Some things are worth waiting for…

…and some things are not.

I was in San Francisco earlier this week and like always, I reached out to some friends (and followers on Twitter) asking for a great breakfast recommendation. A number of San Franciscans responded with suggestions to hit up Dottie’s True Blue Cafe which was recently featured on the popular Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Just about every person that recommended the little diner prefaced by saying the line would be about an hour long, and they were right. Plus 39 minutes.

Yes folks, I waited 99 minutes on the streets of San Francisco on a Sunday morning for this breakfast people raved about. And here’s where it gets sticky…

If you ask me if the food was worth the wait, I’d say, probably so. The food was truly terrific and hit the spot I needed before heading to a game at AT&T Park. If you ask me if I would ever go back or ever recommend that spot for others, my answer would be hell no. And here’s why – 99% of my travel (which includes the sporting events I attend for TheBlondeSide.com) is done solo. Which means, I eat by myself. Sometimes I get lucky and I’m able to avoid the heinous breakfast lines because there’s a spot for one at the breakfast counter. My day at Dottie’s, there wasn’t a spot, and it wasn’t a big deal. I was chatting it up with the folks in line around me since we became BFF’s over the course of our wait. Right as I made it inside the door (still a small line to go), there was a tiny tiny TINY spot at the edge of the bar. There was enough room to sit, but there would have been zero room for even a saucer for my coffee. So I kept waiting in line.

When it was finally my shot and the hostess asked how many in my party, I replied, “just me.” She asked if I wanted to sit at the impossibly small spot at the bar and I told her I’d wait. She was pleasant and said she’d clean off the two-top in the corner and it’d be just a minute. Great, I was excited. As the line inched closer and closer to the door I realized my excitement for food rivaled that of every ride at Disney World. I wonder if this is the moment you know you’re a real adult when your mouth waters for French Toast and coffee?

Then enter the man from the kitchen who verbally accosted me for not sitting at the bar. He began YELLING at me, in front of all the other customers that I SHOULD sit at the counter since it was just me. The tables were supposed to be for parties who “weren’t alone.” Not to toot my own horn, but it takes a confident person to eat alone in a crowded diner – or any restaurant for that matter. And this experience downright embarrassed me. The kitchen man went over to the head cook (who I am assuming was Kurt Abbey, the owner) and started loudly and rudely explaining to him that I was complaining about the wait. The head cook proceeds to start yelling at me as he’s slinging bacon and sausage around, without ever taking a moment to ask what was going on.

Minutes later I was seated and approached by 3 other customers who apologized and repeated, “I feel so bad for you” as well as the hostess who apologized for the man’s actions. She also claimed that he does that quite often. Good to know. I didn’t see the episode on the Food Network, but I wonder if he was featured on it? Had it been Hell’s Kitchen, surely he would have.

But back to breakfast… The food was great. Like I said above, worth the wait (if you’re obsessed with breakfast like me). I got the Open Road breakfast which included:

1. Your choice of small juice
2. Two eggs, any style
3. Bacon, ham, or mild Italian-sausage (I got the bacon and it was probably the tastiest bacon I’ve ever had!)
4. Home fries
5. 2 pancakes or 1/2 order of French Toast (obviously, the French Toast!)

My neighboring table did offer me a bite of their jalapeno-cornbread, which is not something I would typically order, but I was very impressed. From what I hear, that’s one of their biggest claim to fames, as are the fresh daily baked goods with varying specials each day.

I was very hesitant to write a negative review in any capacity, but as a writer, and one that travels and blogs about it, I feel that honesty truly is the best policy. I will also say that the folks that referred this breakfast spot have never experienced negativity in the manner I did, so perhaps this was just a one-time thing? Let’s hope so.

As I tweeted from that morning, I don’t give a damn how good your food is or what cable network show gives you publicity – I work too hard for my money to spend it places that don’t appreciate my business.

