Dos Pinos
Showing posts with label lunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lunch. Show all posts
Sep 5, 2010
Jul 10, 2010
Jul 3, 2010
Jun 6, 2010
Puerto Rico .. HOOO..
The next few weeks are going to fly by. I can already feel it, wedding rehearsal and moving next weekend. Then Julnette's wedding the week after. Can someone tell how it is already June 2010?
Today would have easily been a lazy Sunday, except that today was also Julnette's bridal shower. A few weeks before we all decided on everyone bringing in one caribbean dish. (Believe it or not, Julnette is Puerto Rican). By the time I read over the list, there was only one item left - fried plantains and sour cream. I wasn't too worried, but couldn't help but wonder why someone would choose to grill chicken kabobs over frying a bunch of bananas.
Now that I have made them, I can atest that this is the easiest dish to prepare AND grabs the most attention at any potluck. However, if you do not have much patience then you just might have a problem.
Ingredients:
6 lbs ripe plantains
2 cups vegetable oil (depending on the width of the pan. just make sure the bananas are halfway submerged)
2 cups sour cream
1. Slice bananas lengthwise into four pieces (first down the middle - repeat)
2. Heat oil in a deep frying pan (medium high)
3. Fry banana on each side until deep brown
4. When done, let the bananas drain on a paper towel
5. Serve with sour cream
Today would have easily been a lazy Sunday, except that today was also Julnette's bridal shower. A few weeks before we all decided on everyone bringing in one caribbean dish. (Believe it or not, Julnette is Puerto Rican). By the time I read over the list, there was only one item left - fried plantains and sour cream. I wasn't too worried, but couldn't help but wonder why someone would choose to grill chicken kabobs over frying a bunch of bananas.
Now that I have made them, I can atest that this is the easiest dish to prepare AND grabs the most attention at any potluck. However, if you do not have much patience then you just might have a problem.
Ingredients:
6 lbs ripe plantains
2 cups vegetable oil (depending on the width of the pan. just make sure the bananas are halfway submerged)
2 cups sour cream
1. Slice bananas lengthwise into four pieces (first down the middle - repeat)
2. Heat oil in a deep frying pan (medium high)
3. Fry banana on each side until deep brown
4. When done, let the bananas drain on a paper towel
5. Serve with sour cream
May 31, 2010
Cafe Colucci
I still love San Francisco, but I am beginning to love Oakland more. The weather is usually better and the people seem so much more down to earth. Bakesale Betty was closed today, so we wandered further down Telegraph and found Cafe Colucci. We were starving and they had outdoor seating. It was a done deal.
From left to right, we ordered begue alicha fitfit (lamb), doro tibs (chicken), eggplant tibs and a side of teff injera (bread). Delicious! The meat was tender, and flavorful. It was spicy without being overwheling. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area wanting to eat Ethiopian food. Just be ready to eat with your hands.
From left to right, we ordered begue alicha fitfit (lamb), doro tibs (chicken), eggplant tibs and a side of teff injera (bread). Delicious! The meat was tender, and flavorful. It was spicy without being overwheling. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area wanting to eat Ethiopian food. Just be ready to eat with your hands.
May 30, 2010
Sunshine, Bikes and Fresh Pupusas
Saturday night was crazy to say the least. It ended with us watching a confrontation between two egotistical maniacs outside of a bar. A few paces later, gunfire, then gasps and "OH my god!", and finally sirens. We locked up our bikes and hauled ass home.
It is now Sunday morning. We woke up recapping all the events from the night before. Although most of it was a blur, we remembered ditching our bikes somewhere. Half awake we rolled out of bed and walked down to the Mission. We stopped in a few shops picking up freshly squeezed orange juice and a pumpkin muffin. The sun was shining and the closer we got to Mission Street, the clearer the blaring music became. Carnival! Ethnically dressed dance teams, half-naked women, men on stilts, parade floats and capoeira groups were so colorful and energetic. It was hard to believe this was the same street from last night.
