offering a large selection of fresh sustainable seafood and refreshing cocktails.

Powered in part by rooftop solar power, the kitchen and cafe are separated 'from the full service restaurant and bar by a covered outdoor underpass. Our kitchen and cafe provide mezzanine seating above for casual intimate dining with views of the bay. The full service restaurant and bar denote a casual elegant atmosphere for any occasion, whether it be a lively weekend brunch, large dinner party or private dinner. With adjoining covered heated outdoor patio, diners inside or out enjoy views of the Bay."

For more information and to make reservations at one of their 4 locations go to:

Click here: The Plant | Cafe Organic