Dottie’s True Blue Cafe
522 Jones Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

415.885.2767

Open everyday except Tuesdays 7:30am – 3:00pm

Total Bill- $22 ($13.50 meal + $3.50 coffee + a regular ole average tip.)

Jayme Lamm

Jayme Lamm is a delightfully unrefined writer, lover of sports and words, serial do-gooder with a limited filter. Follow her on Twitter @jaymelamm.

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I stumbled across this gem of a summer splash this weekend, while in San Diego during BlogHer. Molly made delicious peach cocktails, and when those were all said and done we just started tossing peach slices into our California white wine.

Amazing idea.

You should try it rightthissecond.

And then tell me how that goes.

doniree

Doniree Walker is the Nomadic Foodie. She loves the exploration and community of food, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and loves the region's focus on local and seasonal food, daily farmers' markets and food carts at seemingly every turn. She's on twitter as @doniree and @nomadicfoodie, and blogs her adventures and life in general at doniree.com.

Hi everyone!

TJ here. I want to start off by thanking the wonderful Doniree for believing in my awesome writing abilities and thus allowing me to share some wonderful food experiences with all of you lovely people.

Slaters 50/50 is a hidden bar/restaurant in Anaheim Hills, California. Which is really just Anaheim, but we call it Anaheim Hills anyway because we want to be hip like that. All you have to do is read the description on their own website, and I know you are going to be hooked: “The menu features five choices of meats from our spicy fire beef patty, the perfectly spiced turkey, one of the best veggie patties around and of course the signature 50/50 (50% ground beef and 50% ground bacon)! Throw fresh bread, 12 cheeses, 30 toppings and 20 sauces and you are sure to get the perfect meal at Slater’s.”

I learned of Slaters in October 2010 in the 20s-30 Young Professionals Social Club meetup group based out of Fullerton, California. (Thanks Alma!) At first, I was very disappointed to discover this place because up until approximately one year ago, I had lived in Yorba Linda, the neighboring city to Anaheim Hills, for well over 15 years, but to alleviate my dismay, I discovered that Slaters is a relatively recent phenomenon and all was right with the world. I have been back twice and hoped to return for a fresh take for this review, but alas, life gets in the way so we will have to recount my Slaters 50/50 de-virginization.

I know that I was excited approximately 30 seconds after I had read the phrase “50% ground beef and 50% ground bacon”. (I hope you are too!?) I’m a HUGE bacon lover. I love everything that has to do with bacon. Some people seperate the meat from the fat, but I consider the fat to be a significant part of a bacon strip.  I’m rather picky with my eating habits. I don’t like vegetables, I don’t like a lot of sauces….I’m a plain jane when it comes to burgers. Plain and dry. Ketchup only. That was, until I found Slaters. I’m sure everyone’s been to one of those “design your own burger” places before, but for me, Slaters was an eye-opening experience.

The first decision was my type of meat – of course, this was a no-brainer. I came to Slaters 50/50 for the 50/50 burger. I was not going to settle for a regular beef, turkey, chicken, or veggie patty – or even the much desired “burger of the month”

The next decision was my burger size. 1/3 lb, 2/3 lb or 1 lb. ONE POUND! (I believe these were sizes AFTER cooking, by the way) This burger is not for the faint of heart. I settled for the 1/3 lb, but someone at the table did in fact order the 2/3 lb burger, which I will gladly share with you to wet your appetite:

After size, it was time to choose the bread. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m a huge bread lover. How can I choose between the white broiche bun or the foccacia? (For the health nuts, there’s a honey wheat option, and for those watching their carbs – you can pick lettuce wrapped!) I went brioche and there’s been no looking back. I pick this one every time

Then I have my cheese. Wait, I have to choose only ONE cheese? How Can i pick? I must have flipped a coin between mozzarella and gruyere. I believe gruyere won. If you are unfortunate enough to be unfamiliar with gruyere cheese, think of French Onion Soup.

