Food Trends Continued...

6) Wild Game. One result of America's urbanization has been the "globalization" of our nation's food options. In most major U.S. cities, you can literally have a French baguette with German muesli for breakfast; some Mexican chilequiles, Salvadorean empanadas, and Peruvian ceviche for lunch; some Chinese xiao long bao and Japanese mochi for a snack; and some Greek souvlaki, Moroccan chicken tajine, and Italian pana cotta for dinner. That is like traveling to ten different countries in a single day. You have no idea how grateful I am. However, this urbanization has also come at a price. We have lost our connection with food and the knowledge of where it comes from. Meat choices have essentially been reduced to chicken, beef, and pork, with the occasional lamb. Therefore, in conjunction with the local and green movements, I predict a revival for wild game in the near future. There is much to be excited about! Hubert Keller's Burger Bar is already making Buffalo Burgers, while Cebicheria la Mar is serving up some Cuy Pekinese. Here is to more exciting dishes using alligator, duck, elk, rabbit, squab, venison, wild board, and caribou! It is going to be like Christmas year round!

7) Supperclubs. The recession is far from over. However, this doesn't mean that we have to deny ourselves the pleasures of good eats. As I was shopping for Christmas presents, I noticed that cookbooks were flying off the shelves. With blogs Carol Blymire's French Laundry at Home and Alinea at Home gaining an ever growing following, and since potlucks are so 2009, I predict that supperclubs will rise to take their place in the year of the tiger. There are already some underground suppleclubs that have made some headlines. In 2010, expect more. Ever heard of PIMMS (Party in My Mouth Supperclub)? If not, you are missing out.

8) Comfort Foods. I am kind of cheating with this one, because it sort of goes hand in hand with Fried Chicken. But comfort food will definitely be in vogue. This is partly because it is so good, but also because the economic outlook ain't so bright. Here is to reminiscing about the good times by eating your favorite comfort foods. Expect to see more gourmet renditions of comfort classics like mac & cheese, chicken pot pie, pork buns, and stews.

9) Sandwiches. We are not talking about PB&Js here... although that could qualify in the comfort food category, especially with some cranberry balsamic pepper jam from Slow Jams and some freshly ground home made peanut butter. For trend number nine, I am talking about Banh Mi and Cuban Sandwiches. Those two don't really go together, but sandwiches are going to be making a come back. There are a few places in the Bay Area where one could find some decent Banh Mi. But most are located in the South Bay. Maybe someone is going to start a banging Banh Mi food truck. Yummm

Grubhunter's Food Trends of 2010 Part 1

In the spirit of making lists, I thought I'd take a stab on telling my readers, yes, all twelve of you, what I think will be making a splash next year in the Bay Area (in no particular order). Without further ado, I give you the first installment of the tastes to come!

1) Fried Chicken. As I mentioned in my last post, Fried Chicken is going to be featured front and center. Perhaps we'll even see more variations of the classic Southern Fried Chicken. In any event, I can't wait!

2) Foraged Foods. Courtesy of community based organizations like ForageSF, sustainably and fairly harvested wild food will be all the rage. Locally grown and produced will no longer be enough! Here, we are talking about uncultivated naturally grown foods. Go on, get your CSF. As a side note, this concept is gaining grounds as entrepreneurs like Shakirah Simley of Slow Jams begin to source their ingredients from overlooked segments of local agriculture such as urban gardens and farms.

3) Chifa. Peruvian food has been all the rage. In the last two or three years, San Francisco has witnessed a doubling, perhaps even a quadrupling, of the number of options for Peruvian grub. Some of these Peruvian joints are already serving up some lesser known fare, such as Tallarine Saltado and Arroz Chaufa. These dishes, in my opinion, are national dishes in their own right. They are a product of the most recent influences to Peruvian cuisine. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Chinese were the most recent group of immigrants to arrive in Peru, which resulted in the invetion of Chifa: a unique hybrid of Peruvian and Cantonese cuisine! I think this trend is going to go national. For example, newly minted Iron Chef Jose Garces recently opened Chifa in Philadelphia. I haven't been yet, but the menu looks promising. Likewise, Eric Nakata opened the sensational Lomo Arigato food truck in LA (basically Chifa). Hopefully, something good will be coming to a neighborhood near you.

