To recap my Day 3, check out the post here.

Day 4 was a Monday and I had the day to myself.  My Aunt works in Napa, so I decided to make the trip with her and kick around during the day.

ABC Baking Company
http://www.alexisbakingcompany.com/

My first stop was at ABC Baking Company in downtown Napa.   Nothing special here, not even worth talking about, but I had a good cup of coffee and a very average pumpkin muffin.

At 11:00, I knocked down the door to:

Bouchon
http://www.bouchonbistro.com/

My first visit was with my wife on the day that we got engaged, so there is a special meaning of coming back here.  Bouchon is the casual French countryside version of Thomas Keller’s French Laundry restaurant that is just a few blocks north and the only restaurant on the west coast to have three Michelin Stars.  Bouchon has one Michelin Star.

For lunch, I started off with a bowl of French Onion Soup $9.50.  It took a while to get to my table, but I struck up nice conversation at the bar and had a glass of wine in front of me, so I didn’t mind the extra wait.  However, I found the soup to be really bland.  The broth was rich and there was a ton of cheese, but it had only a few onions and needed more salt.  I was disappointed by it and it wouldn’t have a chance versus my favorite French Onion at Eddie Merlot’s in Indianapolis.

After the soup, they brought this penis-shaped bread.  Odd timing.  The bread was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, but the butter was like crack.  Just the right amount of salt and consistency.

Next up was a beef short rib for $32.  I really enjoyed this.  The beef was cooked perfectly and the broth was thin and rich.  The spring vegetables were uber fresh and really enjoyable throughout.   It is a perfect showcase of being minimalistic pays off.

Would I Buy It Again?  Probably not.  I have checked it off my list.  They do the French Countryside thing very well, but I have come to realize that rustic French cooking is not at the top of my list.   I recently find that I enjoy restaurants that still have something to prove, Bouchon is on cruise control.  Albeit, cruising at 100mph in a Ferrari.    For lunch, my bill was $72 and I struggle to find anything here that makes me want to consistently run back.  It is a pretty amazing experience and a true lesson in cooking.  I would highly recommend that you go if you are in Yountville.

Btw, they also have a bakery right next store.  Since I was flying out on Monday night, I bought a few goodies for the plane.

Wine:

Because I ate like a pig the other three days, I decided to hit some wineries since I was in the area.   This is not a wine blog, so I will spare the details.  However, this is my short list.

1.  Saddleback Cellars – All around greats wines and a seven wine tasting menu.  The tasting room is basically a big garage so if you are looking for something off the beaten path.

2.  Miner Family Vineyards – First time here trying their wines.  Six wine tasting menu and easy wines front to back.  I liked their Chard the best so a bottle of that is now on my shelf at home.

3.  Hall Winery – My favorite Cabernet Sauvignon.  Pretty accessible in nice wine shops here in Indy and will run about $40 a bottle retail.  All their wines are pretty outstanding and at a comfortable price point.  The only restaurants that serve it here in Indy is Fleming’s and Glass Chimney/Deeters.

After this, I started having the munchies and broke into my Bouchon Bakery stash.

Quince
http://www.quincerestaurant.com/

For diner, we headed back to SF and sat at the bar at Quince.   It came highly recommended from SF transplant Indianapolis Restaurant Scene.

The website is bogus and I quickly realized that this was a special occasion restaurant and be prepared to be a little dressed up.  I would skip jeans and definitely wear a jacket.  My aunt and I went with the tasting menu.  Front to back it was probably one of the top meals that I have had.  I found the food to be very aggressive without dipping a toes in molecular gastronomy.  Homemade pasta was excellent.  There was also a suckling pig course as well that was just perfectly cooked throughout.  The food was top notch and the portions were pretty big for five courses.  I didn’t take any pictures because I just wanted to enjoy.  Plus, it was really dark!

Would I Buy It Again?  Yes.  One of the best meals that I have ever had.  Expect to spend about $120 a person and make reservations.  If I am going to SF and want a special occasion meal with my wife, it is a coin flip between Quince and Gary Danko.

Overall, the SF trip was a good one and I had a great time.  San Francisco is truly one of America’s treasures.  It’s a beautiful and very dynamic city that certain rules don’t seem to apply with a top notch food scene.  I am already looking forward to my next visit.

-wibia

To see my previous post of my tour through the San Francisco Bay area, click here.

Sunday was Mother’s Day and I was wanting to go to a solid Indian place as I had my reservations that Indian food in Indianapolis was sub par.  I was partially right.