Then comes the sauces. There are so many choices that I can’t even begin to name them all. The word Baconnaise just about knocked me out of my chair, but Remember that bit about my lack of sauce love before? I was not brave enough for the baconnaise, but I did get ranch dressing on the side. (Honorable sauce mention: Turkey gravy!).

After you’ve decided your sauce, is when the really difficult decisions start. Your toppings. You can get up to 4 standard toppings which includes the likes of grilled onions, grilled pineapple, tomato, cole slaw and cranberry sauce. (Which of these is not like the other?) Each additional is 25 cents. I went with the grilled onions and grilled pineapple. I’m a huge pineapple lover.

But that’s not all, Slaters has a list of premium toppings, which they in fact call “Over the top it!” which includes bacon, egg, guacamole, and…peanut butter and jelly!

If you can’t imagine designing your own – there are so many pre-set choices, such as the Peanut butter and Jellousy, Hawaiian Burger, Thanksgiving Burger (includes stuffing!) and so many more.
So if you’ve been following along closely, you could totally Bacon-out yourself with the 50/50 patty, Baconnaise, and bacon on top….but that’s not all! If you’re not baconed-out yet, you can get the bacon brownie for desert!

Of course, I didn’t even have a chance to mention the amazing sweet potato fries (which come with a pumpkin dip, which is tasty, but I prefer ranch dressing), but I guess I need to leave you folks something to experience on your own! I didn’t even mention the alcohol, of which they have over 30 beers on draft

To summarize, I ended up with a relatively safe “choose your own” burger with: 50/50 patty, brioche bun, gruyere cheese, ranch dressing on the side, grilled onions and grilled pineapple.

Big hugs to everybody, and if you ever do find yourself in the Anaheim Hills vicinity, drop me a note and your first 50/50 burger could be on me.

Here’s me with my burger!:

Bonus link: Jordan attempts her own 50/50 recipe at home!

TJ

TJ writes about his life at My Life in Southern California. He will write about just about anything that you could possibly think of (or suggest!), the more popular entries are about his crazy experiences in the online dating world. You can follow him on Twitter at @SoCalTJ.

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Here’s one thing you should know about Los Angeles: it is huge. The reason the traffic is legendary is because people don’t walk anywhere, and the reason people don’t walk anywhere is because everything is so spread out.

Here’s one more thing: If you want Chinese food in Los Angeles, you don’t go to Chinatown. You go to San Gabriel Valley. In the 1970s, this area was settled by wealthy Asian immigrants, because you get a lot more bang for you buck in the valley than you do in the downtown, central LA area where Chinatown is located.

Personally, I live 30 miles from SGV (as we affectionate call it), so if I’m going to drive 30 miles in LA traffic, I’m going to make a day
of it.

On this particular day, my mission was xiao long bao. Xiao long bao (XLB) are Shanghainese style dumplings, served steamed and miraculously filled with scalding hot pork and crab broth, they are eaten with a dash of soy sauce and vinegar and topped with pickled ginger. And, on this particular day, we visited 4 separate dumpling shops.

Stop 1

I don’t know the name of this shop because it was written in Chinese and I don’t speak any Chinese. Also, this place didn’t even have XLB. I just walked by on my way to the ATM, saw a lot of Chinese families, and decided to stop. We had tea, pan-fried soup dumplings, and egg tarts. It was a good start.

Stop 2: Mei Long Village

Mei Long Village is more of a typical Chinese restaurant, but they serve killer crab XLB. Because they are a full-service, sit-down restaurant, the cost for 10 XLB is a little higher than you average dumpling shop: about $6. Yes. $6. In LA. Enjoy! Tea is complimentary!

Stop 3: Jin Jian Restaurant (AKA J&J)

Located 2 doors down from Mei Long Village, J&J is all dumplings, all the time. The tabletops are formica, and the booths are uncomfortable plastic. There are no frills here. Just more delicious dumplings for $5.