4) Arepas, Empanadas, and Tacos - Food you can eat on the go. Food trucks and street food made a splash in 2009. I am specifically talking about Kogi (which if you recall, JH made famous, haha). This Korean taco sensation has now expanded to include several mobile kitchens and a permanent location, and it appears to continue to wipe out the competition in the LA area. Here, in San Francisco, we have our very own Namu, which has its own version of the tacos, or what I know to call ssam. Here, we are talking about nori sheets enveloping boneless grilled shortribs, rice, and some daikon and kimchee. The idea of putting different things in on-the-go friendly foods will surely catch on. Imagine the possibilities! Anticucho tacos, Chicken Tikka Masala Arepas, or even Chinese Roast Pork empanadas!

5) Night Markets. I am probably going to regret eternalizing (is that a word?) this next thought... But one thing that New York has got on San Francisco is the myriad of late night dining options! Seriously, not that I like Mel's or anything, but even the SOMA Mel's isn't open 24 hrs. So, going on the whole street food trend and the success of events like Outside In, I predict the development of bona fide night markets, or night bazaars, which have been a staple in places like Hong Kong and Taiwan. So when you get hungry after 10pm, the night markets will come to the rescue.

Battle Fried Chicken Part I

Epicurios.com recently compiled a list of food trends to come in 2010. Topping the list is Fried Chicken, which as you all know is one of my favorite things to eat in the world!! And yes, Fried Chicken is capitalized! With its crispy skin, moist meat, decadent flavors, AND myriad of sides that can be eaten with it, what is not to LOVE? As a tribute to this prediction, I have decided to post on my adventures in discovering the best places to get your chicken on.

Saizo (Sunnyvale): Chicken Karaage

San Tung (SF): Dry Fried Chicken

Kyochon (LA): Soy-Garlic Drumsticks

Honey Kettle Chicken (LA): Fried Chicken and Kettle Fries with Honey

Little Skillet (SF): Fried Chicken and Waffles

House of Chicken and Waffles (Oakland): Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese, Black Eyed Peas

House of Chicken and Waffles (Oakland): Fried Chicken

For traditional Fried Chicken, Honey Kettle is by far the best. In fact, the chicken was so good, that after I ate a full order, I ordered some more togo for the road (aka my long car ride back from LA). After a few hours, the chicken had cooled to room temperature (perfect for picnics). Halfway home in Central California, I decided to picnic and WHOA! The chicken tasted even better than fresh out of the fryer! This is indeed a true testament to the wonder that is Honey Kettle. Whoever, called it the crack of Fried Chicken wasn't kidding. The chicken was unbelievably crisp, moist, and tender. I am already dreaming about my trip down to LA for MLK. I am going to get my grubhunting on in Culver City!

Regarding the sides, those from the House of Chicken and Waffles in Oakland are by far the best in Norcal. But there are still a few other places I have to try before I make up my mind. These include, but are not limited to the Front Porch and Brown Sugar. I might as well also include a revisit to Everette and Jones which also serves up classic Southern BBQ.

Overall, the chicken and waffles (as a package) from Little Skillet were great. I particularly like the charm of ordering from a window! This combination of flavorful chicken and crispy/fluffy waffles is a winner and ranks in my top five! It would probably rank higher, but everyone knows that I have a special place in my stomach for some of the more exotic fried chicken options. As most of you know, I have a secret love affair with Korean/Chinese fried chicken.

Recently, I went to Kyochon in LA, and I must say that the chicken there was a bit disappointing. So if I were you, I'd stick to eating at Bonchon, which they also have in LA, but I swear it is much better in NY. If you ask any New Yorker, they will tell you how awesome chicken wings from mom and pop chinese restaurants are! So Bonchon and these chicken wings, especially my dad's, readily take second and third place. More on this later!

As Little Skillet recently tweeted... "2010 New Years Resolution - Treat yourself better - Eat more Fried Chicken." They couldn't be more right! Get your grub on!

La Mar to the Rescue

They are serving Cuy at La Mar Cebicheria!!!!

Will be reporting as soon as I can get there!

Metamorphosis... not always for the better.

I have been waiting to eat at Limon since it reopened a month or two ago. The restaurant experienced some damage and had to close for a what seemed like a year for some renovations. The waitress said that the hotel (or apartment) above the restaurant caught on fire.

This past week, EO came to visit all the way from D.C. I'd like to think that she was here to see me, but I just happened to be a lucky casualty. I suggested we go to the Mission and where better to eat than in the delectable 16th and Valencia corridor. As always, I was running a little late, so EO started on some pitchers of sangria. Though not as good as the sangrias from Amada, the sangrias at Limon definitely left me wanting more.