Amber India
http://www.amber-india.com/

Buffet during the week at Amber is $16, on Mother’s Day it was $30.   $30 was a little pricey for a buffet, but I thought that I would give it a try since I can easily eat $30 of food.

The interior was slightly modern, but still comfortable.  The buffet was a nice size, smaller than Vegas but a lot bigger than Ci Ci’s.   Did I just say Ci Ci’s?!   Ha.   Anyway, here are a couple of shots:

They had smoked salmon and a guy that was making the mini pancakes that are in the center that had green onion and veggies.   I wish that I had more details, but I was extremely hung over and hungry, so I didn’t take many notes.  Sue me.  I feel like I am writing reviews for the IBJ

The butter chicken was liquid gold and I found a few items that I liked more than I thought.   Everything was good at Amber.  I found everything here to be a touch more refined and tastier than Indian buffets in Indiana.

Would I Buy It Again?   Nah. Everything was good, but the next time I go for Indian in SF, I think that I want a more hole in the wall experience.  However, if I worked close to it, I would be really fat.

We then decided to head over the bridge to Berkeley to kick around, etc.  Since we just had a full Indian buffet, we were not that hungry, except you can always find room for tacos and…pizza by the slice!!

Gioia Pizzeria
http://www.gioiapizzeria.com/

Guess what?  They are open on Sundays!   Anyway… (Btw, take note of all the different colors of garbage cans in Berkeley.  I really didn’t know how to throw anything away there….is this compost….who knows?!)

$3.50 a slice and I went with the standard pepperoni and then tried a combo with spicy sausage and spinach.  Both were outstanding.  I liked the larger slices of pepperoni and it had great coverage.   The spicy sausage was heavy-handed with paprika and reminded me more of chorizo than a fennel-y Italian sausage.  Who cares, it was mighty tasty and I cashed out both slices.  Keep in mind that we are eating this forty minutes later than the Amber India pictures above.  Me = eating stud.

Would I Buy It Again?  Sure. Not on my must have list, by a darn good pizzeria when you are in the area.

Beard Poppa’s
http://beardpapasf.com/

So, I needed dessert at this point so I stopped in at Beard Poppa’s.  It was my only chain during the weekend, but it was odd ball enough that I had to try it.  The blue and yellow branding reminded me of IKEA and the minimalist interior extended that thought.   It was interesting because they had the puffs lying around in an open bin and then they pick one out for you and fill it with creme with this huge machine.  I had to giggle thinking about the metaphor here and was this part of their marketing scheme.   Yes, I am inmature.

Would I Buy It Again?  No.  I felt violated and it wasn’t that good.

At this point I was in a food coma and headed back to SF for a nap.   When I woke up, we wanted to try a new SF hotspot:

Flour and Water
http://flourandwater.com/home/

They open at 5:30 and half the restaurant is reservation and the other is first come, first serve.  At 5:05, there was a line of twenty people.  I thought to myself, would this happen in Indy?  Doubt it.  The majority of people just don’t get that excited about food here.  Need proof, we only have 285 people following us on Twitter!   We would be huge out there.   Ha ha.  Back to reviewing…

Home made pasta, thin crust pizza all made by extreme hipsters.  You have to check out their website.

I started off with the above sardine app $11.   Sardines are pretty popular in SF and if you are into salty oily fishes, you might be a bigger fan than you think.  The bad news here is that they left some scales on the fish.  I quickly sent that back and got a new one.   The fennel salad and lemon aioli brightened up the fish, but honestly I didn’t like this.

Next up was (without a picture) Bone Marrow Pizza with fontina, rabe leaves, and horseradish $16.  I love all of those ingredients, but put together on a pizza and it was flat out awful.  It just didn’t work and I couldn’t put my finger on it.  I did like the extra layer of fontina.  It is a great pizza cheese.

The main course was mixed roast pork with roasted asparagus, and morels $24.

The roasted pork consisted of pork belly a pork rib and loin.  This was so salty I almost sent it back…and I like salty food!  I expected the pork belly to be salty, but everything else was as well.  This dish confirmed that they are a jack of all trades, master of none.

Would I Buy It Again?  No, never. One of the worst meals that I have had in SF.  It is amazing they are booked solid for eight weeks straight and a thirty minute line out the door considering the food was so bad.

Overall, a pretty average day for SF food.  I didn’t find anything that I loved and I ended the night on a sour note from Four + Water.

For the next installment, I head to Napa.

-wibia

Back again.  This segment was continued from my first day post.

Saturday morning brought us to the Ferry Building Farmers Market.  Good times and plenty of tasty treats.