Stop 4: Dean Sin World

Dean Sin (an alternative spelling for “dim sum”), is the farthest of the bunch, but worth the distance. Your sauces will be in small pastic cups and the bathroom is located across the parking lot. But the dumplings here are the best. It’s like going to your friend’s house in Shanghai and getting XLB from their mom, only with the added perk of being able to buy 30 to take home and steam in the steamer basket of your rice cooker.

Finally, I have a few important tips for you on your XLB Adventure:

1. Do some research. Look up places and then walk. Yes, walk! I know I just said that no one in LA does this, and you’ll probably be the only person on the sidwalk that day, but you need to walk to make room for more soup dumplings. It just makes sense!
2. XLB are, well… not easy to eat. You might want to practice your chopstick skills first. They are served to you directly in the steamer, and you’ll need to pick them up very delicately with your chopsticks, dip them in soy and vinegar, and put them in your Chinese soup spoon. Top that with a sliver of ginger and take a delicate bite. At no point do you want to squirt hot broth everywhere. At some point, you absolutely will.
3. Bring cash! Lots of place in SGV are cash only. Plus, walking to the ATM might bring you by a new dumpling shop!
4. At the end of the day, stop by Savoy Kitchen for Hainan chicken rice. This is the only restaurant in LA where you can get Hainan chicken rice. It doesn’t look like much, but one bite of that savory, chicken-y rice and you’ll be hooked.

Andrea

Twenty-seven-year-old long-time resident of Los Angeles. Laughs too much and too loudly. Addicted to coffee, sarcasm, and hyperbole. Patient and honest to a fault. Loves include photography, food, yoga, music no one else likes, tube socks, good whiskey on the rocks, cuddling, and coveting clothes and trinkets from Anthropologie. Vices include hair cut/color maintenance, making uncomfortable faces, eating out, cuddling, and coveting clothes and trinkets from Anthropologie. Also notable: She is very small. Andrea blogs at Caffeinate Me. Follow her on Twitter @andreaki.

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Chris and I stayed in a Kimpton hotel while we were in San Diego back in July.  I LOVED it.  He’d stayed in one before and the more I talked and tweeted about it, the more feedback I got from readers and friends that they, too, had stayed with Kimpton and that they, too, LOVED it.

The Hotel Solamar was gorgeous, with great modern furniture, solid beautiful colors, and the perfect amenities for long weekenders.  Our hotel had a sixth-floor rooftop lounge that our eighth-floor window overlooked and that we hit up more than once for happy hour cocktails and nightcaps.

{Photo credit}

I’ve also noticed Kimpton’s social media presence as of late, including a Twitter account they’re managing well (conversation! humor!), and a Facebook fan page that’s got a lot of interaction and interesting posts.  Since I follow both of those, I noticed when they started talking and tweeting about their new blog – Life is Suite.  (Clever, huh?)

{Photo credit}

I’ve checked out a few posts and it’s certainly worth the read.  Most posts are from the Life is Suite staff, whomever that may include but there are also posts from the CEO and the resident wine experts – I LOVE that take and when the company gets real personality when we know who’s doing the talking.

I hear Southwest Airlines also does a good company blog - any other great travel company blogs you can recommend? I’d love to know about them!

doniree

Doniree Walker is the Nomadic Foodie. She loves the exploration and community of food, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and loves the region's focus on local and seasonal food, daily farmers' markets and food carts at seemingly every turn. She's on twitter as @doniree and @nomadicfoodie, and blogs her adventures and life in general at doniree.com.

It’s long been a dream of mine to visit Lake Tahoe, the large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains that sits right on the border of both California and Nevada.  I’d seen pictures; I’d heard stories.  It’s gorgeous… so blue… incredible.  And I knew I’d have to see it for myself.

Luckily, we got just that opportunity during our trip to the Reno area this month.  We dined at the Hyatt in Incline Village, and spent the afternoon following lunch on a catamaran out on the lake.

The Lone Eagle Grill

The Hyatt Regency in Tahoe is a beautiful, woodsy-looking hotel that sits right up against the lake.  Our view from our table at the alpine-lodge-like Lone Eagle Grill was spectacular, as was the food:

I loved the recommended Spinach Salad.  Could you resist this list of perfection?