This time around, I felt that the food at Limon lacked a little bit of soul. It was good, but not as good as I remembered. All in all I thought that this was a great meal, but I think I might just stick to its sister restaurant (Limon Rotisserie) for an everyday meal or head up to Cebicheria La Mar for a fancy night out. MmmmMmmm I am thinking about that Pollo a la Brasa already! The worst part of my meal was what I didn't have. The Cebiche de Camarones which used to come in a perfectly seasoned crema de rocoto was no longer on the menu!

The missing sidewalk aside, the place looks nice. I am a bigger fan of how it used to look, but decor is still nice. Now there are too many colors on the walls or the tiles or whatever they were. I liked the exclusive use of greens, yellows and browns that use to create a warmth in the room. If I remember correctly, there are sprinkles of blues and too much use of cold materials like glass. Oh well, you can't have everything...

Empanadas

Cebiche Limon

Sweet Potato Fries

Pargo Rojo

Pollo Latino

Lomo Saltado

Limon 3.5/5

When It's Cold Outside

Winter is here. I can't believe that it is raining already. Perhaps this will be the beginning of a very good snowboarding season. Speaking of the recent craziness that we call weather, I am here to tell you about Old Mandarin, a hidden gem of a restaurant, that is located out in the hinterlands of the Sunset District of San Francisco. When SL and I went, we must have been the only two people in the entire restaurant. It is far enough (anything past 21st ave. is far) so that most people don't go unless they make an event out of it. So, if you go, and you should, you really do feel like it's your own!

Old Mandarin is an Islamic Chinese restaurant that is home to some of the best Chinese lamb dishes I have ever had. When its cold outside and fog lingers in the air, Old Mandarin is the place to be. We didn't get a hot pot, or the food network worthy la si ni. Instead SL and I ordered the braised lamb ribs, the beef scallion pancakes, and the beef stew noodle soup. All of these dishes were divine. Words cannot describe how these three simple dishes were perfect for our night out. The pancakes were flaky and flavorful. The ribs were so tender the meat was barely clinging on to the bone. Ack, I am getting hungry writing about this.

I am definitely going back! I hope it is soon! Winter is upon us and I need some food that will warm my soul!

Beef Scallion Pancake

Beef Stew Noodle Soup

Braised Lamb Riblets

Old Mandarin 4.5/5

Great Seafood in the Land of Artichokes!

I was recently down in Moneterrey for our annual Cancer Biology Retreat. To be precise, I was spending the weekend at Asilomar, in Pacific Grove. Though beautiful and refreshing, the food leaves much to be desired. Generally speaking, I am not a big fan of hot dogs. Every year, with their boiled hot dogs, Asilomar reminds me why...

Fortunately, the road less traveled (i.e. detours to moss landing) often leads to great food finds. Though I stumbled upon Moss Landing my first year, I didn't realize until recently, how many great restaurants (or what look to be great restaurants) seem to concentrated in such a tiny beach town.

In a small block, you can get anything from Thai (Lemongrass Seafood Bar & Grill), Mexican (The Whole Enchilada), and Seafood (Phil's Fish Market and Eatery). I have yet to eat at Lemongrass or The Whole Enchilada. So I can't really tell you about how those places are. But I can tell you that I am going back soon... I can still remember the fragrant aromatic scents that clung to that foggy air that fateful afternoon. What I can tell you about is the Cioppino (Seafood Stew) that can be found in the unassuming and colorful Phil's Fish Market.

The Cioppino was delicious! The tomato based stew was out of this world, naturally sweetened by what appeared to be and unending abundance of ocean fresh seafood (mussels, clams, scallops, crab, shrimp, fish, you name it). This behemoth of a stew was perfect for the cold foggy day and provided sufficient energy for an afternoon and evening of scientific discourse.

Writing about this makes me hungry... I'll just leave you with some pics. Who wants to join me on my next adventure?

I think they knew that I was going to make a mess, so I even got my own bib!

Cioppino w/ Garlic Bread!!

Phil's Fish Market 4/5

No Sushi. No Combination Plates.

I love when people visit! PL, EK, and DS were here this weekend. Too bad SM didn't come up, but we'll make her feel guilty about this later... Besides catching up, having inane conversations about word definitions, and just being nerdy together; the reason I love visitors is because it affords the perfect excuse to try new places and to be adventurous.