I had a great time walking around and seeing the fresh produce and of course people watching.   Plus, my Aunt mistakenly put a cherry pit in a guy’s bag as she thought it was a bag for garbage.  I died laughing.

I am big bagel and lox fan, so when I saw this beauty for $14, I had to take it.

I really liked the idea here, but not the execution.  The bread was too thick and there was too much cream cheese.   However, I liked the red pepper and fennel combination.  I will replicate this at home.

Boccalone Salumeria
http://www.boccalone.com/

Chris Cosentino’s place in the Ferry Building.   You might recognize him from the Next Iron Chef contestant and has a show called Chefs vs. City.  It was Farmer’s Market morning and I actually saw him there, which was kind of cool.  What was most cool though was that he had a shirt on that said “Fuck It.”

The Salumi Cup was on “Best Thing I Ever Ate – Salty” for SF-NY turncoat Tyler Florence.  $3.50 and you get six pieces of cured pork.   All were good in their own way, but I could not say they would be on my list for best salty thing I ever ate.   For $3.50, it was fun to have a snapshot of what they do, but I just wasn’t in love with it.

Would I Buy It Again?  Probably not, been there done that.

Still in the Ferry Building.  We tried a bite at:

Delica
http://www.delicasf.com/

They had a combo of Chinese Chicken Salad and a Shrimp Cake.  Everything was really fresh and crisp, but there was not a lot happening here.   I think that Delica is a great option for the local lunch crowd, but not a destination for tourists.  However, we did sit right by the sushi chefs and it was fun to watch them do their thing.

For dinner, we went to:

Baker and Banker
http://www.bakerandbanker.com/

I did not take any pictures, but check out the website.  We went for the five course chef’s tasting menu for $55.   Really cheap in SF.   I can’t remember each course, but the high notes were asparagus with lardo and a poached egg, red snapper with pasta in a coconut milk/curry sauce, a New York Strip and a chocolate cookie with a vanilla malt.   From front to back, it was a great meal.  I still can’t believe the price.  Regardless, it was a perfect meal and I would’ve paid $75 easy.

Would I Buy It Again?  Yes and every time I go to SF.

Sunday is Indian food, Berkeley and overhyped pizza.  Stay tuned.

-wibia

I usually go on an annual trip to San Francisco.  If you ask anyone in this country that knows anything about food, they would say that New York and San Francisco are tied for the country’s best restaurants.  I would almost tie in Las Vegas, but they are basically satellites of NY and SF restos.

So what I try to figure out, is it a must have when I go to San Francisco next year?  My first meal straight off the plane:

Ike’s Place
http://ilikeikesplace.com/

What I Got: Al Bundy $9.99.  Salami, Ham, French Dressing, Avocado and Smoked Gouda.

Btw, anyone that names a sandwich after the biggest G ever is awesome.

Man v. Food darling Ike’s Place was a must have for me when I was in SF.  Grub Grade had a few nice segments on it as well.  What makes Ike’s special is two things: 1. The garlic heavy “Dirty Sauce” and 2. The bread is baked to order.   It takes a few more minutes, but who cares?

It took us about 25 minutes to order, but the line can be an hour or so on the weekend.  Call ahead is available.  It took around 10-15 minutes to get the sandwich after ordering.

The sandwich was excellent.  Quality meats and the bread was crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside.  The sandwich was a good size and my uncle said that I wasn’t going to be hungry for dinner, but he was wrong.  This sandwich was about as good as it gets.

Would I Buy It Again? Yes, easily.  It’s a must have, although probably for lunch.

Barbacco
http://www.barbaccosf.com/

My beloved Aunt said that it is like tapas, but Italian.  Interior was trendy casual and packed at 5:30 on a Wednesday.  We ordered about twelve items between three people and were stuffed.  The total was around $110 with just food.  There were some flat out misfires like the pork, olive and almond dish that was oil drenched.

However, I did enjoy the roasted pork pasta:

Otherwise, 80% of the food was a let down. A cool menu and a lot of good looking items, they just need to learn how to make them.

Would I Buy It Again?  No.  A bad meal and really bad for San Francisco.

This is a continuing series, so I will cover day two in a future post.

-wibia

Guess who went on vacation?! 2 months into this blog and I haven’t had one post about booze.   That just ain’t like me!  I went on vacation and had some hits and misses.

Cocktails:
Gold Dust Lounge
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/HWaDvxTdtDMwz6m4-sUf6Q?select=bgV_tFbmVDKBxZni2my7XA
Old school, no frills, cash only, tacky joint.   Down to earth people and a place I can sit at all day.  Would I Buy It Again? Yes.  I would live above this place if I could.