We turned down 16th and found a woman freshly preparing pupusas outside of the El Salavadorean restaraunt next to Skylark. We sat curbside, in a shaded alley across the street scarfing down this traditional Salvadorian dish. I couldn't be happier.
We eventually found our bikes and Mimi's seat was stolen.
blah
I still love San Francisco.
It is now Sunday morning. We woke up recapping all the events from the night before. Although most of it was a blur, we remembered ditching our bikes somewhere. Half awake we rolled out of bed and walked down to the Mission. We stopped in a few shops picking up freshly squeezed orange juice and a pumpkin muffin. The sun was shining and the closer we got to Mission Street, the clearer the blaring music became. Carnival! Ethnically dressed dance teams, half-naked women, men on stilts, parade floats and capoeira groups were so colorful and energetic. It was hard to believe this was the same street from last night.
We turned down 16th and found a woman freshly preparing pupusas outside of the El Salavadorean restaraunt next to Skylark. We sat curbside, in a shaded alley across the street scarfing down this traditional Salvadorian dish. I couldn't be happier.
We eventually found our bikes and Mimi's seat was stolen.
blah
I still love San Francisco.
May 29, 2010
The Best Tri-Tip in Berkeley
There is an obscenely colorful shack on the corner of University and Walnut Ave. If you have ever wandered down that area you know exactly what I am referring to because it is the only random free standing structure located in the parking lot of Mike's Bike's Cyclery. I have walked passed it a million times, but never stopped to check it out. According to Yelp, Brazil Cafe has over 300 reviews averaging at 4.5 stars. Order #84 with a fresh fruit smoothie (acai or mango). You will be happy you did.
That's the owner Pedro. He is a sweetheart.
That's the owner Pedro. He is a sweetheart.
Apr 23, 2010
Yemi
One of the girls from NYC was in town for work and we wanted to show her a good time. It was an east bay Saturday. We went to Cal day (where we picked up EDUN Live t-shirts at $15 bucks a pop) and stopped in at Shashamane Bar and Grill.
The owner Yemi, is an absolute doll. She told us about her years in Rome and later Boston for school. Nowadays, she helps her boyfriend run the restaurant and enjoys the weather in California. For dinner we ordered the lamb (Zilzil Tibs), chicken (Doro Tibs) and a side of collard greens (yumm). I'm not big on lamb, but I LOVED the chicken. It was soft, tender and well spiced. The Injera (soft Ethiopian bread) was good too - it is a cross between a crepe and a sponge cake, but not sweet. For dessert, I happened to bring in a homemade chocolate cake and they didn't charge that stupid cake cutting fee. We shared a few slices with the rest of the wonderful staff.
Good food, great company, and smiles all around. I will definitely be coming back.
Order Shishamane the drink.. soo GOOOD!
SF Gate raves about this place
Learn more about Shashamane, Ethiopia
The owner Yemi, is an absolute doll. She told us about her years in Rome and later Boston for school. Nowadays, she helps her boyfriend run the restaurant and enjoys the weather in California. For dinner we ordered the lamb (Zilzil Tibs), chicken (Doro Tibs) and a side of collard greens (yumm). I'm not big on lamb, but I LOVED the chicken. It was soft, tender and well spiced. The Injera (soft Ethiopian bread) was good too - it is a cross between a crepe and a sponge cake, but not sweet. For dessert, I happened to bring in a homemade chocolate cake and they didn't charge that stupid cake cutting fee. We shared a few slices with the rest of the wonderful staff.
Good food, great company, and smiles all around. I will definitely be coming back.
Order Shishamane the drink.. soo GOOOD!
SF Gate raves about this place
Learn more about Shashamane, Ethiopia
Mar 22, 2010
1885 Burger Store
MOS Burger
Before coming out here, I kept hearing about MOS Burger, but never in the context of YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. It wasn't until I found out they served a peanut butter breakfast sandwich with lettuce, egg, and sliced ham, did they jump on the to-do list.