This past week, I had some of the most unique and interesting Japanese food from a little restaurant in the Outer Richmond called Kappou Gomi. As the title of this post suggests, there are no rolls or bento boxes here. What you find instead is a fabulous mix of flavors and textures that tickle the taste buds!

Kappou Gomi

Jellyfish Salad

Agedeshi Tofu

Kampachi Yuzumiso Ae

Grilled Tako

Rice in Broth...

Miso Pork

Egg...

Eggplant

Panko Fried Oysters

Salmon Rice

Japanese Sweets

BTW. I apologize for forgetting some names...

Anyways, I really like how unassuming it is. However, my number one pet peeve is that of inefficiency. Even though I really liked the food, don't know if I could bear the inefficiencies. Let me explain. There are about six or seven tables that could seat 4-8 people. Three of the larger tables are made up of two or three smaller tables. Therefore, in reality there is more like nine tables in the restaurant, plus a bar. Unfortunately, the staff at Kappou Gomi allows groups of two to sit at the larger tables that are comprised of smaller tables without separating the tables. One consequence is that if you don't come in at the right time, you have to wait a while for people to leave. I felt rushed towards the end of our meal because I can't handle the non verbal communications we were getting from people in line. Fortunately, the staff didn't rush us...

Otherwise, I enjoyed myself thoroughly here. Food was great, and company was better! I highly recommend that you try this place if you are in the mood for adventure... Don't really know how "authentic" or "traditional" the food is, but it is definitely unique.

Kappou Gomi 4/5

Ono Kine Grindz

As a weathered Luau attendee, I was on a mission to find some local grindz. One place that definitely did not dissapoint was Ono's.


Out of all of the places that we ate, Ono's is pretty much as local as you can get. Read the sign (above) that greets you at the door! "No get mad." It gets me every time. I am told there is always a line at Ono's. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait at all. Must have somehow missed the lunch crowd... In retrospect though, we were pretty lucky all trip with lines (Ono's, Rainbows, Waiola's, and even Diamond Head). It is almost as if we kept bringing the crowds... haha.

Anyways, AO and I were on a mission, so we didn't order a whole lot at Ono's. Just got some Lau Lau (Pork in Taro leaves), Poi (Mashed Taro), and Lomi Salmon. Doesn't look all that impressive, but pretty freaking tasty. Not a fan of poi myself, but AO insisted on getting some... We'll just say that she didn't finish it. Overall a pretty good meal. Kind of a little pricey for a plate lunch, but probably some of the best Lau Lau I have had....

Lau Lau, Poi, Lomi Salmon, Ono's

Next we meandered down Kapahulu to Rainbow Drive-In. I was on a mission to get myself a locomoco bowl. Sadly, I got distracted by the sign reading... "Fried Chicken Special." Nonetheless, the food was good. I especially liked AO's Pork Long Rice. This place was cheap too! Best kind of eats!

Rainbow Drive-In

Fried Chicken SpecialPork Long Rice

Predictably, we saved room for some dessert. So we walked some more on Kapahulu Ave, and indulged on some Shave Ice at Waiola's. I definitely recommend it!

AO with her Rainbow with Snow Cap
Custard Bowl

Looks boring right?

Surprise!

This was so good, I went back the next day to get another one! I think we out did ourselves... Definitely one of the best three eating-hours spent in recent months.

Ono's 3.5/5
Rainbow Drive-In 4/5
Waiola's 5/5

Katsu, and Meat Jun, and Takoyaki Oh My!

According to Wikipedia (what would we do without it?) Shirokiya was one of Japan's oldest department stores during the early 20th century. By the turn of the century however, Shirokiya was largely dissolved and now survives as a single department store in Honolulu's Ala Moana shopping center. Boy, am I thankful that it is thriving in Hawai'i because I would not mind lost in their food court. I say you would need several days at minimum to consume everything that the store has to offer! Feast your eyes on Shirokiya goodies!

Takoyaki

Taiyaki

Tempura and Katsu Bentos

Tempura and Andagi

Kimbap, Jun, and Banchan

Musubi

Tonkatsu

Assorted Sushi

Sashimi

Sadly, I only gave myself one meal slot to enjoy all that is Shirokiya. Nonetheless, I helped myself to a balanced hearty meal of...

Katsu Curry

Sashimi

Takoyaki

Of course, a meal would not be complete without some desert!!!!!

Black Sesame Mochicream

Shirokiya, please come to the mainland!

Shirokiya 4/5