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.

{not bad for an iPhone photo, eh?}

When I first moved to Boulder, I caught a cab to downtown with my roommate, and as we tend to with the friendly cab drivers here, we got to chatting with ours.  He revealed that this night was actually his last night driving, as he was leaving the taxi biz to start an organic pizza restaurant in downtown Boulder, scheduled to open in April.  Our buses here are cute names like the Hop, Skip, Jump, and Bound, so I thought it was fitting and clever when he told us the shop would be called The Bop (Boulder Organic Pizza).

Needless to say, I was thrilled when it opened and have found myself at one of their tables at least four times since.  I’ve had the pizza, the pasta, the cheese plate, and the mista salad, and can say that they’re definitely onto something delicious.

I adore that the ingredients used in the dishes are organic and that so many are from local sources.  The freshness really comes through, and I think sets The Bop apart (and a step above) other pizza places.  I’m still new to Boulder though – you tell me: what are the other places for amazing pizza around here.  The boyfriend loves Abo’s, and the roommate and friends of ours have called Cosmos more than once for some late-night (read: not totally sober) noshing.

As for the food, to be honest, I’ve heard mixed reviews about the pizza from various folks surveyed, but I’ve enjoyed what I’ve had so far – thin-crusted, light, deliciously fresh cheeses.

I’m always a fan of a cheese plate, and this one was no exception – doesn’t hurt that the mozz is freshly made right there!

The Mista Salad (mixed salad) is light and perfect, drizzled in olive oil and I believe, lemon juice.  We (Grace, Cali, Will, and myself) were in for lunch one day last week and requested Balsamic Vinegar, only to learn that they don’t carry it – at all.  This conversation with the server caught the attention of the chef, himself from South Italy, and he took some time to explain the different culinary traditions and inclusions of different parts of the country.  As it turns out, balsamic is more of a Northern Italy thing, and since he doesn’t and hasn’t really incorporated it into his cooking, it’s not reflected in the menus.  Kudos to a chef who stays true to his art!  And who takes some time to chat with the patrons about his style and menu.

The pasta is what has really blown me away – I’ve had two different seafood bow-tie pasta dishes, both served in a really light but amazingly flavorful tomato sauce.  I think this (and the cheese!) is what will continue to bring me back – well, that and the great service (bartenders and wait-staff alike) that I keep finding myself enjoying.

So, Mr. Cab-Driver-Turned-Pizza-Shop-Owner?  Nicely done – and I can’t wait to see where this place goes   Also, I’d love to know your real name and chat with you sometime to learn more about what you’re doing at The Bop.

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.

My first trip to NYC was a short, but dizzyingly wonderful one.  I spent about thirty-six hours there and managed to sightsee more than I’d expected.  And naturally, I ATE.  In fact, the only thing I think I had on my to-eat list that I didn’t get to was the pizza.

Don’t get me wrong.  We tried.  We walked all the way across the bridge to Brooklyn for Grimaldi’s pizza.  Except that it was 90somethingfucking degrees outside and the line THAT WENT OUTSIDE was a good 45 minutes.

Hell no.

So, we ventured to the South Street Seaport instead.

NYC has SO MANY food options, and with the exception of Times Square (ick. boo.), most seem to be authentic, local, amazing little eateries.  Here’s what I DID manage to nom:

• a bagel in Brooklyn.  To be honest?  It was TASTY, but the bagels at East Coast Bagels in California were better on the sheer principle that they had CHOCOLATE CHIP bagels and this little shop in Brooklyn did not
• popcorn shrimp at the Heartland Brewery at the South Street Seaport.  Popcorn shrimp is ALWAYS a win.  I also enjoyed their Summertime Apricot Ale with my Fish and Chips.  Seafood?  Always good.  FRIED seafood?  EVEN BETTER.

• Then there was a CHEESE PLATE and TIRAMISU at Bar Baresco.  I think that the best way to enjoy a cheese plate – at least for me, while I’m learning what I like and don’t – is to ask the server for a good variety of different levels of soft and hardness and intensity.  We got a beautifully diverse array of soft cheeses, red wine infused cheeses, and delicious nuts and honeys to accompany the cheese.
• And the tiramisu? OH MY GOD.

Now, I just need to get back to that fine city and have a piece of greasy pizza!