Spinach Salad with Pan Seared Scallops, Belgian Endive, Saffron Pears, Toasted Pecans, Sun-Dried Cranberries, Gorgonzola, Port Wine Vinaigrette

Nope.  Me either.  Chris opted for the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.  Or more specifically:

Grilled Prosciutto, Herbed Cheese and Smoked Mozzarella Sandwich with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Always a fan of a grilled cheese, I most certainly appreciate the bonus of great cheeses and a top-notch tomato soup.

The Lone Eagle Grill was one of those places I wish I had closer to home since I wanted to try just about every single thing on the menu.  Later research also revealed a Vegetarian Dinner menu.  Restaurants always score major points with me when there are really awesome vegetarian and pescetarian options as well.

On the Lake

After the perfect lunch, we set out to the lake for a 2-hour catamaran ride around Lake Tahoe.  As it turns out, this part of the lake was a major superstar hangout, even back in the day, drawing famous folks such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra to the Cal-Neva, a hotel on the lake’s north shore.  Also, right around the point outside this hotel, we crossed the border into California!  So, now I can officially state that this trip spanned FIVE states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California.

The catamaran itself was awesome – I’d never been on anything like this before!  We shared the ride with Jill and Vanessa – our friends from the RSCVA – as well as some other folks who happened to be visiting from Wisconsin.  Naturally, I was excited to talk about the midwest with our new friends!

The ride was incredible and the views, spectacular.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen water so blue.  I love that the lake is surrounded by beautiful, green mountains.

Also, we were served wine, cheese and fruit for two solid hours on the sailing trip.  Way to win me over

I know Lake Tahoe’s also known for its ski slopes in the winter, and while I’m not much of a winter sport person, I’d LOVE to come back and be a ski bunny here sometime!

FTC disclosure: All thoughts, opinions, and photos not directly quoted or explicitly credited are those of my own.  Huge thanks to the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Bureau for the delicious and fun tour of the city.  While they footed the bill for our week there, it’s an honor to share the experience with my readers.

doniree

Doniree Walker is the Nomadic Foodie. She loves the exploration and community of food, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and loves the region's focus on local and seasonal food, daily farmers' markets and food carts at seemingly every turn. She's on twitter as @doniree and @nomadicfoodie, and blogs her adventures and life in general at doniree.com.

Boyfriend and I spent the Fourth of July weekend exploring San Diego, from Poway to Coronado Island and from the Gaslamp Quarter to Ocean Beach.  I knew from early on in the trip that we were going to kick back, have a killer time, and take advantage of opportunities for fun and excitement we could.

And what better way to start the weekend off than with some bubbly at breakfast?  Check out my wake-up call here at the Denver Chophouse at the Denver International Airport.  Not a bad way to start a weekend – or any day for that matter!

doniree

Doniree Walker is the Nomadic Foodie. She loves the exploration and community of food, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and loves the region's focus on local and seasonal food, daily farmers' markets and food carts at seemingly every turn. She's on twitter as @doniree and @nomadicfoodie, and blogs her adventures and life in general at doniree.com.

San Diego, Day 1 – Friday, July 2, 2010

Chris and I wandered around the Gaslamp District (the neighborhood in the city where we’re staying), and decided on this cute little Italian place called Asti Ristorante.  He had mimosas while I sipped on a Sauvignon Blanc, and enjoyed a cheesy Margherita pizza while I devoured a shrimp and artichoke fettuncini dish.

I’m playing with camera effects and photography apps on my iPhone.  All three photos were taken with my iPhone 3GS and edited with the effects in Camera Bag [iTunes link].  I used Helga for the food photos and Cinema for the restaurant sign.  I don’t think Helga’s the right effect for food, but I’m playing, so we’ll see what happens next time.