Press Club
http://www.pressclubsf.com/
Never been to anything like this.  It is basically wine tasting in the city.  8 wineries represented.  Yuppie holding tank, but the architecture was fresh and I like the idea.  If I was single in the city, I would be kicking here after I tied one on at the Gold Dust.  Would I Buy It Again? Yes, I would go there when I visit SF, but it is not something I have to do.

Tacos and Burritos:
My favorite kind of food is Mexican.   We have great Mexican grocery stores/food in Indiana, but when in SF, I like to try the local offerings.

Los Compadres Taco Truck
http://www.yelp.com/biz/los-compadres-taco-truck-san-francisco-2
$7.50 for a Super Burrito.  Get the Carne Asada, sit down on the curb and chow down.  A true gut bomb.  Would I Buy It Again?  Yes.  I wouldn’t make a trip for it though because of…

Pancho Villa Taqueria
http://panchovillasf.com/
My first stop when I roll into the Mission District.  This place was packed on a Friday afternoon.  Mariachi singer and all.   Large menu and everything is fresh and clean.  Same format as Chipotle or Qdoba.  I can only assume both of them were designed after this place.  Would I buy It Again?  Yes.  A must have in SF.

Pizza:
Escape From New York Pizza
http://www.escapefromnewyorkpizza.com/
Looking at the list so far, I ate like a pig during this trip.  Pizza by the slice at about all hours.  I hit up the one on Haight St.  Try the garlic pesto with potato.  Potato on a pizza?   Yup, and it was good.  Otherwise, try the mushroom.  They also have one in Portland, OR  (his brother, cool guy but hates the potato pizza.  He told me when I was visiting).  Would I Buy It Again?  Yes. I made 2 trips while I was in SF.

Pizza Place on Noreiga:
http://www.pizzaplacesf.com/
What happens when you combine punk rock and pizza?  This place.  I felt like yuppie scum while there, but cold Anchor Steam on tap, sausage, pepperoni and mushroom pizza and a great house salad.  I really liked this place.  Would I Buy It Again?  Yes.  It is not a must have though.

Dim Sum:
Ton Kiang
http://www.tonkiang.net/
A solid Dim Sum, no doubt about it.   I love Dim Sum, but I eat about everything and walk out with a huge bill.  Would I Buy It Again?  Yes. If we had Dim Sum in Indy, I might pass.

Burmese:
Mandalay Restaurant
http://www.mandalaysf.com/
Basil spicy chicken and hot and sour soup were solid.  The rest was passable.  It is not a bad restaurant, just not good enough for my must haves.   Would I Buy It Again?  No, read the prior sentence.

Vietnamese:
Slanted Door
http://www.slanteddoor.com/
I walked over here after the taco truck.   Oven roasted and manila clams, basil, crispy pork belly, fresh chilies.  $14.  So good, it was awesome.  I had a soup that was out of this world.  Pork, noodles etc…  It was honestly the best soup that I have ever had.  Would I Buy It Again?  Yes and highly recommended.

Sonoma County:
Underwood Bar and Grill.  Graton, CA.
http://www.underwoodgraton.com/
ool place that you can just relax.  Sit at the bar, they have a great bartender.  Have a few drinks and order Coff the small plates menu.  Avoid the harissa fries.  Would  I Buy It Again?  Yes, recommended.

So what didn’t I like?
Mission Bar
26^th and Mission.
Boring hole in the wall with bouncer turned bartender.   Decent jukebox and cheap drinks during happy hour but that is about it.  You are no Gold Dust my friend! Would I Buy It Again?  No.

The Lodge at Cavallo Point
http://www.cavallopoint.com/restaurant_bar.php
I told you that I would review Michelean Star Rated restaurants!   Wow, what a disappointment.  I had three courses, all were underwhelming.   To think the distinguished Michelean guide gave this place one star is a shame.  If you are looking for a Michealean Star rated restaurant, go to Gary Danko and never look back.  Would I Buy It Again?  No

Epic Roasthouse
Happy Hour
http://www.epicroasthousesf.com/pdf/menus/Happy%20Hour.pdf
Overcrowded and lame.  Cheap food was a draw, but the food wasn’t good.  Great location and beautiful restaurant, but it has to be all about the food.   Walk a few blocks to Boulevard.  Would I Buy It Again?  No.

In The End:
An awesome trip and the best part – I have great family to enjoy it all with.  SF is an amazing place to eat your way through.   Great food around every corner.  You have quick and easy access to about every nationality you can image and many of them fused together. If you like to eat, you have to make a trip and try out a few of the above places.

-WIBIA