Archive | December, 2012

Baan Thai, Seaside, Ca

31 Dec

One of the wonderful things about the central coast community, and California in general is that we have such a fantastic array of cultural food offerings. I love Vietnamese food, Thai Food, and Korean BBQ.

This little hidden gem stands out because it took the Weekly’s Peoples Choice award for Thai food for 2012, and also the Carmel Pine Cone’s, which is odd due to its distribution largely in the Carmel area…

Either way, this restaurant is very good, I would definately recommend it, and of course, bringing your own bottle of Riesling to enjoy with the meal, as their wine list is limited at best. Definitely a recommendation from our publication…Oh, and expect very humble ambiance, and general location/atmosphere.

Baan Thai Restaurant on Urbanspoon

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Sierra Mar, Post Ranch, Big Sur, Ca

31 Dec

Big Sur is obviously one of the most stunningly beautiful destinations in the known universe. Breathtaking cliff side vistas and a peaceful ambiance create a beautiful atmosphere for visitors. Post Ranch is one of the most expensive, and exclusive resorts in the Big Sur area, and deserves the price it commands.

Although I did not stay there, i did enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant, Sierra Mar. This restaurant is one of the finest I have ever been to and rivals the Michelin Rated restaurants I have been to around the world. The views are stunning, and the food (including the wine list) are superb. The menu varies seasonally, however here are some photographs of the food that I sampled.

Sierra Mar on Urbanspoon

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Taylor’s Hot Dogs, Watsonville, Ca

31 Dec

Growing up in Visalia, Ca this little hot dog stand was a staple. The have a basic chili dog that cant be beat if you are a hot dog fan. It comes with a proprietary recipe of Hormel chili, mustard, onions, and relish. If you are ok with nitrates and sodium then i would recommend taking down 4 of these bad boys. Still a treat to this day, I visited the Watsonville location to find the same exact hot dog that I remember from my child hood.

Taylor Brothers Hot Dogs on Urbanspoon

 

 

 

 

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Roberta’s Pizzeria, Brooklyn, New York

11 Dec

Always on the quest for the perfect pizza, especially in New York, I asked my server during breakfast what her favorite New York style pizza was. She responded after some consideration that we should take the subway to Brooklyn to Roberta’s Pizza. We were well dressed and in Manhattan at the time, so I am not sure if she was messing with us, or if she really just loved the place.

After about an hour on the subway getting on and off and the stations appearing more and more disheveled we finally made it to our stop, which was 1.1 miles from our destination. I was not happy to be walking a mile in Brooklyn, and as there are apparently no cabs in this part of town we walked.

The neighborhoods became increasingly less desirable (much like the subway ride) as we neared the area where the restaurant was ostensibly located. And we finally came to an intersection that my GPS said was exactly where this restaurant was to be found. Looking around I saw some storage lots, what appeared to be an illegal chop shop, transients, but didn’t see a restaurant.

Then as I peered through the graffiti, and in front of what looking like a dumpster, I saw it, a small beaten up sign that read, “Roberta’s”. There was an entrance that looked like I might be entering a whore house, and nothing indicating a restaurant, but we had come this far, so we ventured inside.

Once inside there was a lovely little restaurant, wood fired pizza oven and very respectable pizza and wine list. The food was quite fantastic, and it was fun. They blared underground hip-hop over the radio, and it was, very much so, a Hip little spot. Perhaps I am not hipster enough, but it was quite an adventure. The kicker though, once we got back to our hotel in Manhattan, there was a farmers market going on next door…and there was a wood fired brick oven making up pizza – and sure as hell, it was Roberta’s with a mobile oven. Damn, well at least I got a T – Shirt from Roberta’s to commemorate the experience. Check out the photo’s…

Roberta's on Urbanspoon

Dave’s Oyster Shake and Grill – Pacific Grove Farmers Market

11 Dec

After feeling quite depressed the past few days at our seeming lack of the local love for this delicious bi-valve (the Oyster), I decided that since good oysters cant be found at my local grocery store, nor many restaurants, I would forge into the PG farmers market.  I am glad that I did.

After purchasing a dozen blue point oysters from the fish monger, I mosied around to check out the other offerings and I stumbled across this Dave’s Oyster Shake and Grill.  I was rather excited to see they do cajun style Oyster Po boys, a delicious sandwich that is almost impossible to find in our neck of the woods.  As I had in hand a dozen oysters that I planned to go home and shuck instantly, I opted for a 2 dollar taco.

Talk about paradise.  This oyster taco was fantastic.  The most amazing batter, spicey and crisp, with the delicate oyster soft and velvety inside.  Topped with some cabbage, mango salsa, and s drizzle of spicy sauce, this treat was amazing.  I will return every Monday my friend, except next time for the Po Boy!!!

Haute Enchilada, Moss Landing, Ca

11 Dec

It has been a long time coming, but finally I made the journey out to Moss Landing, passed right by my favorite Cabo Fish Taco’s at Whole Enchilada and arrived at the doorstep of this little establishment. The Haute Enchilada is purportedly owned/run by the daughter of Rey Retez, however it appears on the website as a member of the whole enchilada family of restaurants. I am not entirely certain how the pieces fit together.

Despite what was a very pleasant looking establishment (the architecture of which reminded me of a colonial plantation) the food was not something I would necessarily return for. I must say that the service was friendly and the Menu itself was quite a bit more ambition then the more family style whole enchilada.

I started my evening with the black bean empenadas. These had potential hte crust was nice, and the filling was hot, but on the flavorless side. Little did I know this was sort of harbinger for my entre.

I moved on to the Mole enchiladas. These two lacked flavor and I just kept wishing they had seasoned each portion of the meal a little bit better. Honestly, it seemed to me that whomever is in charge executing these recipes is NOT tasting their food before it goes out. Dry, saltless blackbeans, and a flavorless Mole. Its culinary skills 101, TASTE ALL FOOD ITEMS, especially sauces before they go out. I might try this place again…but for now if I want a good margarita and some good enchiladas in Moss Landing, ill stick to the Whole Enchilada.

Haute Enchilada Cafe & Gallery on Urbanspoon

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