Today?  Fish Market!  Hopefully I’ll remember to grab a video of that.

doniree

Doniree Walker is the Nomadic Foodie. She loves the exploration and community of food, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and loves the region's focus on local and seasonal food, daily farmers' markets and food carts at seemingly every turn. She's on twitter as @doniree and @nomadicfoodie, and blogs her adventures and life in general at doniree.com.

The San Francisco Bay Area is a massive expanse, with not only diverse people, but diverse eats as well. It is a foodie’s dream locale; one will never run out of cool places to explore and new foods to try. If you are reading this blog, clearly you like to explore and eat; well, I am no exception. My name is Jeremy Orr and I came to the Bay Area at ten years old. I went to high school here and went to college just over the hill in Santa Cruz (go Slugs!). After a little travel in my first career, I have settled in the East Bay as a teacher. I have made friends all over the Bay, leading an active life, and in the process have come across some great dives, hidden gems, and eateries that are known by all, but are so good I have to rave about them anyway. If you live in the Bay Area, or are just here for a brief time, there are a few places that you have to try if you want to get a Bay Area food education.

My Home, My Heart, My East Bay

1. Zachary’s Pizza. I have been to Chicago. Their deep dish wasn’t as good as Zachary’s. It’s been voted best pizza in the Bay Area something ridiculous like ten years running. They are located in Berkeley, Oakland and San Ramon. For the true Zachary’s experience, you have to go to the Rockridge location in Oakland (it’s right on the Berkeley border). Get the “Stuffed” with your favorite toppings, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Fenton’s. You know the end of the movie “Up,” when they are sitting on the curb eating ice cream and counting the cars? Yea, that’s Fenton’s. Pixar’s nod to the famous creamery that is just around the corner from their offices. It’s right on Piedmont Ave in Oakland. You can go for dinner, they have a huge menu of all the classic diner food (I recommend the grilled cheese!) but don’t forget to leave room for dessert- the banana split is the perfect cap to a clear night up at the Chabot Space and Science Center Observatory after gazing at the stars with your beau.
3. Taco’s El Unico. Yes. You heard me. I am sending you to a taco truck. Best burrito in the East Bay. Not only are they tasty, they are big and cheap. Only problem: the ambiance of 98th Ave in downtown Oakland. DISCLAIMER- if you are female, do not go alone. They are parked in a lot with a car wash/mechanic two blocks east of San Leandro- perfect for picking up and taking to an A’s game, but not for the faint of heart.

We’re Going Down, We’re Going Tech, the South Bay

1. Trials Pub. Not a whole lot of room for dining and not a large menu, but if you are in downtown San Jose, you have to stop in at Trials. The sausage rolls are to die for. Decent curry, burger, and fish and chips round out the perfect pub menu. But, the real reason you go is the sausage rolls. Don’t cheat yourself. And of course, great atmosphere and beer selection.
2. Maggianos. Great Italian food located in Santana Row, an upscale outdoor shopping center. Always a wait for a table, but so worth it. Huge portions and super authentic. Take it from a guy who lived in Italy for a time before moving to the Bay. If that weren’t enough, right next door, Kara’s cupcakes. Perfek.
3. Google. Seriously. If you know someone that works for Google, be nice to them. They have cafeterias and restaurants all over their South Bay campuses and best of all, it’s free. Problem: you have to have a Googler (Goog? Googlator? A Google employee!) escort you. Thankfully I know two. Last time I met JB for lunch, I had the chef rolling me a burrito when she pointed out black pepper encrusted filet medallions topped with goat cheese. Then for dessert, ice cream sandwiches with the Google logo imprinted in the chocolate. I know.