They stop serving breakfast after 10:30 am. The clock said 9:45, perfect. I walked in, asked to see a menu and they handed me a laminated sheet with pictures and descriptions in english. #7 Found it. I pointed. The woman replied, "Mei you". I officially had my first Mandarin lesson. I frowned, hopped on my bike and headed for another Mos Burger down the street.
Score! I forked over the cash and popped a squat on the nearest bench. I unwrapped and examined the sandwich. I wasn't sure of what to expect, but I was excited. How could you possibly go wrong with peanut butter?
MMMmm.. Mos Burger PB breakfast sandwiches. Not too sweet, salty, gooey or crunchy. I can't wait to share this combination with the rest of the world. No wonder their motto is "Making people happy through food."
Check out their Main Menu
They stop serving breakfast after 10:30 am. The clock said 9:45, perfect. I walked in, asked to see a menu and they handed me a laminated sheet with pictures and descriptions in english. #7 Found it. I pointed. The woman replied, "Mei you". I officially had my first Mandarin lesson. I frowned, hopped on my bike and headed for another Mos Burger down the street.
Score! I forked over the cash and popped a squat on the nearest bench. I unwrapped and examined the sandwich. I wasn't sure of what to expect, but I was excited. How could you possibly go wrong with peanut butter?
MMMmm.. Mos Burger PB breakfast sandwiches. Not too sweet, salty, gooey or crunchy. I can't wait to share this combination with the rest of the world. No wonder their motto is "Making people happy through food."
Check out their Main Menu
Mar 21, 2010
Welcome to Taipei
I'll admit it. I wasn't looking forward to the food on this trip. Why? Because I'm obviously closed-minded enough to think Taiwanese food = Chinese food. Tisk tisk. Lesson learned.
Eating out in Taipei is like dining out in any other metropolitan city in the world. Restaurants, take away joints and food carts are found on every block.
Whenever I travel, I try to eat like a local because it is usually the most cultural (not to mention cost-effective) alternative. In Taipei, you really can't go wrong with checking out crowded mom and pop shops.
Here are some of my favorite spots and dishes.
Dan Bing - Normally served for breakfast, eggs, scallions, and either, pork, cheese, chicken, ham, or bacon are wrapped in a thin pancake. I frequented the JSP across the street. 140NT or $4.40 USD will get you more than enough food to feed two people. And yes the hash browns and radish cakes also yummy local favorites. The women at this place are so friendly - you can tell they are smiling behind their masks. And don't forget to give their heavy set dog some love too.
Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian) is another Taiwanese staple and can be found everywhere. There is a spot on the corner of San Min and Minsheng (Songshang) that had the best dan bing and niu rou mian. Restaurants almost always offered a side of fresh greens - yumm.
Beef Noodle Soup (120NT)
Pork Roll with green onions(75NT)
Some Kind of vegetable (40NT)
The only thing I didn't try was the stinky tofu. If you have ever been to Taipei, you know why.
Eating out in Taipei is like dining out in any other metropolitan city in the world. Restaurants, take away joints and food carts are found on every block.
Whenever I travel, I try to eat like a local because it is usually the most cultural (not to mention cost-effective) alternative. In Taipei, you really can't go wrong with checking out crowded mom and pop shops.
Here are some of my favorite spots and dishes.
Dan Bing - Normally served for breakfast, eggs, scallions, and either, pork, cheese, chicken, ham, or bacon are wrapped in a thin pancake. I frequented the JSP across the street. 140NT or $4.40 USD will get you more than enough food to feed two people. And yes the hash browns and radish cakes also yummy local favorites. The women at this place are so friendly - you can tell they are smiling behind their masks. And don't forget to give their heavy set dog some love too.
Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian) is another Taiwanese staple and can be found everywhere. There is a spot on the corner of San Min and Minsheng (Songshang) that had the best dan bing and niu rou mian. Restaurants almost always offered a side of fresh greens - yumm.
Beef Noodle Soup (120NT)
Pork Roll with green onions(75NT)
Some Kind of vegetable (40NT)
The only thing I didn't try was the stinky tofu. If you have ever been to Taipei, you know why.
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