Up and Around, Commuter Towns, the Peninsula

1. Fleming’s. A steak house with several locations, but the one I have been to several times is in Palo Alto. So if you are ever visiting Stanford (smarty pants) check out the “Beef Filetmington.” Yea, that’s right, an 8oz filet done like a beef wellington. Oh. My. Word. Who never thought of this!? Wrapping a steak in puff pastry?! What?! Yes, Please!
2. Mr. Pickle’s. Hands down my favorite sandwich shop in the entire world (and conveniently located for me to pick one up on my way to go sail out on the Bay). They use a pesto sauce on their turkey, bacon, cheddar (The Tom Turkey) that is killer. Pick up a Mr. Pickle’s t-shirt while you are there. They are classic and everyone will think you are a cool kid who is in the know.
3. Duarte’s. Ok, technically not the Peninsula, or even in the greater bay area, but so worth the drive, especially if you are an adventurous foodie. This restaurant is in Pescadero, 20 minutes south of Half Moon Bay. This town is a food anomaly! It’s one block long and has the best food in the world, I am not exaggerating. Norm’s market makes fresh artichoke bread that you will slap your mama for. Yea. Duarte’s is the real draw though; primarily a seafood restaurant but they have something for everyone. What you must get is the soup. My friends all call it “THE SOUP.” They make a cream of green chile or a cream of artichoke soup; get it mixed together- called the half and half. Ah-mazing. Served with a basket of warm, homemade bread. Stop at the beach a mile away and make a day of it.

The City.

1. Taylor’s. If you are on the Embarcadero, make sure to stop in. Located in the ferry building- Pier One at Embarcadero and Market- Taylor’s always has good beer on tap, great burgers, and monstrous onion rings. Sitting outside on a sunny day is essential, as the location of Taylor’s makes for great people watching.
2. Cha Cha Cha. A fantastic tapas restaurant, with a full bar and great vibe. Jerk chicken, platanos, and of course a big pitcher of Sangria are musts, but go with a group so you can sample it all! It’s right on Mission in “the Mission” (caution! Hipster crossing!). It can be super crowded and hard to move, but that’s why you go there and a sign of how good it is. Great service too: the Maitre D’ took such good care of us the last time we were there.
3. That Takes the Cake. What? Cupcakes aren’t just for girls! I’m a man and I love cupcakes! And being that I do, I am going to make a bold statement…best cupcakes in the Bay. So freaking good. Plus, on Saturday nights, they do cocktails from 7-9. The cupcakes have liquor in them! It’s on Union St. in the Marina. I recommend the double trouble. It’s got a rolo on top.

I could go on, especially in the city- like if you are at a Giants game, SBC pizza is the place to be for cheap slices and large pre-game beers- I love living here. The weather is wonderful, the people are pleasant, and the food, the food is fantastic.

If you are ever in the Bay Area and would like some private tutoring, Mr. Orr is available. FYI, I drink on the job.

jeremyorr

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I left out one of the most crucial details of my second LA trip, not because I forgot about it or didn’t like it, just because I didn’t want to post this without the proper photo.

Oh trust me, it’s worth it.

What I failed to mention was this crazy phenomenon LA kids know of as “Taco Truck.”

Yes, TRUCK.

Apparently there are these various TRUCKS that show up at specific locations around the city after [bar] hours and serve up some delicious Mexican fare to the drunk and hungry masses.  Nico made sure I didn’t miss out on this during my visit last month, god bless him.

We’d spent the previous couple of hours at a bar in Nico’s neighborhood (Shooters?  Sneakers?  Help me out here, Nico) after I’d landed at LAX and by the time we left the bar, I was HUNGRY.

Enter: taco truck.

Patrons order at that little window and we waited probably 10 minutes or so from the time we put in our order until the time we were sitting on the median in the middle of the four-lane road, enjoying our little taco truck picnic.

I had chicken tacos and a cheese quesadilla and yes, my taste buds were totally blown away.  It was the perfect amount of carbs and cheese for this weary little nomad, and a phenomenon certainly worth NOT missing.

Thanks, Nico!

doniree

Doniree Walker is the Nomadic Foodie. She loves the exploration and community of food, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and loves the region's focus on local and seasonal food, daily farmers' markets and food carts at seemingly every turn. She's on twitter as @doniree and @nomadicfoodie, and blogs her adventures and life in general at doniree.com.